Director, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program

Director, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program

The USC College of Nursing is seeking a Director, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program. If you're ready to make a difference in nursing education and inspire the next generation of PMHNPs, we invite you to apply! As the Director of our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program, you will work closely with senior leaders and faculty to enhance program quality and outcomes. You will engage in impactful scholarship to advance psychiatric mental health care and have opportunities to maintain clinical practice to enrich your own and students' experiences.

Ideal candidates will bring a passion for PMHNP education, modern teaching experience, including simulation, and a commitment to student growth and professional development.

USC Nursing Research Environment

• R1 Carnegie-designation institution.
• Access to the Carolina Grants Innovation Hub that provides comprehensive research development and training services including grant writing and technical editing, and faculty mentoring programs.
• Home to four research centers:
• Cancer Survivorship Research Center
• Center for Advancing Chronic care Outcomes through Research & Innovation
• Perinatal, Pediatric and Family Research Center
• USC Collaborative for Health Equity and Disparities
• New Biobehavioral Research Suites with a wet lab, clinical research space, and innovation rooms (completion in 2026).
• Top 30 ranking in NIH funding, supported by a robust research infrastructure including biostatisticians and pre- and post-award staff.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Benefit from generous start-up funding and faculty loan opportunities.
• Mentorship & Growth: Enjoy mentoring, networking, and growth opportunities in a dynamic, supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program, ensuring academic excellence, student success, and alignment with national accreditation and regulatory standards.
• Lead recruitment, admissions, advising, progression, and retention initiatives in close collaboration with faculty, student affairs, and senior academic leadership.
• Oversee curriculum quality, continuous improvement, and outcomes assessment, ensuring compliance with NONPF, AACN, and state and professional guidelines.
• Foster a high-quality clinical education environment by developing clinical partnerships, supporting preceptors and faculty, and monitoring program performance and student outcomes.

About the University of South Carolina College of Nursing

USC Nursing has more than doubled its faculty in recent years to support growth and innovation. Located in Columbia, SC—a vibrant city with abundant sunshine, cultural attractions, and a low cost of living—we offer strong research infrastructure, comprehensive support, and exciting opportunities, including the upcoming 2026 Biobehavioral Research Center. Join us in transforming healthcare through groundbreaking research, innovation, and academic excellence.

Required Education and Experience

• An earned doctoral degree in nursing or related field; a minimum of a master's degree in nursing.
• National Certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (preferred) or Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (across the lifespan).
• Minimum of two years practicing as a PMHNP or Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist.
• Minimum of two years of experience mentoring and teaching NP students.
• Eligible for active unencumbered nursing licensure with prescriptive authority in South Carolina.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) documentation is required.
• Exceptional skills in communication, program development, and team leadership are expected.

Preferred Qualifications

Posting Detail Information

Desired Start Date - 08/16/2026

Job Open Date - 02/11/2026

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled - Yes

Special Instructions to Applicant - Positions are advertised for a minimum of forty-five (45) days on our job website. After forty-five (45) days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

EEO Statement - The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents