Program of Study: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP

Learn more about the courses you will take in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program.

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Curriculum Overview

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) DNP is a three-year, full-time program for registered nurses entering with a bachelor's degree, as well as students in the Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion (APNI) to DNP pathway—designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree—who have successfully completed the APNI prelicensure coursework. This program also offers an entry pathway for master's-prepared nurses.

Below is the program of study for the 2027–2028 academic year, reflecting Seattle University's move to a semester calendar system.

Program of study is listed as proposed to WABON, and currently subject to their review and approval. Nursing programs of study may change periodically to address state regulations, national accreditation, professional standards, licensing and certification requirements, and quality improvements to the curriculum. All nursing courses begin with prefix NURS.

Applications Are Now Open

Take the next step toward advanced practice. Applications are now open for our Doctor of Nursing Practice and Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion programs for the 2027-2028 academic year. We encourage you to apply early for priority consideration.

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2027-2028 Academic Year Program of Study

Below is the program of study for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program under Seattle University's semester calendar, beginning with the 2027-2028 academic year.

Note: The total program length is three years for RN-DNP students (69-71 credits) and four years for APNI-DNP students (112-114 credits). APNI-DNP and RN-DNP students follow the same plan of study throughout the three years of advanced practice coursework. For APNI-DNP students, advanced practice coursework begins after successful completion of all prelicensure coursework. The program of study below reflects only the three years of advanced practice coursework.

Summer Semester Year 1 (0 credits)

No courses

Fall Semester Year 1 (12 credits)

6XXX Professional Roles and Ethics in Advanced Practice (course code TBD)

6020 Principles of Epidemiology and Biostatistics

6022 Advanced Pharmacology

6024 Advanced Pathophysiology

Spring Semester Year 1 (7 credits)

6XXX Healthcare Informatics and Financial Management for Advanced Practice (course code TBD)

6XXX Population Health and Health Policy (course code TBD)

6001 Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning Across the Lifespan Theory

6101 Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning Across the Lifespan Lab

Summer Semester Year 2 (9 credits)

6XXX Systems Leadership for Quality Improvement in Healthcare (course code TBD)

6550 Neurobiology for Psychiatric Practice

6552 Psychiatric Evaluation: Assessment to Diagnosis

6553 Psychiatric Evaluation: Assessment to Diagnosis Lab

6555 Advanced Physical Assessment in Psychiatric Care Lab

Fall Semester Year 2 (10 credits)

6XXX DNP Project Planning and Preparation (course code TBD)

6560 Advanced Psychopharmacology in Psychiatric Care I

6561 Assessment and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders Lab

6562 Psychotherapeutic Modalities for PMHNP Practice

Spring Semester Year 2 (8 credits)

6901 DNP Internship I - Implementation and Evaluation

6563 Applied Psychotherapeutic Modalities: Motivational Interviewing Lab

6565 Psychiatric Care in Pediatric and Perinatal Populations Lab

6570 Advanced Psychopharmacology in Psychiatric Care II

Summer Semester Year 3 (6 credits)

6580 PMHNP Advanced Clinical Practicum I

6581 Simulation-Based Clinical Assessment I Lab

Fall Semester Year 3 (9 credits)

6903 DNP Internship II - Analysis and Dissemination

6582 PMHNP Advanced Clinical Practicum II

6583 Simulation-Based Clinical Assessment II Lab

Spring Semester Year 3 (8-10 credits)

6905 DNP Internship III - Elective

6584 PMHNP Advanced Clinical Practicum III

6585 Simulation-Based Clinical Assessment III Lab

Ready to Take the Next Step?

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Attend a virtual information session to meet a member of our admissions team, learn more about our nationally ranked DNP and get answers to all your questions about the program, the application process and more.

Start Your Application

We are currently accepting applications for the 2027-2028 academic year. Start your application now (for free!) and take the first step toward your future career as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner.

Explore DNP Programs

Not sure if this is the right DNP program for you? We offer flexible entry paths for RNs, BSNs and even non-nurses, as well as five distinct advanced practice specializations. Find the best fit for your career goals.

Get in Touch

We’re here to help. For information about DNP degrees at Seattle University, contact:

Oz Sener, MEd

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