Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP - APRN) Population/Role: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Terminal Objectives

The DNP degree is designed to prepare graduates to function as highly developed clinicians/leaders in advanced nursing practice or systems of care. Graduates will be prepared to practice in a variety of complex clinical, organizational, and/or educational systems with diverse populations and will be able to affect changes in health care outcomes through evidence-based decision making and system redesign.

Integrate science-based theories and data-based concepts to develop, critically appraise and implement practice approaches that improve health care and health care systems.
Apply organizational theories and systems thinking to improve the quality, cost-effectiveness and safety outcomes of practice decisions and initiatives.
Apply effective strategies for managing the ethical dilemmas inherent in patient care, the health care organization and research.
Apply knowledge of informatics to monitor and improve outcomes, programs and systems of care.
Provide leadership in influencing policies on the financing, regulation and delivery of health care.
Lead interprofessional teams to improve patient and population health outcomes.
Function independently in an advanced nursing role to improve health outcomes in a specialty area of practice.

Graduation Requirements

The DNP degree requires a minimum of 62 trimester hours of post-baccalaureate or 30 trimester hours of post-master’s study. All Doctor of Nursing Practice students must complete degree requirements within five years.

Curriculum

DNP Core

NSG - 600 Leadership in Evolving Healthcare Environments Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 602 Healthcare Economics, Policy, Finance Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 608 Program Evaluation Credit Hours: 3
NSG - 610 DNP Project Planning and Implementation Credit Hours: 3
NSG - 615 DNP Project Proposal Seminar Credit Hours: 2

Subtotal: 14

Population/Role Cognates

NSG - 534 Major Psychopathological Disorders Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 575 Psychopharmacology Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 576 Neuropathophysiology: A Lifespan Approach Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 577A Diagnostics and Management I: Psychiatric Assessment across the Lifespan Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 577B Diagnostics and Management II: Evidence- Based Treatment Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 577C Diagnostics and Management III: Group Therapy and Complex Care Credit Hours: (3)

Subtotal: 18

DNP Practica and Project

NSG - 606 DNP/Specialty Practicum Credit Hours: (Variable)
Credit Hours: (6) (504 Clock Hours)
NSG - 607 DNP/Specialty Immersion Residency Credit Hours: (Variable)
Credit Hours: (3) (252 Clock Hours)
NSG - 609A DNP Project Practicum A Credit Hours: 1 (84 Clock Hours)
NSG - 609B DNP Project Practicum B Credit Hours: 1 (84 Clock Hours)
NSG - 609C DNP Project Practicum C Credit Hours: 1 (84 Clock Hours)

Subtotal: 12

Total: 44

Minimum credits required: Successful completion of the PMHNP MSN to DNP track for APRNs requires a minimum of 44 semester hours for graduation. Upon review of an individual’s academic portfolio, additional courses or clinical hours may be required.

A gap analysis will be performed and an individualized program of study will be developed based on previous graduate education completed with evidence of the following coursework:

Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan

Advanced Pathophysiology

Advanced Pharmacology

Transition to the APRN Role

Research

Biostatistics/Epidemiology

It is expected that previous clinical hours plus DNP Specialty Practicum and Immersion hours will be equal to or greater than 1000 clock hours.