| Program | Est. Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN – PMHNP | $21,500 | ~1.25 years full-time |
| Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate | $15,000–$21,500 | ~1–1.5 years |
UMFK’s MSN program can be completed in as few as 15 months with no additional fees beyond the $500 per credit hour tuition, and all MSN courses are CCNE-accredited with full-time or part-time study options available.
Program Tracks Overview
Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MSN-PMHNP program is $21,500 ($500 per credit × 43 credits) and would take 1.25 years to complete on a full-time basis.
This CCNE-accredited program prepares graduates to provide care for individuals across the lifespan (infant to adult), families, and populations at risk for psychiatric or mental health disorders, with a focus on relationship-building and the promotion of optimal mental health.
The accelerated format allows students to complete the program in as few as 15 months by taking 12 credits per semester (6 credits every 7 weeks).
MSN Curriculum
The 43-credit curriculum includes 25 credits of core nursing courses and 18 credits of PMHNP concentration courses. All courses require a minimum grade of B- and students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
The 7-week course structure provides flexibility while maintaining academic rigor, though some courses may be offered over a full term to facilitate student success.
Core Courses (25 credits):
- NUR 601: Advanced Research for Evidence Based Practice (3)
- NUR 602: Advanced Pharmacology (3)
- NUR 604: Advanced Pathophysiology (3)
- NUR 607: Ethical Leadership in Advanced Nursing Practice (3)
- NUR 609: Advanced Health Assessment (4)
- NUR 612: Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse (3)
- NUR 636: Epidemiology and Population Health (3)
- NUR 686: Healthcare Policy and the Law: Implications for Quality and Safety (3)
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration (18 credits):
NUR 652 – Psychiatric/Mental Health Theory I (3 credits)
Students build the foundations of PMHNP practice with psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and complementary options. Students learn how to form therapeutic relationships and plan evidence-based care.
NUR 662 – Psychiatric/Mental Health Theory II (3 credits)
Students review integrative care skills, screening tools, and emergency management. Students evaluate pharmacologic and complementary therapies and apply DSM-5 psychopathology and prevention strategies.
NUR 672 – Psychiatric/Mental Health Theory III (3 credits)
Students compare individual, group, and family therapy models, including trauma-focused and recovery approaches. Students analyze crisis management, risk mitigation, and neurobiology/genetics links to mental illness.
NUR 691 – Psychiatric/Mental Health Practicum I (3 credits)
Students perform comprehensive, culturally sensitive psychiatric assessments using theory and research. Students apply early pharmacotherapeutic standards to real cases.
NUR 696 – Psychiatric/Mental Health Practicum II (3 credits)
Students use guidelines, DSM-5 criteria, and screening tools to refine diagnosis. Students practice therapeutic interviewing, full assessments, and crisis skills.
NUR 698 – Psychiatric/Mental Health Practicum III (3 credits)
Students manage care across settings with meds, psychotherapy, and family work. Students address community education, advocacy, policy, and culturally responsive CAM options.
More curriculum details are available here.
MSN Clinicals
Clinical hours are integrated throughout three PMHNP Practicum courses (NUR 691, NUR 696, and NUR 698), totaling 9 credits of hands-on clinical experience. Students work with faculty and clinicians vested in their success to complete supervised clinical placements in psychiatric and mental health settings.
Clinical experiences focus on assessment, diagnosis, and management of psychiatric and mental health disorders across the lifespan, emphasizing relationship-building and evidence-based practice.
MSN Admissions Requirements
Prerequisites:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited college or university
- College-level statistics course with a grade of C or higher
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Current, unencumbered RN license in a U.S. state
- One year of acute care experience
- Resume
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- International students enrolled in distance education (online) programs are not eligible for F-1 student status at UMFK
Post-Master’s Certificate – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate program ranges from $15,000 to $21,500 depending on prior coursework and would take approximately 1-1.5 years to complete.
This certificate program is designed for practicing nurse practitioners seeking an additional specialty or for MSN-prepared nurses who wish to specialize in psychiatric mental health. The program prepares graduates to provide care for individuals across the lifespan, families, and populations at risk for psychiatric or mental health disorders.
Certificate Curriculum
The Post-Master’s Certificate requires 18-31 credits depending on whether core courses are waived. Practicing NPs who are pursuing an additional specialty may have core courses waived if they have already completed equivalent coursework. All courses require a minimum grade of B-.
Core Courses (13 credits – may be waived for practicing NPs):
- NUR 602: Advanced Pharmacology (3)
- NUR 604: Advanced Pathophysiology (3)
- NUR 609: Advanced Health Assessment (4)
- NUR 612: Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse (3)
PMHNP Clinical Courses (18 credits – required for all students):
- NUR 652: Psychiatric/Mental Health Theory I (3)
- NUR 662: Psychiatric/Mental Health Theory II (3)
- NUR 672: Psychiatric/Mental Health Theory III (3)
- NUR 691: Psychiatric/Mental Health Practicum I (3)
- NUR 696: Psychiatric/Mental Health Practicum II (3)
- NUR 698: Psychiatric/Mental Health Practicum III (3)
More curriculum details are available here.
Certificate Clinicals
The certificate program includes the same 9 credits of clinical practicum courses as the MSN track (NUR 691, NUR 696, and NUR 698). Clinical experiences focus on providing comprehensive psychiatric and mental health care across the lifespan, including assessment, diagnosis, and management of psychiatric disorders. Students work with experienced clinicians to develop expertise in relationship-building and evidence-based mental health interventions.
Certificate Admissions Requirements
Prerequisites:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Current, unencumbered RN license in a U.S. state
- For practicing NPs: Active APRN certification (core courses may be waived)
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Resume documenting nursing experience
- College-level statistics course (if not completed during prior degree)
Tuition
Graduate nursing tuition is $500 per credit hour with no additional fees. This straightforward pricing structure makes UMFK one of the most affordable PMHNP programs available.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the master’s degree program in nursing at the University of Maine at Fort Kent are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The programs are also approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
More Programs in Maine
- Husson University - Bangor
- University of New England - Portland
- University of Southern Maine - Portland