Program Tracks Overview
Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the PMHNP program is under $21,000 (in-state tuition only) for 42 credit hours, and would take up to three years (12 full academic semesters) to complete on a full-time basis.
Curriculum
The 42-credit PMHNP curriculum prepares graduates to assess, diagnose, prescribe medications, and evaluate care for individuals and families across the lifespan.
Major Core Requirements (22 Credits):
NURS 5100: Transition to Graduate Practice (1 Cr.)
Introduces graduate program expectations, scientific writing, advanced technology skills, and theoretical frameworks for scientific inquiry.
NURS 5005: Advanced Pathophysiology (3 Cr.)
Advanced anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of body systems across the lifespan, laying the foundation for primary care management of common disease processes.
NURS 5006: Advanced Pharmacology (3 Cr.)
Clinical application of advanced pharmacology, emphasizing safe, effective prescribing and monitoring of pharmacotherapeutics for common primary care conditions.
NURS 5007: Advanced Health Assessment (Didactic) (3 Cr.)
Develops comprehensive, advanced assessment skills across the lifespan, integrating communication, documentation, clinical reasoning, and the differential diagnosis process.
NURS 5008: Advanced Health Assessment Lab (1 Cr.)
Focus: Hands-on lab component applying advanced assessment and clinical reasoning principles; requires a mandatory on-campus intensive.
NURS 5106: Healthcare Policy & Population Health (3 Cr.)
Focus: Explores population- and community-based health principles, emphasizing the impact of social determinants of health, prevention, and healthcare finance on access to care.
NURS 5107: Scientific Inquiry (3 Cr.)
Covers nursing research methods, including PICOT formulation, scientific critique, and analysis, to establish the foundation for evidence-based practice and research proposal development.
NURS 5108: Advanced Role: Quality, Safety, & Ethics (3 Cr.)
Explores organizational leadership, quality improvement, patient safety, and ethical decision-making, along with strategies for effective team building and innovation.
NURS 5902: Capstone Project (2 Cr.)
Full design and planning of an outcome-driven research project, culminating in a scholarly manuscript interpreting and synthesizing the student’s chosen PICOT research question.
Concentration Requirements (20 Credits):
NURS 5711 – Advanced Psychiatric Care I (5 cr) Your first deep dive into PMHNP practice: master holistic assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment (psychotherapy + psychopharmacology) for mental health disorders across the lifespan while integrating cultural and technological considerations.
NURS 5712 – Advanced Psychiatric Care II (5 cr) Build on Care I with a special focus on children, adolescents, and older adults; refine diagnostic and therapeutic skills for complex and specialty populations using interprofessional, evidence-based approaches.
NURS 5811 – Advanced Psychiatric Practicum I (2 cr | 120 hours) Your first clinical rotation: step into the PMHNP role, apply diagnostic reasoning and advanced therapeutics in real-world settings alongside NURS 5712.
NURS 5812 – Advanced Psychiatric Practicum II (3 cr | 180 hours) Intermediate-level practicum emphasizing children, adolescents, and geriatric patients; expand your caseload and confidence in managing specialty mental health populations.
NURS 5819 – Advanced Psychiatric Residency (5 cr | 240 hours) Capstone immersion experience: function independently as a PMHNP under preceptor guidance, synthesizing everything you’ve learned while managing a full spectrum of patients across the lifespan (includes mandatory on-campus intensive).
More curriculum details are available here.
Clinicals
Prior to and throughout clinical rotations, students must maintain an unencumbered RN license in Tennessee or the state where the clinicals are completed, and hold personal health and professional liability insurance.
Students must submit proof of immunizations, including MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap, Flu, and COVID-19, or have an approved declination form on file for each facility.
Additional requirements include a criminal background check, annual HIPAA/OSHA training, and current health care provider CPR certification through the American Heart Association.
Prerequisites & Admissions
The Graduate Nursing Program admits students twice each calendar year (Summer and Spring).
- $45 application fee (Non-refundable)
- Official transcripts verifying a BSN with an overall GPA of 2.9 on a 4.0 scale.
- Applicant Resume.
- One-page Goal Statement detailing reasons for graduate study, interest in the PMHNP role, career objectives, and a plan for success.
- Proof of an unencumbered, current RN license in Tennessee or the clinical state.
- Successful completion of a three-semester or four-quarter hour undergraduate-level Statistics course.
Tuition
The graduate tuition at APSU is structured to be the lowest per credit hour in Tennessee. The estimated cost per credit hour for the Austin Peay State University (APSU) MSN-PMHNP program for in-state residents is approximately $500.
Students are able to earn their MSN for under $21,000 for in-state tuition only.
Additional graduate fees include a $45 application fee and charges related to the comprehensive exam and program services.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The APSU Graduate Nursing Program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates are eligible and prepared to sit for the PMHNP specialty certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Other Nursing Programs
APSU’s Master of Science in Nursing degree also offers the following concentrations:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Nurse Educator (NE)
Related Programs
View All PMHNP Programs in Tennessee
- East Tennessee State University - Johnson City
- Middle Tennessee State University - Murfreesboro
- Tennessee Tech University - Cookeville
- University of Tennessee - Knoxville
- Vanderbilt University - Nashville