Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Master's Degree
Online Program
- Next Start Dates
- July 05, 2022
- October 03, 2022
CCNE Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education2
Online program Value and flexibility for working nurses
Mental Healthcare Needs Your Leadership
At Rasmussen, you will develop competencies as a PMHNP leader who is ready to deliver mental and behavioral healthcare to diverse populations. Our program is designed to prepare nurses for a career in mental health as holistic practitioners and expert clinicians. Every element of the program, from faculty interaction to online coursework, is created to balance patient care and the science of psychiatric mental health. You’ll experience:
- Empowered Learning™ through eleven-week courses that allow flexibility to spend time on the areas you need to strengthen
- Technology-focused nursing classes that prepare you for future technological advancements and innovations
- Doctorally-prepared nursing faculty who will share their wealth of experiences, knowledge and connections to further your preparation in the field
- Dedicated support team of advisors, faculty, practicum coordinators, library resources and 24/7 support center
- Coursework and practicum experiences that prepare you to sit for the PMHNP board certification exam
- Final practicum experience where you can choose the population and setting in the mental health area you want to focus in
This program specialization is NOT eligible for participation in Title IV federal student aid programs. With four start dates per year, no GRE®5 requirement and no application fee, you can start your online PMHNP program right away.
On this page:
PMHNP Courses for the Care of Mind and Body
Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for the national PMHNP board certification exam. You will then be prepared to help treat and diagnose mental health concerns in a variety of patient settings.
To help prepare you, we offer a unique combination of online PMHNP program courses, four practicum experiences and an immersive residential experience that ensures you are ready to be successful in your practicums. Your passions and community influence your practicum experiences. In your final practicum, you choose a setting, population base or age grouping within mental health—and we help support you through the process.
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Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practice (NGR 6262)
Online // 4 Credits
Introduces the roles, scope and standards of practice of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. Analyzes how ethical, legal, social and cultural factors impact mental health across the lifespan.
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Psychopathology and Neurobiology of Mental Health Disorders (NGR 6462)
Online // 4 Credits
Focuses on the neurobiology and psychopathology of mental health disorders. Explores the development of mental health disorders based on nature and nurture components.
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Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum Experiences
Practicum I
In-Person // 4 Credits
Focuses on child, adolescent and family care. Identifies the appropriate care, intervention and education for the patient, family and caregivers.
Practicum II
In-Person // 4 Credits
Applies therapeutic interviewing, evaluation and formulation of treatment plans for adults with psychiatric disorders.
Practicum III
In-Person // 4 Credits
Applies therapeutic interviewing, evaluation and formulation of treatment plans for aging adults with psychiatric disorders.
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Final Practicum
In-Person // 4 Credits
Provides an opportunity for students to work with patients within the student’s particular areas of interest. Refines skills of therapeutic interviewing, assessment and diagnosis, and formulation of treatment plans for patients with psychiatric disorders.
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"Some of the happiest, most fulfilling moments come from watching our clients change, grow, succeed and achieve."
Dr. Josh Hamilton, RN-BC, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, CTMH, CNE, FAANP
Dean & Graduate Program Director, School of Nursing
Dedicated Support
From start to finish, you’ll be supported by a team who understands the demands of a nurse practitioner program. Your graduate services advisor will be your dedicated guide through course scheduling, financial aid for those who qualify, program navigation and more.
Industry-Leading Faculty
Faculty and leadership are experienced nurses who have been in your shoes. Their diverse specialties, experience, accomplishments and credentials are why we chose them to support you and challenge you to be your best.
Personalized Practicums
Our clinical practicum coordinator does what it takes to make sure your clinical experiences are the right fit for you. With their support, you can focus on what matters most in your learning.
Take the Next Step—Talk to Us!
Tuition & Savings
Do the Math
We are committed to providing affordable tuition and breaking down the numbers so that you can see how achievable your goals are. With four start dates per year, 11-week terms and a total of 15 courses, full-time students can finish in nine quarters, or just over two years1 for as low as $43,375.7 This program specialization is NOT eligible for participation in Title IV federal student aid programs.
It begins with core MSN Credits
$155 cost per MSN credit
x 28 total MSN credits
_______________________
Advance to PMHNP with specialization credits
$865 cost per PMHNP specialization credit
x 41 total PMHNP specialization credits
_______________________
$39,805 total tuition
+ $3,570 total fees
_______________________
$43,375 estimated total program cost
Other Ways to Save
Higher education should be a manageable investment. Talk to an admissions advisor and learn how our online MSN program with a PMHNP specialization can be more affordable with loans and grants, scholarship opportunities and military grants for those who qualify. Your employer may provide tuition support or reimbursement to help you fund your education.
We are also committed to helping members who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. We offer a 10% tuition grant to active-duty service members, National Guard, Reserve, retired military and veterans.8 This program is NOT eligible for participation in Title IV federal student aid programs.
PMHNP Career Potential
Pursuing a career as a PMHNP is rewarding and allows you to work in a field that you’re passionate about. You’ll be prepared to work as a PMHNP in any of the following settings:
- Hospitals
- Emergency departments, clinical or private practice
- Schools
- Behavioral health facilities
- Academia
Nurse Practitioners10
- $82,960 (10th Percentile)
- $94,890 (25th Percentile)
- $111,680 (50th Percentile)
- 45% Projected Growth for 2020–2030
Entrance Requirements
Applicants to this program must hold a conferred Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university with a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher, possess a current unencumbered RN license that is valid in the United States and provide two letters of reference (one professional and one personal). This program is not available to residents of all states. Please speak with an admissions advisor to determine your eligibility for enrollment. A cleared background check will be required for participation at practicum sites.
- Completion time is dependent on the number of courses completed each term.
- The Master of Science in Nursing degree program at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
- As of July 14, 2021, Rasmussen University had 8,524 students enrolled in School of Nursing programs. As of June 30, 2021, Rasmussen University had 19,539 nursing alumni. This number represents the total number of those who graduated from a School of Nursing program between March 20, 2006, and June 30, 2021. For the spring quarter of 2021 (April - June), Rasmussen University had 603 full-time and adjunct nursing faculty.
- Tuition for MBA, MHRM, MHA and MSN programs is $155 per credit ($125 per credit for MPH), excludes MSN Nurse Practitioner specializations. Students in all programs must maintain continuous enrollment to remain eligible for the tuition pricing of $155/$125 per credit. A student who withdraws and re-enrolls will be required to pay the tuition price offered at the time of their re-enrollment. Students who receive the tuition price of $155/$125 per credit cannot use any additional discounts, grants and/or scholarships. If a student needs to retake one or more courses in the degree program, the total cost of the program will exceed $10,000. Program cost breakdown: $7,440 in tuition + $2,460 in fees = $9,900 in program cost ($7,000 in tuition + $2,870 in fees = $9,870 in program cost for MPH). Program availability varies by campus and state; please see the Rasmussen University Catalog for details.
- GRE® is a registered trademark of Educational Testing Service.
- 28 core MSN credits can be completed for $155 per credit. 41 PMHNP credits can be completed for $865 per credit.
- Program cost breakdown: 28 core MSN credits at $155 per credit ($4,340) plus 41 PMHNP specialization credits at $865 per credit ($35,465) and $3,570 in fees = total program cost of $43,375. Program availability varies by state. Please see Rasmussen University catalog for details.
- Students cannot receive both corporate and military grants.
- 2019 Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Salary Survey, September 2019, Clinical Advisor. This data does not represent starting salaries and reflects an average. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, [salary data accessed October 6, 2021] www.bls.gov/oes/. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed October 6, 2021] www.bls.gov/ooh/. BLS salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.