Program Overview
- Program Duration
- Full-time: 20 months (5 semesters) Part-time: 28 months (7 semesters)
- Format
- Online
- Accreditation
- WSCUC, CCNE
- Curriculum
- 48 units with two on-campus intensives
Upcoming Deadlines
-
NOV 1
November 1, 2026
Priority Application deadline for Spring 2027
Online
-
DEC 18
December 18, 2026
Standard Application deadline for Spring 2027
Online
Key Points of Contact
-
Admission
-
Brooke Wilson
Admission Team Manager- College of Nursing
What is SMU's MSN-PMHNP Program?
SMU's MSN-PMHNP combines graduate nursing education with advanced preparation for psychiatric mental health practice. Students gain:
- Advanced psychiatric preparation to assess and treat mental health conditions across the lifespan.
- Community-based clinical experience supported by psychiatric preceptors and SMU faculty.
- Two on-campus intensives that provide hands-on practice in advanced psychiatric skills.
Why Choose the Samuel Merritt University MSN-PMHNP Program?
Students build on their nursing experience to provide psychiatric care that supports patients through both immediate challenges and longer-term mental health needs. Online coursework lets nurses keep working while completing clinical experiences in their own communities, with two on-campus intensives providing additional hands-on preparation.
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#1 University in CA for post-grad jobs.
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Employers Prefer SMU
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Admission
What you'll need to apply.
SMU’s College of Nursing | Graduate | DNP programs have a rolling admission policy; applications will be reviewed and evaluated as they are received until class roster slots are at capacity for the incoming class. If an application deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted through the end of the next business day.
Admission to the MSN-PMHNP program is competitive. Applicants are considered based on the following:
- Completion of an application
- Active, unencumbered RN license in an approved state
- A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Official transcript showing a bachelor's degree from an accredited program or international equivalent
- Government-issued photo identification from an approved state
Where You Can Study With Us
Our program is approved for nurses who are licensed and residing in:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- South Dakota
- Texas*
- Vermont
*Samuel Merritt University (SMU) is not regulated in Texas under Chapter 178 of the Texas Education Code; the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) approves and regulates SMU’s programs in California, where the University is physically located and where it has legal authorization to operate; SMU’s student grievance policy, process, and procedures can be found on page 146 of the Student Handbook.
Due to clinical and state compliance requirements, authorization for offering this online program is being sought on a state-by-state basis. If the state you reside in is not on the previous list, it means authorization is not yet in place. Check back periodically for state approvals.
Application Deadlines
We offer three start dates per year. Application deadlines for each term are as follows:
- Summer term – March 1
- Fall term – July 1
- Spring term – November 1
NursingCAS
To apply, submit an application through the Centralized Application Service for Nursing Programs (NursingCAS).
Alumni
Samuel Merritt University Alumni students are invited to apply using the Alumni Application. If you have questions regarding this application, contact Evan Razor, Assistant Director of Admission, at erazor@samuelmerritt.edu.
If you don't have an active SMU Email Account, please complete the PDF form with attachments and send it directly to erazor@samuelmerritt.edu.
Financial Aid
Investing in your next step.
Many PMHNP students use scholarships, grants, loans, employer tuition assistance, and other financial aid to complete their doctoral degree.
Samuel Merritt University works closely with students throughout the financial aid process—from completing the FAFSA to understanding scholarship opportunities and developing a financial plan that supports their educational goals.
Scholarships for BHS students include:
Your nursing education at Samuel Merritt University is an important and valuable investment in your future. Not only will you have the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career in healthcare, but Samuel Merritt University graduates have a loan default rate of less than 1%. This means that students who borrowed to attend Samuel Merritt University have found employment in their chosen field that allows them to pay off their loans.
Samuel Merritt University is proud to offer a variety of ways to assist in funding your education, including scholarships and student loans. The first step in applying for financial aid at SMU is to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
SMU offers scholarships and an assortment of resources for funding opportunities outside of the program. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need. A limited number are awarded for academic merit. Scholarships for nurses include:
- Sharon Clark Diaz
- Employee Campaign
- Marshall Steele, Jr.
- Hitchcock Heydman
- Henry & Bernice Bigge
- Faculty Scholarship
- Alumni Scholarship
- Elks of the Year
- William Breslin
In addition to tuition and fees, financial aid can also cover:
- Books and supplies
- Room and board
- Transportation
- Personal expenses
- Other fees as determined by program/college
Your financial aid package at Samuel Merritt University is personalized to you. We develop your financial aid package using guidelines set by the Department of Education and the estimated costs of each program. Once you receive your financial aid package, check the budget against your actual living expenses, and we can make necessary adjustments to meet your needs.
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.
Cost
For the current expected cost of the PMHNP program, please
download the Full 2026-2027 Tuition Guide. Samuel Merritt University strives to support the future of
healthcare through financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Learn more about the support available for you:
Prerequisites
To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of an application
- Active, unencumbered RN license in an approved state
- A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Official transcript showing a BSN degree from an accredited program or international equivalent
- Government-issued photo identification from an approved state
Other Requirements:
- Evidence of recent clinical practice experience as a registered nurse
- Access to a personal computer and basic computer skills to use and navigate the university’s course management system, Canvas
- Complete a criminal background check and, if required, a drug test
- A Proficiency in English (TOEFL required for international students with a minimum score of 100)
Where You Can Study With Us
Our program is approved for nurses who are licensed and residing in:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- South Dakota
- Texas*
- Vermont
*Samuel Merritt University (SMU) is not regulated in Texas under Chapter 178 of the Texas Education Code; the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) approves and regulates SMU’s programs in California, where the University is physically located and where it has legal authorization to operate; SMU’s student grievance policy, process, and procedures can be found on page 146 of the Student Handbook.
Due to clinical and state compliance requirements, authorization for offering this online program is being sought on a state-by-state basis. If the state you reside in is not on the previous list, it means authorization is not yet in place. Check back periodically for state approvals.
International Applicants
Students who have completed their degrees outside of the United States must have their degrees evaluated for United States baccalaureate equivalency, also known as a course-by-course/comprehensive evaluation. For more information related to international applicants click here.
Accreditation
Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; 510.748.9001.
The master's degree program in nursing at Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC., 20001.
Master's Accreditation
Initial Accreditation Date: April 21, 2001
Most Recent Accreditation Date: November 2, 2020
Accreditation Term Expires: June 30, 2031
Last On-Site Evaluation: November 2020
Next On-Site Evaluation: Fall 2030
Curriculum
The MSN-PMHNP with coursework and clinical in your community consists of 48 units, available in full-time (20 months) and part-time (28 months) formats.
Courses included:
- Evidence-Based Translation for Advanced Nursing Practice
- Health Care Policy for Advocacy in Health Care
- Information Systems & Technology for Advanced Practice Nursing
- Professional Role, Ethics, & Leadership
- Population Health & Healthcare Systems
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Physical Assessment
- Advanced Pharmacology
- PMHNP: Diagnostic Concepts
- Psychiatric Skills Lab
- PMHNP Clinical I - 210 hours
- Psychopharmacology
- Theories of Psychotherapy
- PMHNP Clinical II - 210 hours
- PMHNP Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan
- PMHNP Clinical III – 210 hours
Evidence-Based Capstone
Clinical Experience:
In addition to coursework, you will complete three semesters of local precepted clinical practicum hours. While some clinical site experiences are offered via Telehealth or Hybrid, you are required to attend two on-campus intensives at the Sacramento campus.
You will work with our clinical coordination team to secure appropriate practicum and internship sites in your community. You’ll also have access to our network of qualified clinical preceptors (MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs, LCSWs and MFTs).
Capstone Project:
A culminating project integrates theoretical knowledge and practical application, focusing on real-world challenges.
Course Descriptions
(N700) Evidence-Based Translation for Advanced Nursing Practice
Course Description: This is a core course that focuses on translating evidence from nursing science into practice. It integrates foundational and advanced specialty knowledge into clinical reasoning. Current and emerging evidence will be synthesized to influence clinical practice. Students will design a translational project that integrates diversity, equity, and inclusion into team practices; evaluate project outcomes; and promote interprofessional collaboration.
(N702) Health Care Policy for Advocacy in Health Care
Course Description: This course focuses on the critical analysis of health policy in support of strategic action, advocacy, and leadership. Students will learn to facilitate and develop healthcare policies at the local institutional through global levels. Students will improve their decision-making abilities regarding the design and implementation of healthcare policies that encompass healthcare financing, practice regulation, access, safety, quality, and efficiency.
(N706) Information Systems & Technology for Advanced Practice Nursing
Course Description: This course examines health information technology (HIT) for advanced nursing practice. Students will evaluate existing and emerging practice-based HIT tools and processes for their potential to improve health care targeting individuals and populations. The focus will be on learning how to advocate for quality, ethical, and efficient care with the integration of technologies into evidence-based practice. Students will also design an innovative practiced-based technology tool to enhance evidence-based practice and collaboration among patients, providers, and inter-professional workgroups.
(N665) Professional Role, Ethics, & Leadership
Course Description: This course examines the foundational principles of professional practice, ethics, and leadership within advanced nursing roles. Students will explore ethical decision-making frameworks, leadership theories, and interprofessional collaboration strategies essential for effective practice in complex healthcare systems. The course emphasizes developing advanced skills in advocacy, policy influence, and professional role development. Through case studies and reflective practice, students will enhance their capacity to address ethical dilemmas, lead diverse teams, and implement quality improvement initiatives across clinical, administrative, and community settings.
(N667) Population Health & Healthcare Systems
Course Description: This course examines the principles of population health and the organization of healthcare systems to address the needs of diverse communities. Students will explore the impact of social determinants of health, health disparities, and epidemiological trends on population outcomes. Emphasis is placed on healthcare delivery models, resource management, and strategies to promote health equity. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of systems-based approaches to improving care access, quality, and efficiency while addressing the unique needs of multicultural and vulnerable populations. The course provides the framework for advanced practice nurses to lead initiatives in population health management.
(N619) Advanced Pathophysiology
Course Description: This graduate-level course builds on prior knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. It is expected that students in the course already have a solid foundation of knowledge in basic anatomy, physiology, and basic pathophysiology. The focus of this course is the exploration of the pathophysiological processes as applied to commonly encountered problems in family-oriented primary care practice, including physiological and mental health disorders and the understanding of advanced disease processes and the symptoms, signs, and lab findings they produce in order to generate accurate differential diagnoses. This course includes a life-span perspective, with content relevant to perinatal, pediatric, adult, and geriatric clients. Application of content to the care of diverse multicultural populations is emphasized.
(N671 and N671L) Advanced Physical Assessment and Lab
Course Description: This course focuses on the strategies and skills needed to assess individuals throughout the life span in a family-oriented primary care setting with diverse populations. The expected outcome is an advanced physical assessment competency appropriate for the primary care practice. Analysis of assessment data based on developmental and ethnic variation is included. The integration of assessment data in the clinical decision-making process is emphasized. The lab course is taken concurrently with N671 which focuses on the strategies and skills needed to assess individuals throughout the life span in a family-oriented primary care setting with diverse populations. The expected outcome is an advanced physical assessment competency appropriate for the primary care practice. Analysis of assessment data based on developmental and cultural variation is included. The integration of assessment data in the clinical decision-making process is emphasized.
(N677) Advanced Pharmacology
Course Description: This course in clinical pharmacotherapeutics builds on prior knowledge of drug classifications, prototypes within classifications, actions, interactions, and side effects. The major focus is on medications that are commonly prescribed in the treatment and management of common acute and chronic illnesses in primary for patients across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on safe and effective prescribing and supporting patient adherence. Legal considerations for furnishing controlled substances are also addressed.
(N650) PMHNP: Diagnostic Concepts
Course Description: This course emphasizes developing skills in the assessment and diagnosis of major psychiatric disorders, including prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Students will develop a systematic method of performing a psychiatric assessment, formulating differential diagnoses, and planning and evaluating therapeutic management of patients presenting with psychiatric disorders.
(N651) Psychiatric Skills Lab
Course Description: This course is delivered as a psychiatric skills lab with comprehensive practice assessments culminating in the skills check-off from the previous courses.
(N654) Theories of Psychotherapy
Course Description: This course examines the neurobiological foundations of mental health and psychopathological disorders, focusing on their etiology, diagnosis, and management. Students will explore the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in mental health conditions and develop advanced knowledge of evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches. Emphasis is placed on integrating neuroscience with psychotherapeutic strategies to create comprehensive, effective treatment plans. The course prepares students to address complex mental health challenges, applying advanced clinical skills to promote mental wellness in diverse populations.
(N652) PMHNP Clinical I
Course Description: This course is the first of three PMHNP clinical practicum courses. Collaborating with their supervising preceptor, students begin developing therapeutic relationships with patients to conduct advanced psychiatric mental health assessments across the lifespan. Students will learn to formulate evidence-based, culturally appropriate treatment plans to include pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions for patients presenting with psychiatric conditions.
(N653) Psychopharmacology
Course Description: This course in clinical pharmacotherapeutics builds on prior knowledge of drug classifications, prototypes within classifications, actions, interactions, and side effects. The major focus is on medications that are commonly prescribed in the treatment and management of common acute and chronic illnesses in primary care for patients across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on safe and effective prescribing and supporting patient adherence. Legal considerations for furnishing controlled substances are also addressed.
(N655) PMHNP Clinical II
Course Description: This course is the second of three clinical practicum courses, focusing on refining advanced psychiatric mental health skills. Under the guidance of a supervising preceptor, students will enhance their ability to conduct comprehensive mental health assessments for diverse populations across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on formulating evidence-based, culturally sensitive treatment plans that incorporate both pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions. Students will further develop their therapeutic relationships with patients and gain proficiency in managing complex psychiatric conditions while collaborating effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
(N656) PMHNP Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan
Course Description: This course covers psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and holistic care approaches through clinical application and theoretical knowledge. The course also addresses ethical, legal, and sociocultural issues specific to mental health across various practice settings, providing students with the knowledge to work independently. Students will learn to assess, diagnose and treat a range of mental health conditions from mood disorders, anxiety and psychosis to substance use and neurodevelopmental disorders- with a strong focus on evidence-based practices.
(N657) PMHNP Clinical III
Course Description: This course is the third and final clinical practicum, focusing on the synthesis of advanced psychiatric mental health skills. Collaborating with their supervising preceptor, students will refine their ability to develop therapeutic relationships and conduct comprehensive mental health assessments across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on managing complex psychiatric conditions by formulating and implementing evidence-based, culturally sensitive treatment plans. Students will integrate pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions while strengthening their clinical decision-making and leadership abilities to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in diverse mental health settings.
(N669) Evidence-Based Capstone
Course Description: This course focuses on integrating evidence-based practice principles to address complex challenges in advanced nursing roles. Students will apply research methodologies, clinical expertise, and patient-centered care to develop and implement projects to improve healthcare outcomes and system efficiency. The course emphasizes advanced skills in critical analysis, data interpretation, and project design, fostering the ability to create evidence-informed solutions for diverse populations. Content includes the evaluation of healthcare innovations, strategies for effective resource utilization, and approaches to advancing clinical practice and leadership through evidence-based initiatives.
More About This Program
Scholarships
Take Advantage of our Advance Your Practice $10,000 Scholarship
Enroll and receive $10,000 toward your program’s cost.
This scholarship was created to help support nurses who are interested in advancing their practice and careers. Students who enroll in the MSN or DNP program will be awarded this $10,000 scholarship.
The Advance Your Practice Scholarship is available to full-time students in an MSN or DNP program. The scholarship is awarded evenly across each term of the program rather than as a lump sum.
Program Outcomes
- 1. Knowledge of Nursing Practice:
Integrate, translate, and apply evolving disciplinary nursing knowledge and ways of knowing, alongside knowledge from other disciplines, to support clinical judgment, innovation, and evidence-based practice. - 2. Person-Centered and Population Health:
Demonstrate holistic, individualized, and equitable care across diverse populations by applying evidence-based, compassionate, and developmentally appropriate approaches that incorporate social determinants of health and collaborative community partnerships. - 3. Scholarship and Evidence-Based Practice:
Generate, synthesize, apply, and disseminate nursing knowledge to enhance patient care, improve health outcomes, and contribute to the advancement of the nursing discipline. - 4. Quality, Safety, and Systems-Based Practice:
Employ principles of safety, improvement science, and systems-based practice to enhance care quality, minimize risk, and coordinate resources for equitable healthcare delivery. - 5. Interprofessional Collaboration and Leadership:
Engage in intentional collaboration with healthcare professionals, patients, families, and communities to optimize care, strengthen outcomes, and lead within complex healthcare systems. - 6. Informatics and Healthcare Technologies:
Utilize informatics and healthcare technologies to support clinical decision-making, data-driven care, and the efficient delivery of high-quality, safe healthcare services. - 7. Professionalism and Ethical Practice:
Demonstrate accountability, integrity, and a sustainable professional identity through ethical comportment, advocacy, and adherence to nursing values and regulatory standards. - 8. Lifelong Learning and Leadership Development:
Demonstrate continuous personal and professional growth through self-reflection, resilience-building, ongoing education, and leadership development. - 9. Health Equity and Advocacy:
Advance social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion by addressing healthcare disparities, advocating for vulnerable populations, and promoting policies that improve equitable health outcomes. - 10. Conduct comprehensive health assessments across diverse populations, integrating advanced clinical reasoning, best evidence-based practices, and interprofessional collaboration to implement accurate diagnoses, effective treatment plans, and safe, culturally competent, patient-centered care.
- 11. Perform comprehensive mental health assessments across the lifespan, integrating neuroscience, diagnostic concepts, and evidence-based tools to evaluate psychiatric disorders and apply advanced knowledge of psychopharmacology and psychotherapy to develop and implement individualized, evidence-based treatment plans.
Graduation and Employment Rates
Please refer to the university's Student Success Measures webpage for graduation rates, employment rates, and additional success indicators.
Technical Standards
Samuel Merritt University (SMU) has technical standards for hardware and software that students and faculty need to meet. Students must also have basic computer skills.
Hardware requirements:
- A high-speed internet connection of at least 10 Mb/s
- A 2 GHz processor or faster
- At least 8 GB of RAM
- At least 128 GB of system storage
- A built-in or external webcam
- Built-in or external speakers
- Software requirements
- Access to software and electronic communication that meets the university standard
- Access to the web-based Canvas program
Computer skills:
- Basic computer word processing skills
- Ability to access and use the university's software and electronic communication
Ability to use the Canvas program
