Program Tracks Overview
| Program Track | Est. Duration | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| MSN – PMHNP | ~28 months | $33,075 |
| Post-Graduate Certificate – PMHNP | ~22 months | $21,600 |
| BSN to DNP – PMHNP | ~48 months | $65,284 |
| ASN to MSN – PMHNP | ~45 months | $37,170 |
The university offers locked tuition rates throughout enrollment, preventing cost increases during program completion. Students complete live OSCE psychiatric evaluations with trained actors and receive one-on-one faculty support through evidence-based curriculum.
MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the MSN PMHNP program is approximately $33,075 and would take 28 months to complete on a full-time basis.
Curriculum
The 49-credit program includes:
- evidence-based communication
- epidemiology,
- advanced pathophysiology
- neuro-psychopharmacology
- psychotherapeutic modalities across three sequential courses spanning the lifespan
Students complete advanced health status assessment specific to psychiatric mental health populations and diagnostic reasoning coursework. The curriculum emphasizes faith integration, mental health advocacy, and interprofessional development for comprehensive patient care.
Clinical requirements include 525 practicum hours with onsite advanced health assessment residency and two intensive experiences. Students complete clinical rotations in their local communities under qualified preceptors.
MSN Program Requirements:
- BSN from CCNE or ACEN accredited institution
- Minimum 3.25 undergraduate GPA or 3.0 graduate GPA
- Current unencumbered RN license
- 500 hours direct patient contact within prior year
- Three professional references
- Criminal background check and drug screening
Post-Graduate Certificate in PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate Certificate program is approximately $21,600 and would take 22 months to complete on a full-time basis.
Curriculum
The 32-credit certificate targets nurses with existing master’s degrees seeking PMHNP specialization. Coursework includes:
- professional role development
- neuro-psychopharmacology
- foundations for PMHNP practice
- three sequential psychotherapeutic modalities courses
Students engage with virtual reality, video discussions, and concept mapping technologies for enhanced learning experiences.
Clinical requirements mirror other programs with supervised practicum experiences in psychiatric mental health settings under qualified supervision.
Post-Graduate Certificate Requirements:
- Master’s degree in nursing from accredited institution
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Professional references and background checks
BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the BSN to DNP program is approximately $65,284 and would take 48 months to complete on a full-time basis.
Curriculum
The 76-credit doctoral program bypasses master’s degree requirements, advancing directly from bachelor’s to doctoral level.
Coursework includes the following:
- scholarly writing
- healthcare policy
- organizational leadership
- evidence-based project planning
- healthcare across cultures
- advanced practice courses in:
- pathophysiology
- pharmacology
- psychotherapeutic modalities
Clinical requirements include extensive practicum hours with advanced assessment residencies and intensive experiences preparing students for PMHNP-BC certification examination.
BSN to DNP Requirements:
- BSN from accredited nursing program
- Minimum 3.25 undergraduate GPA
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Professional practice experience requirements
ASN to MSN Primary Care Nursing – PMHNP Specialization
The estimated cost for the ASN to MSN program is approximately $37,170 and would take 45 months to complete on a full-time basis.
Curriculum
The 66-credit program combines undergraduate and graduate coursework, allowing associate degree nurses to advance directly to master’s level. Students complete baccalaureate foundations including transcultural healthcare, leadership, and population health before advancing to graduate-level PMHNP coursework.
The curriculum emphasizes primary care nursing models with psychiatric mental health specialization.
Clinical requirements include 820 practicum hours with onsite residency and intensive experiences. Students complete clinical work in their communities while focusing on one course at a time.
ASN to MSN Requirements:
- Associate degree in nursing from accredited program
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Academic prerequisites and references
Common Courses
The curriculum integrates evidence-based practice with Christ-centered values, covering neuro-psychopharmacology, diagnostic reasoning, psychotherapeutic modalities across the lifespan, and advanced health assessment.
Core classes include:
GNUR-501 Evidence Based Communication
This course builds advanced oral and written communication skills for graduate nursing students, focusing on academic and professional effectiveness.
GNUR-529 Epidemiology & Care of Populations
Students learn to analyze population-level health data and apply epidemiological methods to promote wellness, prevent illness, and manage disease. Prerequisite: GNUR-501.
GNUR-530 Utilization of Research for Evidence Based Practice
This course covers research methods, statistics, and ethical issues in scholarly inquiry. It emphasizes applying research to nursing practice, systems design, and professional growth.
PYC-602 Professional Role Development for the Advanced Practice Nurse
Explores the evolution of advanced nursing roles, focusing on ethics, health equity, and policy. Emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and professional advocacy.
PYC-614 Advanced Pathophysiology
Covers disease mechanisms and treatments, providing a clinical foundation for managing patient care at an advanced practice level.
PYC-612 Advanced Pharmacology
Focuses on commonly prescribed medications, their effects, and legal prescribing considerations essential for advanced nursing practice.
PMHN-620 Neuro-Psychopharmacology
This course examines pharmacological approaches to managing psychiatric conditions, emphasizing assessment and prescribing practices.
PMHN-652 Advanced Health Status Assessment for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Teaches comprehensive assessment skills across the lifespan, with focus on psychiatric symptom evaluation. Includes 75 practicum hours.
PMHN-622 Diagnostic Reasoning
Students develop clinical judgment skills to systematically assess and interpret psychiatric patient information for accurate diagnosis.
PMHN-630 Psychotherapeutic Modalities Across the Lifespan I
Introduces therapeutic techniques for psychiatric care, emphasizing individualized interventions and preventive strategies. Includes 175 practicum hours.
PMHN-640 Psychotherapeutic Modalities Across the Lifespan II
Expands on psychotherapy skills with focus on family and group interventions, and interprofessional coordination. Includes 175 practicum hours.
PMHN-650 Psychotherapeutic Modalities Across the Lifespan III
Refines diagnostic, therapeutic, and prescribing skills in complex psychiatric cases. Students complete 175 practicum hours.
PMHN-693 Interprofessional Development for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Assesses PMHNP competency through simulations and collaborative exercises. Includes an onsite intensive and 35 practicum hours.
Additional curriculum information can be found here:
Clinical Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 525 practicum hours through clinical experiences in their local communities. The program includes innovative features such as live OSCE psychiatric evaluations with trained actors and virtual reality learning technologies.
Tuition
Graduate nursing courses cost $675 per credit hour across all PMHNP programs.
The BSN to DNP program charges $859 per credit hour for doctoral-level coursework.
ASN to MSN students pay $455 per credit hour for undergraduate courses and $675 per credit hour for graduate courses.
Additional fees apply for resources and services throughout programs. See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
Indiana Wesleyan University holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and nursing program accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral nursing programs including post-graduate APRN certificates.
Other Nursing Programs
- Various certificate and continuing education options
- Family Nurse Practitioner programs
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner tracks
- Nursing Education specializations
- Healthcare Leadership concentrations
- Population Health nursing programs
Division of Nursing Excellence
The IWU Division of Nursing operates within the School of Integrated Health and is guided by the mission to develop “culturally aware nurse professionals equipped to change the world as leaders, scholars, and servants within their communities.” Faculty members are healthcare industry experts who provide world-class instruction through a Christ-centered and community-driven environment.
The division offers a comprehensive range of nursing programs from BSN completion through doctoral levels, preparing graduates for practice in hospitals, clinics, public health organizations, non-profits, academia, and global healthcare settings.
Other Programs in Indiana
View All PMHNP Programs in Indiana
- Indiana State - Terre Haute
- Indiana University - Bloomington
- Purdue University - Indianapolis
- University of Southern Indiana - Evansville