Online DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Programs – What’s the Best Program for You?

North Carolina A&T State University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a pioneering hybrid pathway focusing on Emerging Technological Innovations and Health Equity. This comprehensive 70-credit program uniquely prepares advanced practice nurses through 1,040 clinical hours, targeting mental health challenges across diverse populations. Students explore cutting-edge technological interventions while addressing systemic healthcare disparities. The program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, enabling graduates to serve adolescents, adults, and elders with sophisticated clinical skills. Designed for military-friendly and HBCU environments, this program prepares nurses to leverage technology and social justice principles in complex mental healthcare settings.

• 70 total credit hours
• 1,040 total clinical hours
• Hybrid program format
• Focus on underserved populations
• Two optional specialty concentrations
• Prepares for national certification
• Interprofessional team collaboration
• Practice in diverse healthcare settings

North Carolina A&T State University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program specializes in Health Equity and Social Justice, offering a transformative 70-credit hybrid curriculum. With 1,040 clinical training hours, students develop advanced practice skills targeting underserved communities' mental health needs. The program cultivates expert clinicians prepared to address systemic healthcare inequalities across diverse patient populations. Emphasizing interprofessional collaboration and AANC Board Certification preparation, graduates are equipped to serve adolescents, adults, and elders with comprehensive, socially conscious mental healthcare strategies.

• 70 total credit hours
• 1,040 total clinical hours
• Hybrid program format
• Optional concentration options
• Advanced practice preparation
• Interprofessional team training
• Diverse patient population focus
• AANC Board Certification preparation

North Carolina A&T State University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program features a specialized Emerging Technological Innovations concentration. This 70-credit hybrid curriculum integrates 1,040 clinical hours with advanced technological intervention strategies. Students develop expertise in leveraging cutting-edge digital tools to enhance mental health treatment across diverse patient demographics. The program prepares nurses to work innovatively in complex healthcare environments, focusing on technological solutions for adolescent, adult, and elder mental health challenges. Graduates are primed for interprofessional collaboration and AANC Board Certification.

• 70 credit hour program
• Hybrid learning format
• 1,040 total clinical hours
• Optional technological innovations concentration
• Practice across diverse settings
• Focuses on underserved populations
• Interprofessional team collaboration

North Carolina A&T State University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers dual concentrations in Emerging Technological Innovations and Health Equity. This comprehensive hybrid curriculum blends online learning with 1,040 clinical hours, preparing advanced practice nurses for diverse healthcare settings. Students explore technological interventions and social justice principles while serving adolescents, adults, and elders. Requiring active RN licensure and AANC certification, the program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and commitment to underserved populations, creating versatile mental health practitioners.

• 70 credit hours
• Hybrid program format
• 1,040 clinical hours required
• Focus on underserved populations
• Interprofessional team collaboration
• Optional specialty concentrations
• Active RN licensure required
• AANC certification exam needed
• Focus on adolescents to elders
• Diverse clinical settings

North Carolina A&T State University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program centers on Health Equity and Social Justice, offering a transformative 70-credit hybrid experience. With 1,040 clinical training hours, students develop advanced skills addressing mental health disparities in underserved communities. The curriculum integrates technological innovations and comprehensive care strategies for diverse patient populations, spanning adolescents to elders. Emphasizing interprofessional collaboration and board certification preparation, graduates emerge as sophisticated mental health practitioners committed to equitable, high-quality healthcare delivery.

• 70 total credit hours
• 1,040 clinical training hours
• Hybrid online/on-campus format
• Optional Health Equity concentration
• Serves diverse patient populations
• Interprofessional team training
• Board certification preparation
• Requires active RN licensure

North Carolina A&T State University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program specializes in Emerging Technological Innovations, providing a 70-credit hybrid pathway. Students complete 1,040 clinical hours while mastering advanced technological interventions in mental healthcare. The program prepares nurses to leverage digital tools and innovative strategies across diverse patient populations, from adolescents to elders. Emphasizing interprofessional collaboration and requiring AANC board certification, graduates are equipped to transform mental health practice through technological expertise and comprehensive clinical training.

• 70 credit hour program
• 1,040 total clinical hours
• Hybrid learning format
• Optional technological innovations concentration
• Serves diverse patient populations
• Interprofessional team collaboration
• Online classroom instruction
• Requires active RN licensure
• Board certification preparation

The University of Florida's hybrid Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers advanced practice nurses a robust educational pathway in comprehensive mental healthcare delivery. Students gain sophisticated clinical skills across patient lifecycles, mastering psychiatric assessment, diagnostic evaluation, and clinical management techniques. The program uniquely prepares graduates for national certification by emphasizing medication prescription capabilities, therapeutic interventions, and leadership development. Learners experience diverse clinical training environments ranging from rural to urban settings, ensuring adaptable and comprehensive mental health practice preparation.

• Advanced practice nursing track
• Hybrid program format
• Comprehensive clinical preparation
• National certification eligible
• Multiple clinical settings
• Prescribing medication skills
• Lifespan mental health focus

University of Florida's innovative Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track provides an advanced practice nursing education focused on holistic mental health care. Designed for aspiring psychiatric nurse practitioners, the hybrid program cultivates sophisticated clinical competencies in psychiatric assessment, diagnostic techniques, and comprehensive clinical management. Students develop advanced prescribing skills for psychotropic medications while gaining leadership perspectives in mental health advocacy. The curriculum prepares graduates for national certification through extensive clinical experiences across varied healthcare environments, positioning them as versatile and skilled mental health professionals.

• Advanced psychiatric assessment skills
• Prescribing psychotropic medications
• Cross-lifespan mental health focus
• Clinical settings across Florida
• National certification preparation

Liberty University's online DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program delivers comprehensive mental health training through a flexible 8-week course format. Designed for working healthcare professionals, this 59-credit program prepares nurses to diagnose and manage complex psychiatric conditions across diverse populations. With no standardized testing required, students develop advanced skills in psychopharmacology and evidence-based care. The CCNE-accredited curriculum emphasizes clinical prevention and offers competitive tuition at $1,200 per credit hour. Graduates are positioned to address critical mental health provider shortages and pursue national certification, making significant contributions to mental healthcare.

• Online 8-week course format
• 59 total credit hours
• Transfer up to 50% credits
• CCNE accredited program
• No standardized testing
• Prepare for national certification
• Comprehensive mental health focus
• Flexible learning environment

Liberty University's innovative BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a direct doctoral pathway without a master's degree intermediary. This fully online program spans approximately three years, requiring over 1,000 practicum hours and 72 total credits. Students receive comprehensive training to diagnose and treat mental health disorders across the lifespan, with a focus on advanced clinical skills. The CCNE-accredited curriculum enables credit transfers up to 50% and prepares graduates for national certification. One residential intensive complements the online format, ensuring robust clinical preparation for aspiring psychiatric nurse practitioners.

• 72 total credit hours
• Online with one residential intensive
• CCNE accredited program
• Can transfer up to 50% credits
• Complete in approximately 3 years
• Over 1,000 practicum hours
• Prepare for national certification
• No master's degree required
• Treat mental health across lifespan

Liberty University's online DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program provides registered nurses an advanced pathway to specialized mental healthcare. Spanning over 1,000 practicum hours, this program equips students with comprehensive skills to treat mental health disorders across all age groups. The CCNE-accredited curriculum emphasizes ethical decision-making, interprofessional collaboration, and advanced clinical techniques. With no master's degree requirement and preparation for PMHNP certification, students receive flexible online education complemented by a required intensive session. Graduates are positioned to address critical mental health provider shortages with rigorous academic and clinical training.

• CCNE-accredited program
• Over 1,000 practicum hours
• Online with required intensive
• Prepares for PMHNP certification
• No master's degree required
• Focus on mental health care
• Ethical decision-making training
• Interprofessional collaboration
• Advanced clinical skills
• Flexible online format

Florida International University's online and hybrid Post-BSN to DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a comprehensive pathway for advanced nursing professionals. This dynamic program spans 10 semesters and comprises 77 total credits, preparing students to deliver expert mental health interventions across diverse clinical settings. Students develop advanced skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing psychiatric conditions for individuals and communities. The flexible learning format combines online coursework with in-person clinical experiences, enabling graduates to become nationally certified Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners with strong leadership capabilities in mental health care.

• Hybrid program format
• 10 total semesters
• 77 total program credits
• Multiple clinical practice settings
• National certification eligible

Florida International University's hybrid Post-BSN to DNP program, specifically concentrating in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, provides an innovative educational experience for working professionals. This program uniquely prepares nurses for advanced clinical roles by emphasizing comprehensive mental health care across family and community settings. Graduates become eligible for national certification and state licensure as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. The curriculum strategically balances online learning with hands-on clinical training, focusing on disease prevention, health promotion, and management of acute and chronic psychiatric conditions. Students gain leadership skills and advanced clinical expertise tailored to modern mental health care needs.

• Hybrid program format
• Psychiatric-Mental Health concentration
• Eligible for national certification
• State licensure as APRN
• Focus on prevention and management
• Combines online and in-person learning
• Prepares for leadership roles
• Advanced clinical preparation
• Flexible for working professionals
• Emphasizes family and community care

University of New Hampshire's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers a comprehensive 80-credit program designed for experienced nurses seeking advanced mental healthcare leadership. Through a flexible online format, students engage in rigorous coursework preparing them to assess, diagnose, and manage mental health conditions across patient lifespans. The program emphasizes evidence-based clinical training, with 750 clinical practice hours and expert faculty mentorship. Graduates become eligible for ANCC board certification and develop advanced skills in healthcare delivery, making them competitive candidates for diverse mental health leadership roles.

• 80 total credit hours
• Fully online program
• 750 clinical practice hours
• ANCC certification eligible
• Post-baccalaureate doctoral degree
• Customizable program length
• Small class sizes
• Expert faculty mentorship
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Advanced practice preparation

UNH's online BSN to DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program provides a transformative educational pathway for registered nurses advancing their clinical expertise. This 80-credit doctoral program combines asynchronous learning with minimal campus visits, focusing on comprehensive mental health care across patient lifespans. Students complete 750 clinical practice hours while developing advanced leadership skills and preparing for ANCC board certification. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare innovation, and interdisciplinary approaches, enabling graduates to become sophisticated mental health practitioners ready to address complex healthcare challenges.

• 80 total credit hours
• Online flexible learning format
• 750 clinical practice hours
• ANCC certification preparation
• Advanced leadership training
• Comprehensive mental health focus
• Doctoral scholarly project required
• Expert faculty mentorship
• Interdisciplinary healthcare approach

Texas Christian University's Post-Baccalaureate DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration delivers a transformative hybrid learning experience that bridges online coursework with practical training. Tailored for BSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced mental health specialization, this program cultivates comprehensive clinical expertise and leadership skills. Students engage in cutting-edge psychiatric care training, developing sophisticated interventions for diverse patient populations. The hybrid format provides flexibility while ensuring rigorous professional preparation, with a strategic focus on addressing complex mental health challenges and preparing graduates for high-impact healthcare roles.

• Hybrid program format
• Psychiatric Mental Health focus
• BSN to DNP pathway
• Advanced clinical training
• Leadership development

Texas Christian University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program strategically addresses nationwide mental health professional shortages through an innovative three-year hybrid curriculum. Designed for BSN-prepared nurses with minimum one-year experience, the program combines interactive online learning with hands-on clinical training. Participants develop advanced clinical competencies and leadership skills, positioning themselves to make substantial contributions in underserved mental health communities. The comprehensive curriculum prepares graduates to effectively serve the 111 million Americans experiencing mental health challenges, offering a flexible and impactful pathway to becoming specialized advanced practice psychiatric nurses.

• Three-year DNP program
• Online interactive learning platform
• Addresses mental health provider shortage
• BSN with one year experience required
• Leadership skill development

Mercer University's Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) represents an innovative online and hybrid program designed for experienced nurses. With a military-friendly approach, the program transforms Master's-prepared nurses into advanced psychiatric care specialists. Students engage in comprehensive training spanning advanced mental health assessment, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based clinical interventions. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development and systematic approaches to psychiatric care, featuring 960 total practice hours. While specific entrance exam requirements aren't detailed, the program prepares nurses for national certification exams, offering a sophisticated pathway to specialized mental health practice.

• Post-Master's Advanced Nursing Practice
• Hybrid Program Format
• Extensive Clinical Practicum Hours
• Certification Exam Preparation
• Total 960 Practice Hours
• Comprehensive Psychiatric Care Training
• Leadership and Systems Focus

Mercer University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program delivers a comprehensive online and hybrid educational experience for registered nurses. This rigorous 77-credit doctoral pathway integrates advanced theoretical coursework with extensive clinical training, encompassing 1,020 post-baccalaureate practice hours. Students benefit from four semester practicum experiences, preparing them comprehensively for national certification exams. The program's military-friendly status and interprofessional focus distinguish its approach to mental health nursing education. Graduates emerge as expert practitioners equipped to address complex psychiatric healthcare challenges across diverse clinical settings, with a strong emphasis on leadership and evidence-based interventions.

• Comprehensive 77 credit hour program
• 1,020 total post-baccalaureate practice hours
• Hybrid program format
• Prepares for national certification exams
• Advanced clinical and theoretical training
• Four semester practicum experiences
• Leadership and interprofessional focus

Mercer University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration offers an advanced online and hybrid program targeting registered nurses seeking specialized mental health expertise. This comprehensive 77-credit curriculum provides 1,020 post-baccalaureate practice hours, including intensive clinical practicums. The program's military-friendly environment supports nurses in developing sophisticated clinical skills, theoretical knowledge, and leadership capabilities. Students prepare for national certification exams while gaining advanced competencies in addressing complex psychiatric healthcare needs. With a full-time curriculum plan and focused clinical specialization, graduates are positioned as highly skilled mental health practitioners ready to deliver exceptional patient care.

• Hybrid program format
• 780 clinical practicum hours
• Prepares for certification exams
• 77 total course hours
• Full-time curriculum plan
• Advanced clinical specialization

Tennessee Tech's online Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers a comprehensive, flexible program for advanced practice nurses. Through a hybrid learning model, students develop expert-level skills in mental healthcare delivery across all life stages. The curriculum supports both BSN and MSN-prepared nurses, emphasizing clinical leadership and diverse healthcare settings. With 80 credit hours for BSN-DNP and 32 for MSN-DNP tracks, the program prepares graduates for national certification. Students gain profound insights into treating individuals, families, and groups, with a strong focus on collaborative, patient-centered psychiatric mental health interventions. Notably military-friendly, the program equips nurses for expanded career opportunities in complex mental health environments.

• Terminal professional nursing degree
• 80 credit hour BSN-DNP track
• 32 credit hour MSN-DNP track
• Comprehensive mental health focus
• Prepares for national certification
• Joint program with ETSU
• Diverse healthcare settings training
• Advanced practice nurse preparation

Tennessee Technological University's Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program provides a cutting-edge hybrid educational experience for working professionals. Blending online and campus-based learning, the program offers comprehensive psychiatric care training across the lifespan. Students can choose between an 80-credit BSN-DNP or a 32-credit MSN-DNP track, both designed to prepare advanced practice nurses for national certification. The curriculum emphasizes collaborative healthcare team strategies, patient-centered care, and specialized mental health interventions. Admission requires a BSN or MSN degree, with the program strategically positioning graduates to excel in diverse psychiatric healthcare settings. Flexible and rigorous, this online DNP program enables nurses to transform mental health practice.

• Hybrid learning format
• BSN-DNP: 80 credit hours
• MSN-DNP: 32 credit hours
• Eligible for national certification
• Focus on psychiatric-mental health care
• Prepares for diverse healthcare settings
• Collaborative healthcare team emphasis
• Patient-centered care focus
• Admissions require BSN or MSN
• Flexible for working professionals

Virginia Commonwealth University's Doctor of Nursing Practice offers a specialized Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration through an innovative 3.5-year hybrid online/on-campus program. Designed for registered nurses, this program develops advanced clinical expertise in mental health assessment, psychopharmacology, and treatment strategies. Students benefit from practice-focused curriculum, interprofessional learning opportunities, and clinical placement support at a Magnet-designated healthcare center. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and prepares graduates for leadership roles in mental healthcare settings, with a comprehensive approach to understanding complex psychiatric disorders and advanced intervention techniques.

• 3.5-year part-time hybrid program
• Bachelor's in nursing required
• Clinical placement support provided
• Evidence-based mental health curriculum
• Practice-focused doctoral degree
• Advanced clinical skills development
• Interprofessional learning opportunities
• Train at Magnet-designated VCU Health

VCU's hybrid Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program provides a comprehensive educational pathway for nurses seeking advanced mental health specialization. The 3.5-year part-time curriculum combines online learning with on-campus experiences, focusing on sophisticated psychiatric care delivery. Students explore advanced diagnostic techniques, psychopharmacological interventions, and leadership development. With a 100% first-time pass rate and clinical placement support, the program ensures robust professional preparation. Financial aid options and training at a Magnet-designated center enhance the educational experience, equipping nurses to deliver high-quality, evidence-based mental health care across diverse clinical environments.

• 3.5-year part-time hybrid program.
• Focus on psychiatric mental health.
• 100% first-time pass rate.
• Clinical placement support.
• Interdisciplinary learning environment.
• Magnet-designated training center.
• Advanced clinical skills development.
• Leadership and quality improvement focus.
• Bachelor's in nursing required.
• Financial aid available.

Florida Atlantic University's online hybrid BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a comprehensive doctoral pathway for baccalaureate-prepared nurses. The program uniquely prepares professionals to deliver advanced, evidence-based mental health care across patient lifecycles. Students develop sophisticated clinical skills through intensive coursework and 1000 clinical practicum hours, emphasizing interventions for vulnerable and diverse populations. Notably, the program eliminates GRE requirements and provides competitive in-state tuition around $27,500. With summer admission and a 3.0 GPA minimum, students gain advanced expertise without completing a traditional dissertation, focusing instead on practical mental health clinical competencies.

• Hybrid program format
• No GRE required
• 1000 clinical practice hours
• Three campus options
• Summer admission only
• 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
• DNP without dissertation
• Competitive in-state tuition
• Specialized mental health focus
• Vulnerable population emphasis

Florida Atlantic University's online hybrid BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program equips advanced nursing professionals with specialized skills in comprehensive mental health care. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, innovative healthcare delivery, and holistic patient interventions. Students complete 1000 clinical hours, gaining expertise in mental health assessment, psychopharmacology, and therapeutic strategies across patient lifespans. The program's flexible hybrid format enables working professionals to advance their careers. With no GRE requirement, summer admission, and in-state tuition around $27,500, the program provides an accessible pathway to becoming a specialized psychiatric primary care nurse practitioner. Admission requires two recommendation letters and an interview.

• Hybrid learning format
• No GRE required
• 1000 clinical practice hours
• Three campus options
• Specialized mental health focus
• Summer admission only
• 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
• In-state tuition ~$27,500
• Two recommendation letters needed
• Interview required for admission