Make a Positive Impact on Well-Being in East Texas and Beyond
The United States is experiencing an unprecedented mental health crisis at a time when there is a shortage of mental healthcare and a concerning lack of access. With an MSN-PMHNP degree from The University of Texas at Tyler, you can help fill that gap.
Develop the expertise to effectively diagnose, treat and improve the quality of life for patients with mental health challenges throughout their lifespan. Prepare to take the PMHNP-BC exam, advance your career and set your sights on future doctoral studies with our top-rated online program.
Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing From UT Tyler?
As an experienced nurse, you understand that a person’s physical and mental conditions determine their overall health. Through our rigorous program, you can achieve your goal of specializing in mental health nursing, preparing for advanced practice licensure and setting a foundation for further doctoral studies.
UT Tyler’s renowned program equips you to tackle new responsibilities in your career, add to your accomplishments and serve patients from childhood through adulthood experiencing various mental health challenges. What sets our MSN-PMHNP program apart?
- Flexible, Primarily Online Format: Learn at your pace by choosing either a two-year or three-year format. Tailor the course schedule, so you can continue to fulfill work obligations. You can complete all coursework online, with the exception of one hybrid course and up to two hands-on clinical experiences at our main campus.
- Hands-on Learning: Gain practical experience through the 500 clinical hours required to earn the degree. Work with a wide variety of demographics, including children and older adults, during practicums. Under the guidance of a preceptor, apply your skills in a capstone project focused on addressing challenges in a mental health organization.
- Outstanding Faculty: Learn from professors who have real-world experience, are actively engaged in research and strive for teaching excellence. Receive personalized attention with small class sizes and one-on-one meetings.
- Nationally Ranked: The UT Tyler School of Nursing has a longstanding reputation for teaching excellence. Recently, U.S. News & World Report recognized our MSN program as one of the Top 25 in the country.
- Highly Effective: Our CCNE-accredited curriculum prepares you for the American Nurses Credentialing Center PMHNP (Across the Lifespan) Certification exam through rigorous coursework. Our most recent pass rate was 100%.
- Affordable: Our tuition is a fraction of the cost of other comparable programs while yielding a high return on investment. Students further have the option to earn certification in other nursing specialties while enrolled in a School of Nursing master’s program.
Curriculum
The MSN-PMHNP program consists of 49 credit hours, 34 of which are major-specific courses focusing on pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, neurobiology, psychopharmacology, diagnosis techniques and advanced skills in the field. Practicums with experienced preceptors provide opportunities to exercise your newfound knowledge in a mental healthcare setting.
All students develop expertise in the following topics:
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders: Refine your evaluation techniques and use of screening tools to implement accurate treatment plans and prescribe more effective pharmaceuticals and psychotherapeutic interventions.
- Mental Health and Illness: Explore the physical and environmental causes of mental disorders, including how they relate to genetics, injury, trauma, infection, physical disease states, neurodegeneration and developmental conditions.
- Psychotherapeutic Theories: Grasp fundamental concepts in psychotherapy and how to use an evidence-based approach to the treatment of various mental health disorders.
- Integrated Mental Healthcare: Examine the mind-body connection to promote better mental health practices in your community and inform the public of preventative measures.
Review All MSN-PMHNP Course Descriptions
NOTE: All clinical practicum courses must be completed at a Texas-licensed facility and be precepted by a Texas-licensed practitioner {PHMNP, MD, DO or PA (with CAQ certification)}.
Careers in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for nurse practitioners to increase by 40% in the next decade. Nurse practitioners are highly valued in the healthcare industry and can often command six figures. Communities are increasingly dependent on PMHNPs to meet rising demands for mental healthcare. A 2019 study showed that NPs provided one in three mental health prescriber visits — a key finding that demonstrates their importance in delivering care.
With your degree and advanced practice license, you can expand your career in a wide variety of healthcare organizations, like:
- Clinics
- Community organizations
- Government agencies
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Private practices
- Psychiatric facilities
- Schools and universities
- Substance abuse centers
- Trauma centers
- Veterans centers