Program Tracks Overview
| Program Track | Entry Path | Est. Cost | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSN PMHNP | BSN → MSN | $52,427 | ~3.0–3.7 years (full-time) |
| MSN PMHNP | RN → MSN | $59,078 | ~3.0–3.7 years (full-time) |
| DNP PMHNP | BSN → DNP | $91,525 | ~4 years (full-time) |
| Post-Graduate Certificate | APRN-entry | $27,023 | ~1.7–2.0 years |
| Post-Graduate Certificate | Non-APRN-entry | $35,151 | ~1.7–2.0 years |
Students gain expertise in managing acute and chronic psychiatric conditions, substance abuse issues, and organic brain conditions across diverse settings including private practices, hospitals, and outpatient clinics.
MSN PMHNP Program
The estimated cost for the MSN PMHNP program ranges from $52,427 (BSN entry) to $59,078 (RN entry) and takes 3-3.7 years to complete on a full-time basis.
Curriculum
Coursework includes the following:
IPE 7001 – Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice
Introduces the principles of interprofessional education and collaboration, emphasizing role clarity, effective communication, teamwork, ethics, and patient-centered care. Students learn strategies to enhance healthcare delivery, improve satisfaction, reduce costs, and achieve better outcomes. Coursework includes exposure to industry-relevant tools and techniques for high-functioning healthcare teams.
IPE 7121 – Organizational Leadership & Policy in Health Care
Covers interprofessional healthcare policy and leadership concepts, with a focus on analyzing and advocating for policies that improve care access, coordination, and equity. Students explore leadership styles, perform self-assessments, set goals, and develop strategies for continuous improvement. The course links operational performance to quality management and regulatory frameworks.
NUR 7050 – Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Leaders
Provides an overview of the evidence-based practice process for informed decision-making in leadership, education, and clinical settings. Students learn to develop PICOT questions, conduct literature searches, critically appraise quantitative research, and interpret statistical findings. The course also addresses implementing, evaluating, and disseminating evidence-based change initiatives.
NUR 7610 – Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
Explores normal physiological processes and the pathophysiological changes that occur with disease across the lifespan. Students study cellular alterations, system-level manifestations, and clinical implications to strengthen diagnostic and management skills.
NUR 7580 – Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis
Prepares advanced practice nurses to perform comprehensive health assessments and develop differential diagnoses for acute and chronic conditions. Emphasis is placed on advanced physical examination skills, diagnostic reasoning, risk assessment, and documentation.
NUR 7161 – Theoretical and Scientific Underpinnings for Nursing Practice
Examines the integration of nursing theory and scientific evidence in guiding practice and decision-making. Students analyze nursing and interdisciplinary theories, learn the theory construction process, and apply theoretical frameworks to improve quality outcomes.
NUR 7310 – Advanced Neurobiology and Psychopathophysiology
Focuses on neurobiological foundations and psychopathophysiological processes related to mental disorders across the lifespan. Students explore etiology, prevalence, developmental theories, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based interventions, with attention to ethical and cultural considerations.
NUR 7560 – Advanced Pharmacology
Covers advanced pharmacologic principles including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenomics. Students examine major drug classes, safe prescribing practices, influencing factors, and legal considerations for patients across the lifespan.
NUR 7315 – Advanced Psychopharmacology
Builds on advanced pharmacology concepts, focusing on psychotropic medications for psychiatric conditions across the lifespan. Topics include pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenetics, ethical prescribing, and collaboration to optimize outcomes.
NUR 7330 – Psychotherapy for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practice
Introduces psychotherapeutic theories, modalities, and skills for PMHNP practice. Students learn culturally responsive approaches, therapeutic communication, crisis management, and evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, trauma therapy, and complementary interventions, supported by 50 hours of simulation.
NUR 7350 – PMHNP: Acute and Chronic Management of Child/Adolescent with Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions
Addresses assessment, diagnosis, and management of psychiatric conditions in children and adolescents. Students apply evidence-based theories, screening tools, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and interprofessional collaboration to deliver culturally inclusive care.
NUR 7541 – PMHNP Role Practicum I Child & Adolescent Populations
Provides 180 clinical hours focused on applying coursework in child and adolescent psychiatric care. Students develop skills in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and collaborative practice.
NUR 7375 – PMHNP: Acute and Chronic Management of the Adult and Older Adult with Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions
Covers advanced psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and management for adult and older adult populations. Includes psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and strategies for health promotion, disease prevention, and culturally inclusive care.
NUR 7542 – PMHNP Role Practicum II Adult and Older Adult Populations
Involves 180 clinical hours applying advanced psychiatric care concepts to adults and older adults. Students refine diagnostic reasoning, treatment planning, and collaborative practice skills.
NUR 7327 – APRN Transition to Practice
Prepares students for national board certification and the transition into the PMHNP role. Emphasizes integrating evidence-based interventions, understanding scope of practice, and coordinating mental health services.
NUR 7543 – PMHNP Role Practicum III Diverse/Special Populations
Requires 225 clinical hours focusing on psychiatric care for diverse and special populations. Students enhance assessment, diagnosis, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and cultural competence in specialized practice areas.
NUR 7577 – PMHNP MSN Capstone
Combines certification preparation with a culminating capstone project. Students design a quality improvement plan addressing community-based psychiatric care needs, integrating interprofessional strategies for diverse populations.
More curriculum info here: https://catalog.usa.edu/content.php?catoid=49&navoid=3453
The program requires 630-754 practicum hours (depending on start date) across three clinical rotations focusing on different population groups. Students complete a community engagement capstone project integrating evidence-based practice principles.
MSN Program Requirements:
- ADN (RN-entry) or BSN (BSN-entry) with minimum 2.8 GPA
- Unrestricted RN license in state of residence
- One year full-time RN experience
- 500-word career goals essay
- Two professional references from educators/supervisors
- Professional resume/CV
- Background check and drug screening
- Interview if requested
DNP PMHNP Program
The estimated cost for the DNP PMHNP program is approximately $91,525 and takes 4 years to complete on a full-time basis.
Curriculum
The doctoral curriculum emphasizes leadership, clinical excellence, and systems thinking for advanced psychiatric practice. Students complete 77 credit hours including interprofessional education, healthcare informatics, population health, and advanced practice management.
The program requires 1,334 practicum hours across specialized rotations plus additional DNP practicum experiences.
Advanced coursework covers program planning, data-driven evaluation, operations management, and healthcare finance.
Students develop expertise in leading interprofessional teams and influencing mental health policy.
DNP Program Requirements:
- BSN (BSN-entry) or MSN (MSN-entry) with minimum 3.0 GPA
- Unrestricted RN license in state of residence
- One year full-time RN experience by first practicum
- 500-word career goals statement
- Two professional references from educators/supervisors
- Professional resume/CV
- Background check and drug screening
- Interview if requested
Post-Graduate Certificate Program
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate Certificate ranges from $27,023 (APRN-entry, 28 credits) to $35,151 (Non-APRN-entry, 37 credits) and takes 1.7-2 years to complete.
Curriculum
The certificate curriculum focuses on psychiatric-specific competencies including advanced neurobiology, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy techniques.
Students complete practicum rotations in child/adolescent, adult/older adult, and diverse populations.
APRN-entry students complete 585-754 practicum hours while Non-APRN-entry students complete additional foundational courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment.
Post-Graduate Certificate Requirements:
- MSN or DNP with minimum 3.0 GPA
- Current RN license (MSN-entry) or APRN license (APRN-entry)
- One year full-time RN experience (2,000 hours)
- 500-word career goals essay
- Two professional references
- Background check and drug screening
Prerequisites & Admissions
Tuition
Graduate programs cost approximately $920 to $1200 per credit hour. Technology fees are $600-650 per trimester. Books and associated expenses range $100-318 per trimester.
Based on the USAHS tuition data, the cost per credit hour varies by program:
MSN PMHNP Programs:
- RN to MSN: $923.09 per credit
- BSN to MSN: $953.22 per credit
DNP PMHNP Program:
- BSN to DNP: $1,188.64 per credit
Post-Graduate Certificate Programs:
- APRN-entry: $965.11 per credit
- Non-APRN-entry: $950.03 per credit
The average cost across all PMHNP programs is approximately $996 per credit hour. The DNP program has the highest per-credit cost, which is typical for doctoral-level programs. The MSN programs range from $923-953 per credit, while the certificate programs fall in the $950-965 range.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
USAHS nursing programs are accredited by appropriate nursing education accrediting bodies and meet state licensure requirements. The programs prepare graduates for national certification examinations and licensure in all 50 states and U.S. territories.
Other Nursing Programs
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Role Specialty
- Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Role Specialty
- Nurse Executive Role Specialty
- Nurse Educator Role Specialty
- BSN to DNP programs
- MSN to DNP programs
Related PMHNP Programs
View All PMHNP Programs in Florida
- Florida Atlantic University - Boca Raton
- Florida National University - Hialeah
- Florida Southern College - Lakeland
- Florida State - Tallahassee
- Jacksonville University - Jacksonville
- St Thomas University - Miami Gardens
- University of Florida - Gainesville
- University of North Florida - Jacksonville