Kent State University College of Nursing, in collaboration with Portage Path Behavioral Health in Akron, Ohio, is proud to announce that the Advanced Nursing Education Nurse Practitioner Residency Fellowship Program has received the esteemed Advanced Practice Provider Fellowship Accreditation (APFA) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This accreditation, which is valid through 2028, highlights the program’s commitment to excellence in postgraduate education for nurse practitioners specializing in psychiatric mental health.
"This accreditation is a testament to the high standards we uphold in our postgraduate education training. It not only enhances our program’s reputation but also provides significant opportunities for financial support, enabling us to attract the best candidates in the field,” said James Tudhope, DNP '19, APRN, PMHNP-BC, NPD-BC, assistant professor and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner concentration coordinator at Kent State University College of Nursing. “The accreditation process was rigorous and competitive. Our successful application reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional training and support to our fellows, who are the future of mental health care in our community."
As part of the accreditation process, the program underwent extensive evaluation, including a self-study and a site visit by ANCC appraisers.
"We meticulously documented how we met each of the accreditation standards, which was no small feat,” said Tudhope. “This process not only verifies our program's quality but also encourages us to continuously improve.”
Having begun in 2018, the fellowship program was designed to facilitate the smooth transition of recent nursing graduates into the role of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. Over the course of a year, fellows engage in a robust curriculum that combines hands-on experience, mentorship and professional development, all while making a meaningful impact on community mental health. Fellowship participants develop competencies in areas such as psychiatric evaluations, medication management and collaborative care, all essential for addressing the diverse needs of patients.
"Our program is built on a foundation of practice-based learning," said Tudhope. "Fellows work closely with community partners, gaining essential skills while serving individuals facing mental health challenges. We focus on not just filling vacancies but also on retaining skilled practitioners who are equipped to thrive in challenging environments."
The fellowship program also partners with AxessPointe Community Health Center as part of the practice-based learning environment, along with Interval Brotherhood Home (IBH), a residential chemical dependency treatment facility in Akron, Ohio.
With a commitment to community mental health, the fellowship program aims to address current trends and challenges in the nursing field, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for their roles.
"Our fellows are adaptable, curious, and passionate about serving vulnerable populations,” said Tudhope. “We look for candidates who have a passion for working in communities experiencing limited resources, complex mental health issues, complex chronic medical issues, or substance use issues."
The fellowship is a full-time, immersive experience, allowing graduates to gain invaluable knowledge and confidence in their new roles. Since its inception, the program has successfully graduated 22 fellows, all of whom are actively contributing to the workforce in northeast Ohio and making a difference in their communities.
For more information about the fellowship program and application details, please visit https://www.portagepath.org/about/education-training/aprn-fellowship/.
Photo: (Back row, left to right): Adam Quisno, Pharmacist; Laura Selle, MSN '24, PMHNP-BC; Caitlin Breiding, MSN '24, PMHNP-BC; and James Tudhope, DNP '19. PMHNP-BC. (Front row, left to right): Susan Linz, Pharmacy Technician; Misty McGarry, MSN, PMHNP-BC; and Amanda Geiser, BSN '08, MSN '24, PMHNP-BC.