Program Track Overview
| Program Track | Cost | Duration | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSN | $40,800 | 3 years | 51 |
MSN Curriculum
The 50-credit curriculum for the MS-PMHNP program builds on baccalaureate nursing education and is based on theory and research in nursing and related disciplines.
The program provides foundation for continued professional development and doctoral study, preparing graduates to provide leadership and initiate collaborative relationships for improving nursing, healthcare, and health policy.
The program is 6-7 semesters for full-time students (6-10 credits per semester) or 7-8 semesters for part-time students (3-7 credits per semester), with both full-time and part-time studies available during the pre-clinical component.
Required Courses (50 credits)
BIO 545 – Advanced Pathophysiology
Students explain disease mechanisms across systems and ages. Students apply concepts to clinical reasoning and prepare for advanced assessment.
NUR 601 – Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics
Students evaluate and prescribe medications for preventive, acute, and chronic needs across the lifespan. Students apply safety, ethics, regulation, and pharmacogenomics.
NUR 602 – Advanced Health Assessment
Students perform comprehensive histories and exams and build clear differentials. Students link abnormal findings to pathophysiology and select diagnostics.
NUR 603 – Nursing Theory and Knowledge Development
Students examine how theory, research, and practice shape nursing knowledge. Students analyze contemporary issues and the social context of theory.
NUR 604 – Nursing Research
Students form clinical questions, search literature, and appraise evidence. Students plan evidence-based changes using ethical, sound research methods.
NUR 606 – Leadership, Health Policy, and Role
Students study health systems and policy through historical and ethical lenses. Students lead quality improvement and influence policy for equitable care.
MPH 670 – Quality Improvement
Students measure, improve, and evaluate healthcare quality and safety. Students use QI tools to present results for clinical and public health settings.
NUR 660 – Continuing Advanced PMH Nursing Supervision
Students engage in relational supervision focused on psychotherapy practice. Students review cases, address transference, and integrate current meds.
NUR 671 – Foundations of Advanced Practice Mental Health Nursing
Students learn advanced mental health assessment and the initial interview. Students analyze practice and research implications across the lifespan.
NUR 673 – Clinical Practicum and Seminar I
Students apply theory in direct care for individuals across the lifespan. Students integrate APRN competencies, psychotherapy, and medication management.
NUR 674 – Advanced Practice PMH Nursing I
Students study evidence and theory for adult psychiatric care. Students practice therapeutic communication and condition-specific management.
NUR 680 – Advanced Psychopharmacology
Students apply neurobiology and pharmacology to psychiatric treatment across ages. Students manage indications, interactions, genomics, and efficacy monitoring. Prereq: Graduate Nursing major.
NUR 685 – Advanced Practice PMH Nursing III (3)
Students focus on child and adolescent psychiatric care in family contexts. Students advance diagnostic reasoning and complex care planning.
NUR 686 – Clinical Practicum and Seminar III
Students treat children, adolescents, and families using meds and family therapy. Students integrate assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based plans.
NUR 687 – Advanced Practice PMH Nursing II
Students deliver adult psychiatric care for vulnerable populations. Students use psychopharmacology and individual/group therapies in practice.
NUR 688 – Clinical Practicum and Seminar II
Students work with groups and vulnerable populations across the lifespan. Students build competencies, collaborate across teams, and manage medications.
More curriculum details are available here.
MSN Clinicals
Students complete 600 clinical hours total distributed across three clinical semesters:
- 150 hours in clinical semester one
- 75 hours between clinical semesters one and two
- 200 hours in clinical semester two
- 175 hours in clinical semester three
Clinical placement varies by academic concentration and includes specialty areas such as family practice, internal medicine, cardiology, endocrinology, women’s health, pulmonology, dermatology, orthopedics, and pediatrics.
Students gain hands-on experience in renowned healthcare facilities and community-based healthcare organizations throughout Southern Maine’s major metropolitan areas.
MSN Admissions Requirements
Prerequisites:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution
- Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license
- No GRE required
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Completion of graduate admissions application through USM
- Application deadline: April 1 for fall term start; October 1 for spring term start
- Early consideration pathway available for current USM BS in Nursing students (October 1 deadline)
- International students must meet English proficiency requirements
New England residents may qualify for reduced tuition through the NEBHE Tuition Break Program.
Tuition
Graduate nursing tuition for the MS in Nursing falls under Differential Level 3 tuition structure:
- In-state and Canadian students: $475 per credit hour + $99 mandatory fees = $574 per credit hour
- NEBHE Tuition Break Program: $808 per credit hour + $99 mandatory fees = $907 per credit hour
- Out-of-state students: $1,435 per credit hour + $99 mandatory fees = $1,534 per credit hour
Mandatory fees include Comprehensive & Technology Fees. Additional one-time graduate enrollment fee of $60 charged upon admission.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at the University of Southern Maine School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The program is also approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and/or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
More PMHNP Programs in Maine
- Husson University - Bangor
- University of Maine Fort Kent - Fort Kent
- University of New England - Portland