Program Tracks Overview
Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MSN-PMHNP program is approximately $20,664 for WV residents and would take approximately 2-3 years to complete on a full-time basis.
Estimate based on 48 credits at estimated rates for both institutions.
Curriculum
The 48-credit curriculum is divided between Marshall University (25 credits) and Shenandoah University (23 credits), with students receiving an MSN from Marshall and a certificate from Shenandoah:
Core and Related Courses at Marshall University:
- NUR 602 Theoretical Foundations in Nursing (3 crs)
- NUR 604 Leadership in Nursing (3 crs)
- NUR 606 Advanced Nursing Research (3 crs)
- NUR 608 Issues in Health Care (3 crs)
- NUR 620 Advanced Pathophysiology I (2 crs)
- NUR 621 Advanced Pathophysiology II (2 crs)
- NUR 622 Advanced Physical Assessment (5 crs)
- NUR 663 Advanced Pharmacology I (2 crs)
- NUR 664 Advanced Pharmacology II (2 crs)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Courses at Shenandoah University:
PMH 525 Behavioral Neuroscience & Psychopharm (3 cr.)
Covers neuroanatomy, neuropathology, and neuropsychiatry across the lifespan. Links genetics and epigenetics to behavior and medication selection for evidence-based treatment.
PMH 635 Foundations of Psychotherapy (3 cr.)
Introduces the PMHNP role in delivering psychotherapy. Reviews core theories for individual, family, and group work with practice in simulated sessions.
PMH 641 Management of Psychiatric Mental Health: Adult (2 cr.)
Teaches assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning for adults using medication and non-medication therapies. Emphasizes person-centered care, therapeutic alliance, and key legal/ethical issues.
PMHL 641 Management of Psychiatric Mental Health: Clinical Practicum I (3 cr., 180 hrs)
Applies foundational skills in supervised settings across the lifespan. Focuses on collaborative care and safe use of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.
PMH 680 Management of Psychiatric Mental Health: Child & Adolescent (2 cr.)
Covers assessment and treatment for children and teens in clinic, family, and community settings. Highlights development, trauma-informed care, and risk-benefit decision-making.
PMHL 680 Management of Psychiatric Mental Health: Clinical Practicum II (3 cr., 180 hrs)
Builds on Practicum I with broader case complexity and outcome evaluation. Integrates trauma-informed care, substance use management, and interprofessional collaboration.
PMH 685 Management of Psychiatric Mental Health: Geriatric (2 cr.)
Addresses assessment and treatment of psychiatric conditions in older adults. Prioritizes quality of life, patient goals, and regulatory and ethical considerations.
PMH 661 Management of Complex Mental Health Across the Lifespan (2 cr.)
Manages complex psychiatric presentations in varied settings. Uses evidence-based guidelines, team-based care, and clear legal/ethical frameworks.
PMHL 695 Management of Psychiatric Mental Health: Clinical Practicum III (4 cr.)
Synthesizes advanced assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning across diverse populations. Leads collaborative, person-centered care with attention to safety, outcomes, and ethics.
NP 690 Transition to APRN Practice (2 cr.)
Prepares graduates for entry into practice with scope, licensure, and certification essentials. Covers contracting, credentialing, policy, leadership, and population health advocacy.
More curriculum details are available here.
Clinicals
Students complete a minimum of 780 total clinical hours across four practicum courses at Shenandoah University.
The clinical experiences are distributed as follows:
- Practicum I (180 hours)
- Practicum II (180 hours)
- Practicum III (120 hours)
- Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Practicum (300 hours)
Students are placed with clinical preceptors in their local areas to complete the clinical requirements.
Prerequisites & Admissions
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution
- Overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale
- Current unencumbered professional nurse licensure in the state where clinical precepting will occur
- Completed application to Marshall University Graduate Admissions
- Separate application to Marshall University School of Nursing
- Interview by Shenandoah University psychiatric mental health nurse faculty
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Satisfactory background check and drug screen prior to first nursing course
- Current CPR certification
- Proof of negative PPD screening test for tuberculosis
- Priority application deadline: February 15th for Fall semester; September 15th for Spring semester
- Final application deadline: August 1st for Fall semester; December 1st for Spring semester
Tuition
Graduate nursing tuition at Marshall University is $4,812 per semester for West Virginia residents, $7,965 per semester for Metro residents, and $11,060 per semester for non-residents.
Additional tuition costs apply for courses taken at Shenandoah University.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The Master of Science in Nursing program at Marshall University is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN). Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the ANCC Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam.
Other Nursing Programs
Marshall University School of Nursing offers additional graduate programs including:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Family Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Nursing Administration (online)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Nursing Education (online)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Nurse Midwifery (in cooperation with Shenandoah University)
- Post-Master’s Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Related PMHNP Programs
View All PMHNP Programs in West Virginia
- West Virginia University - Morgantown