Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN – PMHNP | $41,104 | ~2 years (full-time) |
| Post-Master’s Certificate | $20,925–$29,450 | ~1–2 years (track/credit-dependent) |
The curriculum emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health care, incorporating concepts of wellness, recovery, and cultural competence while preparing students to assess, diagnose, treat, and provide ongoing management of individuals with mental health disorders across the lifespan.
Students attend two required on-ground three-day intensives throughout the program, typically scheduled during summer terms, including skills check-offs, standardized patients, oral boards, and poster presentations.
Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MSN-PMHNP program is approximately $41,104 (based on 53 credits at $775 per credit hour, plus $29 Student Success Fee per semester and $200 graduation fee) and takes 2 years to complete on a full-time basis.
Curriculum
The MSN-PMHNP requires 53 total credit hours divided between 15 common core credits and 38 concentration credits delivered across 12 terms. A 3-credit hour graduate statistics course is prerequisite for all MSN concentrations prior to enrolling in NU 703.
Coursework includes:
Year 1 Required Common Core (15 credits):
NU 701 – Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice
Examines the profession’s theoretical, ethical, and policy foundations while linking theory, research, and practice to IOM core competencies and the ANA Code. Emphasizes critical thinking, scholarly writing, and Roach’s 5 C’s of caring to orient students to advanced nursing roles.
NU 703 – Analysis and Utilization of Research
Develops the ability to appraise quantitative, qualitative, outcomes, and intervention studies and translate findings into practice. Highlights ethics, quality and safety implications, and synthesizing literature on a selected topic to drive evidence-based care.
NU 706 – Healthcare Policy and Ethics Across Populations
Explores how policy, regulation, and socio-cultural forces shape equitable care across diverse groups. Students analyze current dilemmas, weigh ethical principles (autonomy, justice), and propose actionable, ethically sound solutions.
NU 714 – Quality, Safety and Informatics
Integrates quality improvement and patient safety frameworks with informatics tools such as EHRs and analytics. Prepares students to lead QI initiatives while addressing legal, ethical, data security, and interprofessional collaboration.
NU 760 – Evidence Based Project I
Identifies a practice problem, crafts a PICOT question, and conducts a literature search to evaluate potential evidence-based interventions under faculty/preceptor guidance. Lays the groundwork for proposal development in the next course.
NU 761 – Evidence Based Project II
Builds on prior appraisal to design a feasible implementation proposal for the chosen intervention, accounting for legal, economic, and organizational factors. Sets up the plan that will be executed and evaluated in the final course.
NU 762 – Evidence Based Project III
Completes the scholarly project with implementation planning, outcome evaluation strategies, and dissemination via paper and presentation. Demonstrates synthesis of core and specialty knowledge in an applied practice context.
Year 1-2 Concentration (38 credits):
NU 770 – Advanced Pathophysiology
Analyzes cellular-to-system responses to injury, stress, and disease across the lifespan, incorporating genetic/genomic influences. Provides the physiologic basis for advanced assessment and clinical decision-making.
NU 772 – Pharmacotherapeutics for the APRN Prescriber
Covers lifespan pharmacotherapy, including pharmacokinetics/dynamics and pharmacogenetics, to guide safe, evidence-based prescribing for common conditions. Emphasizes clinical decision-making and monitoring.
NU 773 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
Strengthens comprehensive, culturally responsive assessment and diagnostic reasoning across the lifespan using physiologic, psychosocial, and developmental data. Stresses use of epidemiology and documentation within the EHR.
NU 790 – Psychopharmacology and Neurobiology
Links neurobiology to psychotropic mechanisms, kinetics, and safe prescribing across ages, including considerations for comorbidities and special populations. Reviews ethical, legal, collaborative aspects of PMHNP prescribing.
NU 792 – Psychiatric Mental Health I
Introduces psychotherapeutic frameworks and holistic, evidence-based approaches to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across the lifespan. Paired with 240 clinical hours to begin applying core PMHNP skills.
NU 793 – Psychiatric Mental Health I Clinical
Provides 240 hours of supervised practice conducting diagnostic interviews, forming differentials, and initiating treatments aligned with client preferences and symptom profiles across varied settings.
NU 794 – Psychiatric Mental Health II
Focuses on short-term disorders and common conditions in general populations, integrating health promotion, risk prevention, and self-reflective practice. Includes 240 clinical hours to apply therapies with individuals, families, and groups.
NU 795 – Psychiatric Mental Health II Clinical
Delivers 240 clinical hours emphasizing assessment, differentials, and evidence-based interventions for short-term disturbances across diverse care environments under preceptor/faculty guidance.
NU 796 – Psychiatric Mental Health III
Addresses chronic and complex psychiatric disorders with rehabilitation, recovery, and psychoeducation across individual, family, and group contexts. Examines stigma and sociocultural barriers to engagement; includes 240 clinical hours.
NU 797 – Psychiatric Mental Health III Clinical
Offers 240 clinical hours managing complex, chronic conditions, advancing diagnostic acumen and integrated interventions. Prioritizes recovery-oriented care, psychoeducation, and appropriate professional boundaries under close supervision.
Optional Elective Courses:
- NU 750 Capstone Synthesis Cognate (1)
- NU 751 Practicum Cognate (1)
Clinicals
The MSN-PMHNP includes more than 700 clinical hours distributed across four clinical courses:
- NU 773 Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning Clinical (60 hours)
- NU 793 Psychiatric Mental Health I Clinical (240 hours)
- NU 795 Psychiatric Mental Health II Clinical (240 hours)
- NU 797 Psychiatric Mental Health III Clinical (240 hours)
Saint Mary provides extensive assistance in securing practicum placements through a dedicated clinical coordinator, helping students locate appropriate clinical sites rather than requiring independent placement searches.
Students must verify and meet practicum site requirements for background checks, health insurance, and immunizations prior to beginning clinical experiences. Verification of unencumbered nursing licensure in all states of intended clinical practicum is required for admission.
Clinical experiences prepare students to analyze and differentiate complex data sets for independent and collaborative healthcare decision-making for diverse psychiatric mental health patients across the lifespan while practicing within the scope of the advanced practice role of their state.
MSN-PMHNP Admission Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA accredited nursing program
- Verification of current unrestricted RN license in state of intended clinical practicum
- Undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, OR GPA of at least 3.0 in last two years of undergraduate nursing study (students with undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 but less than 3.0 may be considered for probationary admission)
- Official transcripts from undergraduate/professional school (submitted through NursingCAS)
- Two professional or academic letters of recommendation attesting to potential to successfully complete graduate program, with emphasis on professional nursing competency, relationship with team members, leadership skills, and personal responsibility/accountability (submitted through NursingCAS)
- Current curriculum vitae
- Written response to three questions (300 words or less each) demonstrating commitment to nursing and reasons for seeking graduate education:
- Tell us something you are proud of in your academic or professional life
- Tell us about a clinical, procedural, or quality issue that required you to research guidelines or articles in nursing literature
- Give an example of how you demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at work or in the community
- Academic Honesty Statement
- At least one year of clinical experience as registered nurse (may seek admission prior to completion but must complete full year of RN clinical practice prior to enrollment in PMHNP practicum courses)
- Personal interview with PMHNP Program Admissions Committee (conducted remotely)
- Meet requirements for USM’s Graduate Programs Admission
- If admitted, NP students expected to purchase and maintain health insurance during program enrollment
- 3-credit hour graduate statistics course prerequisite for all MSN concentrations prior to enrolling in NU 703
- Applications accepted through NursingCAS system
- Two start dates per year: January or August
- USM’s MSN and NP programs may not accept students residing in Louisiana, Tennessee, or New York
Post-Master’s Certificate – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate PMHNP program ranges from $20,925-$29,450 (based on 27-38 credits at $775 per credit hour, plus fees) and takes 1-2 years to complete depending on prior credentials and chosen track.
Curriculum
The Post-Master’s Certificate requires 27-38 credits depending on prior credentials, incorporating 780 clinical hours through theory and practice-focused clinical courses.
Students who already hold certification as nurse practitioner in Pediatric NP, Family NP, Acute Care NP, or Adult Gerontology NP may be eligible for a four-semester schedule beginning summer semester, incorporating 780 clinical hours and 27 course credits.
Students seeking to move directly into clinical coursework must have already completed equivalent Specialty PMHNP Core curriculum.
Required Certificate Courses (27-38 credits):
- NU 770 Advanced Pathophysiology (3)
- NU 772 Pharmacotherapeutics for the APRN Prescriber (3)
- NU 773 Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (5: 3 credit didactic, 1 credit lab, 1 credit clinical; 3-day mandatory on-campus intensive; 60 clinical hours)
- NU 790 Psychopharmacology and Neurobiology (3)
- NU 792 Psychiatric Mental Health I (4)
- NU 793 Psychiatric Mental Health I Clinical (4 – 240 clinical hours)
- NU 794 Psychiatric Mental Health II (4)
- NU 795 Psychiatric Mental Health II Clinical (4 – 240 clinical hours)
- NU 796 Psychiatric Mental Health III (4)
- NU 797 Psychiatric Mental Health III Clinical (4 – 240 clinical hours)
The certificate can be completed in as little as one year (four to six semesters) for students with appropriate prior credentials, preparing them to provide evidence-based psychiatric mental health care to clients and families throughout the lifespan while encouraging collaboration with all care team members.
Clinicals
The certificate includes 780 clinical hours distributed across four clinical courses:
- NU 773 Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning Clinical (60 hours with mandatory 3-day on-campus intensive)
- NU 793 Psychiatric Mental Health I Clinical (240 hours)
- NU 795 Psychiatric Mental Health II Clinical (240 hours)
- NU 797 Psychiatric Mental Health III Clinical (240 hours)
USM’s clinical coordinator provides extensive assistance in securing practicum placements.
Post-Master’s Certificate Requirements
- Graduate degree in nursing from CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA-accredited nursing program
- Meet standards for admission into USM MSN-PMHNP program including:
- Verification of current unrestricted RN license in state of intended clinical practicum
- Earned minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate nursing study
- Provide professional or academic letters of recommendation
- Provide official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate schools
- Students seeking to move directly into clinical coursework must have already completed equivalent Specialty PMHNP Core curriculum
- Students with NP certification in Pediatric NP, Family NP, Acute Care NP, or Adult Gerontology NP may be eligible for four-semester schedule
- USM’s MSN and NP programs may not accept students residing in Louisiana, Tennessee, or New York
Progression Requirements
- Maintain cumulative graduate GPA of 3.00 on 4.00 scale
- One course grade of “C” allowed within MSN-FNP and MSN-PMHNP programs in common core courses only and only if cumulative GPA does not fall below 3.00
- Course grade of “F” or second course grade of “C” results in dismissal (appeal possible, readmission at program director’s discretion)
- No “C” grades or below allowed in MSN-FNP or MSN-PMHNP program for NP concentration courses (earning “C” results in dismissal)
- University policy of no “D” grades for graduate level courses
- Probationary status possible for GPAs less than 3.00 with program director approval (must be removed within 6 credit hours)
- Students dismissed or withdrawn may apply for readmission one time only (case-by-case basis, requiring statement explaining difficulties and action plan)
Tuition
MSN-PMHNP tuition costs $775 per credit hour.
Additional fees include:
- $29 Student Success Fee per semester
- individual course fees ranging from $5-$420 (see Course Fee List for specific course fees)
- $200 one-time graduation fee.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The Master of Science of Nursing program at the University of Saint Mary is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Other Nursing Programs
The University of Saint Mary Division of Nursing offers comprehensive MSN education:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Concentrations:
- Nurse Educator (34 credits: 15 core + 23 concentration including 7 courses)
- Nurse Administrator (34-35 credits: 15 core + 19-20 concentration including 6 courses)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (50 credits: 15 core + 35 concentration including 9 courses)
Post-Graduate Certificates:
- Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Combined Dual Program:
- MSN-MBA (Master of Science in Nursing combined with Master of Business Administration)
More Programs in Kansas
View All PMHNP Programs in Kansas
- KU Medical Center - Kansas City
- Washburn University - Topeka
- Wichita State - Wichita