Program Track Overview
The school is ranked #34 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Grad Schools 2025. The program emphasizes trauma-informed care, evidence-based treatment modalities, and comprehensive mental health support across the lifespan.
Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the online PMHNP program is approximately $60,210 and takes 32 months to complete on a part-time basis across 8 terms.
Curriculum
The 50-credit program combines 30 credits of scholarship core and direct core coursework with 23 credits of advanced psychiatric mental health specialization.
Coursework includes:
GNUR 520 Foundations of Advanced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practice: This course explores core principles, standards, and models for advanced psychiatric nursing, with a focus on promoting mental health and preventing disorders. It emphasizes the neurobiology of stress and trauma, as well as culturally relevant and trauma-informed care.
GNUR 544 Psychopathology & Differential Diagnosis: Gain the skills to assess and diagnose mental disorders across the lifespan using traditional and strengths-based strategies. You’ll master the use of the DSM-5 to determine diagnostic classifications for effective treatment planning.
GNUR 522 Advanced Psychopharmacology: This course provides a comprehensive, lifespan approach to the use of psychiatric medications. It emphasizes the PMHNP’s role in prescribing and educating patients on psychopharmacologic agents, guided by evidence-based practices.
GNUR 521 Advanced Neuropsychiatric Assessment & Intervention: Learn the knowledge and skills necessary to perform comprehensive neuropsychiatric assessments on adults and older adults. The course also covers the management of psychiatric emergencies using a trauma-informed and motivational interviewing approach.
GNUR 523 Advanced Concepts in Psychotherapy With Individuals, Groups, & Families: Explore a variety of traditional and evidence-based psychotherapies, applying major theoretical approaches to individuals, groups, and families. The course also examines the integration of psychotherapy with psychopharmacological interventions.
GNUR 545 Advanced Concepts in Child & Adolescent Mental Health: Review advanced assessment and treatment processes for working with children and adolescents. The course covers interviewing strategies, formal testing, and a variety of intervention techniques for common behavioral and emotional issues.
Clinical Practicum
GNUR 513 PMHNP Clinical Practicum I: Trauma-Informed Assessment & Intervention: Integrate biopsychosocial knowledge to perform comprehensive assessments and develop appropriate dispositions in an acute clinical setting. Under supervision, you will apply trauma-informed and motivational interviewing techniques.
GNUR 514 PMHNP Clinical Practicum II: Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities: Apply your knowledge of psychopathology and psychopharmacology to implement time-limited, evidence-based psychotherapies. You’ll work under a clinical mentor to practice and document various treatment modalities.
GNUR 515 PMHNP Clinical Practicum III: Interactive Management of Complex Co-morbidities: Focus on the management of complex co-occurring medical and behavioral health conditions. This practicum emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and the use of therapeutic interventions in various clinical settings.
GNUR 516 PMHNP Clinical Practicum IV: Advanced Strategies for At-Risk Populations: This final practicum focuses on promoting health and preventing illness in vulnerable populations. You’ll implement both direct and indirect interventions, including screening, education, and consultation, under the guidance of a clinical mentor.
More curriculum details are available here: https://onlinenursing.sjf.edu/programs/course-catalog/#PMHNP
Clinicals
Students complete 600 clinical hours distributed across four progressive practicum experiences:
- PMHNP Clinical Practicum I focusing on trauma-informed assessment and intervention (150 hours)
- Clinical Practicum II covering evidence-based treatment modalities (150 hours)
- Clinical Practicum III addressing interactive management of complex comorbidities (150 hours)
- Clinical Practicum IV emphasizing advanced strategies for at-risk populations (150 hours)
Clinical rotations occur in community settings including community mental health centers, inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facilities, and mental health clinics, all outside the student’s current place of employment.
Students also participate in one pre-clinical immersion experience on Fisher’s Rochester campus to practice critical nursing skills hands-on and strengthen connections within the Fisher community.
Prerequisites & Admissions
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from accredited institution
- Current unencumbered RN license with at least one year of current clinical experience
- Relevant work experience required specifically for PMHNP program
- Online application through designated pathway
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Two letters of recommendation from professional sources
- Personal statement addressing career goals and program interest
- Professional resume demonstrating nursing background and experience
- Meeting of all CCNE guidelines for graduate-level APRN care content
- Research of state-specific licensure requirements as program currently meets New York state requirements with potential additional requirements in other states
Tuition
Graduate nursing tuition is $1,193 per credit hour plus $20 comprehensive fee per credit.
PMHNP online pathway includes additional $70 nursing online fee per semester. The 50-credit program totals approximately $60,210 including all fees.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
St. John Fisher University Wegmans School of Nursing maintains accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and registration with the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
The program meets CCNE guidelines for graduate-level courses addressing advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) care content specific to psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner role and population focus.
Graduates are eligible for New York State and national certification as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Other Nursing Programs
St. John Fisher University’s Wegmans School of Nursing offers comprehensive nursing education pathways:
Master of Science in Nursing Programs:
- Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (PCFNP)
- Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS) – on-campus only
Undergraduate Programs:
- Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Online RN to BSN Program
Doctoral Programs:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – post-master’s and post-baccalaureate entry points
- Dual-degree AGACNP and CRNA program
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program
Graduate Mental Health Programs:
- Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
Specialized Features:
- Fast-track B.S. to M.S. nursing options
- Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing integration
- Both online and on-campus pathway options for most programs