Program Overview

Program Overview

The Psychiatric Mental Health Post-Master's DNP Online program is designed for licensed, registered nurses with an APRN MSN who want to provide psychiatric services to their patients. This program prepares students for national certification in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Program Highlights

• For licensed RNs who have earned an APRN MSN
• Become eligible for PMHNP national certification exam
• Can be completed in seven semesters with full-time study

Why ODU for Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing?

Our DNP program is designed to prepare students for advanced practice in psychiatric mental health nursing. Students will complete courses and practicums required for eligibility to take the national certification exam as an advanced practice nurse in psychiatric mental health. Topics include:

• Psychotherapy methods and advanced diagnostics across the lifespan: adult, child, adolescent, older adults, and special populations
• Psychopharmacology, the study of medications used to treat mental disorders
• Culturally-centered, collaborative care in the prevention and management of mental health disorders

Program Structure

• Core DNP courses will provide advanced practice knowledge and exposure to emerging healthcare technology, such as telehealth and informatics.
• Practicums will be completed in psychiatric mental health environments with clinical mentors in the student's own community.

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Old Dominion University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Admission Requirements

To apply to this post-master's DNP program, you must:

• Be a licensed, registered nurse
• Have earned an advanced practice (APRN) Master of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Within the last five years, earned a grade of B or better in these MSN courses:
  • Advanced Pathophysiology
  • Advanced Physical Assessment
  • Advanced Pharmacology

Cost and Aid

• In-state Virginia Residents: $486 per credit hour
• Out-of-state Students: $649 per credit hour
• Rates are effective Fall 2025 and subject to change.

Careers in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing

Our graduates find careers as nurse practitioners, consultants, and higher education instructors. Nurse practitioners can make a difference in settings such as:

• Primary care medical practices
• Hospitals
• University counseling centers
• Public mental health agencies
• Residential treatment
• Clinical settings

Job Outlook

• Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses: 6.0% growth, median salary $86,070
• Nurse Practitioners: 46.3% growth, median salary $126,260
• Mental Health Counselors: N/A% growth
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: 11.6% growth, median salary $55,960
• Social and Community Service Managers: 8.2% growth, median salary $77,030

Licensure Disclosure

This post-master's DNP program is designed to prepare students for national certification in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). National certification is usually required in order to obtain state licensure to practice in this specialty. Licensure requirements may vary by state.