MSN Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track

Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing

Lead the Future of Mental Health Care

If you’re a nurse ready to specialize in psychiatric mental health, Mary Baldwin University’s PMHNP program provides the advanced training you need to diagnose, treat, and manage mental health conditions across the lifespan. Choose the MSN pathway (46 credits) or the Post-MSN Certificate (21–31 credits) based on where you are in your career.

Designed for working nurses, this hybrid program combines self-paced online coursework with in-person weekend intensives—so you can continue practicing while you train. You’ll develop dual expertise in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, complete 750 supervised clinical hours across diverse populations, and graduate prepared for ANCC certification and a high-demand career.

With small cohorts, personalized faculty mentorship, and a future-focused curriculum covering telepsychiatry, pharmacogenomics, and integrated behavioral health, Mary Baldwin empowers you to deliver whole-person psychiatric care—not just prescribe medications.

Why Earn Your PMHNP at Mary Baldwin?

Virginia faces a critical shortage of behavioral health providers, with many areas designated as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas. PMHNPs are uniquely positioned to close these gaps. Mary Baldwin’s program prepares you to:

Provide comprehensive psychiatric care. Assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across the lifespan—from children and adolescents to older adults—in both in-person and telehealth settings.
Master therapy and prescribing. Develop advanced skills in evidence-based psychotherapy (CBT, IPT, ACT, motivational interviewing, family systems) alongside comprehensive psychopharmacology and pharmacogenomics.
Enter a high-demand, high-impact career. PMHNPs in Virginia are among the most in-demand advanced practice roles in the state.
Achieve national certification. Meet the educational requirements to sit for the ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam.

Curriculum Highlights

The MSN pathway includes 46 credits with 750 clinical hours. The Post-MSN Certificate includes 21–31 credits depending on prior NP certification. Core coursework includes:

Advanced Psychopharmacology and Pharmacogenomics
Psychotherapy Methods: CBT, IPT, ACT, and Family Systems
Psychiatric Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (DSM-5-TR)
Trauma-Informed Care and Cultural Humility
Telepsychiatry and Integrated Behavioral Health
Lifespan Psychiatric Care: Children, Adolescents, and Geriatrics
Substance Use Disorders: Assessment and Intervention
Advanced Health Assessment for the APRN
Clinical Practicum I (250 supervised hours)
Clinical Practicum II (250 supervised hours)
Clinical Practicum III (250 supervised hours)

Highlights of the PMHNP Program at Mary Baldwin

Mary Baldwin’s PMHNP program is built around small cohorts, expert mentorship, and a curriculum designed for where mental healthcare is headed. Here’s what sets it apart:

750 hours of lifespan clinical training. Complete supervised clinical experiences across adults, children and adolescents, geriatrics, substance use disorders, and telepsychiatry settings. Graduate ready for the full scope of PMHNP practice in any care environment.
Future-focused curriculum. Training in telepsychiatry, pharmacogenomics for personalized treatment, integrated primary and behavioral health models, and interprofessional collaboration is woven throughout your coursework and clinical practicums.
Personalized mentorship and clinical placement support. Work closely with faculty who know your name, your goals, and your clinical development. Our structured placement process means you’ll never navigate the preceptor search alone—faculty actively assist with site coordination, agreements, and oversight.

Choose Your Pathway

MSN Pathway — 46 Credits. For BSN-prepared nurses. Complete in five semesters full-time or eight semesters part-time. Includes 750 supervised clinical hours across three practicum semesters. Prepares you for ANCC certification.
Post-MSN Certificate — 21–31 Credits. For nurses who already hold an MSN. Complete in four to five semesters depending on prior NP certification. Add psychiatric mental health specialization to your advanced practice credentials.
Three start dates per year. Enroll in Fall, Spring, or Summer. Apply now to reserve your seat in the next available cohort.
Hybrid format for working nurses. Self-paced online coursework combined with in-person weekend intensives. Continue your current nursing role while earning your PMHNP credential.

Ready to Find Out More About the MBU PMHNP Program?

If you have questions, reach out to discuss your goals and explore how this program aligns with them. Our admissions team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way—from selecting your pathway and completing your application to preparing for your first day of class.

We’re excited about the opportunity to help you take the next step toward becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

Other Programs You May Be Interested In:

Those interested in the MSN program may also have interest in the Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate program that offers nurses the opportunity to gain the knowledge and expertise needed to pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) in 20 months.

Master of Business Administration

Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate

MSN in Administration & Leadership

MSN Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track​