



Founded in 1872 — Top Ranked for Today
Proud to be recognized as one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report and Forbes.
The MSN, Post-Master’s NP Certificate, and DNP programs at Maryville University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
“I have great interactions with my fellow students. You get to know people. It feels like a small family. The faculty go the extra mile to make sure you’re successful. Go for it. You will have the support you need.”
— Kristina Coleman, Maryville Grad
Holistic care includes mental health.
Promote both.
Mental illness awareness is higher than ever, which means your opportunities to promote mental wellness and advance your career are rising. Learn to effect positive change in your community with the option of four Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) programs, the Master of Science in Nursing, the Post-Master’s NP Certificate, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice, or the Doctor of Nursing Practice with Nurse Practitioner concentration. No matter which route you take, our online PMHNP programs are designed to help you develop the tools you need to treat acute and chronic illness as well as promote mental well-being.
Get Curriculum DetailsOnline Master of Science in Nursing — Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN PMHNP)
Apply your passion and knowledge to psychiatric care. Pursue an advanced degree with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration designed to help you bring mental wellness to patients at all stages of life.
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice Program — Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP PMHNP)
Are you ready to be an expert in the field? Pursue a direct path to more responsibility with our BSN to DNP program’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration.
Online Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
If you have your MSN, and you’re now interested in specializing in psychiatric mental health, choose our post-master’s certificate. Focus your career on caring for individuals coping with mental health disorders.
Online Doctor of Nursing Practice with Nurse Practitioner Concentration — Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-NP PMHNP)
Go from your MSN to your DNP with a PMHNP concentration, and you can earn a terminal degree that helps bring you back into the clinical setting. You’ll earn your PMHNP along with attaining your DNP, allowing you to practice at the highest level and lead interdisciplinary teams.
Why become a PMHNP?
Personal fulfillment.
Dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioners are trained to form alliances with patients of all ages and help them cope with their mental health disorders. Providing psychiatric care can be challenging, but the reward is in the results. PMHNPs are able to make connections with their patients and see their improvement firsthand.
Professional autonomy.
The role of a nurse practitioner in healthcare is expanding. Today, nurse practitioners in 21 states may prescribe, diagnose, and treat patients without any physician oversight. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you have the opportunity to directly apply your skills across the nation in a variety of settings, including:
- Mental health units
- Psychiatric hospitals
- Independent practices
- Inpatient and outpatient clinics
- Assisted living facilities
- Home healthcare services
Advanced opportunity.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioner roles are projected to grow 31% by 2024, much faster than the average occupation. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, your ability to perform physical and psycho-diagnostic evaluations can help you secure high-demand positions unavailable to other NPs.
What else does a PMHNP do?
- Assess, diagnose, and treat mental illnesses in patients of all ages
- Educate families and patients on coping methods
- Prescribe and administer medication, with or without physician supervision depending on the state in which they practice
- Order, conduct, and interpret physical exams and
mental tests - Help patients bridge the gap between physical and mental health
Why choose Maryville?
We’re a private, four-year institution ranked as one of America’s best colleges by both U.S. News & World Report and Forbes. We’re also proud to have been named to the Military Friendly Schools list for the 6th consecutive year. When you choose us, you receive a highly flexible and highly regarded education with the added convenience of being delivered 100% online. Here are a few more reasons to choose Maryville:
- Maximize your time to earn an MSN or BSN to DNP.
- Graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Explore important topics that can help pave the way to a better future for yourself and the nurses who follow in your footsteps.
- Take the opportunity to conduct research via clinical inquiry courses that will challenge your assumptions.
- Enjoy a flexible and convenient 24/7 online learning model.
- Learn from an expert faculty of nursing leaders who openly share their experiences and insights regarding public health and the nursing profession.
The Booming Career Outlook
Pursue opportunity from every angle.
The demand for psychiatric nurse practitioners is rising. With public awareness of mental illness increasing, a shortage of psychiatrists in the U.S., and an aging and growing population, the need for psychiatric experts is greater than ever. In fact, psychiatric nurse practitioner roles are projected to grow 26% by 2020 (NurseJournal.org).
In 2014, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners estimated that psychiatric health NPs were only 3.2% of the total nurse practitioner population. This small population of NPs is well compensated; PMHNPs on average earn anywhere from $71,485 to $129,837 (Payscale.com). With a faster than average growth rate, limited competition, and high earning potential, qualified psychiatric NPs have advanced opportunities for growth.
Aid an aging population.
There were more than 108 million Americans age 50 or older in 2014, according to AARP, and government statistics project the size of the elderly population to continue growing. Psychiatric nurse practitioners are needed more than ever to prepare for an increase in aging-related mental health issues, including dementia. PMHNPs interested in improving outcomes in elderly care can help patients maintain the greatest possible degree of independence during hospitalization, after discharge, and in their home.
See your opportunities and rewards grow.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates a 31% increase in job opportunities for nurse practitioners between 2014 and 2024.
- Psychiatric nurse practitioner roles are projected to grow 26% by 2020, according to NurseJournal.org.
- Psychiatric nurse practitioner was named among the “Best Nursing Career Specialties” by NurseJournal.org.
- The BLS reports an annual median salary of $94,460 for NPs overall. According to Payscale.com, psychiatric nurse practitioners can earn up to $119,895.
PMHNP Curriculum
Four curriculum models. One rewarding career specialty.
Online MSN PMHNP Concentration
Online Master of Science in Nursing — Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration (MSN PMHNP)
You can complete your online PMHNP in as few as 32 months. Begin your coursework the semester after you enroll with 3 entry points per year (January, May, and August).
For the PMHNP clinical hour requirements, contact an enrollment advisor.*
MSN | Core Courses
NURS 600 | Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
A master's-prepared nurse is expected to critique, evaluate and utilize appropriate theory within his/her practice. This course focuses on the application of theoretical and conceptual frameworks to guide decision making that enhances health for culturally diverse populations. A variety of theories, e.g., developmental, systems, psychodynamic, physiological, and nursing theories relevant to health and illness care and organizations are explored. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 601 | Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing | 3 Credits |
Evidence-based practice is the deliberate use of current best practice in making informed decisions about patient care. This course emphasizes evidence-based practice as it relates to changing and improving nursing practice. Students systematically explore and evaluate current nursing knowledge for scientific and clinical merit. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 602 | Health Care Policy | 3 Credits |
The advanced practice nurse needs to understand the complexities and functioning of health care delivery systems, health care financing systems, and the development and implications of health care policies that guide those systems. The philosophical and sociocultural underpinnings of health care policy are examined. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 610 | Health Promotion/Disease Prevention | 3 Credits |
The master's-prepared nurse is in a key position to influence the health practices of individuals, groups and communities. Health screening, risk assessment, targeted needs assessment, and health promotion are emphasized. Health care goals at the local, regional, and national levels are implemented to direct program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 603 | Professional Role Development | 3 Credits |
Advanced Practice Nurse This course provides a theoretical foundation for exploring, analyzing, and evaluating the advance practice nursing roles within the health care system. The legal and ethical context in which the advanced nurse practices is addressed. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 619 | Leadership and Quality | 3 Credits |
This course focuses on preparing the graduate nursing student to assume leadership roles on interprofessional teams that effectively implement patient safety and quality improvement initiatives. The course explores using a complexity science and systems theory approach to analyze organizations and the provision of health care within those organizations, as well as plan change strategies to improve the care environment. Budget and marketing principles will also be discussed. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 611 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
Provides the basis for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and the changes in normal function that result in manifestations indicative of illness. Emphasis is on correlating manifestations of illness with pathophysiological processes in order to formulate diagnoses and health care goals. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 612 | Advanced Health Assessment | 5 Credits |
Advanced practice nurses perform comprehensive health assessments in a variety of settings. Advanced health assessment integrates health history, physical and psychological changes and psychosocial variations. The assessment is used to determine health and risk status, develop health promotion strategies, and establish priorities of care. Differences between a complete health history and a history for an episodic event are examined. This course incorporates 80 hours of documented clinical experience with a preceptor focusing on health history and physical assessment. The student will apply concepts related to advanced health assessment and health promotion to problems of adults in rural and/or urban health settings and will begin their clinical logs. (5 credit hours) |
For the PMHNP concentration coursework, contact an enrollment advisor.
Online BSN to DNP Program PMHNP Concentration
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice Program — Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration (BSN to DNP PMHNP)
You can complete your program in as few as 48 months and 100% online. You can begin your coursework the semester after you are accepted, in spring, summer, or fall.
For the PMHNP clinical hour requirements, contact an enrollment advisor.
MSN | Core Courses
NURS 600 | Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
A master's-prepared nurse is expected to critique, evaluate and utilize appropriate theory within his/her practice. This course focuses on the application of theoretical and conceptual frameworks to guide decision making that enhances health for culturally diverse populations. A variety of theories, e.g., developmental, systems, psychodynamic, physiological, and nursing theories relevant to health and illness care and organizations are explored. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 601 | Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing | 3 Credits |
Evidence-based practice is the deliberate use of current best practice in making informed decisions about patient care. This course emphasizes evidence-based practice as it relates to changing and improving nursing practice. Students systematically explore and evaluate current nursing knowledge for scientific and clinical merit. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 603 | Professional Role Development | 3 Credits |
Advanced Practice Nurse This course provides a theoretical foundation for exploring, analyzing, and evaluating the advance practice nursing roles within the health care system. The legal and ethical context in which the advanced nurse practices is addressed. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 610 | Health Promotion/Disease Prevention | 3 Credits |
The master's-prepared nurse is in a key position to influence the health practices of individuals, groups and communities. Health screening, risk assessment, targeted needs assessment, and health promotion are emphasized. Health care goals at the local, regional, and national levels are implemented to direct program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 611 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
Provides the basis for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and the changes in normal function that result in manifestations indicative of illness. Emphasis is on correlating manifestations of illness with pathophysiological processes in order to formulate diagnoses and health care goals. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 612 | Advanced Health Assessment | 5 Credits |
Advanced practice nurses perform comprehensive health assessments in a variety of settings. Advanced health assessment integrates health history, physical and psychological changes and psychosocial variations. The assessment is used to determine health and risk status, develop health promotion strategies, and establish priorities of care. Differences between a complete health history and a history for an episodic event are examined. This course incorporates 80 hours of documented clinical experience with a preceptor focusing on health history and physical assessment. The student will apply concepts related to advanced health assessment and health promotion to problems of adults in rural and/or urban health settings and will begin their clinical logs. (5 credit hours) | ||
NURS 700 | Principles of Epidemiology and Biostatistics | 3 Credits |
This course introduces students to the purpose, content, and methods of epidemiology and biostatistics. The fundamental concepts and techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics are explored with particular emphasis on applications in epidemiology, public health, global health, disease surveillance and outbreak analysis, health care administration, and the social and biological sciences. Basic statistics, including exploratory data analysis, descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, and ANOVA methods are presented. Evaluating and using output from statistical computing software are also addressed. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 701 | Foundations of Clinical Scholarship | 3 Credits |
As the first course in the DNP program, this course is designed to refine students' scholarly writing skills through a variety of strategies. Along with important works in nursing, literature in other disciplines is also explored. The process of concept analysis is emphasized. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 702 | Integrating and Synthesizing Research | 3 Credits |
This course emphasizes an objective approach to the integration and synthesis of knowledge according to scientific principles and rules. The conceptual consequences imposed by science on philosophies of knowledge are also discussed. Manuscript preparation and practical use of evidence are incorporated in an effort to prepare students for the design of research proposals. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 703 | Ethics For Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
This course is designed to present ethical principles and decision-making models for the highest level of nursing practice. Evidence-based nursing and interprofessional literature are used to analyze ethical dilemmas that arise in professional practice. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 704 | Quality and Patient Safety in Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
This course is designed to provide students with the foundation of process improvement (PI) and quality improvement (QI) concepts. Theoretical perspectives of quality and patient safety factors and the use of selected process improvement tools will be examined. Evidence-based practice and change management will be integrated with concepts of PI and QI. Systems thinking will be emphasized. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 705 | Clinical Inquiry I | 3 Credits |
In this course, students design an evidence-based research study that will guide clinical practice. The feasibility of conducting this research initiative is explored. Potential funding sources and budget issues will be examined. Students complete the human subjects training and write a proposal. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 706 | Clinical Inquiry II | 3 Credits |
In this course, students implement their clinical project and complete data collection. Students apply integrated research concepts as they pertain to their clinical project. Utilization of various methods of data analysis and data management systems will be explored. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 707 | Clinical Inquiry III | 3 Credits |
In this course, students complete data analysis of the clinical project. Based upon the results of data analysis, students disseminate their evidence-based research through written and oral delivery. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 708 | Organizations Theory and Systems Leadership | 3 Credits |
Organizational, management and social science theories are analyzed in the context of organizational leadership and change management. Systems thinking is emphasized. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 709 | Advanced Health Care Policy | 3 Credits |
In this course knowledge of the American healthcare system is used to identify economically and politically feasible and viable policy changes that would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the system's delivery of health care. The policy-making process is examined to prepare students to be effective advocates for health policy change. (3 credit hours) |
For the PMHNP concentration coursework, contact an enrollment advisor.
Online DNP-NP Program PMHNP Concentration
Doctor of Nursing Practice Foundation Courses (15 credit hours)
NURS 700 | Principles of Epidemiology and Biostatistics | 3 Credits |
This course introduces students to the purpose, content, and methods of epidemiology and biostatistics. The fundamental concepts and techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics are explored with particular emphasis on applications in epidemiology, public health, global health, disease surveillance and outbreak analysis, health care administration, and the social and biological sciences. Basic statistics, including exploratory data analysis, descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, and ANOVA methods are presented. Evaluating and using output from statistical computing software are also addressed. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 701 | Foundations of Clinical Scholarship | 3 Credits |
As the first course in the DNP program, this course is designed to refine students' scholarly writing skills through a variety of strategies. Along with important works in nursing, literature in other disciplines is also explored. The process of concept analysis is emphasized. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 702 | Integrating and Synthesizing Research | 3 Credits |
This course emphasizes an objective approach to the integration and synthesis of knowledge according to scientific principles and rules. The conceptual consequences imposed by science on philosophies of knowledge are also discussed. Manuscript preparation and practical use of evidence are incorporated in an effort to prepare students for the design of research proposals. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 709 | Advanced Health Care Policy | 3 Credits |
In this course knowledge of the American healthcare system is used to identify economically and politically feasible and viable policy changes that would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the system's delivery of health care. The policy-making process is examined to prepare students to be effective advocates for health policy change. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 710 | Graduate Statistics | 3 Credits |
Understanding the measurement of phenomena is a critical component of the research process. Procedures for selecting, applying and interpreting the correct statistical application to a research problem will be presented with students processing the results. (3 credit hours) |
Doctor of Nursing Practice Capstone Courses (18 credit hours)
NURS 703 | Ethics For Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
This course is designed to present ethical principles and decision-making models for the highest level of nursing practice. Evidence-based nursing and interprofessional literature are used to analyze ethical dilemmas that arise in professional practice. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 704 | Quality and Patient Safety in Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
This course is designed to provide students with the foundation of process improvement (PI) and quality improvement (QI) concepts. Theoretical perspectives of quality and patient safety factors and the use of selected process improvement tools will be examined. Evidence-based practice and change management will be integrated with concepts of PI and QI. Systems thinking will be emphasized. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 705 | Clinical Inquiry I | 3 Credits |
In this course, students design an evidence-based research study that will guide clinical practice. The feasibility of conducting this research initiative is explored. Potential funding sources and budget issues will be examined. Students complete the human subjects training and write a proposal. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 706 | Clinical Inquiry II | 3 Credits |
In this course, students implement their clinical project and complete data collection. Students apply integrated research concepts as they pertain to their clinical project. Utilization of various methods of data analysis and data management systems will be explored. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 707 | Clinical Inquiry III | 3 Credits |
In this course, students complete data analysis of the clinical project. Based upon the results of data analysis, students disseminate their evidence-based research through written and oral delivery. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 708 | Organizations Theory and Systems Leadership | 3 Credits |
Organizational, management and social science theories are analyzed in the context of organizational leadership and change management. Systems thinking is emphasized. (3 credit hours) |
Graduate Nursing Core Courses (6 credit hours)
NURS 603 | Professional Role Development | 3 Credits |
Advanced Practice Nurse This course provides a theoretical foundation for exploring, analyzing, and evaluating the advance practice nursing roles within the health care system. The legal and ethical context in which the advanced nurse practices is addressed. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 610 | Health Promotion/Disease Prevention | 3 Credits |
The master's-prepared nurse is in a key position to influence the health practices of individuals, groups and communities. Health screening, risk assessment, targeted needs assessment, and health promotion are emphasized. Health care goals at the local, regional, and national levels are implemented to direct program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation. (3 credit hours) |
Nurse Practitioner Core Courses (11 credit hours)
NURS 611 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
Provides the basis for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and the changes in normal function that result in manifestations indicative of illness. Emphasis is on correlating manifestations of illness with pathophysiological processes in order to formulate diagnoses and health care goals. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 612 | Advanced Health Assessment | 5 Credits |
Advanced practice nurses perform comprehensive health assessments in a variety of settings. Advanced health assessment integrates health history, physical and psychological changes and psychosocial variations. The assessment is used to determine health and risk status, develop health promotion strategies, and establish priorities of care. Differences between a complete health history and a history for an episodic event are examined. This course incorporates 80 hours of documented clinical experience with a preceptor focusing on health history and physical assessment. The student will apply concepts related to advanced health assessment and health promotion to problems of adults in rural and/or urban health settings and will begin their clinical logs. (5 credit hours) |
NURS 615 | Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics | 3 Credits |
Nurse practitioners diagnose and prescribe treatment regimens for persons with common acute and/or chronic health problems. This course focuses on the pharmacological foundation for safely prescribing medical regimens for illnesses that affect individuals. Also included are illness prevention and non-pharmacological primary care for individuals and populations at risk. Selection of appropriate therapies, patient education and evaluation parameters are stressed. (3 credit hours) |
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (21 credit hours)
NURS 660 | Psychopharmacology and Mental Health Assessment | 3 Credits |
This course will examine the advanced concepts of assessment, psychopathology, and differential diagnosis in advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nursing, as well as the study and use of psychotropic drugs used in the holistic treatment of acute and chronic psychiatric-mental health disorders, including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. A strong emphasis is placed on proper assessment and identification of discrete aspects of cognition, affect and behavior in the diagnosis and treatment planning of psychiatric illness across the life span. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 661 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Diagnosis and Management I | 3 Credits |
This course will focus on synthesized advanced practice knowledge relevant to the multidimensional assessment and interventions processes of the adult and older adult and their family. A variety of theories and models will be used to develop an understanding of the etiologies of acute and chronic mental health disorders among adults and older adults. Neuroscience principles and family-centered theories will be addressed. Selection of appropriate treatment strategies including individual and group psychotherapies will be emphasized. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 662 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Diagnosis and Management Practicum I | 3 Credits |
This practicum is designed to synthesize advanced practice knowledge relevant to persons with psychiatric illness and their families. Students will integrate relevant theories into the clinical management of targeted acute and chronic psychiatric symptoms and disorders. A variety of psychotherapeutic strategies will be explored. Evidence-based practice and research-based clinical decision making will be emphasized in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of DMS-5 diagnoses among adult and older adult clients. (3 credit hours - 215 clinical hours) | ||
NURS 663 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Diagnosis and Management II | 3 Credits |
This course will provide the student with an opportunity to evaluate and apply evidenced-based approaches of health promotion, diagnosis and management of psychiatric illness in the care of children and adolescents and their families. An expansion of knowledge in a variety of theories and models will be used to develop an understanding of the etiologies of complex mental health disorders in order to diagnose, treat, and evaluate a variety of DSM-5 diagnoses among children and adolescent clients and their families. Students will continue to develop more in-depth knowledge of various psychopharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions including crisis intervention, as well as individual and group psychotherapies. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 664 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Diagnosis and Management Practicum II | 3 Credits |
This practicum is designed to synthesize advanced practice knowledge relevant to children and adolescents and their families with psychiatric illness. Students will integrate relevant theories into the clinical management of targeted across the life span with complex psychiatric symptoms and a variety of DSM-5 disorders. A variety of treatment and management strategies will be explored. Evidence-based practice and research-based clinical decision making will be emphasized in order to evaluate, diagnosis, treat, and evaluate a variety of DSM-5 diagnoses across the life span. (3 credit hours - 215 clinical hours) | ||
NURS 665 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Diagnosis and Management III | 3 Credits |
This course is designed to synthesize theoretical knowledge and evidenced based research for psychiatric-mental health specialty areas with a focus on life span issues. A continued expansion of knowledge in a variety of theories and models will be used to further enhance an understanding of complex mental health disorders in order to diagnose, treat, and evaluate a variety of specialty issues among patients across the life span. Students will develop an advanced knowledge of various psychopharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions including individual and group psychotherapies to treat various complex DSM-5 disorders across the life span. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 667 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Diagnosis and Management Practicum III | 3 Credits |
This practicum is designed to synthesize advanced practice knowledge relevant to psychiatric-mental health specialty areas with a focus on life span issues. Students will show an advanced ability to integrate relevant theories into the clinical management of targeted across the life span with complex psychiatric symptoms and a variety of DSM-5 disorders. A variety of treatment and management strategies will be explored. Using advanced evidence-based practice knowledge and research-based clinical decision-making students will evaluate, diagnosis, treat, and evaluate a variety of DSM-5 diagnoses across the life span working within a more advanced role. (3 credit hours - 235 clinical hours) |
Online Post-Master's NP Certificate PMHNP Concentration
For the PMHNP concentration you will need:
NURS 660 | Psychopharmacology and Mental Health Assessment | 3 Credits |
This course will examine the advanced concepts of assessment, psychopathology, and differential diagnosis in advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nursing, as well as the study and use of psychotropic drugs used in the holistic treatment of acute and chronic psychiatric-mental health disorders, including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. A strong emphasis is placed on proper assessment and identification of discrete aspects of cognition, affect and behavior in the diagnosis and treatment planning of psychiatric illness across the life span. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 661 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Diagnosis and Management I | 3 Credits |
This course will focus on synthesized advanced practice knowledge relevant to the multidimensional assessment and interventions processes of the adult and older adult and their family. A variety of theories and models will be used to develop an understanding of the etiologies of acute and chronic mental health disorders among adults and older adults. Neuroscience principles and family-centered theories will be addressed. Selection of appropriate treatment strategies including individual and group psychotherapies will be emphasized. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 662 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Diagnosis and Management Practicum I | 3 Credits |
This practicum is designed to synthesize advanced practice knowledge relevant to persons with psychiatric illness and their families. Students will integrate relevant theories into the clinical management of targeted acute and chronic psychiatric symptoms and disorders. A variety of psychotherapeutic strategies will be explored. Evidence-based practice and research-based clinical decision making will be emphasized in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of DMS-5 diagnoses among adult and older adult clients. (3 credit hours - 215 clinical hours) | ||
NURS 663 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Diagnosis and Management II | 3 Credits |
This course will provide the student with an opportunity to evaluate and apply evidenced-based approaches of health promotion, diagnosis and management of psychiatric illness in the care of children and adolescents and their families. An expansion of knowledge in a variety of theories and models will be used to develop an understanding of the etiologies of complex mental health disorders in order to diagnose, treat, and evaluate a variety of DSM-5 diagnoses among children and adolescent clients and their families. Students will continue to develop more in-depth knowledge of various psychopharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions including crisis intervention, as well as individual and group psychotherapies. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 664 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Diagnosis and Management Practicum II | 3 Credits |
This practicum is designed to synthesize advanced practice knowledge relevant to children and adolescents and their families with psychiatric illness. Students will integrate relevant theories into the clinical management of targeted across the life span with complex psychiatric symptoms and a variety of DSM-5 disorders. A variety of treatment and management strategies will be explored. Evidence-based practice and research-based clinical decision making will be emphasized in order to evaluate, diagnosis, treat, and evaluate a variety of DSM-5 diagnoses across the life span. (3 credit hours - 215 clinical hours) | ||
NURS 665 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Diagnosis and Management III | 3 Credits |
This course is designed to synthesize theoretical knowledge and evidenced based research for psychiatric-mental health specialty areas with a focus on life span issues. A continued expansion of knowledge in a variety of theories and models will be used to further enhance an understanding of complex mental health disorders in order to diagnose, treat, and evaluate a variety of specialty issues among patients across the life span. Students will develop an advanced knowledge of various psychopharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions including individual and group psychotherapies to treat various complex DSM-5 disorders across the life span. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 667 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Diagnosis and Management Practicum III | 3 Credits |
This practicum is designed to synthesize advanced practice knowledge relevant to psychiatric-mental health specialty areas with a focus on life span issues. Students will show an advanced ability to integrate relevant theories into the clinical management of targeted across the life span with complex psychiatric symptoms and a variety of DSM-5 disorders. A variety of treatment and management strategies will be explored. Using advanced evidence-based practice knowledge and research-based clinical decision-making students will evaluate, diagnosis, treat, and evaluate a variety of DSM-5 diagnoses across the life span working within a more advanced role. (3 credit hours - 235 clinical hours) |
*Note. Clinical hour requirements for state licensure may vary by state. Students are encouraged to visit the Board of Nursing website for the state in which they intend to practice to verify specific requirements. Students may also reach out to our team of enrollment advisors for guidance.