Amanda Ross’s journey to SUNY Polytechnic Institute was fueled by a growing dedication to mental health care. After years working in Family Medicine, Interventional Pain Management, Leadership, and Psychiatric settings, she saw firsthand the critical need for more specialized psychiatric nursing skills. That insight, combined with her passion for helping patients through complex emotional and psychological challenges, led her to pursue SUNY Poly’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
“I was deeply committed to expanding my expertise,” Amanda said. “This certificate gave me the opportunity to refine my skills in mental health assessments, therapeutic interventions, and integrative treatment strategies.”
SUNY Poly stood out to Amanda because of its innovative curriculum, flexible format, and strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. She was especially drawn to the program’s focus on both clinical practice and research, which aligned perfectly with her professional goals. The faculty’s support, combined with access to advanced learning resources, created a setting where Amanda could grow both personally and professionally.
Her time in the program was not only academically rigorous but also highly applicable to real-world practice. Courses in advanced psychopharmacology, evidence-based therapeutic techniques, and comprehensive psychiatric assessment helped deepen her understanding of mental health disorders. These lessons were reinforced by clinical case studies, collaborative discussions, and hands-on experiences that built her clinical judgment and sharpened her diagnostic skills.
One of the most meaningful aspects of Amanda’s journey was how the program nurtured her interest in pediatric mental health. With strong support from faculty, she was able to tailor her clinical rotations to match this passion. She gained experience working with adolescents in a college psychiatric setting, conducted behavioral assessments with a school psychologist in an elementary school, and collaborated with a pediatric psychiatric nurse practitioner in both outpatient and inpatient crisis environments. These diverse clinical settings helped her integrate classroom knowledge into everyday care while addressing the unique needs of children and teens.
“My passion lies in improving the mental health and well-being of children,” Amanda explained. “SUNY Poly gave me the space and support to bring that vision to life.”
Career preparation was also woven into the program. During her final semester, Amanda focused on building a competitive resume, mapping out her professional trajectory, and networking across the healthcare community. She left the program not only more skilled but also more confident in her ability to make a lasting impact.
Today, Amanda continues to apply what she learned at SUNY Poly as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Massena Behavioral Health, using trauma-informed care and developmental insights to support emotional and behavioral health. Her story is one of dedication, compassion, and growth—guided by the belief that great care begins with great education.
She enthusiastically recommends the program to other nursing professionals.
“This program masterfully blends advanced theory with immersive, hands-on practice,” Amanda said. “The faculty are dedicated mentors who help students develop not only technical skills but also the compassion and critical thinking needed in today’s healthcare environment.”
Amanda Ross’s experience at SUNY Poly reflects the transformative power of specialized education. Her story is a testament to the impact of strong mentorship, interdisciplinary training, and a curriculum designed for real-world care. For those looking to advance their careers in psychiatric nursing, her journey offers both inspiration and a clear path forward.