Credential Category
Graduate
Course Mode
online
Location
Online
Course Workload
PT40M
Number Of Credits
68–77
Occupational Credential Awarded
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Offer Category
Paid
lowPrice
61456
highPrice
69223
Offer Price Currency
USD
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Online BSN to DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health NP Program

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Overview

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Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
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Forbes America's Top Colleges
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Kiplinger Best College Values
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CCNE Accredited
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2023-24 Military Friendly® Schools
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Best colleges U.S. News Nursing (BSN) Programs 2024
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The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Maryville University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
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Program Details

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Careers

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Testimonials

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“The way that the curriculum is set up at Maryville, each semester built upon the previous one, so we’re learning as we go. It’s not an overwhelming process. A lot of times, that’s much like our careers are in the healthcare field. We all have something new to learn, every single day.”

— Tiffany N., graduate, Doctor of Nursing Practice

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“With the DNP, it allows me to become a faculty member, or it allows me to become more understanding of research … in a clinical setting, which is huge. It gave me the self-confidence I have been looking for my whole adult life.”

— Megan J., graduate, Doctor of Nursing Practice

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Curriculum

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Online BSN to DNP program curriculum
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Looking to elevate your nursing expertise? Our BSN to DNP online program can help you prepare to advance to the upper ranks of psychiatric mental health as a doctorate-prepared nurse practitioner.

This program empowers you to enhance your skills in leadership, research, and clinical practice with courses like biostatistics, health promotion, and systems leadership, as well as concentration coursework in psychiatric mental health.

The online BSN to DNP-PMHNP program features 100% online coursework and provides flexible start dates in spring, summer, and fall. Since it’s designed for BSN-prepared nurses, it combines both master’s and doctoral-level learning.

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How long is the accelerated BSN to DNP-PMHNP program?

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The BSN to DNP program with a PMHNP concentration comprises 77 total credit hours and can be completed in about 40 months full-time.

Factors that influence a learner's time to completion include the number of courses they take each semester and their chosen concentration.

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) core courses

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The BSN to DNP-PMHNP program comprises 77 credit hours. This includes 56 credit hours of core coursework designed to build doctorate-level skills from your bachelor’s-level foundation and 21 credit hours of PMHNP concentration coursework.
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BSN to DNP core courses (56 credit hours)

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NURS 600 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice (3 Credits)
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The focus of this course is to critique, evaluate and apply appropriate theory within advanced nursing practice.
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NURS 601 Evidence Based Practice in Nursing (3 Credits)
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This course explores evidence-based practice as it relates to changing and improving current advanced nursing knowledge and application.
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NURS 603 Professional Role Development: Advanced Practice Nurse (3 Credits)
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This course provides a theoretical foundation for exploring, analyzing and evaluating advanced nursing practice roles within the health care system. Legal and ethical contexts are included.
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NURS 610 Health Promotion/Disease Prevention (3 Credits)
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This course focuses on health screening, health promotion and disease prevention at the individual, regional and national level. This includes the exploration at the advanced nursing practice role to direct program planning, development, implementation and evaluation to improve healthcare outcomes.
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NURS 611 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 Credits)
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Provides the basis for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and the changes in normal function that result in manifestations indicative of illness across the lifespan.
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NURS 612 Advanced Health Assessment (5 Credits)
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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

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NURS 615 Advanced Health Assessment (3 Credits)
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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.

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NURS 700 Principles of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (3 Credits)
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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

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NURS 701 Foundations of Clinical Scholarship (3 Credits)
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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.
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NURS 702 Integrating and Synthesizing Research (3 Credits)
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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

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NURS 703 Ethics for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 Credits)
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This course is designed to explore ethical principles for the highest level of nursing practice. Students will use evidence-based nursing and interprofessional literature to analyze ethical issues in professional practice.
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NURS 704 Quality and Patient Safety in Advanced Nursing Practice (3 Credits)
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This course is designed to provide students with the foundation of process improvement (PI) and quality improvement (QI) concepts. Evidence-based practice and change management will be integrated with concepts of PI and QI. Systems thinking will be emphasized.
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NURS 705 Clinical Inquiry I (3 Credits)
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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

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NURS 706 Clinical Inquiry II (3 Credits)
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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

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NURS 707 Clinical Inquiry III (3 Credits)
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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

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NURS 708 Organizational and Systems Leadership (3 Credits)
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This course is designed to allow students to analyze organizational, management and social science theories in the context of organizational leadership and change management. Systems thinking is emphasized.
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NURS 709 Advanced Health Policy (3 Credits)
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This course is designed to present the student with knowledge of the American healthcare system. Economically and politically feasible/viable policy changes that would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the system’s delivery of health care will be explored. The student will analyze the policy making process in preparation to be effective advocates for health policy change.
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NURS 710 Graduate Statistics (3 Credits)
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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

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PMHNP concentration curriculum (21 credit hours)

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NURS 660 Psychopharmacology and Advanced Mental Health (3 Credits)
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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

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NURS 661 Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management (3 Credits)
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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

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NURS 662 Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management Practicum I (3 Credits)
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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

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NURS 663 Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management II (3 Credits)
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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

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NURS 664 Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management Practicum II (3 Credits)
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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

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NURS 665 Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management III (3 Credits)
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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

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NURS 667 Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management Practicum III (3 Credits)
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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

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To ensure the best possible educational experience for our students, we may update our curriculum to reflect emerging and changing employer and industry trends. Undergraduate programs and certificates are designed to be taken at a part-time pace. Please speak to your advisor for more details.

Professional licensure and certification regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Students are encouraged to visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing for the state in which they intend to practice to verify specific licensure requirements which includes ensuring the program of interest meets the licensure requirements prior to enrolling. Students may visit the professional licensure page or reach out to our team of enrollment advisors for guidance.

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Admission Requirements

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Interested in this degree?

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Earning a college education takes courage, but one brave decision can change your life.
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University details

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Founded in 1872 — top-rated today

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For more than 150 years, Maryville University has pioneered and pushed boundaries in higher education. Today, we provide high-quality education opportunities to learners across the nation and around the globe, and we’ve helped thousands of nurses like you go further and accomplish their career goals.

Maryville University is proud to be recognized as one of America’s best colleges by U.S. News & World Report and Forbes.

At Maryville, we invite future nursing leaders to be brave and expand their potential. Let’s be brave together.
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Online BSN to DNP Degrees: Meet Our Faculty

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What can I do with a BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice degree?
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Maryville’s online BSN to DNP program helps prepare graduates for advanced roles in clinical practice, administration, education, and healthcare leadership. As a terminal degree, a DNP empowers nurses to access top-tier positions in nursing, patient care, policymaking, and research.

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) concentration is designed to equip you with the expertise to provide critical care to individuals facing mental health challenges. This includes assessing, diagnosing, and managing psychiatric conditions in diverse settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and telehealth platforms.

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What is the typical salary for BSN to DNP-PMHNP graduates?

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Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are among the highest-paid NPs due to growing demand for mental health professionals. According to PayScale data from 2025, the median salary for PMHNPs is approximately $123,000, with top earners reporting annual pay in excess of $156,000.

Factors influencing salary include education, experience, location, and practice setting. As the need for mental health care continues to rise, PMHNPs are uniquely positioned for lucrative and fulfilling careers.

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Is the online BSN to DNP program accredited?
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Yes, Maryville’s BSN to DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), representing high-quality education that meets rigorous standards. Maryville University also holds regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a credential it has maintained since 1941.
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How long does the BSN to DNP program take to complete?
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Maryville’s online BSN to DNP program can be completed in about 40 months of full-time study. With this program, you earn your DNP directly. While the curriculum covers master’s-level work, this program only awards a DNP, not a dual MSN/DNP.
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What is the scope of practice for BSN to DNP-PMHNP graduates?
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Our BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice and leadership roles. PMHNP graduates are essential in addressing the growing mental health provider shortage. With prescriptive authority nationwide, DNP-PMHNPs manage comprehensive mental health care, including assessments, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacologic treatments.

DNP-PMHNPs also influence mental health policy, research, and education, helping ensure improved patient outcomes and advancing the field of psychiatric mental health. This degree can enhance both clinical expertise and potential to qualify for leadership opportunities, allowing graduates to make a significant impact in mental health care.

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What certifications can I pursue with a BSN to DNP-PMHNP degree?
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Graduates of Maryville’s Psychiatric Mental Health DNP program are eligible for 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 certification (PMHNP) from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Maryville’s NP graduates consistently exceed national pass rate averages on board certification exams, reflecting the program’s dedication to preparing highly skilled nursing professionals.

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Should I pursue a BSN to DNP or an MSN?
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Deciding between a BSN to DNP or an MSN depends on your goals. A DNP is ideal for those seeking leadership roles, advanced practice, or opportunities in policy and education, while an MSN is typically suited for making the transition into NP roles or focusing on specific specialties. If your main goal is NP certification, the MSN may provide a more streamlined route for you.

Maryville’s BSN to DNP program offers a streamlined route to a doctorate, enabling BSN nurses to bypass the MSN and directly pursue high-level career opportunities in mental health care. For nurses who already hold an MSN, Maryville also offers a DNP or DNP-NP program tailored to further your education and career.

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What other BSN to DNP concentrations can I consider?
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Are you interested in exploring nursing specialties beyond Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)? Our BSN to DNP program offers four other concentrations, so you can focus on other areas or work to expand the scope of your practice.

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Careers and Resources

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