Charles R Drew PMHNP Programs

University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles, CA

Charles R. Drew University offers 2 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks:

  • Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP)
  • Post-Master’s Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMC-PMHNP)

Both programs utilize a hybrid format with weekend-intensive instruction (one weekend per month with 4 consecutive days), combining in-person and web-enhanced learning for flexibility.

Program Tracks Overview

Program NameEst. TuitionEst. Duration
MSN PMHNP$106,5005 semesters (about 2.5 years) full-time
Certificate PMHNP$59,50016–20 months

The programs emphasize serving underserved populations and provide clinical experiences at prestigious facilities including Kedren Acute Psychiatric Hospital, UCLA Neuropsychiatry, KECK USC, and Harbor UCLA.

MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The estimated cost for the MSN-PMHNP program is $106,500, with a total 5-semester (approximately 2.5 years) full-time completion timeline.

MSN Curriculum

The 59-credit MSN-PMHNP curriculum prepares BSN-prepared registered nurses for advanced practice roles managing mental health care across the lifespan, with training focused on adults, aging adults, children, adolescents, and the LGBTQ community.

The program follows a cohort model with Fall, Spring, and Summer start dates.

Course Sequence:

Semester 1

NUR 616 – Advanced Pathophysiology
Students study disease-related changes in body systems and connect those changes to signs, symptoms, and test results. The course builds skill in differential diagnosis and treatment decisions through case work and problem solving.

NUR 620 – Advanced Physical Assessment
Students learn advanced adult health and mental status assessment methods across the lifespan. The course emphasizes history taking, exam skills, and interpretation of lab and diagnostic findings.

NUR 610 – Advanced Pharmacology
Students expand drug therapy knowledge for safe prescribing and medication management. The course covers pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and major drug classes using cases, discussion, and applied exercises.

Semester 2

NUR 631 – Health Promotion/Disease Prevention
Students examine health promotion and prevention strategies through a public health lens. The course links population trends, disease patterns, and public health measures to planning and policy decisions.

NUR 641 – Primary/Mental Health Care I
Students review biopsychosocial theories and core concepts in psychiatric care and rehabilitation. The course addresses mental health needs for adults, children, and families and supports clinical reasoning for treatment planning.

NUR 621 – Advanced Nursing Theory
Students analyze how nursing knowledge develops and how theory guides professional practice. The course compares key ideas from nursing, science, and the humanities and applies them to care across the lifespan.

NUR 637 – Advanced Psychopharmacology
Students study psychotropic medication use for psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. The course emphasizes medication selection, adverse effects, and culturally responsive care, with discussion of complementary approaches.

Semester 3

NUR 627 – Advanced Biostatistics & Epidemiology
Students learn epidemiology and biostatistics tools used to interpret health data and support care decisions. The course focuses on practical application for evidence-based practice.

NUR 628 – Health Systems Management
Students examine how the U.S. health system works and how policy shapes access, cost, and outcomes. The course also compares international systems and reviews population health influences.

NUR 644 – Primary/Mental Health Care II
Students complete supervised clinical experiences focused on assessment and management of severe or persistent mental illness. The course strengthens direct care skills through real patient encounters.

NUR 642 – Cultural Diversity
Students learn culturally responsive nursing approaches that address health beliefs, disparities, and resource access. The course emphasizes care planning for diverse populations.

Semester 4

NUR 635 – Nursing Research
Students build an evidence-based project or research proposal from start to finish. The course covers problem statements, literature review, methods, timeline, and evaluation planning.

NUR 639 – Perspectives
Students explore social, ethical, and policy issues that shape nursing and healthcare. The course also builds leadership skills tied to group dynamics and ethical decision making.

NUR 638 – Individual Psychotherapy
Students develop psychotherapy case formulation and treatment planning skills for the PMHNP role. The course emphasizes evidence-based interventions and how external factors influence mental health services.

Semester 5

NUR 640 – Psychotherapy w/ Group and Families
Students study group and family therapy theory and system dynamics. The course trains students to assess complex situations and choose appropriate interventions in clinical settings.

NUR 646 – PMHNP Practicum
Students provide supervised psychiatric care in diverse clinical settings, including underserved communities. The practicum integrates psychotherapy, medication management concepts, legal standards, and team-based care with a focus on wellness and prevention.

NUR 645 – PMHNP Preparation
Students complete structured review to prepare for the ANCC PMHNP certification exam. The course strengthens test readiness, clinical reasoning, and study habits through guided practice.

More curriculum details are available here.

MSN Clinicals

The MSN-PMHNP program requires 630 clinical hours distributed across five semesters in immersion practicum experiences at faculty-approved, precepted clinical settings.

Clinical hours begin with 45 hours in Semester 1 (Advanced Pharmacology), progress through 90 hours each in Semesters 2 and 3, increase to 135 hours in Semester 4 (Individual Psychotherapy), and culminate with 270 hours in Semester 5 (Psychotherapy with Groups/Families and PMHNP Practicum).

Students complete rotations at facilities including Kedren Acute Psychiatric Hospital, Gateways Hospital, College Medical Center, UCLA Neuropsychiatry, KECK USC, and Harbor UCLA.

MSN Admissions Requirements

Prerequisites and Application Requirements:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited college/university (or equivalent U.S. degree based on approved foreign credential evaluation)
  • Absolute cumulative GPA of 3.0 required
  • Current and unrestricted registered nurse license in the state of California
  • Statistics course (3 units) completed with grade of “C” or better prior to matriculation
  • Official transcripts from all regionally accredited post-secondary schools attended
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Three letters of recommendation (academic/professional), with two from current or past nursing supervisor/manager addressing work relationships, competence, communication/interpersonal skills, leadership potential, and values/ethical standards
  • Personal Goal Statement (2-3 pages) demonstrating goals congruent with the MMDCON, University, and chosen specialty
  • Complete NursingCAS Application
  • International students: Course-by-course evaluation from approved agencies (WES, JSA, GCE, IERF, ACEI, or AACRAO IES); TOEFL minimum score 84 with at least 24 in speaking and writing sections

Application Deadlines:

  • Fall Semester (begins early January): December 1st
  • Spring Semester (begins mid-May): May 1st
  • Summer Semester (begins late August): August 1st

Post-Master’s Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The estimated cost for the PMC-PMHNP program is $59,500 annually in tuition, with completion in 16-20 months depending on prior coursework (4-semester curriculum for those with Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Physical Assessment, and Advanced Pharmacology; 5-semester otherwise).

Certificate Curriculum

The 47-credit Post-Master’s Certificate prepares master’s-prepared nurses for PMHNP specialization through a flexible executive-education format with weekend-intensive instruction.

The program awards eligibility for the PMHNP-BC credential through ANCC certification examinations.

Course Sequence (5-Semester Plan):

Semester 1 (10 credits):

  • NUR 610 Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
  • NUR 616 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
  • NUR 620 Advanced Physical Assessment (4 credits)

Semester 2 (9 credits):

  • NUR 631 Health Promotion/Disease Prevention (3 credits)
  • NUR 641 Primary/Mental Health Care I (4 credits)
  • NUR 637 Advanced Psychopharmacology (2 credits)

Semester 3 (7 credits):

  • NUR 644 Primary/Mental Health Care II (4 credits)
  • NUR 627 Advanced Biostatistics and Epidemiology (3 credits)

Semester 4 (9 credits):

  • NUR 638 Individual Psychotherapy (6 credits)
  • NUR 635 Nursing Research (3 credits)*

Semester 5 (12 credits):

  • NUR 640 Psychotherapy with Group and Families (4 credits)
  • NUR 646 PMHNP Practicum (7 credits)
  • NUR 645 PMHNP Preparation (1 credit)

*Note: CDU-FNP alumni who completed NUR 635 in their FNP program may substitute NUR 599 Independent Study (2 units) for financial aid eligibility.

More curriculum details are available here.

Certificate Clinicals

The Post-Master’s Certificate requires 630 clinical hours across four or five semesters in immersion practicum experiences at faculty-approved, in-person, precepted clinical settings.

Clinical progression mirrors the MSN program: 45 hours in Semester 1, 90 hours each in Semesters 2 and 3, 135 hours in Semester 4, and 270 hours in the final semester.

Students train at the same prestigious facilities as MSN students, including Kedren Acute Psychiatric Hospital, UCLA Neuropsychiatry, KECK USC, Harbor UCLA, and Kern Medical Center.

Admissions Requirements

Prerequisites and Application Requirements:

  • Master of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited college/university (or equivalent U.S. degree based on approved foreign credential evaluation)
  • Absolute cumulative GPA of 3.0 required
  • Current and unrestricted registered nurse license in the state of California
  • Statistics course (3 units) completed with grade of “C” or better prior to matriculation
  • Official transcripts from all regionally accredited post-secondary schools attended
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Three letters of recommendation (academic/professional), with two from current or past nursing supervisor/manager addressing work relationships, competence, communication/interpersonal skills, leadership potential, and values/ethical standards
  • Personal Goal Statement (2-3 pages) demonstrating career plans congruent with MMDCON, University, and specialty goals
  • Complete NursingCAS Application
  • Computer proficiency required (word processing and internet/web skills)
  • International students: Course-by-course evaluation from approved agencies; TOEFL minimum score 84 with at least 24 in speaking and writing sections

Application Deadlines:

  • Fall Semester (begins late August): August 1st
  • Spring Semester (begins early January): December 1st
  • Summer Semester (begins mid-May): May 1st

Tuition

Graduate tuition for the MSN-PMHNP program is $42,600 annually (flat rate), while the Post-Master’s Certificate program charges $35,700 annually ($32,100 for CDU ELM alumni).

Total estimated annual cost of attendance ranges from $82,757-$109,657 depending on living arrangements (with parent/relative vs. off-campus), including tuition, living expenses, transportation ($4,400), books and supplies ($2,635), personal expenses ($13,400), medical insurance ($5,066), and loan fees ($1,556 if applicable).

See the official tuition page for more details.

Accreditation

Charles R. Drew University’s Mervyn M. Dymally College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the university holds regional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Both the MSN-PMHNP and Post-Master’s Certificate programs prepare graduates for ANCC certification examinations to earn the PMHNP-BC credential.

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