D’Youville University PMHNP Programs

School of Nursing Buffalo, NY

D’Youville University offers 3 Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Tracks:

  • Master of Science (MS) – PMHNP
  • Post-Master’s Certificate – PMHNP
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – PMHNP

All programs are delivered fully online through D'Youville's Patricia H. Garman School of Nursing, with no required campus visits — clinical preceptorships are arranged locally.
ProgramEst. TuitionEst. Duration
MS PMHNP~$56,730 (incl. fees)2.5–3.5 years
Post-Master’s Certificate~$45,455 (incl. fees)2.5–3 years
DNP PMHNP~$32,250 + fees2 years

Program Tracks Overview

The programs accept both U.S. and Canadian students; Canadian students may complete in-person clinical hours in Canada.

Key highlights of the MS PMHNP program:

  • 100% online coursework (clinicals completed locally)
  • Fall and spring start dates available
  • Full- and part-time enrollment options

Master of Science – PMHNP

The estimated cost for the MS PMHNP program is approximately $56,730 (including fees) and would take 2.5–3.5 years to complete depending on enrollment pace.

Estimate based on 45 credits at $1,255 per credit hour, plus approximately $510 in fees per semester over an estimated five to seven semesters.

MSN Curriculum

The MS is a 45-credit program combining online coursework with 780 hours of clinical practica. The curriculum is organized into four components: clinical, supportive, research, and project.

Clinical Component (24 credits)

NUR-631 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 cr.)
This course develops advanced health assessment skills for patients across the lifespan. Students perform comprehensive histories and physical exams. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning and diagnostic accuracy.

NUR-631L – Advanced Health Assessment Lab (1 cr.)
This lab course provides hands-on practice in advanced assessment techniques. Students refine physical exam skills and diagnostic procedures. Focus is placed on skill development and clinical application.

NUR-700 – Psychiatric Mental Health Vulnerable Populations (1 cr.)
This course examines mental health needs of vulnerable and underserved populations. Students analyze social, cultural, and economic factors that affect mental health outcomes. Emphasis is placed on equity and access to care.

NUR-707 – Foundations of PMH for APRNs I (3 cr.)
This course introduces core concepts in psychiatric mental health for advanced practice nurses. Students study common mental health disorders, assessment methods, and treatment approaches. Focus is placed on diagnostic frameworks and therapeutic communication.

NUR-708 – Foundations of PMH for APRNs II (3 cr.)
This course builds on foundational psychiatric concepts with more complex conditions and treatment strategies. Students develop advanced diagnostic and management skills. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based care.

NUR-710 – Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Practicum Vulnerable Populations (6 cr.)
This practicum provides clinical experience working with vulnerable mental health populations. Students apply assessment and treatment skills in supervised settings. Focus is placed on culturally responsive care.

NUR-715 – Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Practicum I (3 cr.)
This practicum introduces direct patient care in psychiatric settings. Students conduct assessments and develop treatment plans under supervision. Emphasis is placed on clinical skill development.

NUR-716 – Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Practicum II (4 cr.)
This advanced practicum expands clinical responsibility and patient management. Students provide comprehensive psychiatric care across populations. Focus is placed on clinical independence and decision-making.

Supportive Component (11 credits)

NUR-611 – APN Role Transition Policy Seminar (2 cr.)
This course prepares students for transition into advanced practice roles. Students examine healthcare policy, leadership, and professional issues. Emphasis is placed on role development and advocacy.

NUR-632 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 cr.)
This course covers pharmacologic principles for advanced practice nurses. Students study drug classifications, mechanisms, and prescribing practices. Focus is placed on safe medication management.

NUR-633 – Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology (3 cr.)
This course examines physiologic processes and disease mechanisms across the lifespan. Students analyze how conditions affect body systems. Emphasis is placed on clinical application.

NUR-672 – Advanced Psychopharmacology (3 cr.)
This course focuses on medications used in psychiatric treatment. Students study drug selection, dosing, and monitoring. Emphasis is placed on safe and effective mental health care.

Research Component (6 credits)

NUR-600 – Theory Development in Nursing Research (3 cr.)
This course explores theoretical frameworks that guide nursing research. Students analyze and apply theory to clinical questions. Emphasis is placed on knowledge development.

NUR-601 – Research Methods in Nursing (3 cr.)
This course introduces research design and methodology in nursing. Students evaluate quantitative and qualitative studies. Focus is placed on evidence appraisal and application.

Project Component (4 credits)

NUR-622 – Scholarly: Generating and Assessing Research (4 cr.)
This course guides students in developing and evaluating a scholarly project. Students integrate research into practice-focused outcomes. Emphasis is placed on analysis, synthesis, and dissemination.

 See the official curriculum page for more details.

MSN Clinicals

The MS requires 780 total supervised clinical hours, of which a minimum of 100 hours must be completed with a nurse practitioner preceptor. Clinical preceptorships are scheduled locally during daytime and/or evening hours.

  • 780 total supervised clinical hours
  • Minimum 100 hours with an NP preceptor
  • Canadian students may complete clinical hours in Canada
  • Preceptorships scheduled as available — daytime and/or evening

MSN Admissions

  • BSN from a CCNE- or NLNAC (ACEN)-accredited program (U.S.) or CNO-approved program (Ontario)
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (unconditional); 2.75–2.99 eligible for provisional admission
  • One year of practice as a registered nurse (recommended)
  • Active, unencumbered RN license in the state/province where clinicals will occur
  • Descriptive statistics course (3 credits, grade C or better)
  • Current CPR certification with psychomotor component
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • CV/resume documenting at least one year of RN practice
  • No application fee; no GRE required
  • Letters of recommendation and personal statement optional (to strengthen application)
  • Rolling admissions; larger cohorts typically start in Fall
  • Up to 9 graduate transfer credits accepted (grade B or better)

Post-Master’s Certificate – PMHNP

The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate PMHNP program is approximately $45,455 (including fees) and would take 2.5–3 years to complete depending on gap analysis and enrollment pace.

Estimate based on 35 credits at $1,255 per credit hour, plus approximately $510 in fees per semester over an estimated five to six semesters.

Certificate Curriculum

The Post-Master’s Certificate is a 35-credit program for nurses who already hold an MSN. An individual gap analysis determines which courses may be waived based on prior graduate work. 

Clinical Component (24 credits):

  • NUR-631 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 cr.)
  • NUR-631L – Advanced Health Assessment Lab (1 cr.)
  • NUR-700 – Psychiatric Mental Health Vulnerable Populations (1 cr.)
  • NUR-707 – Foundations of PMH for APRNs I (3 cr.)
  • NUR-708 – Foundations of PMH for APRNs II (3 cr.)
  • NUR-710 – Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Practicum – Vulnerable Populations (6 cr.)
  • NUR-715 – Psy Mental Health Clinical Practicum I (3 cr.)
  • NUR-716 – Psy Mental Health Clinical Practicum II (4 cr.)

Supportive Component (11 credits):

  • NUR-611 – APN Role Transition Policy Seminar (2 cr.)
  • NUR-632 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 cr.)
  • NUR-633 – Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology (3 cr.)
  • NUR-672 – Advanced Psychopharmacology (3 cr.)

Certificate Clinicals

The certificate carries the same 780-hour clinical requirement as the MS, with at least 100 hours completed with an NP preceptor. Clinical preceptorships are arranged locally and scheduled during daytime and/or evening hours.

  • 780 total supervised clinical hours
  • Minimum 100 hours with an NP preceptor
  • Canadian students may complete clinical hours in Canada
  • Gap analysis may reduce required coursework for NPs from prior specialties

Certificate Admissions

  • MSN from a CCNE- or NLNAC (ACEN)-accredited program (or CNO-approved in Ontario)
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (unconditional); 2.75–2.99 eligible for provisional admission
  • Minimum one year of RN experience in psych-mental health or a related field
  • Active, unencumbered RN license in the state/province where clinicals will occur; current APN/NP licensure also required
  • Descriptive statistics course (grade C or better)
  • Current CPR certification with psychomotor component
  • All official graduate transcripts (plus undergraduate transcripts if assessment, pathophysiology, or pharmacology were taken at that level)
  • No application fee; no GRE required
  • Letters of recommendation and philosophy of nursing statement optional (to strengthen application)
  • Full-time working students not eligible for 2-year completion plan
  • Up to 9 graduate transfer credits accepted (grade B or better)
  • Note: PMHNP is not a recognized credential for Extended Class Advanced Practice Certification as an NP in Ontario

Doctor of Nursing Practice – PMHNP

The estimated cost for the DNP PMHNP program is approximately $32,250 in tuition (plus fees) and would take approximately 2 years to complete.

Estimate based on 30 credits at the online doctoral rate of $1,075 per credit hour; fees are additional and vary by enrollment status.

DNP Curriculum

The DNP is a 30-credit post-master’s program that builds on prior APRN preparation. Most courses are offered in an 8-week online format; DNP project and clinical hours courses run in a full 15-week semester format. An individual gap analysis determines whether additional coursework or clinical hours are needed to satisfy DNP requirements. 

  • NUR-613 – Nursing Leadership and Communication (3 cr.)
  • NUR-727 – Teaching Design and Evaluation (3 cr.)
  • NUR-728 – Evidence Based Practice and Information Technology (3 cr.)
  • NUR-729 – Epidemiology and Population Based Care (3 cr.)
  • NUR-730 – Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare (3 cr.)
  • NUR-731 – Global Health and Social Justice (3 cr.)
  • NUR-750 – DNP/PMHNP Practicum Immersion (3 cr.)
  • NUR-751 – Practice Doctorate Project With Clinical Practicum I (3 cr.)
  • NUR-752 – Practice Doctorate Project II with Clinical Practicum (3 cr.)
  • NUR-612 – Entrepreneurship for Nursing Leaders (1 cr.)
  • NUR-614 – Financial Management for Nurse Leaders (2 cr.)

DNP Clinicals

The DNP requires a cumulative total of 1,000 practice hours. Students who completed 780 clinical hours in their prior master’s program will fulfill the remainder through DNP practicum coursework; those with fewer master’s-level hours will need additional practica to reach the 1,000-hour threshold.

  • 1,000 total cumulative practice hours required (master’s hours count toward this total)
  • If prior master’s program included fewer than 780 clinical hours, additional practica are assigned
  • DNP project and clinical practicums run in 15-week full-semester format
  • Canadian students may complete in-person clinical hours in Canada

See the official curriculum page for more details.

DNP Admissions

  • MSN with specialty preparation as a PMHNP from a CCNE- or NLNAC-accredited program (or current enrollment in D’Youville’s MS-FNP program with a cumulative GPA of 3.25+)
  • Minimum graduate GPA of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • At least two years of relevant professional experience
  • Active, unencumbered RN license and advanced practice certification in the state/province where clinicals will occur
  • Documentation of clinical hours completed in prior master’s program
  • Current CPR certification with psychomotor component
  • Current national certification (or exam-eligibility) as an APRN in a specialty area
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended (undergraduate and graduate)
  • Three letters of reference (at least one from a college-level professor; at least one from an employer or colleague with an advanced/terminal degree)
  • Written personal statement outlining career goals
  • Current CV/resume with evidence of active membership in at least one professional organization
  • Favorable review by a panel of D’Youville nursing faculty
  • GRE optional (if applicant believes application does not adequately reflect doctoral potential)
  • Undergraduate statistics course required as a prerequisite
  • Up to 9 graduate transfer credits accepted (grade B or better)

Tuition

Online NP master’s programs (MS and Post-Master’s Certificate) are billed at $1,255 per credit hour (25–26 rate; rising to $1,300 in 26–27).

The online DNP is billed at $1,075 per credit hour (25–26 rate; rising to $1,110 in 26–27).

Semester fees for online students total approximately $355–$510 depending on enrollment load (general fee + student government fee + technology fee + wellness fee). 

More tuition details are available here.

Accreditation

D’Youville University’s Patricia H. Garman School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates of the MS and Post-Master’s Certificate programs are prepared to sit for national PMHNP board certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Note that the PMHNP credential is not recognized for Extended Class Advanced Practice Certification as a nurse practitioner in Ontario.

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