Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN – PMHNP | $38,073 | ~2 years full-time |
| Post-MSN Certificate – PMHNP | $18,648–$26,418 | ~1–1.5 years |
MBU is a Christian University in St. Louis committed to providing strong academic programs with a focus on integrating personal faith in the practice of nursing while serving a global and culturally diverse community.
Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MSN-PMHNP program is $38,073 and would take 2 years (6 semesters) to complete on a full-time basis.
MSN Curriculum
The 49-credit-hour program includes core MSN courses, advanced practice foundations, and psychiatric mental health specialization coursework:
Core MSN Courses
RNMS 403/503 – Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3 hrs)
Analyzes nursing and related theories for practice and education. Evaluates how concepts guide professional roles and clinical decision-making.
RNMS 413/513 – Organization and Systems Leadership (3 hrs)
Applies leadership and change principles within health systems. Practices communication for negotiation, conflict resolution, and collaboration.
RNMS 423/523 – Improving Population Health through Policy and Advocacy (3 hrs)
Explores how law and regulation shape care delivery and outcomes. Develops policy advocacy skills across local to global levels.
RNMS 433/533 – Interprofessional Collaboration and Communication (3 hrs)
Strengthens teamwork and communication across disciplines and settings. Uses modern communication tools to coordinate care for individuals and populations.
NRSG 543 – Advanced Evidence-Based Practice Methods (3 hrs)
Identifies practice gaps, appraises literature, and maps change plans. Addresses ethics and law while designing and evaluating EBP interventions.
Advanced Practice Foundation Courses:
NUNP 513 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 hrs)
Examines system-level disease mechanisms, risks, and manifestations across the lifespan. Uses clinical reasoning to link findings to diagnoses and goals.
NUNP 514 – Advanced Assessment with Lab (4 hrs | includes 40 hours simulation)
Builds advanced history and exam skills using diagnostic reasoning. Emphasizes prevention, early detection, and culturally responsive communication.
NUNP 533 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 hrs)
Covers safe prescribing for common acute and chronic conditions. Considers culture, access, and legal standards while integrating non-drug options.
Psychiatric Mental Health Specialization Courses
NPMH 513 – Psychopathology (3 hrs)
Builds diagnostic thinking and comprehensive mental health assessment skills. Applies psychopathology to form differentials for psychiatric and substance use conditions across the lifespan.
NPMH 523 – Psychopharmacology & Mental Health Assessment (3 hrs)
Explains neuroscience, PK/PD, and clinical psychopharmacology for symptom-targeted care. Designs ethical, individualized medication plans and coordinates therapies like groups and medication support.
NPMH 533 – Individual, Family, & Group Psychotherapy (3 hrs)
Applies evidence-based psychotherapies with individuals, families, and groups. Strengthens case management, process observation, and integration with diagnostic and medication decisions.
NPMH 543 – PMHNP Practicum I (3 hrs | 250 hours)
Implements the PMHNP role with assessment, prevention, and early intervention. Practices team-based care for at-risk individuals and populations.
NPMH 553 – Diagnosis & Treatment Across the Lifespan I (3 hrs)
Uses DSM-5 to assess and diagnose common mental disorders. Plans evidence-based pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments for individuals, families, and groups.
NPMH 563 – PMHNP Practicum II (3 hrs | 250 hours)
Advances clinical assessment and intervention across diverse settings. Collaborates with interprofessional teams to deliver preventive and acute care.
NPMH 573 – Diagnosis & Treatment Across the Lifespan II (3 hrs)
Builds on prior diagnostics to manage complex and co-occurring disorders. Refines therapy selection and medication management using current guidelines.
NPMH 583 – PMHNP Practicum III (3 hrs | 250 hours)
Completes immersive clinical practice focused on assessment, treatment, and primary prevention. Coordinates care with multiple disciplines for high-risk populations.
More curriculum details are available here: https://catalog.mobap.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=28&poid=7627
MSN Clinicals
Students complete clinical practice hours through three PMHNP practicum courses (NPMH 543, NPMH 563, NPMH 583) totaling 9 clinical credits. Clinical experiences progress through assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders across the lifespan with increasing complexity and independence in each practicum rotation.
MSN Prerequisites & Admissions
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from state Board of Nursing-approved program
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in BSN degree
- Current, unrestricted RN license in the United States
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Complete free online application
- Program designed for working nurses; full-time students complete degree in six semesters
- Students must maintain minimum grade requirements in all nursing courses
Post-MSN Certificate – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Post-MSN PMHNP Certificate ranges from $18,648 (if all “3 Ps” completed) to $26,418 (if “3 Ps” not completed) and would take 1-1.5 years to complete depending on prerequisite needs.
Certificate Curriculum
The certificate program requires 24-34 credit hours depending on prior completion of advanced practice foundation courses:
Nurse Practitioner Courses (if not previously completed, 0-10 credits):
- NUNP 513: Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
- NUNP 514: Advanced Assessment w/Lab (4 credits)
- NUNP 533: Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Courses (24 credits):
- NPMH 513: Psychopathology (3 credits)
- NPMH 523: Psychopharmacology & Mental Health Assessment (3 credits)
- NPMH 533: Individual, Family, & Group Psychotherapy (3 credits)
- NPMH 543: PMHNP Practicum I (3 credits)
- NPMH 553: Diagnosis & Treatment of Mental Health Disorders Across the Lifespan I (3 credits)
- NPMH 563: PMHNP Practicum II (3 credits)
- NPMH 573: Diagnosis & Treatment of Mental Health Disorders Across the Lifespan II (3 credits)
- NPMH 583: PMHNP Practicum III (3 credits)
More curriculum details are available here: https://catalog.mobap.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=28&poid=7629
Certificate Clinicals
Certificate students complete the same three PMHNP practicum courses (9 clinical credits total) as MSN students, progressing through assessment, diagnosis, and treatment experiences with increasing clinical complexity and autonomy across the lifespan.
Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from accredited institution or state Board of Nursing-approved program
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in MSN degree
- Current, unrestricted RN license in the United States
- Students not permitted to complete Post-MSN Certificate in same track as previously completed MBU MSN program
- 100% online format accommodates working nurses
- Gap analysis determines if “3 Ps” (Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Assessment) courses needed
Tuition
Graduate nursing tuition is $777 per credit hour for MSN programs.
Total costs: MSN-PMHNP (49 credits) = $38,073; Post-MSN Certificate ranges from $18,648 (24 credits) to $26,418 (34 credits) depending on prerequisite requirements.
See the official tuition page for more details: https://www.mobap.edu/tuition-financial-aid/tuition-and-costs/
Certification Preparation
The MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares graduates for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) PMHNP-BC certification exam. Graduates are equipped to provide comprehensive mental health care including assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy across the lifespan.
Program Delivery
Both programs feature 100% online delivery with flexible classes and labs designed to work with nursing shift schedules and busy lifestyles. The online format allows students to advance their careers while working full time, with real-world experienced professors providing current knowledge on challenges and trends in psychiatric mental health nursing.
Christian Mission Integration
As a Christian University in St. Louis, MBU is committed to providing strong academic programs with focus on integrating personal faith in nursing practice. Students integrate Biblical concepts using a Christian worldview into advanced nursing practice while serving a global and culturally diverse society. The curriculum prepares nurses spiritually, intellectually, and professionally through foundation of Biblical truth and liberal arts education.
Other Nursing Programs
Missouri Baptist University offers additional nursing programs and specializations:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Pre-Licensure BSN (Direct Entry)
- Pre-Licensure BSN (Accelerated – ABSN)
- RN to BSN (online, 12-22 months)
- Nursing Across Cultures Minor
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Tracks:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Executive Leadership
- Nurse Educator
Post-BSN Certificates:
- Executive Leadership
- Nurse Educator
Post-MSN Certificates:
- Executive Leadership
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
Accelerated Pathways:
- 3+2 RN-BSN to MSN (accelerated completion allowing 12 senior permission credits to count toward MSN)
- RN to MSN pathway
Clinical Partnerships
MBU School of Nursing partners with variety of clinical sites throughout the St. Louis region to provide students with broad range of experiences across various settings and populations. Sample clinical partners include Barnes Jewish Hospital, SSM Entities, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, Mercy St. Louis, Mercy South, and St. Luke’s Hospital.
Program Features
Programs designed specifically for working nurses with flexible online scheduling, real-world experienced faculty, and integration of Christian faith and values. Full-time MSN students complete degree in as few as six semesters while maintaining full-time employment. The 100% online format eliminates commuting requirements while providing rigorous academic preparation for advanced practice psychiatric mental health nursing roles.
More Programs in Missouri
View All PMHNP Programs in Missouri
- Missouri State University - Springfield
- Rockhurst University - Kansas City
- UMKC - Kansas City
- University of Missouri - Columbia