Doctor Of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)

Greater access to health care and a shortage in mental health professionals has led to a growing demand for nursing professionals who have the clinical preparation and knowledge to provide holistic care to individuals, families and groups experiencing mental health dysfunction.

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) plan of study in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program allows students to expand on what they've learned as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) to assume leadership roles in mental health care, research, administration and education. The D’Youville University doctoral program combines traditional coursework, clinical fieldwork and graduate-level research to professional nurses who want to broaden their mental health care knowledge and enhance their professional career prospects. 

If you’re interested in advancing your career as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner), D’Youville University's nursing program is an ideal place to learn. Established in 1942, the School of Nursing has earned a reputation as a leading resource in the region for high-quality, student-centered education. 

Most courses are available in an 8-week online format. DNP project/clinical hours are offered in full semester, 15-week format. DNP Practice experience must meet a total requirement of 1000 hours.

*If the Masters PMHNP did not have 780 clinical hours, DNP students will need to take sufficient course practicum hours to meet a total DNP requirement of 1000 hours.

Please refer to the general Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog for health, C.P.R., and malpractice insurance requirements. Students must register with CastleBranch for their document repository. Students must also read and acknowledge the Criminal History and Background Check policy.

Total credits required for Doctor of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner): 30

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An individual gap analysis will be made of each applicant’s transcripts to determine what additional courses or clinical hours may be needed to satisfy the DNP requirements.

Admission Criteria For Doctorate Of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)

Applicants to D’Youville’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) degree program require the following:

1. Completion of a master's degree with specialty preparation as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from an approved or accredited program at a college or university  OR current enrollment with a status of good standing in the Master of Science Family Nurse Practitioner program in the Patricia H. Garman School of Nursing with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or greater. 

2. Minimum graduate grade point average of 3.25 (based on a 4.0 system).

3. Official transcripts from each college or university attended; this must include all undergraduate and graduate work.

4. Copy of an active, unencumbered license as a professional registered nurse and advanced practice certification in the state or province in which clinical hours will take place.

5. Current CPR certification with a psychomotor component.

6. Copy of current national certification (or exam-eligibility) as an advanced practice nursing in a specialty area (where applicable).

7. Documentation of the number of clinical hours completed in prior Master's degree program.

8. At least two years of relevant professional experience.

9. Current resume or curriculum vitae.

10. Evidence of active membership on CV in at least one professional organization.

11. Favorable review with a panel of D'Youville nursing faculty members.

12. Three letters of reference; the faculty prefer that one come from a college-level professor if possible and at least one from an employer or colleague with an advanced or terminal degree, focusing on the applicant's potential for success in the doctoral program.

13. A written personal statement outlining how the applicant expects this degree to assist in achieving specific career goals.

14. Any applicant may choose to submit GRE scores if they believe their application does not adequately reflect their potential to succeed in a doctoral program.

15. If an applicant meets all admission criteria and is attending or has previously attended a doctoral program, he or she must submit a letter from that school of nursing stating the applicant is in good standing and can register for classes.

Academic Regulations

In addition to the general academic regulations, all matriculated students in the nurse practitioner program must fulfill these requirements:

1. Completion of 30 credit-hours (Doctorate of nursing science).
2. Students on academic probation are limited to six credits per semester while on probation.
   1. Students in Doctoral Nursing Programs are expected to maintain a cumulative and semester GPA of 3.0. Students who do not maintain this GPA will be reviewed by the Progression and Retention Committee for academic consequences. A student who has less than a 3.0 GPA in either semester or cumulative, at any time will be placed on academic probation for the next semester or summer session. At the end of the probation period, the student’s file will be reviewed by the program Graduate Progression and Retention committee. If the student’s cumulative or semester GPA is a minimum of 3.0, the student will be removed from probation.
   2.  If the student does not achieve the 3.0 cumulative or semester GPA after a first probation, the graduate progression and retention committee may consider a second semester of probation. If a minimum of 3.0 GPA (cumulative or semester) is not achieved after a second probation, the student will automatically be ineligible to continue in their program.
   3. A student will be allowed probationary status for no more than two semesters during the entire graduate program. The student will automatically be ineligible to continue in their program if in excess of two semesters.
3. Students cannot register for clinical courses in the D.N.P. program until formally accepted into the program.
4. Doctoral Nurse Practitioner students are required to receive at least a B in all courses required for the DNP degree. Students who receive less than a B, including a B-, C+, C or lower in the course, will be placed on probation and cannot take any of the clinical practicum courses until they raise their grade in the applicable course to at least a B. They are also limited to six credits while on probation.

5. Withdrawal policy for non-medical reasons: A student can withdraw (W) 2 times throughout their time in the nursing program. Repeated withdrawal from the same course is not permitted. More than two academic withdrawals is considered lack of progress toward the degree.  A request for a subsequent withdrawal requires review by the Admission, Progression and Retention (APR) Committee.

6. Student responsibilities: The doctoral nursing program is a demanding program in coursework, time, commitment and financial obligation. Due to these responsibilities for the program, students should seriously evaluate the impact that employment may have on their clinical performance and academic progress.
7. Refer to the School of Nursing DNP Handbook, for a full list of academic and progression regulations.