DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Application Deadlines

We admit students once per year for fall term. Students apply online through the Graduate School. Visit our Steps to Apply page for more information.

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program prepares students to provide psychiatric and mental health services to individuals of all ages and to groups and populations. A strong background in assessment, pharmacology, diagnostic, and treatment modalities is provided. Students have clinical experiences with psychiatric mental health practitioners in the community and are supervised by faculty who maintain active practices themselves.

Two pathways are available:

Post-baccalaureate to DNP-PMHNP
Post-master’s to DNP-PMHNP

Program Delivery

The program is considered “hybrid” with most of the instruction offered online, and some required attendance in scheduled classroom time on your campus of registration. In-person class sessions are block scheduled so that students can attend each of their courses in a 1-2 day block. Classrooms are available on campuses at WSU Spokane, WSU Tri-Cities, WSU Vancouver; some classrooms are available for some courses at sites in Yakima, Walla Walla and Puyallup. In addition, you will complete clinical course requirements working in various health care settings across the Northwest. Clinical placements are arranged based on student requests and site availability.

Flexible Scheduling

Full and part-time study options are offered allowing for maximum flexibility for the working nurse. If you are a bachelor’s-prepared student attending full-time, you will complete the program in about 3-4 years. If you attend part-time, you will likely complete the degree requirements in 4-5 years.

Certification & Licensure

Graduates of the DNP-PMHNP program are eligible to take the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner examination offered by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center to become certified and then state-licensed.

Current Students

The College of Nursing provides academic support for students at the Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Walla Walla, Yakima and Spokane campuses. Visit the current students resources page for access to all the information you’ll need to be successful.

The College of Nursing awards at least $465,000 each year to support high-achieving nursing students who are striving to improve the quality of health care.

Apply for Scholarships

You must have a Washington state RN license and have worked as a full-time nurse for at least 1 year to be eligible to apply.

Education

Post-baccalaureate DNP applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program
Post-master’s DNP applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing or another field AND:
- A master’s degree in nursing from a program accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission OR
- A graduate nurse anesthesia degree from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists OR
- A graduate nurse-midwifery degree from a program accredited by the American College of Nurse Midwives Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education
A minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher in a bachelor’s, and if applicable, master’s program
Written goal statement congruent with program’s philosophy and focus
Official transcripts from all previous college work

Practice/Professional

1 year of full-time nursing practice
Curriculum vitae or résumé
For U.S. residents, current Washington state RN licensure

International students are eligible to apply if they are eligible to obtain a current Washington state registered nurse (RN) license, which must be obtained prior to enrollment in any clinical or practicum course. International applicants must meet general Graduate School international applicant requirements.

References/Interviews

3 letters of reference
Written interview
A telephone or in-person interview may be required in addition to the written interview

Additional Admission Requirements

For a complete list of nursing requirements for newly admitted students, visit the WSU Spokane Admitted Students section.

Steps to Apply

Congratulations! You’ve Been Admitted. Now What?

Refer to WSU Spokane’s Admitted Student section of our website for information on what’s next in the admission process. This site includes orientation information, a list of nursing requirements, important dates and deadlines, and additional resources you will need during the admission process.

Graduate program costs are subject to change and are meant to give you a general idea of program costs. For more information on the estimated cost of programs, visit the WSU Student Financial Services. Nursing program costs are listed under Professional Students.

MN & DNP Program Costs

ITEM	COST
WSU Application Fee	$75
Tuition (in state)	$8,873 per semester ($887 per credit for part-time)
Books	$600 per year approximately
Course Fees	$88-$144 per semester approximately
E*Value Fee	$50 per semester
CPR/First Aid	$65 approximately, cost varies
National Background Report	$85 one time, upon admission
Washington State Patrol Background Report	$10 yearly, beginning second year
Liability Insurance	$20 yearly approximately
Name Badge	$10 upon entrance
Health Fee (if taking 7+ cr)	$87 yearly
Immunizations	Varies, depending on need and where received
Graduation Application Fee	$50-$75