Program Tracks Overview
| Program Track | Est. Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BSN to DNP – PMHNP | $53,760 | 3-4 years |
| MSN to DNP – PMHNP | $21,504 | 1.5-2 years |
| MSN – PMHNP | $32,256 | 2 years |
| Post-Graduate Certificate – PMHNP | $16,128 | 1.5-2 years |
The Post-Graduate PMHNP certificate program has a high pass rate on the PMHNP certification exam and was ranked among EduMed’s Best Online Programs for 2023.
Doctor of Nursing Practice – PMHNP (BSN to DNP)
The estimated cost for the BSN to DNP-PMHNP program is approximately $53,760 for in-state students (80 credits × $672/credit) and takes approximately 3-4 years to complete depending on full-time or part-time enrollment.
DNP Curriculum
The BSN to DNP-PMHNP program requires 80 credits including 23 core credits, 45 concentration credits, and 12 DNP project credits. Students complete requirements for the MSN (48 credits) within the integrated BSN to DNP curriculum.
Core Requirements (23 credits):
NRSE 5000 – Conceptual Systems for Advanced Nursing Practice
Introduces major ways of knowing and conceptual thinking that connect nursing research and practice. Students analyze and critique key concepts, theories, and models to support theory development and advanced clinical decision-making.
NRSE 5001 – Nursing Research for Evidence-based Practice
Covers research methods, design, and critical appraisal skills needed to evaluate nursing studies. Emphasizes applying research findings to solve clinical problems and support evidence-based practice.
NRSE 5006 – Advanced Role Development
Examines advanced nursing roles in clinical practice, administration, education, and research, with attention to role conflict and ambiguity. Builds skills in negotiation, entrepreneurship, contract development, and basic financial management for advanced practice.
NRSE 5030 – Scholarly Writing
Helps graduate nursing students strengthen professional and academic writing skills. Focuses on building evidence tables, writing critical literature reviews, and preparing proposals and manuscripts for scholarly projects and publications.
NRSE 5100 – Principles of Population Health and Data Analysis for Advanced Nursing Practice
Explores how age, gender, race, genetics, lifestyle, and environment affect population health and disease patterns. Students analyze rates and trends, use technology to study populations, and apply evidence and guidelines to propose interventions for specific groups.
NRSE 6002 – Health Policy Leadership
Develops skills to analyze how health policies are formed, assess existing policies, and lead change efforts. Emphasizes influencing health policy at local, state, and national levels as an advanced practice nurse.
NRSE 6050 – Quality/Translation
Prepares DNP students to translate nursing research into practice to improve outcomes, safety, efficiency, and cost of care. Focuses on quality improvement frameworks and strategies for implementing and sustaining practice change.
NRSE 6713 – Systems Management
Focuses on the nurse administrator’s role in managing complex health care systems. Uses a systems approach to examine organizational structures, processes, and leadership strategies.
IPE 572E – Interprofessional Experiences & Collaboration – Asynchronous Seminar 1
Introduces the interprofessional domains of Values & Ethics and Teams & Teamwork. Students work in small interprofessional groups in simulated settings to practice collaborative skills.
IPE 672E – Interprofessional Experiences & Collaboration – Asynchronous Seminar 2
Covers the interprofessional domains of Interprofessional Communication and Roles & Responsibilities. Uses small-group, simulated activities to build clear communication and role understanding across health professions.
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration (45 credits):
NRSE 5009 – Advanced Health Assessment Throughout the Life Span
Introduces advanced physical, psychosocial, and developmental assessment of individuals and families across the life span. Focuses on using clinical decision-making to distinguish normal findings from early signs of illness and predictable pathologic changes.
NRSE 5010 – Advanced Health Assessment Lifespan Practicum
Provides supervised practice in performing comprehensive advanced health assessments on individuals and families of all ages. Emphasizes hands-on lab and clinical experience using assessment data to identify normal and abnormal health patterns.
NRSE 5016 – Advanced Pathophysiology
Examines how alterations in cellular and organ function disrupt the body’s normal balance. Reviews major metabolic, infectious, immunologic, degenerative, and neoplastic processes to link basic science concepts with clinical presentation.
NRSE 5018 – Advanced Clinical Pharmacology
Covers advanced pharmacology principles for nurse practitioner practice across the life span. Reviews indications, contraindications, and interactions of commonly used drugs in primary care and addresses the NP role in safe prescribing.
NRSE 5303 – Psychopharmacology
Introduces core principles of psychopharmacology and drug therapy for major psychiatric conditions. Explores the biological basis of mental illness and the pharmacologic actions of medications used in mental health care.
NRSE 5404 – Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing Care I
Builds skills in diagnostic reasoning and treatment planning for adults and families with or at risk for psychiatric disorders. Emphasizes advanced therapeutic strategies and evidence-based decision-making in specialty psychiatric care.
NRSE 5405 – Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing Care Practicum I
Offers clinical practice in caring for adults and families living with or at risk for psychiatric disorders. Focuses on applying advanced assessment, diagnosis, and treatment skills to develop sound clinical judgment in real-world settings.
NRSE 5408 – Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing Care II
Expands advanced psychiatric nursing care to children, adolescents, and older adults. Highlights diagnostic reasoning and therapeutic approaches tailored to special populations, building on prior experience with adult psychiatric care.
NRSE 5409 – Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing Care Practicum II
Provides clinical experiences with children, adolescents, and geriatric patients who have or are at risk for psychiatric disorders. Emphasizes integration of advanced assessment and treatment skills across varied developmental stages.
NRSE 5410 – Interpersonal Treatment Modalities for Advanced Practice Nurse
Presents theoretical frameworks for psychotherapy interventions in advanced psychiatric nursing. Reviews major interpersonal treatment models to guide selection and planning of therapy for diverse mental health needs.
NRSE 5411 – Interpersonal Treatment Modalities Practicum
Offers supervised clinical practice in delivering psychotherapy interventions to patients with mental health conditions. Focuses on linking assessment and diagnosis with evidence-based treatment plans and evaluating patient response.
NRSE 6414 – Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders
Explores the structure and function of the nervous system as it relates to psychiatric illness. Emphasizes biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders and neurodegeneration relevant to PMHNP practice.
NRSE 6415 – Mental Health Care Delivery Systems
Examines how mental health services are organized and delivered at regional, national, and international levels. Focuses on the advanced practice psychiatric nurse’s role within diverse care models and systems.
NRSE 6950 – Internship in Advanced Nursing Practice
Provides a comprehensive clinical internship to integrate advanced psychiatric nursing knowledge and skills. Emphasizes health promotion, prevention, and management of common acute and chronic psychiatric conditions in individuals, families, and communities.
DNP Project (12 credits):
- NRSE 6801 Residency I DNP Project Identification (3)
- NRSE 6802 DNP Project Development (3)
- NRSE 6803 DNP Project Implementation (3)
- NRSE 6804 DNP Project Evaluation and Dissemination (3)
More curriculum details are available here.
DNP Clinicals
BSN to DNP students complete minimum 1,000 clinical/practice hours including 540 hours in PMHNP specialty clinical courses and additional hours in DNP practice integration. All concentrations require minimum 40 hours in interprofessional experiences.
Students must complete criminal background checks and maintain professional malpractice insurance, current CPR certification, and unencumbered RN licensure throughout the program.
DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- BSN from nationally accredited nursing program with minimum 3.0 GPA
- Current unencumbered U.S. RN license and Tennessee licensure eligibility
- Resume/CV with three academic or professional references
- Personal statement addressing healthcare trends, preparation, and career goals with two scholarly references in APA format
- Interview required for selected applicants
- Completed applications to both Nursing CAS and ETSU Graduate School
- Official transcripts from all institutions
- Criminal background check completion
Doctor of Nursing Practice – PMHNP (MSN to DNP)
The estimated cost for the MSN to DNP-PMHNP program is approximately $21,504 for in-state students (32 credits × $672/credit) and takes approximately 1.5-2 years to complete depending on enrollment status.
MSN DNP Curriculum
The MSN to DNP program requires 32 credits including 11 core credits, 9 concentration credits, and 12 DNP project credits for nurses holding MSN degrees with PMHNP certification.
Core Requirements (11 credits):
- NRSE 5030 Scholarly Writing (1)
- NRSE 5100 Principles of Population Health and Data Analysis for Advanced Nursing Practice (4)
- NRSE 6050 Quality/Translation (3)
- NRSE 6713 Systems Management (3)
- IPE 572E Interprofessional Experiences & Collaboration – Asynchronous Seminar 1 (0)
- IPE 672E Interprofessional Experiences & Collaboration – Asynchronous Seminar 2 (0)
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration (9 credits):
- NRSE 6414 Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders (3)
- NRSE 6415 Mental Health Care Delivery Systems (3)
- Advisor Approved Elective (3)
DNP Project (12 credits):
- NRSE 6801 Residency I DNP Project Identification (3)
- NRSE 6802 DNP Project Development (3)
- NRSE 6803 DNP Project Implementation (3)
- NRSE 6804 DNP Project Evaluation and Dissemination (3)
MSN DNP Clinicals
MSN to DNP students complete 500 DNP practice hours for total minimum 1,000 post-baccalaureate hours. Practice hours focus on quality improvement projects and application of evidence-based practice within professional practice settings or collaborative partnerships with faculty and agencies.
MSN DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- MSN in nursing from nationally accredited program with minimum 3.0 GPA
- PMHNP certification in selected nursing specialty
- Current unencumbered U.S. RN license and Tennessee licensure eligibility
- Resume/CV with three academic or professional references
- Personal statement with two scholarly references in APA format
- Interview for selected applicants
- Applications to both Nursing CAS and ETSU Graduate School
Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MSN-PMHNP program is approximately $32,256 for in-state students and takes 2 years (5 semesters) to complete full-time.
Estimate based on 48 credits × $672/credit.
MSN Curriculum
The MSN-PMHNP curriculum prepares registered nurses with BSN degrees for advanced nursing practice in psychiatric-mental health settings. The program totals 48 credits including 12 core credits and 36 concentration credits.
Fall Semester 1 (12 credits):
- NRSE 5018 Advanced Clinical Pharmacology (3)
- NRSE 5016 Advanced Pathophysiology (3)
- NRSE 5009 Health Assessment Throughout the Lifespan (3)
- NRSE 5010 Health Assessment Throughout the Lifespan – Practicum (3, 60 clinical hours)
Spring Semester 2 (9 credits):
- NRSE 5303 Psychopharmacology (3)
- NRSE 5404 Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing Care I (3)
- NRSE 5405 Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing Care I Practicum (3, 120 clinical hours)
Summer Semester 3 (9 credits):
- NRSE 5408 Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing Care II (3)
- NRSE 5409 Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing Care II Practicum (3, 120 clinical hours)
- NRSE 6002 Health Policy Leadership (3)
Fall Semester 4 (9 credits):
- NRSE 5000 Conceptual Systems in Advanced Nursing Practice (3)
- NRSE 5410 Interpersonal Treatment Modalities (3)
- NRSE 5411 Interpersonal Treatment Modalities Practicum (3, 120 clinical hours)
- IPE 572E Interprofessional Experiences & Collaboration – Asynchronous Seminar 1 (0)
Spring Semester 5 (9 credits):
- NRSE 5001 Nursing Research for Evidence-Based Practice (3)
- NRSE 6950 Internship in Advanced Nursing Practice (3, 120 clinical hours)
- NRSE 5006 Advanced Role Development (3)
- IPE 672E Interprofessional Experiences & Collaboration – Asynchronous Seminar 2 (0)
More curriculum details are available here.
MSN Clinicals
MSN-PMHNP students complete 540 clinical hours across multiple practicum courses. Clinical experiences include 60 hours in health assessment practicum, 120 hours each in Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing Care I and II practicums, 120 hours in Interpersonal Treatment Modalities Practicum, and 120 hours in the final Internship in Advanced Nursing Practice.
MSN Prerequisites & Admissions
- Unencumbered RN license in Tennessee or state where clinical assignments completed
- BSN from nationally-accredited nursing program OR completion of bridge courses (NRSE 3525, NRSE 4620, NRSE 3200, NRSE 3510)
- Bachelor’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA on 4.0 scale
- Three-credit undergraduate statistics course completion
- Current curriculum vitae or resume
- Written essay/personal statement
- Official transcripts from all institutions
- Applications submitted through Nursing CAS and ETSU Graduate School
- Fall admission deadline: May 1; Spring admission deadline: November 1
Post-Graduate Certificate – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate is approximately $16,128 for in-state students and can be completed in approximately 1.5-2 years (4 semesters).
Estimate based on 24 credits × $672/credit.
Certificate Curriculum
The Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate provides customized education and clinical training for nurses holding MSN degrees from other specialties. The program requires 24 credits of PMHNP-specific coursework.
Required Courses (24 credits):
- NRSE 5303 Psychopharmacology (3)
- NRSE 5404 Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing Care I (3)
- NRSE 5405 Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing Care Practicum I (3)
- NRSE 5408 Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing Care II (3)
- NRSE 5409 Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing Care Practicum II (3)
- NRSE 5410 Interpersonal Treatment Modalities for Advanced Practice Nurse (3)
- NRSE 5411 Interpersonal Treatment Modalities Practicum (3)
- NRSE 6950 Internship in Advanced Nursing Practice (3)
Certificate Clinicals
Post-graduate certificate students complete clinical hours embedded within practicum courses. Students gain supervised clinical training in psychiatric-mental health settings preparing for comprehensive PMHNP practice and national certification examination eligibility.
Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions
- MSN from NLNAC or CCNE accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (B average) in nursing major
- U.S. RN licensure and Tennessee or compact state licensure eligibility
- Official transcripts from all institutions
- Personal essay
- Vitae/resume
- Three professional letters of recommendation
- GRE not required
- Minimum 24 credits required for certificate
Tuition
Graduate nursing tuition for in-state students is $535 per credit hour plus $137 maintenance fee (capped at 8 credits for $1,096) and service fees, totaling approximately $672 per credit hour.
Out-of-state tuition is $841 per credit hour plus fees totaling approximately $1,513 per credit hour for standard programs.
Online out-of-state eRate is $802.50 per credit hour plus $33 service fee (capped at 8 credits for $254) totaling approximately $835.50 per credit hour.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
All East Tennessee State University College of Nursing programs including the MSN, DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates are eligible for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner national certification examination.
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