100% Online MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at NKU

100% Online MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at NKU
Start in 2025: We’re waiving the application fee on select graduate programs!
Apply by 9/18.
MSN - Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Online
Delivered online with embedded supervised clinical residencies in a variety of settings, this nationally accredited MSN program is designed to help you achieve your psychiatric mental health nurse certification while you continue to work.
Apply by
4/29/26
Start class
5/11/26
Apply Now
Programs
Healthcare
MSN
Master of Science in Nursing – Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Overview
Learn more about the online MSN – PMHNP program at NKU
Our Master of Science in Nursing – Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner online program at Northern Kentucky University covers the full scope of practice, integrating the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health disorders for patients across the life span. You will learn to treat individuals and families with acute or chronic psychiatric needs using comprehensive assessment, psycho-social intervention, and prescription medications.
Mental health nursing courses synthesize neuroscientific principles, neurophysiological theory, and a broad range of therapeutic methods — including how to incorporate variables of lifestyle, culture, religion, socio-economics, and genetics into risk assessments. Curriculum emphasizes advanced psychopharmacology and aligns with NKU's strategic mission to address a regional opioid issue and our overall commitment to be agents of change by promoting population health.
Core MSN coursework includes two DNP-level courses and provides in-depth study of fundamentals of theory and research for evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, economics, and the analysis and application of health data in advanced nursing practice.
Once you graduate, you will be eligible to take the ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health NP certification examination. Our nurses have an ANCC three-year pass rate of 88.94%.
In this online MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, you will:
Critically analyze data for practice by integrating knowledge from arts and sciences within the context of nursing's philosophical framework and scientific foundation
Use evidence-based practice to demonstrate advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability while implementing change to improve healthcare outcomes
Integrate nursing science, educational frameworks, health policy, professional values, and principles of business to implement initiatives that facilitate the highest level of advanced nursing practice
Demonstrate sensitivity to diverse cultures and populations including patients and providers
Analyze one's own behaviors and institutional practices and policies for coherence with principles of caring
Apply effective communication in order to facilitate nursing practice at an advanced level
In this online MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, you will:
Critically analyze data for practice by integrating knowledge from arts and sciences within the context of nursing's philosophical framework and scientific foundation
Use evidence-based practice to demonstrate advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability while implementing change to improve healthcare outcomes
Integrate nursing science, educational frameworks, health policy, professional values, and principles of business to implement initiatives that facilitate the highest level of advanced nursing practice
Demonstrate sensitivity to diverse cultures and populations including patients and providers
Analyze one's own behaviors and institutional practices and policies for coherence with principles of caring
Apply effective communication in order to facilitate nursing practice at an advanced level
As a certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, you will be able to practice in many public and private healthcare settings, such as:
Hospitals, clinics, and mental health facilities
County and municipal health departments
Military and veteran hospitals
Private PMHNP practices or consulting organizations
As a certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, you will be able to practice in many public and private healthcare settings, such as:
Hospitals, clinics, and mental health facilities
County and municipal health departments
Military and veteran hospitals
Private PMHNP practices or consulting organizations
Also available:
Northern Kentucky University offers a variety of Nursing programs online. View our
online healthcare programs
Total Tuition
$33,990
Program Duration
As few as 22 months
Credit Hours
47
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing, postgraduate APRN certificate, and Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice degree programs at Northern Kentucky University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (
).
Apply Now
Need More Information?
Call 800-985-7215
Call
800-985-7215
Tuition
Invest in yourself for less with our budget-friendly tuition
The MSN – Psych-Mental Health NP online program offers the same affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. Financial aid may be available to eligible students.
View
additional tuition information
Program
Per Credit Hour
Total Program with Fees
MSN – Psych-Mental Health NP
$600
$33,990
Tuition and fees subject to change at any time. Some fees are course-based and subject to change based on date student enters such course.
Tuition Breakdown:
Total Tuition
$33,990
Per Credit Hour
$600
Renowned for Quality Nursing Programs
Ranked among the “Best Colleges for Nursing in America” by Niche.com, 2023
Calendar
Set a calendar reminder for these key deadlines
The MSN – Psych-Mental Health NP online program is flexible and efficient for busy schedules, with accelerated courses that start multiple times a year. View the calendar to find the best start date for you, and be sure to submit your application, registration, documents and tuition by the corresponding deadlines.
View
full calendar
Session
Program Start Date
Application Deadline
Document Deadline
Registration Deadline
Payment Due
Spring 2
3/16/26
3/4/26
3/9/26
3/13/26
3/16/26
Summer 1
5/11/26
4/29/26
5/4/26
5/8/26
5/11/26
Summer 2
6/29/26
6/17/26
6/22/26
6/26/26
6/29/26
Fall 1
8/24/26
8/12/26
8/17/26
8/21/26
8/24/26
Fall 2
10/21/26
10/8/26
10/13/26
10/16/26
10/21/26
Now enrolling:
Apply Date
4/29/26
Class Starts
5/11/26
Apply Now
Admissions
Know how to apply to the online MSN – PMHNP
The admission process is the first step toward earning your MSN – Psych-Mental Health NP degree online.
Admission Requirements:
3.0 GPA or higher on undergraduate coursework
Current and unencumbered RN license
1,000 clinical hours of practice as a Registered Nurse
View
all admission requirements
MSN – Psych-Mental Health NP Online Admission Requirements
Complete online application and pay $40 non-refundable application fee
If you are an NKU alum or active/veteran military member, your application fee will be waived. Simply submit the online application without payment of the application fee; the fee will be waived when your credentials are verified. No further action is required.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from both a regionally accredited program and an ACEN, CCNE or CNEA-accredited program
Students who have earned a BSN degree from a non-US institution will be considered for an exception to the requirement that the BSN come from ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA-accredited program of nursing, where applicable
Official transcripts of all undergraduate academic work and any graduate work completed
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
Undergraduate course in statistics with a grade of C or better
Verification of your current, unencumbered RN license with expiration date from the state in which you are licensed and practice
1,000 clinical hours of practice as a Registered Nurse;
fill out the verification form here
A criminal background check (state and federal) is required for admission to the program. Applicants are required to use PreCheck StudentCheck to purchase the background check. Instructions on how to purchase and initiate the background check can be found
here
Official documents may be mailed or emailed to:
NKU Office of Graduate Education
302 Lucas Administrative Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099
[email protected]
Have a question? Call us at 800-985-7215.
Note:
The Master of Science in Nursing degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Licenses are granted by the licensing authority in individual states, and those licensing boards might require an additional exam on laws and regulations specific to that state. Some states may also have other requirements. Out-of-state students who require subsequent licensure by the state of residence (e.g., nursing or education) should check with the state licensure office.
If at any time during your program of study you relocate to another state, restrictions may apply and adversely affect your program progression. Change of state residency may affect student program status. Notify your advisor and concentration coordinator immediately if you plan to relocate.
Courses
Get excited about your online MSN - PMHNP courses
For the MSN – Psych-Mental Health NP online program, students must complete a total of 47 credit hours, which includes eight core courses (24 credit hours), five concentration courses (15 credit hours), five clinicals (5 credit hours) with a total of 750 clinical hours, and a capstone course (3 credit hours). Each course is seven weeks long.
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Courses
The curriculum for the MSN – Psych-Mental Health NP online program is comprised of 19 courses (47 credit hours), which includes eight core courses (24 credit hours), five concentration courses (15 credit hours), five clinicals (5 credit hours) with a total of 750 clinical hours, and a capstone course (3 credit hours). Each course is seven weeks long. Some students who are not successful with the APEA post-predictor exam during MSN 611 will also need to take a remediation course: MSN 680.
MSN 609: Adv. Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan
Duration
: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours
: 3
This course explores concepts from pathophysiology and disruptions in normal body functioning at the cellular level to system-level processes for advanced practice nurses to assess individuals across their lifespan.
Core Courses
Students must take the following courses:
MSN 600: Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice and Research
Duration
: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours
: 3
Examination, critique, and evaluation of the theoretical foundations of nursing practice. Appraisal of diverse scholarly resources to inform advanced nursing practice. Identification of a research problem with development of a research question.
MSN 601: Health Care Policy and Economics in Population Health
Duration
: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours
: 3
Explores health care issues, policies and economic factors influenced by technological, social, economic, and political factors; availability of and access to health care for varied populations; social distribution of health care, actions for dealing with health care dilemmas, federal and state regulatory programs, and health care financing will be examined.
MSN 602: Advanced Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice and Research
Duration
: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours
: 3
Explores the application and utilization of theories in nursing practice and research. Focuses on the cyclical nature of theory, research, and practice in healthcare settings. Integration of theoretical foundations
into advanced nursing practice. PREREQ: MSN 600.
MSN 610: Adv. Phys Assessment Across the Lifespan
Duration
: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours
: 3
This course aims to cultivate APRNs' skills and knowledge for comprehensive patient evaluation through in-depth study, hands-on practice, and case-based learning. Students learn to conduct patient-centered, safe, and high-quality holistic health assessments while interpreting diagnostic data in patients across the lifespan.
MSN 611: Adv. Pharmacology Across the Lifespan
Duration
: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours
: 3
In this course students learn the APRN pharmacological management of patients across the lifespan. Students learn the management of pharmacotherapeutics across all major drug classes. Outcomes include appropriate selection, administration, education, and interventions for pharmacological therapy. Emphasis is given to the psychosocial, cultural, ethical, and legal aspects of pharmacological management. Pre-req: MSN 610
MSN 612: Role Development in Advanced Practice Nursing
Duration
: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours
: 3
This course explores the history and role of Advanced Practice Nurses. This includes an overview of the role of the Advance Practice Nurse as a Provider, Consultant, Educator, Researcher, Collaborator, Leader and Administrator. Selected legal, practice, and ethical issues are explored. Nursing theory is incorporated into the course.
DNP 816: Analysis and Application of Health Data for Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP)
Duration
: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours
: 3
Understanding and analysis of health data for application to evidence-based nursing practice for public health, health promotion, clinical prevention, and population health. Emphasis is placed on the use of health data and the best evidence in the application and evaluation of recommendations to improve health outcomes. Prerequisite: DNP students-DNP 802, DNP 800; MSN students-MSN 602.
Concentration Courses
Students must take the following courses:
MSN 664L: Psych-Mental Health NP Clinical Course I
Duration
: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours
: 1
First of five supervised PMHNP clinical courses with patients across the lifespan. Students observe clinical preceptor's practice and begin to evaluate current/previous care plans, conduct patient assessments, integrate assessment data, formulate psychiatric diagnoses, and use evidence-based practice to develop care plans including psychopharmacological treatment under a clinical preceptor's supervision. Pre-reqs: MSN 671, MSN 672, MSN 673, MSN 674
MSN 665L: Psych-Mental Health NP Clinical II
Duration
: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours
: 1
Second of five supervised PMHNP clinical courses with patients across the lifespan. Students participate in evaluating current/previous care plans, conduct patient assessments, integrate assessment data, formulate psychiatric diagnoses, and use evidence-based practice to develop care plans including psychopharmacological treatment under a clinical preceptor's supervision.
MSN 667L: Psych-Mental Health NP Clinical III
Duration
: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours
: 1
Third of five supervised PMHNP clinical courses with patients across the lifespan. Students evaluate current/previous care plans, conduct patient assessments, integrate assessment data, formulate psychiatric diagnoses, and use evidence-based practice to develop care plans including psychopharmacological treatment. Students demonstrate more independent practice with preceptor supervision by conclusion of course.
MSN 668L: Psych-Mental Health NP Clinical IV
Duration
: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours
: 1
Fourth of five supervised PMHNP clinical courses with patients across the lifespan. Students evaluate current/previous care plans, conduct patient assessments, integrate assessment data, formulate psychiatric diagnoses, and use evidence-based practice to develop care plans including psychopharmacological treatment. Students demonstrate independent practice with minimal preceptor supervision by conclusion of course.
MSN 669L: Psych-Mental Health NP Clinical V
Duration
: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours
: 1
In this final clinical course, students conduct comprehensive care across the lifespan through patient assessments, diagnoses, care plans, and evaluations of the psychiatric patient, including psychopharmacological treatments. Emphasis is on evidence-based approaches for optimal patient care, allowing students to demonstrate proficiency with minimal preceptor supervision by course completion. Pre-req: MSN 668L
MSN 671: Psychopathopharmacology I
Duration
: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours
: 3
Advanced psychopathopharmacological concepts, theories and issues related to neurobiology, genetic and neurocircuitry.
MSN 672: Psychopathopharmacology II
Duration
: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours
: 3
Advanced psychopathopharmacological concepts, theories and issues related to psychiatric and mental health disorders and treatments.
MSN 674: Psychotherapy for Psych-Mental Health NP
Duration
: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours
: 3
This course includes non-pharmacological methodologies and interventions including individual therapies; group therapies; reminiscence therapy; play therapy; family therapies; and complementary and alternative approaches will be studied. Exploration of appropriate clinical application of each therapeutic approach. The use of self, the therapist-patient relationship, phases of the therapeutic relationship, teaching-coaching functions.
MSN 673: Psych-Mental Health Assessment and Diagnosis
Duration
: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours
: 3
The process of history taking, neuroscientific principles, current edition of DSM and data from the comprehensive assessment will be applied in reaching a final diagnosis of psychiatric disorders and possible differential diagnosis. Cultural, genetic, religious, and behavioral and laboratory data will be utilized in the formulation of differential diagnoses.
MSN 675: Management of Psych-Mental Health Disorders
Duration
: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours
: 3
Integrate comprehensive assessment, neurophysiological theory, diagnosis and its application in the process of psychopharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of individuals with psychiatric mental health problems. The variables of lifestyle, culture, religion, socio-economic and genetics will be incorporated along with risk assessments.
MSN 676: PMHNP Capstone
Duration
: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours
: 3
Essentials of role development for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Selected practice issues that integrate a synthesis of the scope, standards, ethical, legal, policy and socioeconomic considerations will be explored. The course will culminate in the completion of clinical project that addresses both practice scholarship and dissemination.
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The demand for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) continues to rise as healthcare systems respond to increasing rates of anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and…
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Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) provide evidence-based care to individuals with mental health conditions or substance abuse disorders. They’re prepared to identify, diagnose and…
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As nurses gain experience and step into leadership roles, becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) is often the next step. NPs expand their scope of practice,…
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The national average salary for psychiatric nurse practitioners highlights the growing significance of psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) in today’s healthcare field. For professionals ready…
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Mental health nurse practitioners (MHNPs) provide essential care to those affected by mental health conditions like anxiety, depression and schizophrenia. The need for these professionals…
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