Program Tracks Overview
| Program Name | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BSN-DNP PMHNP | $89,566 | 3–4 years (full-time) |
| MSN-DNP PMHNP | $51,748 | 2–3 years |
| Post-APRN to DNP | $35,898 | 2–3 years |
| Certificate PMHNP | $14,656 | 14 months (4 semesters) |
Faculty arrange all clinical placements as close to students’ homes as possible within Iowa, and the program achieves 100% ANCC certification pass rate and 100% job placement within three months of graduation.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the BSN to DNP PMHNP program is $89,566 for Iowa residents ($164,332 for non-residents) and takes 3-4 years to complete on a full-time basis depending on chosen plan.
BSN to DNP Curriculum
The 76-semester-hour DNP program offers both 3-year and 4-year completion tracks with identical curriculum delivered at different pacing. Students complete DNP core courses (29 hours), advanced practice core courses (20 hours), PMHNP specialty courses (27 hours including clinical practicums), and DNP project components throughout.
Three-Year Plan Coursework:
Year 1
NURS:5002 — Leadership and Management Essentials (3 s.h.)
Builds practical leadership and team management skills. Applies change, communication, and organizational tools to improve care delivery.
NURS:5007 — Applied Epidemiology (3 s.h.)
Explains measures of disease, study designs, and screening. Uses epidemiologic methods to inform nursing decisions and programs.
NURS:5009 — Evaluating Evidence for Practice (3 s.h.)
Teaches how to appraise research and clinical guidelines. Plans evidence use and outcome checks in routine practice.
NURS:5014 — Graduate Physiology for Advanced Practice (3 s.h.)
Reviews core human physiology across systems and lifespan. Links mechanisms to clinical signs and interventions.
NURS:5015 — Health Systems, Finance, and Economics (3 s.h.)
Outlines how payment, policy, and organization affect care. Applies basic finance to resource planning and value.
NURS:5017 — Quality and Safety (3 s.h.)
Covers safety science, error prevention, and improvement models. Designs measures that track process and patient outcomes.
NURS:5040 — Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice (2 s.h.)
Introduces genomic concepts for risk, diagnosis, and treatment. Addresses testing, counseling, and ethical issues in care.
NURS:6808 — Population Health for Advanced Practice (3 s.h.)
Focuses on population assessment, care coordination, and prevention. Uses data and informatics to reduce risk and improve outcomes.
NURS:6809 — Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction (3 s.h.)
Defines DNP role expectations in leadership, collaboration, and ethics. Reviews scope, regulation, and interprofessional practice.
NURS:6811 — Social Determinants of Health and Health System Inequities (3 s.h.)
Examines how social and structural factors shape health. Develops skills to measure inequities and evaluate interventions.
Year 2
NURS:5010 — Clinical Data Management and Evaluation (3 s.h.)
Builds data plans for QI and EBP projects. Covers variables, cleaning, analysis, and clear reporting to stakeholders.
NURS:5023 — Pathophysiology for Advanced Clinical Practice (4 s.h.)
Explores altered physiology and defense responses. Connects disease mechanisms to assessment and clinical decisions.
NURS:5031 — Health Promotion and Assessment for Advanced Clinical Practice (4 s.h.)
Develops advanced history, exam, and diagnostic reasoning. Integrates prevention and risk reduction for diverse populations.
NURS:5033 — Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing (3 s.h.)
Reviews major drug classes, mechanisms, and monitoring. Addresses safe prescribing and legal responsibilities.
NURS:5036 — Psychopharmacology for Advanced Clinical Practice (3 s.h.)
Links neurobiology to medication choices for mental disorders. Plans dosing, monitoring, and adverse effect management across the lifespan.
NURS:6826 — Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I (2 s.h.)
Identifies a practice problem and reviews evidence. Produces a proposal with clear aims, measures, and plans.
NURS:6827 — Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II (1 s.h.)
Finalizes approvals and launches the project. Begins data collection and progress tracking.
NURS:5041 — Psychotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing Across the Lifespan I (2 s.h.)
Introduces psychotherapy principles and therapeutic use of self. Practices core techniques supported by evidence.
Year 3
NURS:5042 — Psychotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing Across the Lifespan II (1 s.h.)
Builds skill in selected therapies. Plans next steps for supervised practice and recognition.
NURS:6500 — Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing for Advanced Practice Didactic I (3 s.h.)
Covers assessment and management of common adult mental health conditions. Addresses culture, stigma, and engagement.
NURS:6501 — Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing for Advanced Practice Didactic II (3 s.h.)
Extends care to children, older adults, families, and groups. Integrates comprehensive assessment with coordinated treatment.
NURS:6701 — Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum I (3 s.h.)
Applies advanced assessment and diagnostic reasoning in clinic. Delivers supervised patient care with focused objectives.
NURS:6702 — Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum II (4 s.h.)
Expands independence in clinical decision-making. Refines treatment planning and interprofessional coordination.
NURS:6703 — Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum III (3 s.h.)
Consolidates specialty competencies. Prepares for entry to practice and role transition.
NURS:6802 — Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy (3 s.h.)
Explains policy formation and legal frameworks in health care. Builds advocacy skills for local, state, and national issues.
NURS:6810 — Advanced Practice Role II: Integration (3 s.h.)
Integrates leadership, collaboration, and dissemination skills. Prepares for systems impact and professional advancement.
NURS:6828 — Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III (1 s.h.)
Implements the project and evaluates outcomes. Drafts materials for the final defense.
NURS:6829 — Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV (1 s.h.)
Completes analysis and defense. Delivers the final report and practice recommendations.
The four-year plan distributes the same 76 semester hours across four years with lighter course loads in the first two years.
More curriculum details are available here.
BSN to DNP Clinicals
Students complete minimum 1,000 practice experience hours total, with at least 540 clinical hours specifically in PMHNP practice exceeding ANCC requirements.
Clinical practicums occur across three sequential courses:
- Practicum I (180 hours fall)
- Practicum II (270 hours spring)
- Practicum III (180 hours summer) during the third year for 3-year plan or fourth year for 4-year plan
Faculty arrange all clinical placements within Iowa, typically within 100 miles of student’s home, though may require further travel in areas with limited psychiatric providers.
Clinical hours occur in fall (15 weeks), spring (15 weeks), and summer (10 weeks) terms. Students treat psychiatric/mental health patients across the lifespan in various settings. Preceptor/provider must be located in Iowa.
BSN to DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from accredited institution
- Proof of licensure required at time of application
- Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA required and maintained throughout program
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Work experience helpful but not absolutely necessary; new graduates can gain experience before classes begin and during first program year
- February 1 application deadline
- Class size limited to approximately 24 students, with up to 10 nurses accepted annually into four-year DNP program
- No GRE required
- Hybrid delivery with most courses online; some on-site requirements including weekly on-campus attendance for didactic NP courses
- International students not eligible for F-1 or J-1 status due to internet-based coursework level
- Iowa residency requirements established by State of Iowa Board of Regents determine resident vs. non-resident tuition
Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP) – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MSN to DNP PMHNP program is $51,748 for Iowa residents ($85,226 for non-residents) and takes approximately 2-3 years to complete.
MSN to DNP Curriculum
This pathway is designed for APRNs seeking to become certified as PMHNPs while achieving their DNP. Students complete minimum 72 semester hours, though some coursework from master’s degree may count toward DNP.
The curriculum includes didactic and clinical core courses plus specialty courses as determined by program director. Coursework determined through individual gap analysis based on previous graduate education.
Program includes PMHNP specialty courses, DNP project components, and clinical practicums not completed in prior MSN program. Students complete DNP core requirements alongside PMHNP-specific training.
More curriculum details are available here.
MSN to DNP Clinicals
Students complete minimum 1,000 practice experience hours total. Individuals entering with completed MSN may transfer approved clinical hours from MSN program to DNP program.
Clinical hours requirement evaluated individually for each student who completed MSN with specialty program.
Students who completed more than 1,000 practice hours in MSN advanced practice program still must complete number of DNP practicum and project hours determined in consultation with advisor and DNP program director. Faculty arrange clinical placements within Iowa with consideration of where students live.
MSN to DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- Master’s degree in nursing from accredited institution
- Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA required
- Current unencumbered RN license
- February 1 application deadline
- Transcripts evaluated individually
- Transfer credit limited and must be approved by DNP program director and College of Nursing associate dean for graduate practice programs
- Minimum 29 semester hours of graduate credit earned at University of Iowa after DNP program admission required for MSN/APRN holders
- Minimum 43 semester hours of transfer credit previously earned from UI or elsewhere
- No GRE required
Post-APRN to DNP
The estimated cost for the Post-APRN to DNP program is $35,898 for Iowa residents ($54,870 for non-residents) and takes 2-3 years to complete.
APRN to DNP Curriculum
The 29-semester-hour program is available in both 2-year and 3-year completion plans for already-certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses pursuing doctoral degree.
Two-Year Plan Coursework:
Year 1:
- Evaluating Evidence for Practice (3)
- Clinical Data Management and Evaluation (3)
- Quality and Safety (3)
- Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy (3)
- Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction (3)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I (2)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II (1)
Year 2:
- Applied Epidemiology (3)
- Advanced Practice Role II: Integration (3)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III (1)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV (1)
- One elective course (3) chosen from: Clinical Education in Care Environment, Role Development: Educator in Practice Discipline, Application of Educator Role Competencies, Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice, Seminar on Healthy Work Environments, Care Coordination Across Professional and Organizational Boundaries, Marketing and Communications for Health Care Leaders, Clinical Practice Management and Leadership for Advanced Practice Providers, or Population Health for Advanced Practice
The three-year plan distributes same 29 semester hours across three years with lighter annual course loads.
APRN to DNP Clinicals
Students transfer minimum 43 semester hours of credit previously earned from UI or elsewhere. Individuals entering with completed MSN may transfer approved clinical hours from MSN program. Clinical hours requirement evaluated individually. Students complete DNP practicum and project hours as determined in consultation with advisor and program director.
APRN to DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- MSN/APRN degree granted from accredited institution
- Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA required
- Current APRN certification
- February 1 application deadline
- Must complete minimum 29 semester hours of graduate credit earned at University of Iowa after DNP program admission
- Minimum 43 semester hours of transfer credit previously earned required
- Transcripts evaluated individually
- No GRE required
Post-Graduate Certificate – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate Certificate program is $14,656 for both Iowa residents and non-residents and takes 14 months (4 semesters) to complete.
Certificate Curriculum
The 22-semester-hour certificate is available for post-master’s Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) degree students pursuing second specialty. Curriculum includes didactic and clinical core courses plus specialty courses as determined by program director. Coursework and clinical hours determined by gap analysis.
Certificate Coursework:
Year 1:
- Psychopharmacology for Advanced Clinical Practice (3)
- Psychotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing Across the Lifespan I (2)
- Psychotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing Across the Lifespan II (1)
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing for Advanced Practice Didactic I (3)
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing for Advanced Practice Didactic II (3)
- Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum I (3)
- Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum II (4)
Year 2:
- Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum III (3)
The certificate follows 4-semester sequence beginning Summer I (Psychopharmacology), Fall I (Didactic I, Psychotherapeutics I, Practicum I), Spring I (Didactic II, Practicum II), and Summer II (Practicum III).
Certificate Clinicals
Certificate students complete clinical hours determined by gap analysis across three Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum courses. Students complete practicum experiences in Iowa under faculty-arranged placements. Clinical training provides competence in treating psychiatric/mental health patients across the lifespan.
Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions
- Post-master’s Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) degree from accredited institution
- Seeking to pursue second specialty
- Minimum 2.50 cumulative UI GPA required in coursework for certificate
- Current unencumbered APRN certification
- Gap analysis determines specific coursework and clinical hours needed
- No GRE required
- Visit College of Nursing website for admission requirements and application details
Tuition
Graduate DNP tuition is $1,191 per semester hour for residents and varies by credit load for non-residents.
Technology fees range from $145 (1-3 credits) to $217.50 (4-8 credits) to $290 (9+ credits) per semester.
Resident rates per semester:
- 1 hour: $1,336 total
- 3 hours: $3,718 total
- 9+ hours: $11,004 total
Non-resident rates per semester:
- 1 hour: $1,328.75 total
- 3 hours: $3,710.75 total
- 5 hours: $11,741.75 total
- 9+ hours: $21,032 total
Residency requirements established by State of Iowa Board of Regents. All tuition amounts based on 2024-25 rates approved by Board of Regents July 2024.
See the official tuition page for more details at nursing.uiowa.edu/academics/dnp/tuition-funding.
Financial Support:
The PMHNP-DNP program offers financial support to all students through Iowa Department of Public Health grant (Enhancing Access to Psychiatric-Mental Health Services in Iowa). Funding not based on need, evenly distributed to all PMHNP students, and does not require repayment.
Additional funding includes Nurse Faculty Loan Program (20% loan forgiveness for each of first four years as faculty member, student responsible for remaining 20%), graduate scholarships through UI Foundation, healthcare facility stipends or loan repayment for employment commitments, and military branch scholarships for post-graduation employment.
Accreditation
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program and Post-Graduate Certificate at University of Iowa are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing (IBON).
Iowa’s College of Nursing was one of the first institutions nationally to receive DNP approval from CCNE in 2009.
Graduates eligible to sit for American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certification Exam. Program achieves 100% ANCC certification pass rate and 100% job placement rate within three months of graduation.
Other Iowa PMHNP Programs
Compare All PMHNP Programs in Iowa
- Allen College - Waterloo
- Briar Cliff University - Sioux City