Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN – PMHNP | $34,545 | About 2.5 years |
| Graduate Certificate – PMHNP | $26,600 | About 1.5 years |
Unique features include virtual simulation labs, board-prep review sessions, and guidance from a dedicated Experiential Learning team.
Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MSN-PMHNP program is $34,545 and would take about 2.5 years to complete full-time.
Estimate based on 47 credits × about $735 per credit.
MSN Curriculum
Advanced Pathophysiology
This course examines advanced pathophysiologic processes and human responses across the lifespan. Students analyze normal and altered physiology to understand how disease develops and progresses in major organ systems.
Advanced Pharmacology: Psychopharmacology for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
This course introduces advanced concepts in neuroscience and psychopharmacology for managing mental health conditions across the lifespan. Students study major psychotropic drug classes, indications, dosing principles, and monitoring for safety and effectiveness.
Differential Diagnosis in Psychiatric-Mental Health Across the Lifespan Practicum
This course develops foundational skills in formulating differential diagnoses for clients in psychiatric mental health settings. Students learn to apply the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and organize client data in a logical sequence to arrive at evidence-based diagnoses across the lifespan. The course includes 125 hours of supervised clinical practicum.
Advanced Pharmacology Fundamentals
This course reviews core pharmacologic principles, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenomics, and therapeutic decision-making. Students learn to select, prescribe, and monitor medications for common acute and chronic conditions encountered in advanced practice, with an emphasis on safe and effective use.
Psychiatric Assessment for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
This course focuses on comprehensive psychiatric assessment across the lifespan. Students practice conducting a psychiatric interview, gathering a detailed mental health history, and performing a focused review of systems while using established advanced practice standards.
Advanced Physical Assessment (L=25)
This course builds advanced health assessment skills for the advanced practice nurse. Students refine history-taking and physical examination techniques for patients across the lifespan, including elements specific to psychiatric and supportive assessments, and complete a 25-hour lab component.
Diagnosis & Management in Psychiatric-Mental Health Across the Lifespan I Practicum
This course introduces the integration of psychosocial theories and psychotherapy modalities into psychiatric mental health practice. Students begin to apply health promotion, illness prevention, diagnosis, and basic management strategies for acute and chronic mental health conditions in a supervised practicum setting, using both psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.
Diagnosis & Management in Psychiatric-Mental Health II Practicum
This course deepens diagnostic and management skills with a focus on perinatal, child, and adolescent populations. Students apply psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions, along with education, follow-up, and referral, while caring for younger clients in a precepted psychiatric mental health setting.
Diagnosis & Management in Psychiatric-Mental Health III Practicum
This course emphasizes care of clients with complex psychiatric conditions and psychiatric emergencies. Students strengthen their abilities in advanced assessment, diagnosis, and management of challenging mental health presentations across the lifespan, using medication management, psychotherapy, teaching, and coordinated referrals in supervised practice.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Capstone Practicum & Intensive
This course serves as the culminating clinical experience for the PMHNP student. Learners synthesize prior coursework and practicum experiences to manage diverse psychiatric cases, refine clinical decision-making, and critique their own practice through case discussions and chart reviews. The supervised practicum prepares students for entry-level PMHNP practice across the lifespan and supports readiness for national board certification.
MSN Clinicals
- 625 supervised clinical hours (Kansas residents: 750 hours)
- Includes medication management and psychotherapy experience
- Clinicals may include outpatient, primary care, and lifespan-focused psychiatry
- Two campus visits required: immersion event and final intensive
MSN Admissions
- RN license required
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Background check, compliance documentation, drug screen, and CPR certification
- Transfer credit evaluation available
Graduate Certificate – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the PMHNP Certificate is $26,600 and would take about 1.5 years to complete on a full-time basis.
Estimate based on 35 credits × about $760 per credit.
Certificate Curriculum
- Leadership and Role Development
- Population Health and Epidemiology for Advanced Practice
- Advanced Physical Assessment
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology Fundamentals
- Psychopharmacology for PMHNP
- Psychiatric Assessment
- Diagnosis & Management I-III
- PMHNP Capstone Practicum & Intensive
Certificate Clinicals
- 650 total practicum hours across multiple psychiatric settings
- Includes exposure to lifespan care, psychotherapy, and advanced PMHNP skills
- Two required on-campus clinical weekends
Certificate Admissions
- Master’s or doctoral nursing degree required
- Valid RN license
- Screening, onboarding, and compliance steps required
Tuition
Graduate nursing tuition is estimated at about $735 per credit, with additional clinical, technology, and course-related fees depending on the track and location.
Accreditation
Chamberlain University’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and operate under the Higher Learning Commission.
Other Nursing Programs Offered
- MSN (various NP specialties)
- DNP
- RN-BSN
- Post-Graduate Nurse Practitioner Certificates