| Program | Est. Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN – PMHNP | $35,482.50 | 3 years part-time |
| Post-Graduate APRN Certificate – PMHNP | $35,482.50 | ~3 years part-time |
Students collaborate with clinical coordinator to identify preceptors, with faculty vetting sites and establishing clinical contracts. Briar Cliff’s PMHNP program ranked #2 Online MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Program on nursepractitioneronline.com in 2025.
Program Tracks Overview
Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MSN PMHNP program is approximately $35,482.50 for 2025-2026 and takes 3 years part-time to complete over 8 semesters including 2 summers.
Estimate based on 54.5 credits at $585/credit plus $67/credit fees, plus $75 clinical credit fees.
MSN Curriculum
The 54.5-credit MSN program combines foundational core courses with specialized PMHNP training.
Courses operate in 8-week, 12-week, or 16-week formats.
Core Courses
NURS 501 — Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice (2 sem. hrs.)
Studies major nursing theories and related disciplines. Links theory to research and clinical decisions. Addresses ethical, legal, cultural, and political factors that shape practice.
NURS 510 — Health Care Systems: Paradigms, Policy and Ethics (3 sem. hrs.)
Explores how policy, ethics, financing, and law drive care delivery in the U.S. and globally. Evaluates the nurse practitioner’s role in advocacy and system improvement. Applies frameworks to real policy cases.
NURS 520 — Foundations for Advanced Practice (2 sem. hrs.)
Defines core NP role functions across care, education, and leadership. Reviews collaboration, communication, and legal duties. Starts role socialization through targeted activities.
NURS 529 — Research Methods for Advanced Practice (3 sem. hrs.)
Covers quantitative and qualitative designs for clinical questions. Teaches appraisal of evidence and study quality. Produces a focused proposal ready for committee review.
NURS 550 — Advanced Human Pathophysiology (3 sem. hrs.)
Explains altered physiology from cell to system level across the lifespan. Connects mechanisms to signs, tests, and interventions. Highlights common conditions seen in advanced practice.
NURS 570 — Advanced Pharmacology (3 sem. hrs.)
Reviews major drug classes and prescribing principles. Emphasizes dosing, monitoring, interactions, and safety. Aligns choices with evidence and scope.
NURS 621 — EBP I (2 sem. hrs.)
Builds a clear clinical question and evidence plan. Maps sources, selection criteria, and outcomes. Delivers an implementation and evaluation blueprint.
NURS 622 — EBP II (1 sem. hr.)
Advances the project with stakeholder input and feasibility checks. Finalizes measures and data capture steps. Prepares IRB or organizational approvals if needed.
NURS 624 — EBP III (1 sem. hr.)
Completes analysis and interprets results for practice use. Prepares a concise report and presentation. Outlines sustainment and spread actions.
NURS 631 — Advanced Health Assessment (4 sem. hrs.)
Sharpens history taking, physical exam, and diagnostic selection across the lifespan. Distinguishes normal from abnormal with structured reasoning. Uses lab sessions to practice advanced techniques.
NURS 632 — Advanced Practice Skills (FNP/AGNP only) (1 sem. hr.)
Practices common NP procedures in a controlled setting. Focuses on safe technique, documentation, and patient education. Builds confidence for first clinical rotations.
NURS 675 — Cultural Competence in Healthcare (3 sem. hrs.)
Examines how culture, language, and belief systems affect care. Develops strategies for communication and shared decisions. Applies tools that reduce disparities.
NURS 760 — Population Health: Disease Prevention and Management (2 sem. hrs.)
Assesses risk at individual and community levels. Plans screening, counseling, and chronic disease follow-up. Reviews programs that improve access and outcomes.
Psychiatric Mental Health NP Concentration
NURS 617 — Therapeutic Modalities for APNs (6 sem. hrs.)
Introduces key psychotherapies for individuals, groups, and families. Matches modality to diagnosis, goals, and setting. Applies skills during supervised practicum hours.
NURS 647 — Neuroscience of Psychopharmacology for APNs (3 sem. hrs.)
Links neurobiology to medication effects and side effects. Compares psychotropic classes and selection logic. Plans safe initiation, titration, and monitoring.
NURS 717 — Advanced PMH Nursing with Adults (5 sem. hrs.)
Manages adult psychiatric disorders using guidelines and measurement-based care. Integrates psychotherapy and medications in stepped plans. Completes supervised hours in approved sites.
NURS 727 — Advanced PMH Nursing with Children, Adolescents, and Older Adults (6.5 sem. hrs.)
Addresses age-specific assessment and treatment from childhood through late life. Adjusts therapy plans for development, cognition, and comorbidity. Completes extended supervised clinical hours.
NURS 767 — Practicum in PMH Advanced Practice Nursing (5 sem. hrs.)
Synthesizes the full PMHNP role with progressive independence under supervision. Leads interprofessional care, documentation, and follow-up. Demonstrates readiness for entry-level practice and certification.
More curriculum details are available in the academic catalog.
MSN Clinicals
Students complete 750 total clinical hours distributed across five clinical courses:
- Advanced Health Assessment Lab (40 hours)
- Therapeutic Modalities (180 hours)
- Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing with Adults (120 hours)
- Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing with Children/Adolescents/Older Adults (210 hours)
- Practicum in Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Nursing (240 hours)
750-hour clinical component includes experience in rural, underserved, or multicultural setting. Students share role in identifying preceptors for clinical experiences, especially outside Siouxland Region.
Clinical coordinator in collaboration with NP faculty vets preceptors, sites, and establishes clinical contracts. Clinical placements arranged close to student’s home where they can make meaningful difference.
PMHNP students attend 2 mandatory on-site days at BCU campus during Summer Year 1 for Advanced Health Assessment. Preceptors include nurse practitioners, medical doctors, and physician assistants with active license, board certification, and two years practice experience.
Preceptors appointed as Adjunct Clinical Faculty with access to BCU Bishop Mueller Library and credit toward ANCC/AANP recertification.
MSN Prerequisites & Admissions
- Formal application for admission
- Current resume and/or curriculum vitae
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA from undergraduate BSN program
- Official transcripts from all prior undergraduate and graduate study documenting baccalaureate degree in nursing from CCNE, CNEA, or ACEN accredited program with upper division major in nursing including Nursing Research and Statistics courses
- Minimum 2,000 hours of clinical nursing practice as registered nurse within two years prior to enrollment in first nursing specialty course (employment verified by employer)
- Goal statement demonstrating logical thinking and writing skills including: short-term and long-term professional goals (maximum 250 words), professional leadership and work experience details (maximum 250 words), areas of inquiry for graduate studies (maximum 100 words), applicant signature and date
- Evidence of RN licensure in state of licensure
- Computer proficiency in email, Word, Excel, PowerPoint; functional webcam and microphone required for application process and online course participation
- Two letters of reference/recommendation from individuals within profession; one from individual with advanced degree (APRN, DNP, MD, DO preferred)
- Non-refundable $250 matriculation fee required after acceptance to hold place in cohort group (applied to first semester tuition)
- No GRE required
- No thesis required
- Applications accepted year-round
- Program begins twice yearly in fall and spring terms
- Up to 9 graduate credits can be transferred from another institution
- Students must be enrolled in 5 or more graduate credits to qualify for federal financial aid loans
- Out-of-state applicants: select states require approval prior to Allen College offering online courses and clinical study; BCU has not made determination that MSN curricula meet educational requirements for states other than Iowa; students encouraged to contact state licensing boards
- Medical or religious immunization exemptions available under Iowa law with proper documentation; individual clinical sites may have additional requirements
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate APRN Certificate PMHNP program is approximately $35,482.50 for 2025-2026 and takes 3 years to complete. Individualized plan of study varies based on each individual’s transcript evaluation.
Estimate based on 54.5 credits at $585/credit plus $67/credit fees, plus $75 clinical credit fees.
Certificate Curriculum
The 54.5-credit certificate consists of identical PMHNP coursework as MSN program for nurses who have completed Master of Science in Nursing degree. Courses numbered differently but content equivalent.
Year 1 Coursework:
Fall:
- 501: Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Practice LIBS 501 (2 cr, 8 weeks)
- 520: Foundations of Advanced Practice (2 cr, 8 weeks)
- 550: Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr, 16 weeks)
Spring:
- 529: Research Methods for APN (3 cr, 16 weeks)
- 570: Advanced Pharmacology (3 cr, 16 weeks)
- 760: Population Health (2 cr, 8 weeks)
Summer:
- 631: Advanced Health Assessment + Lab (Hybrid) (4 cr; 3:1 ratio, 12 weeks, 40 clinical hours)
- 675: Cultural Competence in Health Care (3 cr; 3:0 ratio, 12 weeks)
Year 2 Coursework:
Fall:
- 647: Neuroscience of Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing (3 cr, 16 weeks)
- 510: Health Care Systems (3 cr, 8 weeks)
Spring:
- 617: Therapeutic Modalities for Advanced Practice Nursing (6 cr, 16 weeks, 180 clinical hours)
Summer:
- 717: Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing with Adults (5 cr; 3:2 ratio, 12 weeks, 120 clinical hours)
- 621: EBP I (2 cr, 12 weeks)
Year 3 Coursework:
Fall:
- 727: Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing with Children, Adolescents, and Older Adults (6.5 cr; 3:3.5 ratio, 16 weeks, 210 clinical hours)
- 622: EBP II (1 cr, 16 weeks)
Spring:
- 767: Practicum in Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Nursing (5 cr; 1:4 ratio, 16 weeks, 240 clinical hours)
- 624: EBP III (1 cr, 16 weeks)
Certificate Clinicals
Certificate students complete 750 total clinical hours across five clinical courses identical to MSN program:
- Advanced Health Assessment Lab (40 hours)
- Therapeutic Modalities (180 hours)
- Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing with Adults (120 hours)
- Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing with Children/Adolescents/Older Adults (210 hours)
- Practicum (240 hours)
Students attend 2 mandatory on-site days during Summer Year 1 for Advanced Health Assessment at BCU campus in Sioux City. Clinical placements arranged close to home in collaboration with clinical coordinator.
750-hour clinical component includes experience in rural, underserved, or multicultural setting. Students share role in identifying preceptors, especially outside Siouxland Region. Clinical coordinator and NP faculty vet preceptors, sites, and establish contracts.
First year 100% online; clinicals begin year two. Students should shift to part-time work during final 3 semesters if possible for full immersion in graduate education and clinical experiences.
Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions
- Formal application for admission
- Current resume and/or curriculum vitae
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA from undergraduate BSN program
- Official transcripts from all prior undergraduate and graduate study documenting MSN degree from CCNE, CNEA, or ACEN accredited program with upper division major in nursing including Physical Assessment, Nursing Research, Ethics, and Statistics courses
- Minimum 2,000 hours of clinical nursing practice as registered nurse within two years prior to enrollment in first nursing specialty course (employment verified by employer)
- Goal statement demonstrating logical thinking and writing skills including: short-term and long-term professional goals (maximum 250 words), professional leadership and work experience (maximum 250 words), areas of inquiry (maximum 100 words), applicant signature and date
- Evidence of RN licensure in Iowa or state participating in licensure compact prior to enrollment in first graduate nursing core course
- Computer proficiency in email, Word, Excel, PowerPoint; functional webcam and microphone required
- Two letters of reference/recommendation from individuals within profession; one from individual with advanced degree (APRN, DNP, MD, DO preferred)
- Non-refundable $250 matriculation fee after acceptance (applied to first semester tuition)
- Applications accepted year-round
- Part-time graduate program over 3 years or 8 semesters (includes 2 summers)
- Up to 9 graduate credits can be transferred from another institution
- Individualized plan of study based on transcript evaluation
- Students enrolled in 5+ graduate credits qualify for federal financial aid loans
- BCU has not determined MSN/Post-Graduate APRN certificate curricula meet educational requirements for states other than Iowa; students encouraged to contact state licensing boards
- Medical or religious immunization exemptions available under Iowa law; clinical sites may have additional requirements
Tuition
Graduate nursing tuition is $585 per credit hour for 2025-2026.
Student fees are $67 per credit hour. Clinical fee of $75 applies per clinical credit hour for courses with lab, practicum, or clinical components.
Additional out-of-pocket costs not billed by university: textbooks, clinical background check and tracking, assessment tools for clinical, and lab coats (required for all students).
Clinical application fees billed as course fees (similar to textbook fees), payable with financial aid assistance.
See the official costs page for more details at briarcliff.edu/future-chargers/tuition-and-aid/costs-and-financial-aid/graduate.
Financial Aid:
Students enrolled in 5 or more graduate credits qualify for federal financial aid loans. No scholarships offered by Briar Cliff University in graduate program; however, outside scholarship opportunities identified and shared throughout year. Loan forgiveness programs available: Health Professional Recruitment Program, Rural Iowa Primary Care Loan Repayment Program, Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program, and Federal Student Loan Forgiveness.
Program Outcomes
Certification Pass Rates (PMHNP First-Time):
- 2022: 75% ANCC, no AANP testers
- 2023: 100% ANCC, no AANP testers
- 2024: 80% ANCC, 100% AANP
Employment Rates: 100% of graduates employed within 12 months of completion (2022-2024)
Graduation Rates:
- 2023 cohort: 88% completion
- 2024 cohort: 82% completion
- 2025 cohort: 93% completion
Accreditation
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate programs at Briar Cliff University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
All BCU nursing programs approved by Iowa Board of Nursing and meet state educational requirements for licensure in Iowa.
Graduates eligible to sit for certification exam offered by ANCC.
BCU has not made determination that MSN and Post-Graduate APRN certificate curricula meet educational requirements for any other states; students from other states encouraged to contact state licensing boards.
Other Nursing Programs
Briar Cliff University offers additional graduate nursing programs:
- MSN tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
- Post-Graduate APRN Certificates: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Advanced practice doctoral program
Briar Cliff founded as women’s college in 1930, educating region’s most committed nurses for generations with tradition of nursing excellence. Programs provide clinically relevant graduate education in today’s evolving healthcare environment through dynamic learning opportunities and wide variety of specializations.
Graduates develop caring, holistic relationships and integrate art and science to promote health while serving as decision-making leaders in healthcare delivery. Programs feature caring veteran faculty mentors with decades of teaching and professional experience providing personal support never more than email, phone call, or video chat away.
Other Iowa PMHNP Programs
View All PMHNP Programs in Iowa
- Allen College - Waterloo
- University of Iowa - Iowa City