Program Track Overview
BSN to DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program is approximately $28,900 (in-state) or $88,470 (out-of-state) and the program is designed to be completed in 3 years on a full-time basis.
Estimate is based on $298.61/credit (in-state) or $1,149.56/credit (out-of-state) across 70 credit hours, plus a $1,000 DNP program fee per semester;
DNP Curriculum
The 70-credit curriculum is structured across three years with fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Coursework spans advanced pathophysiology, psychopharmacology, behavioral theory, neuroanatomy, genomics, telehealth, and DNP-level leadership and research.
Students also choose an optional specialty concentration (9 credits) in either Emerging Technological Innovations or Health Equity and Social Justice.
Year One – Fall (11 credits)
NURS 812 – Advanced Nursing Theory (3 cr)
This course examines major nursing theories and their role in professional practice and leadership. Students evaluate theoretical frameworks within social, behavioral, and biomedical contexts. The course builds skills for applying theory to improve clinical practice and support equitable health care delivery.
NURS 711 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr)
This course explores advanced disease mechanisms that support clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning. Students analyze case studies to link pathophysiology with clinical findings and treatment decisions. The course also integrates cultural and equity considerations during patient assessment.
NURS 712 – Advanced Health Assessment (5 cr)
This course develops advanced health assessment skills for individuals and families across the lifespan. Students practice diagnostic reasoning to distinguish normal and abnormal findings while considering social determinants of health. The course emphasizes culturally responsive and patient-centered assessment practices.
Year One – Spring (11 credits)
NURS 851 – Advanced Psychopharmacology (3 cr)
This course examines pharmacologic treatment for mental health conditions. Students study pharmacokinetics, prescribing practices, and medication management for diverse patient groups. The course also focuses on clinical decision making when selecting and monitoring psychiatric medications.
NURS 831 – Nurses in Health Equity (3 cr)
This course explores the role of nurses in promoting health equity and addressing social injustice in health care. Students examine racism, bias, and structural barriers that influence patient outcomes. The course encourages self-reflection and strategies that support inclusive and culturally aware care.
NURS 852 – Psychiatric Differential Diagnosis (3 cr)
This course teaches psychiatric assessment using a biopsychosocial framework. Students analyze biological, psychological, and environmental factors that affect mental health conditions. The course strengthens diagnostic reasoning and case formulation skills.
NURS 713 – Neuroanatomy & Neurophysiology (2 cr)
This course studies the structure and function of the nervous system. Students examine neural pathways, brain function, and the biological basis of behavior. The course links neuroscience concepts with psychiatric assessment and treatment.
Year One – Summer (11 credits)
NURS 853 – Psychotherapy Foundations (3 cr)
This course introduces major psychotherapy theories and treatment approaches. Students examine psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive, and behavioral models. The course builds foundational counseling skills for mental health practice.
NURS 854 – Behavior Theory I (2 cr)
This course begins a three-course sequence on behavioral health care for adults and older adults. Students apply theories of human behavior to psychiatric assessment and treatment. The course emphasizes cultural awareness, social determinants of health, and equitable care.
NURS 855 – Behavior Theory I Practicum (3 cr)
This practicum provides supervised clinical experience with adult and older adult patients. Students complete 135 direct patient care hours in psychiatric settings. The experience supports application of behavioral theories and clinical assessment skills.
Specialty Elective I (3 cr)
Students select an elective that supports their professional interests or specialty focus within advanced psychiatric practice.
Year Two – Fall (9 credits)
NURS 856 – Human Behavior Theory II (3 cr)
This course continues the behavioral health sequence with deeper study of psychiatric care for adults and families. Students examine assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning across diverse populations. The course integrates social determinants of health and cultural considerations.
NURS 857 – Human Behavior II Practicum (3 cr)
This practicum expands clinical experience through 225 direct patient care hours in psychiatric practice settings. Students strengthen diagnostic and treatment skills while working with adult and family populations.
NURS 811 – Advanced Statistical Methods (3 cr)
This course introduces statistical methods used in nursing and health care research. Topics include regression analysis, covariance analysis, and interpretation of statistical software output. Students learn to apply research evidence to support clinical decision making.
Year Two – Spring (9 credits)
NURS 858 – Human Behavior Theory III (3 cr)
This course completes the behavioral theory sequence with focus on psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and families. Students examine developmental, social, and cultural factors that influence mental health. The course includes 225 direct patient care hours.
NURS 859 – Human Behavior III Practicum (3 cr)
This practicum provides supervised clinical training with pediatric and family populations. Students apply assessment, diagnosis, and treatment strategies in real clinical settings.
NURS 826 – Financing & Entrepreneurship (3 cr)
This course introduces financial and business principles in health care practice. Students study budgeting, financial evaluation, and practice management concepts. The course also examines nurse entrepreneurship and health care innovation.
Year Two – Summer (11 credits)
NURS 861 – Genomics & Psychogenomics (3 cr)
This course introduces genomic science and its role in psychiatric care. Students study gene function, heredity, and gene-drug interactions that influence treatment response.
NURS 994 – DNP QI Project I (3 cr)
This course begins the DNP scholarly project sequence. Students develop a quality improvement proposal and review research evidence related to their clinical topic. Faculty mentorship guides project planning and design.
NURS 862 – Telepsych (2 cr)
This course examines delivery of psychiatric care through telehealth technologies. Students learn strategies that support safe, effective, and ethical virtual mental health services.
Specialty Elective II (3 cr)
Students complete a second elective that expands clinical knowledge or leadership skills within psychiatric nursing practice.
Year Three – Fall (9 credits)
NURS 821 – Leadership in Healthcare (3 cr)
This course develops leadership skills for advanced nursing practice. Students study policy advocacy, systems thinking, and organizational change strategies. The course prepares graduates to lead improvements in health care delivery and patient outcomes.
NURS 995 – DNP QI Project II (3 cr)
This course continues development of the doctoral quality improvement project. Students implement project plans, collect data, and evaluate outcomes under faculty supervision.
Specialty Elective III (3 cr)
Students complete a final elective that supports their specialty concentration or leadership development.
Year Three – Spring (8 credits)
NURS 421 – Integrative Psychiatry Didactic (2 cr)
This course explores integrative approaches to psychiatric care. Students study complementary therapies and holistic treatment strategies that support mental health outcomes.
NURS 922 – Integrative Psychiatry Practicum (3 cr)
This practicum provides clinical experience applying integrative psychiatric care methods. Students work with patients while using holistic and evidence-based treatment strategies.
NURS 996 – DNP QI Project III (3 cr)
This final course completes the DNP scholarly project sequence. Students present project results and evaluate the impact of their work on clinical practice. The course also focuses on dissemination strategies and long-term sustainability planning.
Specialty Elective Options:
- Emerging Technological Innovations: Clinical Data Science, Telehealth for HC Leadership, AI Technology in Leadership, Biosensors & Bioanalytical Technology
- Health Equity and Social Justice: Health Policy & Inequities, Advancing Health Equity, DEI Nursing Leadership, Race & Health Equity, Structural & SDOH, Sociology of Health Illness & Medicine
See the official course catalog for more curriculum details.
DNP Clinicals
The program requires a minimum of 1,040 supervised clinical hours, broken down as follows:
- 750 direct patient care hours
- 290 indirect clinical hours
- Clinical settings include health departments, clinics, schools, acute-care facilities, and long-term care organizations
- Patient populations served: adolescents, adults, older adults, and families
- Emphasis on underserved and community-based populations
Students also complete a DNP Quality Improvement (QI) Project across three sequential courses (NURS 994, 995, 996) spanning Years Two and Three. Upon graduation, candidates must pass the ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Examination to practice.
DNP Admissions & Prerequisites
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution (or comparable foreign equivalent)
- Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale)
- Prerequisite statistics course (3 credits) completed prior to first research course
- Active, unrestricted RN license in North Carolina or a compact state
- Minimum 600 hours of full-time RN experience prior to beginning clinical courses
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities
- Two references (one academic, one professional)
- Current resume or CV
- Personal statement
Tuition
Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour: $298.61/credit (NC resident) and $1,149.56/credit (non-resident). The DNP program carries an additional flat fee of $1,000 per semester.
A registration fee of $8.00 per semester also applies, along with standard university fees (athletic, student activity, health services, transportation, etc.).
More tuition details are available here.
Accreditation
As of December 12, 2025, the NC A&T DNP program holds Candidate for Initial Accreditation status with the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN); this candidacy is valid through Spring 2028. The program has also been approved by the UNC System and SACSCOC. Upon ACEN Board approval, the effective accreditation date will be backdated to the original candidacy approval date.
More PMHNP Programs in North Carolina
- Duke University - Durham
- East Carolina University - Greenville
- UNC Greensboro - Greensboro
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Chapel Hill
- University of North Carolina Wilmington - Wilmington