Care for the Mind. Respect for the Whole Person.
Felician University's online Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP) program prepares you to provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care across the lifespan.
Through our innovative curriculum, student-centered design, and close-knit nursing community, you'll gain the clinical skills and confidence to support mental wellness while treating each person with dignity, empathy, and respect.
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- 39 credit hours in total
- 750 clinical hours  
- $793 per credit hour - $30,927 degree cost (excludes fees)
- Two years to completion
- Full-time (two courses per semester)
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- 39 credit hours in total
- 750 clinical hours  
- $793 per credit hour - $30,927 degree cost (excludes fees)
- Two years to completion
- Full-time (two courses per semester)
EdAssist Discount
Felician University offers a 20% EdAssist discount to those who meet the following criteria:
- Employed full-time at a participating employer.
- Employment must be verified every year.
- Enrolled at least half-time.
- Visit our Tuition & Financial Aid page for more information.
The discount is eligible for tuition only and cannot be combined with other discounts. The discount received by the student will be deducted from the cost of attendance and will be calculated into the individual’s financial aid package. If a student drops/withdraws from a course, the discount will be prorated based on the percentages and dates defined in the University’s Withdrawal Refund Policy.
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of psychopharmacology, the study of how drugs affect mood, behavior, and mental processes. It is designed for students interested in understanding the pharmacological treatment of mental health disorders and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms.
Students will delve into the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, examining how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted, as well as how they interact with the brain to produce therapeutic and adverse effects. The course covers a wide range of psychotropic medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, mood stabilizers, and stimulants.
This course offers an in-depth exploration of psychiatric mental health diagnosis and management, focusing on individuals from childhood through older adulthood. It is designed for advanced students and healthcare professionals, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills essential for diagnosing and managing a wide range of psychiatric disorders.
Students will learn to perform comprehensive psychiatric assessments, utilize diagnostic tools, and develop evidence-based treatment plans tailored to diverse populations. The course emphasizes a biopsychosocial approach, considering biological, psychological, and social factors influencing mental health.
This course, combined with practicum experiences, introduces and conceptualizes the foundational core of advanced psychiatric nursing practice, focusing on the child and adolescent population. Students will apply prescriptive authority, symptom assessment, and diagnostic treatment implementation in practice, synthesizing clinical experiences gained during supervised practicums with the theory and practice concepts presented in the didactic component of the PMHNP Program.
Emphasis will be placed on developing advanced practice skills in mental health promotion and psychopathologic disease prevention, addressing functional impairment and current common mental health concerns in children and adolescents. Opportunities for clinical experiences in psychotherapeutic settings will allow students to apply various modalities and interventions.
Learn More
We’re here to answer any questions you may have about the program, including enrollment, tuition, admission requirements, curriculum details, and more.
CCNE Accredited*
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Ranked Nationally for Best Online MSN Program
U.S. News & World Report 2025
Ranked 2nd (tied) in New Jersey for Best Online MSN Program
U.S. News & World Report 2024
How do I become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner? 
To become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN to become a licensed RN.
The next step is to earn your MSN with a concentration in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and complete the clinical experience work. Upon completion of the degree, the graduate must take and successfully pass a national certification exam to become a certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
How much does a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner make? 
Nurse practitioners earn a median salary of $129,210 per year, with mental health-focused NPs averaging $147,160 annually.
Source: https://www.aanp.org/news-feed/are-you-considering-a-career-as-a-family-nurse-practitioner
https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_il.htm?utm
Where do Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners practice? 
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners provide care in various settings, including private practices, community mental health centers, hospitals, integrated healthcare systems, and telehealth services.
How do Felician’s online MSN tracks differ from one another?
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Prepares nurses to assess, diagnose, and treat various psychiatric and mental health conditions for patients of all ages.
- Family Nurse Practitioner: Equips nurses to deliver primary care to individuals from infancy through adulthood in outpatient and community-based settings.
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: Focuses on providing primary care for patients ages 13 and up, managing chronic and acute conditions in aging populations.
Is the online MSN-PMHNP program at Felician University accredited? 
Yes. Felician University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Master of Science in Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The master’s degree program in nursing and post-graduate APN certificate program at Felician University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
What makes Felician’s online MSN-PMHNP program stand out from other schools? 
Felician University’s online MSN is recognized by numerous rankings and accolades, such as U.S. News & World Report.
Additionally, our online MSN-PMHNP program equips future nurse practitioners to address gaps in mental health care, champion human dignity, and lead with empathy in a world that needs it most.
How long will it take for me to complete Felician’s online MSN-PMHNP program? 
This program requires 39 credits of coursework and 750 clinical hours. Designed with working nurses in mind, it can be completed in two years.
How much does the online MSN-PMHNP program at Felician University Cost? 
The online MSN-Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program costs $793 per credit hour for a total degree cost of $30,927 plus fees.
A 20% Ed Assist discount may be available. With this discount, our programs offer the lowest tuition in the state. Fill out the form and connect with an enrollment advisor to see if you qualify.
Quality PMHNP Education for Today’s Nurses
Whole-Person Mental Health Care
Deliver care that honors each patient’s individuality.
Built-in Support So You Can Thrive
1:1 support, including clinical placement.
Advance Your Career & Community
Empowering nurses & communities.
Clinical Placement Services
Your coursework is 100% online, but support is always available. Throughout your MSN-PMHNP program, you’ll connect with doctoral-prepared faculty and a dedicated team that guides you through securing and completing your clinical experiences. Below are commonly asked questions regarding clinical placement:
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How does the clinical placement process work?
You’ll work with our dedicated clinical placement team who will walk you through the process and be your primary point of contact. Based on your goals and where you live, your Student Success Coach will collaborate with you to identify an appropriate site and preceptor for you within a reasonable driving distance from your home.
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How should I prepare for nursing clinicals?
You’ll stay in close communication with your Student Success Coach all the way through graduation. They’ll help you stay on track with clinical requirements, meet deadlines, verify clearance, and walk you through the nursing clinicals checklist to make sure you’re prepared.
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When will I receive my clinical placement details?
Your Student Success Coach will notify you before each clinical start date. Once your placement is confirmed you’ll coordinate with your preceptor to set up your schedule.
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What can I expect during my nursing clinicals?
All clinical nursing experiences are slightly different because nurses work in a variety of health care facility environments. You will begin your clinical rotations after the required background checks, physical examinations, and Clinical Skills Competency Intensive have been successfully completed, and you receive “approval to start” your clinical placement from Felician. During your clinical rotation, you will be under the close supervision of your preceptor and Felician University clinical faculty.
Thursile Limontas
Nursing Major
“Felician has equipped me with the resources I need to succeed in the medical field. From comprehensive tutoring services to well-stocked libraries and the instant availability of professors, the university has ensured that I feel fully prepared for the challenges ahead.”
Your Way to Success
Step one
Complete the form to get started
Enter your information and instantly access your digital program guide.
Step two
Speak with an advisor
An advisor will reach out to you, or you can schedule a call at a time that is right for you.
Step three
Submit your application
Gather the information you need and get started on your application.
Step four
Get started on your MSN degree
Confirm your admittance and earn your online MSN degree in as few as 2.3 years.
