Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Vanderbilt University | Vanderbilt University Medical Center  
PMHNP Program
384 Frist Hall
461 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37240
Office: 615.322.2814

Admissions
Godchaux Hall 207
461 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37240
Office: 615.322.3800
Toll Free 1.888.333.9192
 

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Multiple Entry Options

Program Length (full-time study)

Non-nurses 3 semesters pre-specialty + 3 semesters PMHNP courses
ASN or diploma RNs 2 semesters RN pre-specialty + 3 semesters PMHNP courses
BSN RNs 3 semesters PMHNP courses
Post-master’s Program length & courses determined by individual portfolio analysis

Sample Full-time Curriculum Plan for Specialty Year

Semesters based on full-time study. Part-time study also available. See our Student Handbook for two-year and three-year part-time options.

FALL - SEMESTER I
300 Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice 2
305a Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning 3
350 Models and Theories of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing 2
351 Theoretical Founations and Practicum in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing 3
352 Neurobiology & Diagnostic Systems for Psychiatric Disorders 2
353 Psychopharmacology 2
    14
SPRING - SEMESTER II
301 Research Methods for Advanced Nursing Practice 3
305b Advanced Health Assessment Applications for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing 1
308 Pathophysiologic Concepts 3
354 Theoretical Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing with Groups and Families 3
356 Practicum in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing with Individuals, Groups, and Families 3
    13
SUMMER - SEMESTER III
302 Theory, Research, and Advanced Nursing Practice: Integration & Application 2
303 Health Care Delivery Systems 2
304 Transitions to the Advanced Practice Role 1
307a Primary Care Pharmacotherapeutics for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners 2
357 Psychiatric Issues Within Specialty Populations 2
358 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Preceptorship 4
13
  TOTAL HOURS 40


Post-Master Option For MSN Without Nurse Practitioner Foundation

Course of Studies individualized based on portfolio review.

FALL - SEMESTER I
305a Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning 3
350 Models and Theories of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing 2
351 Theoretical Founations and Practicum in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing 3
352 Neurobiology & Diagnostic Systems for Psychiatric Disorders 2
353 Psychopharmacology 2
    12
SPRING - SEMESTER II
305b Advanced Health Assessment Applications for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing 1
308 Pathophysiologic Concepts 3
354 Theoretical Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing with Groups and Families 3
356 Practicum in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing with Individuals, Groups, and Families 3
    10
SUMMER - SEMESTER III
307a Primary Care Pharmacotherapeutics for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners 2
357 Psychiatric Issues Within Specialty Populations 2
358 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Preceptorship 4
8
  TOTAL HOURS 30


Post-Master Option MSN with Nurse Practitioner Foundation

Course of Studies individualized based on portfolio review.

FALL - SEMESTER I
350 Models and Theories of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing 2
351 Theoretical Founations and Practicum in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing 3
352 Neurobiology & Diagnostic Systems for Psychiatric Disorders 2
353 Psychopharmacology 2
    9
SPRING - SEMESTER II
354 Theoretical Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing with Groups and Families 3
356 Practicum in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing with Individuals, Groups, and Families 3
    6
SUMMER - SEMESTER III
357 Psychiatric Issues Within Specialty Populations 2
358 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Preceptorship 4
6
  TOTAL HOURS 21

Post-Master PMHNP Option for MSN in Psychiatric Mental-Health Nursing

This program of study is designed for individuals who have completed a Master of Science in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing and who have current ANCC certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (either Adult or Child-Adolescent focus). Course of Studies individualized based on portfolio review.

FALL - SEMESTER I
305a Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning 3
352 Neurobiology & Diagnostic Systems for Psychiatric Disorders 2
353 Psychopharmacology 2
    7
SPRING - SEMESTER II
305b Advanced Health Assessment Applications for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing 1
308 Pathophysiologic Concepts 3
    4
SUMMER - SEMESTER III
307a Primary Care Pharmacotherapeutics for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners 2
358* Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Preceptorship 3
5
  TOTAL HOURS 16

* Student may elect to begin Clinical Preceptorship in spring semester.