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
- Offered as a master's degree, as a post-master's certificate, or as a specialty track for students enrolled in the BSN to DNP pathway program
- #7 public MSN program at Virginia's #1 nursing school
- Full- and part-time options available
- Two years (full-time) or three years (part-time) to complete
- Graduates are eligible for the PMHNP certification exam administered by ANCC
- Guaranteed admission for UVA School of Nursing alumni
- Application deadline: January 5
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, post-master's certificate, and for students enrolled in the BSN to DNP pathway program.
Upcoming Advanced Practice RN Zoom Info Sessions
MSN [full-time, 12+ credits] - Fall and Spring Terms
| 2024-25 | Virginia Resident | Non-Virginia Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $21,302 | $34,788 |
| Regular Session Comprehensive Fee | $3,572 | $4,254 |
| University Activity Fee | $58 | $58 |
| Nursing Activity Fee | $30 | $30 |
| Total | $24,962 | $39,130 |
MSN [part-time] - Fall and Spring Terms
| 2024-25 | Virginia Resident | Non-Virginia Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $888 per credit | $1,450 per credit |
| Regular Session Comprehensive Fee | $3,572 | $4,254 |
| University Activity Fee | $58 | $58 |
| Nursing Activity Fee | $30 | $30 |
| Total | $3,660 + Tuition | $4,342 + Tuition |
Supplemental Fees
| 2024-25 | 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 | $3,673 | $3,673 |
| International Student Fee | $240 | $240 |
MSN [full- and part-time] - January Term
| 2024-25 | Virginia Resident | Non-Virginia Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition - January 2025 Session | $551 per credit | $1,117 per credit |
| January Session Comprehensive Fee | $216 | $246 |
| January 2025 Session Total | $216 + Tuition | $246 + Tuition |
MSN [full- and part-time] - Summer Term
| Tuition - Summer 2025 Session | $551 per credit | $1,117 per credit |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Session Comprehensive Fee | $475 | $535 |
| Summer 2025 Session Total | $475 + Tuition | $535 + Tuition |
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.
Nurses across the School's advanced practice specialty areas, including its MSN specialties, post-master's certificates, and DNP program pathways, earn clinical hours with qualified, highly-experienced mentor nurses, at sites across the Charlottesville-Albemarle area, central Virginia, the commonwealth, and the mid-Atlantic region, at sites including:
- Addiction Allies, LLC
- Bon Secours Blackstone Family Practice
- Bon Secours Patterson Avenue Family Practice
- Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital
- Capitol Pediatrics, PC
- Carilion Clinic Family Medicine - Brambleton
- Carilion Roanoke Memorial (Clinic & Hospitalists)
- Charlottesville Integrated Psychiatry, LLC
- Children's Hospital a.k.a. CNMC
- CVHS - Buckingham
- CVHS - Southern Albemarle
- Family Medicine of Albemarle
- Inova Fairfax Hospital - Inova Health System
- Inova Health System
- KidMed Urgent Care
- Mental Fitness Matters, PLLC
- Old Dominion University Student Health Services
- Planned Parenthood
- Raphine Medical Associates
- Revolution Healthcare LLC
- Sentara Cardiology Specialists
- Sentara Family & Internal Med Physicians - Hampton
- Sentara Family Medicine - Virginia Beach
- Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital
- Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
- Sentara Obici Hospital
- The Pediatric Center - VCC Main Office
- UNC Medical Center (Neurosciences Hospital)
- UVA Child and Family Psychiatry
- UVA Child Development & Rehabilitation (was KCRC)
- UVA Children's Hospital
- UVA Developmental Pediatrics Clinic
- UVA Family Medicine Stoney Creek
- UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center
- UVA Heart and Vascular Center Fontaine
- UVA HIV Clinic
- UVA Infectious Diseases Clinic
- UVA Medical Center
- UVA Memory and Aging Care Clinic
- UVA Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Clinic
- UVA Midlife & Gynecologic Specialties Northridge
- UVA OB/GYN Outpatient Clinic
- UVA Pediatric Hematology/Oncology(Battle Building)
- UVA Pediatric Neurology and Epilepsy Clinic
- UVA Primary Care Locust Grove
- UVA Primary Care Riverside
- UVA School of Nursing Clinical Simulation Learning Center (CSLC)
- UVA Student Health and Wellness Center
- UVA Teen and Young Adult Health Center
- UVA Transplant Center
- UVA University Medical Associates (UMA) Clinic
- VCU CHoR - Hematology and Oncology Clinic
- VCU Student Health Services
- VCU Virginia Commonwealth University Health System
- Veterans Affairs, Richmond, VA (McGuire)
- Virginia Hospital Center Arlington Health System
- Virginia Skin Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology
Austin Stajduhar, M.Ed.
Assistant dean for admissions
(434) 924-0066
nursing-admissions@virginia.edu
Set up a one-on-one admissions advising meeting
Julie H. Roebuck, DNP, RN, PMHNP-BC
Want to learn more?