Program Overview

Introduction to the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN Program

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program at Duke University School of Nursing is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to deliver mental health care across the lifespan and continuum of care. This program is ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

Program Description

The program focuses on developing the expertise and innovative skills necessary to provide comprehensive, integrated, family-centered psychiatric mental health advanced practice nursing for patients of all ages. It prepares students for future practice in community-based, rural, and urban health care settings.

Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Post-Graduate Certificate

For students who already have a master’s from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing school or in another approved discipline, a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate is also offered. This program allows students to build on their expertise with specialized skills and knowledge, advancing their career potential.

Program Highlights

• Distanced-based learning: The program offers a hybrid-based learning experience, making it easier to balance studies with personal and professional commitments.
• Nationwide clinical network: With over 2,000 clinical partnerships around the world, students can find opportunities that match their academic and professional goals.
• Nationally respected: The program is part of the #1 psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner program according to U.S. News & World Report.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Psychiatric-Mental Health NP program are prepared to pursue careers in a wide variety of settings, including:

• Emergency psychiatry
• Inpatient psychiatry
• Consultation liaison psychiatry
• Partial hospitalization
• Outpatient mental health
• Residential treatment
• Dual diagnosis and substance treatment
• Community mental health
• Assertive community treatment
• The federal health system

Program Director

The program is led by Dr. Lemuel Scott, PhD, PMHNP-BC, CNE, a decorated military veteran with over 20 years of experience in the defense sector.

Faculty

The program's faculty includes internationally renowned professionals who foster a supportive learning environment. They bring their real-world experience as nurse practitioners into the classroom, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their field.

Admissions

The MSN program employs a holistic admissions strategy, considering each candidate’s unique life experiences alongside their academic performance, grades, and test scores.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Duke School of Nursing offers a variety of financial aid options for MSN students, including merit-based scholarships and federal loan opportunities.

The Duke Difference

• Earn a Duke nursing degree or certificate while continuing to work.
• Discover the school's focus on creating innovative, nurse-led models of care.
• Learn from experts in distance-based and hybrid education.
• Practice at one of the most advanced health systems in the world.
• Learn alongside talented and dedicated classmates.