A nurse seeing a patient at Franklin County Free Clinic

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

An advanced practice role that promotes health while also detecting and treating acute, episodic, and chronic mental illness across the lifespan

The psychiatric-mental health nursing track emphasizes the preparation of advanced practice nurses to promote and maintain health and to prevent, detect and treat acute and chronic mental illness. Addressing the needs of underserved, rural populations is highlighted throughout the program.

The PMHNP track offers baccalaureate-educated nurses with at least one year of full-time RN experience (relevant mental health experience is helpful) the opportunity to advance their practice. The PMHNP is offered at the MSN, as post-master's certificate, and for students enrolled in the BSN to DNP pathway program.

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MSN [full-time, 12+ credits] - Fall and Spring Terms

2026-27 Virginia Resident Non-Virginia Resident
Tuition $22,600 $36,906
Regular Session Comprehensive Fee $3,870 $4,552
University Activity Fee $62 $62
Nursing Activity Fee $34 $34
Total $26,566 $41,554

MSN [part-time] - Fall and Spring Terms

2026-27 Virginia Resident Non-Virginia Resident
Tuition $942 per credit $1,538 per credit
Regular Session Comprehensive Fee $3,870 $4,552
University Activity Fee $62 $62
Nursing Activity Fee $34 $34
Total $3,966 + tuition $4,648 + tuition

Supplemental Fees

2026-27 Virginia Resident Non-Virginia Resident
Nursing Clinical Laboratory Fee (per credit for courses with clinical/lab components) $100 per credit $100 per credit
Student Health Insurance $4,220 $4,220
International Student Fee $240 $240

MSN [full- and part-time] - January Term

2026-27 Virginia Resident Non-Virginia Resident
Tuition - January 2027 Session $584 per credit $1,185 per credit
January Session Comprehensive Fee $234 $264
January 2027 Session Total $234 + tuition $264 + tuition

MSN [full- and part-time] - Summer Term

Tuition - Summer 2027 Session $584 per credit $1,185 per credit
Summer Session Comprehensive Fee $516 $576
Summer 2027 Session Total $516 + tuition $576 + tuition

 

Cost of estimated living expenses for graduate students (2026-2027)


Building on the theoretical knowledge and clinical experience of the BSN-prepared nurse, the PMHNP seminars focus on assessment and management of serious mental illness. Particular emphasis is placed on the integration of neuro-biologic, psychosocial, and psychiatric nursing knowledge in delivery of care to individuals experiencing a wide range of psychiatric, mental health disorders.

MSN Core Coursework (23-24 credit hours)

  • GNUR 6010: Advanced Pathophysiology (4 credits)
  • GNUR 6020: Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
  • GNUR 6027: Advanced Pharmacology Specialty Seminar (1 credit)
  • GNUR 6025: Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits)/GNUR 6025: Advanced Neonatal & Pediatric Assessment and Reasoning (4 credits)
  • GNUR 6031: Transition to Advanced Practice (2 credits)
  • GNUR 6050: Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3 credits)
  • GNUR 6054: Research & Biostatistical Processes for Health Care (4 credits)
  • GNUR 6056: Health Policy: Leading Change to Advance Population Health (3 credits)

PMH NP Specialty Diagnoses & Management Coursework (9 credit hours)

  • GNUR 6251: Biological Basis of Mental Health & Mental Illness (3 credits)
  • GNUR 6252: Mental Health Theories & Therapies (3 credits)
  • GNUR 6253: PMH Disorders & Diagnoses (3 credits)

PMH NP Specialty Practicum Coursework (10 practicum hours)

  • GNUR 7251: PMHNP Practicum I (5 credits)
  • GNUR 7254: PMHNP Practicum II (5 credits)

Clinicals

Students complete 500+ clinical hours in the PMHNP track, most in two semester-long preceptorships in the final two semesters of enrollment. Clinical rotation assignments are coordinated by students with support from faculty and staff. Currently, the School has several clinical contracts with mental health facilities.

All clinical/practicum activities are generally conducted within Virginia. Clinical/practice activities may be completed outside Virginia if the University is authorized to do so in that state and pending faculty approval.


Students in UVA School of Nursing’s advanced practice programs, including DNP program specialties, MSN program specialties, and post-professional certificates, complete clinical hours under the guidance of qualified, experienced clinical preceptors. Past clinical placements have included sites throughout the Charlottesville-Albemarle area, Central Virginia, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Mid-Atlantic region.

Clinical placement is a collaborative process that considers program requirements, available clinical opportunities, and students’ professional connections. Students are encouraged to leverage their professional networks to help identify potential clinical sites or preceptors. The program works with each student to evaluate and finalize placements, ensuring that all program requirements are met.


Admission to the School of Nursing is competitive and based on evaluation of all portions of the application. To be considered for all UVA School of Nursing's MSN programs, applicants must submit a completed application and:

  • Have a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from a nationally accredited school
  • Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate study
  • Be licensed as a registered nurse in the US and be eligible for a RN license in Virginia. All matriculating students who are not active-duty military nurses must have a Virginia RN license before the first day of classes
  • Submit a total of three satisfactory recommendations (academic, professional, and clinical), one of which should be from an APRN
  • Submit a resume or CV
  • Pay an $85 application fee
  • Be available for an interview, if requested
  • International applicants have additional admissions requirements

Please note that the GRE is no longer necessary for applicants.

RN experience:

  • Applicants to the advanced practice programs (CNS and NP) must have at least one year of full-time RN experience before entering the program. A minimum of one year of full-time, relevant clinical nursing experience is necessary before enrolling in GNUR 6020 (Advanced Pharmacology), GNUR 6025 (Advanced Health Assessment), and the clinical practica.
  • Applicants to the NNP track must have at least two years of full-time clinical practice experience (within the last five years) as an RN in the care of critically ill neonates or infants in critical care inpatient settings, typically in a NICU. This experience is mandatory.

A competitive applicant has:

  • a BSN GPA of 3.25 or higher
  • More than one year of relevant, full-time RN experience
  • Active member of a national nursing organization (preferably in applicant’s practice area)
  • Exhibiting leadership behaviors in a nursing practice setting (mentoring other nurses, participating in unit or hospital-based leadership teams, engaged in practice change and evidence-based practice projects)
  • Possess a clinical certification, or on pathway to obtaining one or more certifications
  • Excellent writing skills
Austin Stajduhar
Austin Stajduhar
Assistant Dean for Admissions
CMNEB 1025
nursing-admissions@virginia.edu
(434) 924-0066
Melissa Gomes, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNAP, FAAN
Melissa Gomes, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNAP, FAAN
Associate Dean and Associate Professor
Psych/Mental Health Specialty Lead
mg3uq@virginia.edu

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BSN to DNP pathway applicants must:

  • Submit a completed application and submit an $85 application fee
  • Have a baccalaureate or master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited (CCNE or NLN ACEN) school
  • Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate and graduate study
  • Submit a resume or CV
  • All graduate nursing students, except those in the CNL master’s-entry program, and PhD students, are required to have an active unencumbered nursing license in the Commonwealth of Virginia or a compact license from the state in which they reside. We will not accept international nursing licenses
  • Send official transcripts for all post-secondary study
  • Be available for an interview, if requested
  • Beginning with applicants matriculating in fall 2027, admission to the BSN to DNP program requires one year of full-time work experience as an RN by the time the student matriculates into the program (typically Fall of each year)
  • International applicants have additional requirements 

A competitive candidate:

  • Has an undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher
  • Has an active membership in a national nursing organization, preferably in the applicant's practice area
  • Exhibits leadership behaviors in their professional practices
  • Earned a clinical certification, or is on a path to obtaining one
  • Has excellent writing skills

UVA School of Nursing Alumni are guaranteed admission if:

  • They meet minimum admission requirements 
  • They have at least a 3.5 GPA from their BSN degree at UVA SON
  • Program capacity has not been reached

Candidates with generalist MSN degrees (CNL, nursing education, informatics, etc.) should apply to the BSN-to-DNP pathway. Enrolling students may petition to transfer up to 12 credits from their prior MSN degree to the DNP.

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