University of New Mexico PMHNP Programs

School of Nursing Albuquerque, NM

University of New Mexico offers 2 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks:

  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – BSN to DNP PMHNP (8 consecutive terms, under 3 years)
  • Post-Graduate Certificate – PMHNP (Minimum 15 credits, variable length)
The programs feature hybrid delivery with synchronous online education, hands-on teaching, simulation experiences, and clinical rotations throughout New Mexico.

Program Tracks Overview

ProgramEst. CostDuration
DNP — BSN to DNP PMHNP$30,000–$35,000Under 3 years (8 consecutive terms)
Post-Graduate Certificate — PMHNP$7,500–$15,000 (min. 15 credits)Variable (based on gap analysis)

UNM provides dedicated clinical placement support through the Office of Clinical Affairs with an 8:1 student-instructor ratio and small cohorts ensuring personalized attention focused on serving rural and underserved populations.

Doctor of Nursing Practice – BSN to DNP PMHNP

The estimated cost for the BSN to DNP PMHNP program is approximately $30,000-$35,000 for New Mexico residents and takes under 3 years (8 consecutive terms) to complete.

The DNP is a terminal clinical doctorate preparing nurses for the highest level of practice with emphasis on advanced clinical practice, leadership, healthcare policy, information systems, and healthcare delivery systems.

DNP Admissions Requirements

Academic Credentials:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from accredited college or university or foreign equivalent
  • RNs with baccalaureate degrees from non-nursing fields considered on individual basis (if admitted, required to complete additional coursework to meet AACN BSN Essentials prior to beginning graduate-level coursework)
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher preferred
  • Applicants with cumulative GPA below 3.00 may still apply and considered on individual basis (prepare short supplemental statement describing contributing factors affecting GPA and plan for success if admitted; upload to NursingCAS)

Licensure:

  • Current unencumbered New Mexico RN license OR eligible for NM licensure (must obtain within first term of program)
  • Students required to have New Mexico RN license throughout program

Work Experience:

  • One year or more of work experience in nursing or relevant field prior to starting program

Application Materials:

  • NursingCAS Application
  • Three essay responses (200-400 words each, uploaded to NursingCAS as separate documents):
    1. Describe interest in becoming DNP, why choosing particular specialization, how you understand the role, professional goals as DNP
    2. Completing doctorate takes grit, creativity, determination – write about how you embody these characteristics in current academic/professional work
    3. In New Mexico, patient population is more rural, underserved, diverse than many states – write about experiences in these communities and how you anticipate working with them after graduation
  • Three letters of reference (from supervisor, healthcare provider such as NP/PA/MD/DO, faculty member or nurse educator in clinical setting, or individual in healthcare field who can speak to quality of work, or someone from broader community with whom done significant community service; NOT from family members, co-workers, or friends)
  • Current resume or curriculum vitae
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Application form and fee
  • Completed University of New Mexico application
  • Personal interview for selected candidates (conducted virtually or in person)

Application Deadlines:

  • Application opens: August 15
  • Priority deadline: December 1
  • Final deadline: April 1
  • For best consideration, apply by priority deadline
  • Program admits for Fall semester

Additional Requirements (Completed During First Semester):

  • UNM Health Sciences Center (HSC) and College of Nursing deadlines including:
    • Immunization records (signed and stamped UNM Student Health and Counseling immunization record form)
    • Urine drug screen (10-panel)
    • Background screenings (New Mexico Department of Health caregiver criminal history screening letter, completed annually)
    • Life support certifications (BLS and/or concentration-specific)
    • HIPAA training certificate(s)
    • Bloodborne pathogens training certificate
    • Influenza vaccination (seasonal)
    • Tuberculin test or T.B. screening (annual)

Exceptions:

  • Exceptions to any admission criterion considered on individual basis at discretion of DNP program committee recommendations with approval by Academic Dean

Waitlist:

  • Admission is highly competitive
  • Some applicants may be placed on waitlist depending on number of qualified applications and incoming class size
  • Applicants on waitlist notified via email if/when seat becomes available

Notification:

Additional Information:

  • Information sessions available (visit Admissions Events page for dates and to RSVP)
  • Financial aid available; majority of students receive some form (scholarship, grant, loan, work study, or teaching assistant position)
  • Over $1,226,133 in scholarships awarded during academic year 2023-2024

DNP Curriculum

The 69-credit BSN to DNP PMHNP program integrates DNP core courses, evidence-based practice core, systems thinking/project core, advanced practice nursing core, and PMHNP specialty courses with 750 clinical hours, 100 lab hours, and 300 systems thinking/project hours.

DNP Core Courses (9 Credits)

NURS 700 – Introduction to Professional Inquiry (3 cr.)
Builds DNP role competencies in theory, professionalism, reflective practice, and health equity for advanced practice.

NURS 707 – Formulating Strategies for Systemic Health Inquiry (3 cr.)
Uses epidemiology, population data, and social determinants to analyze disparities and guide community assessments.

NURS 709 – Integrating Innovative Strategies for Systemic Health Change (3 cr.)
Applies innovation, policy, ethics, and informatics to design system-level strategies that improve outcomes.

Evidence-Based Practice Core (9 Credits)

NURS 701 – Introduction to Translational Evidence-Informed Care (3 cr.)
Teaches literature searching, appraisal, and synthesis to support patient-centered, evidence-informed decisions.

NURS 708 – Evidence-Informed Practice and Scholarship (3 cr.)
Uses implementation science to plan, deliver, and evaluate evidence-informed solutions in varied settings.

NURS 710 – Translation of Evidence for Healthcare Practice, Policy, and Evaluation (3 cr.)
Advances skills in appraisal, QI methods, analytics, and policy design to move evidence into practice.

DNP Systems Thinking and Project Core (6 Credits)

NURS 796 – Systems Thinking for Healthcare Transformation I (2 cr., 100 project hours)
Designs the scholarly project, linking problem, evidence, and methods.

NURS 797 – Systems Thinking for Healthcare Transformation II (1 cr., 50 project hours)
Implements the project to optimize care delivery or population outcomes.

NURS 798 – Systems Thinking for Healthcare Transformation III (1 cr., 50 project hours)
Evaluates project processes and outcomes for system impact.

NURS 799 – Systems Thinking for Healthcare Transformation IV (2 cr., 100 project hours)
Disseminates results through presentations and manuscripts, emphasizing sustainability.

Advanced Practice Nursing Core (9 Credits)

NURS 711 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr.)
Applies disease mechanisms across the lifespan to clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis.

NURS 712 – Pharmacological Principles of Clinical Therapeutics (3 cr.)
Covers PK/PD, major drug classes, and special population considerations for safe prescribing.

NURS 713 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 cr.; 2 didactic / 1 lab [50 lab hours])
Develops comprehensive, lifespan assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills for APRN practice.

Didactic PMHNP Courses (18 Credits)

NURS 780 – Foundations in PMHNP Clinical Assessment and Practice (3 cr.; 2.5 didactic / 0.5 lab [25 hrs])
Introduces behavioral health assessment, trauma-informed care, crisis response, and care coordination.

NURS 781 – Psychiatric Diagnostic Reasoning (3 cr.)
Uses a biopsychosocial framework to perform differentials and apply diagnostic taxonomies.

NURS 782 – Psychotherapy and Behavior Change (3 cr.; 2.5 didactic / 0.5 lab [25 hrs])
Builds core skills in therapeutic alliance, motivational interviewing, and CBT for individuals, families, and groups.

NURS 783 – Neurobiology & Psychopharmacology (4 cr.)
Integrates neurobiology with psychopharmacology to guide medication selection and monitoring across the lifespan.

NURS 784 – Advanced Practice Seminar on Leadership Development for the PMHNP (1 cr.)
Examines PMHNP leadership, ethics, and independent practice within integrated systems.

NURS 785 – Complex Management of Adults for the PMHNP (2 cr.)
Manages complex adult psychiatric conditions using advanced pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches.

NURS 786 – Complex Management of Special Populations for the PMHNP (2 cr.)
Delivers culturally and developmentally sensitive care for diverse and high-risk groups.

Clinical PMHNP Courses (18 Credits)

NURS 788 – Advanced Practicum I (4 cr.; 1 didactic / 3 clinical [150 hrs])
Begins supervised psychiatric practice with evaluation and initial management; includes reflective seminars.

NURS 789 – Advanced Practicum II (7 cr.; 1 didactic / 6 clinical [300 hrs])
Expands autonomous management of complex cases and interprofessional collaboration.

NURS 795 – Advanced Nursing Fieldwork (7 cr.; 1 didactic / 6 clinical [300 hrs])
Culminating practicum to demonstrate terminal competencies and integrate leadership across systems.

Total Program: 69 Credits

  • 750 Clinical Hours
  • 100 Lab/Simulation Hours
  • 300 Systems Thinking/Project Hours

More curriculum details are available here.

Eight-Term Sequence:

  • Program begins fall semester
  • Completed in 8 consecutive terms (under 3 years)
  • Hybrid format courses
  • Mix of online and in-person classes
  • Onsite simulation and clinical experiences
  • Some clinical rotations may be outside Albuquerque

Program Features:

  • Designed to ensure ultimate goal of becoming PMHNP
  • Prepares students to work collaboratively with healthcare professionals
  • Treats range of psychiatric disorders
  • Clinical experiences help apply learning into practice
  • Develops skills for effective nurse practitioner practice
  • Small cohorts and intimate class sizes
  • Individual attention and community building
  • High-tech learning in Simulation Center (Domenici Center with Interprofessional Healthcare Simulation Center)

Course Delivery:

  • Hybrid model with some core courses online
  • Concentration-specific courses and simulation experiences in-person/on campus
  • Students expected on campus when required for in-person classes and simulation
  • Classes held in Nursing/Pharmacy Building and Domenici Center

DNP Clinicals

The BSN to DNP PMHNP program requires minimum 750 supervised clinical hours with 100 lab/simulation hours providing diverse experiences from hospitals to outpatient clinics. The dedicated Office of Clinical Affairs team finds and secures all clinical placements with highly qualified preceptors throughout New Mexico.

Clinical Hour Requirements:

  • NURS 788 Advanced Practicum I: 150 clinical hours (4 credits: 1 didactic/3 clinical)
  • NURS 789 Advanced Practicum II: 300 clinical hours (7 credits: 1 didactic/6 clinical)
  • NURS 795 Advanced Nursing Fieldwork: 300 clinical hours (7 credits: 1 didactic/6 clinical)
  • Total Clinical Hours: 750

Lab/Simulation Hours:

  • NURS 713 Advanced Health Assessment: 50 lab hours (1 lab credit)
  • NURS 780 Foundations in PMHNP Clinical Assessment: 25 lab hours (0.5 lab credit)
  • NURS 782 Psychotherapy and Behavior Change: 25 lab hours (0.5 lab credit)
  • Total Lab Hours: 100

Systems Thinking/Project Hours:

  • NURS 796: 100 project hours
  • NURS 797: 50 project hours
  • NURS 798: 50 project hours
  • NURS 799: 100 project hours
  • Total Project Hours: 300

Clinical Placement Support:

  • Dedicated Office of Clinical Affairs team finds and secures all clinical placements
  • No scrambling, waiting, or guessing about preceptors
  • Team ensures preparation and compliance with all on-boarding requirements of clinical sites
  • Faculty liaison support ensures student development and experiences with diverse populations
  • Many preceptors are program graduates
  • UNM College of Nursing faculty identify student needs and preferences before assigning sites

Clinical Settings:

  • Sites located throughout New Mexico
  • Hospitals and psychiatric facilities
  • Home health agencies
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Community mental health centers
  • Rural and underserved areas across state
  • Variety of acute care and community settings
  • Clinical facilities in greater Albuquerque area including:
    • University Hospital system
    • Local private hospitals
    • Veterans Affairs Medical Center
    • Bernalillo County Mental Health Center
    • Maternal-Infant Care Clinics
    • Public Health Agencies
    • Indian Health Service healthcare facilities
    • Geriatric Education and Health Maintenance Clinic

Clinical Rotation Requirements:

  • Two to three semesters may be outside Albuquerque in rural and underserved areas
  • Students responsible for travel costs associated with clinical experiences
  • Distance students placed with clinical agencies in or near home communities whenever possible
  • UNM College of Nursing committed to providing experiences in rural and underserved communities

Documentation Requirements:

  • Office of Clinical Affairs works directly with students and clinical sites
  • Ensures all documents up to date
  • Assists navigating complex onboarding processes at different institutions
  • Professional documentation requirements maintained throughout program (see admissions section for complete list)

Program Focus:

  • Uniquely focuses on health and health equities of New Mexico
  • Nurse practitioners are licensed independent practitioners with full prescriptive authority in New Mexico
  • Serves rural and underserved populations
  • PMHNPs vital to providing critical mental health care to New Mexican citizens

Certification Eligibility:

  • Graduates eligible to take Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certifying examination through American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
  • 100% certification pass rate

Post-Graduate Certificate – PMHNP

The estimated cost for the PMHNP Post-Graduate Certificate is approximately $7,500-$15,000 (minimum 15 graduate credits at varying graduate tuition rates) and takes variable time to complete based on individualized curriculum from gap analysis.

The certificate enables nurses with graduate degrees to specialize in another nursing area.

Certificate Admissions Requirements

Academic Credentials:

  • Master’s degree in nursing OR BSN and master’s degree in related field from accredited college or university or foreign equivalent
  • All incoming students’ records undergo Gap Analysis (review of previous master’s courses and required courses in chosen concentration)
  • Students schedule appointment with faculty coordinator of chosen concentration to review gap analysis and develop specific program of studies

Licensure:

  • Current and unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license from one of the 50 U.S. states or territories
  • If advanced practice nurse or certified in nursing specialty, copy of applicant’s advanced practice license or certification must be submitted

Application Materials:

  • NursingCAS Application
  • Three essay responses
  • Three letters of reference
  • Current resume or curriculum vitae
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Application form and fee
  • Completed University of New Mexico application

Gap Analysis Process:

  • All post-graduate certificate students’ records undergo gap analysis
  • Students schedule appointment with faculty coordinator to review analysis
  • All APN core, concentration-specific courses and clinical experiences required for certification delineated in individualized program of study
  • Program of Studies consists of courses in chosen area (at least 15 graduate credit hours) designated by Concentration Coordinator with approval from Associate Dean for Education and Innovation

Track Options:

  • Students enter Track A or B depending on previous educational preparation and educational goals
  • Track determined through gap analysis
  • Customized curriculum based on individual needs

Additional Requirements (Once Admitted):

  • Must fulfill UNM HSC and College of Nursing deadlines during first semester
  • Same professional documentation requirements as DNP students

Exceptions:

  • Exceptions to any admission criterion considered on individual basis
  • At discretion of program committee recommendations with approval by Academic Dean

Contact Information:

Certificate Curriculum

The Post-Graduate Certificate requires minimum 15 graduate credits from courses within PMHNP concentration based on individualized program of study determined through gap analysis.

Students must demonstrate prior successful completion of coursework equivalent to required core and APN core courses or complete these as part of individualized program.

Required Core Competencies (If Not Previously Completed): Post-Graduate Certificate students must demonstrate completion of or complete:

  • Graduate-level nursing core courses
  • Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) core courses equivalent to:
    • Advanced Pathophysiology
    • Advanced Pharmacology
    • Advanced Health Assessment

PMHNP Specialty Concentration Courses (Minimum 15 Credits): Graduate courses within PMHNP concentration may include courses from DNP PMHNP program such as:

  • NURS 780 Foundations in PMHNP Clinical Assessment and Practice
  • NURS 781 Psychiatric Diagnostic Reasoning
  • NURS 782 Psychotherapy and Behavior Change
  • NURS 783 Neurobiology & Psychopharmacology
  • NURS 784 Advanced Practice Seminar on Leadership Development for the PMHNP
  • NURS 785 Complex Management of Adults for the PMHNP
  • NURS 786 Complex Management of Special Populations for the PMHNP
  • NURS 788 Advanced Practicum I
  • NURS 789 Advanced Practicum II
  • NURS 795 Advanced Nursing Fieldwork

Program Structure:

  • Individualized program of study based on gap analysis
  • Minimum 15 graduate credit hours
  • Courses determined by Concentration Coordinator
  • Approved by Associate Dean for Education and Innovation
  • May include additional core courses if not previously completed

Delivery Format:

  • Hybrid learning for APN classes
  • Synchronous evidence-based online education
  • Hands-on teaching and simulation
  • Small cohorts allowing individual attention and community building

Program Completion:

  • Variable timeline based on individualized curriculum
  • Students work closely with faculty coordinator
  • 8:1 student-instructor ratio maintained

Certificate Clinicals

Post-Graduate Certificate clinical requirements determined through gap analysis based on previous clinical experiences and certification requirements. Clinical hours embedded in PMHNP practicum courses with same placement support as DNP students.

Clinical Hour Requirements:

  • Variable based on individualized program of study
  • Must meet national certification exam requirements for PMHNP
  • Clinical hours embedded in practicum courses taken

Potential Clinical Courses:

  • NURS 788 Advanced Practicum I (150 clinical hours if required)
  • NURS 789 Advanced Practicum II (300 clinical hours if required)
  • NURS 795 Advanced Nursing Fieldwork (300 clinical hours if required)

Clinical Placement Support:

  • Same dedicated Office of Clinical Affairs support as DNP students
  • Team finds and secures clinical placements
  • Ensures compliance with on-boarding requirements
  • Faculty liaison support for development with diverse populations

Clinical Settings: Same diverse settings throughout New Mexico:

  • Hospitals and psychiatric facilities
  • Home health agencies
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Community mental health centers
  • Rural and underserved areas
  • University Hospital system facilities
  • Veterans Affairs Medical Center
  • Bernalillo County Mental Health Center
  • Public Health Agencies
  • Indian Health Service facilities

Clinical Experience Requirements:

  • Two to three semesters may be outside Albuquerque
  • Students responsible for travel costs
  • Placed in or near home communities when possible
  • Focus on rural and underserved populations

Professional Documentation:

  • Same requirements as DNP students
  • Office of Clinical Affairs works directly with students on compliance
  • Must maintain throughout program

Certification Eligibility:

  • Graduates awarded Post-Graduate Certificate indicating concentration completed
  • Eligible to take national certification exam for PMHNP specialty
  • APN graduates need to pass national certification exam for licensure eligibility in New Mexico
  • Graduates responsible for determining additional requirements for certification and eligibility in particular states

Tuition

Graduate Nursing Tuition (2024-2025 Estimates):

New Mexico State Legislature sets tuition rates annually. Specific per-credit rates vary by program level and residency status. Based on UNM graduate nursing programs, estimated costs:

Estimated BSN to DNP PMHNP (69 Credits):

  • New Mexico Resident: Approximately $30,000-$35,000
  • Non-Resident: Significantly higher (varies by state, contact financial aid for specific rates)

Estimated Post-Graduate Certificate (Minimum 15 Credits):

  • New Mexico Resident: Approximately $7,500-$15,000
  • Variable based on individualized program of study from gap analysis

Additional Program Costs:

  • Application fee (NursingCAS and UNM applications)
  • Books and course materials
  • Uniforms for clinical practice (appropriate attire required)
  • Technology fees
  • Laboratory and instructional material fees (subject to change)
  • Standardized nursing achievement tests fees
  • Certain technological delivery fees
  • Professional liability insurance
  • Health insurance (may be required)
  • Bloodborne pathogen needlestick insurance (automatically charged for clinical courses)
  • Travel costs to clinical sites (especially rural placements)
  • Professional documentation fees:
    • Background checks (annual NMDOH caregiver criminal history screening)
    • Drug screening (10-panel urine drug screen)
    • Immunizations and health screenings
    • Life support certification fees
    • Training certificates (HIPAA, bloodborne pathogens)

Accreditation

The University of New Mexico College of Nursing’s undergraduate, graduate, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and post-graduate certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring quality education meeting the highest standards of quality and integrity for advanced practice nursing.

The programs are also approved by the New Mexico Board of Nursing, meeting state requirements for professional nursing education and licensure.

Related School Nursing Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – BSN to DNP Concentrations:

  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Prepares nurses for acute care settings managing critically ill patients
  • Family Nurse Practitioner – Prepares primary care nurse practitioners serving individuals and families across lifespan
  • Nurse-Midwifery – Prepares certified nurse-midwives; fully accredited through February 28, 2027 by Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care – Specializes in primary care for children and adolescents
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Current program
  • Nursing Administrative Leadership – Prepares nurse leaders for administrative and executive roles

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Post-Master’s Options:

  • General Post-Master’s DNP – For nurses with MSN seeking terminal practice degree
  • Nurse Executive Organizational Leadership – Advanced leadership preparation for nurse executives

Post-Graduate Certificates (Minimum 15 Credits):

  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate
  • Nurse-Midwifery Post-Graduate Certificate
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care Post-Graduate Certificate
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate – Current program

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Concentrations:

  • Various concentrations available (contact admissions for current offerings)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing:

  • Research-focused doctoral degree
  • Alternative to practice-focused DNP
  • Prepares nurse scientists and researchers

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Options:

  • Traditional Entry Pre-Licensure BSN – Four-year program
  • Freshman Direct Entry Pre-Licensure BSN – Direct admission from high school
  • New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium (NMNEC) ADN/BSN Co-Enrolled – Partnership with community colleges
  • Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN – For students with bachelor’s degree in another field
  • RN to BSN – For licensed RNs seeking baccalaureate degree

Related Programs

View All PMHNP Programs in New Mexico