Home > Online Programs > Nursing > RN to MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
7-1-7 Model
Take one course at a time, with a break between
Two Degrees
Earn your BSN degree along the way
Dedicated Support
From Enrollment to Graduation
Provide Critical Access to Psychiatric Mental Healthcare in Your Community
Accelerate your career and expand your scope of practice by becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) through an online, faith-based program that aligns with your life and values.
Spring Arbor University's uniquely designed, online RN to PMHNP bridge program is ideal for working nurses interested in advancing their credentials from ADN to MSN, or ASN to MSN.
- Establish an advanced clinical practice for assessing, diagnosing and intervening in individuals, groups and families' dysfunctional coping patterns and psychiatric disorders
- Deliver compassionate care as exemplified by the Christian worldview
- Earn your BSN degree as part of the program
- Continue working full-time as you earn your degree on your schedule
- Graduate prepared to take the national PMHNP certification exam (PMHNP-BC™)*
Spring Arbor University’s online RN to MSN-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is CCNE-accredited and recognized by Colleges of Distinction for its engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes.
If you already have your MSN, we offer a Post-Master’s Certificate-PMHNP that can be completed in 18 to 24 months, depending on completed prerequisites.
Upcoming Start Dates
Next application deadline:
August 4, 2025
Next start date:
September 2, 2025
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- Four-year program
- 82 credits total
- 500 clinical hours
- One four-day campus residency during the third year
Designed for Working Nurses
- Online, asynchronous coursework
- Four intakes per year
- Take one seven-week course at a time and enjoy a week off in between
-
-
-
- Four-year program
- 82 credits total
- 500 clinical hours
- One four-day campus residency during the third year
Designed for Working Nurses
- Online, asynchronous coursework
- Four intakes per year
- Take one seven-week course at a time and enjoy a week off in between
Online RN to MSN - PMHNP Program Curriculum
The RN to PMHNP program is an in-demand specialization concentration taught by faculty who draw on their own experiences providing psychiatric mental health care. Below are a few sample courses in this degree.
For a full list of courses, fill out and complete the form for a program guide.
This course builds on the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, providing a rigorous examination of neurobiology as it relates to mental health disorders across the lifespan. Students will explore the relationship between neurobiology and psychopathology, examining epidemiology and etiology of select mental health disorders. Emphasis will be placed on genetics, development, and trauma as they relate to neurobiology and psychopathology. This course introduces the students to mental health assessment strategies that are sensitive to the psychosocial needs of mental health clients.
This course builds on the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, providing a rigorous examination of neurobiology as it relates to mental health disorders across the lifespan. Students will explore the relationship between neurobiology and psychopathology, examining epidemiology and etiology of select mental health disorders. Emphasis will be placed on genetics, development, and trauma as they relate to neurobiology and psychopathology. This course introduces the students to mental health assessment strategies that are sensitive to the psychosocial needs of mental health clients.
This course builds on the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, providing a rigorous examination of neurobiology as it relates to mental health disorders across the lifespan. Students will explore the relationship between neurobiology and psychopathology, examining epidemiology and etiology of select mental health disorders. Emphasis will be placed on genetics, development, and trauma as they relate to neurobiology and psychopathology. This course introduces the students to mental health assessment strategies that are sensitive to the psychosocial needs of mental health clients.
This course will focus on developing advanced knowledge and skills required to assess, diagnose, and interpret appropriate screening tools, laboratory tests, and behavioral assessments related to mental health disorders affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. This course examines major childhood disorders; looking at epidemiology, health and mental health promotion and prevention, risk factors, taxonomy, cultural factors, assessment issues specific to children, adolescents, and young adults, use of rating scales, as well as evidence-based child and adolescent-specific treatments. Individual therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family-based interventions, psychopharmacological interventions, trauma-based interventions, and combinations of these treatments will all be presented. Students will develop treatment plans to address the psychiatric mental health disorders affecting this population.
Bridge programs are perfect if you are looking to advance your clinical, analytical and professional development skills while continuing to practice nursing. In addition to a more comprehensive skill set, you will gain the experience and competencies needed for career advancement, leading to higher salaries, greater autonomy and potential leadership roles.
To be accepted in SAU’s Online RN-PMHNP program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Associate degree in nursing or diploma in nursing leading to RN licensure
- Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
- 3.0 GPA calculated from the most recent 60 academic credits
- An unrestricted, unencumbered, current nursing license from the state of employment; license must be kept current throughout the program
- Short personal statement
- Completed online application
SAU’s RN to MSN-PMHNP online program can be completed in as few as four years.
Take one course at a time while enjoying a week off between classes with our 7-1-7 model (seven-week courses, one-week breaks).
Typically, our RN to PMHNP classes have 20-25 students.
RN to Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Career Outlook
Over half of U.S. counties have no practicing psychiatrists, according to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Help fill the critical need for psychiatric-mental healthcare through Spring Arbor University's online RN to MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program.
Similar to psychiatrists, PMHNPs can prescribe medication, perform examinations, diagnose illnesses and provide treatment for patients with mental health disorders and substance abuse problems.
PMHNPs are becoming increasingly integral to medical teams as more hospitals and healthcare facilities utilize their expertise. In some states, PMHNPs can practice independently.
PMHNPs may work in:
- Mental health private practice
- Inpatient centers
- Public health organizations
- Schools and universities
- Correctional institutions
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage of PMHNPs is $125,000, which is 50 percent higher than RNs (American Association of Nurse Practitioners). PMHNPs also tend to earn higher salaries than nurse practitioners certified in other specialties.
Grow as a Christ-Centered Nurse
At Spring Arbor University, it is a privilege to provide a Christ-centered nursing education to our students and to participate in their journey. You will grow spiritually, personally and professionally throughout this program and will gain a better understanding of what it means to live out your faith as a nurse.
While the Christian faith is the foundation of our program, we welcome all students regardless of personal faith. All students will benefit from introspection and critical thinking as they consider how to meaningfully care for patients of different faith backgrounds.
Watch this video for more information on our faith-based philosophy.
