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Psychiatric Nursing education is based at Brandon University which offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing (BScPN); a four-year program with a strong clinical component. The four-year baccalaureate program has a three-year diploma exit option.

Students must take courses which enable them to meet the requirements of a science degree but their concentration is on psychiatric nursing courses. Aside from psychiatrists and some psychologists prepared at the advanced level, Registered Psychiatric Nurses are the only professional group which has significant preparation in the areas of the major mental illnesses. The schizophrenias and the major affective disorders are a critical part of psychiatric nursing education. Students also become well-versed in the area of psychopharmacology and are often a good resource for general practitioners for these therapies.

Communication skills and the development of interpersonal relationships are also critical to psychiatric nursing practice. Students have clinical experiences in various agencies where the theory they learn through their university courses can be practised under supervision. Students also have a clinical experience in a general health area where they practise physical assessments; the administration of medication by various routes; and other procedures associated with an individual’s physical health status.

The CRPNM, through The Registered Psychiatric Nurses Act, has the responsibility to establish and maintain Standards for Psychiatric Nursing Education in Manitoba. These Standards are a regulation under the Act.