Master of Science
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Earning a master’s degree in this field prepares you to care for patients of all ages with mental health concerns. This high-demand specialty teaches you to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder. You’ll learn to take a holistic approach to care, using a combination of medication, therapy, and health promotion techniques to meet the patients where they are.
Get the skills and knowledge you need to become an independent provider who supports people struggling with their mental health.
Overview
Format
Hybrid online
Mostly online with some in-person requirements on the CU Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO.
Avg. time to complete
2.5 years
7 semesters
Exam prep
PMHNP
When you finish the program, you can sit for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Across the Lifespan exam to become board-certified.
Clinical placements set up for you
If you’re in Denver or Aurora, we arrange clinical placements for you. We work with some of the top clinics and hospitals in the metro area to provide high-quality, hands-on experiences.
Expert faculty dedicated to your success
Many of our faculty are recognized locally and nationally for their excellence in nursing, education, and research. Our educators are passionate about helping students advance their knowledge and careers.
100%
Board certification exam pass rate for this specialty
#1
Nursing master’s program in Colorado*
Career
When you complete the MS Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, you can take the board certification test through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. After passing the exam, you'll be ready to get your license, unlocking a new career path and scope of practice. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can get licensed to work in all 50 states, including Colorado.
What you can do
- Prescribe medication
- Provide psychotherapy
- Serve as an independent provider
- Assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions
Who you can care for
Patients of all ages, from children to adults.
Where you can work
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Schools and universities
- + more
Admissions
Deadline(s)
| Start term | Application opens | Priority deadlinetooltip | Extended deadlinetooltip |
| Fall 2025 | August 15, 2024 | January 15, 2025 | April 1, 2025 |
Get started
1
Check the requirements
Understand the admissions requirements like how many letters of recommendation you need and what courses should be on your transcript.
2
Start your application
Work on your application and submit it through NursingCAS.
Curriculum
Hands-on training
In this program, you’ll gain 630 hours of clinical experience. Your clinical hours will give you practical training in assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with mental health conditions.
In-depth coursework
You’ll have 38 classroom-based credit hours to learn advanced psychiatric mental health concepts. This hybrid program allows you to connect with your classmates in person and virtually.
Skills and knowledge you'll gain
Costs
| Residency status | Estimated total tuition** |
| Colorado residents | $40,820 |
| Eligible western state residents** | $40,820 |
| Nonresidents | $66,196 |
| Additional expenses | Time frame | Estimated costs |
| Matriculation fee | One-time | $140 |
| Other fees | By term | Fall $392, Spring $232, Summer $180 |
| Books and supplies | Total for program | $2,000 |
| CU health insurance (may be waived with proof of comparable personal health insurance) | By term | Fall $1,575, Spring $1,575, Summer $1,050 |
I’ve had this great string of mentors that CU has connected me with over the course of the program… and on top of that, I feel like I’ve been exposed to so much of the evidence and guidelines, and best practices in our field.
Stuart Eynon, PMHNP
CU Nursing Alum
MS Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program
Become the nurse practitioner looked to first 
Get your degree from the top nursing college in Colorado. Start your journey to become a CU nurse today.