Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MS PMHNP | $77,665 | ~2 years (part-time) |
| Certificate PMHNP | $44,380–$58,645 | 1.5–2 years (part-time) |
The curriculum uses a primary care and lifespan focus, with a strong emphasis on care for vulnerable populations and mental health disparities. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification through both the ANCC and AANP.
Master of Science – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MS PMHNP program is $77,665 and would take approximately 2 years to complete on a part-time basis.
Estimate based on 49 total credits at $1,585 per credit.
MSN Curriculum
The MS is a 49-credit program that blends online synchronous and asynchronous coursework with individually precepted clinical practica. The curriculum is divided between a nursing common core and the PMHNP specialization.
Nursing Common Core (21 credits):
- NURS 811 – Foundations for Advanced Practice Nursing (3 cr.)
- NURS 812 – Systems-Based Practice for Advanced Nursing (3 cr.)
- NURS 813 – Advanced Nursing in Primary Health Care (3 cr.)
- NURS 814 – Scholarly Inquiry in Evidence-Based Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr.)
- NURS 640 – Advanced Physical Assessment Across the Lifespan (3 cr.)
- NURS 681 – Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nursing (3 cr.)
- NURS 682 – Clinical Pharmacology for Prescribing Advanced Practice Nursing (3 cr.)
PMHNP Specialization (28 credits):
NURS 629 – Psychopharmacology in Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing (3 credits)
This course develops skills in prescribing and managing psychiatric medications across the lifespan. Students learn to select, monitor, and adjust treatments using evidence-based guidelines. The course emphasizes safe, person-centered care in mental health practice.
NURS 648 – Diagnostic Reasoning for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (3 credits)
This course builds diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills for mental health care. Students assess patients, apply psychopathology concepts, and develop differential diagnoses. The course prepares students to prioritize and manage psychiatric and substance use disorders.
NURS 781 – Advanced Theory and Practice I for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (4 credits)
This course introduces advanced assessment, diagnosis, and management of mental health conditions. Students apply knowledge from pathophysiology and pharmacology in clinical practice. The course includes a practicum that builds skills in patient evaluation and early intervention.
NURS 782 – Advanced Theory and Practice II for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (6 credits)
This course expands skills in managing psychiatric conditions across diverse populations. Students strengthen assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning, including psychotherapy. The clinical practicum focuses on analyzing patient data and improving care decisions.
NURS 783 – Advanced Theory and Practice III for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (6 credits)
This course advances clinical decision-making and treatment of complex mental health conditions. Students develop differential diagnoses and evidence-based care plans. The course integrates psychotherapy and medication management in practice settings.
NURS 784 – Advanced Theory and Practice IV for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (6 credits)
This course serves as the final clinical and academic synthesis of the program. Students apply advanced skills in diagnosis, treatment, and patient education. The course emphasizes consistent, evidence-based care and preparation for independent practice.
See the official curriculum page for more details.
MSN Clinicals
The MS program requires 760 supervised clinical hours completed in diverse psychiatric mental health care settings. Clinical practica are individually precepted and span a range of environments including communities, private practice, institutional settings, substance abuse programs, and shelters.
- 760 total supervised clinical hours required
- Settings include hospitals, outpatient clinics, community mental health, and substance abuse facilities
- Individually precepted placements
MSN Admissions
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active RN license in New York State
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- One year of clinical experience in psychiatric nursing
- Undergraduate statistics course (grade C or higher)
- Personal statement (500–600 words, double-spaced)
- Professional resume (5-year employment history minimum)
- 2 letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- No GRE or Miller Analogy Test required
- Personal interview may be required
- Application deadline: March 1
- Residents of NY, NJ, and CT only
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the PMHNP Certificate program is $44,380–$58,645 and would take approximately 1.5–2 years to complete on a part-time basis.
Estimate based on 28–37 credits (determined by gap analysis) at $1,585 per credit.
Certificate Curriculum
The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies is designed for master’s-prepared nurses or NPs certified in another specialty who wish to add PMHNP credentials. Credits range from 28–37, determined by a gap analysis of prior graduate coursework.
- NURS 629 – Psychopharmacology in Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing (3 cr.)
- NURS 640 – Advanced Physical Assessment Across the Lifespan (3 cr.) *
- NURS 681 – Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nursing (3 cr.) *
- NURS 682 – Clinical Pharmacology for Prescribing Advanced Practice Nursing (3 cr.) *
- NURS 648 – Diagnostic Reasoning for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (3 cr.)
- NURS 781 – Advanced Theory and Practice I for PMHNP (4 cr.)
- NURS 782 – Advanced Theory and Practice II for PMHNP (6 cr.)
- NURS 783 – Advanced Theory and Practice III for PMHNP (6 cr.)
- NURS 784 – Advanced Theory and Practice IV for PMHNP (6 cr.)
* Required for all non-NPs enrolled in the CAGS. NURS 682 and NURS 640 credit is only accepted if completed within two years of starting NURS 781; otherwise a test-out option applies.
See the official curriculum page for more details.
Certificate Clinicals
The certificate program carries the same 760-hour supervised clinical requirement as the MS track. Placements are individually precepted across diverse psychiatric mental health settings.
- 760 total supervised clinical hours required
- Individually precepted clinical practica
- Settings mirror the MS track: outpatient, community, institutional, and substance abuse environments
Certificate Admissions
- Master’s degree in nursing required
- NP certification in another specialty, OR master’s-prepared nurse seeking PMHNP credentials
- One year of psychiatric mental health nursing experience
- Credits determined by individual gap analysis
- Applicants with pre-licensure master’s degrees may need additional common core courses
- Program start: Fall semester
- Residents of NY, NJ, and CT only
Tuition
Both the MS and Certificate PMHNP programs are billed at $1,585 per credit hour. Total program cost for the MS is $77,665 (49 credits). The Certificate ranges from $44,380 to $58,645 depending on credits assigned via gap analysis. Tuition is subject to change annually.
More tuition details are available here.
Accreditation
The Pace University PMHNP MS program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates of both the MS and Certificate programs meet eligibility requirements to sit for national PMHNP certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
More PMHNP Programs in New York
- Adelphi University - Adelphi
- Binghamton University - Binghamton
- D'Youville University - Buffalo
- Hunter College - NY
- Mercy University - Dobbs Ferry
- St. John Fisher University - Rochester
- Stony Brook University - Stony Brook
- SUNY Upstate Medical University - Syracuse
- University of Rochester - Rochester