Jacksonville University PMHNP Program

Keigwin School of Nursing Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville University’s Keigwin School of Nursing offers three PMHNP program tracks:

    • MSN PMHNP – Master of Science in Nursing (credit hours not specified)
    • DNP PMHNP – BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (credit hours not specified)
    • Post-Graduate Certificate – PMHNP Certificate (8 courses)

All PMHNP programs begin once annually in the fall semester with both full-time and part-time track options available. Students benefit from individual attention and academic advisors who assist with individualized program progression.

Program Tracks Overview

Program TrackEst. CostEst. Duration
MSN PMHNP$36,750~2–3 years
DNP PMHNP (BSN to DNP)~$60,000~3–4 years
Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate~$6,0004–5 semesters (4 for NPs)

JU’s PMHNP programs have small class sizes with dedicated clinical placement teams serving Duval, St. Johns, Clay, and Nassau counties exclusively. The programs feature experiential learning through virtual reality labs, telepresence robots, and simulation scenarios for first-hand patient care knowledge.

MSN PMHNP Program

The estimated cost for the MSN PMHNP program varies based on credit hours at $750 per credit and would take approximately 2-3 years to complete on a full-time basis.

Curriculum

The 49-credit hour MSN-PMHNP program consists of three components: MSN core (15 credits), APRN core (9 credits), and PMHNP specialization courses (25 credits).

Below is a look at the core classes:

NUR 510 Nursing Theory and Research I
Explores the development and application of nursing theories in relation to research. Students learn principles of theory construction, critique theories from nursing and related fields, and create an integrated literature review and research framework on a chosen topic.

NUR 512 Organization, Delivery and Policy in Healthcare
Examines epidemiological, sociopolitical, and cultural influences on population and global health. Focuses on health policy formation, its impact on clinical practice, and the nurse’s role in advocacy and health promotion.

NUR 514 Nursing Leadership and Advanced Roles
Covers professional role development and leadership in advanced nursing practice. Emphasizes interprofessional communication, strategies for healthcare system change, and skills for delivering high-quality, culturally competent care.

NUR 516 Information Systems and Technology for Improved Healthcare
Introduces healthcare information systems and patient care technologies. Addresses the use of technology to enhance care, coordinate services, manage data, and improve patient outcomes.

NUR 520 Nursing Theory and Research II
Focuses on the research process, study designs, data analysis, and interpretation. Prepares students to integrate evidence-based practices into specialized nursing roles.

NUR 501 Advanced Health Assessment
Covers advanced physical assessment for individuals and families across the lifespan. Emphasizes data collection, differential diagnosis, and consideration of ethical and cultural factors in care planning.

NUR 502 Advanced Pathophysiology
Presents advanced concepts of normal and abnormal physiological processes at cellular and system levels. Links pathophysiological principles and research to advanced nursing clinical practice.

NUR 504 Advanced Pharmacology
Addresses advanced pharmacological principles, including drug actions, side effects, and prescribing considerations. Covers legal and ethical responsibilities for medication management in clinical practice.

NUR 571 Psychiatric Assessment and Diagnostics Across the Lifespan
Provides skills for comprehensive psychiatric assessment and diagnosis. Includes interviewing techniques, diagnostic tools, and consideration of developmental and cultural factors.

NUR 573 Psychopharmacological Management of Patients Across the Lifespan with Mental Health Disorders
Covers psychopharmacologic treatment for mental health disorders across all ages. Includes pharmacogenomics and the influence of political, legal, social, and technological factors on care.

NUR 574 Neuroanatomy for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Examines the structure and function of the nervous system relevant to psychiatric nursing practice. Links neuroanatomy to the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions.

NUR 579 Psychotherapy Across the Lifespan for Individuals, Families and Groups
Focuses on therapeutic approaches for individuals, families, and groups with psychiatric disorders. Applies theoretical models to restore and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships across diverse populations.

NUR 553 Advanced Role Practicum
Provides hands-on clinical experience in advanced nursing practice. Emphasizes application of theoretical knowledge, role integration, and development of competencies for independent practice.

MSN Program Requirements:

  • Completed JU online application
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate nursing GPA on 4.0 scale
  • Graduation from CCNE, NLN, or ACEN accredited BSN program
  • Evidence of undergraduate statistics course completion
  • Official GRE scores of 290 or higher (waived for 3.0+ GPA)
  • Resume or CV
  • Statement of Intent (maximum 2 pages)
  • Valid Florida RN license (out-of-state must be eligible for Florida endorsement)
  • One year professional nursing experience before first clinical course
  • Virtual interview for qualified candidates
  • Background check required after admission

DNP PMHNP Program

The estimated cost for the DNP PMHNP program is about $60,000-$61,800 and would take approximately 3-4 years to complete on a full-time basis.

Curriculum

The BSN to DNP PMHNP cognate combines doctoral-level coursework with psychiatric mental health specialization. Students develop critical thinking and decision-making skills for evaluating individuals and families with mental health issues.

The curriculum integrates leadership competencies with clinical expertise to prepare graduates for advanced practice roles.

Students complete comprehensive coursework preparing them for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner National Certification Exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and subsequent APRN licensure in Florida.

DNP Program Requirements:

  • Minimum 3.3 undergraduate nursing GPA on 4.0 scale
  • Same documentation requirements as MSN program
  • Active U.S. nursing license
  • Statement of Intent
  • Resume or CV
  • Virtual interview

Post-Graduate Certificate Program

The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate Certificate is approximately $6,000 (8 courses at $750 per credit) and takes 4-5 semesters to complete for non-NPs or 4 semesters for existing NPs.

Curriculum

  • Advanced Health Assessment
  • Advanced Pathophysiology
  • Advanced Pharmacology
  • Advanced Role Practicum for the Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practicum for Nurse Practitioner Specializations
  • Psychiatric Assessment, Diagnostics and Introduction to Psychopharmacology across the Lifespan
  • Psychopharmacological Management of Patients Across the Lifespan with Mental Health Disorders
  • Neuroanatomy for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychotherapy Across the Lifespan for Individuals, Families and Groups

Clinical Requirements: Campus attendance one day per week over 4-5 semesters (4 semesters for existing NPs, 5 semesters for non-NPs)

Post-Graduate Certificate Requirements:

  • Master’s degree or higher in nursing
  • Minimum 3.0 nursing GPA
  • Graduation from accredited nursing program
  • One year RN experience before first clinical course
  • Valid nursing license (out-of-state must be eligible for Florida endorsement)
  • Virtual interview
  • Statement of Intent

Tuition

Graduate nursing programs cost $750 per credit hour for all degree levels including MSN, DNP, and certificate programs. Students pay a one-time subscription fee ranging from $700-$1,800 upon matriculation depending on the program.

See the official tuition page for more details.

Accreditation

Jacksonville University’s nursing programs are accredited by CCNE, NLN, or ACEN. The programs prepare graduates for national certification examinations and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse licensure in Florida.

Other Nursing Programs

  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
  • Clinical Nurse Educator
  • Nursing Informatics
  • Leadership in Healthcare Systems
  • Healthcare Quality and Safety (HQS)
  • RN to MSN programs
  • MSN/MBA dual degree program
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with multiple cognates

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