Online DNP-PMHNP Program

This course is designed to introduce students to the purpose, content, and methods of epidemiology and biostatistics. Students will learn to evaluate and use output from statistical computing software.

Prerequisite: NURS 710

This course is designed to explore the phenomenon of interest related to the DNP scholarly project. Students will systematically develop a project protocol that is supported by the literature and submit it for department approval.

Course objectives:

1. Develop a clinical question that guides the scholarly project.
2. Read critically from professional nursing literature and other related disciplines to interpret, analyze and apply current research to improve practice.
3. Apply a systematic approach to address clinical problems within healthcare organizations, including outcome measures and a sustainability plan to create meaningful changes in clinical outcomes.
4. Develop a protocol and submit it to the DNP council for project approval.
5. Develop the first chapter of the scholarly project that includes needed sections based on the selected DNP project format.

This course is designed to emphasize an objective approach to the integration and synthesis of knowledge. Manuscript preparation and practical use of evidence are incorporated to prepare students for the design of research proposals.

Prerequisite: NURS 700 and NURS 701

This course is designed to provide an understanding of the measurement of phenomena as it relates to the research process. Procedures for selecting, applying, and interpreting the correct statistical application to a research problem will be presented with students processing the results.

Prerequisite: NURS 700

This course will allow the students to design an evidence-based project that will guide clinical practice. The feasibility of conducting this initiative will be explored. Potential funding sources and budget issues will be examined. Students will apply the elements of protection of human subjects and complete the Maryville IRB.

Prerequisite: NURS 700, NURS 701, NURS 702, and NURS 703

This course is designed to expand the students knowledge of clinical project data collection and analysis of data. Students will apply integrated research concepts pertaining to the clinical project. Utilization of various methods of data analysis and data management systems will be explored. Complete project data is needed prior to the start of this course.

Prerequisite: NURS 705 and NUS 705L

This course is designed to expand the students understanding of methods of dissemination in translational research. Variables that impact the analysis of data related to the scholarly project will be examined. Implications for patients, clinical practice and the healthcare systems will be explored and findings disseminated.

Prerequisite: NURS 706

This course explores focused and comprehensive health assessments in a variety of settings and patients across the lifespan. This includes development of health promotion strategies and prioritization of care.

Prerequisite: Online - NURS 611, NURS 615

Corequisite: On Ground - NURS 615

This course focuses on the pharmacological foundation for safely prescribing medical regimens of illnesses for individuals across the lifespan. Also included are illness prevention, non-pharmacological and legal implications for prescriptive authority for the nurse practitioner.

Note: Selection of appropriate therapies, patient education and evaluation parameters are stressed.

This course will cover assessment and identification of discrete aspects of cognition, psychopathology, affect and behavior in the diagnosis and treatment planning of psychiatric illness across the life span. Also included is the appropriate use, monitoring and evaluation of prescribing psychotropic medication, including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

Prerequisite: NURS 611, NURS 612 and NURS 615

In this course theories and models will be used to develop an understanding of the etiologies of acute and chronic mental health disorders among adults and older adults. Selection of appropriate treatment strategies including individual and group psychotherapies will be discussed.

Prerequisite: NURS 660

Corequisite: NURS 662 or NURS 662C

This practicum course is designed to synthesize advanced practice knowledge relevant to adult and older adult patients with psychiatric illness. A variety of psychotherapeutic strategies will be explored.

Prerequisite: NURS 660

Corequisite: NURS 661

This is the first of two didactic courses designed to assist the student in development of the advanced practice nursing role with the care and management of individuals with a mental health disorder across the lifespan.

Prerequisite: NURS 661 and NURS 662 or NURS 662C

Corequisite: NURS 664 or NURS 664C

This practicum is designed to synthesize advanced practice knowledge relevant to patients with psychiatric illness across the lifespan.

Prerequisite: NURS 661 and NURS 662

Corequisite: NURS 663

This is the second of two didactic courses designed to assist the student in development of the advanced practice nursing role with the care and management of individuals with a mental health disorder across the lifespan.

Prerequisite: NURS 663 and NURS 664 or NURS 664C

Corequisite: NURS 667 or NURS 667C

This practicum is designed to synthesize advanced practice knowledge relevant to patients with psychiatric illness across the lifespan.

Prerequisite: NURS 663 and NURS 664

Corequisite: NURS 665

Graduates of Maryville’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice program are prepared to lead in clinical and nonclinical roles across healthcare. This program includes psychiatric mental health NP coursework, equipping you to address a critical healthcare need and provide advanced mental health services to individuals, families, and communities.

Whether your goal is to work in private practice, inpatient psychiatry, or community mental health settings, the PMHNP focus helps prepare you to address complex mental health needs and advocate for better access to mental health services.

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are among the highest-earning NPs, thanks to high demand and diverse practice opportunities. According to PayScale data from 2025, the median salary for PMHNPs is around $123,000. However, earnings can vary significantly, with the top 10% making over $156,000.

Salaries vary based on factors like discipline, education level, years of experience, and location of practice.

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Maryville’s online DNP programs follow strict guidelines to ensure top-tier nursing education. This reflects our program’s dedication to maintaining high educational standards.

Maryville University is also regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has proudly upheld this accreditation since 1941.

As the nursing profession expands with greater responsibilities, advanced education has become essential. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is one of the highest degrees in nursing, offering specialized training and equipping nurses for leadership roles and advanced practice.

For DNP-educated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), the opportunities are significant. These highly trained professionals provide critical mental health care to individuals facing psychiatric challenges, helping to address the growing shortage of mental health providers. With prescriptive authority in all states, DNP-prepared PMHNPs can manage comprehensive treatment plans, including psychopharmacologic regimens, and make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes.

Earning a DNP not only enhances clinical expertise but also opens doors to leadership roles, policy development, education, and research.

Graduates of our Psychiatric Mental Health DNP program are well-prepared to obtain certifications such as the Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Certification (PMHNP-BC™) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Maryville’s NP graduates consistently surpass national pass rate averages for certification exams across various specialties.

If you're not looking to pursue NP certification, you can opt for the standalone DNP instead, enabling you to graduate sooner and prepare for advanced roles within or related to nursing.

Choosing between a DNP and an MSN depends on where you see your nursing career headed. A DNP is a terminal degree tailored for those interested in leadership, research, and advanced clinical roles, ideal for nurses seeking to elevate care and lead initiatives.

An MSN is often a better fit for RNs aspiring to become NPs or for NPs specializing further. While both degrees provide essential nursing education, a DNP offers more advanced knowledge and career flexibility.

You don’t need an MSN to pursue a DNP. For BSN-prepared nurses, we offer a BSN to DNP pathway, allowing you to move straight into a DNP program on an accelerated timeline.

If you’re interested in exploring options other than your DNP-PMHNP, we offer four additional NP concentrations to help you reach your goals:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
• Family NP
• Pediatric NP

You can also choose to earn your DNP without an NP concentration to complete your terminal degree faster. However, this option does not prepare you for NP certification.