The Hunter College School of Nursing offers a 48-credit master of science (MS) program to prepare nurses for roles as advanced practice registered nurses delivering psychiatric and mental health services. Psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners provide mental health treatment, preventive services, consultation and leadership in hospitals, clinics, community settings and private practice. Through coursework and 630 hours of supervised clinical experience, students learn to provide these services autonomously and in collaboration with other mental health professionals.

Graduates of this program are eligible for New York State NP certification and meet the educational requirements for national board certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Course of Study

The program includes core courses in nursing and specialization courses that combine advanced knowledge with 630 hours of supervised clinical experience. Course descriptions are available in the Hunter College Course Catalog.

Foundations of Nursing Practice (12 credits)

NURS 700    Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Science (3 cr.)

NURS 784    Theoretical Foundations of Adv. PMH Nursing Care and Practice (1 cr.)

NURS 704    Healthcare Systems and Policy (3 cr.)

NURS 737    Mental Health Policy and Advocacy: The Role of the PMHNP (1 cr.)

NURS 749    Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Diverse Populations (3 cr.)

NURS 746    Epidemiology of Behavioral Health and Community Mental Health (1 cr.)

Advanced Practice Core (21 credits)

NURS 702    Advanced Nursing Research (3 cr.)

NURS 717    Advanced Pathophysiology for Nursing Practice (3 cr.)

NURS 747    Advanced Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of the Brain (1 cr.)

NURS 751    Advanced Health Assessment (3 cr.)

NURS 777    Advanced PMH Assessment and Intervention (3 cr.)

NURS 778    Advanced Child/Adolescent PMH Assessment and Intervention (2 cr.)

NURS 750    Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics (3 cr.)

NURS 719    Psychopharmacology (3 cr.)

Specialization Courses (15 credits)

NURS 748    Therapeutic Counseling Modalities (3 cr.)

NURS 779    Family & Group Theories & Therapeutic Modalities (2 cr.)

NURS 781    Comprehensive Psychiatric Mental Health Assessment (1 cr.)

NURS 782    Clinical Practicum in Advanced PMHNP I (4.5 cr., 315 hrs practicum)

NURS 783    Clinical Practicum in Advanced PMHNP II (4.5 cr., 315 hrs practicum)

Program Plans

• Full-Time Plan (PDF)
• Part-Time Plan (PDF)

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MS fact sheet (PDF)

How to Apply

Review our admission requirements for all nursing master's specializations.
Information on the application process is available from the Office of Graduate Admissions.

For more information, please contact Dr. Jennifer DiPiazza, PMHNP Specialization Coordinator, at jd1297@hunter.cuny.edu.