Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Estimated Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN in PMHNP | $51,888 | < 2 years full-time |
| Post-Graduate Certificate | $41,952 | Flexible timeline |
The university maintains an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio for personalized attention from experienced, practicing nurse practitioners. Graduates pass the ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certification exam at rates higher than the national average.
Master of Science Nursing in PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MSN PMHNP program is approximately $51,888 (47 credits × $1,104/credit) and takes less than 2 years to complete full-time, with part-time options available.
Curriculum
The 47-credit MSN program includes:
NRPY 710 – Mental Health Diagnosis
The course trains students to assess and diagnose mental health conditions using DSM-5 criteria. Students learn to distinguish psychiatric from medical causes and select appropriate tests. The approach is holistic and patient-centered.
NRPY 725 – Neuropsychopharmacology
The course prepares students to prescribe and monitor psychotropic drugs across the lifespan. Instruction links neurobiology to medication choice and dosing, with attention to safety, ethics, and legal issues.
NRPY 732 – Psychotherapeutic Modalities
The course builds theory for managing common mental health conditions with psychotherapy. Students develop differential diagnoses and treatment plans using evidence-based guidelines and consider biological, developmental, and cultural factors.
NRPY 733C – Mental Health Nursing Clinical I
The clinical course applies DSM-5 assessment and diagnosis in real settings. Students design age-appropriate plans using pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies and complete 180 supervised hours.
NRPY 746 – Pediatric Mental Health
The course addresses assessment and treatment of mental health disorders from infancy through young adulthood. Students use current guidelines to build plans and integrate health promotion.
NRPY 747C – Mental Health Nursing Clinical II
The clinical course advances PMHNP competencies in assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning with DSM-5 and evidence-based guidelines. Students complete 180 supervised clinical hours.
NRPY 763 – Geropsychiatry
The course covers management of complex mental health needs in older adults. Students integrate psychopharmacology and age-specific considerations into comprehensive treatment plans.
NRPY 774 – Mental Health Across the Lifespan
The course prepares students to deliver individual and group psychotherapy using established frameworks. Training emphasizes therapeutic communication and collaboration across disciplines.
NRPY 775C – Mental Health Nursing Clinical III
The capstone clinical sequence evaluates advanced PMHNP competencies in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning using DSM-5 and best-practice guidelines. Students complete 180 supervised hours across varied settings.
NRPY 799 – Mental Health Capstone
The course synthesizes program learning in a professional portfolio and presentation. Students outline an evidence-based practice change proposal and reflect on achievement of program outcomes.
The curriculum reflects the Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing (AACN) and Outcomes and Competencies for Graduates of Master’s Programs (NLN).
More curriculum details available in the course catalog here.
Clinicals
Students complete clinical hours across three progressive clinical courses:
- Mental Health Nursing Clinical I (4 credits)
- Mental Health Nursing Clinical II (4 credits)
- Mental Health Nursing Clinical III (4 credits)
Clinical experiences include direct patient care in psychiatric practice settings with hands-on experience in inpatient, outpatient, and community settings. Students also participate in virtual simulations through the Health Assessment Lab.
Prerequisites & Admissions
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from accredited institution
- Current, valid, unrestricted RN license in U.S. jurisdiction or Canadian province
- Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on 4.0 scale
- One professional recommendation
- Official transcripts from previous nursing programs
- Resume/CV
- Professional essay
- Application fee waived
- Out-of-state applicants should contact appropriate licensing agency in their state of residence
Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate is approximately $41,952 (38 credits × $1,104/credit) and can be completed on a flexible timeline for working nurses.
Curriculum
The 38-credit certificate program includes:
- MSN Orientation Seminar (0 credits)
- Advanced Nursing Core (9 credits): Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment (with lab)
- PMHNP Concentration (28 credits): Mental Health Diagnosis, Neuropsychopharmacology, Psychotherapeutic Modalities, Pediatric Mental Health, Geropsychiatry, Mental Health Across the Lifespan
- Clinical Courses: Mental Health Nursing Clinical I, II, and III (12 credits total)
- Capstone (1 credit): Mental Health Capstone
Certificate students follow the same clinical and didactic sequence as MSN students.
Clinicals
Certificate students complete the same clinical requirements as MSN students:
- Mental Health Nursing Clinical I (4 credits)
- Mental Health Nursing Clinical II (4 credits)
- Mental Health Nursing Clinical III (4 credits)
Clinical placements available in diverse psychiatric settings including behavioral health clinics, psychiatric facilities, and community mental health centers. Students must maintain current RN license in any state where clinical coursework is performed.
Prerequisites & Admissions
- Master of Science in Nursing from regionally accredited institution
- Overall GPA of 3.0 or better on 4.0 scale
- Official transcripts indicating completion of master’s degree
- Current, unrestricted RN license in U.S. jurisdiction
- Must maintain current RN license in any state where clinical coursework is performed
Tuition
Graduate nursing courses cost $1,104 per credit hour. Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) members receive a 20% tuition discount. Application fees are waived for all applicants.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
Davenport University’s Master of Science in Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) through 2027, with a 10-year term of accreditation.
Licensure Disclosure
Davenport has determined this program meets licensure requirements for: Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania. Students residing in other states should contact Dr. Jessica Abernathy for additional information regarding their state’s requirements.
Other Nursing Programs
Davenport University College of Health Professions offers additional nursing programs:
- Master of Science in Nursing — Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
- Master of Science in Nursing — Nurse Educator Concentration
- Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate
- Nurse Educator Postgraduate Certificate
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- BSN Completion Partnership Programs
- BSN Concurrent Partnership Programs
More PMHNP Programs in Michigan
View All PMHNP Programs in Michigan
- Michigan State University - East Lansing
- Saginaw Valley State - Saginaw
- Spring Arbor University - Spring Arbor
- Wayne State - Detroit