Now offering its pre-clinical intensive course through a virtual format for select students, Liberty University’s online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program in the School of Nursing is helping nurses around the country develop skills to treat patients with mental health issues in addition to their physical ailments. Although the program is online, the course was only offered in-person in the past, requiring students to travel to campus. With a rising need for mental health services among patients and simultaneous nationwide nursing shortage, these programs remain relevant. “There is a national shortage of mental health providers, in particular for the child and adolescent population,” said Dr. Sherri Walker, director of the PMHNP DNP program. Shade Odedina, field director for the PMHNP programs.