Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

About the Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program

The Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP) track is designated for the BSN-prepared registered nurses. The MSN-PMHNP student will have a didactic AACN MSN essential course curriculum for the MSN degree. MSN-PMHNP students will receive training to assume the responsibility for the provision of mental health care services in a primary mental health care setting. Training will focus on the adult and aging adult, child and adolescent, and the LGBTQ community. Direct patient care clinical hours include mental health promotion and clinical management of mental health conditions. Upon completion of the progra,m the MSN-PMHNP student will be awarded a Master of Science in Nursing degree with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty focus.

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At a Glance

  • 59 Credit hours
  • 5 semester completion time 
  • Hybrid format 
  • Emphasis on underserved populations 

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Program Start Dates

The Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program begins each Spring, Summer, and Fall semester. 

Fall Semester

Semester begins early January.
Application deadline: December 1st.

Spring Semester

Semester begins mid-May.
Application deadline: May 1st.

Summer Semester

Semester begins late August.
Application deadline: August 1st.

two students after white coat ceremony

Why the Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program?

The Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP) at CDU offers an immersive journey for those aspiring to elevate their roles as advanced nurse generalists. Our program is uniquely tailored to address the healthcare needs of underserved communities. Graduates are equipped not only with comprehensive knowledge but also the ability to foster collaborative relationships with other healthcare providers, ensuring optimal patient outcomes in a cost-effective manner. Offering a blend of rigorous theoretical content and hands-on clinical experience, students delve into focused weekend sessions once a month, coupled with a blend of in-person and digitally enhanced instruction, fostering rich student-faculty collaboration. Moreover, all clinical courses are curated as deep-dive practicum experiences in esteemed clinical settings, assuring our graduates are holistically prepared for impactful careers in mental health care.  

Students have the opportunity to be eligible to apply for scholarships, attend conferences, participate in mission trips, and contribute to mental health research.  

Clinical Experiences

Students in the Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program complete clinical experiences in a variety of settings, including: 

  • Kedren Acute Psychiatric Hospital 
  • Gateways Hospital 
  • College Medical Center 
  • UCLA Neuropsychiatry 
  • KECK USC 
  • Harbor UCLA 
Student drawing blood

Your future in healthcare begins here

Whether you’re just starting your academic journey or advancing your career, we’re here to help you take the next step. Fill out our Request for Information form to receive details about programs, scholarships, and upcoming events tailored to your interests.

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I took my ANCC exam and PASSED! I will be forever grateful for the CDU PMHNP program.”
IJ Mbadugha
IJ Mbadugha , PMHNP-BC Alumna

Career Options

Students who complete the Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program pursue mid-level PMHNP provider positions in the following patient care settings:  

  • Crisis stabilization units 
  • Inpatient 
  • Partial hospitalization 
  • Ambulatory 
  • Telepsychiatry 
  • Jail and prison systems 

Questions? Contact Us.

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Kenya Smith, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
PMHNP Program Director/Assistant Professor
Beatriz Sindac
Beatriz Sindac
Program Coordinator II, DNP & PMHNP

Upcoming Info Sessions

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Accreditation

The Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).