Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Tuition (In-State) | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BS-DNP – Family PMHNP | ~$75,360 | 3 years (full-time) |
| Post-Graduate DNP Pathway – Family PMHNP | ~$62,820 | ~3 years (full-time) |
| Advanced Standing DNP – Family PMHNP | ~$50,240 | 2 years (full-time) |
BS-DNP – Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the BS-DNP PMHNP program is approximately $75,360 in-state and can be completed in 3 years on a full-time basis.
Estimate based on 6 semesters at the NY resident DNP full-time rate of $12,560/semester; out-of-state students can expect approximately $97,440 total (6 × $16,240/semester).
DNP Curriculum
The BS-DNP PMHNP track requires 78 credits across 3 years and blends hybrid, online asynchronous, and online synchronous delivery. Campus visits are estimated at 1–2 days per week in Year 1, dropping to 0–1 days in Years 2–3.
Coursework includes:
NURS 502 – Concepts in Health Assessment for Advanced Clinical Practice (3 credits)
This course teaches comprehensive health assessment skills for advanced practice nurses. Students learn to collect health histories, perform physical exams, and distinguish normal from abnormal findings. The course also builds documentation and clinical assessment skills through hands-on practice.
NURS 518 – Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
This course examines disease processes using a systems-based approach. Students connect physiologic changes to clinical signs, lab results, and diagnosis. The course also considers social and cultural factors that influence health outcomes.
NURS 600 – Advanced Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis (3 credits)
This course introduces research design and statistical analysis in nursing. Students learn to evaluate studies and apply findings to practice. The course builds skills in interpreting data and supporting evidence-based care.
NURS 532 – Nursing and Community Health Care Delivery Systems (3 credits)
This course explores health care systems and their role in community health. Students study system structure, policy, and financing. The course also examines how social and environmental factors impact care delivery.
NURS 519 – Advanced Pharmacology for Clinical Practice (3 credits)
This course focuses on medication management in clinical settings. Students learn pharmacologic principles, drug therapy, and decision-making for patient care. The course also covers legal, ethical, and cultural considerations in prescribing.
NURS 540 – Epidemiology and Biostatistics (4 credits)
This course introduces epidemiologic methods for studying disease patterns. Students learn to analyze population data and identify risk factors. The course includes study design, data interpretation, and application to public health.
NURS 601 – Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing (3 credits)
This course examines nursing theories and their role in practice and research. Students explore different ways of understanding knowledge in nursing. The course supports the use of theory to guide clinical decision-making.
NURS 579 – Advanced Diagnostics and Clinical Reasoning (3 credits)
This course develops skills in diagnostic testing and clinical decision-making. Students learn to interpret lab and imaging results and avoid diagnostic errors. The course strengthens reasoning used in patient care planning.
NURS 651 – DNP Scholarly Project I (3 credits)
This course begins the DNP project process. Students identify a clinical problem and develop a project plan. The course includes early project writing and planning steps.
NURS 610 – Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
This course teaches how to apply research evidence in clinical practice. Students learn to ask clinical questions, search literature, and evaluate findings. The course builds skills for integrating evidence into care decisions.
NURS 548 – DNP Organizational Behavior (4 credits)
This course explores leadership and behavior within health care organizations. Students study teamwork, motivation, and system change. The course prepares students to lead and improve organizational performance.
NURS 650 – DNP Practicum Experience (3 credits)
This course provides supervised clinical practice in advanced nursing roles. Students apply evidence-based care and develop clinical competencies. The course includes hands-on experience in real practice settings.
NURS 652 – DNP Scholarly Project II (3 credits)
This course focuses on implementing the DNP project. Students collect data, analyze results, and continue project development. The course also addresses barriers and progress in project execution.
NURS 615 – Information Systems and Technology in Healthcare (3 credits)
This course examines the use of technology in health care delivery. Students learn to use data systems for decision-making and quality improvement. The course also covers risks, ethics, and system evaluation.
NURS 634 – Health Policy Formulation (3 credits)
This course analyzes major health policy issues in the United States. Students study policy development, political processes, and system influences. The course prepares students to engage in policy and advocacy.
NURS 653 – DNP Scholarly Project III (3 credits)
This course completes the DNP project. Students evaluate outcomes, present findings, and prepare scholarly work for publication. The course emphasizes dissemination and future application of results.
See the official curriculum page for more details.
DNP Clinicals
Students complete 1,200–1,380 total clinical and project hours across practicum and DNP scholarly project courses. Clinical exposure spans acute psychiatric illness, chronic mental health management, individual therapies, and group and family therapy.
- Acute psychiatric illness assessment and management
- Chronic psychiatric condition management
- Individual, group, and family therapy modalities
- DNP Scholarly Project hours integrated across three project courses
- Additional practicum hours assigned based on individual gap analysis
The Decker Office of Clinical Placement manages all placements; students are not placed at their own worksite or with supervisory conflicts.
DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- Degree: BSN from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited program
- GPA: 3.0 or higher (graduate coursework)
- Licensure: Current, unencumbered RN license in New York State; NP/CNS license required prior to matriculation
- Statistics: Descriptive statistics course with grade of C or better within the past 5 years
- Personal statement: 500 words identifying clinical interest, DNP project focus area, and career goals
- References: 3 letters from supervisors or faculty (no coworkers or personal references)
- Résumé/CV: Required
- RN experience: 1 year full-time recommended but not required
- International students: Not eligible
Post-Graduate DNP Pathway – Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate DNP Pathway is approximately $62,820 in-state and can be completed in approximately 3 years on a full-time basis.
Estimate based on 60 credits for the PMHNP specialization at the NY resident per-credit DNP rate of $1,047/credit; out-of-state students can expect approximately $81,180 total (60 × $1,353/credit).
This pathway is designed for master’s-prepared RNs seeking a new advanced practice specialization. Faculty develop a personalized plan based on previously earned credits, so total credit requirements vary from 59–69 credits.
DNP Curriculum
The Post-Graduate PMHNP pathway builds on existing master’s-level competencies, focusing on PMHNP specialty courses and DNP core requirements.
- NURS 540 – Elements of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (OS, 4 cr)
- NURS 579 – Advanced Diagnostics and Clinical Reasoning (OS, 3 cr)
- NURS 610 – Evidence-Based Practice (OA, 3 cr)
- NURS 562 – Psychopharmacology (OH, 2 cr)
- NURS 565 – Psychiatric Mental Health NP Role I: Assessment and Diagnosis (TR + 3 OS IPE dates, 120 hrs, 4 cr)
- NURS 634 – Health Policy Formulation (OH, 3 cr)
- NURS 563 – Psychiatric Mental Health Specialization I: Acute Illnesses (OH, 120 hrs, 4 cr)
- NURS 566 – Psychiatric Mental Health NP Role II: Individual Therapies (OH, 120 hrs, 4 cr)
- NURS 601 – Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing (OA, 3 cr)
- NURS 564 – Psychiatric Mental Health Specialization II: Chronic Illnesses (OH, 120 hrs, 4 cr)
- NURS 567 – Psychiatric Mental Health NP Role III: Group and Family Therapy (OH, 120 hrs, 4 cr)
- NURS 651 – DNP Scholarly Project I (OS, 120 hrs, 3 cr)
- NURS 548 – DNP Organizational Behavior (OA, 4 cr)
- NURS 650 – DNP Practicum Experience (OS, 180 hrs, 3 cr)
- NURS 652 – DNP Scholarly Project II (OS, 120 hrs, 3 cr)
- NURS 615 – Information Systems and Technology in Healthcare (OA, 3 cr)
- NURS 653 – DNP Scholarly Project III (OS, 120 hrs, 3 cr)
- NURS 655 – DNP Practicum Experience II (if additional clinical hours needed) (OS, 180 hrs, 3 cr)
- Elective – NURS 581L Healthcare Finance recommended (3 cr)
See the official curriculum page for more details.
DNP Clinicals
Students complete 1,140–1,320 total clinical and project hours, with the specific practicum requirement determined by a gap analysis performed before enrollment.
- Acute and chronic psychiatric illness in clinical settings
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- DNP Scholarly Project hours across three project courses
- Additional practicum assigned based on individual hour gaps
DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- Entry requirement: Master’s degree in nursing (any specialty) — applicants applying to add a new specialization
- GPA: 3.0 or higher (graduate coursework)
- Licensure: Current, unencumbered RN license; NP or CNS license required prior to matriculation
- Statistics: Descriptive statistics course with grade of C or better within the past 5 years
- Personal statement: 500 words (clinical interest, DNP project focus, career goals)
- References: 3 professional letters from supervisors or faculty
- Résumé/CV: Required
- Note: Applicants apply to the BS-DNP program; faculty develop a personalized plan upon acceptance
- International students: Not eligible
Advanced Standing DNP – Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the Advanced Standing DNP PMHNP program is approximately $50,240 in-state and can be completed in 2 years on a full-time basis.
Estimate based on 4 semesters at the NY resident DNP full-time rate of $12,560/semester; out-of-state students can expect approximately $64,960 total (4 × $16,240/semester).
This track is designed exclusively for master’s-prepared NPs or CNSs who wish to earn the DNP in their current PMHNP specialization.
DNP Curriculum
The Advanced Standing DNP requires 35–38 credits and is structured across 2 years. Campus visits are minimal, with most coursework delivered online.
- NURS 601 – Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing (3 cr)
- NURS 610 – Evidence-Based Practice (3 cr)
- NURS 540 – Elements of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (1–4 cr)
- NURS 654 – Scholarly Writing (elective, 3 cr)
- NURS 579 – Advanced Diagnostics and Clinical Reasoning (3 cr)
- NURS 634 – Health Policy Formulation (3 cr)
- NURS 651 – DNP Scholarly Project I (120 project hrs, 3 cr)
- NURS 548 – DNP Organizational Behavior (4 cr)
- NURS 652 – DNP Scholarly Project II (120 project hrs, 3 cr)
- NURS 581L – Healthcare Finance (elective, 3 cr)
- NURS 650 or NURS 655 – DNP Practicum Experience (180 hrs, 3 cr)
- NURS 615 – Information Systems and Technology in Healthcare (3 cr)
- NURS 653 – DNP Scholarly Project III (120 project hrs, 3 cr)
See the official curriculum page for more details.
DNP Clinicals
A total of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours are required; a gap analysis is conducted before enrollment to determine how many remaining hours are needed, with the balance fulfilled through the DNP practicum and scholarly project.
- Gap analysis performed by program coordinator prior to enrollment
- DNP Practicum Experience courses fulfill remaining direct patient care hours
- DNP Scholarly Project hours (120 hrs per project course) count toward total requirement
DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- Degree: MSN from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited program
- GPA: 3.0 or higher (graduate coursework)
- Licensure: Current, unencumbered RN license and NP or CNS license in the U.S.
- Certification: Current ANCC or AANPCB national certification as NP or CNS
- Clinical hours: Minimum 500 master’s-level clinical hours documented from original APRN program
- Statistics: Descriptive statistics course with grade of C or better within the past 5 years
- Personal statement: 500 words (clinical interest, DNP project focus area, career goals)
- References: 3 professional letters from supervisors or faculty
- Résumé/CV: Required
- International students: Not eligible
- Admission terms: Fall or spring entry available
Tuition
Binghamton University charges a flat DNP-specific tuition rate distinct from standard graduate rates. For 2025–2026:
- NY Resident (full-time): $12,560/semester
- Out-of-State (full-time): $16,240/semester
- NY Resident (per credit, part-time): $1,047/credit
- Out-of-State (per credit, part-time): $1,353/credit
- Non-Resident Online DNP: $1,281/credit or $15,370/semester (12+ credits)
Additional fees apply for simulation lab use ($330/semester), malpractice insurance ($12/semester), and a one-time clinical management tracking system fee.
More tuition details are available here.
Accreditation
Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences requires applicants to hold degrees from ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited programs, reflecting the program’s alignment with national nursing education standards. Graduates are eligible to sit for the ANCC or AANPCP national certification exam as Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners and may apply for New York State licensure as a family nurse practitioner.
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