Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP)
MSN-PMHNP Program Overview
The Spalding University MSN-PMHNP program prepares healthcare professionals with the advanced clinical skills they need to provide mental health treatment and support services to clients and their families. Our faculty are practicing clinicians who equip students with the real-world knowledge they need to create holistic treatment plans in accordance with each patient’s psychiatric needs, work with doctors and prescribe medication.
- 44 credit hours
- 750 clinical hours
- Hybrid program
- Enrollment in May of each year
- Maximum of 15 students per cohort
Post-Master’s Certificate
Spalding’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is designed for nurses with a master’s degree in nursing who want to deepen their expertise in mental health.
This specialized program helps you integrate advanced nursing practice with a focus on diverse and underserved populations. You’ll build skills in collaboration, evidence-based care, and advanced healthcare technology—empowering you to improve mental health outcomes for individuals across the lifespan.
MSN-PMHNP Courses
Spalding University’s 44-credit hour program is designed for students who already hold a Master’s degree in nursing and are pursuing enhanced expertise in mental health care. Coursework includes Advanced Health for Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Psychopharmacology and Psychotherapy Across the Lifespan.
Students also complete 750 hours of clinical hours during the second year of the program, and 20 professional service hours of learning outside the classroom.
Coursework is consistent with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)’s Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing and the competencies prescribed by the specialty’s professional organization.
Guaranteed Clinical Placements
The Louisville metropolitan area and adjacent suburban and rural areas contain a wide variety of clinical settings for clinical education rotations, as well as future employment opportunities. Focused and intentional clinical placements throughout the program give clinical partners the opportunity to recruit graduate students early in the program, ensuring high employment rates upon graduation.
Admission Requirements
Do you want to improve mental health outcomes? Discover how Spalding’s MSN-PMHNP program can empower you to meet the needs of the times.
Tuition
We’re here for your wellbeing. Learn about tuition and fees for our MSN-PMHNP program, as well as your financial aid options.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing at Spalding University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Find Possibility in the Heart of the City
DISCOVER YOUR GROWTH POTENTIAL
Your practice has a profound purpose — the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job openings for nurse practitioners will grow 40% between 2024 and 2034, which is exponentially more than the average rate for all occupations.
High-Impact Career Preparation
Spalding University’s MSN-PMHNP program prepares nurse practitioners to practice in a variety of settings, including:
- Community mental health centers
- Hospitals
- Inpatient mental health facilities
- Outpatient mental health centers
- Private practices
- Residential treatment centers
- School-based mental health programs
- Substance use treatment programs
- Telehealth
- Veterans Affairs hospitals and military bases
The PMHNP program empowers students to become compassionate, evidence-based mental health providers who are equipped to lead, advocate, and serve communities across the lifespan.
Farrah Thornsberry, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC PMHNP Program Track Director
