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Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

School of Nursing

College of Health Sciences

Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

School of Nursing

College of Health Sciences

Online

Program

49 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Online Tuition Rate

$703 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Advance Your Career with a Respected PMHNP Degree

EKU’s psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program has a high certification exam pass rate and prepares students to meet the population’s growing mental health needs in private practice, psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, and a variety of other environments.

Admission is competitive. Selection is based on careful consideration of all application materials, including but not limited to, academic transcripts, the applicant’s professional statement, three required professional references, and professional work experience. Contact an enrollment advisor to determine eligibility.

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Career Outlook

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are educated and authorized to work autonomously and/or collaboratively in an advanced clinic role across the lifespan, in many mental health care settings. Some settings that often employ Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are schools, forensics, inpatient, outpatient, and integrated care. They are equipped with the education and expertise to refer, diagnose, and treat people with a range of mental health conditions.

Employment of nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives is projected to grow 45 percent before 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

EKU nursing graduates are prepared to practice nursing and take on leadership roles in a variety of settings including:

Job Titles Include:

  • Hospitals
  • Community health and mental health agencies
  • Industrial health centers
  • Nursing homes
  • Family planning centers
  • Crisis care centers

EKU MS in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health graduates are prepared to serve in a variety of settings.

Employers Include:

  • Compass Health Network
  • Access Psychiatric Associates

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • 98.6% first attempt pass rate on national certification exams
  • Ranked by U.S. News & World Report in the top 50 best online graduate nursing programs in the country
  • Ranked #10 in the nation as the Best Online Master’s in Nursing Program for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report
  • 2019 UPCEA award recipient – South Region Program of Excellence Credit Award
  • No campus visits required
  • Convenient 8-week terms for core courses
  • Spring, summer and fall start dates
  • Direct interaction with faculty plus personalized advising
  • High student satisfaction rates
  • BB Catalyst Teaching and Learning Award 2020

Prep for Success

EKU online nursing programs provide an engaging learning environment and accessible collaborative faculty. For detailed information about our programs, please review the MSN Student Handbook 2020 – 2021.

The baccalaureate degree, master’s degree, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Eastern Kentucky University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Curriculum & Enrollment

EKU’s nationally accredited PMHNP program is designed to meet the requirements of the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensing, Accreditation, Certification, and Education. The online program is designed to provide the convenience of online learning while maintaining the quality and rigor necessary for the student to become an extremely competent and confident psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner upon graduation.

EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through engaging, evidence-based practice.

A minimum of 49 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Download the MSN Handbook

Previously earned credits must be reviewed and approved upon admittance to EKU for appropriate articulation.

Upon approval, students may transfer up to 12 hours of credit from accredited institutions.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallJuly 1August
SpringNovember 1January
SummerMarch 15May

Part I: Apply to EKU

Start your EKU Graduate School Application

Complete the Supporting Documents:

  • Nursing License – Provide verification of your current RN license.
  • Professional References – Within the application, you will be prompted to enter email addresses for three professional references. An electronic reference form will be emailed to each reference upon entry.
  • MSN Professional Statement – Write a statement that is 500-700 words (2 pages) in length. In your professional statement, you must describe:
  • The unique role of the advanced practice MSN-prepared nurse (PMHNP or FNP).
  • How the specific nursing knowledge and skills you have gained through professional experience will contribute to your success in the MSN program.
  • Your reasons or motivations for pursuing an advanced practice degree in your chosen concentration (PMHNP or FNP).
  • Your specific plans for life modification in order to successfully meet the class and clinical requirements in a 100% online MSN program.

Submit your proof of licensure and professional statement within the online application or e-mail them to the EKU Graduate School at graduateschool@eku.edu.

Part II: Send Transcripts

Contact any and all colleges or universities that you have attended and request that your transcripts be sent directly to EKU at the address below. Most schools have an online request form for this service. Transcripts sent to a student and then delivered to EKU will not be accepted. Each transcript must bear the original signature of the authorized official, along with the seal of the institution, and must be sent to EKU directly from the issuing institution. Transcripts are not required for courses taken at EKU.

All transcripts should be sent to:

EKU Graduate School
310 Whitlock Building CPO 68
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475
graduateschool@eku.edu

Note: If you have attended or are attending another graduate level nursing program, you may need to submit additional application items. Please contact the program enrollment advisor for more information.

Please check the authorization status of your state.

  • Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program.
  • RN license from an approved state that is free and unrestricted, meaning that it has not been subject to reprimand, revocation, probation, suspension, restriction, limitation, disciplinary action, discretionary review/hearing or encumbrance nor had any type of complaint filed against it.
  • A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • 3-hour graduate or undergraduate course in statistics with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • At least one year of RN experience at the time application is submitted.

Admission is competitive. Selection is based on careful consideration of all application materials, including but not limited to, academic transcripts, the applicant’s professional statement, three required professional references, and professional work experience. In addition to the criteria listed, an interview may be requested.

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Health Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our enrollment advisor today.

professional photo of katerine collins

Katherine Collins

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-8560
Katherine.Collins@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment
CHS Advising Information for Current Students

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

Kim Kenney

Kim Kenney

EKU Doctorate of Nursing Practice Student
The EKU Online faculty has been very supportive. Their goal is to make sure we are successful in our pursuit of the DNP. They assist, but appropriately challenge the student to expand on base knowledge and improve the learning experience.
Judith L. Poe

Judith L. Poe

EKU Doctorate of Nursing Practice Student
This degree allowed me to apply for positions for which prior to this achievement I would have been overlooked. I appreciated the flexibility the program provided to work full time and pursue my terminal degree.

Gail A. Reichert

EKU Doctorate of Nursing Practice Student
I enjoyed connecting with fellow nurses, and meeting Dr. Bradshaw, who is a brilliant, innovative nurse and educator, a fellow military officer, and a wonderful mentor during my time at EKU. I enjoyed the discussion boards and learning from others in regards to different perspectives on many topics related to nursing, especially, the underserved.

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Contact Information

School of Nursing

521 Lancaster Ave
Rowlett 223
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-1827
Fax: 859-622-1972
nursing@eku.edu

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