Earn your online DNP from a leader in doctoral nursing education.
Our DNP - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialization empowers you to support your patients’ mental health wellness. Learn from practicing PMHNPs as you gain the training and expertise to meet a critical need in today’s society.
A DNP-PMHNP program prepares nurses to deliver a full spectrum of care to patients with their mental health needs, including those with psychiatric disorders, organic brain disorders, and substance abuse issues. As a graduate of this CCNE-accredited program, you’ll be academically prepared to sit for the national psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner certification exam.
We are here to help you find your nursing practicum.
Personalized Practicum Support
After you register for the Walden University Practicum Pledge™ (along with other requirements), if you can’t identify a site and preceptor, our dedicated Field Placement Team partners with you to secure your site and preceptor to help you find a match. This enhanced support gives you added confidence as you start your degree journey.
Curriculum
Minimum Completion Requirements
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95 quarter credits
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Doctoral Writing Assessment (0 cr.)
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Foundation course (5 cr.)
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Essential courses (10 cr.)
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Core courses (40 cr.)
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Specialization courses (40 cr.)
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Completion of DNP project
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DNP Project Mentoring course (0 cr.)
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Doctoral DNP Project Completion (if needed to complete DNP Project after all other coursework has been completed; 3 cr. per term, taken continuously until completion of the DNP project)
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View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.
Curriculum
Minimum Completion Requirements
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85 quarter credits
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Doctoral Writing Assessment (0 cr.)
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Foundation course (5 cr.)
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Core courses (40 cr.)
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Specialization courses (40 cr.)
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Completion of DNP project
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DNP Project Mentoring course (0 cr.)
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Doctoral DNP Project Completion (if needed to complete DNP Project after all other coursework has been completed; 3 cr. per term, taken continuously until completion of the DNP project)
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View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.
Admission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations (BSN-DNP track): You must have a current, active RN license, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or equivalent from an accredited school and meet the general admission requirements.
Program Admission Considerations (MSN-DNP track): You must have a current, active RN license, a Master of Science in Nursing or equivalent from an accredited school and meet the general admission requirements.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts.
- The Technical Standards Policy Form, a statement of understanding of the DNP NP practicum requirements.
- Additional Walden admission criteria required. Contact an Enrollment Specialist for more details.
- More information for international applicants.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 45 quarter credits | $905 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $40,725^ | |
| Tuition – Essential coursework | 10 quarter credits | $495 per quarter credit | $4,950^ | |
| Tuition – NP Specialization coursework | 40 quarter credits | $765 per quarter credit | $30,600^ | |
| Clinical course fee | 4 courses (PRCM) | $160 per course | $640 | |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 0–57† quarter credits | $905 per quarter hour for doctoral study/project credits | Up to $51,585 | |
| Program Fee | $175 per quarter | $2,275–$5,600* | ||
| Estimated Range: | 3.25-Year Minimum | 8-Year Maximum | ||
| $79,190 | $134,100+ | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 1.5-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 45 quarter credits | $905 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $40,725^ | |
| Tuition – NP Specialization coursework | 40 quarter credits | $765 per quarter hour | $30,600^ | |
| Clinical course fee | 4 courses (PRCM) | $160 per course | $640 | |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 0–60† quarter credits | $905 per quarter hour for doctoral study/project credits | Up to $54,300 | |
| Program Fee | $175 per quarter | $2,100–$5,600* | ||
| Estimated Range: | 3-Year Minimum | 8-Year Maximum | ||
| $74,065 | $131,865+ | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
†Based on a 2.7.5 -year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.
Paying for Your Education
Our Enrollment Specialists can help you outline a plan and find resources for funding your education.
PROGRAM SAVINGS
Explore Real-Life Clinical Scenarios With Walden Grand Rounds
As a nurse practitioner student at Walden, you can take part in Walden Grand Rounds several times throughout the quarter. Meet virtually with faculty and classmates to review clinical patient scenarios that are focused on assessing, differentiating, and treating pathological conditions. This is a unique opportunity to connect what you’ve learned in class with real-life situations and challenges you’ll encounter in the field as an NP.
Program Outcomes
Build Your Mental Health Clinical Skill Set
In this online DNP psychiatric nurse practitioner program, you’ll learn how to provide holistic mental health services and lead mental health wellness efforts for individuals, groups, and families. Develop the clinical judgment to make mental health assessments and learn how to use research to create, assess, and refine educational materials that resonate with the populations in your community.
Career Outlook
Mental illness and substance abuse affect approximately 56 million Americans today. With suicide, depression, and substance abuse at peak levels, quality mental health services and improved patient access to effective treatment are needed more than ever.2
An online DNP - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program prepares you to meet this need in a variety of settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 52% from 2020 to 2030.3
The annual mean salary for a nurse practitioner working in mental health in May 2020 was $126,200.4 Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many factors, such as education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
A DNP-PMHNP degree can academically prepare you to work in settings such as:
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Mental health clinics
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Correctional facilities
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Inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facilities
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Residential substance abuse facilities
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Private psychiatric practices
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Community mental health centers
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
Meet Your Academic Team
Related Articles
FAQs About the DNP Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program
A psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is a nurse practitioner specially licensed and trained for applications in the psychiatric mental health field of medicine. These highly trained professionals—all of whom have earned at least a Master of Science in Nursing—are serving communities around the U.S. and the world, bringing psychiatric care to those in need.
Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners can diagnose mental illness and prescribe medications, but they also provide mental and behavioral health therapy. This includes counseling patients suffering from depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and other serious mental health issues.
1Additional requirements for Walden's Practicum Pledge™
2Source: American Psychiatric Nurses Association, Report: Shortage of Trained Professionals a Growing Threat to U.S. Mental Health System.
3Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners, SOC Code 29-1171. Retrieved September 2021. National job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee job growth, and are subject to change.
4Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians), SOC Code 29-1171. Retrieved April 2021.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Note on licensure:
The DNP nurse practitioner specializations programs are designed to prepare graduates with an active registered nurse (RN) license or APRN license to practice in the U.S. as nurse practitioners in their program specialty area. However, each state has its own academic preparation and authority to practice requirements and issues its own credential for an RN to be permitted to practice as a nurse practitioner in that state.
No graduate program can guarantee that graduates will obtain licensure to practice as a nurse practitioner. We encourage students to consult the appropriate board of nursing or regulatory authority in the states or jurisdictions in which they reside or intend to seek licensure to determine specific requirements. Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide general information relating to licensure; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to licensure for the state in which they intend to practice, as requirements vary widely.
Note on certification:
Walden’s DNP NP specializations are designed to academically prepare graduates to apply for national certification. Walden makes no representations or guarantees that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to achieve national certification. We encourage students to consult an appropriate certifying body for the specific certification eligibility requirements. Students should also consult their state board of nursing or other state agency to determine what certifications are required or accepted in that state. It is an individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification, as requirements vary widely. For more information about nurse practitioner certification exams, students should visit the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board at www.aanpcert.org, the American Nurses Credentialing Center at www.nursingworld.org/ancc, or other nurse practitioner certification websites.
Enrollment Restrictions by State
Walden currently cannot enroll residents of the following states/districts into any DNP Nurse Practitioner specializations: Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island.
Note on Field Experience and Relocating
Students who are considering relocating are advised to contact their Student Success Advisor prior to any decision to relocate in order to determine how relocation may impact progress in their program. Advisors can provide information and guidance on how relocating may result in possible changes, restrictions, and/or additional requirements affecting field experience. Each Board of Nursing and Higher Education Authority governs the field experience rules and regulations in their respective states, and students may be unable to complete field experience in the state in which they plan to relocate. While Walden is committed to working collaboratively with students to secure field sites across the United States, it is imperative that students contact their Student Success Advisor immediately when considering relocating.