Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN – PMHNP | $31,752 | ~2–3 years |
| DNP – PMHNP | $47,628 | ~4–5 years (part-time) |
| Graduate Certificate – PMHNP | $15,876 | ~2 years (part-time) |
All programs prepare graduates to deliver evidence-based advanced primary mental health care to individuals of all ages (children, adolescents, adults) and their families in various healthcare settings, with special emphasis on rural and underserved populations.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MS(N)-PMHNP program is $31,752 and would take 2-3 years to complete (2 years full-time, 3 years part-time).
MSN Curriculum
The 48-credit-hour program (43 required credit hours plus 5 credit hours for on-campus requirements) includes MS(N) core courses, clinical core courses, and PMHNP specialization:
MSN Core Courses (16 credit hours)
NURSE 7050 – Introduction to Scholarly Writing (2 cr.)
Develops clear, graduate-level writing with emphasis on structure, argument, and proper use of evidence.
NURSE 7110 – Advanced Practice Role Acquisition and Professional Communication (2 cr.)
Builds APRN identity and teamwork skills, focusing on professional communication and collaboration.
NURSE 7160 – Scientific Foundations for Health Sciences (4 cr.)
Covers core science, research design, and statistics that inform advanced clinical decisions.
NURSE 8089 – Transition to APRN Practice (1 cr.)
Bridges classroom to practice through guided activities on real-world APRN responsibilities.
NURSE 8170 – Public Health, Sociocultural Issues, and Health Policy
Examines how culture and policy shape access, utilization, and outcomes across populations.
NURSE 8910 – Translational Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
Teaches evidence appraisal and implementation strategies to drive measurable quality and safety gains.
NURSE 8990 – Practice Inquiry (1 cr.)
Guides a practice-focused project from question through plan, evaluation, and dissemination.
Clinical Core Courses (9.5 credit hours, 90 clinical hours)
NURSE 7120 – Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
Explores human systems and disease mechanisms to support APRN diagnostic reasoning.
NURSE 7130 – Advanced Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics
Applies pharmacology principles to lifespan prescribing, monitoring, and risk reduction.
NURSE 7140 – Advanced Health Assessment and Promotion (3.5 cr.)
Builds comprehensive history and exam skills with diagnostic reasoning and prevention planning.
PMHNP Clinical Core Courses (22.5 credit hours, 660 clinical hours)
NURSE 8610 – Diagnostics and Psychopharmacology (4 cr.)
Links neurobiology to DSM-based diagnosis and advanced psychotropic selection and monitoring.
NURSE 8620 – Brief Individual and Family Psychotherapy (4 cr.)
Designs and delivers brief, evidence-based therapies for individuals and families.
NURSE 8630 – Geriatric Mental Health Assessment and Treatment (2.5 cr.)
Assesses and manages late-life psychiatric conditions with attention to cognition and function.
NURSE 8635 – Assessment and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders (2.5 cr.)
Covers SUD screening, diagnosis, and integrated treatment planning across settings.
NURSE 8640 – Group Therapy and Social Skills Training
Plans, conducts, and evaluates therapeutic groups and skills-training interventions.
NURSE 8680 – Pediatric Mental Health Assessment and Treatment (3.5 cr.)
Addresses psychiatric evaluation and care for children and adolescents across care contexts.
NURSE 8980 – Advanced Clinical Nursing Practicum
Immersive clinical experience applying leadership, management, and advanced patient care.
On-Campus Requirements (no credit hours):
NURSE 7101 – Level 1 On-Campus Days (no credit)
Required early program sessions supporting orientation and foundational assessments.
NURSE 7102 – Level 2 On-Campus Days (no credit)
Scheduled with advanced assessment coursework to reinforce hands-on skills.
NURSE 7103 – Level 3 On-Campus Days (no credit)
Completed with or after pediatric content to integrate assessment and treatment practice.
More curriculum details are available here: https://catalog.missouri.edu/courseofferings/nurse/
MSN Clinicals
Students complete 750 total clinical hours (90 hours in clinical core courses, 660 hours in PMHNP specialization courses).
Clinical experiences focus on delivering evidence-based psychiatric care across the lifespan in multiple settings with diverse patient populations, including rural and underserved communities. Students engage in independent and interdependent decision-making, managing psychotropic medications, and delivering psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational interventions.
MSN Prerequisites & Admissions
Application Requirements:
- Completed Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from nationally accredited nursing program
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 for last 60 credit hours of undergraduate nursing coursework
- Applicants below 3.0 GPA may provide additional evidence of outstanding professional leadership, practice, or scholarship for special consideration
- Current, unencumbered registered nurse license(s)
- English proficiency (if not native language): TOEFL 100 (internet-based), IELTS 7, PTE 66, or Cambridge C1 Advanced 190
- Curriculum vitae documenting education, work experience, leadership, professional activities, scholarly endeavors
- Complete Kira Talent interview (video recorded verbal and written questions through Nursing CAS)
- Two professional recommendations from master’s or doctorally prepared nurses/faculty addressing potential for advanced practice nursing role
- Apply through Nursing CAS, then complete MU Graduate School application after acceptance
Application Deadlines:
- Fall admission: February 15
- Spring admission: September 30
- Summer admission: February 15
Program Features:
- Blended delivery: all coursework online with on-campus visit required once per year
- Semester-based courses with full-time or part-time enrollment options
- Prior to acceptance, may enroll in up to 9 credit hours as non degree-seeking student
- Students seamlessly progress into DNP program following MS degree completion
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the DNP-PMHNP program is $47,628 and would take 4-5 years to complete part-time (BSN to DNP pathway).
DNP Curriculum
The 72-74.5 credit hour program (BSN to DNP) includes core curriculum, clinical core curriculum, and PMHNP specialization. MSN to DNP students transfer up to 38 master’s-level credit hours.
Core Curriculum (includes MS(N) core requirements plus DNP-specific courses):
- NURSE 7050: Introduction to Scholarly Writing (2 credits)
- NURSE 7087: Leadership and Technology Institute (1 credit)
- NURSE 7010: Biostatistical Foundations for Health Researchers (3 credits)
- NURSE 7110: Advanced Nursing Roles and Professional Communication (2 credits)
- NURSE 7160: Scientific Foundations for Health Sciences (4 credits)
- NURSE 8170: Public Health, Sociocultural Issues, and Health Policy (3 credits)
- NURSE 8100: Principles of Epidemiology (3 credits)
- NURSE 8310: Health Disparities of Rural and Other Underserved Populations (3 credits)
- NURSE 8910: Translational Evidence-Based Nursing Practice (3 credits)
Clinical Core Curriculum:
- NURSE 7120: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology (3 credits)
- NURSE 7130: Advanced Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics (3 credits)
- NURSE 7140: Advanced Health Assessment and Promotion (3.5 credits, 90 clinical hours)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Clinical Core Curriculum:
- NURSE 8610: Diagnostics and Psychopharmacology for Mental Health Nurses (3.5 credits, 90 clinical hours)
- NURSE 8620: Brief Individual and Family Psychotherapy (4 credits, 120 clinical hours)
- NURSE 8640: Group Therapy and Social Skills Training (3.5 credits, 90 clinical hours)
- NURSE 8680: Pediatric Mental Health Assessment and Treatment (3.5 credits, 90 clinical hours)
- NURSE 8920: Quality, Safety, and Performance Outcomes (3 credits, 60 clinical hours)
- NURSE 8930: Health Program Design and Management (3 credits)
- NURSE 9070: DNP Clinical Residency (5 credits, 300 clinical hours)
- NURSE 9080: DNP Residency Project (3 credits, 180 clinical hours)
- NURSE 9087: Leadership and Transformational Role Institute (2 credits)
- NURSE 8089: Transition to APRN Practice (1 credit)
More curriculum details are available here: https://catalog.missouri.edu/courseofferings/nurse/
DNP Clinicals
Students complete 1,000 clinical hours through faculty- or preceptor-supervised clinical assignments. BSN to DNP students qualify for PMHNP-BC™ exam after fulfilling all master’s requirements.
Students immerse themselves in scholarly research project devising evidence-based intervention, program, or solution to ongoing mental health care delivery issue.
DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
Application Requirements:
- Completed baccalaureate or master’s degree from nationally accredited nursing program
- Minimum GPA of 3.5 for applicants with master’s degree in nursing
- For applicants without master’s degree: average GPA of 3.3 in last 60 hours of undergraduate nursing coursework
- Applicants below GPA requirements may provide additional evidence of outstanding professional leadership, practice, or scholarship
- Current, unencumbered registered nurse license(s)
- English proficiency (if not native language): TOEFL 80 (internet-based), IELTS 6.5, PTE 59, or Cambridge C1 Advanced 180
- Transcripts of all previous college/university education
- Complete Kira Talent interview through Nursing CAS
- Copies of current, unencumbered RN license(s)
- Copies of all advanced practice nursing certification/credentialing documents (for MSN applicants)
- Verification of clinical hours from previous MSN/certificate programs (for MSN applicants)
- Curriculum vitae documenting education, work experience, leadership, professional activities, scholarly endeavors
- Three professional recommendations from master’s or doctorally prepared nurses/faculty
Application Deadlines:
- Fall admission: February 15
- Spring admission: September 30
- Summer admission: February 15
Program Features:
- Blended delivery: most coursework online with five-day on-campus orientation before classes begin plus approximately one campus visit per year
- Semester-based courses with part-time enrollment
- Two formats: BSN to DNP (accelerate career) or MSN to DNP (transfer up to 38 credits)
- MSN to DNP students complete in 3 years part-time
Graduate Certificate – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Graduate Certificate-PMHNP is $15,876 and would take 2 years to complete part-time.
Certificate Curriculum
The 24-credit-hour program with 750 clinical hours includes prerequisite courses (if not previously completed) and required core courses:
Prerequisite Courses (9.5 credit hours, 90 clinical hours, if not previously completed):
- NURSE 7120: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology (3 credits)
- NURSE 7130: Advanced Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics (3 credits)
- NURSE 7140: Advanced Health Assessment (4 credits)
Required Core Courses (24 credit hours, 750 clinical hours):
- NURSE 8610: Diagnostics and Psychopharmacology for Mental Health Nurses (4 credits)
- NURSE 8620: Brief Individual and Family Psychotherapy (4 credits)
- NURSE 8630: Geriatric Mental Health Assessment & Treatment (2.5 credits)
- NURSE 8635: Assessment & Treatment of SUD (2.5 credits)
- NURSE 8640: Group Therapy and Social Skills Training (3 credits)
- NURSE 8680: Pediatric Mental Health Assessment and Treatment (3.5 credits)
- NURSE 8980: Advanced Clinical Nursing Practicum (Post-Master’s students) OR NURSE 9070: DNP Clinical Residency (Post-DNP students) (4.5 credits)
More curriculum details are available here: https://catalog.missouri.edu/courseofferings/nurse/
Certificate Clinicals
Certificate students complete 750 clinical hours focusing on providing mental health care across the lifespan to adults, children, adolescents, and their families. Clinical experiences prepare graduates to fill the immense need for psychiatric providers through evidence-based practice in various healthcare settings including rural and underserved populations.
Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions
Application Requirements:
- Completed baccalaureate and master’s degree from nationally accredited nursing program
- Advanced Practice Nursing Certification and/or credentialing required (applicants must be certified Advanced Practice Nurses; Advanced Leadership Certification does not qualify)
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 for last 60 credit hours
- Applicants below GPA requirements may provide additional evidence of outstanding professional leadership, practice, or scholarship
- Current, unencumbered registered nurse license(s)
- English proficiency (if not native language): TOEFL 80 (internet-based), IELTS 6.5, PTE 59, or Cambridge C1 Advanced 180
- Curriculum vitae documenting education, work experience, leadership, professional activities, scholarly endeavors
- Complete Kira Talent interview through Nursing CAS
- Two professional recommendations from master’s or doctorally prepared nurses/faculty
- Apply through Nursing CAS, then complete MU Graduate School application after acceptance
Application Deadline:
- Fall admission: February 15
Program Features:
- 100% online delivery with no campus visits required
- Semester-based courses with part-time enrollment
- Graduates eligible for advanced practice nurse certification as PMHNP by American Nurses Credentialing Center
Tuition
Graduate online tuition is $661.50 per credit hour for all students regardless of residency (2025-2026).
Both in-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate.
The University reserves the right to increase or decrease fees with Board of Curators approval not less than 30 days prior to academic term. Additional fees may apply, and course fees vary by department.
Military/veteran students may be eligible for 10% reduction off base tuition through Mizzou’s Military Tuition Award.
Accreditation
The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. The MS(N), DNP, and graduate certificate programs at the Sinclair School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Certification Preparation
MS(N) graduates are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC™) examination or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) certification. DNP graduates from BSN to DNP pathway qualify for PMHNP-BC™ exam after fulfilling all master’s requirements. Graduate Certificate completion prepares students to take national PMHNP certification exam and qualifies them for advanced practice nurse certification as PMHNP by ANCC.
Program Outcomes
Sinclair School of Nursing reports:
- 100% job placement rates
- 100% certification pass rates
Career prospects: Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies 38% growth for nurse practitioners through 2032. PMHNPs typically support physicians’ treatment plans in community mental health centers, correctional facilities, inpatient/outpatient psychiatric facilities, mental health clinics, private behavioral health practices, psychopharmacology clinics, and substance abuse/rehabilitation facilities. Median salary: $97,000 with 13.27% employment growth.
Other Nursing Programs
University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing offers additional programs:
Master of Science in Nursing (MS(N)) Emphasis Areas:
- Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Leadership in Nursing and Healthcare Systems
- Nurse Educator
- Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP):
- BSN to DNP pathways (multiple specializations)
- MSN to DNP pathway
Graduate Certificates:
- Available for certified Advanced Practice Nurses in various specializations
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Program Highlights
Through strong foundation of education excellence and new home designed for innovation, Sinclair School of Nursing opens new doors for immersive learning and research opportunities. MU offers one of the most affordable and comprehensive online options in the country. Programs feature flexible online format to meet needs of working professionals, with courses taught by experienced online nurse educators, leaders, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse practitioners. Students seamlessly progress into DNP program following MS degree completion. Faculty are renowned researchers belonging to nationwide network of nursing professionals. Programs emphasize evidence-based practice, leadership, collaboration, and special focus on rural and underserved populations.
Culmination Requirements
MS(N) students complete NURSE 8990 Practice Inquiry focusing on synthesizing knowledge through written and oral master’s examination. Written portion completed step-by-step with evaluative revisions. Students present summary of written content, research data processes, and articulation of program outcomes achievement. Course prepares students for DNP scholarly project literature review, project proposal, and final scholarly project.
DNP students immerse in scholarly research project devising evidence-based intervention, program, or solution to ongoing mental health care delivery issue, producing paper or executive summary and presenting findings. Programs stress importance of independent and interdependent decision-making, leadership, collaboration across healthcare teams, examining role of inquiry, humanities, and related sciences in improving care quality and outcomes at individual and population levels.
More Programs in Missouri
View All PMHNP Programs in Missouri
- Missouri Baptist University - Saint Louis
- Missouri State University - Springfield
- Rockhurst University - Kansas City
- UMKC - Kansas City