Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Duration (FT) | Est. Tuition | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSN-MSN | ~2 years | $19,440 | 40 |
| MSN-DNP | ~7 semesters | $26,730 | 55 |
| Post-Professional Certificate | ~12 months | $8,748 | 18 |
Highlights include faculty-coordinated clinical placements, 504 PMHNP clinical hours at the MSN level, and clear bridges into the DNP. Students study online in a hybrid format with limited on-site learning.
MSN-DNP PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s DNP–PMHNP program at ODU is $26,730–$35,695 in tuition and would take ~7 semesters (~28 months) to complete on a full-time basis.
Estimate based on 55 credits × $486 VA resident or $649 non-resident.
MSN-DNP Curriculum
NURS 723 – Psychotherapeutic Approaches & Treatment Modalities (3 cr.)
Survey of major psychotherapy models and diagnosis methods. Applies techniques across the lifespan, including care for adults, children, adolescents, older adults, and special populations.
NURS 725 – Psychopharmacology and Neurobiology (3 cr.)
Covers neurobiology and the pharmacology of mental health medications. Examines factors that influence drug selection, response, safety, and monitoring.
NURS 726 – Managing Psychiatric Disorders Across the Lifespan (3 cr.)
Focuses on assessment and management of common psychiatric conditions from childhood through older adulthood. Emphasizes culturally centered, collaborative, preventive care.
NURS 727 – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum I (4 cr.)
Entry-level clinical experience in diverse psychiatric settings. Students begin diagnosing and formulating treatment plans, including medication and therapy, under mentor supervision.
NURS 728 – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum II (5 cr.)
Advanced clinical immersion (typically ~280 hours). Builds skill in differential diagnosis and multimodal treatment for individuals, families, and groups across age ranges.
NURS 800 – Integrative Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice Roles (3 cr.)
Explores leadership, advocacy, practice, and translational research. Highlights epidemiology and strategies to reduce disparities for vulnerable populations.
NURS 801 – Roles and Responsibilities for Transforming Practice (3 cr.)
Clarifies advanced practice role expectations and leadership models. Guides personal strategic planning to address inequities in care.
NURS 802 – The Business of Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr.)
Introduces legal, quality, and financial dimensions of practice. Students perform SWOT analyses and draft business plans and community assessments.
NURS 803 – Leadership and Interprofessional Practice in Healthcare (3 cr.)
Examines teamwork, ethics, and organizational structures that shape care. Prepares clinicians to lead within interprofessional teams serving underserved groups.
NURS 805 – Application of Practice-Based Research Methods (2 cr.)
Covers design and evaluation of practice-based projects. Emphasizes methods that link evidence to measurable outcome improvement.
NURS 806 – Proposal Development and Database Management (4 cr.)
Guides IRB/ethics, methodology, analytics, and data management for practice studies. Produces a complete, ready-to-implement project proposal.
NURS 807 – Informatics and Healthcare Technology (3 cr.)
Applies data and health IT tools to enhance care delivery and evaluation. Addresses interoperability, quality metrics, and decision support.
NURS 809 – Advocacy for Healthcare Public Policy for Advanced Practice (3 cr.)
Builds policy literacy and advocacy skills for system-level change. Focuses on access, quality, and equity for vulnerable populations.
NURS 865 – DNP Clinical Practicum I (1–2 cr.)
Initial advanced clinical experience emphasizing enhanced assessment and application of evidence in direct care.
NURS 866 – DNP Clinical Practicum II (1–2 cr.)
Expands team-based practice, diagnostics, and evidence integration. Strengthens clinical decision-making in complex settings.
NURS 867 – DNP Clinical Practicum III (1–3 cr.)
Advances expertise in program evaluation and leadership at the point of care. Integrates health technologies into practice improvement.
NURS 868 – DNP Clinical Practicum IV (1–3 cr.)
Culminating practicum on change leadership and translation of evidence. Prepares students for dissemination of outcomes. Corequisite with capstone.
NURS 890 – DNP Nursing Capstone (3 cr.)
Synthesizes and translates practice-focused research into a real-world project. Emphasizes implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of results.
More curriculum details are available here.
MSN-DNP Clinicals
- Multiple DNP practica culminating in an evidence-based DNP project that improves practice outcomes.
- Online/hybrid delivery with planned on-site engagements as arranged by the program.
- Faculty coordinate required affiliation agreements for clinical practice.
MSN-DNP Admissions
- Active, unencumbered RN license.
- MSN (APRN) or related master’s and a bachelor’s degree; GPA ≥ 3.0.
- Prior “3 Ps”: Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Physical Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology (grade B or better, preferably within 5 years).
- 3 recommendations (faculty/employers), 500–700 word concentration-focused essay, current résumé.
- Annual application deadline typically September 1.
BSN-MSN – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MSN–PMHNP program at ODU is $19,440–$25,960 in tuition and would take ~2 years (5 semesters) to complete on a full-time basis.
Estimate based on 40 credits × $486 VA resident or $649 non-resident.
MSN Curriculum
- MSN Core (22 credits): Evidence-Based Research; Advanced Assessment; Advanced Pharmacology; Advanced Pathophysiology; Integrative Concepts; Business of Advanced Practice; Health Policy/Advocacy.
- PMHNP Courses (18 credits):
- Psychotherapeutic Approaches & Treatment Modalities
- Psychopharmacology and Neurobiology
- Managing Psychiatric Disorders Across the Lifespan
- PMHNP Practicum I
- PMHNP Practicum II
More curriculum details are available here: <a href=”https://catalog.odu.edu/graduate/nursing/nursing-psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner-msn/#curriculumtext”>MSN PMHNP curriculum</a>.
MSN Clinicals
- 504 clinical hours across lifespan settings (child/adolescent, adult, geriatric; inpatient and outpatient).
- Faculty assist with site agreements; students begin identifying sites early.
- Online program with limited on-site requirements (typically once per semester).
MSN Admissions
- Active, unencumbered RN license.
- BSN or related bachelor’s; GPA ≥ 3.0.
- Undergraduate Health/Physical Assessment and Statistics/Research completed.
- 3 letters of recommendation (faculty/employer), 500–700 word goal essay, current résumé.
- Recent clinical RN experience preferred.
Post-Professional PMHNP Certificate (for APRN-MSN holders)
The estimated cost for the Post-Professional PMHNP Certificate at ODU is $8,748–$11,682 in tuition (18 credits × $486 VA resident or $649 non-resident) and would take ~12 months (3 semesters) to complete on a full-time basis.
Note: Admissions are on hold for program review as of Fall 2025.
Certificate Curriculum
- 18 credits required for ANCC PMHNP eligibility:
- Psychotherapeutic Approaches & Treatment Modalities
- Psychopharmacology and Neurobiology
- Managing Psychiatric Disorders Across the Lifespan
- PMHNP Practicum I
- PMHNP Practicum II
Certificate Clinicals
- Two PMHNP practica spanning diverse settings and age groups.
- Online/hybrid delivery with faculty-approved clinical sites.
Certificate Admissions
- APRN-MSN with active, unencumbered RN license.
- Prior 3 Ps (B or better, preferably within 5 years).
- Completed certificate application and required documents.
Prerequisites & Admissions (Quick List)
- Unencumbered RN license.
- GPA ≥ 3.0 for graduate admission (MSN and DNP).
- 3 letters of recommendation, professional résumé, and a 500–700 word goals essay.
- Prior coursework: Advanced Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology (DNP/certificate) and undergraduate Assessment + Statistics/Research (MSN).
- Ability to meet clinical onboarding requirements (background check, immunizations, BLS, drug screen).
Tuition
- Graduate online per-credit tuition: $486 (Virginia residents); $649 (non-residents/online outside VA).
- Mandatory online fees may apply (e.g., technology and other per-credit/term fees).
See the official tuition page for more details
Accreditation
The baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP programs at Old Dominion University are accredited by CCNE.
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