BSN-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration

The Doctor of Nursing Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Concentration is designed to produce a nursing professional with advance practice nursing skills to provide psychiatric and mental health care to patients across the lifespan.

This program also integrates nursing science with biophysical, psychosocial, analytical and organizational sciences, which graduates use to understand the nature of health and health care delivery and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. The DNP serves as a clinical leader in transforming care of the individual, the community, and the healthcare system.

Graduates will be eligible to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification exam for Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners which enhances their opportunity for advancement in the field. They will be able to seek approval to practice as a PMHNP in North Carolina or other state of choice. UNCW's DNP PMHNP Concentration is a 70 credit hour program that can be completed in as few as eight semesters.

  • Admissions

    The School of Nursing at UNCW participates in a comprehensive, holistic admissions review process including quantitative and qualitative criteria for both of our BSN to DNP concentrations. The Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentrations strive for diversity of life experiences and thought within our program. Our holistic review assesses an applicant’s unique life, professional, and personal experiences and attributes alongside traditional measures of academic achievement such as grades and test scores.

    Admission Requirements
  • Program Information
  • Certification and Licensure

    UNCW degree programs satisfy the professional licensure and/or certification requirements in North Carolina and prepare students to sit for applicable exams. However, requirements in other states may be different.

    If you are considering a degree program that in order to qualify for a professional license and/or certification, please note that at this time UNCW may or may not be able to advise whether the program meets requirements outside of North Carolina. Prior to enrolling, please discuss this important topic with your program of interest.