Psychiatric nurse talking to elder patient

MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online

Quality mental health care profoundly impacts individuals and communities. You will increase access to these vital services with the advanced PMHNP skills you’ll gain in this affordable MSN program.

Next Apply Date: 5/25/26
Next Class Start Date: 6/29/26
Apply Now
Next Apply Date: 5/25/26
Next Class Start Date: 6/29/26

Program Overview

Expand your ability to help with the online MSN – PMHNP program

Awareness of the importance of mental healthcare has escalated dramatically, yet availability of services is scarce. The Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner online program equips you to treat diverse and underserved populations across the full range of age groups, from young children to older adults.

Ideal for working nurses, this hard-to-find MSN PMHNP online program prepares you to take the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing certification exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Develop advanced clinical judgment and learn to tailor treatment to individual needs, including recovery, trauma, relationship issues, and cognitive and behavioral changes. Benefit from 100% online coursework, conveniently located clinicals and highly competitive tuition.

For state program approvals, please refer to our State Authorization & Licensure Disclosures page.

In this online MSN PMHNP program, you will learn how to:

  • Synthesize advanced knowledge in nursing, related science and leadership skills to guide clinical judgment across diverse settings
  • Develop age-appropriate mental healthcare plans that respect diversity and unique characteristics of individuals and populations
  • Apply recovery-oriented principles and trauma-focused care to individuals
  • Utilize evidence-based therapeutic relationship strategies to reduce emotional distress, facilitate cognitive and behavioral change and foster personal growth
  • Treat acute and chronic psychiatric disorders and mental health challenges
In this online MSN PMHNP program, you will learn how to:+
  • Synthesize advanced knowledge in nursing, related science and leadership skills to guide clinical judgment across diverse settings
  • Develop age-appropriate mental healthcare plans that respect diversity and unique characteristics of individuals and populations
  • Apply recovery-oriented principles and trauma-focused care to individuals
  • Utilize evidence-based therapeutic relationship strategies to reduce emotional distress, facilitate cognitive and behavioral change and foster personal growth
  • Treat acute and chronic psychiatric disorders and mental health challenges

As a graduate of this online nursing program, you will be prepared for a variety of mental health nurse practitioner roles, including:

  • Outpatient clinics
  • Substance use disorder treatment clinics
  • Correctional facilities
  • Schools
  • Mental health facilities
  • Hospitals
As a graduate of this online nursing program, you will be prepared for a variety of mental health nurse practitioner roles, including:+
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Substance use disorder treatment clinics
  • Correctional facilities
  • Schools
  • Mental health facilities
  • Hospitals
+

Also available:

A-State offers a variety of graduate programs in a convenient online format. Explore our full range of online graduate programs.

Total Tuition: $24,225
Program Duration: 26 months
Credit Hours 47.5

Accreditation

Apply Now

Need More Information?

Call 866-621-8096

Call 866-621-8096

Tuition

Preview our budget-friendly tuition

Our MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health NP online program offers the same affordable tuition to all U.S. residents. All fees are included. Tuition may be subject to change on a yearly basis.

Tuition breakdown:

Per Credit Hour: $500
Total Tuition: $24,225

Calendar

Start soon and finish quickly

Ideal for working nurses, Arkansas State online programs are delivered in an accelerated format with multiple start dates each year.

View full calendar +

TermProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Summer 15/11/264/6/264/6/264/20/265/8/266/26/26
Summer 26/29/265/25/265/25/266/8/266/26/268/14/26
Fall 18/19/267/15/267/15/267/29/268/14/2610/2/26
Fall 210/12/269/7/269/7/269/21/2610/9/2612/4/26

Now enrolling:

Next Apply Date 5/25/26
Start Class 6/29/26

Have questions or need more information about A‑State online programs?

Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from A-State?

Apply Now

Admissions

Follow these steps to apply to the online MSN PMHNP program

We know you’re busy, so we’ve streamlined the A-State admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. Students who are interested in the MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health NP online program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Review full admission requirements below.

Admission Requirements:

  • Online application
  • BSN degree
  • Current unencumbered RN license
View all admission requirements +

MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Admissions Guidelines

  • Complete online application and submit application fee
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an ACEN-, or CCNE- or CCNEA-accredited program of nursing from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Minimum overall undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.25 (4.0 scale)
  • Official transcript(s) submitted by the registrar of any college/university you have attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the granting institution.
  • Current unencumbered RN license
  • Documentation of 1,500 RN practice hours prior to admission

​English Proficiency Requirements

The College of Nursing and Health Professions School of Nursing requires a high level of proficiency in English so that all students will be able to fully meet academic and clinical objectives as well as meet criteria for professional licensure. 

Applicants whose primary language is not English or did not attend K-12 in the United States must demonstrate English language proficiency through the following tests: 

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 4.5 on the preferred internet-based test (iBT), 570 on the paper-based test, or 213 on the computer-based test
    • For exams taken before January 21, 2026:
      We require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 86
    • For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026:
      We require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 4.5
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a score of at least 7 and a spoken band score of 7
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a score of 63
  • Accuplacer Exit ESL with a score of 109

The TOEFL and Exit ESL are available at the Testing Center. When taking the exam off campus, the report code for A-State is 6011. All test scores are valid for two (2) years.

 Exemptions may apply: See A-State Undergraduate and Graduate admission pages for more information. 

​Application Submission Requirements

Request all official transcripts be sent directly to A-State from all colleges or universities attended. Save time by requesting transcripts be sent electronically.

Document Submission Address

Submit all documents to:

A-State Online
P.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467

Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: [email protected]

For Non-US Postal Mail Overnight Delivery Only:

A-State Online
c/o Central Receiving
2713 Pawnee St.
Jonesboro, AR 72401

​Additional Information

As part of the student’s file, the following information is required to be completed prior to starting the first course (or the applicable course):

  • A background check completed within the last 12 months
  • This document is not required to render an admission decision

Recognized as a Leader in Nursing Education

A-State is ranked among the "Best Nursing Schools in Arkansas" by U.S. News & World Report, 2024

Courses

Gain advanced practice skills in this MSN program

Students in the online MSN – PMNHP program must complete a total of 47.5 credit hours. Required coursework includes four core courses (11 credit hours), three support courses (9 credit hours) and 14 advanced practice courses (27.5 credit hours). The practicum/clinical hours must also be done in a state in which Arkansas State has State Operating Authority.

You can view your schedule of courses for this degree through the Course Smartsheet:

View the AOS Course Smartsheet

How to Use the Course Smartsheet

Expand All
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Analysis and critical evaluation of nursing research appropriate to the study of nursing phenomena. Students develop a research proposal. Prerequisite, Undergraduate research.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines the process of theory development in nursing and facilitates formation of a conceptual basis for advanced knowledge and practice. Includes analysis of various models and their application to advanced clinical practice. Must be taken prior to clinical nursing courses except in Nurse Anesthesia program.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Critical analysis of health care issues and policy which influence advanced nursing practice and the health care system.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
The study of role development with an emphasis on role making, intra- and interdisciplinary communication and strategies for role implementation. Must be taken prior to, or concurrent with first clinical course.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Complex physiological processes in adults which occur with disease, adaptation, and therapeutic intervention. Must be taken prior to clinical nursing courses.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Designed to provide a basis for making clinical decisions in the pharmacologic management of commonly-occurring health problems of primary care patients. Prerequisite, Undergraduate course in pharmacology; admission to the graduate nursing program; NURS 6003 or concurrent enrollment. NOTE: NP students are required to take the semester immediately prior to beginning clinical portion of NP option.
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Presents theoretical and clinical basis for comprehensive assessment and diagnosis in primary health care settings, including all age groups. Emphasis is on clinical decision-making, differentiation of normal from pathological findings, risk assessment screening, diagnostic testing and interpretation of findings. Prerequisites, Undergraduate Health Assessment course (minimum of a B). If a student has a “C” in physical assessment, proficiency may be demonstrated. NURS 6003 or concurrent enrollment. [NOTE: NP students are required to take the semester immediately prior to beginning clinical portion of NP]. (Nurse Anesthesia-admittance to program)
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Synthesizes predominant psychotherapy theories across the lifespan, emphasizing evidence-based practice for PMHNPs. Throughout the course, students will focus on developing their own theoretical orientation to advanced nursing practice and the psychiatric interview. Opportunities to practice therapeutic communication will take place through recorded mock interviews.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Develops critical thinking skills in the use of medication for psychiatric mental health diagnoses across the lifespan. Building on the prerequisite courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment, students will analyze the psychopharmacological interventions from national guidelines and evidenced-based practice, forming the foundation for the prescribing psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Evaluates normal child development and the mental health needs of younger children who have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Previous knowledge and skills practiced in Psychotherapy for Clinical Practice and Advanced Psychopharmacology will be applied. The focus is on psychiatric assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment interventions.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Evaluates normal adolescent development and the mental health needs of adolescents who have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Previous knowledge and skills practiced in Psychotherapy for Clinical Practice and Advanced Psychopharmacology will be applied. The focus is on psychiatric assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment interventions.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Evaluates normal adult development and the mental health needs of adults who have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Previous knowledge and skills practiced in Psychotherapy for Clinical Practice and Advanced Psychopharmacology will be applied. The focus is on psychiatric assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment interventions.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Evaluates normal older adult development and the mental health needs of older adults who have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Previous knowledge and skills practiced in Psychotherapy for Clinical Practice and Advanced Psychopharmacology will be applied. The focus is on psychiatric assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment interventions.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Evaluates the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of substance use disorders across the lifespan. Theoretical and evidence-based interventions to treat substance use disorders will be explored. Public health policies and approaches to the prevention of substance use disorders will be analyzed.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Evaluates the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of substance use disorders across the lifespan. Evidence-based interventions to treat substance use disorders are explored. Public policies to prevent substance use disorders will be analyzed. Prerequisites, NURS 6003, NURS 6013, NURS 6023, NURS 6063, NURS 6073. Restricted to Master of Science in Nursing-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration program.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Clinical application of theoretical basis for treatment of young children with mental health needs and psychiatric diagnoses. Prepares students to assess, diagnose, and treat young children and families in crisis. Interprets validated clinical scales/tools as well as performance and management of therapeutic and technologic interventions.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Clinical application of theoretical basis for treatment of adolescents with mental health needs and psychiatric diagnoses. Prepares students to assess, diagnose, and treat adolescents and families in crisis. Interprets validated clinical scales/tools as well as performance and management of therapeutic and technologic interventions.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Clinical application of theoretical basis for treatment of adults with mental health needs and psychiatric diagnoses. Prepares students to assess, diagnose, and treat adults of reproductive age, including women who are pregnant. Interprets validated clinical scales/tools as well as performance and management of therapeutic and technologic interventions.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Clinical application of theoretical basis for treatment of older adults with mental health needs and psychiatric diagnoses. Prepares students to assess, diagnose, and treat older adults with a focus on neurocognitive disorders. Interprets validated clinical scales/tools as well as performance and management of therapeutic and technologic interventions.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Clinical application of theoretical basis for treatment of individuals and populations across the lifespan who have had traumatic experiences. Interprets validated clinical scales/tools as well as performance and management of therapeutic and technologic interventions.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2.5
Clinical application of theoretical basis for treatment of individuals across the lifespan diagnosed with substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses. Prepares students to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders. Interprets validated clinical scales/tools as well as performance and management of therapeutic and technologic interventions.

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