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MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Master of Science in Nursing
The MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN - PMHNP) specialization will help prepare you to assume the role of an advanced-practice nurse ready to care for individuals across the lifespan to promote mental and emotional health, reduce risks and manage acute and chronic mental and emotional health conditions.
It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
At a glance
- Online & in-person
- GuidedPath learning format
- 11 Core courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- Support with practicum placement
- Practicum
MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner course requirements
This MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree requires a total of 70 quarter credits:
- 750 minimum practicum hours
- 42 core quarter credits
- 28 specialization quarter credits
Explore MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner courses
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NURS6202
Advanced Pathophysiology
4 quarter credits
Students analyze pathophysiologic processes and their effect on body systems across the lifespan. Students build on their foundation of anatomy and physiology to enhance clinical decision-making in the advanced practice role. For MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric NURS6506 Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master¿s Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Prerequisite(s): NURS6201. MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students must have completed NHS6004, NHS6008, NURS6016, NURS6011.
4 quarter credits
NURS6203
Advanced Pharmacology
4 quarter credits
Students analyze advanced principles of pharmacology as they relate to the treatment and management of illnesses and conditions across the lifespan. Students build on their foundation of pharmacology to enhance clinical decision-making in the advanced practice role to safely, legally, ethically, and therapeutically prescribe, administer, and counsel patients regarding medication therapy and regimes. For MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master¿s Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Special permission is required for registration. Prerequisite(s): NURS6201, NURS6202.
4 quarter credits
NURS6204
Advanced Health Assessment
4 quarter credits
Students analyze advanced principles of health assessment and diagnostic reasoning as they relate to individuals across the lifespan. Students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to perform a comprehensive health history, physical and psychosocial assessment, and interpretation of pathophysiological changes. Students build on their foundation of physical assessment to enhance clinical decision-making in the advanced practice role. For MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. For students in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate, it is recommended that NURS6204 is taken concurrently with NURS6209. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master¿s Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Prerequisite(s): NURS6201, NURS6202, NURS6203. For students in the MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate, NURS6204 must be taken concurrently with NURS6205.
4 quarter credits
NURS6211
Assessment and Diagnostics for Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health
4 quarter credits
This 10-week course provides a comprehensive overview of psychiatric assessment and diagnostic techniques essential for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs). Students learn to conduct thorough psychiatric evaluations, perform mental status examinations, and utilize diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5. The course covers a range of psychiatric disorders, including mood, anxiety, psychotic, neurodevelopmental, and personality disorders. Through lectures, case studies, group discussions, and hands-on activities, students develop the skills necessary to accurately assess and diagnose patients across the lifespan. Mid-term and final exams assess students' understanding and application of course material. For MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master¿s Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Prerequisite(s): NURS6204, NURS6209. NURS6211 must be taken concurrently with NURS6213.
4 quarter credits
NURS6213
Advanced Skills Immersion, Diagnostics, and Interpretation
2 quarter credits
This 10-week course is designed to enhance the diagnostic and interpretive skills of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs). The course covers advanced psychiatric interviewing techniques, diagnostic formulation, the use of neuroimaging and biomarkers, genetic testing, and the integration of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Students engage in both synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, case studies, group discussions, and hands-on activities. Mid-term and final exams assess students' understanding and application of advanced diagnostic skills. For MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Prerequisite(s): NURS6204, NURS6209. NURS6213 must be taken concurrently with NURS6211.
2 quarter credits
NURS6503
Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Children and Adolescents
4 quarter credits
This 10-week course provides an in-depth exploration of psychiatric care for children and adolescents. Students explore the assessment, diagnosis, and management of various psychiatric disorders in this population, including mood, anxiety, neurodevelopmental, and substance use disorders. The course includes lectures, case studies, group discussions, and exams to build a comprehensive understanding of child and adolescent psychiatry. For MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master¿s Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Prerequisite(s): NURS6501, NURS6502. NURS6503 must be taken concurrently with NURS6504.
4 quarter credits
What you’ll learn in an MSN - PMHNP program
Students in the MSN - PMHNP program are prepared to assume the role of an advanced-practice nurse providing comprehensive mental health care to individuals, families and groups across the lifespan. The program emphasizes ethical clinical judgment and compassionate, evidence-based care to promote mental wellness, prevent and manage psychiatric disorders and improve quality of life.
Throughout the program, students will integrate scientific foundations, leadership, quality improvement and safety, practice inquiry, informatics and health care technologies, health policy and advocacy and interprofessional collaboration to prepare for advanced psychiatric nursing practice.
Upon successful completion of this specialization, graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Skills gained through this specialization:
- Integrate knowledge from nursing, behavioral and psychosocial sciences to design and deliver holistic, person-centered mental health care.
- Apply evidence-based practices to assess, diagnose and treat individuals experiencing psychiatric or mental health conditions.
- Utilize therapeutic communication and interprofessional collaboration to enhance outcomes and promote recovery.
- Integrate appropriate technologies and informatics tools to support clinical decision-making and improve mental health outcomes.
- Demonstrate leadership in clinical practice, policy, and advocacy to advance mental health care and reduce stigma across diverse populations.
Practicum experience
Learn by doing. The practicum experience gives you the opportunity to practice what you learn under the supervision of a preceptor within various clinical settings.
How much does the MSN - PMHNP degree program cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, scholarships and other factors. See the GuidedPath cost information below.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $595 per credit
- $200 resource kit
- 70 total quarter credits
- 0 max transfer credits
- $32 background check
- $2.99 CastleBranch service fee
$41,650*
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 39 months
*This is only an estimate, effective Jan. 28, 2026, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs. Compliance requirements are determined by the practicum sites and may pose an additional cost.
By the end of your first billing session or quarter, you must complete a background check through CastleBranch, a third-party vendor.
As of February 13, 2025, CastleBranch imposed a service fee of $2.99, which is subject to change at their discretion.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment specialist.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, student services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Capella University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Capella University is not accepting applications into the MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Capella students who relocate to the following states may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state: AS, CA, DC, GU, LA, MD, MP, NY, PA, PR, TN, VI.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment specialist for more information.
What are the MSN - PMHNP program admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MSN - PMHNP program must provide the following for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree in nursing from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official transcripts, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- One year of Registered Nurse (RN) experience within the past two years
- Verification of your current, unrestricted RN license to practice in the United States
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A background check is required
- Students in all nursing programs must also meet the technical requirements
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
State enrollment restrictions
Capella University is not accepting applications into the MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Capella students who relocate to the following states may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state: AS, CA, DC, GU, LA, MD, MP, NY, PA, PR, TN, VI.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment specialist for more information.
*Students enrolled in a Capella nursing program in the FlexPath learning format will become ineligible to enroll in the MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN - PMHNP) specialization if they progress through certain coursework in any of the following courses: NHS-FP6004, NHS-FPX6004, NHS-FP6008, NHS-FPX6008, MSN-FP6011, NURS-FPX6011, MSN-FP6016 or NURS-FPX6016. FlexPath courses cannot be transferred into the MSN-PMHNP specialization. To learn more, contact a Capella coach or call enrollment services at 1-866-736-1751.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources. We’ve built our programs in easy-to-manage phases, with a network of faculty, staff and online resources that can help you stay on track.
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What can you do with a MSN - PMHNP?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MSN - PMHNP.
Related job titles to explore*
- Advanced Practice Provider
- Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners
- Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners
Employment settings to explore*
- General Medical & Surgical Hospitals
- Colleges, Universities, Professional Schools
- Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers
- Office of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists
- Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.