Program Track Overview
Master of Science Nursing — PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MSN-PMHNP program is about $32,640 for Maryland residents and would take about 2.3 years (7 consecutive semesters) to complete on a full-time basis.
Estimate based on 60 credits × $544/credit.
Curriculum
NURS504 — Nursing Informatics (3)
Builds skills to use EHRs and clinical technologies safely. Covers privacy, confidentiality, security, and data use for sound clinical decisions. (FSU RN-BSN alumni waived.)
NURS602 — Research and Systematic Analysis (4)
Explores leadership roles in clinical, management, and education settings. Teaches how to critique research and apply findings within a specialty.
NURS603 — Roles and Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing (3)
Examines APRN scope, theory, and accountability. Reviews legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities across care settings.
NURS605 — Healthcare Systems and Populations (3)
Focuses on health promotion for diverse groups. Students analyze policy, financing, and social determinants, then design a population health plan using epidemiologic data and regulatory guidance.
NURS650 — Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (4)
Covers normal and altered physiology by body system. Links disease mechanisms to clinical signs in varied populations.
NURS651 — Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning Across the Lifespan (4)
Elevates assessment skills to expert level. Students perform comprehensive exams, recognize normal variants, form differentials, and practice in on-campus lab.
NURS653 — Advanced Pharmacology: Essential Concepts Across the Lifespan (3)
Builds core pharmacology for safe prescribing. Reviews drug classes, metabolism, interactions, and ethical and legal prescriber duties.
NURS675 — Quality Improvement in Advanced Practice Nursing (3)
Applies QI models and tools to improve outcomes. Emphasizes culturally responsive care and systems-level measurement for decision making.
NURS701 — Transitional Role Course for the Nurse Practitioner (1)
Prepares graduates for certification and licensure steps. Covers DEA/NPI applications, credentialing, continuing education, advocacy, and portfolio development.
NURS625 — Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders Across the Lifespan (2)
Explains biological bases of major psychiatric disorders. Connects neuroanatomy, pathways, and biomarkers to symptoms and treatment.
NURS626 — Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan (2)
Details psychotropic mechanisms, indications, and dosing. Addresses risks, side effects, interactions, and safe initiation and discontinuation.
NURS627 — Psychiatric Diagnostic Reasoning Across the Lifespan – Theory (2)
Teaches comprehensive psychiatric interviews and case formulation. Uses a biopsychosocial, patient-centered approach to differential diagnosis.
NURS629 — Physical Health Issues Common in Psychiatric Disorders Across the Lifespan (2)
Addresses common medical comorbidities in behavioral health. Guides coordination of primary care needs alongside psychiatric treatment.
NURS630 — Therapeutic Management of Adult/Geriatric Psychopathology I — Theory (2)
Covers adult and geriatric treatment planning. Integrates physical, behavioral, and social sciences into measurable, patient-centered plans.
NURS632 — Adult/Geriatric Focused Brief Individual and Group Psychotherapy — Theory (2)
Introduces brief therapy models for adults and older adults. Aligns modality choice with setting, goals, and NP scope.
NURS634 — Therapeutic Management of Child/Adolescent Psychopathology II — Theory (2)
Develops family-centered plans for youth disorders. Emphasizes developmentally appropriate assessment and intervention.
NURS636 — Child/Adolescent Focused Brief Individual and Family Psychotherapy — Theory (2)
Prepares students to deliver time-limited therapies for children and families. Matches interventions to diagnosis, culture, and care setting.
NURS638 — Therapeutic Management of Vulnerable Populations Psychopathology III — Theory (2)
Focuses on care for high-risk groups across the lifespan. Designs holistic plans that address access, safety, and equity.
NURS628 — Psychiatric Diagnostic Reasoning Across the Lifespan — Practicum (3)
Provides 135 hours practicing full psychiatric evaluations. Students produce biopsychosocial formulations and prioritized differentials.
NURS631 — Therapeutic Management of Adult/Geriatric Psychopathology I — Practicum (3)
Delivers 135 hours managing adult and geriatric cases. Hones skills in medications, psychoeducation, crisis response, and liaison work.
NURS633 — Adult/Geriatric Brief Individual and Group Psychotherapy — Practicum (1)
Offers 45 hours delivering brief therapies to adults and older adults. Emphasizes goal-focused interventions and outcome tracking.
NURS635 — Therapeutic Management of Child/Adolescent Psychopathology II — Practicum (3)
Provides 135 hours planning and delivering youth care. Integrates psychopharmacology, family engagement, and school/community coordination.
NURS637 — Child/Adolescent Brief Individual and Family Psychotherapy — Practicum (1)
Includes 45 hours of child and family therapy practice. Trains in time-limited models aligned with NP standards.
NURS639 — Therapeutic Management of Vulnerable Populations Psychopathology III — Practicum (3)
Adds 135 hours caring for vulnerable groups. Advances population-based planning, medication management, education, and crisis intervention within a holistic framework.
More curriculum details are available here.
Clinicals
Students complete 765 clinical hours across diverse local sites, with support from the Clinical Placement Coordinator to verify preceptors and finalize affiliation agreements.
The maximum per semester is typically 225 hours for full-time study and 180 hours for part-time. Blended courses may include campus labs and simulation sessions as scheduled.
Admissions
- Unencumbered RN license
- BSN from an accredited program; GPA 3.0+ in last 60 credits; official transcripts
- Undergraduate statistics (3 credits) with grade B or better
- Current CV, personal essay, and three professional recommendations
- Interview, criminal background check, and child abuse clearance
- Cohort start each Fall; program follows a set progression plan (summers required)
Tuition
Nurse Practitioner graduate tuition: Maryland residents $544/credit, regional $616/credit, out-of-state $750/credit. Program-specific or simulation-lab fees may apply for blended courses.
See the official tuition page for more details
Accreditation
Frostburg State University’s BSN and MSN programs are accredited by CCNE. APRN specialties are approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, and graduates are eligible for Maryland APRN certification (licensure by endorsement may apply in other states).
Other Nursing Programs
- MSN — Leadership and Management
- MSN — Education
- MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN — Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner