Program Tracks Overview
| Program Track | Est. Cost | Apprx Duration |
| DNP (BSN to DNP) | $131,648 | 3 Years |
| MSN (PMHNP) | $94,622 | 16 Months |
| Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) | Minimum $24,684 | 1.5 – 2 Years |
Vanderbilt’s PMHNP specialty ranks #1 nationally at the DNP level and #3 at the MSN level among graduate nursing programs, emphasizing a holistic approach to mental health care across the patient’s lifespan.
Doctor of Nursing Practice – PMHNP (BSN to DNP)
The estimated cost for the BSN to DNP-PMHNP program is approximately $131,648 and takes approximately 3 years (7 semesters) to complete full-time.
Estimate based on 64 credits × $2,057/credit for full-time fall start.
DNP Curriculum
The BSN to DNP program requires 63-89 semester credit hours depending on start term and track. Students complete integrated curriculum with advanced nursing practice specialty and DNP coursework, becoming eligible for specialty certification upon DNP degree completion.
Fall Year 1
8210 Statistics for Advanced Nursing Practice (1 cr) Master essential stats skills to critically read research, design data analysis plans, and translate findings into real-world practice improvements.
8212 Knowledge and Identity for Nursing Practice (2 cr) Explore nursing’s history, ethics, informatics, and leadership to build a strong professional identity and person-centered practice foundation.
8214 Social and Structural Influences on Health (3 cr) Examine social determinants, health equity, systems science, and policy through a nursing lens to understand barriers to care.
8224 Analysis of Health and Systems Outcomes (2 cr) Use quality improvement tools, population data, and informatics to drive equitable health outcomes and reduce disparities.
8240 Economics and Finance (1 cr) Gain practical knowledge of healthcare costs, reimbursement models, and resource allocation to navigate today’s complex financial landscape.
Spring Year 1
6022 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology (4 cr) Dive deep into complex physiologic and pathophysiologic mechanisms across the lifespan to predict and manage disease processes.
8222 Appraisal of Evidence for Nursing Practice (2 cr) Sharpen skills in finding, appraising, and ethically applying evidence to solve clinical problems and improve safety/quality.
8234 Advocacy for Health Equity (2 cr) Learn to advocate for vulnerable populations using principles of global health, disaster preparedness, and policy change.
Summer Year 1
6024 Advanced Pharmacology (3 cr) Build expertise in selecting and managing medications safely and effectively for diverse patients across all ages.
8226 Advanced Quality Improvement and Safety (2 cr) Master improvement science and lead interdisciplinary teams to create safer, more equitable care systems in your own workplace.
8232 Leadership for Change (2 cr) Develop ethical leadership skills to guide teams through change, conflict, and the creation of healthy work environments.
8238 Advanced Informatics (1 cr) Discover how health information technology and informatics innovations can transform evidence-based care and clinical decision-making.
Fall Year 2
6013 Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning (2 cr) Refine history-taking, physical exam, and diagnostic reasoning skills essential for advanced practice across the lifespan.
8101 Integrative Application of Evidence-Based Practice (1 cr) Begin your mentored DNP project and start logging practice hours toward becoming a practice scholar (Year 1 of 3).
8216 Professionalism, Legal and Ethics (2 cr) Explore the DNP role in ethical advocacy, health justice, and advancing the profession through leadership and policy.
8236 Advanced Evidence-Based Practice (2 cr) Translate high-level evidence from multiple disciplines into real-world interventions that improve care and equity.
Spring Year 2
6014 Advanced Health Assessment Lab (1 cr) Practice advanced 1:1 in simulated settings to master advanced physical and mental health assessment techniques.
7212 Theories of Individual and Family Psychotherapy (2 cr) Learn major psychotherapy models and family systems theories to guide therapeutic interventions across the lifespan.
7214 Diagnostic Reasoning for the PMHNP – Part I (2 cr) Master DSM-5 diagnosis, psychiatric interviewing, and evidence-based non-pharmacologic treatment planning.
7235 Clinical Foundations of PMH Nursing (2 cr) Your first PMHNP practicum: integrate medical and psychiatric assessment while building therapeutic communication and clinical judgment.
8102 Integrative Application of Evidence-Based Practice (2 cr) Continue developing and implementing your DNP project with increased practice hours (Year 2 of 3).
8248 Advanced Health Policy (2 cr) Gain skills to analyze, shape, and advocate for policies that advance health equity at local, state, and national levels.
Summer Year 2
7221 Neuroscience for Mental Health Practitioners (3 cr) Explore neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neurochemistry to understand the biological basis of psychiatric symptoms.
7222 Psychopharmacology (2 cr) Master psychopharmacologic principles and safe prescribing practices for common and complex mental health disorders.
7224 Diagnostic Reasoning for the PMHNP – Part 2 (1 cr) Advance your diagnostic and treatment-planning skills for individuals, families, and groups with multifaceted needs.
7225 Practicum in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (3 cr) Second practicum focused on individuals, groups, and families; refine therapy, medication management, and caseload skills.
8103 Integrative Application of Evidence-Based Practice (1 cr) Finalize and disseminate your DNP project while completing required practice hours (Year 3 of 3).
8246 Advanced Population Health and Epidemiology (2 cr) Analyze patterns of health and disease in populations to design targeted prevention and intervention strategies.
Fall Year 3
7232 Advanced Psychopharmacology (2 cr) Tackle complex, multimorbid patients with expert-level psychopharm management and evidence-based decision-making.
7236 Transition to Practice and Subspecialties (3 cr) Prepare for independent PMHNP practice—business basics, ethics, policy, subspecialties, and integrated care systems.
7295 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Preceptorship (3 cr) Capstone clinical immersion: function as a PMHNP under preceptor guidance, managing a full caseload across settings.
8250 Advanced Leadership (2 cr) Synthesize leadership, change management, and organizational strategies to lead effectively in complex healthcare systems.
DNP Clinicals
BSN to DNP students complete minimum 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical/practice hours including 560 hours in PMHNP specialization courses.
Clinical experiences include supervised care for acutely and critically ill adults and older adults in progressive acute settings.
Students complete quality improvement-focused DNP projects while receiving support through virtual skills labs and Walden Grand Rounds.
DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- Current active RN license (and APRN license if applicable)
- BSN in nursing from accredited institution
- Completed online application and official transcripts
- Technical Standards Policy form acknowledgment
- DNP practicum requirements acknowledgment
- Verification of prior precepted clinical hours for NURS 8601 field experience needs determination
- Up to 20 transfer credits may be accepted
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Applications reviewed rolling basis beginning October 15
- $500 nonrefundable matriculation fee required upon acceptance
Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MSN-PMHNP program is approximately $94,622 (46 credits × $2,057/credit) and takes 16 months (4 full-time semesters) to complete.
MSN Curriculum
The MSN-PMHNP curriculum integrates biological, psychological, social, and spiritual elements of mental health care. The program balances interactive online learning with in-person clinical, lab, and class hours, incorporating the 2021 AACN Essentials.
Fall Year 1 (14 credits):
- 6013 Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning (2)
- 6022 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology (4)
- 6024 Advanced Pharmacology (3)
- 8212 Knowledge and Identity for Nursing Practice (2)
- 8214 Social and Structural Influences on Health (3)
Spring Year 1 (9 credits):
- 6014 Advanced Health Assessment Lab (1)
- 7212 Theories of Individual and Family Psychotherapy (2)
- 7214 Diagnostic Reasoning for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Part I (2)
- 7235 Clinical Foundations of Advanced Practice Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (2)
- 8222 Appraisal of Evidence for Nursing Practice (2)
Summer Year 1 (13 credits):
- 7221 Neuroscience for Mental Health Practitioners (3)
- 7222 Psychopharmacology (2)
- 7224 Diagnostic Reasoning for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Part 2 (1)
- 7225 Practicum in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing with Individuals, Groups and Families (3)
- 8224 Analysis of Health and Systems Outcomes (2)
- 8232 Leadership for Change (2)
Fall Year 2 (10 credits):
- 7232 Advanced Psychopharmacology (2)
- 7236 Transition to Practice and Subspecialties for the Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Working in Complex Health Systems (3)
- 7295 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Preceptorship (3)
- 8234 Advocacy for Health Equity (2)
MSN Clinicals
MSN-PMHNP students complete at least 560 hours of directly supervised clinical practice across multiple settings. Clinical placements include child/adolescent, adult, and geropsychiatric settings with experienced PMHNPs and psychiatrists in Middle Tennessee and beyond. The full-time clinical placement team partners with students and faculty to create enriching practicums in the student’s preferred geographic area where possible.
MSN Prerequisites & Admissions
- Graduation from ACEN- or CCNE-accredited BSN program
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA or at least B- average in nursing and cumulative coursework
- Current unencumbered RN licensure in state where clinical training occurs (by July 1 of enrollment year)
- Three letters of professional or academic reference (at least one recommender must hold master’s or higher degree)
- Statement of purpose addressing career goals
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Introductory statistics course including descriptive and inferential techniques
- International applicants require course-by-course evaluation from approved agencies
- All degree requirements must be completed within three years of first enrollment
Post-Master’s Certificate – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the PMC-PMHNP program varies based on gap analysis but typically requires minimum 12 credits at approximately $24,684 (12 credits × $2,057/credit) and can be completed in 1.5-2 years depending on prior coursework.
Certificate Curriculum
Post-master’s certificate programs provide individualized curriculum based on gap analysis conducted by the academic director. Students must complete minimum 12 credit hours at Vanderbilt with didactic and clinical experiences sufficient to master competencies for national certification.
Sample Spring Start for MN Prespecialty (29 credits):
Spring Year 1 (12 credits):
- 6013 Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning (2)
- 6014 Advanced Health Assessment Lab (1)
- 6024 Advanced Pharmacology (3)
- 7212 Theories of Individual and Family Psychotherapy (2)
- 7214 Diagnostic Reasoning for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Part I (2)
- 7235 Clinical Foundations of Advanced Practice Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (2)
Summer Year 1 (9 credits):
- 7221 Neuroscience for Mental Health Practitioners (3)
- 7222 Psychopharmacology (2)
- 7224 Diagnostic Reasoning for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Part 2 (1)
- 7225 Practicum in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing with Individuals, Groups and Families (3)
Fall Year 1 (8 credits):
- 7232 Advanced Psychopharmacology (2)
- 7236 Transition to Practice and Subspecialties for the Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Working in Complex Health Systems (3)
- 7295 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Preceptorship (3)
Certificate Clinicals
Post-master’s certificate students complete minimum 500 supervised hours in direct patient care across child/adolescent, adult, and geropsychiatric settings. Clinical placements are arranged in the student’s preferred geographic area where possible with support from Vanderbilt’s full-time clinical placement team.
Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions
- Master’s or DNP degree in nursing from ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program
- Completed application and official transcript documenting degree conferral
- Unencumbered RN license in state where clinical training occurs
- Statement of purpose and application question responses
- Three professional or academic references
- Approval by specialty director
- VUSN MSN and MN graduates receive guaranteed admission for up to two years after degree completion
- Neonatal NP specialty requires recommendations from NNP and neonatologist who worked with applicant clinically
- At least 12 credit hours must be taken at Vanderbilt
Tuition
Graduate nursing tuition at Vanderbilt is $2,057 per credit hour for 2025-2026.
Additional fees include $338 student services fee per semester (fall/spring), $441 student health fee per semester (fall/spring), and $100 one-time student transcript fee.
Summer semester fees are reduced to $115 (student services) and $130 (student health).
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
Vanderbilt School of Nursing’s BSN, MSN, post-graduate APRN certificate, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
PMHNP graduates are qualified to take national certification exams offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Other Vanderbilt Nursing Programs
Vanderbilt School of Nursing offers additional programs including:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) specialties: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Emergency NP, Family NP, Neonatal NP, Nurse-Midwifery, Pediatric NP (Acute/Primary Care), Women’s Health Gender-Related NP, Nursing Informatics, Nurse Education
- Master of Nursing (MN) – 4 full-time semesters for non-nurses
- MN Prespecialty pathway to advanced practice specialties
- Post-Master’s Certificates in all NP specialties, Nurse-Midwifery, Nursing Informatics, Nurse Education
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Advanced Clinical Practice Track, Advanced Systems Practice Track, Executive Leadership Track
- PhD in Nursing Science
- Postdoctoral Fellowship programs
Related Programs
View All PMHNP Programs in Tennessee
- Austin Peay - Clarksville
- East Tennessee State University - Johnson City
- Middle Tennessee State University - Murfreesboro
- Tennessee Tech University - Cookeville
- University of Tennessee - Knoxville