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Apply By: April 01, 2025
Next Start Date: May 12, 2025

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Overview

A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced clinician who provides psychiatric/mental health services to individuals across the lifespan. The role includes diagnosis, provision of therapies, and medication management for individuals with psychiatric/mental health problems. Health promotion, disease prevention and management of mental health symptoms along with family consultation and education are included in the role. The PMHNP practices in various clinical settings including acute care and chronic care hospitals, community agencies, long-term care facilities, home care and outpatient offices. There are a total of 44 credit hours in the specialty with additional direct clinical hours.

The PMHNP graduate is prepared to:

  1. Provide expert outcome-oriented nursing therapeutics for patients with mental health problems to promote improved health and enhanced quality of life.
  2. Manage, integrate, and coordinate patient care services across the mental health care continuum.
  3. Develop and provide patient and staff educational services to promote positive patient health care outcomes.
  4. Consult and collaborate with members of the multidisciplinary health care team to support delivery of quality patient care.
  5. Incorporate best practice evidence to investigate, promote, and evaluate nursing therapies and pharmacotherapy that support evidence for positive patient care outcomes.
  6. Advocate for patients and families to provide cost-effective, culturally competent, ethical, quality care in a variety of health care settings.
  7. Model responsibility for continued professional development, integrity, accountability, competence, and credentialing as a family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

For more information regarding the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), click here. For more information on the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), click here.


Online Learning

USI faculty and staff are dedicated to giving you the support you need no matter the modality for which you're taking classes. Check out our robust resources for online students including what online learning is, technology requirements and frequently asked questions.

Online Student Resources

Other Emphases

Nursing - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)
Master's
Nursing - Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG-CNS)
Master's
Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner
Master's
Nursing - Nursing Education Leadership
Master's
Nursing - Healthcare Systems Leadership
Master's
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100% Online
44 Credit Hours
Complete in 2.5-3 Years

Credits Breakdowns

General
Education

18
Credits

Clinical Core Courses

9
Credits

Clinical Specialty Courses

17
Credits

Total Credits

44
Credits

There are a total of 44 credit hours in the specialty with additional direct clinical hours.


The online graduate nursing programs are limited to working with certain states in the U.S. only. Moving into a state not recognized by the graduate nursing program will lead to inability to continue in graduate nursing coursework. The exception to this is active military status. Click here to see your availability.


Admission Requirements

  • A baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from a nationally accredited nursing program and a regionally-accredited college or university earned prior to applying to the MSN program.
  • A minimum cumulative baccalaureate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. GPAs are reviewed based upon the total BSN GPA. This includes transfer courses in RN Completion programs.
  • Satisfactory completion of a course in undergraduate statistics (grade C or better) at the time of application.
  • An unencumbered U.S. RN license in all states of practice.
  • Recommended but not required: One year full-time or 2,000 hours of clinical practice as an RN within the last five years.

Handbooks

These handbooks are a compilation of selected policies and guidelines for the College of Nursing and Health Professions and those seeking a Graduate Nursing degree.

CNHP Handbook

Graduate Nursing Handbook

The MSN and Post MSN online programs are limited to working with certain states in the U.S. only. Moving into a state not recognized by the graduate nursing program will lead to inability to continue in MSN coursework. The exception to this is active military status. Click here to see your availability.

    1. Submit an online application and $40 application fee.
    2. Submit transcripts to Graduate Studies. 
      • Official transcripts are required only from the institution at which your highest degree was earned. Electronic transcripts are preferred and can be emailed from the previous institution to Graduate.Studies@usi.edu 
      • Unofficial transcripts from other institutions attended can be submitted via email by the applicant to Graduate.Studies@usi.edu 
      • Applicants who wish to seek transfer credit for graduate coursework must submit an official transcript from the institution where that work was completed. 
      • Mailed transcripts can be sent to this address:
        Graduate Studies
        University of Southern Indiana 
        8600 University Blvd. 
        Evansville, IN 47712
    3. Read the full transcript policy by clicking here.
    4. International applicants may be required to submit additional information.

    Incoming Students

    • Start Date:
      January 13, 2025
    • Start Date:
      May 12, 2025
      Application Deadline:
      April 01, 2025
      Document Deadline:
      April 15, 2025
    • Start Date:
      August 18, 2025
      Application Deadline:
      July 01, 2025
      Document Deadline:
      July 15, 2025

    College & Department Contacts

    Dr. Bailey P. Rankin
    Assistant Professor of Nursing
    Chair of Graduate Nursing Programs

    Career Outlook

    Evansville Regional Data

    The PMHNP will train you in the knowledge you need to advance your healthcare career and you will receive the specific training to reach your professional and academic goals.

    Ranked by U.S. News and World Report

    Our master’s in nursing online program is ranked as one of the best online graduate nursing programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. It’s also ranked one of the best online graduate nursing programs for veterans. This is because we are committed to providing you with the high-quality academics, dedicated faculty and staff, and vital student support to ensure you reach your full potential and excel in your chosen field.

    Evansville Regional Data

    Top Regional Occupations by Income

    *income information provided by O*NET Online. Occupation opportunities vary by region and experience.

    The University of Southern Indiana is committed to making college accessible to those wishing to further their education by providing numerous scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to assist students in managing tuition expenses.

    CCNE Accredited SealThe master's degree program in nursing at the University of Southern Indiana is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).


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