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MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration (PMHNP) and Post-Graduate Certificate 

The »¨½·Ö±²¥ Master of Science in Nursing PMHNP program is committed to fostering the growth and development of aspiring nurse practitioners who are passionate about mental health care.

In this growing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse advanced practice specialty, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of psychiatric nursing practice, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of individuals with mental health disorders across the lifespan.

The USM Difference: »¨½·Ö±²¥ provides extensive assistance in securing practicum placements.

Classes are offered in an online, asynchronous format with two required on-campus three-day intensives – the first at the end of year one, and the second at the end of the program. 

Post-Master's Certificate Program Info

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Curriculum

The MSN-PMHNP program consists of 12 terms, 53 total credit hours. Courses must be taken in order, given the cohort progression structure of the program. Classes are offered online. Students must attend two required on-ground intensives throughout their program. Each will be three days in length, and they will typically be in the Summer term.  These intensives will include things like skills check-off and practice, standardized patients, oral boards, and poster presentations.

Total Program Credits: 53 Hours (700+ Clinical Hours)

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Admissions Requirements

Admission to the PMHNP program is completed through the  system, is competitive, and is based upon:

1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA accredited nursing program
2. Verification of current unrestricted RN license in the state of intended clinical practicum
3. Undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 or a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate nursing study
4. Official transcript(s) from undergraduate/professional school
5. Two professional or academic letters of recommendation. The letter should attest to your potential to successfully complete a graduate program of study, with emphasis on professional nursing competency, relationship with team members, leadership skills, and personal responsibility/accountability.
6. Current curriculum vitae
7. Written response to three questions (300 words or less each) demonstrating your commitment to nursing and your reasons for seeking graduate education
8. At least one year of clinical experience as a registered nurse. You may seek admission prior to the completion of this requirement but must have completed the full year of RN clinical practice prior to enrollment in PMHNP practicum courses.
9. Personal interview with PMHNP Program Admissions Committee. Interviews are conducted remotely.

If you have questions about the application process, please contact Health Care Admissions Recruiter Randoulph Castor at randoulph.castor@stmary.edu or 913-758-6100.

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Tuition

The »¨½·Ö±²¥ Master of Science in Nursing-PMHNP program is competitively priced. Financial aid packages are designed to help you easily manage your education expenses, based on need determined by the .

The MSN-PMHNP cost is $775 a credit hour. Some additional fees may apply depending on your term/course load.

*Note: Year to year, cost per credit hour subject to change.

Questions? Contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@stmary.edu or 913-758-4303.

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Career & Salary

Demand for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) – including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists – is expected to  with an estimated 38 percent increase between 2022 and 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The BLS reports the  for nurse practitioners is $124,680 – a significant increase compared to the $81,220  of a registered nurse as reported by the BLS.

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Meet the Faculty

Michelle Krakar, DNP, MS, RN

Assistant Professor & Post Licensure and Graduate Program Director
michelle.krakar@stmary.edu
706-615-7355


Highlights:

Dr. Krakar received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Columbus State University and her Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Troy State University. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Master of Science in Nursing Education from the »¨½·Ö±²¥. She then received her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. She is currently pursuing a post-master certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Dr. Krakar has experience teaching in undergraduate and master’s programs. Her favorite courses are medical surgical. Clinically, Dr. Krakar has experience in emergency, medical-surgical, telemetry, and forensic nursing. She extensively volunteers with the American Red Cross by providing medical services.

 

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Ginger Vaughn-Pullin, DNP, NE, FNP-BC

Associate Professor of Nursing
Ginger.Vaughn-Pullin@stmary.edu
913-758-6295
Berchmans 315

Highlights:
Dr. Ginger Vaughn-Pullin received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Master of Science in Nursing (FNP focus) from the University of Kansas. She then completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Organizational Leadership from Graceland University. Her research focus is on stress reduction in caregivers of individuals with special needs. She maintains certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Dr. Vaughn-Pullin has experience teaching in graduate and doctoral programs. Some of her favorite courses to teach have been advanced health assessment, diagnostic reasoning, pediatrics, and epidemiology.

Clinically, Dr. Vaughn-Pullin has experience in emergency medicine, intensive care, functional medicine, pediatrics, and family practice. She currently maintains clinical practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner working with the uninsured and underserved in the Kansas City metro area.

 

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Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate 

• Complete in as few as four courses
• The program cost is $775 a credit hour, some additional fees may apply depending on your term/course load
• 700+ Clinical Hours