Program Tracks Overview
| Program Track | Est. Cost | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN PMHNP | $33,100 | ~1.5 years |
| Post-Master’s Certificate | $25,540 | ~1.2 years |
| Advanced Placement Certificate | $17,430 | ~1.2 years |
Programs are fully online with six start dates per year and accelerated 7-week courses that can be completed in as few as 14-18 months. The CCNE-accredited programs require 500 clinical hours across four psychiatric management courses and provide virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) for enhanced learning.
Programs are restricted to Florida and Georgia residents due to clinical requirements, with assistance available for clinical site placement within 100 miles of residence.
MSN PMHNP Program
The estimated cost for the MSN PMHNP program is $33,100 and takes 1.5 years to complete on a full-time basis.
Curriculum
Students progress through foundational courses including advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and research methods before advancing to specialized psychiatric content.
Required courses include the following:
NUR 520 Psychopharmacology
Overview of psychoactive drug classes and indications with emphasis on selection, dosing, monitoring, and adverse-effect management for psychiatric patients. Addresses prescriptive decision-making alongside legal and ethical considerations for advanced nursing practice.
NUR 530 Psychopathology
Builds a clinical framework for understanding mental disorders through neurobiology, assessment, and research methods. Covers evidence-based treatments—including individual, CBT, family, trauma-informed, and medication approaches—and how to integrate them into comprehensive care plans.
NUR 620 Psychiatric Management I
Didactic preparation in assessing, diagnosing, treating, and evaluating acute and chronic psychiatric conditions across the lifespan. Highlights holistic, culturally responsive, evidence-based interventions to promote, maintain, and restore wellness.
NUR 620CL Psychiatric Management I
Clinical application of Psychiatric Management I, including interviews, mental status exams, differential diagnosis, and initiation of therapy and medication plans. Emphasizes outcome monitoring and patient-centered care across diverse populations.
NUR 630 Psychiatric Management II
Continues didactic training with more complex presentations and comorbidities, refining treatment planning and measurement-based care. Focuses on risk assessment, care coordination, and stepped-care strategies across the lifespan.
NUR 630CL Psychiatric Management II
Advanced clinical practicum managing higher-acuity cases, adjusting pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic regimens, and collaborating interprofessionally. Reinforces evaluation of treatment response and safety planning.
NUR 640 Psychiatric Management III
Didactic focus on group psychotherapy: theories of group dynamics, evidence-based modalities, and therapeutic communication. Prepares students to design, lead, and evaluate groups for varied ages and settings.
NUR 640CL Psychiatric Management III
Hands-on facilitation of therapy groups with assessment of group processes, targeted interventions, and outcomes evaluation. Develops practical skills for maintaining effective, therapeutic communication in diverse group contexts.
NUR 650 Psychiatric Management IV
Advanced didactic study of group treatment, including specialty formats (e.g., CBT, DBT, psychoeducation), multicultural considerations, and program evaluation. Strengthens leadership and communication strategies for complex group work.
NUR 650CL Psychiatric Management IV
Capstone clinical experience leading multi-session groups, managing ruptures and crises, and documenting progress and quality improvement. Consolidates advanced group psychotherapy competencies across the lifespan.
More curriculum details available here:
Post-Master’s Certificate Program
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate is $25,540 and takes 1.2 years to complete on a full-time basis.
Curriculum
- Core Courses (12 credit hours):
- Role Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Health Assessment & Differential Diagnosis
- Advanced Clinical Pharmacology
- Specialization Courses (26 credit hours):
- Psychopharmacology
- Psychopathology
- Psychiatric Management I-IV (with clinical components)
- Clinical Requirements: 500 clinical hours across four psychiatric management courses, clinical placement assistance available, preceptor must be PMHNP or licensed psychiatrist
Post-Master’s Certificate Requirements:
- Master’s degree in nursing
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Active unencumbered RN license
- Current residence in Florida or Georgia
- Same clinical preparation requirements as MSN program
Advanced Placement Certificate Program
The estimated cost for the Advanced Placement Certificate is $17,430 and takes 1.2 years to complete on a full-time basis.
Curriculum
- Specialization Courses Only (26 credit hours):
- Psychopharmacology
- Psychopathology
- Psychiatric Management I-IV (with clinical components)
- Clinical Requirements: 500 clinical hours across four psychiatric management courses, designed for existing NPs who completed graduate-level pathophysiology, pharmacology, and assessment courses
Advanced Placement Certificate Requirements:
- Master’s degree in nurse practitioner field
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Active unencumbered RN license
- Current residence in Florida or Georgia
- Completion of graduate-level pathophysiology, pharmacology, and assessment courses
Prerequisites & Admissions
MSN Program Requirements:
- Free application
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Active unencumbered RN license
- BSN from accredited nursing school
- Transcripts from all institutions
- Current residence in Florida or Georgia
- Background check and drug screening before clinical courses
- Current professional liability insurance
- Basic life support (CPR) certification
- Annual physical examination and immunizations
Tuition
Graduate nursing programs cost $605 per credit hour with all fees included (technology fee and lab fees for specific courses). See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
St. Thomas University’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The baccalaureate, master’s, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and post-graduate certificate programs meet national nursing education standards.
Other Nursing Programs
- Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (30 credit hours)
- Master of Science in Nursing – Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (47 credit hours)
- Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (47 credit hours)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Various online nursing programs for working professionals
More Programs in Florida
View All PMHNP Programs in Florida
- Florida Atlantic University - Boca Raton
- Florida National University - Hialeah
- Florida Southern College - Lakeland
- Florida State - Tallahassee
- Jacksonville University - Jacksonville
- Rasmussen College -
- University of Florida - Gainesville
- University of North Florida - Jacksonville
- University of St Augustine - St Augustine