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CPI 2027

APNA Clinical Psychopharmacology Institute

Psychopharmacology Education Planned for Nurses, by Nurses for More Than 20 Years

The APNA Clinical Psychopharmacology Institute is an annual, nurse‑focused conference that translates cutting-edge psychopharmacology and neuroscience into clinical practice for psychiatric-mental health nurse prescribers. Attend June 10-13, 2027, in person or online to earn up to 31.25 ANCC‑accredited pharmacology contact hours.


June 10-13, 2027
Reston, VA or Virtual

Earn up to 30+ pharmacology contact hours

Join your nursing colleagues to hear from leading experts on the latest breakthroughs in psychiatric medications, treatment strategies, and person-centered clinical decision-making.

2027 program currently in development! Check back soon for updates.

See the Exhibitor and Sponsor Prospectus.

Announcing Your 2027 CPI Keynote

David N. Osser, M.D.

Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School at
VA Boston Healthcare System, Brockton Division


Keynote Presentation: Algorithms and clinical pearls for augmentation with second-generation antipsychotics in mood disorders

Why Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses Love CPI:

A Tribute to Mary Ann Nihart

Mary Ann Nihart, MA, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, PMHNP-BC, a former APNA President and Chair of the APNA Clinical Psychopharmacology Institute Program Committee, passed away in December 2025. This video was screened at the 2026 APNA Clinical Psychopharmacology Institute to honor her legacy and impact within APNA and the broader psychiatric-mental health nursing community.

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What is the APNA Clinical Psychopharmacology Institute (CPI)?

The APNA Clinical Psychopharmacology Institute (CPI) delivers psychopharmacology education to professionals looking to provide the best possible care to their patients. CPI prioritizes the integration of psychopharmacology and neuroscience into clinical practice. It offers the scientific base for treatment decisions and addresses the context of care within the nurse/consumer/family relationship.

Who should attend the APNA Clinical Psychopharmacology Institute (CPI)?

The APNA Clinical Psychopharmacology Institute is appropriate for RN-PMH and advanced practice psychiatric nurses (PMH-NP & PMH-CNS) – especially those who administer and/or prescribe medications. Because CPI is always planned for nurses, by nurses, the program provides a depth and breadth of scientific information tailored to the challenges inherent in psychiatric-mental health nursing practice. All other health care providers interested in psychopharmacology are welcome for advanced study, especially fellow nurses, primary care physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and pharmacists.

What’s the difference between the APNA Annual Conference and the APNA Clinical Psychopharmacology Institute (CPI)?

The APNA Annual Conference, held each fall in a new destination, is the largest gathering of psychiatric-mental health nurses in the U.S. each year. It covers a wide range of psychiatric-mental health nursing topics, from clinical practice and education to leadership, policy, and research. The program is created through an open call for abstracts and peer review process. With hundreds of sessions and poster presentations to choose from, it offers nursing continuing professional development for every PMH nurse, no matter their licensure, level of experience, or work setting.

The APNA Clinical Psychopharmacology Institute(CPI), held each spring in the DC area, focuses specifically on the science and application of psychopharmacology within a nursing context. It offers a curated program planned for nurses, by nurses that dives deep into evidence-based medication management and neuroscience. It is especially valuable for advanced practice nurses, such as PMHNPs, seeking to deepen their expertise and earn pharmacology contact hours, as well as other clinicians who prescribe.

Both conferences can be attended virtually or in person and registration includes access to on demand session recordings afterwards.