Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Cost | Length |
|---|---|---|
| BSN to DNP: PMHNP | $26,770 | 4 to 5 Years |
| Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate | $9,295 | 2 Years |
With 100% online curriculum delivery for the certificate program, guaranteed clinical placement in South Florida counties, and no GRE requirements, these programs provide comprehensive psychiatric mental health education.
BSN to DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the BSN to DNP: PMHNP program is $26,770 for Florida residents and $73,930 for out-of-state students, completing in 11 semesters.
Curriculum
The 72-credit doctoral program spans 11 semesters with hybrid delivery combining:
- Online asynchronous courses
- Online synchronous courses via Zoom
- In-person classes on campus
- Weekend meetings (one day per month for DNP-level courses)
Required coursework includes the following:
NGR 6110 Advanced Nursing Practice Grounded in Caring
This course examines caring’s philosophical and theoretical roots in nursing, research, administration, and education. Students explore major caring concepts from nursing, humanities, and science and consider multiple patterns of knowing.
NGR 6503 Psychopathological Disorders Across the Lifespan: Advanced Nursing Situations
This course covers advanced knowledge of psychopathology, including assessment, diagnosis, and differential diagnosis. Students learn about disorder prevalence and its impact on individuals and families across all ages.
NGR 6538 Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan for Advanced Nursing Practice
Students study neurobiology, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of psychotropic medications. The course emphasizes psychopharmacologic treatment strategies for mental health disorders across the lifespan.
NGR 6507L Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Across the Lifespan: Diagnosis and Medication Management in Advanced Practice Nursing
This course builds on psychopathology theory to introduce psychiatric diagnoses in clinical practice. Students learn to manage pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for mental health conditions.
NGR 6509 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Across the Lifespan: Individual and Family Therapy in Advanced Nursing Situations
Students examine theoretical models of individual and family psychotherapy. The course integrates pharmacological and non-pharmacological care for adults, children, and families.
NGR 6509L Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Across the Lifespan Practicum 1: Individual and Family Therapy in Advanced Nursing Practice
In this practicum, students apply mental health concepts to diagnose disorders. They deliver individual and family therapies, pharmacologic treatments, and supportive care in clinical settings.
NGR 6508 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Across the Lifespan: Group Therapy in Advanced Nursing Situations
This course introduces theoretical and conceptual models of group therapy. Students learn to plan and manage group interventions for diverse populations with mental health disorders.
NGR 6508L Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Across the Lifespan Practicum 2: Group Therapy in Advanced Nursing Practice
Students practice group therapy models and apply pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. The focus is on real-world group interventions for clients of all ages.
NGR 6505L Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Across the Lifespan: Role Synthesis in Advanced Nursing Practice
This capstone practicum synthesizes PMHNP role functions to prepare students for certification and practice management. Students integrate clinical, ethical, and leadership skills in caring for complex mental health cases.
Course description details can be found here: https://www.fau.edu/registrar/university-catalog/catalog/nursingdes/
Students complete 1,095 clinical hours minimum and a scholarly DNP project demonstrating mastery of AACN Essentials. The program offers a “Master’s Along the Way” after completion of MSN-level courses.
Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate is $9,295 for Florida residents and $25,670 for out-of-state students, completing in 4 semesters.
Curriculum
The 28-credit certificate program features 100% online delivery over four semesters. Core coursework includes:
- Advanced Practice Grounded in Caring (3 credits)
- Psychopathological Disorders Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
- Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing diagnosis and medication management
- Individual and family therapy in advanced nursing situations
- Group therapy in advanced nursing situations
- Role synthesis in advanced nursing practice
Students complete 780 clinical hours with potential for additional hours if needed for competency attainment. Clinical placements occur in:
- Acute care settings
- Private practice offices
- Substance treatment centers
- Community-based health centers
- Other mental health care settings
Prerequisites & Admissions
BSN to DNP Requirements:
- BSN from ACEN or CCNE accredited program with 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Current Florida RN licensure
- Two letters of recommendation (one from doctoral-prepared reference)
- Statement of goals (maximum 500 words)
- Resume or CV
- Undergraduate prerequisites: nursing research and statistics
- Oral interview
- Background check prior to first course
- Application deadline: January 15, 2026
Post-Graduate Certificate Requirements:
- MSN from CCNE or ACEN accredited program with 3.0 graduate GPA
- Current Florida RN licensure
- Prerequisites: basic statistics and baccalaureate-level nursing research
- One letter of recommendation
- Philosophy of nursing essay
- Resume or CV
- Interview required
- Background check and possible drug screen
- Application deadline: February 15, 2026
Tuition
Programs cost $371.81 per credit hour for Florida residents and $1,026.81 per credit hour for out-of-state students. Total costs are $26,770/$73,930 for BSN to DNP and $9,295/$25,670 for the certificate program respectively.
Check the tuition calculator page for more details.
Accreditation
Florida Atlantic University nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates are eligible for PMHNP certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Holistic Nursing Credentialing Corporation.
Other Nursing Programs
- BSN to DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
- BSN to DNP: Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Graduate Certificates in:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Administration and Financial Leadership
- Advanced Holistic Nursing
- Nurse Educator
Other Programs in Florida
View All PMHNP Programs in Florida
- Florida National University - Hialeah
- Florida Southern College - Lakeland
- Florida State - Tallahassee
- Jacksonville University - Jacksonville
- Rasmussen College -
- St Thomas University - Miami Gardens
- University of Florida - Gainesville
- University of North Florida - Jacksonville
- University of St Augustine - St Augustine