Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Estimated Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BSN to MSN | $39,850 | ~2 years 5 months |
| RN to MSN | $43,070–$65,354 | ~4 years |
| Post-Master’s Certificate | $15,000–$32,000 | ~18–24 months |
Spring Arbor integrates Christian worldview and nursing science concepts while serving students regardless of personal faith background, preparing graduates for national PMHNP certification exams (PMHNP-BC™) through comprehensive clinical experiences totaling 500 hours.
Program Tracks Overview
BSN to MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the MSN PMHNP program is approximately $39,850 and takes 2 years and 5 months to complete on a full-time basis.
Curriculum
The 50-credit program combines 24 credits of MSN foundation courses with specialized PMHNP concentration coursework and clinical experiences.
Coursework includes:
NUR 500 – Graduate Nursing Orientation
Introduces students to SAU’s online learning environment and the SAU Concept, connecting program expectations to professional practice. Emphasizes study tools, success strategies, and scholarly engagement.
NUR 510 – Moral and Ethic Decision Making
Explores personal worldview and nursing philosophy to guide ethical clinical choices, with emphasis on a Christian perspective. Applies ethical frameworks to care for diverse populations.
NUR 522 – Theoretical Perspectives for Advanced Practice
Examines and synthesizes nursing and cross-disciplinary theories to inform advanced practice, education, and research. Students evaluate frameworks to guide clinical decisions and outcomes.
NUR 532 – Role Development and Leadership
Builds the advanced nurse’s professional identity and leadership skills to advocate for population health. Focuses on communication, influence, and change management in complex systems.
NUR 551 – Applied Research Methods
Covers quantitative, qualitative, and systematic review methods to drive evidence-based projects. Students practice data collection/analysis and translate findings to improve patient outcomes.
NUR 612 – Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan
Analyzes normal and altered physiologic mechanisms underlying disease in all ages. Links pathophysiology to clinical presentation and management decisions in advanced practice.
NUR 618 – Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan
Develops advanced prescribing knowledge, including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies. Emphasizes safe selection, monitoring, and integration of therapeutics across the lifespan.
NUR 602 – Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
Strengthens comprehensive history and physical exam skills within individual, family, and community contexts. Stresses diagnostic reasoning, documentation, and health promotion across ages.
NUR 602R – MSN Residency
A 3–4 day, on-campus skills immersion that reinforces NUR 602 content. Students complete advanced head-to-toe assessments and skills check-offs required for progression.
NUR 693 – Population Health
Prepares nurses to design, deliver, and evaluate culturally responsive, evidence-based prevention and population care. Targets risk reduction, chronic disease mitigation, and global health promotion.
NUR 628 – Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan for Nurse Practitioners
Extends pharmacology for NP practice with ethical prescribing, policy, cost considerations, and interprofessional coordination. Focuses on safe, equitable medication management across populations.
NUR 712 – Neurobiology and Psychopathology
Investigates neurobiologic foundations of mental disorders, emphasizing genetics, development, and trauma. Introduces lifespan-sensitive psychiatric assessment strategies and epidemiologic context.
NUR 713 – Psychopharmacology
Applies neurobiology to evidence-based psychotropic selection and monitoring, including kinetics/dynamics and adverse effects. Integrates psychotherapy with medication plans for co-morbid conditions.
NUR 714 – Advanced Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health I: Adults
Develops assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning for adult and older-adult disorders. Emphasizes CBT, trauma-informed and pharmacologic interventions tailored to cultural factors.
NUR 715 – Advanced Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health II: Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults
Focuses on pediatric through young-adult psychiatric care, using age-specific screening, family-based and trauma-informed therapies, and psychopharmacology. Students craft developmentally aligned plans.
NUR 770M – PMHNP Clinical Experience I
First supervised clinical practicum applying health promotion, prevention, and intervention across the lifespan. Students progress competencies with preceptor guidance and address legal/ethical issues.
NUR 780M – PMHNP Clinical Experience II
Continues supervised practice to deepen assessment and treatment for at-risk and diagnosed populations. Expands primary prevention, intervention, and evaluation across varied clinical placements.
NUR 781 – Advanced Integration of Evidence-Based Practice
Guides translation of research into practice via a specialty-focused EBP project proposal. Students synthesize evidence to address a defined clinical problem and implementation plan.
The curriculum integrates Christian worldview perspectives while preparing students to assess, diagnose, and treat acute and chronic psychiatric disorders in diverse populations from children through elderly adults.
More curriculum details available in the course catalog.
Clinicals
Students complete 500 supervised clinical experience hours distributed throughout the program in diverse psychiatric mental health settings.
Students work with preceptors in various settings including community health centers, hospitals, private practices, and other organizations, with increasing opportunities for telehealth patient care.
Clinical placements are arranged collaboratively, and students must complete all clinical compliance requirements including background checks and health clearances before beginning any clinical courses.
Prerequisites & Admissions
- BSN degree from regionally accredited institution and nursing program (CCNE or NLN)
- Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
- Minimum 3.0 GPA calculated from most recent 60 academic credits
- Unrestricted, unencumbered, current nursing license from state of employment
- Short personal statement demonstrating goals and Christian worldview integration
- Completed online application
- Conference call interview may be required at admission committee discretion
- Must complete research and statistics prerequisites before beginning NUR 551
RN to MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the RN to MSN PMHNP program is approximately $43,070-$65,354 and takes 4 years to complete on a full-time basis.
Curriculum
The 82-credit program serves as a fast-track option for diploma or associate degree nurses, combining BSN completion requirements with MSN-level psychiatric mental health preparation.
Students complete two bridge courses (NUR 510 and NUR 522) that fulfill both BSN and graduate program requirements, requiring 3.0 GPA to progress into MSN coursework.
The program includes comprehensive MSN foundation courses plus specialized PMHNP concentration identical to the BSN-to-MSN track. Students earn their BSN degree along the way while progressing toward advanced practice psychiatric mental health specialization.
Clinicals
Students complete 500 supervised clinical experience hours in psychiatric mental health settings during the final portion of the program. Clinical experiences mirror those in the BSN-to-MSN track, providing comprehensive exposure to mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across diverse patient populations and care settings.
One four-day campus residency occurs during the third year for hands-on skills practice and competency demonstration.
Prerequisites & Admissions
- Associate degree in nursing or diploma in nursing leading to RN licensure
- Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
- Minimum 3.0 GPA calculated from most recent 60 academic credits
- Unrestricted, unencumbered, current nursing license from state of employment (must remain current throughout program)
- Short personal statement addressing goals and faith integration
- Completed online application
- Research and statistics prerequisites must be completed before progressing to graduate coursework
Post-Master’s Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate program ranges from $15,000-$32,000 depending on prerequisites needed and takes 18-24 months to complete.
Curriculum
Course requirements are individually determined through careful evaluation of previous master’s coursework and clinical experience, as programs vary in curricular design and focus. Students may need to complete prerequisite courses including advanced health assessment with MSN residency, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced pharmacology if not previously completed or current.
The core curriculum includes:
NUR 500 – Graduate Nursing Orientation
Introduces students to SAU’s online community and the SAU Concept, connecting program expectations to professional practice. Emphasizes success strategies, learning tools, and scholarly engagement.
NUR 610 – Foundation of Post-Graduate Nursing
Explores graduate nursing grounded in a Biblical worldview and the SAU Concept. Clarifies advanced nurse roles and prepares learners to build the knowledge and skills needed for post-graduate practice.
NUR 712 – Neurobiology and Psychopathology
Examines neurobiologic mechanisms of mental illness across the lifespan, highlighting genetics, development, trauma, epidemiology, and etiology. Introduces psychosocially sensitive psychiatric assessment strategies.
NUR 713 – Psychopharmacology
Applies neurobiology to the selection and monitoring of psychotropics using evidence-based principles. Covers pharmacokinetics/dynamics, risks, adverse effects, co-morbid conditions, and integration with psychotherapy.
NUR 714 – Advanced Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health I: Adults
Develops advanced assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning for adult and older-adult disorders. Emphasizes rating scales, prevention, cultural factors, CBT, trauma-informed care, and psychopharmacologic management.
NUR 715 – Advanced Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health II: Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults
Builds age-specific competencies in evaluating and treating pediatric through young-adult disorders. Integrates family-based and trauma-informed therapies, CBT, psychopharmacology, and developmentally aligned care plans.
NUR 770M – PMHNP Clinical Experience I
First supervised practicum focusing on health promotion, prevention, and intervention across the lifespan. Students progress competencies with preceptor/faculty guidance while addressing legal, ethical, and policy issues.
NUR 628 – Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan for Nurse Practitioners
Extends pharmacology for NP practice with ethical prescribing, policy and safety integration, cost considerations, and team-based coordination. Targets safe, equitable medication management for diverse populations.
NUR 780M – PMHNP Clinical Experience II
Continues supervised clinical immersion to deepen assessment and treatment for at-risk and diagnosed populations. Expands prevention, intervention, and evaluation skills across varied placements under preceptor guidance.
More certificate curriculum details available in the course catalog here.
Clinicals
Clinical hour requirements range from 250-625 direct care practice experience hours depending on student background as NP or non-NP and chosen certificate track focus. A maximum of 125 hours may be transferred from previous coursework and clinical work depending on track focus.
Students must complete all clinical compliance requirements and submit clinical agreement forms at least four weeks prior to beginning clinical courses.
Prerequisites & Admissions
- MSN degree from accredited program
- Official graduate transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
- Minimum 3.0 GPA calculated from most recent 60 academic credits
- Current nursing license from state of employment
- Online application and short personal statement
- Advanced pharmacology, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced health assessment prerequisites
- Certificate must be completed within three years of university admittance
- Currently not eligible for federal financial aid
Tuition
Graduate nursing tuition is $797 per credit hour for Post-Master’s Certificate programs and $525-$797 per credit hour for RN to MSN programs depending on course level.
BSN to MSN programs charge approximately $797 per credit hour.
Spring Arbor is recognized as a “Best Value” school by U.S. News & World Report, and students may be eligible for financial aid, military discounts, and tax benefits.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, post-master certificates, and doctor of nursing practice programs at Spring Arbor University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Spring Arbor University maintains institutional accreditation through The Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Graduates are prepared to take national PMHNP certification exams (PMHNP-BC™) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Other Nursing Programs
Spring Arbor University offers comprehensive nursing education pathways:
MSN Specialty Concentrations:
- Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Educator
- Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration (Dual Degree)
- Master of Science in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificates:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Additional Programs:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- RN-to-BSN Bridge Programs
More Programs in Michigan
View All PMHNP Programs in Michigan
- Davenport University - Grand Rapids
- Michigan State University - East Lansing
- Saginaw Valley State - Saginaw
- Wayne State - Detroit