Program Tracks Overview
BNSN DNP – PMHNP Concentration
The estimated cost for the BSN-DNP PMHNP program is approximately $33,168 in-state and can be completed in 4 years on a full-time basis across 8 semesters. Non-resident costs are substantially higher at approximately $101,372 total.
Estimate based on 8 semesters at the 9+ credit distance education differential tuition rate of $4,146/semester.
DNP Curriculum
The BSN-DNP PMHNP concentration requires 73 credit hours across 24 courses, with 9 hours dedicated to a DNP project.
The curriculum integrates nursing science with biophysical, psychosocial, analytical, and organizational sciences.
Coursework includes:
NSG 601 – Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nurses
This course examines advanced pathophysiology across major body systems. Students analyze disease processes, system responses, and physiologic changes across the lifespan. Emphasis focuses on clinical application for advanced nursing practice.
NSG 602 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
This course develops advanced assessment skills for individuals and families. Students perform comprehensive health histories and physical exams while refining diagnostic reasoning skills. The course emphasizes clinical judgment and differentiation between normal and abnormal findings.
NSG 603 – Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics
This course prepares advanced practice nurses to manage pharmacologic treatment safely and effectively. Students study drug mechanisms, prescribing principles, and medication management for acute and chronic conditions. Focus includes care for diverse and underserved populations.
NSG 630 – Neuroscience and Psychopharmacology
This course explores neuroscience principles and psychiatric medication management. Students examine central nervous system disorders and related pharmacologic treatments. Emphasis includes safe prescribing across the lifespan.
NSG 631 – Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
This course introduces the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner role. Students perform advanced psychiatric assessments and develop differential diagnoses. The course strengthens diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision-making skills.
NSG 632 – Psychiatric Mental Health Disorders, Disease Management, and Psychotherapeutic Treatment
This course reviews diagnosis and management of psychiatric disorders in adults and older adults. Students evaluate psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic treatment models. Consultation and prevention strategies are also examined.
NSG 633 – Group and Family Therapy
This course examines mental health within family and group systems. Students explore biopsychosocial and cultural influences on development and illness. The course reviews therapeutic modalities and reflective practice approaches.
NSG 634 – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Care
This course prepares students to assess and treat psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. Students apply psychotherapy and medication management strategies within the family context. Emphasis includes prevention and mental health promotion.
NSG 635 – Management of Complex Psychiatric Mental Health Issues Across the Lifespan
This course focuses on advanced management of complex psychiatric conditions. Students integrate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment strategies across age groups. Emphasis includes high-risk and treatment-resistant cases.
NSGL 646 – PMHNP Clinical Practicum I
Students begin supervised clinical practice in psychiatric settings. The course emphasizes assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and medication management. Students apply theory to real patient care in inpatient and outpatient settings.
NSGL 647 – PMHNP Clinical Practicum II
Students expand clinical skills developed in Practicum I. The course strengthens diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and interprofessional collaboration. Clinical complexity increases.
NSGL 648 – PMHNP Clinical Practicum III
Students refine advanced psychiatric management skills. The course emphasizes independent clinical judgment and comprehensive care across settings. Focus includes diverse populations.
NSGL 649 – PMHNP Clinical Practicum IV
Students complete advanced clinical training. The course emphasizes full-scope PMHNP practice, outcome evaluation, and professional role development.
NSG 680 – Population Health Promotion and Clinical Epidemiology
This course examines health promotion, disease prevention, and epidemiology. Students analyze population data, social determinants of health, and risk reduction strategies. Emphasis includes interprofessional collaboration and DNP project integration.
NSG 682 – Genomics for Advanced Practice Nursing
This course introduces genetics and genomics in clinical practice. Students explore risk assessment, cancer genetics, and pharmacogenomics. Ethical and technological implications are also reviewed.
NSG 683 – Statistics for Evidence-Based Practice
This course teaches statistical methods used in clinical research. Students interpret quantitative and qualitative data to support evidence-based decisions. Application to practice improvement is emphasized.
NSG 685 – Theoretical Approaches to Evidence-Based Practice
This course links nursing theory, research, and clinical outcomes. Students evaluate evidence and apply theoretical models to practice improvement initiatives.
NSG 686 – Methodologic Approaches to Evidence-Based Practice
This course prepares students to translate evidence into clinical change. Students critique research, assess strength of evidence, and design practice improvement plans for DNP projects.
NSG 688 – Health Care Systems Leadership and Quality Improvement
This course develops leadership and collaboration skills. Students analyze organizational change and apply quality improvement strategies to improve patient outcomes.
NSG 689 – Health Care Policy and Financial Management
This course examines health policy, regulation, and financial systems. Students analyze policy impact on advanced practice and develop skills in healthcare financial management.
NSG 692 – Health Care Information Systems and Technology
This course focuses on clinical information systems and patient care technology. Students design technology-supported strategies to improve safety and quality in healthcare settings.
NSGL 696 – DNP Project I
Students design a DNP practice improvement project. The course focuses on needs assessment, proposal development, and outcome measurement planning.
NSGL 697 – DNP Project II
Students implement the approved DNP project. The course emphasizes leadership, collaboration, and evaluation of practice change.
NSGL 698 – DNP Project III
Students analyze project outcomes and assess impact on clinical practice. The course concludes with dissemination and sustainability planning.
See the official curriculum page for more details.
DNP Clinicals
Students must complete a total of 1,000 clinical hours (750 direct patient care + 250 non-patient care) across four practicum courses, with a minimum of 180 hours per practicum.
Clinical exposure spans outpatient therapy, inpatient settings, child/adolescent populations, and complex community mental health cases.
- Individual, group, family, and marriage therapy (outpatient focus)
- DBT, CBT, EMDR, and trauma-focused therapy
- Child and adolescent inpatient and outpatient settings (birth–19 years)
- Complex mental health: severe/persistent conditions, ACT teams, psychosocial rehabilitation, inpatient detox
- Psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic management across the lifespan
Students are primarily responsible for securing their own preceptors, though UNCW provides placement assistance. All preceptors must be board-certified and currently licensed; APRNs must hold a current Approval to Practice.
DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- Degree: BSN from a regionally accredited institution
- GPA: Minimum 3.0 cumulative (2.75 considered case-by-case)
- Prerequisite coursework: Undergraduate community health, health/physical assessment, nursing research, and statistics
- Licensure: Valid, unrestricted NC RN license or compact state license
- Work experience: 600 hours of RN experience prior to beginning clinical courses
- References: Three professional references submitted via online application tool
- Essay: Up to 1,000 words addressing scope of practice, professional goals, and personal motivation
- Video: Required as part of the application process
- Admissions window: Opens mid-September; BSN-DNP deadline is February 15 annually; Fall start only
- International applicants: Must provide evidence of professional standing in home country
Tuition
UNCW’s DNP PMHNP program carries a differential tuition surcharge in addition to standard graduate rates. Under the Distance Education/Extension DNP rate for 2025–2026:
- In-state: $460.69 per credit hour (includes $310.84 tuition + $115.17 differential + applicable fees)
- Out-of-state: $1,407.97 per credit hour (includes $1,258.12 tuition + $115.17 differential + applicable fees)
- At 9+ credits per semester, in-state students pay $4,146.00/semester; out-of-state students pay $12,671.50/semester
More tuition details are available here.
Accreditation
UNCW’s DNP PMHNP program is designed to meet North Carolina licensure requirements, and graduates are eligible to sit for the ANCC certification exam for Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.
Students planning to practice outside North Carolina should consult UNCW’s State Authorization webpage, as licensure requirements vary by state.
More PMHNP Programs in North Carolina
- Duke University - Durham
- East Carolina University - Greenville
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University - Greensboro
- UNC Greensboro - Greensboro
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Chapel Hill