Program Overview

Post-BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Emphasis

The full-time, post-bachelor's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with an emphasis in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) prepares nurses to deliver compassionate, evidence-based mental health care across the lifespan. This program combines advanced clinical training with a focus on mental health assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions for individuals, families, and groups. Graduates are equipped to lead in a variety of mental health settings, improving access to care and promoting holistic mental wellness in their communities. PMHNP students will complete four semesters of psychotherapy and clinical experiences in and around their communities, which are arranged with the help of a clinical coordinator.

Program Information

• Full-time: Many students work part-time during the DNP-PMHNP program. However, due to the rigor and intensity of the course, lab, project, and clinical requirements, DNP-PMHNP students are discouraged from working full-time while enrolled.
• 8 Semesters (subject to WSU curriculum approval)
• Course Format: Face-to-face labs, Online, and Hybrid courses
• Cohort Size: 16 students are accepted every spring semester
  • Applicants to this program need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a minimum of two years of full-time RN work experience or four years of part-time RN work experience (post NCLEX-RN) by the application deadline.
• Accreditation
• Program of Study: The PMHNP program of study is changing for the next cohort admitted, and it must go through WSU curriculum approvals. The program of study shown here is subject to change and depends upon approval. Two of the major changes are admitting during the summer semester instead of the spring semester and moving from seven semesters to eight semesters.

Costs

• Total Estimated Tuition & Fees: $35,000-$39,500

Handbooks

• Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing Student Handbook
• DNP Program Student Handbook
• Catalog

Eligibility & Prerequisites

• GPA: Cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for all college-level coursework. The cumulative GPA may be a 3.0 to 3.3 if you have 10 or more years of full-time work experience as an RN (or 15 years part-time) as an RN (by the application deadline) and your nursing GPA (nursing-only courses) are at or above a 3.0.
• Degree Requirements: Applicants must have graduated from a regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) accredited by one of the following agencies: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA).
• Licensure Requirements: Active, unrestricted license to practice as an RN or eligible to obtain licensure without restrictions to practice as a registered nurse in Utah (or compact state).
• RN Work Experience: Minimum two years of full-time RN work experience or four years of part-time RN work experience (post NCLEX-RN) by the application deadline.
• After Program Acceptance: Students who are accepted into the program will be required to:
  • Purchase a drug screen and background check
  • Complete a physical examination
  • Provide proof of valid health insurance
  • Provide proof of immunizations and obtain test/titer results
  • Complete a mandatory DNP-PMHNP new student orientation process, which includes a DNP-PMHNP New Student Orientation Canvas Course and an online New Student Orientation Q&A Meeting, which takes place over Zoom in November

Application Process

• Application Period: Applications open September 3, 2026, and close January 1, 2027, at 11:59 pm.
• Application Fee: $60
• Required Documents:
  • Vita/Resume
  • Personal Statement
  • SVR
  • Letters of Recommendation (3 required)
• Notification of Acceptance: Notification of acceptance or declination to applicants will be in February 2027.