Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Cost* | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN – PMHNP | $40,000 | ~2.5 years (30 months) |
| BSN to DNP – PMHNP | $40,000 | ~4 years (52 months) |
| Post-Master’s Certificate – PMHNP | $23,200 | ~16–17 months |
*NH Residents
Doctor of Nursing Practice – BSN to DNP PMHNP
The estimated cost for the BSN to DNP-PMHNP program is ($800 per credit hour for 50 credits) for New Hampshire residents and would take approximately 4 years (52 months) to complete on a full-time basis.
DNP Curriculum
The BSN to DNP-PMHNP program requires 77 credits (with up to 80 credits based on individual academic schedules) and prepares nurses for the highest level of specialized nursing practice. This doctoral degree combines foundational core coursework for advanced practice nurses with psychiatric-mental health specialty content and doctoral-level scholarly project requirements.
Students complete 1,000 documented advanced practice clinical hours, including up to 500 hours that may be earned at the master’s level.
Required Courses:
NURS 812 – Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics
You apply pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapy to safe prescribing across the lifespan. You select, monitor, and educate patients on evidence-based medication plans.
NURS 814 – Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
You take comprehensive histories and perform head-to-toe exams for all ages. You use screening, wellness checks, and chief-complaint analysis to guide next steps.
NURS 816 – Health Promotion Theory and Population Health
You use theory and current data to design and evaluate community health interventions. You address health equity and drive population-level outcomes.
NURS 818 – Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice
You locate, appraise, and translate evidence to answer clinical questions. You connect research findings to measurable practice changes.
NURS 820 – Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan
You study normal and altered physiology across organ systems. You link disease mechanisms to clinical signs and treatment rationale.
NURS 910 – Genomics & Ethics
You apply genetics and genomics to risk assessment, diagnosis, and care. You examine ethical issues that affect quality and patient safety.
NURS 911 – Diagnosis & Management: Diagnostic Reasoning
You gather and analyze data to form differentials and final impressions. You strengthen metacognition to reduce diagnostic error.
NURS 915 – Leadership, Role & Collaboration
You use leadership theory, change management, and systems thinking to improve outcomes. You practice interprofessional collaboration and define the advanced nursing role.
NURS 917 – Biostatistics and Epidemiology
You interpret statistical tests and epidemiologic measures to answer practice questions. You think quantitatively and critique data for validity and impact.
NURS 977 – Neurobiology of Mental Disorders Across the Lifespan
You connect brain structure and function to major psychiatric disorders. You consider developmental, genetic, trauma, infectious, degenerative, and substance-related factors.
NURS 978 – Psychopharmacology of Mental Health Disorders I
You study principles and first-line psychotropics, including mechanisms, risks, and benefits. You integrate drugs into comprehensive treatment plans. (Part 1)
NURS 979 – Psychopharmacology of Mental Health Disorders II
You expand to complex cases and advanced psychotropic use. You refine selection, monitoring, and outcome evaluation. (Part 2)
NURS 983 – Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health Practice and Assessment
You use structured interviews, rating scales, and DSM-5 concepts to build formulations. You synthesize bio-psycho-social data to guide care.
NURS 986 – PMHNP Practicum I
You develop interviewing and assessment skills in supervised settings. Minimum 150 clinical hours.
NURS 987 – PMHNP Practicum II
You perform advanced differentials and management using DSM-5 criteria and psychopharmacology. Minimum 200 clinical hours.
NURS 988 – PMHNP Practicum III
You manage complicated care and crises while applying policy and psychiatric principles. Minimum 200 clinical hours.
NURS 989 – PMHNP Practicum IV
You synthesize advanced knowledge, ethics, and therapeutic skills for entry to practice. Minimum 200 clinical hours.
NURS 990 – Mental Health & Special Populations
You address addiction and trauma across individual and generational levels. You design evidence-based approaches for co-occurring conditions.
NURS 991 – Diagnosis & Management of Mental Health Disorders I
You build competencies in assessment, DSM-5 diagnosis, and psychotherapy foundations across the lifespan. You use evidence and bio-psycho-social formulations. (Part 1)
NURS 992 – Diagnosis & Management of Mental Health Disorders II
You advance treatment planning and psychotherapeutic strategies for diverse populations. You apply best evidence to complex presentations. (Part 2)
NURS 964 – Information Systems and Technology Improvement
You evaluate and optimize health IT to support communication, quality, and population health. You plan designs that integrate data and meet industry requirements.
NURS 967 – Evidence-Based Practice Methods
You identify a practice problem and plan a change or innovation. You appraise evidence for impact, quality, and cost.
NURS 969 – Health Systems Policy, Economics & Financial Planning
You analyze policy, finance, and economics to improve care for individuals and populations. You develop advocacy strategies for patient-centered policy.
NURS 973 – Quality & Safety
You apply quality improvement methods and metrics to raise organizational performance. You promote reliability, teamwork, accountability, and patient safety.
NURS 980 – Doctoral Scholarly Project I
You synthesize evidence, plan an intervention, and draft your proposal. You may begin accruing clinical hours for the DNP project.
NURS 981 – Doctoral Scholarly Project II
You complete IRB steps as needed, implement your intervention, and analyze data. You deepen immersion in the DNP role.
NURS 982 – Doctoral Scholarly Project III
You interpret results, present findings, and finalize deliverables. You finish remaining practicum hours to meet program requirements.
More curriculum details are available here.
DNP Clinicals
Clinical hours are completed through four practicum courses (NURS 986, 987, 988, 989) as part of the 1,000 documented advanced practice clinical hours required for the DNP degree. Students participate in synchronous, asynchronous, low and high-fidelity simulation, virtual and on-campus intensives, and clinical immersion experiences.
The program includes one online synchronous orientation and students have one-on-one access to faculty mentors and advisors for project development. Students are encouraged to present their final DNP project during the DNP scholarly symposium on campus.
DNP Admissions Requirements
- Unencumbered registered nurse license in the United States
- Three letters of recommendation pertaining to academic ability, professional competency, and personal character
- Updated resume
- Professional statement addressing program interest, professional goals, and cognitive load management
- Interview may be required after initial application review
- Application fee: $65
- Recommended application deadline: April 1 for fall start (final deadline August 1 if space available)
- December 1 for spring start (part-time students only, final deadline if space available)
- New Hampshire residents must submit Proof of Residence Form
Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the M.S.-PMHNP program is $40,000 for New Hampshire residents and would take approximately 2.5 years (30 months) to complete on a full-time basis.
Estimate based on $800 per credit hour for 50 credits.
MSN Curriculum
The M.S.-PMHNP program requires 50 credits and prepares experienced registered nurses with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to assess, diagnose, and manage mental healthcare patients across the lifespan.
Foundational core coursework for advanced practice nursing is completed before transitioning into psychiatric-mental health specialty content.
The curriculum integrates evidence-based approaches to care management with synchronous and asynchronous learning, simulation experiences, and clinical immersion.
Required Courses:
- NURS 818: Foundations of Evidence Based Practice (3 credits)
- NURS 816: Health Promotion Theory and Population Health (3 credits)
- NURS 915: Leadership, Role & Collaboration (3 credits)
- NURS 820: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
- NURS 812: Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics (3 credits)
- NURS 814: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
- NURS 911: Diagnosis & Management – Diagnostic Reasoning (3 credits)
- NURS 977: Neurobiology of Mental Disorders Across the Lifespan (2 credits)
- NURS 983: Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health Practice and Assessment (3 credits)
- NURS 978: Psychopharmacology of Mental Health Disorders Across the Lifespan I (2 credits)
- NURS 991: Diagnosis & Management of Mental Health Disorders Across the Lifespan I (3 credits)
- NURS 979: Psychopharmacology of Mental Health Disorders Across the Lifespan II (2 credits)
- NURS 992: Diagnosis & Management of Mental Health Disorders Across the Lifespan II (3 credits)
- NURS 986: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum I (2 credits)
- NURS 990: Mental Health & Special Populations (3 credits)
- NURS 987: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum II (3 credits)
- NURS 988: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum III (3 credits)
- NURS 989: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum IV (3 credits)
MSN Clinicals
Students complete a minimum of 750 clinical hours through four practicum courses distributed throughout the program. Clinical experiences include immersive practicum rotations where students transition from foundational psychiatric-mental health practice to managing complex mental health disorders across the lifespan.
Students participate in three intensives (one virtual and two on-campus) scheduled throughout the program. Clinical immersion affords students the opportunity to become active members of collaborative mental health care teams in diverse treatment settings.
MSN Admissions Requirements
- Unencumbered, active RN license in the United States
- Baccalaureate degree in Nursing and/or another field
- One full year of Registered Nurse experience minimum
- One full year of med-surg/neuro/intensive care/emergency room experience (psychiatric experience not required)
- Three professional letters of reference (academic and/or professional)
- Current resume
- Personal statement addressing cognitive load management, program interest, and career vision
- Non-BSN applicants considered based on clinical experience and faculty discretion
- International nursing education requires CGFNS verification
- Application fee: $65
- Recommended application deadline: April 1 (final deadline August 1 if space available)
Post-Master’s Certificate – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate program is $23,200 for New Hampshire residents and would take approximately 16-17 months to complete on a full-time basis.
Estimate based on $800 per credit hour for 29 credits.
Certificate Curriculum
The Post-Master’s Certificate requires 29 credits and prepares advanced practice registered nurses with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to assess, diagnose, and manage mental healthcare patients across the lifespan.
A customized plan of study is created for each admitted student based on prior coursework.
Additional foundational coursework may be required to meet ANCC certification requirements for advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment.
Required Courses:
- NURS 977: Neurobiology of Mental Disorders Across the Lifespan (2 credits)
- NURS 983: Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health Practice and Assessment (3 credits)
- NURS 978: Psychopharmacology of Mental Health Disorders Across the Lifespan I (2 credits)
- NURS 991: Diagnosis & Management of Mental Health Disorders Across the Lifespan I (3 credits)
- NURS 979: Psychopharmacology of Mental Health Disorders Across the Lifespan II (2 credits)
- NURS 992: Diagnosis & Management of Mental Health Disorders Across the Lifespan II (3 credits)
- NURS 986: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum I – 150 Clinical Hours (2 credits)
- NURS 990: Mental Health & Special Populations (3 credits)
- NURS 987: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum II – 200 Clinical Hours (3 credits)
- NURS 988: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum III – 200 Clinical Hours (3 credits)
- NURS 989: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum IV – 200 Clinical Hours (3 credits)
Certificate Clinicals
Students complete 750 clinical hours through four practicum courses:
- NURS 986: 150 hours
- NURS 987: 200 hours
- NURS 988: 200 hours
- NURS 989: 200 hours
Clinical experiences combine synchronous and asynchronous learning with low and high-fidelity simulation, virtual and on-campus intensives, and immersive clinical practicum.
Students participate in three intensives (one virtual and two on-campus) and complete Observed Standardized Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) during residencies.
Certificate Admissions Requirements
- Unencumbered, active RN license in the United States
- Master’s degree in nursing minimum; current APRN license
- Nurse practitioner certification and/or Advanced Practice Nurse specialty with one year of practice experience
- Prerequisite coursework in advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment required for ANCC certification
- Three professional letters of reference (one academic, one professional with graduate education)
- Current resume
- Personal statement addressing cognitive load management, program interest, and career vision
- Prior coursework evaluated during application process with deficiencies disclosed at admission
- Interview may be required based on application review
- International nursing education requires CGFNS verification
- Application fee: $25
- Recommended application deadline: April 1 (final deadline August 1 if space available)
Tuition
Graduate nursing students pay $800 per credit hour for New Hampshire residents and $880 per credit hour for out-of-state residents across all PMHNP programs.
Application fees are $65 for degree programs and $25 for certificate programs.
Specific courses may have additional course fees.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
Upon successful completion of any UNH PMHNP program, graduates are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) board certification exam for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Across the Lifespan (PMHNP-BC).
UNH does not guarantee that professional licensure programs satisfy criteria for licensure boards in all states.
Other Nursing Programs
Undergraduate Programs:
- Nursing Major (B.S.)
- Nursing: RN to BSN – Online (B.S.N.)
Graduate Programs:
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Online (M.S.)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Online (D.N.P.)
- Clinical Nurse Leader – Online (D.N.P.)
- Clinical Nurse Leader – Online (M.S.)
- Nursing: Direct Entry (M.S.)
- Nursing: Evidence Based Practice – Online (M.S.)
- Nursing: Health Care Leadership – Online (M.S.N.)
- Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice – Online (D.N.P.)
- Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner: Online (D.N.P.)
- Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner: Online (M.S.)
Certificate Programs:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Online (Post-Master’s Certificate)
- Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner: Online (Graduate Certificate)
Related PMHNP Programs
View All PMHNP Programs in New Hampshire
- Rivier University - Nashua