Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN – PMHNP | ~$20,814 (in-state) | ~3 years (full-time) |
| BSN-to-DNP – PMHNP | ~$31,280 (in-state) | 4 years (full-time) |
| Post-Master’s Certificate – PMHNP | ~$21,461 (in-state) | ~1.5 years |
Missouri State is CCNE-accredited and offers one of the lowest-cost master’s degrees in the region, with expert faculty who have clinical experience and published research.
Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MSN-PMHNP program is approximately $20,814 (in-state) or $41,796 (out-of-state) and would take 3 years to complete on a full-time basis.
MSN Curriculum
The 53-credit-hour program includes NP core courses and psychiatric mental health specialization coursework:
NP Core Courses (35 credits)
NUR 703 – Population Health: A Local to Global Perspective
Explores health trends and risks from neighborhoods to worldwide settings. Uses data to plan prevention and improvement strategies.
NUR 710 – Clinical Epidemiology
Covers study designs, measures, and bias in patient-focused research. Applies findings to screening, diagnosis, and treatment decisions.
NUR 711 – Advanced Roles and Leadership in Nursing
Builds leadership skills for team coordination and change. Reviews ethics, communication, and quality improvement.
NUR 734 – Advanced Physical Assessment and Clinical Reasoning
Strengthens history taking and head-to-toe exams. Uses clinical clues to form differentials and next steps.
NUR 761 – Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics and Prescriptive Practices for the APRN
Reviews major drug classes and safe prescribing. Plans dosing, monitoring, and patient teaching across the lifespan.
NUR 765 – Applications of Advanced Pathophysiology
Links disease mechanisms to signs and symptoms. Uses system-based cases to guide diagnosis and care.
NUR 772 – Research Methods for the Health Professions
Introduces qualitative and quantitative designs. Appraises evidence to answer practice questions.
NUR 790 – Advanced Practice Practicum
Provides supervised clinical hours to apply APRN skills. Delivers patient care while meeting competency goals.
NUR 797 – Capstone Project
Designs and completes a practice-focused project. Measures outcomes and shares results.
NUR 824 – Health Policy to Improve Health Disparities
Analyzes policies that shape access and outcomes. Develops advocacy plans to reduce gaps in care.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Option Courses (18 credits)
NUR 731 – Psychiatric–Mental Health Practice I
Covers psychiatric assessment and initial management. Uses DSM-5 to build differentials and care plans.
NUR 751 – Psychiatric–Mental Health Practice II
Advances treatment for complex and co-occurring conditions. Integrates psychotherapy and medication management.
NUR 771 – Psychiatric–Mental Health Practice III
Refines comprehensive PMHNP practice across settings. Evaluates outcomes and adjusts long-term care.
More curriculum details are available here.
MSN Clinicals
Students complete clinical practice hours through three psychiatric mental health practice courses (NUR 731, NUR 751, NUR 771) plus an advanced practice practicum (NUR 790). Clinical experiences are individually arranged with preceptors who have appropriate educational and experiential qualifications.
Students can complete clinical experiences in their local community if sites and preceptors are approved by the School of Nursing, though students should plan to travel outside the local community for some experiences.
MSN Prerequisites & Admissions
Application Requirements:
- Submit application to Nursing CAS with all required documentation, transcripts, and references
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from state Board of Nursing-approved program
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 for last 60 hours of coursework (students below 3.25 must submit GRE scores: minimum Verbal 150, Quantitative 145, Analytical Writing 3.5)
- Current, unencumbered RN license
- Completion of all prerequisite courses with grade of “C” or higher: undergraduate human pathophysiology, nursing research, health assessment, healthcare informatics, and graduate-level inferential statistics
- Evidence of completed clinical practice experience equating to minimum one year full-time (two or more years preferred)
- All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrolling in MSN courses
Program Requirements:
- Maintain GPA of 3.00 with no more than one course with grade of “C”
- No course with grade of “D” or lower
- Receive “pass” in all clinical evaluations
Doctor of Nursing Practice BSN-to-DNP – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program is approximately $31,280 (in-state) or $62,720 (out-of-state) and would take 4 years to complete on a full-time basis.
DNP Curriculum
The 79-credit-hour program includes BSN to DNP core requirements and psychiatric mental health specialization:
BSN to DNP Core Requirements (42 credits):
- NUR 703: Population Health: A Local to Global Perspective
- NUR 710: Clinical Epidemiology
- NUR 711: Advanced Roles and Leadership in Nursing
- NUR 772: Research Methods for the Health Professions
- NUR 800: DNP Leadership I: Concepts for Evidence-Based Practice
- NUR 802: Emerging Science and Methods of Advanced Practice
- NUR 810: Finance Management and Entrepreneurship for Advanced Nursing Roles
- NUR 824: Health Policy to Improve Health Disparities
- NUR 830: DNP Leadership II: Impacting Disparities in Health and Healthcare
- NUR 840: Technology for Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Systems
- NUR 860: DNP Leadership III: Transforming Systems
- NUR 880: Leadership and Innovation in Population Health Nursing
- NUR 993: Transforming Practice
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Option Courses (37 credits):
- NUR 731: Psychiatric-Mental Health Practice I
- NUR 734: Advanced Physical Assessment and Clinical Reasoning
- NUR 751: Psychiatric-Mental Health Practice II
- NUR 761: Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics and Prescriptive Practices for the Advanced Practice Nurse
- NUR 765: Applications of Advanced Pathophysiology
- NUR 771: Psychiatric-Mental Health Practice III
- NUR 790: Advanced Practice Practicum
Prerequisites (must be completed before program):
- NUR 635: Healthcare Informatics
- NUR 640: Undergraduate Pathophysiology
- PSY 627: Advanced Psychological Statistical Methods
More curriculum details are available here: https://www.missouristate.edu/Nursing/Doctor/BSNtoDNP-PMHNPOption.htm
DNP Clinicals
Students complete 1,200 clinical rotation hours throughout the 80-hour program. Clinical experiences are individually arranged with preceptors who have appropriate educational and experiential qualifications.
Students can complete clinical experiences in their local community if sites and preceptors are approved by the School of Nursing, though students should plan to travel outside the local community for experiences.
DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
Application Requirements:
- Submit application to Nursing CAS with all required documentation, transcripts, and references
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from accredited program
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 for last 60 hours of coursework (students below 3.25 must submit GRE scores)
- Current, unencumbered RN license
- Evidence of completed clinical practice experience
- Prerequisites completed: Healthcare Informatics, Undergraduate Pathophysiology, Advanced Psychological Statistical Methods
On-Campus Requirements:
- BSN to DNP students required on campus minimum one day per week for seated classes, with potential for additional days depending on course requirements
- Hybrid format with combination of online and on-campus modalities
Technical Requirements:
- Proficiency using online learning management systems, word processing, spreadsheet management, presentation graphics software
- Access to personal computer/laptop with broadband/high-speed internet connections, web camera, headset with microphone
- Ability to manage files, navigate internet, access resources, locate scholarly references from library
Program Requirements:
- Maintain GPA of 3.00 with no more than one course with grade of “C”
- No course with grade of “D” or lower
- Receive “pass” in all clinical evaluations
Post-Master’s Certificate – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate is $21,461 (in-state) or $30,869 (out-of-state) and would take approximately 1.5 years to complete.
Certificate Curriculum
The 24-credit-hour program with minimum 500 clinical hours includes:
Program Requirements (24 credits):
- NUR 731: Psychiatric-Mental Health Practice I
- NUR 751: Psychiatric-Mental Health Practice II
- NUR 771: Psychiatric-Mental Health Practice III
- NUR 790: Advanced Practice Practicum
More curriculum details are available here: https://www.missouristate.edu/Nursing/PMHNPCertificate/default.htm
Certificate Clinicals
Certificate students complete minimum 500 clinical hours through the three psychiatric mental health practice courses and advanced practice practicum. The PMHNP Graduate Certificate curriculum is delivered in hybrid format combining online and seated components.
Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions
Application Requirements:
- Submit application to Nursing CAS with all required documentation, transcripts, and references
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from nationally accredited nursing graduate program
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (on 4.0 scale)
- Proof of completing graduate course in advanced pharmacology that includes prescriptive practices, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced physical/health assessment
- Interview with departmental selection committee
- Current, unencumbered RN license
Program Preparation:
- Completion of certificate program prepares students to take national PMHNP certification exam
- Hybrid format delivery with combination of online and seated components
Tuition
Graduate tuition per credit hour (2025-2026):
- Missouri residents: $394 per credit hour (seated courses)
- Non-Missouri residents: $786 per credit hour (seated courses)
- Internet-based instruction: $394 per credit hour (all students)
Additional fees include: Student service fees, program fees, supplemental course fees for clinical courses, background check/drug screen, clinical tracking fees, CPR/BLS certification, textbooks, parking permits, and other program-specific costs.
See the official tuition page for more details: https://www.missouristate.edu/Registrar/Students/detailed-tuition-and-fees.htm
Financial Aid Note: Students may qualify for reduced tuition through the Midwest Student Exchange Program or MOGO Scholarship.
Accreditation
The BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate programs at Missouri State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Missouri State Board of Nursing provides full approval for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (four-year BSN). Graduate Nurse Practitioner Programs are not regulated in Texas by Section 132.001(1)(B).
Program Outcomes
MSN Program: 100% job placement rate for family nurse practitioners. Missouri State ranked #2 for best online master’s in nursing degree programs (2020, GradReports.com) and #8 for best master’s in nursing (MSN) schools (GradReports.com).
Career Preparation: Graduates prepared to assess, diagnose, treat, educate, and manage acute and chronic patients’ mental health needs across the lifespan. Career paths include clinical practice, administration, education, research, and leadership roles in mental health care and services.
Other Nursing Programs
Missouri State University School of Nursing offers additional programs:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Nursing Completion (BSN-C) – fully online for registered nurses
- Accelerated BSN
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Options:
- Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Practice Leadership
- Accelerated Practice Leadership (for eligible MSU BSN-C students with up to 12 credits applied to both undergraduate and graduate degrees)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP):
- BSN to DNP tracks: Adult Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Practice Leadership, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master’s DNP-Leadership
Post-Master’s Certificates:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
Program Highlights
Missouri State offers great quality at affordable cost with CCNE-accredited programs featuring one of the lowest costs in the region. Flexible classes allow students to keep working while earning degrees, with the Nurse Educator and Practice Leadership options available fully online. The Family Nurse Practitioner option has seated and online courses. Faculty are nursing professionals and experts with clinical experience and published research. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and resources, comprehensive advisement, and commitment to ethical nursing education based on a culture of caring.
Clinical Experience Arrangements
Clinical experiences for BSN to DNP students are individually arranged with preceptors who have appropriate educational and experiential qualifications. Students can complete clinical experiences in their local community if sites and preceptors are approved by the School of Nursing. All clinical sites and preceptors must be approved in advance by the Program Coordinator, and contracts must be established with clinical sites before any clinical experiences occur.
More Programs in Missouri
View All PMHNP Programs in Missouri
- Missouri Baptist University - Saint Louis
- Rockhurst University - Kansas City
- UMKC - Kansas City
- University of Missouri - Columbia