Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Cost | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| DNP – PMHNP (BSN to DNP) | $47,814 | ~4 years (full-time) |
| DNP – PMHNP (Post-Master’s to DNP) | $25,746–$33,102 | ~2–3 years |
| Post-Graduate Certificate – PMHNP | $11,520 | ~2 years (part-time) |
The programs enable students to produce and implement valuable evidence to guide practice while working collaboratively with rural communities to reduce health disparities in community mental health centers, outpatient clinics, acute care hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, and correctional/long-term care facilities.
Doctor of Nursing Practice – PMHNP (BSN to DNP)
The estimated cost for the BSN to DNP PMHNP program is approximately $47,814 for South Dakota residents and takes approximately 4 years to complete on a full-time basis.
Estimate based on 78 credits at $613 per credit hour including general activity fee, university support fee, nursing delivery fee, and program delivery fee.
BSN to DNP Curriculum
The BSN to DNP PMHNP requires 78 total credit hours distributed across four years of coursework.
Coursework includes:
HSC 631 – Biostatistics I
Introduces core statistical methods for health sciences, using statistical software to manage data, run tests (probability, estimation, hypothesis testing, regression, ANOVA), and clearly interpret and present results for evidence-based decisions.
NURS 615 – Foundations of Advanced Nursing
Surveys contemporary concepts, roles, and trends shaping advanced nursing beyond basic licensure, linking evolving science, technology, and professional priorities to practice across diverse settings.
NURS 623 – Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan – Application to Advanced Practice Nursing
Examines normal and altered physiology across major systems, connecting pathophysiologic changes to clinical signs, symptoms, and age-related considerations to inform assessment and differential diagnosis.
NURS 631 – Advanced Assessment Across the Lifespan
Builds comprehensive health assessment skills—history, physical, and psychosocial—across age groups, emphasizing tools and protocols to identify needs and guide health maintenance and early intervention.
NURS 631L – Advanced Assessment – Lifespan Clinical Laboratory
Provides hands-on practice to apply advanced assessment techniques, reinforcing accurate data collection and clinical reasoning in simulated or supervised settings.
NURS 670 – Health Policy, Legislation, Economics and Ethics
Analyzes how laws, economics, politics, and ethics shape health policy and advanced nursing roles, preparing learners to advocate for equitable, effective systems.
NURS 732 – Psychopharmacology and Neurobiology Across the Lifespan
Covers neurobiological foundations of psychiatric disorders and advanced medication management, including selection, dosing, monitoring, and prescriptive considerations across ages.
NURS 733 – Psychopathological Disorders Across the Lifespan
Explores etiology and epidemiology of key psychiatric conditions and introduces DSM-based assessment and diagnosis across developmental stages.
NURS 734 – Theories and Interventions for Individuals and Groups
Reviews evidence-based psychotherapies, highlighting brief CBT and motivational interviewing, and guides planning, delivery, and evaluation of interventions across the lifespan.
NURS 734L – Theories and Interventions for Individuals and Groups Practicum
Applies psychotherapy concepts in supervised practice, strengthening therapeutic communication, session structure, and outcome-focused care.
NURS 735 – Advanced Psychiatric Assessment and Differential Diagnosis Across the Lifespan
Develops advanced interviewing, psychosocial/physical assessment, and diagnostic reasoning, integrating evidence and cultural responsiveness to craft precise differentials and testing plans.
NURS 736 – Psychiatric/Mental Health Advanced Practice Across the Lifespan I
Initiates full-scope PMHNP clinical training, integrating ethics, safety, and collaboration to deliver evidence-based mental healthcare for all ages.
NURS 737 – Psychiatric/Mental Health Advanced Practice Across the Lifespan II
Expands autonomy and complexity in PMHNP practice with refined diagnostics, treatment planning, and outcome evaluation across varied care settings.
NURS 749 – PMHNP Integration Practice Initiation
Launches immersive, precepted practice translating evidence into real-world psychiatric care, building proficiency in assessment, intervention, and monitoring.
NURS 750 – Transformational Leadership in Nursing
Prepares nurse leaders to manage programs and teams through strategic planning, budgeting, development, and evaluation, while navigating common organizational challenges.
NURS 760 – Advanced Concepts in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Focuses on frameworks and strategies for prevention, screening, and risk reduction across populations, emphasizing upstream, lifespan-oriented health promotion.
NURS 772 – Healthcare Technology and Informatics
Examines data capture, analysis, and decision-making using health IT, addressing ethics, best practices, and information security to improve clinical and population outcomes.
NURS 783 – Healthcare System Management and Evaluation
Evaluates policy, regulatory, technological, and social forces affecting health systems, guiding the design of initiatives aligned with the quadruple aim.
NURS 789 – DNP Capstone I
Guides problem identification, evidence appraisal, and project design for the DNP project, including implementation strategies and funding considerations.
NURS 835 – Ethical Issues Influencing Practice and Research in Health
Uses interdisciplinary perspectives to analyze complex ethical issues in policy, research, and clinical care, developing defensible positions for individuals and populations.
NURS 849 – PMHNP Integration Synthesis
Synthesizes assessment, diagnosis, and management knowledge to form evidence-based diagnostic hypotheses and comprehensive plans across the lifespan.
NURS 849L – PMHNP Integration Synthesis Practicum
Applies synthesized PMHNP competencies in supervised clinical settings, emphasizing coordinated, outcome-focused psychiatric care.
NURS 850 – Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations for Evidence-Based Care
Connects nursing and interdisciplinary theories with scientific evidence to analyze significant practice issues and guide knowledge-based, patient-centered decisions.
NURS 855 – Translational Research in Health Care
Links research evidence to DNP project methods, addressing ethics, implementation, and impact to improve quality for target populations.
NURS 860 – Health Operations and Financial Management for Nurse Leaders
Builds business acumen—finance, economics, HR, strategy, marketing, informatics—to lead and optimize healthcare delivery in specialty contexts.
NURS 880 – DNP Project (COM)
Engages stakeholders to design, implement, evaluate, and defend a practice-improvement project that advances care quality for rural or underserved populations.
NURS 889 – DNP Capstone II
Continues structured support for implementing and disseminating the DNP project, emphasizing rigorous evaluation and clear communication of outcomes.
PHA 645 – Pharmacotherapeutics Across the Lifespan: Application to Advanced Practice
Prepares advanced clinicians to assess, diagnose, and manage common conditions with safe, cost-effective prescribing across the lifespan, integrating monitoring and patient education.
More curriculum details available here.
BSN to DNP Clinicals
The BSN to DNP PMHNP includes clinical practicum totaling 1000 hours to meet DNP requirements. Clinical experiences include simulation clinical hours (NURS 734L, 849L) and direct patient care clinical hours (NURS 631 lab, 736, 737, 749).
Students complete field-based practicum in local communities with preceptor supervision across diverse psychiatric practice settings. Program prepares graduates to employ evidence-based practice and advanced clinical judgment to comprehensively assess, design, and deliver mental health care for individuals across the lifespan.
BSN to DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
BSN to DNP PMHNP Requirements:
- Current, unencumbered licensure as Registered Nurse in United States or its territories prior to enrollment in first graduate nursing course
- 1,500 hours of documented nursing practice experience prior to first clinical course
- Completed and verified application to graduate nursing program via NursingCAS website
- Online written and verbal assessment completed through Kira Talent, reviewed and scored by graduate faculty
- Completed compliance requirements: clear background check, clear FBI rolled fingerprint, clear drug screen, Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification for family nurse practitioner specialization, professional liability insurance, influenza vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine, and TB test
For Applicants Who Completed Higher Education Within United States:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited program with minimum cumulative preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher on 4.0-point grading system
For Applicants Who Completed Higher Education Outside United States:
- Degree deemed equivalent (by World Education Service) to bachelor’s degree in nursing (within United States education system) with minimum cumulative preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher on 4.0-point grading system
English Language Requirements:
- GRE not required
- Test of English as a Foreign Language: Score of 81 Internet-based, OR International English Language Testing System: 6.5 total band, OR Duolingo: 110
Technical Standards: Those seeking admission must meet College of Nursing Technical Standards.
Application Restrictions by State: Due to state regulations, College of Nursing unable to accept applicants from several identified states. Students should review Continuing and Distance Education state authorization information before applying. If student relocates to restricted state while in program, they may not be able to complete program.
Requirements After Admission:
- Complete graduate nursing compliance requirements
- Submit nonrefundable deposit along with acceptance letter
- Purchase laptop computer meeting computer requirements (unless already have one)
Doctor of Nursing Practice – PMHNP (Post-Master’s to DNP)
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s to DNP PMHNP program is approximately $25,746-$33,102 for South Dakota residents and takes approximately 2-3 years to complete depending on prior coursework and clinical hours needed.
Estimate based on 42-54 credits at $613 per credit hour.
Post Masters to DNP Curriculum
The Post-Master’s to DNP PMHNP requires 42-54 total credit hours with practicum credits taken to reach 1000 clinical hours for DNP completion.
Students who have not previously completed Advanced Physical Assessment (Lifespan), Advanced Pathophysiology (Lifespan), Advanced Pharmacology/Pharmacotherapeutics (Lifespan) or equivalent coursework will be required to complete those courses as part of program with all previous coursework evaluated for equivalency and approved by Associate Dean for Graduate Nursing.
Required Courses (42-54 credits):
HSC 631 – Biostatistics I
Introduces core statistical methods for health sciences, emphasizing real-world analysis with statistical software. Students learn to manage datasets, run tests (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA, regression), interpret results, and present findings to inform evidence-based decisions.
NURS 732 – Psychopharmacology and Neurobiology Across the Lifespan
Covers advanced psychopharmacology grounded in neurobiology for treating psychiatric symptoms across ages. Focus includes medication selection, dosing, monitoring, and key prescriptive considerations.
NURS 733 – Psychopathological Disorders Across the Lifespan
Examines etiology and epidemiology of major mental disorders and builds skills in assessment and diagnosis using the DSM. Prepares learners to recognize common clinical patterns across the lifespan.
NURS 734 – Theories and Interventions for Individuals and Groups
Surveys evidence-based psychotherapeutic theories with practical applications in CBT and motivational interviewing. Learners plan, deliver, and evaluate interventions tailored to diverse populations.
NURS 734L – Theories and Interventions for Individuals and Groups Practicum
Applies psychotherapy frameworks in supervised settings to develop therapeutic relationships and intervention skills. Emphasis is on translating theory into measurable client outcomes.
NURS 735 – Advanced Psychiatric Assessment and Differential Diagnosis Across the Lifespan
Develops comprehensive interviewing, psychosocial/physical assessment, and diagnostic reasoning skills. Students integrate evidence and cultural responsiveness to formulate accurate differentials and testing plans.
NURS 736 – Psychiatric/Mental Health Advanced Practice Across the Lifespan I
Expands clinical competence in the full PMHNP scope with ethically grounded, collaborative, evidence-based care. Learners integrate prior content to manage psychiatric conditions for patients of all ages.
NURS 737 – Psychiatric/Mental Health Advanced Practice Across the Lifespan II
Advances autonomy and complexity in PMHNP practice, strengthening safe, team-based management across settings. Emphasis is on refining diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and outcome evaluation.
NURS 749 – PMHNP Integration Practice Initiation
Launches immersive clinical practice under preceptor guidance to apply evidence-based care in psychiatric settings. Students build proficiency in assessment, treatment, and monitoring of mental health conditions.
NURS 750 – Transformational Leadership in Nursing
Prepares nurses to lead programs, teams, and systems through strategic planning, budgeting, development, and evaluation. Case discussions address real-world leadership challenges and change management.
NURS 783 – Healthcare System Management and Evaluation
Analyzes how policy, regulation, technology, and social forces shape healthcare delivery. Students design initiatives aligned with the quadruple aim to improve organizational and population outcomes.
NURS 789 – DNP Capstone I
Guides development of the DNP project through problem identification, evidence appraisal, design, and implementation planning. Includes exploration of funding and feasibility considerations.
NURS 835 – Ethical Issues Influencing Practice and Research in Health
Engages interdisciplinary perspectives to evaluate ethical dilemmas in policy, research, and clinical practice. Learners craft defensible positions addressing individuals, groups, and population health.
NURS 849 – PMHNP Integration Synthesis
Seminar focused on synthesizing prior coursework and clinical learning to consolidate PMHNP competencies. Students prepare for advanced integration of assessment, therapy, and pharmacologic management.
NURS 849L – PMHNP Integration Synthesis Practicum
Supervised clinical experience applying synthesized, evidence-based PMHNP care. Emphasizes coordinated treatment planning, interprofessional collaboration, and measurable outcomes.
NURS 850 – Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations for Evidence-Based Care
Explores scientific, theoretical, and values-based underpinnings of advanced practice. Students analyze complex practice problems using nursing and interdisciplinary theories to guide evidence-based decisions.
NURS 855 – Translational Research in Health Care
Connects research evidence to DNP project methodology, with attention to ethics and impact. Learners design translation strategies to improve quality and outcomes for target populations.
NURS 860 – Health Operations and Financial Management for Nurse Leaders
Builds business acumen in finance, economics, HR, productivity, strategy, marketing, and informatics. Students apply operational tools to lead and optimize healthcare delivery in their specialty areas.
NURS 880 – DNP Project (COM)
Leads the full cycle of a DNP project—from stakeholder engagement and literature synthesis to implementation, evaluation, and defense. Projects target practice improvement for rural or underserved populations and systems.
NURS 889 – DNP Capstone II
Continues structured support for DNP project refinement, implementation, and dissemination. Emphasizes rigorous evaluation and clear communication of outcomes to academic and practice audiences.
The curriculum prepares graduates to integrate theoretical and scientific underpinnings of nursing and other disciplines to address emerging healthcare and practice issues while engaging in health policy at all levels to influence healthcare delivery concerns.
Post Masters to DNP Clinicals
The Post-Master’s to DNP requires 1000 total clinical hours with practicum credits variable based on MSN to DNP students being awarded up to 500 hours toward minimum requirement if nationally certified as nurse practitioner at program entry.
Clinical experiences occur in field-based practicum settings with preceptor supervision across diverse psychiatric mental health settings.
Post Masters to DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
Post-Master’s to DNP PMHNP Requirements:
All requirements same as BSN to DNP program plus:
For Applicants Who Completed Higher Education Within United States:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from ACEN or CCNE accredited program with minimum cumulative preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher on 4.0-point grading system
- Master’s degree in nursing (from ACEN or CCNE accredited program) with minimum cumulative preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher on 4.0-point grading system
For Applicants Who Completed Higher Education Outside United States:
- Degree deemed equivalent (by World Education Service) to bachelor’s degree in nursing (within United States education system) with minimum cumulative preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher on 4.0-point grading system
- Degree deemed equivalent (by World Education Service) to master’s degree in nursing (within United States education system) with minimum cumulative preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher on 4.0-point grading system
Students who have not previously completed Advanced Physical Assessment (Lifespan), Advanced Pathophysiology (Lifespan), Advanced Pharmacology/Pharmacotherapeutics (Lifespan) or equivalent coursework will be required to complete those courses as part of program. Current, unencumbered licensure as Registered Nurse in United States or its territories required prior to enrollment in first graduate nursing course.
1500 hours of documented nursing practice experience required prior to taking Advanced Physical Assessment (Lifespan).
Post-Graduate Certificate – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate Certificate PMHNP program is approximately $11,520 for South Dakota residents and takes approximately 2 years to complete on a part-time basis.
Estimate based on 18 credits at $640 per credit hour.
Certificate Curriculum
The Post-Graduate Certificate requires 18 total credits with completion of Advanced Physical Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Pathophysiology all with lifespan component required prior to start of first course.
Students who have completed graduate nursing courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and advanced health assessment may be able to apply those courses towards certificate requirements with gap analysis review completed on courses to determine if they meet program requirements.
Year 1 Coursework (9 credits):
- Fall: NURS 733 Psychopathological Disorders Across the Lifespan (2), NURS 735 Advanced Psychiatric Assessment and Differential Diagnosis (2)
- Spring: NURS 732 Psychopharmacology and Neurobiology Across the Lifespan (2), NURS 734/Lab Theories and Interventions for Individuals and Groups (2+1)
Year 2 Coursework (10 credits – clinical credits):
- Fall: NURS 736 Psychiatric/Mental Health Advanced Practice Across the Lifespan I (5)
- Spring: NURS 737 Psychiatric/Mental Health Advanced Practice Across the Lifespan II (5)
The curriculum prepares graduates to assess, diagnose, and treat patients appropriately throughout lifespan who present to psychiatric mental health settings for acute and chronic health conditions while demonstrating understanding of professional and legal aspects of PMHNP role.
Certificate Clinicals
The Post-Graduate Certificate requires 540 clinical hours delivered through field-based practicum in Years 2 coursework (NURS 736 and 737). Clinical experiences occur in local communities with preceptor supervision.
Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions
Post-Graduate Certificate PMHNP Requirements:
- Current licensure as registered nurse (and if applicable, advanced practice registered nurse and licensure) in United States or its territories prior to enrollment in first graduate nursing course
- Master’s degree in nursing required for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner postgraduate certificate
- 1,500 hours of documented nursing practice experience prior to first clinical course
- Completed graduate level courses in Advanced Physical Assessment (Lifespan), Advanced Pathophysiology (Lifespan), Advanced Pharmacology/Pharmacotherapeutics (Lifespan) with course grade of 3.0 (gap analysis review completed on courses to determine if courses meet program requirements; applicants should send course syllabi for each course along with unofficial transcript to graduate nursing to initiate review)
- Completed and verified application to graduate nursing program via NursingCAS website
- Online written and verbal assessment completed through Kira Talent, reviewed and scored by graduate faculty
- Completed compliance requirements: clear background check, clear FBI rolled fingerprint, clear drug screen, Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, professional liability insurance, influenza vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine, and TB test
English Language Requirements:
- GRE not required
- Test of English as a Foreign Language: Score of 81 Internet-based, OR International English Language Testing System: 6.5 total band, OR Duolingo: 110
Tuition
Graduate tuition for South Dakota residents is $350 per credit hour plus additional fees.
Post-graduate nursing/allied health programs cost $640 per credit hour for South Dakota residents.
DNP program costs $613 per credit hour for South Dakota residents and $927 per credit hour for non-residents.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and postgraduate advanced practice registered nurse certificate program are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
South Dakota State University College of Nursing Healthcare Simulation Center has full accreditation by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare in teaching/education with status granted from October 25, 2022, through December 31, 2027.
Other Nursing Programs
South Dakota State University College of Nursing offers comprehensive nursing education:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Master of Science Programs:
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Nurse Administrator
- Nurse Educator
Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master’s to DNP)
Post-Graduate Certificates:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Doctoral Programs:
- Ph.D. in Nursing
SDSU College of Nursing graduates have gone to work at employers including Avera Health, Monument Health, Sanford Health, VA Health Care Systems, Mayo Clinic, and academic institutions across community mental health centers, outpatient clinics, acute care inpatient hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, and correctional/long-term care facilities.