Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN – PMHNP | $32,021 | 2–3 years (full-time) |
| RN to MS – PMHNP | $36,603 | 3–4 years |
| Post-Master’s Certificate – PMHNP | $14,194–$32,101 | 3–6 semesters |
Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MSN PMHNP program is $32,021 for nursing courses and would take approximately 2-3 years to complete on a full-time basis (43 credits at $747 per credit).
MSN Curriculum
Coursework includes the following:
BIO 504 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
You study how disease disrupts normal anatomy and physiology across systems. You link cellular and organ-level changes to signs, symptoms, labs, and treatment rationale.
NSG 502 – Psychopharmacology (1 credit)
You review psychotropic classes for children through older adults, covering mechanisms, indications, dosing, and monitoring. You connect neurobiology to safe medication selection and outcome evaluation.
NSG 516 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits)
You take complete histories, perform head-to-toe exams, and interpret targeted diagnostics for all ages. You build a comprehensive client database to guide primary care decisions before practicum.
NSG 517 – Advanced Role of the Nurse (1 credit)
You define advanced practice nursing roles, competencies, and scope across settings. You apply primary care and health behavior concepts to lead care teams.
NSG 518 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
You apply pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to evidence-based prescribing across the lifespan. You match therapies to pathophysiology and monitor safety and effectiveness.
NSG 520 – Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Theory I (3 credits)
You integrate theories from nursing and behavioral sciences to understand major psychiatric disorders. You align DSM criteria, psychotherapy models, and psychopharmacology with patient and family education.
NSG 521 – Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practicum/Seminar I (3 credits)
You build skills in triage, crisis intervention, and individual therapy while applying psychopharmacology. You assess, diagnose, plan treatment, and evaluate outcomes under supervision.
NSG 522 – Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Theory II (3 credits)
You study group dynamics and family systems to guide group and family therapy. You examine ethical issues and use brief interactional models suited to diverse settings.
NSG 523 – Advanced Psychiatric NP Practicum/Seminar II (4 credits)
You practice milieu, group, family, and couples therapies across the lifespan. You advance assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning with integrated medication management.
NSG 525 – Advanced Psychiatric NP Practicum/Seminar III (5 credits)
You manage complex presentations through case-based seminars tied to clinical work. You refine advanced assessment, diagnostic reasoning, therapy, and medication decisions for role readiness.
NSG 601 – Quality Healthcare Improvement (3 credits)
You use PDCA cycles, metrics, and policy awareness to deliver safe, effective, patient-centered care. You strengthen teamwork, accountability, access, and cost control.
NSG 602 – Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare (3 credits)
You evaluate and synthesize research reports using conceptual, theoretical, and empirical criteria. You translate findings into practical recommendations.
NSG 606 – Research Capstone Advisement (2 credits)
You complete a faculty-guided project such as an integrative review, program proposal, or pilot study. You demonstrate independent scholarship and clear, actionable outcomes.
NSG 620 – Biostatistics for the Health Sciences (3 credits)
You interpret health science data and critique study designs. You apply core methods—hypothesis testing, regression, t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-square—to understand results in the literature.
More curriculum information available here.
MSN Clinicals
Students complete hands-on clinical experiences in state-of-the-art simulation facilities and supervised clinical placements throughout the greater Boston and central New England regions.
MSN Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing for MSN track
- Active RN license
- Undergraduate statistics course completion
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Multiple term starts available throughout the year
RN to MS Option – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the RN to MS program is $36,603 for nursing courses plus clinical courses and would take approximately 3-4 years to complete (49 credits total).
RN to MS Curriculum
Core requirements include:
- NURS 404 – Leadership and Management in Health Care (3 credits)
- NURS 409 – Community and Public Health Nursing (3 credits)
- NURS 507 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
- NURS 502 – Psychopharmacology (1 credit)
- NURS 516 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits)
- NURS 517 – Advanced Role of the Nurse (1 credit)
- NURS 518 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
- NURS 520 – Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Theory I (3 credits)
- NURS 521 – Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practicum/Seminar I (5 credits)
- NURS 522 – Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Theory II (3 credits)
- NURS 523 – Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Practicum/Seminar II (5 credits)
- NURS 525 – Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practicum/Seminar III (5 credits)
- NURS 601 – Quality Healthcare Improvement (3 credits)
- NURS 606 – Research Capstone Advisement (2 credits)
- NURS 620 – Biostatistics for the Health Sciences (3 credits)
More curriculum details are available here.
RN to MS Clinicals
Clinical/practicum requirements must be completed four months prior to practicum courses, with extensive supervised clinical experience in various healthcare settings.
RN to MS Admissions Requirements
- Associate degree or diploma in nursing
- Active RN license
- Two years full-time (or equivalent) RN experience
- Minimum 3.0 GPA from accredited nursing program
- Professional Portfolio documenting mastery of BS competencies
- Undergraduate statistics course completion
Post-Master’s Certificate – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate program ranges from $14,194 to $32,101 depending on previous education (19-43 credits) and would take 3-6 semesters to complete.
Certificate Curriculum
Minimum required courses include:
- NURS 502 – Psychopharmacology (1 credit)
- NURS 520 – Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Theory I (3 credits)
- NURS 521 – Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practicum/Seminar I (5 credits)
- NURS 522 – Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Theory II (3 credits)
- NURS 523 – Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Practicum/Seminar II (5 credits)
- NURS 525 – Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practicum/Seminar III (5 credits)
Certificate Clinicals
Clinical specialty preparation is reviewed during application and used to develop individualized programs of study. Applicants without clinical work in their master’s program require additional coursework.
Certificate Admissions Requirements
- MSN degree
- Active RN license (NH and state where practicum will be completed)
- Graduate-level Pharmacology course (3 credits) completed within 5 years
- Graduate-level Pathophysiology course (3 credits) completed within 10 years
- Current resume or CV
- Statement of Purpose
- One letter of recommendation
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
Tuition
Graduate nursing courses are $747 per credit hour, while graduate nursing clinical courses are $1,166 per credit hour. Additional fees include a $175 graduation fee, $25 technology fee per course, and liability insurance for clinical practicums. See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
Rivier’s ASN, BSN, MSN, Post Master’s Certificates, and DNP programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) with Continuing Accreditation status. Graduates are qualified to sit for the PMHNP-BC certification exam, with Rivier’s 2022-2024 combined ANCC first-time pass rate at 93.40%, exceeding the national average of 83%.
Other Nursing Programs
Rivier University offers additional nursing programs including:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- MSN: Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Online)
- MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner (Online and On-campus)
- MSN: Nursing Education (Online)
- MSN: Leadership in Health Systems Management (Online)
- Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate
- Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate
- Nursing Education Post-Master’s Certificate
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
Related PMHNP Programs
View All PMHNP Programs in New Hampshire
- University of New Hampshire - Durham