Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs

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Overview

Prepare to meet the patient care challenges of tomorrow. Be a force for change in people's lives.

In 2010, the Affordable Care Act gave millions of people access to mental health care they were previously unable to obtain or afford. This contributed to almost 23 million Americans being able to receive the mental health treatment they needed in 2019.* However, this influx of patients stressed the delicate balance between available practitioners and patients — igniting a demand for more mental health professionals.

Bradley University is preparing highly skilled psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners to meet this growing demand and provide the best possible level of mental health care.

With our online nursing degrees, you can:

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Learn 100% online with no campus residency requirements

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Prepare for the ANCC certification exams

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Benefit from multiple entry options*

*Master of Science in Nursing (RNs with an ADN, diploma, non-nursing bachelor’s, or BSN degree)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN entry)
Post-Master’s Certificate (MSN entry)

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Higher Learning Commission

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The master’s degree program in Nursing, Post-Graduate APRN Certificate program, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Bradley University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Why earn an online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner degree?

As of 2021, more than 50 million people in the United States were living with mental illness.* A recent report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration predicts that the mental health field will be short 250,000 mental health professionals by 2025. As a result, psychiatry-mental health is one of the fastest growing, non-physician specialties in the health care field.**

At Bradley University, we prepare you to:

  • Deliver psychiatric mental health advanced practice nursing to all ages in various mental health settings
  • Assess, diagnose, treat, and evaluate mental illness such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and substance use disorders
  • Take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification exam
Is an online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner degree right for you?

Need help deciding if an online degree aligns with your current needs and future goals? We can help.

An online PMHNP program is right for you if:

  • You have a passion for patient-centered, holistic, and collaborative approaches to care
  • You are interested in psychological communication skills and therapeutic treatments
  • You are empathetic with strong communication and relationship-building skills
  • You would like to connect with patients on a different level and provide life-altering care
Here are a few other ways to know if an online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner degree from Bradley is the right choice for you:
  • You want to collaborate with and learn from other aspiring nurse practitioners
  • You want a flexible online learning environment that fits your busy schedule
  • You're eager to learn from a faculty of passionate and experienced clinicians

Careers

You became a nurse because you want to help people. And you are. Every day, you’re making a difference in the lives of patients and their loved ones.

Now you’re ready to have an even greater impact in your career. Earning an online Master of Science in Nursing from Bradley University can get you one step closer to accomplishing this goal. Our program can help you develop the skills to:

  • Expand the scope of care you provide
  • Specialize your expertise in an area you’re passionate about
  • Lead and mentor the next generation of nurses

Your master's degree can also qualify you for a wide range of new roles. Bradley’s MSN program offers three tracks - Nursing Administration, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - which means you can focus your studies in the area that aligns with your interests and desired career path.

Continue reading to learn more about the industry outlook and some of the opportunities you can pursue when you earn your Bradley degree.

What's your growth potential?

When you earn your online MSN from Bradley, you can position yourself for a rewarding career where skilled professionals like you are in high demand.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) ranks nurse practitioner as the second-fastest growing occupation nationally, with more than 211,000 jobs expected to be added by 2029 — a 52% increase.

The BLS also anticipates significant growth in the nursing administration field, predicting a 32% increase (133,200 new jobs) in the medical and health services managers sector over the same time period.

Let’s take an in-depth look at a few of your career options:

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP)
Where can you work?

Where can you work?

  • Hospitals
  • Private practice
  • Psychiatric and behavioral treatment clinics
  • Corporations
  • Residential treatment facilities
  • Public health agencies
  • Correctional facilities
Substance Abuse Nurse | Median Salary: $92,665*

Substance abuse nurses, also called addiction nurses, specialize in working with patients who are struggling with addictive behaviors such as drug or alcohol abuse. They can provide medication for pain management, offer emotional support, and educate patients and their families. Nursing professionals with an MSN or higher have the opportunity to become certified as an Advanced Practice Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN-AP).

Nurse Practitioner Specializing in Military and Veterans Affairs | Median Salary: $112,682**

These nurse practitioners specialize in working with military members or veterans who may be struggling with a range of issues including depression, traumatic stress, or substance abuse. They can work in local Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, or outpatient clinics.

Emergency Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | Median Salary: $108,630**

Emergency psychiatric nurse practitioners work in mental health emergency departments. They perform intake evaluations, help determine patients’ risk and harm levels, and initiate treatment. Other responsibilities may include ordering tests, interpreting results, and prescribing medications.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | Median Salary: $121,965**

Nurse practitioners who choose this specialization focus on assessing and treating behavioral disorders impacting children and adolescents. Responsibilities may include prescribing medication, conducting psychotherapy, and providing support to patients and their families. These professionals treat disorders including autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and learning disabilities.

Curriculum

Depending on your education level, Bradley offers four online options to earn a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner degree:

RN to MSN PMHNP

If you are a RN with an ADN, nursing diploma, or non-nursing bachelor’s degree, we offer bridge courses that can start you on the path toward an MSN-PMHNP.

  • 60 Credit Hours*
  • 3.3 Years
  • 10 Semesters
  • 650 Clinical Hours

*Includes 9 undergraduate hours from RN completion courses

BSN to MSN PMHNP

If you already have your BSN, you may be eligible to start working toward your MSN-PMHNP right away. No bridge courses are required for this entry path.

  • 51 Credit Hours
  • 2.7 Years
  • 8 Semesters
  • 600 Clinical Hours
BSN to DNP PMHNP

This option is for BSN-credentialed nurses looking to earn a doctorate with a focus in psychiatric mental health.

  • 74 Credit Hours
  • 3.7 Years
  • 11 Semesters
  • 1,000 Clinical Hours
MSN to PMC PMHNP

This option is for MSN-credentialed nurses looking to earn a post-master's certificate in psychiatric mental health.

  • 36 Credit Hours
  • 2 Years
  • 6 Semesters
  • 600 Clinical Hours

Online BSN to MSN-PMHNP Curriculum

For students with an ADN, nursing diploma, or non-nursing bachelor’s degree.

Bridge Courses

NUR 300 Conceptual Basis for Professional Nursing Practices / 3 Credits

Theories of nursing, professional roles, the nursing process, adaptation theory, nursing research, and societal influences on nursing and health.

NUR 303 Research in Nursing / 3 Credits

As a consumer of research, the student evaluates published nursing research and its importance to the profession. The student examines the steps of the research process in critiquing literature and writing a comprehensive review of literature. Use of the computer in nursing research correlated with the study of the research process.

NUR 404 Community Health Nursing - Theory / 3 Credits

Explores the role of the nurse in community settings. Applies principles of epidemiology, health promotion, and disease prevention to nursing practice. Examines the core functions of public health nursing, essential services, and population-based practice.

NUR 407 Community Health Practicum RN-MSN* / 1 Credit

Selected community practicum experiences will be correlated with theoretical content of NUR 404.

Core Courses

BIO 526 Advanced Pathophysiology / 3 Credits

Detailed presentation of pathological conditions in the human body, with particular focus on the cellular basis for disease in muscular, respiratory, renal, and cardiovascular systems.

ENC 510 Statistical Procedures / 3 Credits

Principles and procedures for statistical interpretation of data. Study of measures and control tendency, variability, correlation, and introductory predictive and inferential statistics.

NUR 501 Nursing Theories: Analysis and Development / 3 Credits

Analysis of theoretical models. Emphasis on assessment and implications of models for advanced professional nursing practice and research.

NUR 526 Evidence Based Practice / 3 Credits

Allows the learner to explore theories related to the generation of evidence, Research Utilization (RU), and Evidence Based Practice (EBP). Issues from practice areas are identified, developed, and refined into a researchable project.

NUR 600 Advanced Health Assessment / 3 Credits

Systematic method for collecting data used in holistic health assessment of persons throughout the lifespan and in various healthcare settings. Emphasis is placed on interviewing techniques for history taking and advanced physical assessment skills.

NUR 615 Health Informatics / 3 Credits

Introduces the learner to concepts in health informatics and provides the foundation for practice in the healthcare technology field. Explores healthcare data, clinical information management systems, security, personal productivity applications, consumer informatics, legal issues, and professional skills, knowledge, and certifications related to health informatics.

NUR 640 Healthcare Policy / 3 Credits

Explores health policy development and implementation and its impact on healthcare regulation, delivery, and finance. There is a focus on wellness and promotion of health for local, national, and worldwide health initiatives. Students will define healthcare provider roles in health promotion, healthcare delivery, and quality improvement through activities related to health policy reform and finance.

NUR 651 Advanced Pharmacology I / 3 Credits

Provides the student with the knowledge and skills to assess, diagnose, and pharmacologically manage the treatment of common health problems in a safe, high-quality, and cost-effective manner.

NUR 655 Diagnostic Reasoning / 3 Credits

Specialty Courses (600 clinical hours)

NUR 680 PMHNP Roles / 3 Credits

This course provides an overview of PMHNP roles with an emphasis on the provision of ethical, evidence- based, and person-centered care in a variety of settings, including clinical practice, academia and population health. The course will emphasize utilization of communication technology to address health care inequities and gaps through telemedicine. Students will examine the importance of interprofessional collaboration and teamwork, as well as professional development, leadership, and personal wellness.

NUR 682 Psychopharmacology and Neurophysiology for the PMHNP / 3 Credits

This course provides the opportunity to develop skills necessary to utilize psychopharmacology to manage the treatment of common psychiatric health problems in a safe, high-quality, and cost-effective manner.

NUR 684 Advanced Psychiatric Interviewing and Differential Diagnosis / 3 Credits

This course focuses on the development of advanced psychiatric interviewing skills necessary to assess clients across the lifespan. Students will register for 3 semester hours, completing 50 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses.  Students are able to develop the skills to begin diagnosing psychiatric disorders in a culturally sensitive, evidence-based manner.

NUR 685 PMHNP Continuum of Care Across the Lifespan and Practicum I / 6 Credits

This practicum course focuses on the delivery of advanced nursing care to clients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders across various practicum settings. Diverse populations will be utilized for practicum experiences. Students will register for 6 semester hours, completing 150 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment, including psychotherapeutic interventions.

NUR 686 PMHNP Continuum of Care Across the Lifespan and Practicum II / 6 Credits

This practicum course focuses on the delivery of advanced nursing care to clients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders across various practicum settings. Diverse populations will be utilized for practicum experiences. Students will register for 6 semester hours, completing 250 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment, including psychotherapeutic interventions.

NUR 687 PMHNP Specialty Practicum Focus III / 4 Credits

This practicum course focuses on the delivery of advanced nursing care to clients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders across various specialty practicum settings. Diverse populations will be utilized for practicum experiences. Students will register for 4 semester hours, completing 150 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment, including psychotherapeutic interventions.

NUR 688 Professional Aspects of the PMHNP / 2 Credits

Designed for the nurse to explore the professional aspects and challenges associated with advanced practice nursing, including legal, regulatory and reimbursement issues. Tailored to meet the needs of a variety of specialties including a focus upon organizational, systems, and population strategies.

Online BSN to MSN-PMHNP Curriculum

For RNs with a BSN.

Core Courses

BIO 526 Advanced Pathophysiology / 3 Credits

Detailed presentation of pathological conditions in the human body, with particular focus on the cellular basis for disease in muscular, respiratory, renal, and cardiovascular systems.

ENC 510 Statistical Procedures / 3 Credits

Principles and procedures for statistical interpretation of data. Study of measures and control tendency, variability, correlation, and introductory predictive and inferential statistics.

NUR 501 Nursing Theories: Analysis and Development / 3 Credits

Analysis of theoretical models. Emphasis on assessment and implications of models for advanced professional nursing practice and research.

NUR 526 Evidence Based Practice / 3 Credits

Allows the learner to explore theories related to the generation of evidence, Research Utilization (RU), and Evidence Based Practice (EBP). Issues from practice areas are identified, developed, and refined into a researchable project.

NUR 600 Advanced Health Assessment / 3 Credits

Systematic method for collecting data used in holistic health assessment of persons throughout the lifespan and in various healthcare settings. Emphasis is placed on interviewing techniques for history taking and advanced physical assessment skills.

NUR 615 Health Informatics / 3 Credits

Introduces the learner to concepts in health informatics and provides the foundation for practice in the healthcare technology field. Explores healthcare data, clinical information management systems, security, personal productivity applications, consumer informatics, legal issues, and professional skills, knowledge, and certifications related to health informatics.

NUR 640 Healthcare Policy / 3 Credits

Explores health policy development and implementation and its impact on healthcare regulation, delivery, and finance. There is a focus on wellness and promotion of health for local, national, and worldwide health initiatives. Students will define healthcare provider roles in health promotion, healthcare delivery, and quality improvement through activities related to health policy reform and finance.

NUR 651 Advanced Pharmacology I / 3 Credits

Provides the student with the knowledge and skills to assess, diagnose, and pharmacologically manage the treatment of common health problems in a safe, high-quality, and cost-effective manner.

Specialty Courses (600 clinical hours)

NUR 680 PMHNP Roles / 3 Credits

This course provides an overview of PMHNP roles with an emphasis on the provision of ethical, evidence- based, and person-centered care in a variety of settings, including clinical practice, academia and population health. The course will emphasize utilization of communication technology to address health care inequities and gaps through telemedicine. Students will examine the importance of interprofessional collaboration and teamwork, as well as professional development, leadership, and personal wellness.

NUR 682 Psychopharmacology and Neurophysiology for the PMHNP / 3 Credits

This course provides the opportunity to develop skills necessary to utilize psychopharmacology to manage the treatment of common psychiatric health problems in a safe, high-quality, and cost-effective manner.

NUR 684 Advanced Psychiatric Interviewing and Differential Diagnosis / 3 Credits

This course focuses on the development of advanced psychiatric interviewing skills necessary to assess clients across the lifespan. Students will register for 3 semester hours, completing 50 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses.  Students are able to develop the skills to begin diagnosing psychiatric disorders in a culturally sensitive, evidence-based manner.

NUR 685 PMHNP Continuum of Care Across the Lifespan and Practicum I / 6 Credits

This practicum course focuses on the delivery of advanced nursing care to clients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders across various practicum settings. Diverse populations will be utilized for practicum experiences. Students will register for 6 semester hours, completing 150 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment, including psychotherapeutic interventions.

NUR 686 PMHNP Continuum of Care Across the Lifespan and Practicum II / 6 Credits

This practicum course focuses on the delivery of advanced nursing care to clients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders across various practicum settings. Diverse populations will be utilized for practicum experiences. Students will register for 6 semester hours, completing 250 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment, including psychotherapeutic interventions.

NUR 687 PMHNP Specialty Practicum Focus III / 4 Credits

This practicum course focuses on the delivery of advanced nursing care to clients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders across various specialty practicum settings. Diverse populations will be utilized for practicum experiences. Students will register for 4 semester hours, completing 150 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment, including psychotherapeutic interventions.

Online BSN to DNP-PMHNP Curriculum

For RNs with a BSN.

Core Courses

BIO 526 Advanced Pathophysiology / 3 Credits

Detailed presentation of pathological conditions in the human body, with particular focus on the cellular basis for disease in muscular, respiratory, renal, and cardiovascular systems.

ECO 605 Health Care Economics & Finance / 3 Credits

Examines the economic and financial aspects of the health care system. Organizational and institutional structures through which an economy makes choices regarding the production, consumption, and distribution of health care services. Fundamental processes for the management of liquidity, major capital investments, debt, and funding. Examines both for-profit and not-for-profit health care organizations.

NUR 600 Advanced Health Assessment / 3 Credits

Systematic method for collecting data used in holistic health assessment of persons throughout the lifespan and in various healthcare settings. Emphasis is placed on interviewing techniques for history taking and advanced physical assessment skills.

NUR 651 Advanced Pharmacology I / 3 Credits

Provides the student with the knowledge and skills to assess, diagnose, and pharmacologically manage the treatment of common health problems in a safe, high-quality, and cost-effective manner.

NUR 700 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Science / 3 Credits

Provides a theoretical analysis of nursing and the natural and social sciences for application as frameworks for research, practice, education, and quality healthcare delivery.

NUR 703 Health Promotion in Populations / 3 Credits

Focuses on core concepts in health and health promotion for groups, communities, and populations. There are two inter-related goals for this course. (1) Provide students with a basic understanding of the principles and determinants of population health with an emphasis on the tools provided by basic epidemiology for understanding health in populations. (2) Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the steps needed to develop, implement, and evaluate population-based health promotion and illness prevention programs.

NUR 705 Research Design and Statistical Methods / 3 Credits

Examination of research study design/methodology and application and interpretation of descriptive and inferential statistical methods appropriate for critical appraisal of evidence. Use of analytic software for data management and preliminary analysis prepares students to assess quantitative and qualitative data, understand research methodology, and critically evaluate research findings.

NUR 720 Methods in Evidence Based Practice / 3 Credits

Introduces the learner to theories related to Research Utilization (RU) and Evidence-based Practice (EBP) and provides opportunities to explore issues and refine questions related to quality and cost-effective healthcare delivery for the best client outcomes. Methods to collect evidence, plan changes for the transformation of practice, and evaluate quality improvement methods will be discussed.

NUR 735 Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing / 3 Credits

Emphasizes organizational and system leadership strategies for the advanced practice nurse with an emphasis on productivity in emerging practice environment. Improvement of health outcomes, patient safety, and inter-professional collaboration will be included.

NUR 740 Healthcare Policy and Ethics in Advanced Practice Nursing / 3 Credits

This course examines the political and ethical decisions and issues that shape the organization, financing, and implementation of health care services and delivery systems at the local, national and global levels. Students will have opportunities to critically analyze ethical, social, and political issues that affect the provision of health care, practice, research, education, and administration and how each intersects with ones personal values. Students will define the APNs role in health promotion, healthcare delivery, and quality improvement through activities related to health policy reform. Health policy development and implementation and its impact on healthcare regulation, delivery, and finance will also be explored.

NUR 752 Advanced Health Informatics / 3 Credits

This course examines the current trends in health informatics and data analytic methods. It provides opportunities for the advanced practice nurse (APN) to apply theoretical concepts of informatics to individual and aggregate level health information. Emphasis is placed on the APN’s leadership role in the use of health information to improve health care delivery and outcomes.

Specialty Courses (600 clinical hours)

NUR 680 PMHNP Roles / 3 Credits

This course provides an overview of PMHNP roles with an emphasis on the provision of ethical, evidence- based, and person-centered care in a variety of settings, including clinical practice, academia and population health. The course will emphasize utilization of communication technology to address health care inequities and gaps through telemedicine. Students will examine the importance of interprofessional collaboration and teamwork, as well as professional development, leadership, and personal wellness.

NUR 682 Psychopharmacology and Neurophysiology for the PMHNP / 3 Credits

This course provides the opportunity to develop skills necessary to utilize psychopharmacology to manage the treatment of common psychiatric health problems in a safe, high-quality, and cost-effective manner.

NUR 684 Advanced Psychiatric Interviewing and Differential Diagnosis / 3 Credits

This course focuses on the development of advanced psychiatric interviewing skills necessary to assess clients across the lifespan. Students will register for 3 semester hours, completing 50 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses.  Students are able to develop the skills to begin diagnosing psychiatric disorders in a culturally sensitive, evidence-based manner.

NUR 685 PMHNP Continuum of Care Across the Lifespan and Practicum I / 6 Credits

This practicum course focuses on the delivery of advanced nursing care to clients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders across various practicum settings. Diverse populations will be utilized for practicum experiences. Students will register for 6 semester hours, completing 150 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment, including psychotherapeutic interventions.

NUR 686 PMHNP Continuum of Care Across the Lifespan and Practicum II / 6 Credits

This practicum course focuses on the delivery of advanced nursing care to clients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders across various practicum settings. Diverse populations will be utilized for practicum experiences. Students will register for 6 semester hours, completing 250 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment, including psychotherapeutic interventions.

NUR 687 PMHNP Specialty Practicum Focus III / 4 Credits

This practicum course focuses on the delivery of advanced nursing care to clients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders across various specialty practicum settings. Diverse populations will be utilized for practicum experiences. Students will register for 4 semester hours, completing 150 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment, including psychotherapeutic interventions.

NUR 688 Professional Aspects of the PMHNP / 2 Credits

Designed for the nurse to explore the professional aspects and challenges associated with advanced practice nursing, including legal, regulatory and reimbursement issues. Tailored to meet the needs of a variety of specialties including a focus upon organizational, systems, and population strategies.

DNP Courses

NUR 840 DNP Clinical Practice / 2 Credits

Designed for the nurse to complete practicum hours required to achieve the practice doctorate. Tailored to meet the needs of a variety of specialty areas depending upon the educational backgrounds of participants. Students enrolled in this course will implement professional and leadership roles of the practice doctorate in their specialty areas. May be repeated for a maximum of 15 semester hours.

NUR 841 DNP Project I (50 clinical hrs) / 3 Credits

This course, the first of a four-course series, provides the DNP student with mentored opportunities to plan, implement, and evaluate a multifaceted DNP project built upon the DNP Essentials. Each course builds on the knowledge, skills, and practice expertise of the DNP student and culminates in the completion of the DNP project. The focus of this course is on the identification and planning components of the written DNP project proposal. Students will register for 3 semester hours, completing 50 practicum hours in which the DNP student will seek opportunities, with the guidance of their mentor, to hone skills within the DNP Essentials.

NUR 842 DNP Project II (50 clinical hrs) / 3 Credits

This course, the second of a four-course series, provides the DNP student with mentored opportunities to plan, implement, and evaluate a multifaceted DNP project built upon the DNP Essentials. Each course builds on the knowledge, skills, and practice expertise of the DNP student and culminates in the completion of the DNP project. The focus of this course is on the completion of a written DNP project proposal and the application and approval of Institutional Review Board or Committee on the Use of Human Subjects in Research of the DNP project. Students will register for 3 semester hours, completing 50 practicum hours in which the DNP student will seek opportunities, with the guidance of their mentor, to hone skills within the DNP Essentials.

NUR 843 DNP Project III (125 clinical hrs) / 3 Credits

This course, the third course in a four-course series, provides the DNP student with mentored opportunities to plan, implement, and evaluate a multifaceted DNP project built upon the DNP Essentials. Each course builds on the knowledge, skills, and practice expertise of the DNP student, culminating in the completion of the DNP project. The focus of this course is on project implementation and evaluation of the DNP project. Students will register for 3 semester hours, completing 125 practicum hours in which the DNP student will seek opportunities, with the guidance of their mentor, to hone skills within the DNP Essentials.

NUR 844 DNP Project IV (75 clinical hrs.) / 3 Credits

This course, the fourth course in a four course series, provides the DNP student with mentored opportunities to plan, implement, and evaluate a multifaceted DNP project built upon the DNP Essentials. Each course builds on the knowledge, skills and practice expertise of the DNP student, culminating in the completion of the DNP project paper. The DNP project culminates in a final oral presentation and dissemination of the DNP project course. Students will register for 3 semester hours, completing 75 practicum hours in which the DNP student will seek opportunities, with the guidance of their mentor, to hone skills within the DNP Essentials.

Online MSN to PMC-PMHNP Curriculum

For RNs with a MSN.

Core Courses

BIO 526 Advanced Pathophysiology / 3 Credits

Detailed presentation of pathological conditions in the human body, with particular focus on the cellular basis for disease in muscular, respiratory, renal, and cardiovascular systems.

NUR 600 Advanced Health Assessment / 3 Credits

Systematic method for collecting data used in holistic health assessment of persons throughout the lifespan and in various healthcare settings. Emphasis is placed on interviewing techniques for history taking and advanced physical assessment skills.

NUR 651 Advanced Pharmacology I / 3 Credits

Provides the student with the knowledge and skills to assess, diagnose, and pharmacologically manage the treatment of common health problems in a safe, high-quality, and cost-effective manner.

Specialty Courses

NUR 680 PMHNP Roles / 3 Credits

This course provides an overview of PMHNP roles with an emphasis on the provision of ethical, evidence- based, and person-centered care in a variety of settings, including clinical practice, academia and population health. The course will emphasize utilization of communication technology to address health care inequities and gaps through telemedicine. Students will examine the importance of interprofessional collaboration and teamwork, as well as professional development, leadership, and personal wellness.

NUR 682 Psychopharmacology and Neurophysiology for the PMHNP / 3 Credits

This course provides the opportunity to develop skills necessary to utilize psychopharmacology to manage the treatment of common psychiatric health problems in a safe, high-quality, and cost-effective manner.

NUR 684 Advanced Psychiatric Interviewing and Differential Diagnosis / 3 Credits

This course focuses on the development of advanced psychiatric interviewing skills necessary to assess clients across the lifespan. Students will register for 3 semester hours, completing 50 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses.  Students are able to develop the skills to begin diagnosing psychiatric disorders in a culturally sensitive, evidence-based manner.

NUR 685 PMHNP Continuum of Care Across the Lifespan and Practicum I / 6 Credits

This practicum course focuses on the delivery of advanced nursing care to clients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders across various practicum settings. Diverse populations will be utilized for practicum experiences. Students will register for 6 semester hours, completing 150 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment, including psychotherapeutic interventions.

NUR 686 PMHNP Continuum of Care Across the Lifespan and Practicum II / 6 Credits

This practicum course focuses on the delivery of advanced nursing care to clients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders across various practicum settings. Diverse populations will be utilized for practicum experiences. Students will register for 6 semester hours, completing 250 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment, including psychotherapeutic interventions.

NUR 687 PMHNP Specialty Practicum Focus III / 4 Credits

This practicum course focuses on the delivery of advanced nursing care to clients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders across various specialty practicum settings. Diverse populations will be utilized for practicum experiences. Students will register for 4 semester hours, completing 150 clinical hours at selected facilities under the guidance of the clinical preceptor. This practicum is established to further develop competency in the areas but not limited to: history taking, assessing, developing differential diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment, including psychotherapeutic interventions.

NUR 688 Professional Aspects of the PMHNP / 2 Credits

Designed for the nurse to explore the professional aspects and challenges associated with advanced practice nursing, including legal, regulatory and reimbursement issues. Tailored to meet the needs of a variety of specialties including a focus upon organizational, systems, and population strategies.

Admission Requirements

Online Master of Science in Nursing

To be eligible for Bradley’s online RN or BSN to MSN-PMHNP program, you must meet the following qualifications:

  • ADN, diploma, or BSN from a regionally accredited college or university and an NLNAC-, ACEN-, or CCNE-accredited* nursing program. If you have an ADN, diploma, or non-nursing baccalaureate degree must complete NUR 300, 303, 404, and 407.
  • Proof of a current, unencumbered RN license
  • Students may be admitted unconditionally if they have achieved at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework. Applicants with previous graduate coursework must have achieved a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale in all graduate coursework and have completed a minimum of 12 graduate credit hours for the graduate grade point average to be considered for admission.

You must also submit the following:

  • Completed online application
  • Non-refundable $40 application fee
  • Official transcripts of academic credentials
  • One admission essay
    • Applicants in advanced practice programs must also include/discuss potential mentors for clinical experiences to deliver care across the lifespan.
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • CV/Résumé

Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

To be eligible for Bradley’s online BSN to DNP-PMHNP program, you must meet the following qualifications:

  • BSN from a regionally accredited college or university and an NLNAC-, ACEN-, or CCNE-accredited* nursing program.
  • Proof of a current, unencumbered RN license
  • Students may be admitted unconditionally if they have achieved at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework. Applicants with previous graduate coursework must have achieved a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale in all graduate coursework and have completed a minimum of 12 graduate credit hours for the graduate grade point average to be considered for admission.

You must also submit the following:

  • Completed online application
  • Nonrefundable $40 application fee
  • Official transcripts of academic credentials
  • Admission essay and portfolio
    • Applicants in advanced practice programs must also include/discuss potential mentors for clinical experiences.
  • CV/Résumé
  • Two letters of recommendation

Online Post-Master's Certificate

To be eligible for Bradley’s online post-master's certificate program, you must meet the following qualifications:

  • MSN from an NLNAC-, ACEN-, or CCNE-accredited* nursing program
  • Proof of a current, unencumbered RN license
  • Students may be admitted unconditionally if they have achieved at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework. Applicants with previous graduate coursework must have achieved a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in all graduate coursework and have completed a minimum of 12 graduate credit hours for the graduate GPA to be considered for admission.

You must also submit the following:

  • Completed online application
  • Non-refundable $40 application fee
  • Official transcripts of academic credentials
  • One admission essay
    • Applicants in advanced practice programs must also include/discuss potential mentors for clinical experiences.
  • CV/Résumé
  • Two letters of recommendation

Learn from innovative nursing leaders.

The dedicated faculty members who lead our online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program are committed to helping you succeed as you take the next step in your nursing career. They bring a broad base of clinical expertise and professional experience into our online classrooms each day and are eager to share their knowledge with you.

For more than 60 years, Bradley University has been setting the standard for excellence in nursing education. Our graduates work as advanced practice nurses and leaders in clinical and non-clinical settings across the country. They’re transforming the way health care is delivered in the 21st century — and so can you.

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