COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MASTER’S CURRICULUM OF PSYCHIATRIC NURSING IN IRAN AND YALE UNIVERSITY OF THE UNITED STATES

Mental health is an essential basis for improving the quality of life and individual abilities in today's world. Master's degree programs in psychiatry in different countries, especially in Iran and the United States, are designed to train specialist nurses in this field. This article examines and compares the educational programs for the master's degree in psychiatric nursing in Iran and Yale University in the United States.

This comparative descriptive study was conducted in 2024. The data were analyzed using the Bereday model in four stages: description, interpretation, juxtaposition, and comparison. The psychiatric nursing programs at Yale University and Iran University were evaluated in terms of admission criteria, philosophy, mission, course content, evaluation methods, analysis, and strengths and weaknesses. This method identified vital differences and similarities in the structure and content of educational programs and helped suggest improvements to the quality of psychiatric nursing education in Iran.

The study revealed significant differences between the Master of Science in Psychiatric Nursing programs at Yale University and those in Iran. Yale emphasizes evidence-based research, while Iran focuses on direct clinical services and indigenous needs. In Iran, nursing courses emphasize practical skills and humanistic approaches based on local conditions. Admission criteria differ; Yale considers GRE scores and work experience, while Iran typically relies on average scores from entrance exams. Specialized psychiatric nursing courses at Yale emphasize advanced interventions, while those in Iran focus on individual and group psychotherapy. Both countries use written exams and clinical assessments; however, Yale places greater emphasis on evidence-based evaluation methods and research projects.

To improve the quality of the Iranian Psychiatric Nursing Program and train skilled psychiatric nurses who can enhance service quality, it is essential to pay attention to the differences between this program and that of Yale University. Additionally, revising teaching practices with an emphasis on evidence-based evaluations, research projects, and a focus on advanced interventions within specialized psychiatric nursing courses is crucial. These changes can significantly improve psychiatric nursing education as well as mental health services within Iranian society.