Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

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49 Credit Hours

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Up To 12 Hours

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EKU Online > Online Nursing Degrees & Certificates > Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Advance Your Career with a Respected PMHNP Degree

EKU’s psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program has a high certification exam pass rate and prepares students to meet the population’s growing mental health needs in private practice, psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics and a variety of other environments.

*Contact an enrollment advisor to determine eligibility

Career Outlook

Employment of nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives is projected to grow 45 percent before 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

— U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Info

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are educated and authorized to work autonomously and/or collaboratively in an advanced clinic role across the lifespan, in many mental health care settings. Some settings that often employ Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are schools, forensics, inpatient, outpatient, and integrated care . They are equipped with the education and expertise to refer, diagnose and treat people with a range of mental health conditions.

> Learn More About Nurse Practitioner Career Opportunities

EKU Online Career Services

The EKU Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all of your career and professional development needs.

Services include:

  • Creating/Updating Your Resume and Cover Letter
  • Interviewing Tips and Coaching
  • Career Documents Review
  • Job Search

Learn More About Career Services

 

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Benefits
Prep for Success
Benefits of EKU Online

EKU’s nationally-accredited PMHNP program is designed to meet the requirements of the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensing, Accreditation, Certification, and Education. The online program is designed to provide the convenience of online learning while maintaining the quality and rigor necessary for the student to become an extremely competent and confident psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner upon graduation.

  • 98.6% first attempt pass rate on national certification exams
  • Ranked by U.S. News & World Report in the top 50 best online graduate nursing programs in the country
  • Ranked #10 in the nation as the Best Online Master’s in Nursing Program for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report
  • UPCEA award was South Region Program of Excellence Credit Award 2019
  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No campus visits required
  • Convenient 8-week terms for core courses
  • Spring, summer and fall start dates
  • Direct interaction with faculty plus personalized advising
  • High student satisfaction rates
  • BB Catalyst Teaching and Learning Award 2020
Preparing You for Success

EKU online nursing programs provide an engaging learning environment and accessible collaborative faculty. For detailed information about our programs, please review the MSN Student Handbook 2020 – 2021.

Curriculum

EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through engaging, evidence-based practice.

Degree Requirements

A total of 49 credits are required to graduate.

View the PMHNP MSN program degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Transfer Credits

Students may transfer up to 12 hours of credit from accredited institutions.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admittance to EKU for appropriate articulation. Learn more about transferring to EKU.

Sample Courses

For a full list of course descriptions please see section 7 of the University graduate catalog.

View sample curriculum plan

NSC 884 – Rural PMHNP III (3)
Theoretical and diagnostic knowledge necessary to diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders across the life span. Group skills, community resources and the context of professional practice are examined.

NSC 880 – Rural PMHNP I (3)
Theoretical and diagnostic knowledge necessary to diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders across the life span. Competencies in working with individuals are developed.

NSC 881 – Applied Psychopharmacology (3)
Applies theoretical and diagnostic knowledge related to prescribing psychopharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders across the life span.

NSC 882 – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) II (3)
Theoretical and diagnostic knowledge necessary to diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders across the life span. Competencies in working with families are developed.

Enrollment

Katherine Collins

Katherine Collins

Enrollment Advisor

Call or email Enrollment Advisor Katherine Collins for information about the MSN-PMHNP and Post-MSN PMHNP Certificate programs.

Contact Info:
859-622-8560
Katherine.Collins@eku.edu

Admission Deadlines

Term Application Deadline Classes Begin
Fall July 1 August
Spring November 1 January
Summer March 15 May

Admission Requirements

  1. Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program.
  2. RN license from an approved state that is free and unrestricted, meaning that it has not been subject to reprimand, revocation, probation, suspension, restriction, limitation, disciplinary action, discretionary review/hearing or encumbrance nor had any type of complaint filed against it.
  3. A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  4. 3-hour graduate or undergraduate course in statistics with a grade of “C” or higher.
  5. At least one year of RN experience by the time their application is submitted.

Admission is competitive. Selection is based on careful consideration of all application materials, including but not limited to, academic transcripts, the applicant’s professional statement, three required professional references, and professional work experience. In addition to the criteria listed, an interview may be requested.

Application Process

Part I: Apply to EKU

  1. Start your EKU Graduate School Application.
  2. Complete the supporting documents:
    Nursing License – Provide verification of your current RN license.Professional References – Within the application, you will be prompted to enter email addresses for three professional references. An electronic reference form will be emailed to each reference upon entry.
    MSN Professional Statement – Write a statement that is 500-700 words (2 pages) in length. In your professional statement, you must describe:
    • The unique role of the advanced practice MSN-prepared nurse (PMHNP or FNP).
    • How the specific nursing knowledge and skills you have gained through professional experience will contribute to your success in the MSN program.
    • Your reasons or motivations for pursuing an advanced practice degree in your chosen concentration (PMHNP or FNP).
    • Your specific plans for life modification in order to successfully meet the class and clinical requirements in a 100% online MSN program.

Submit your proof of licensure and professional statement within the online application, or e-mail them to the EKU Graduate School at graduateschool@eku.edu.

Part II: Send Transcripts

Contact any and all colleges or universities that you have attended and request that your transcripts be sent directly to EKU at the address below. Most schools have an online request form for this service. Transcripts sent to a student and then delivered to EKU will not be accepted. Each transcript must bear the original signature of the authorized official, along with the seal of the institution, and must be sent to EKU directly from the issuing institutionTranscripts are not required for courses taken at EKU.

All transcripts should be sent to:
EKU Graduate School
310 Whitlock Building CPO 68
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475
E-mail: graduateschool@eku.edu

NOTE: If you have attended or are attending another graduate level nursing program, you may need to submit additional application items. Please contact the program enrollment advisor for more information.

Questions?

FNP applicants should contact Stephanie Konkel at Stephanie.Konkel@eku.edu or 859-859-622-6458.
PMHNP applicants should contact Katherine Collins at Katherine.Collins@eku.edu or 859-622-8560

 

Additional Contact Information

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Success

This is an excellent program, with amazing support from professors and fellow students. There is definitely a positive learning environment, and the professors genuinely want each student to learn and be successful.

Tiffany StradlingEKU Online MSN Student

EKU has been a leader in online education for more than 15 years, providing more than 100 online degree and certificate options.

A regionally-accredited, brick-and-mortar university, EKU is ranked among the nation’s best colleges and has been educating students for more than a century. EKU has received numerous honors, including being named one of the best online colleges in the nation and one of the most veteran-friendly campuses.

  • “I can confidently say that — as someone who doesn’t even live in the United States — EKU’s online program has been extremely accommodating and flexible. I can discuss advising appointments over email, and I can have my textbooks shipped to my address overseas.” – Sydney Garner Lewis
  • “After the birth of our first child, I knew I needed to go back and finish what I started,” said McKenzie. “I was happy that I could pick up where I left off at EKU even though I lived in a different state.” – EKU Online student and mom
  • “I chose EKU because I am a unique student with unique needs, and EKU provides an avenue for students like me to succeed.” – EKU Online Psychology student Jason Tate
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