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PARTNER

Quality Outcomes, Compassionate Care. A PARTNERship That Goes the Distance.

PARTNER Fellowship Program

Overview

The Psychiatric Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Technology Enhanced Residency (PARTNER) at MUSC is a 13-month program designed to address South Carolina’s critical need for behavioral health providers. This program trains newly graduated psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) to deliver high-quality mental health care in primary care settings, combining hands-on patient care, mentorship, and advanced clinical training in telepsychiatry, integrated care, collaborative care models, and psychopharmacology. By increasing access to behavioral health services, strengthening clinical expertise and autonomy, developing a highly skilled workforce, and improving patient outcomes, the PARTNER program equips PMHNPs to confidently serve communities with limited access to care, including rural areas.

Application Dates

Application Open: November 1, 2025 

Deadline: February 5, 2026

Apply Now

Why Our Program?

Specialized Training: Develop expertise in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, telehealth, and collaborative care.

Hands-On Experience: 80% direct patient care, 20% professional development and education.

Mentorship & Support: Receive personalized mentoring, case reviews, and small group learning to gain confidence and autonomy.

Impactful Experience: Provide behavioral health services in primary care settings for children, adolescents, and adults.

Who Can Apply

The fellowship is designed for newly graduated PMHNPs who:

  • Graduated within the past 2 years from an accredited master’s or doctoral PMHNP program.
  • Are board-certified as PMHNP-BC.
  • Can commit to at least 2 in-person days per week in Charleston and are eligible to practice in South Carolina.

 Program Features


Integrated Collaborative Care

  • Collaborative Care: Fellows assess patients and provide recommendations to primary care providers, who oversee treatment.
  • Telehealth Services: Use advanced telehealth platforms to provide high-quality care.
  • Focus on Collaboration: Fellows serve as consultants to strengthen care delivery.

 
Advanced Clinical Training

  • Build skills in integrated care, clinical decision-making, billing compliance, and quality performance metrics.
  • Participate in mentorship, professional development, and small group learning.

 

“Patients are so appreciative to be able to receive services that are otherwise scarce in the areas that they live.”

Dr. Hannah Robidoux PARTNER Telepsychiatry Outpatient Provider

Please complete this form for additional inquiries.

Program Leaders

Terri Fowler, DNP, APRN, NP-C

Associate Dean for Practice
Director, PARTNER Program

Rosalba Adrian

Office Manager
Assists with application issues and interview coordination.

General Program Information

Yes, the program is designed for new graduates within two years of completing a PMHNP program, who are board-certified, and have a complete SC APRN licensure application submitted by June 15.

  • Yes! You must live in or relocate within driving distance to the Charleston area.
  • The program offers 50% telehealth and 50% in-person hours.
  • The program runs Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to  5:00 p.m., with two to three days a week of in-person commitment.

Focuses on upskilling newly graduated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) in integrated behavioral health within primary care.

  • Patients are referred by primary care providers for assessment, diagnosis, and medication recommendations.
  • The program includes both telehealth and in-person models.
  • Psychiatrists and PMHNPs provide consultative support, with the ability to prescribe medication in in-person models.

  • Training in Psychopharmacology, Psychotherapy, Integrated Primary Care Behavioral Health, and working with populations with limited resources.
  • Emphasizes mentorship and real-time consultation.

  • Serves patients aged 5 to 65 with diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
  • Appointment lengths: One hour for new patients, 30 minutes for return visits.
  • Patient load: Starts with two to three patients per day, ramping up to 9 to 12 by the end of the program.

Two positions are available in the program.

  • 80% hands-on experience with direct patient care.
  • 20% education, clinical support, and professional development.
  • Mentorship from Psychiatrists and PMHNPs.

  • Salary: $88,000 per year.
  • Full-time position with state benefits, including health insurance and leave.
  • Goal: transition to a full-time position at the Medical University of South Carolina after program completion.

The essay, letters of recommendation, and all other application materials are due Friday, February 10, 2025. All documents must be submitted with your application; late submissions will not be accepted.

Email adrianr@musc.edu for any questions regarding the application process or interview coordination.