Program Track Overview
Doctor of Nursing Practice – BSN to DNP Family-PMHNP
The estimated cost for the BSN to DNP Family-PMHNP program is approximately $53,500-$58,000 and takes 3 years to complete on a full-time basis, with 4-year and 5-year part-time options available.
Estimate based on 74 credits plus additional DNP course fees of $362.47 per credit.
The DNP is a terminal clinical doctorate designed to prepare nurses for leadership roles in advanced clinical practice focusing on psychiatric mental health care across the lifespan.
Admissions Requirements
Academic Credentials:
- Undergraduate degree in nursing with minimum 3.00 GPA
- Must be from program accredited by CCNE, NLN, or ACEN
- Satisfactory evidence of personal qualifications and capacity for doctoral study in nursing
- Previous nursing practice experience recommended
Prerequisite Coursework:
- Statistics course at undergraduate level (minimum grade of C)
- Competence in health assessment demonstrated
- Health assessment course completion (minimum grade of C)
Licensure:
- U.S. RN licensure required (current nursing licensure in one U.S. jurisdiction at time of application)
- Wisconsin RN license required by July 1 immediately following admission
Application Materials:
- University graduate application with fees (nonrefundable)
- DNP Demographic Form
- Essay discussing interest in program
- Resume/curriculum vitae
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended
- Three reference forms from individuals knowledgeable of applicant’s clinical expertise and/or potential for graduate study
- Application reviewed by Department of Nursing Graduate Curriculum and Admissions Committee
Application Deadlines:
- Priority admission application deadline: January 4 (unless otherwise specified)
- Strong encouragement to contact Dr. Catherine Kenney, admissions coordinator (715-836-3638, kromricc@uwec.edu) prior to applying
- Information sessions available
Additional Requirements:
- Completed health record (by July 1 following admission)
- Criminal background check (by July 1 following admission)
- Evidence of current CPR certification (by July 1 following admission)
- Must complete and maintain current health requirements, CPR, WI RN licensure, and background checks to enroll in courses
Foreign Nursing School Graduates:
- Must obtain Wisconsin license per Wisconsin Licensure and Registration Info requirements
Graduate Special Students:
- May not take more than two nursing courses or six credits in nursing before admission to graduate program
Curriculum
The 74-credit BSN to DNP Family-PMHNP program includes 51 credits at 800-level (doctoral core, role preparation, seminar, practicum) and 23 credits at 700-level (core, population focus, role preparation theory and clinical practicum).
Coursework includes:
NRSG 701 — Nursing Research: Methods
Examines philosophies of science and research designs used in nursing. Covers qualitative and quantitative methods, data analysis basics, and the legal and ethical issues that guide responsible studies.
NRSG 715 — Leadership and Health Policy in Nursing (3)
Builds practical leadership skills for complex systems. Analyzes policy, organizational dynamics, and role transitions that shape advanced nursing practice.
NRSG 722 — Individual, Family, and Community Responses (4)
Applies key theories to how people, families, and communities respond to health and illness. Links concepts to assessment and intervention planning.
NRSG 725 — Advanced Theory and Practice of Family Health Nursing I
Uses evidence and ethics to guide care for children, adults, and families. Integrates culture and social context into family-centered decisions.
NRSG 708 — Advanced Health Assessment: Family (3)
Strengthens advanced health history and exam skills across the lifespan. Includes lab practice and documentation for clinical decision making.
NRSG 709 — Advanced Physiological and Pathophysiological Concepts (3)
Explores human physiology and disease mechanisms in depth. Connects current research to clinical signs and treatment planning.
NRSG 712 — Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Clinical Practice (3)
Covers drug selection, dosing, monitoring, and safety for common conditions. Considers lifespan factors that influence pharmacotherapy.
NRSG 810 — Foundations of Neurobiology across the Lifespan for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Reviews neurobiology that drives psychiatric disorders across ages. Introduces DSM use, screening, differential diagnosis, and care for anxiety, depression, SUD, attention, and sleep disorders.
NRSG 819 — PMHNP: Advanced Clinical Practice (4)
Develops advanced decisions for acute and chronic mental health needs in varied settings. Emphasizes collaborative, person- and family-focused care.
NRSG 836 — Advanced Diagnostics and Reasoning for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (3)
Builds interviewing, assessment, and diagnostic reasoning for psychiatry. Uses simulation to practice histories, exam skills, labs, and evidence-based treatment planning.
NRSG 838 — Foundations of Psychotherapy for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (2)
Introduces core psychotherapy approaches, including CBT, DBT, and trauma-focused methods. Aligns modality choice with patient goals and context.
NRSG 841 — Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Practice within Vulnerable Populations (5)
Focuses on care for vulnerable groups across the lifespan. Practicum applies systems navigation and equity-minded strategies to improve outcomes.
NRSG 843 — Synthesis of Advanced Clinical Practice for PMHNP I (1)
Early practicum to refine PMHNP competencies. Emphasizes comprehensive assessment, formulation, and initial management.
NRSG 845 — Synthesis of Advanced Clinical Practice for PMHNP II (4)
Final practicum to demonstrate readiness for independent PMHNP practice. Integrates diagnostics, therapy, and medication management.
NRSG 800 — Advanced Nursing Practice and Informatics (2)
Applies health IT to improve patient care and system performance. Identifies workflow issues and evaluates informatics solutions.
NRSG 802 — Philosophical, Theoretical, and Ethical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice (3)
Examines nursing philosophies and theory development. Addresses ethics, advocacy, and social justice in advanced practice.
NRSG 803 — Advanced Epidemiology and Biostatistics for Population Health (4)
Uses epidemiology and biostatistics to analyze population data. Plans prevention and risk-reduction strategies and evaluates health trends.
NRSG 805 — Clinical Scholarship for Advanced Nursing Practice (4)
Covers evidence appraisal, translation, and outcome evaluation. Designs practice changes and collaborates on research using health informatics.
NRSG 809 — Organizational Leadership and Health Policy for Advanced Nursing Practice (4)
Prepares leaders to assess needs and implement effective programs and policies. Uses evaluation methods to guide decisions and improve care.
NRSG 820 — BSN to DNP Seminar & Practicum I (3)
Introduces interprofessional teamwork and advanced nursing roles. Applies culturally responsive, evidence-based approaches in practice.
NRSG 824 — BSN to DNP Seminar II (1)
Strengthens role transition and leadership skills. Begins synthesis of knowledge for impact on outcomes.
NRSG 825 — BSN to DNP Seminar III (1)
Completes role transition planning and lifelong learning focus. Synthesizes experiences to support entry into DNP-level practice.
NRSG 892 — DNP Project I (1)
Launches a practice-focused project aligned with career goals. Defines the problem, evidence, and plan for implementation.
NRSG 893 — DNP Project II (3)
Advances the project with implementation steps and data collection. Monitors process and adjusts methods as needed.
NRSG 894 — DNP Project III (3)
Completes analysis, evaluates outcomes, and disseminates findings. Produces a final product that demonstrates clinical scholarship.
Total Program: 74 Credits
More curriculum details are available here.
Course Delivery Schedule:
- First-year courses: Mostly 700-level taught on Mondays
- Second-year courses: 800-level generally taught on Tuesdays
- Third-year courses: 800-level taught on Wednesdays
- Combination delivery methods: in-person, synchronous online, asynchronous online
- Summer and Winterim courses: Hybrid format combining online with immersion experiences
Academic Standards:
- Graduate students must earn grade of C or above in courses and practica to progress
- No more than 2 C’s may be earned in graduate program
- DNP project with presentation required for graduation
Program Flexibility:
- Full-time plan: 3 years
- Part-time plans: 4 years and 5 years available
- Advisors available to help plan schedule
- Courses offered over summer, fall, and spring terms
Clinicals
The BSN to DNP Family-PMHNP program requires approximately 1,237.5 clinical hours for advanced clinical practice preparation. Clinical practicums scheduled during the week with many hours arranged within one-hour driving distance from student’s home community/region.
Clinical Hour Requirements:
- Total Program: Approximately 1,237.5 clinical hours
- Clinical hours embedded throughout role preparation courses
- Practicum hours require additional weekly scheduling beyond class time
Clinical Practice Settings: PMHNPs work in diverse settings including:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient clinics
- Private practices
- Community health centers
- Correctional facilities
- Mental health specialty facilities
Clinical Coordination:
- College of Nursing arranges clinical placements
- Faculty with doctoral degrees supervise clinical experiences
- Collaborations with renowned healthcare organizations provide innovative research opportunities
- Access to on-campus clinical facilities with state-of-the-art technology
- Many practicum hours can be scheduled within one-hour drive from home
Clinical Focus: Students gain expertise in:
- Assessing and diagnosing psychiatric disorders
- Prescribing psychotropic medications
- Providing various forms of psychotherapy
- Offering emergency psychiatric care
- Mental health care across the lifespan
- Working with vulnerable populations
PMHNP Scope of Practice: Graduates prepared to:
- Assess and diagnose psychiatric disorders
- Prescribe psychotropic medications
- Provide psychotherapy forms
- Offer emergency psychiatric care
- Work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, community health centers, correctional facilities
Certification Eligibility: Program prepares graduates for PMHNP national certification upon completion.
Tuition
Graduate Tuition Rates (2025-2026) – Wisconsin Residents:
Regular Semester (9+ credits):
- Base Tuition: $5,570.27
- Doctor of Nursing Practice Additional Fee: $362.47 per credit
Per Credit Breakdown (approximate):
- 9+ credits: $618.92 per credit base + $362.47 DNP fee = $981.39 per credit
- Individual credit rates available for part-time enrollment
Estimated Total Program Cost (74 credits):
- Base Graduate Tuition (74 credits × $618.92): $45,800
- DNP Additional Course Fees (74 credits × $362.47): $26,823
- Total Estimated Program Cost: $72,623
Minnesota Reciprocity Rates (2025-2026):
- 9+ credits: $7,478.24 base + DNP fees
- Per credit: $830.92 base + $362.47 DNP fee = $1,193.39 per credit
Non-Resident Rates (2025-2026):
- 9+ credits: $11,549.75 base + DNP fees
- Per credit: $1,283.31 base + $362.47 DNP fee = $1,645.78 per credit
Midwest Tuition Rate/MSEP (2025-2026):
- 9+ credits: $7,920.59 base + DNP fees
- Per credit: $880.07 base + $362.47 DNP fee = $1,242.54 per credit
Summer Session Rates (2025): Different tuition schedule applies for summer courses with DNP additional fees still applicable per credit.
Important Notes:
- Special course fees are in addition to fee schedule
- Classes with special course fees indicate amount in class listing on class search
- Program costs higher than typical UW-Eau Claire graduate programs due to DNP additional course fees
- Tuition rates subject to change
- Financial aid available to those who qualify
Additional Program Costs:
- Books and course materials
- Technology fees
- Health requirements and immunizations
- CPR certification maintenance
- Background checks
- Travel to clinical sites (many within one-hour drive)
- Professional liability insurance
Financial Aid:
- Federal financial aid available
- FAFSA required for consideration
- Graduate assistantships may be available
- Contact Financial Aid office for details
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) through December 31, 2031. The programs also hold approval from the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing, ensuring quality education meeting state and national standards for advanced practice nursing.
Licensure Information
The U.S. Department of Education requires disclosure of program licensure compliance by state. The DNP PMHNP program requirements meet licensure in Minnesota and Wisconsin. It has not been determined whether requirements meet licensure in remaining 48 states and territories. Students planning to practice outside Minnesota or Wisconsin are responsible for determining whether program meets their state’s requirements.
Related School Nursing Programs
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – BSN to DNP Tracks:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) – BSN to DNP option (3 years full-time, 4-5 years part-time)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – BSN to DNP option (3 years full-time, 4-5 years part-time)
- Family-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) – BSN to DNP option (3 years full-time, 4-5 years part-time; current program)
- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – BSN to DNP option (currently on hold; consult Graduate Programs Director for availability)
- Nurse Administrator/Nurse Executive – BSN to DNP with adult-gerontologic or family population focus (3 years full-time, 4-5 years part-time)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – MSN to DNP Options:
- Post-Master’s DNP – Advanced clinical practice (for nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists)
- Nursing Education Leadership – Post-Master’s DNP emphasis
- Nurse Executive – Post-Master’s DNP emphasis
- Typically part-time 2.5-year program with 31 credits
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree:
- Nursing Education – Adult-Gerontology or Family population focus
- Nursing Administration/Leadership and Management – Adult-Gerontology or Family population focus
Graduate Certificates:
- Post-MSN Nursing Administration – For nurses with master’s degrees seeking administration role preparation
- Post-MSN Nursing Education – For nurses with master’s degrees seeking education role preparation
Program Learning Outcomes: DNP graduates prepared to:
- Expand advanced nursing practice integrating art and science of nursing with theory and knowledge from multiple realms
- Promote culturally sensitive, holistic advanced nursing practice care in global community
- Synthesize leadership skills, systems analysis, and advocacy expertise
- Integrate clinical expertise with population-focused management, evidence-based practice, and healthcare policy
- Analyze health-related information systems and technology for healthcare improvement
- Develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based approaches to advanced nursing practice
- Evaluate outcomes of advanced nursing practice
- Apply clinical scholarship and leadership skills to advanced nursing practice
- Evaluate personal scholarship, professional growth, and excellence in practice
Career Opportunities:
- Nurse practitioners specializing in psychiatric mental health
- Clinical nurse specialists
- Nurse administrators and executives
- Nursing education leaders
- Healthcare systems leaders
- Advanced practice roles in hospitals, clinics, private practice, community health centers, correctional facilities
Program Highlights:
- 100% employment or continuing education rate for 2023-2024 graduates
- CCNE-accredited program through 2031
- All coursework taught by nursing faculty with doctoral degrees
- Access to renowned healthcare organization collaborations
- Innovative research opportunities
- On-campus clinical facilities with state-of-the-art technology
- Flexible full-time and part-time options
- Hybrid delivery accommodating working professionals
More PMHNP Programs in Wisconsin
View All PMHNP Programs in Wisconsin
- Alverno College - Milwaukee
- Bellin College - Green Bay
- Concordia University - Mequon
- Edgewood University - Madison
- Milwaukee School of Engineering - Milwaukee
- University of Wisconsin - Madison
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Milwaukee