Center of Excellence in Behavioral Health 

CON OSCE Spring 2023

The MUSC College of Nursing Center of Excellence in Behavioral Health Nursing groundbreaking initiative marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing exceptional care and advancing the field of mental health. The center aims to address the pressing demand for skilled behavioral healthcare professionals. We are dedicated to improving access, equity, and quality in behavioral healthcare through comprehensive education, innovative research, and impactful practice.

The MUSC College of Nursing has a long history of pioneering advancements in behavioral health education, patient-centered care, and research. We are excited to continue this legacy through the Center of Excellence and contribute to a brighter future for mental health care.

Key Initiatives

  • Cultivating a Robust Workforce: We are committed to fostering a pipeline of highly qualified behavioral healthcare professionals, implementing cutting-edge patient care and research to meet the increasing complexity of patient needs.
  • Advancing Research: Our research efforts focus on developing evidence-based interventions and digital health solutions to enhance care delivery and improve outcomes.
  • Promoting Equity and Accessibility: We are dedicated to ensuring that high-quality, equitable behavioral healthcare is accessible to all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Advancing Your Nursing Career in Psychiatric Mental Health

Our programs emphasize interprofessional learning and offer practical experiences designed to prepare you for advanced roles in psychiatric nursing. You'll benefit from specialized training in psychiatric medication management and psychotherapy, the option to earn a certificate in psychodynamic psychotherapy, and an integrated curriculum featuring asynchronous learning with interprofessional behavioral health experts.

CON OSCE Fall 2022

Psychiatric Mental Health Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Our nationally ranked DNP program equips registered nurses with the expertise to diagnose and treat behavioral health and substance use disorders across the lifespan. With 100% pass rate on the national certification exam, our PMHNPs are enhancing access to quality behavioral health care throughout South Carolina and beyond.

Nurse with a patient

Psychiatric Mental Health Post-Graduate Certificate

The certificate program trains family and adult nurse practitioners to deliver integrated behavioral health care in primary care settings. Our graduates have achieved a perfect pass rate on the national certification exam, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in preparing APRNs for this crucial role.

For more information about these programs, please email Dr. Joy Lauerer DNP APRN PMHCNBC, Program Lead, lauerer@musc.edu.

Faculty Opportunities at the Center of Excellence

Center of Excellence in Behavioral Health Nursing, setting a new standard in workforce development, clinical excellence, and scientific advancement. We are actively recruiting nurse scientists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) clinical and tenure-track faculty to strengthen our research, education, and practice programs.

What makes us unique?

  • MUSC CON leads in behavioral health education, patient care, research, and innovation, focusing on developing and scaling education and care models to improve access for disadvantaged and rural populations.
  • We strive to be the national leader in behavioral health nursing education, care, and research to improve equity and accessibility of behavioral healthcare nationwide.
  • Collaborate with experts advancing digital health solutions and self-help technologies beyond traditional care settings.
Masters presentation 

Research Track

  • We develop innovative interventions, integrate digital health, and collaborate with community agencies to deliver evidence-based care.
  • We are committed to advancing behavioral health science and mentoring future investigators.
CON nursing educator course

Education Track

  • Our undergraduate and graduate nursing programs are nationally ranked, training PMHNPs and behavioral health nurses in evidence-based care to address the behavioral health needs of diverse populations.
  • We integrate behavioral health training throughout nursing curricula utilizing innovative teaching strategies.
CON OSCE Fall 2022

Practice Track

  • We implement innovative care models to meet complex patient needs, increasing access in disadvantaged and rural areas.
  • Our person-centered, evidence-based approach addresses the rising demand for behavioral health services.

To learn more about how you can join the MUSC College of Nursing and be a part of the Center of Excellence in Behavioral Health Nursing, please email bhnursing@musc.edu.

Center of Excellence in Behavioral Health Nursing Leadership

davidson headshot

Tatiana M. Davidson
Ph.D.
Center Director
Associate Professor
davidst@musc.edu

fowler headshot

Terri Fowler
DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Practice Director
Associate Dean for Practice, Innovative Partnerships and Advocacy
Associate Professor
fowlerte@musc.edu

ruggiero headshot

Ken Ruggiero
Ph.D.
Research Director
SmartState Endowed Chair of the Technology Applications Center for Healthful Lifestyles (TACHL)
ruggierk@musc.edu

Layne-Diana

Joy A. Lauerer
DNP, APRN, PMHCNS-BC
Education Director
Associate Professor
lauerer@musc.edu