Doctor of Nursing Practice: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
University of San Francisco - School of Nursing and Health Professions
Key Information
Campus location
San Francisco, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 - 4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 1,555 / per credit
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Scholarships
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Introduction
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) plan of study in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares registered nurses (RNs) with a baccalaureate or master's degree as Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNPs) in the PMHNP role. A post-graduate PMHNP certificate program is available for the doctorally prepared nurse.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master's degree program in nursing, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Students who graduate from the program are also eligible to receive the California Public Health Nursing Certificate.
Each DNP degree concentration (Executive Leadership, Family Nurse Practitioner, Population Health Leadership, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) is included in the accreditation of the DNP degree program in the School of Nursing and Health Professions.
Graduates meet the outcome competencies and practice standards of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) for the DNP. In the program, students complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, complete the DNP qualifying examination and complete an evidence-based practice project.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
Plans of Study
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) DNP degree program is open to registered nurses (RNs) who already hold a bachelor's degree or master’s degree and are interested in providing mental health services for patients across the lifespan in a variety of healthcare settings.
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) focus offers the opportunity to earn a Master of Public Health along the way, saving time and streamlining required coursework for the two degrees.
Post-doctoral Certificate
A practitioner certificate (FNP or PMHNP) option is available for individuals with an earned doctorate.
PMHNP DNP for Nurses with a Master's Degree
- Delivery format: PMHNP & DNP courses – Hybrid in-person and online format.
- Time to a degree: Four (4) years.
PMHNP DNP for Nurses with a Master's Degree
- Delivery format: PMHNP & DNP courses – Hybrid in-person and online format.
- Time to a degree: Three (3) years.
Time to degree is an estimate depending upon how many courses are taken in a semester. Course lists are sample curriculum patterns and are subject to change.
Program Delivery
The nurse practitioner DNP plans of study have a variety of delivery methods due to their interprofessional nature.
- The DNP program at USF is formatted as a hybrid program. Through direct instruction by faculty members, we ensure a robust learning experience by combining in-person attendance along with online instruction. We are committed to accessible education for the working professional and continue to develop our program to ensure a quality learning and interactive experience between faculty and students.
- You attend Teaching Weekends (Friday (8 a.m. – 9 p.m.) and Saturday (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) For dates, see our Teaching Weekend schedule. In-person requirements for courses will be confirmed by faculty.
Clinical/Practicum Hours
DNP students must complete 1,000 supervised clinical practice hours. DNP PMHNP students complete approximately 1,000–1,200 clinical hours throughout the program. The number of hours varies depending on which plan of study students choose to pursue.
Upon completion of the program, you will have completed the required coursework and clinical hours to meet the AACN Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice.
Program Outcome
As a PMHNP, you'll be:
- Equipped to provide a wide range of services to adults, children, adolescents, and their families in primary care facilities, outpatient mental health clinics, psychiatric emergency settings, skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, private practices, or in hospital or community health centers.
- Trained to diagnose, conduct therapy, and prescribe medications for patients who have psychiatric disorders, medical organic brain disorders, or substance abuse problems. Licensed to provide emergency psychiatric services, psychosocial and physical assessment of their patients, treatment plans, and manage patient care.
- Serve as consultants or as educators for families and staff.
- Focused on psychiatric diagnosis, including the differential diagnosis of medical disorders with psychiatric symptoms, and on medication treatment for psychiatric disorders.
English Language Requirements
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