Earn Your DNP - PMHNP

As the national need for mental health professionals continues to increase, Anderson University is ready to equip you with the professional and spiritual tools you need to change lives for the better. In our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, you will learn a holistic approach to patient care that recognizes the neurocognitive implications of disease and treatment.

Our PMHNP program is staffed entirely by practicing nurses who understand the complexities of the healthcare climate and can share with you the latest in advanced nursing practice. 

At AU, we offer a flexible program catered to you, the working nurse. If you’re an RN with a bachelor's degree, you can still apply directly to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Once you begin the program, you can complete your degree in nine semesters (about three years).

Coursework and Training

In the DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, you’ll take 75 hours of coursework. All classes are taught online, so you can learn anywhere. You will still meet with your cohort and professors in person once per semester for intensive workdays, including simulation labs and seminars.

Your classes will include Advanced Assessment, Processes in Mental Health, Psychopharmacological Therapies Across the Lifespan, and Management of the Complex Client. These classes will equip you to assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric and behavioral disorders.

Course Sequence

In addition to coursework, you will complete a scholarly project and a clinical residency. The evidence-based project may include a quality improvement (QI) focus, a policy change, or perhaps a protocol development for your facility. Your advisor will guide you in this process. Throughout your time in the program, you will develop this project, from the conceptual stages to research and investigation to implementation and dissemination of the results.

Clinical residencies are required for all Doctor of Nursing Practice students. You must complete 1,100 hours spread across the entire program. While it is your responsibility to find a clinical preceptor, AU works hard to establish relationships with clinical partners to aid you in your search. Your clinical and in-class experiences at AU will also prepare you for the national accreditation exam you must take to become certified to practice in your field.

Nursing in the spirit of Christ

In your career as a nurse, you have the opportunity to follow Christ’s example of service. At AU, we want to come alongside you in this endeavor through our Christ-centered perspective on nursing and healthcare.

Throughout the program, our instructors will help you explore the intersection of nursing and faith. You’ll participate in a Faith and Learning Seminar, investigating topics such as Servant Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Christian Worldview, and Intelligent Design.