Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Duration | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| MSN PMHNP | 2–3 years | $21,865 |
| Post-Master’s Certificate in PMHNP | 1–2 years | $12,920 |
| BSN to DNP Family PMHNP | 4–5 years | $39,760 |
*Estimates reflect base online per-credit tuition; USI also lists program fees of $100/credit for MSN and $150/credit for DNP that would increase the effective per-credit cost. Verify current rates with USI.
The programs maintain CCNE accreditation and rank among the best online graduate nursing programs by U.S. News and World Report. Students complete clinical requirements in their geographic areas with university-approved preceptors, eliminating relocation needs.
MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the MSN PMHNP program is approximately $21,865 and would take 2-3 years to complete on a full-time basis.
Curriculum
The 44-credit program includes 18 hours of MSN nursing core courses covering advanced practice roles, evidence-based practice, theoretical foundations, population-based care, healthcare informatics, and nursing leadership.
Core Courses:
NURS 601 – Roles for Advanced Nursing Practice
This course surveys the history, scope, and role development of the NP, CNS, Nurse Educator, and Nurse Leader. It reviews competencies, education paths, and regulatory controls that shape advanced nursing practice.
NURS 602 – Evidence-based Practice for Advanced Nursing
Students appraise and synthesize research to solve clinical problems and design an evidence-based project. The course strengthens scholarly writing and practical use of evidence in care.
NURS 603 – Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Practice Nursing
Students apply nursing and related theories to guide practice, foster cultural awareness, and support collaboration. The focus is on connecting theory to actions that improve outcomes.
NURS 604 – Population Based Care and Health Policy
The course links epidemiology and social determinants of health to policy design and implementation. Students develop strategies to improve outcomes at local, state, and federal levels.
NURS 605 – Healthcare Informatics for Advanced Nursing Practice
Students study health IT concepts, data management, and information use in care delivery. Topics include change management, security, ethics, and the impact of informatics on clinicians and patients.
NURS 606 – Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Systems
This course builds skills to assess organizations, spot system issues, and lead change. Students use ethical reasoning and business principles to drive outcomes for patients and teams.
NURS 617 – Advanced Concepts of Pathophysiology
Students examine physiologic and pathophysiologic processes across the lifespan. Content supports advanced assessment and management of acute and chronic conditions.
NURS 618 – Advanced Health Assessment
The course develops comprehensive history-taking, physical exam, and clinical synthesis skills. Students learn to form differential diagnoses for patients across the lifespan.
NURS 622 – Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses
Students learn indications, mechanisms, dosing, and adverse effects for common therapies. The course prepares them to design, monitor, and adjust pharmacologic plans for diverse ages.
NURS 661 – Psychopharmacology
This course integrates neuropharmacology with the use of psychotropics across the lifespan. It covers kinetics, dynamics, neurotransmitters, dose–response, and approaches to nonadherence and treatment resistance.
NURS 662 – Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Families Across the Lifespan I
Students use a family-based model to assess, plan, and manage mental health needs across ages. The course develops the PMHNP role and includes direct clinical hours.
NURS 663 – Psychiatric/Mental Health Care of Families Across the Lifespan II
Content advances management of acute and chronic conditions while growing independent practice. Students expand assessment, promotion, therapy, and education skills with clinical hours.
NURS 664 – Psychiatric/Mental Health Care of Families Across the Lifespan III
This intensive clinical course builds independence and expertise under preceptor guidance. Students deliver comprehensive family-centered psychiatric care across the lifespan.
More curriculum details can be foun dhere:
Clinical requirements include direct patient care hours completed in students’ geographic areas under approved preceptors. Students may demonstrate clinical competency through campus visits, virtual learning sessions, or faculty site visits with preceptor consultations.
MSN Program Requirements:
- BSN from nationally and regionally accredited nursing program
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative baccalaureate GPA
- Undergraduate statistics course with grade C or better
- Current unencumbered U.S. RN license
- One year full-time RN employment recommended
Post-Master’s Certificate in PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate program is approximately $12,920 and would take 1-2 years to complete on a full-time basis.
The 26-credit certificate targets nurses with existing master’s degrees seeking PMHNP specialization. Students may transfer up to 9 graduate credit hours from accredited institutions with “B” or better grades.
Curriculum
The program includes clinical core courses and specialty PMHNP coursework identical to the MSN track. Transfer considerations apply for advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment courses completed within five years.
Clinical requirements match MSN program standards with direct patient care hours under qualified psychiatric mental health preceptors in approved settings.
Post-Master’s Certificate Requirements:
- Current MSN from accredited nursing program
- Unencumbered U.S. RN license
- Official transcripts from degree-granting institutions
- Course syllabi for transfer credit consideration
BSN to DNP Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the BSN to DNP program is approximately $39,760 and would take 4-5 years to complete on a full-time basis.
The 80-credit doctoral program bypasses master’s degree requirements, advancing directly from bachelor’s to doctoral level.
Curriculum
Students complete 48 credits of BSN to DNP nursing courses including:
- systems leadership
- healthcare policy
- analytical methods
- cultural diversity
The curriculum includes 6 credits of DNP project courses and 9 credits of clinical core courses. Specialty courses mirror other PMHNP tracks with advanced psychiatric mental health content across the lifespan.
Clinical requirements include extensive direct and indirect practice hours with DNP project completion demonstrating evidence-based practice application and healthcare system improvement initiatives.
BSN to DNP Requirements:
- BSN from nationally and regionally accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative baccalaureate GPA
- Undergraduate statistics course with grade C or better
- Current unencumbered U.S. RN license
- One year or 2,000 hours RN practice recommended
Prerequisites & Admissions
Tuition
Indiana residents pay $446.94 per credit hour while non-residents pay $875.33 per credit hour. Online program students pay $496.94 per credit hour regardless of residency.
Master of Science in Nursing programs include additional $100 per credit hour program fees. DNP programs carry $150 per credit hour program fees.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
University of Southern Indiana’s Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs maintain accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring quality standards and credential recognition.
Other USI Programs Offered
USI’s College of Nursing and Health Professions offers additional MSN specializations including:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Healthcare Systems Leadership,
- Nursing Education Leadership
- various DNP program options
Other Indiana Programs
View All PMHNP Programs in Indiana
- Indiana State - Terre Haute
- Indiana University - Bloomington
- Indiana Wesleyan - Marion
- Purdue University - Indianapolis