Program Tracks Overview
The college delivers primarily online coursework with clinical components totaling 540-2,100 hours depending on the program track. The university accepts students from 29 approved states and provides multiple entry points throughout the year (spring, summer, and fall admission).
| Program | Est. Cost | Duration (Full-Time) |
|---|---|---|
| MSN PMHNP | $25,440–$28,320 | 3.5–4.5 years |
| DNP BSN-to-DNP PMHNP Pathway | $18,240 | 3–4 years |
| Post-Graduate Certificate PMHNP | $13,920 | 2.5 years |
MSN PMHNP Concentration
The estimated cost for the MSN PMHNP program is approximately $25,440-$28,320 and would take 3.5-4.5 years to complete on a full-time basis.
Curriculum
This 53-59 credit program includes foundational courses in advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology, followed by specialized PMHNP coursework progressing from pediatric to adult to lifespan care. The curriculum emphasizes implementation science, informatics, population health, leadership development, and health policy for comprehensive advanced practice preparation.
Students complete 780 clinical hours distributed across four clinical rotations of 180 hours each, plus a final 240-hour clinical immersion experience.
DNP BSN-to-DNP PMHNP Pathway
The estimated cost for the BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program is approximately $18,240 and would take 3-4 years to complete on a full-time basis.
Curriculum
This 38-credit PMHNP component within the larger DNP program includes the same foundational “three P’s” courses plus specialized psychiatric mental health content covering vulnerable populations, child psychiatry, adult psychiatry, and lifespan care.
Students complete clinical rotations in pediatric, adult, and lifespan settings with a total clinical requirement that varies based on the overall DNP pathway chosen. The program culminates with a DNP project requiring 540 additional clinical hours across three immersion courses.
Post-Graduate Certificate PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate Certificate PMHNP program is approximately $13,920 and would take 2.5 years to complete on a full-time basis.
Curriculum
This 29-credit certificate program builds on previous master’s-level education and focuses exclusively on PMHNP specialty content.
Coursework includes:
NUR 568 Clinical Readiness
This course prepares graduate nursing students for safe, effective patient care by integrating pharmacology, pathophysiology, physical assessment, clinical reasoning, and interdisciplinary practice principles. Emphasis is on patient safety, clinical judgment, documentation, and collaboration, culminating in demonstrated clinical competencies within the student’s scope of practice.
NUR 591 Leadership and Advocacy in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practice
This course examines theories, research, and standards guiding advanced psychiatric mental health nursing. Students explore treatment modalities across the lifespan, including psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, community interventions, and preventive care, while considering psychological, biological, social, and cultural influences on mental health.
NUR 595 PMH Mastering Diagnosis & Evidence Based Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders in the Adult and Older Adult
This course teaches PMHNP students to critically appraise and apply theoretical approaches to diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders in adults and older adults. Content covers epidemiology, psychopathology, and therapeutic interventions, emphasizing the PMHNP’s role in comprehensive care for these populations.
NUR 596 PMH Evidence Based Advanced Clinical Practice in Adult and Older Adults with Psychiatric Disorders
This clinical course provides 180 hours of hands-on experience in assessing, diagnosing, and treating psychiatric disorders in adults and older adults. Students apply psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions in diverse settings while integrating epidemiology and treatment models into practice.
NUR 593 PMH Mastering Diagnosis & Evidence Based Treatment for Children & Adolescents with Psychiatric Disorders
This course focuses on diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. Students study developmental, biological, and pharmacologic factors, along with psychotherapeutic modalities, prevention strategies, and treatment evaluation across varied practice settings.
NUR 594 PMH Evidence Based Advanced Clinical Practice for Children and Adolescents with Psychiatric Disorders
In this 180-hour clinical course, students assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders in patients from birth to age 17. Emphasis is on applying psychobiological knowledge with psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions in multiple clinical environments.
NUR 597 PMH Mastering Diagnosis & Evidence Based Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders Across the Lifespan
This course covers theoretical approaches, epidemiology, and evidence-based interventions for psychiatric disorders across all age groups. Students examine psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic strategies for individuals, families, and groups in diverse practice settings.
NUR 598 PMH Evidence Based Advanced Clinical Practice Across the Lifespan for Psychiatric Disorders
In this 180-hour clinical course, students apply assessment, diagnosis, and treatment skills to psychiatric disorders across the lifespan, with at least 40 hours in child and adolescent care. Practice includes evidence-based psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions in varied settings.
NUR 592 PMH Diagnosis & Evidence Based Treatment for Vulnerable & Specialized People with Psychiatric Disorders
This capstone clinical course provides 240 hours of experience delivering culturally congruent, patient-centered mental health care for vulnerable and specialized populations. Students manage care across the spectrum, from prevention to crisis intervention and chronic illness management, preparing for certification and licensure.
More curriculum info here:
The program requires 740 clinical hours distributed across four clinical rotations, with prerequisite courses in advanced assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology that must be completed within five years or updated through additional coursework.
Prerequisites & Admissions
- Baccalaureate degree in nursing from regionally and CCNE/CNEA accredited program
- Current unencumbered RN license in approved state (29 states eligible)
- GPA of at least 3.0 overall or for last 60 undergraduate semester hours
- Reside in one of 29 approved states (Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia)
- Statement of purpose and resume/CV required
- Two professional references providing insight on program success potential
- Approved drug screen and background check results
- Master’s degree in nursing or health-related field (for Post-Graduate Certificate)
- Advanced assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology within 5 years (for Certificate)
Tuition
Graduate tuition costs $480 per credit hour for online programs. See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The master’s degree program in nursing at The University of Alabama is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This accreditation covers all nursing degree programs including the DNP and certificate programs.
Other Nursing Programs
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nurse Educator and Nurse Executive concentrations
- Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing – Dual PMHNP and Family Nurse Practitioner
- RN to BSN with pathway to MSN (Nurse Executive only)
- Master’s Entry to the Profession of Nursing
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-Baccalaureate and Post-Masters pathways)
- Post-Graduate Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Joint Nursing Science PhD
View More Schools in Alabama
View All PMHNP Programs in Alabama
- Samford University - Birmingham
- University of Mobile - Mobile
- University of North Alabama - Florence
- University of South Alabama - Mobile