Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN

Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Minimum Required Credits: 43.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.3801 
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 29-1171

About the Program

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHP) Across the Lifespan MSN program prepares graduates to deliver safe, evidence-based, and person-centered mental health care to individuals, families, and populations across the lifespan. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive psychiatric assessment, differential diagnosis, and psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic management while integrating behavioral and physical health care to address complex mental health and substance use disorders in diverse clinical settings, including outpatient, inpatient, community, and integrated primary care environments.

Grounded in recovery-oriented and trauma-informed principles, the program prepares students to promote mental health equity, reduce stigma, and advocate for vulnerable and underserved populations. Interprofessional collaboration, cultural humility, and ethical practice are central to the PMHP role, empowering graduates to lead in care coordination, quality improvement, and systems-based mental health innovation. Graduates emerge as expert clinicians, leaders, and advocates who apply evidence-based practice, utilize health informatics and technology, and contribute to the transformation of psychiatric and behavioral health care delivery across the lifespan.

This program also offers a seamless pathway to advanced doctoral study. Students who elect to continue into Drexel’s Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program may apply two courses from the MSN curriculum (NURS 5000 and NURS 5001) toward the DNP program requirements, allowing them to accelerate their doctoral progression and build upon the strong academic foundation established in the MSN program.

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please contact the College of Nursing and Health Professions

Admission Requirements

Technical Standards - Nursing

Degree:
BSN degrees must be from an institution accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) or NLN CNEA (NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.

Standardized Tests:
N/A

Transcripts:
Official transcripts must be sent directly to Drexel from all the colleges/universities that you have attended. Transcripts must be submitted in a sealed envelope with the college/university seal over the flap. Please note that transcripts are required regardless of number of credits taken or if the credits were transferred to another school. An admission decision may be delayed if you do not send transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
Transcripts must show course-by-course grades and degree conferrals. If your school does not notate degree conferrals on the official transcripts, you must provide copies of any graduate or degree certificates.
If your school issues only one transcript for life, you are required to have a course-by-course evaluation completed by an approved transcript evaluation agency

Prerequisites:
Minimum one year of psychiatric nursing experience

References:
Two professional references required from previous or current supervisors, managers, nursing faculty members or program directors who can attest to applicant's clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study. References will not be accepted from colleagues, family members or friends.

Personal Statement/ Essay:
Personal statement (under 1,000 words) that will give the admissions committee a better understanding of...
Why you are choosing this particular program of study
Your plans upon completion of the graduate degree
How your current work experience will enhance your experience in this MSN program.

Interview/Portfolio:
Admissions interview may be required

CV/Resume:
Required. (Note: Resume should be detailed regarding work experience including specific job experiences/responsibilities/departments)

Licenses:
A copy of your current, unrestricted United States RN license or eligibility for licensure as a registered nurse. License verification from your nursing license registry website are acceptable.

Clinical/Work/Volunteer Experience:
Minimum one year of psychiatric nursing experience

International Students:
Requirements can be found here
https://www.online.drexel.edu/support/international-students.aspx

Degree Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes