Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Overview
The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) specialization provides students with the required clinical competencies and theoretical foundation to deliver quality psychiatric mental healthcare for patients across the lifespan with advanced skills in:
- Evidence-based practice
- Leadership
- Policy
- Finance
- Informatics
- Genomics/ethics
Upon program completion, graduates are eligible to take the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
This program is offered in the School of Nursing.
Program Format
- Part-time blended/hybrid
- Full-time blended/hybrid
The blended/hybrid format means that classes are offered primarily online, but learning will be supported by on-campus immersion experiences scheduled at important points throughout the program. This offering provides students with the best of both worlds—the flexibility of online learning with the personal nature of knowing and directly interacting with nursing faculty. There are also open lab opportunities for students who desire to come on campus for one-on-one help with clinical skills.
Out-of-state students applying for this program are strongly encouraged to discuss clinical requirements with the assistant dean of graduate programs. Clinical arrangements are not able to be made in all states. Please note that international students are ineligible to receive a student visa for this program.
What can I do with a psychiatric mental health specialization?
Due to the current national mental health crisis, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP) are in high demand, especially in the southern Illinois region. Once board certified and licensed as an advanced practice nurse, PMHNPs are qualified for leadership roles and are equipped to work in a variety of diverse settings, including:
- Private practices
- Outpatient clinics
- Schools
- College campuses
- Mental health agencies
- Veterans' facilities
- Correctional facilities
- Hospitals
- Research and policy organizations
Tuition and Fees
| Semester (hours) | Tuition | Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall, Year 1 (6 hours) | $2,228 | $779 | $2,997 |
| Spring, Year 1 (5 hours) | 1,850 | 618 | 2,474 |
| Summer, Year 1 (5 hours) | 1,857 | 618 | 2,474 |
| Fall, Year 2 (3 hours) | 1,114 | 395 | 1,509 |
| Total (19) | $ 7,055 | $2,410 | $ 9,454 |
Tuition is $360.50/credit hour and general student fees are $111.55/credit hour based on 2023-2024 rates. Program fees and course-specific fees may also be assessed and are included in the estimates above. Rates beyond summer 2024 are not yet approved and are subject to change. Rates for future terms are provided only as an estimate. DNP tuition is a specialized tuition rate that all students pay regardless of residency.
Enrollment in this program does not qualify for federal financial aid.
Faculty
View current School of Nursing faculty
Options Available
Post-Master's Certificate
