Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN – PMHNP | $50,380 (tuition + fees) | ~27 months (full-time) |
| Post-Graduate Certificate – PMHNP | $28,417 (tuition + fees) | ~21 months (full-time) |
Both programs feature:
- doctorally-prepared nursing faculty
- three elective courses expanding diagnostic techniques/practice management/complementary therapies
- virtual immersion experiences with simulation/telehealth/standardized patient encounters
- technology-forward learning preparing for technology-driven patient care
- personalized practicum coordination ensuring clinical experiences fit student interests within their workplace or community.
Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MSN-NP PMHNP program is approximately $50,380 including tuition and fees, and takes 27 months to complete on a full-time basis with two start dates annually (January and July).
Curriculum
The 69-credit program combines 28 MSN core credits ($290 per credit) with 41 PMHNP specialization credits ($915 per credit) totaling $45,635 tuition plus $4,745 fees.
CORE COURSES
NGR5013 Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice 4
The course strengthens advanced practice by linking nursing theories to clinical judgment and decision-making. Students examine how concepts, theory, research, and practice connect. Cultural responsiveness and clear clinical communication are emphasized.
NGR5056 Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan 4
Students perform comprehensive, focused, and regional assessments using advanced interviewing and exam techniques. They synthesize findings into evidence-based plans of care. Lab and practice sessions build accuracy and confidence.
NGR5101 Research and Evidence-Based Practice 4
The course covers research designs, appraisal of evidence, and basic statistics. Students analyze data, interpret results, and form practice recommendations. Emphasis is on rigorous, clinically useful evidence.
NGR5149 Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan 4
Students distinguish normal from abnormal physiology across body systems. Content integrates genetics, epigenetics, and culture to guide care. Application focuses on pathophysiologic reasoning in advanced practice.
NGR5172 Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan 4
The course reviews pharmacology by system with policy, finance, and technology considerations. Students evaluate drug selection, safety, and monitoring to improve outcomes. Learning centers on applying pharmacotherapy in practice.
NGR5800 Leading Healthcare Transformation 4
Students study leadership for policy development, quality improvement, and access to care. The course prepares them to lead change that benefits patients and the profession. Strategy and implementation skills are stressed.
NGR6900 MSN Capstone
Students synthesize program learning in a culminating project or equivalent scholarly work. The focus is on measurable practice impact. Deliverables reflect advanced clinical and leadership competence.
PMHNP SPECIALIZATION
NGR6262 Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health 4
The course introduces PMHNP roles, scope, and standards. Students build therapeutic relationships, conduct comprehensive assessments, and consider ethical, legal, social, and cultural factors. Lifespan perspectives guide evaluation.
NGR6462 Psychopathology and Neurobiology of Mental Health Disorders 4
Students examine neurobiology and psychopathology of major disorders, including mood, psychotic, anxiety, sleep, and personality conditions. Psychiatric interview components are emphasized. Special populations receive focused attention.
NGR6502 Psychiatric Mental Health Treatment Modalities 4
The course surveys evidence-based treatments, pairing pharmacotherapies with brief psychotherapies. Students plan care and identify appropriate community referrals. Management addresses comorbid conditions.
NGR6538 Psychopharmacology 4
Students apply psychopharmacogenomics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics across the lifespan. The course covers major psychotropic classes and safe prescribing. Evaluation of treatment response guides decisions.
NGR6910 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum I 6
Students begin supervised care with emphasis on children, adolescents, and families. They identify signs and symptoms, use therapeutic modalities, and start pharmacologic management. Education for patients and caregivers is included.
NGR6920 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum II 6
Students evaluate and treat adults with psychiatric disorders. Work includes therapeutic interviewing, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment planning. Medication and psychotherapy choices match clinical findings.
NGR6930 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum III 6
Students focus on aging adults, refining assessment and treatment planning. Emphasis is on symptom recognition, therapy selection, and pharmacologic care. Lifespan exposure continues as appropriate.
NGR6940 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum IV 7
In the final practicum, students concentrate on their areas of interest. They advance skills in interviewing, diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment planning. Performance reflects readiness for independent PMHNP practice.
Clinicals
Students build confidence across the lifespan through practicum experiences aligned with their interests. Clinical practicum coordinators secure placements in each student’s community and confirm a good fit. Practicums may occur at a current workplace or another local site in the student’s specialty area.
Before starting, students complete a virtual immersion with simulation, telehealth, standardized patient encounters, and assessment-based activities to ensure readiness.
- Students expand their professional network through community mentors, experienced faculty, and their cohort.
- Modern treatment training includes telehealth for real-world care delivery.
- Practicum hours occur under master’s- or doctoral-prepared nurse preceptors.
Prerequisites & Admissions
- Conferred Bachelor of Science in Nursing from regionally or nationally accredited college or university
- Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher
- Current unencumbered RN license valid in United States
- Two professional letters of reference
- No GRE requirement
- Cleared background check required for practicum site participation
- Program not available to residents of all states (speak with admissions representative for enrollment eligibility)
- Two start dates annually: January 5, 2026 and July 6, 2026
- Application through Rasmussen admissions process
- Program currently NOT eligible for Title IV federal student aid programs
- 10% military tuition grant available for active-duty service members, National Guard, Reserve, retired military, veterans
- Employer tuition reimbursement options may apply
Post-Graduate Certificate – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate is approximately $28,417 including tuition and fees, and takes 21 months to complete on a full-time basis.
Curriculum
The 53-credit certificate ($464 per credit, totaling $24,592 tuition plus $3,825 fees) focuses exclusively on PMHNP specialization coursework for nurses already holding graduate nursing degrees.
The 11-course program allows qualified nurses to add new specialization without repeating MSN core coursework. Certificate students complete identical PMHNP specialization courses as MSN-NP students:
- Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practice (NGR 6262)
- Psychopathology and Neurobiology of Mental Health Disorders (NGR 6462)
- PMHNP Practicum I through IV (progressive clinical experiences)
- Three elective courses in diagnostic techniques, practice management, complementary/alternative therapies
The certificate program features same Empowered Learning® online courses allowing learning by doing with managed pacing, no weekly deadlines, and ability to go faster or slower as needed within each term.
Students learn mental health disorder development, age-appropriate assessments, diagnosing mental health disorders throughout lifespan, prescribing medication/treatments, e-prescribing, telehealth, and practice management.
Clinicals
Certificate students complete identical practicum requirements as MSN-NP students through four progressive PMHNP practicums. Practicums are personalized for students in their own communities, possibly at their own organizations, under Master’s or Doctoral degree-prepared nurse preceptor supervision.
Clinical practicum coordinators help identify practicum experience locations if needed, ensuring experiences align with student interests and career goals. Students participate in immersive virtual experiences preparing for clinical practicums through simulation and standardized patient encounters.
Prerequisites & Admissions
- Graduate degree in nursing discipline from regionally or nationally accredited college or university (MSN, MSN-NP, or DNP)
- Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher in graduate program
- Current unencumbered RN license valid in United States
- Two professional letters of reference
- Cleared background check required for practicum site participation
- Program not available to residents of all states (speak with admissions representative for enrollment eligibility)
- Two start dates annually: January 5, 2026 and July 6, 2026
- Program currently NOT eligible for Title IV federal student aid programs
- Military grants and employer reimbursement options may apply
Tuition
MSN-NP PMHNP tuition: $290 per MSN core credit (28 credits) plus $915 per NP specialization credit (41 credits) totaling $45,635 tuition plus $4,745 fees for $50,380 total estimated cost.
Post-Graduate Certificate PMHNP tuition: $464 per credit (53 credits) totaling $24,592 tuition plus $3,825 fees for $28,417 total estimated cost.
Both programs NOT currently eligible for Title IV federal student aid programs. 10% military tuition grant available for qualifying service members, National Guard, Reserve, retired military, and veterans.
Accreditation
Both programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Rasmussen University maintains institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
MSN curriculum aligns with:
- National League for Nursing (NLN) Outcomes and Competencies for Graduates of Nursing Programs
- Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) Competencies
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing.
Other Nursing Programs
Rasmussen University offers comprehensive nursing education pathways serving over 8,500 nursing students with 19,500 nursing alumni and 600 nursing faculty:
- Pre-Licensure Programs: Practical Nursing Diploma (PN/LPN), Professional Nursing Associate’s (ADN/RN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), LPN to RN Bridge
- Post-Licensure Undergraduate: RN to BSN (online)
- Master of Science in Nursing Specializations: Nursing Leadership and Administration, Nursing Education, Healthcare Technology/Simulation/Informatics
- MSN Nurse Practitioner Specializations: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGPCNP), Family NP (FNP), Pediatric Primary Care NP (PPCNP)
- Post-Graduate Certificates: All MSN specializations plus all NP specializations available for nurses with existing graduate degrees
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): For nurses leading at highest healthcare levels