Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN – PMHNP | $46,335 | 3 years full-time |
| BSN to DNP – PMHNP | $68,136 | 3 years full-time |
| RN to DNP – PMHNP | $76,312 | ~4 years |
| Post-Graduate Certificate – PMHNP | $26,572 | ~3 years part-time |
Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MSN PMHNP program is approximately $46,335 (45 credits at $962/credit plus fees) and takes 3 years full-time or 4+ years part-time to complete.
MSN Curriculum
The 45-credit MSN program combines 19 MSN core credits with 26 PMHNP specialty credits. Six credit hours considered full-time at graduate level.
MSN Core Courses (19 credits)
NU 505 — Leadership for Advanced Nursing (3 credits)
Examines advanced practice leadership roles, development, and preparation. Covers conflict management, communication, leadership theories, and quality and safety principles.
NU 520 — Advanced Practice Nursing Roles and Advocacy in Health Care (3 credits)
Analyzes APN scope, financing, quality, and safety. Emphasizes policy, advocacy, and ethical, legal, and regulatory issues.
NU 530 — Population Health (3 credits)
Explores population health theory, environmental health, and global/US trends. Focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, disparities, social determinants, and interprofessional partnerships.
NU 535 — Evidence-Based Practice I: Finding and Appraising Evidence (3 credits)
Builds EBP skills to define practice problems and answer clinical questions using informatics and technology.
NU 536 — Evidence-Based Practice II: Applying Evidence for Practice Change (3 credits)
Covers translation of evidence into practice using improvement science. Prepares a proposal for an EBP change initiative and dissemination. Prerequisite: NU 535.
NU 541 — Health Care Informatics (3 credits)
Introduces nursing informatics across administration, education, research, and point-of-care. Reviews legal, ethical, and regulatory issues.
NU 596 — Graduate Seminar (1 credit)
Prepares for graduate study in writing, APA style, literature use, and plagiarism avoidance. Introduces identifying EBP problems and evidence types.
PMHNP Specialty Courses (26 credits)
NU 550 — Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits; 75 clinical hrs)
Develops advanced history, exam, diagnostics, and clinical judgment for patients across the lifespan in lab and clinical settings.
NU 560 — Advanced Physiology & Disease States (3 credits)
Covers pathophysiology across the lifespan, linking assessment findings and diagnostics to disease mechanisms and interventions.
NU 570 — Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
Reviews major drug classes, indications, efficacy, adverse effects, monitoring, interactions, and prescriptive authority using evidence-based guidelines.
NU 581 — Psychopharmacology and Neuropathophysiology (4 credits)
Explains neural structure/function in symptom presentation and progression. Examines psychopharmacologic treatments for common mental disorders. Prerequisite: NU 570.
NU 615 — Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing I (2 credits)
Introduces PMHNP scope, assessment, and diagnosis across the lifespan. Develops person-centered, evidence-based treatment plans. Prerequisites: NU 581, 550, 560, 570.
NU 615C — Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing I Clinical (2 credits; 150 clinical hrs)
Supervised clinical practice applying assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and pharmacologic management across the lifespan. Co-requisite: NU 615; Pre/Co-reqs: NU 581, 550, 560, 570.
NU 620 — Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing II (2 credits)
Builds on NU 615 to expand diagnostic reasoning and evidence-based treatment planning with culturally sensitive, patient-centered care. Prerequisites: NU 615, 615C.
NU 620C — Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing II Clinical (2 credits; 150 clinical hrs)
Continues supervised psychiatric clinical practice emphasizing psychotherapy and pharmacology across settings. Co-requisite: NU 620; Prerequisites: NU 615, 615C.
NU 625 — Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing III (2 credits)
Integrates evidence for complex psychiatric conditions and comorbidities; emphasizes special populations and transition to advanced practice. Prerequisites: NU 620/620C.
NU 625C — Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing III Clinical (2 credits; 150 clinical hrs)
Advanced supervised practice managing complex psychiatric cases with psychotherapy and pharmacology across the lifespan. Pre/Co-req: NU 625; Prerequisites: NU 620/620C.
NU 612C — Clinical Enrichment (1 credit; 75 clinical hrs)
Elective clinical experience in student-selected areas aligned with NP track to deepen advanced practice skills. Prerequisites vary by track (see listing).
More curriculum details are available at the course descriptions page.
MSN Clinicals
Students complete 525 total clinical hours distributed across multiple courses:
- Advanced Health Assessment (50 hours)
- three Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing Clinical courses (150 hours each totaling 450 hours)
- Clinical Enrichment (75 hours)
Clinical Coordinator responsible for placement with student input in preceptor selection process. Students may coordinate preferred placement with clinical coordinator or request placement assistance.
All students complete clinical hours at Allen College DeBonis Free Medical Clinic in Waterloo, Iowa.
Optional rural and underserved emphasis available (attend one-day seminar, complete 150 hours in rural/underserved settings).
Dedicated Education Clinics (DECs) optional with minimum 75 hours. Allen College cannot guarantee out-of-state clinical or practicum placement.
MSN Prerequisites & Admissions
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from accredited institution
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Minimum GPA requirements apply (specific GPA not stated)
- Application materials submitted on rolling basis
- Admission decisions take 3-4 weeks after application complete
- Program begins twice yearly in fall and spring terms
- Enrollment granted for specific term; all admission criteria must be maintained
- Out-of-state applicants: some states require approval before Allen College can offer online courses or clinical study; consult admission counselor before applying if residing outside Iowa
- Applicants with felony conviction: Iowa Code Chapter 272C.15 states certain felony convictions make individual ineligible for licensure; previous felony conviction does not automatically bar licensure eligibility
- Application fee: $50 (one-time)
- Registration fee: $200 (one-time)
- Contact admissions@allencollege.edu with questions
BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the BSN to DNP PMHNP program is approximately $68,136 (68 credits at $962/credit plus fees) and takes 3 years full-time or 5 years part-time to complete.
BSN to DNP Curriculum
The 68-credit BSN-DNP program integrates 16 core credits, 26 PMHNP specialty credits, and 26 DNP credits. Six credit hours considered full-time at graduate level.
Core Courses (16 credits):
- NU 505: Leadership for Advanced Nursing (3)
- NU 520: Policy, Organization and Financing of Healthcare (3)
- NU 530: Population Health (3)
- NU 535: Evidence Based Practice I: Finding and Appraising Evidence (3)
- NU 541: Health Care Informatics (3)
- NU 596: Graduate Seminar I (1)
PMHNP Track Specific Courses (26 credits):
- NU 550: Advanced Health Assessment with 25 lab/50 clinical hours (3)
- NU 560: Advanced Physiology and Disease States (3)
- NU 570: Advanced Pharmacology (3)
- NU 581: Psychopharmacology and Neuropathophysiology (4)
- NU 615: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing I (2)
- NU 615C: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing I Clinical with 150 clinical hours (2)
- NU 620: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing II (2)
- NU 620C: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing II Clinical with 150 clinical hours (2)
- NU 625: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing III (2)
- NU 625C: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing III Clinical with 150 clinical hours (2)
- NU 612C: Clinical Enrichment with 75 clinical hours (1)
DNP Courses (26 credits):
- NU 720: Quality Outcomes for Organizations and Systems (3)
- NU 731: Epidemiology and Biostatistics (3)
- NU 741: Analytic Methods for Evidence-Based Practice I (3)
- NU 742: Analytic Methods for Evidence-Based Practice II (3)
- NU 743: Analytic Methods for Evidence-Based Practice III (1)
- NU 750: Leadership and Collaboration (3)
- NU 805: Educational Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice (3)
- NU 800: DNP Clinical Scholarship Intensive – 4 enrollments with 100 clinical hours each (4 total credits)
- NU 811: Financial Concepts for Systems Management (3)
BSN to DNP Clinicals
Students complete 925 total clinical hours:
- Advanced Health Assessment (50 hours)
- three Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing Clinical courses (450 hours total at 150 each)
- Clinical Enrichment (75 hours)
- four DNP Clinical Scholarship Intensive enrollments (400 hours total at 100 each)
Students come to campus during track-specific courses for OSCEs and residencies.
Clinical Coordinator responsible for placement with student input. Students may elect to participate in Allen College’s Dedicated Education Clinics (DEC). All students complete hours at Allen College DeBonis Free Medical Clinic in Waterloo, Iowa. Optional rural/underserved emphasis and DEC participation available.
BSN to DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from accredited institution
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Minimum GPA requirements apply
- Application materials submitted on rolling basis
- Admission decisions take 3-4 weeks after complete application
- Program begins twice yearly in fall and spring terms
- Enrollment granted for specific term
- Out-of-state residents should consult admission counselor before applying
- Application fee: $50
- Registration fee: $200
- Contact admissions@allencollege.edu
Registered Nurse to Doctor of Nursing Practice – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the RN to DNP PMHNP program is approximately $76,312 (76 credits at $962/credit plus fees) and takes approximately 4 years to complete.
RN to DNP Curriculum
The 76-credit RN-DNP program includes 24 core credits, 26 PMHNP specialty credits, and 26 DNP credits. Designed for registered nurses with associate degrees.
Core Courses (24 credits):
- NU 501: Concepts of Professional Nursing Practice (4)
- NU 502: Community and Population Health Nursing with 75 clinical hours (4)
- NU 505: Leadership for Advanced Nursing (3)
- NU 520: Policy, Organization and Financing of Healthcare (3)
- NU 530: Population Health (3)
- NU 535: Evidence Based Practice I: Finding and Appraising Evidence (3)
- NU 541: Health Care Informatics (3)
- NU 596: Graduate Seminar I (1)
PMHNP Track Specific Courses (26 credits):
- NU 550: Advanced Health Assessment with 25 lab/50 clinical hours (3)
- NU 560: Advanced Physiology and Disease States (3)
- NU 570: Advanced Pharmacology (3)
- NU 581: Psychopharmacology and Neuropathophysiology (4)
- NU 615: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing I (2)
- NU 615C: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing I Clinical with 150 clinical hours (2)
- NU 620: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing II (2)
- NU 620C: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing II Clinical with 150 clinical hours (2)
- NU 625: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing III (2)
- NU 625C: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing III Clinical with 150 clinical hours (2)
- NU 612C: Clinical Enrichment with 75 clinical hours (1)
DNP Courses (26 credits):
- NU 720: Quality Outcomes for Organizations and Systems (3)
- NU 731: Epidemiology and Biostatistics (3)
- NU 741: Analytic Methods for Evidence-Based Practice I (3)
- NU 742: Analytic Methods for Evidence-Based Practice II (3)
- NU 743: Analytic Methods for Evidence-Based Practice III (1)
- NU 750: Leadership and Collaboration (3)
- NU 800: DNP Clinical Scholarship Intensive – 4 enrollments with 100 clinical hours each (4)
- NU 805: Educational Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice (3)
- NU 811: Financial Concepts for Systems Management (3)
RN to DNP Clinicals
Students complete 1,000 total clinical hours:
- Community and Population Health Nursing (75 hours)
- Advanced Health Assessment (50 hours)
- three Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing Clinical courses (450 hours)
- Clinical Enrichment (75 hours)
- four DNP Clinical Scholarship Intensive enrollments (400 hours)
Hybrid format with required on-campus attendance for OSCEs and residencies. Clinical Coordinator arranges placements with student input. Optional DEC participation and rural/underserved emphasis available.
RN to DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- Associate degree in nursing with current RN license
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Minimum GPA requirements apply
- Application materials submitted on rolling basis
- Admission decisions take 3-4 weeks
- Program begins twice yearly (fall and spring)
- Out-of-state applicants should consult admission counselor
- Application fee: $50
- Registration fee: $200
- Contact admissions@allencollege.edu
Post-Graduate Certificate – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate Certificate PMHNP program is approximately $26,572 (26 credits at $962/credit plus fees) and takes approximately 3 years part-time to complete.
Certificate Curriculum
The 26-credit certificate consists entirely of PMHNP specialty courses for nurses with existing graduate degrees. Six credit hours considered full-time at graduate level.
PMHNP Specialty Courses (26 credits):
- NU 550: Advanced Health Assessment with 25 lab/50 clinical hours (3)
- NU 560: Advanced Physiology and Disease States (3)
- NU 570: Advanced Pharmacology (3)
- NU 581: Psychopharmacology and Neuropathophysiology (4)
- NU 615: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing I (2)
- NU 615C: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing I Clinical with 150 clinical hours (2)
- NU 620: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing II (2)
- NU 620C: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing II Clinical with 150 clinical hours (2)
- NU 625: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing III (2)
- NU 625C: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing III Clinical with 150 clinical hours (2)
- NU 612C: Clinical Enrichment with 75 clinical hours (1)
Certificate Clinicals
Certificate students complete 525 total clinical hours distributed identically to MSN program: Advanced Health Assessment (50 hours), three Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing Clinical courses (450 hours), and Clinical Enrichment (75 hours).
Students come to campus for OSCEs and residencies during track-specific courses.
Clinical Coordinator responsible for placement with student input. Students may elect DEC participation.
All students complete hours at Allen College DeBonis Free Medical Clinic. Optional rural/underserved emphasis available.
Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions
- Master’s degree in nursing or related graduate degree
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Minimum GPA requirements apply
- Application materials submitted on rolling basis
- Admission decisions take 3-4 weeks
- Program begins twice yearly (fall and spring)
- Full-time and part-time options available depending on course availability
- Out-of-state applicants should consult admission counselor regarding state approval requirements
- Application fee: $50
- Registration fee: $200
- Contact admissions@allencollege.edu
Clinical Placement Process
1. Collaborative Selection Process
- School-Led Placement: The Clinical Coordinator is primarily responsible for securing clinical sites and establishing legal affiliation agreements with healthcare agencies.
- Student Input: You have the opportunity to provide input on preceptor selection. If you have a preferred location or preceptor in mind, you can coordinate with the Clinical Coordinator to verify the site’s feasibility.
- Assistance available: If you are struggling to find a specific rotation or experience an unanticipated site closure, the Clinical Coordinator provides direct assistance to ensure you stay on track.
2. Mandatory Local Experiences
Regardless of your primary placement, all PMHNP students are required to complete clinical hours at the Allen College DeBonis Free Medical Clinic in Waterloo, Iowa. This provides a baseline, hands-on experience in a community-driven environment under the supervision of certified Nurse Practitioner faculty.
3. Specialized Opportunities
- Rural & Underserved Emphasis: You can choose to focus your training in high-need areas. This requires attending a one-day seminar and completing 150 clinical hours in a rural or underserved setting.
- Dedicated Education Clinics (DECs): An optional clinical model where you can complete at least 75 hours in a structured, specialized clinic environment.
4. Rotation Requirements
To ensure a well-rounded education, PMHNP students must rotate through:
- Lifespan Coverage: You must see patients across all age groups (children, adults, and geriatric).
- Multiple Settings: You are required to experience at least two different settings, such as inpatient, outpatient, residential care, or detox facilities.
5. Out-of-State Considerations
While Allen College supports remote learners, they cannot guarantee clinical placements for students residing outside of Iowa. Out-of-state students should consult with an admissions counselor to ensure their state’s governing board allows for clinical study through an Iowa-based institution.
Tuition
Graduate nursing tuition is $962 per semester credit hour.
Laboratory fee of $60 per semester credit hour applies for classes with laboratory/clinical components. Additional one-time fees include $50 application fee, $200 registration fee, and $275 graduation fee in final semester.
Federal loan origination fees: 1.057% withheld from unsubsidized loans, 4.228% withheld from graduate PLUS loans.
See the official tuition page for more details at allencollege.edu/future-students/tuition-financial-aid/tuition-fees.
Accreditation
Allen College nursing programs prepare professional graduates meeting essential nursing practice standards in various settings. After successful completion of any Allen College PMHNP program, graduates are eligible to complete exam for national certification through ANCC or AANP. Programs maintain excellent certification pass rates.
Other Nursing Programs
Allen College School of Nursing offers additional graduate programs:
- Master of Science in Nursing tracks: Leadership in Health Care Delivery-Administration (LEAD) with automatic 25% tuition deduction
- BSN to DNP tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, LEAD
- RN to DNP tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, LEAD
- Post-Graduate Certificates: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, LEAD
All programs emphasize inclusion, scholarship, experiential and lifelong learning, service, and interprofessional partnerships. UnityPoint Health affiliation offers unique clinical experiences. Graduate education clinically relevant in today’s evolving healthcare environment.
Other Iowa PMHNP Programs
View All PMHNP Programs in Iowa
- Briar Cliff University - Sioux City
- University of Iowa - Iowa City