Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| DNP – PMHNP (Post-BSN) | 3–4 years | $37,212–$49,616 |
| DNP – PMHNP (Post-MSN) | ~2 years | Varies by transfer credits & residency |
| Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate | ~18 months (4 terms) | $13,500–$16,200 |
UW-Madison’s School of Nursing, ranked 8th nationally (5th among public universities) by U.S. News & World Report, provides exceptional psychiatric mental health nursing education grounded in social justice, with a focus on closing mental health care gaps in shortage areas and underserved populations.
Doctor of Nursing Practice – PMHNP (DNP/PMHNP)
The estimated cost for the DNP/PMHNP program varies by student pathway and residency status, with the post-BSN option requiring minimum 71 credits over 3-4 years and post-MSN options requiring fewer credits over 2 years.
UW-Madison PMH DNP alumni maintain a 100% first-time ANCC Board Certification pass rate.
The program offers flexible 3-year and 4-year options for post-BSN students, with 2-year accelerated options available for post-MSN students who already hold advanced practice nursing certification.
DNP Curriculum
The DNP/PMHNP program prepares nurses to provide psychiatric mental health care across the lifespan in diverse healthcare settings including community mental health centers, inpatient psychiatric units, outpatient clinics, correctional facilities, Indian Health Services, and schools.
Post-BSN Required Courses (minimum 68 credits plus 3-credit statistics requirement)
NURSING 601 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 cr.)
You build advanced health assessment skills for your specialty and setting. You practice biopsychosocial and physical exams, diagnostic reasoning, and patient communication to support promotion, prevention, counseling, and disease management.
NURSING/PHM PRAC 605 – Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nurses (3 cr.)
You select safe, effective drug therapies and justify choices. You apply clinical decision-making and address legal, ethical, and safety issues in prescribing.
NURSING 702 – Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Diverse Communities (3 cr.)
You analyze epidemiologic and social evidence to design prevention strategies. You apply population health principles to improve outcomes and reduce disparities.
NURSING 703 – Health Care and Public Policy (3 cr.)
You study how U.S. health policy forms and changes. You evaluate stakeholder roles and policy impacts on nursing practice and population health.
NURSING 704 – Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing I (3 cr.)
You develop an ethical leadership style for advanced practice. You interpret legal requirements and lead collaborative decision-making.
NURSING 706 – Nursing Research (3 cr.)
You compare research methods that address nursing and health problems. You link questions, designs, and analyses to practice needs.
NURSING 708 – Ethics for Advanced Practice in Health Care (2 cr.)
You analyze ethical issues in advanced practice. You clarify responsibilities and justify actions using clear moral reasoning.
NURSING 726 – Foundations for APN Clinical Practice I (3 cr.)
You strengthen clinical decision-making for common conditions. You emphasize health promotion and illness prevention.
NURSING 727 – Foundations for APN Clinical Practice II (3 cr.)
You manage complex and chronic conditions while supporting maintenance of health. You advance assessment and planning skills.
NURSING 728 – Advanced Practice Clinical Application and Role Development I (3 cr.)
You apply advanced assessment and management in supervised practice. You focus on chronic illness and complex care needs.
NURSING 729 – Advanced Practice Clinical Application and Role Development II (3 cr.)
You expand clinical management skills in supervised settings. You refine health promotion and complex care interventions.
NURSING 751 – Advanced Practice Nursing Theory: Psychiatric Mental Health (3 cr.)
You integrate psychotherapy, neuroscience, and PMH theories. You apply models to diverse patients and complex mental health care.
NURSING 761 – Health Program Planning, Evaluation, and Quality Improvement (3 cr.)
You design, implement, and evaluate health programs. You use QI methods to improve services in clinical and community settings.
NURSING 764 – Nursing and Health Informatics (3 cr.)
You use health IT to support diagnosis, treatment, and workflow. You address data challenges and the ethical and legal context of informatics.
NURSING 772 – Leadership and Organizational Decision-Making in Health Care (3 cr.)
You lead teams to improve patient and system outcomes. You apply management principles, finance basics, and safety strategies.
NURSING 806 – Evaluation and Application of Evidence-Based Practice (3 cr.)
You appraise bodies of evidence and translate findings into care. You implement changes that improve outcomes.
NURSING 811 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr.)
You explain physiologic and pathophysiologic mechanisms across the lifespan. You connect clinical signs to underlying processes.
NURSING 826 – Foundations for APN Clinical Practice III (3 cr.)
You coordinate complex care across settings. You advance decision-making for patients with multi-system needs.
NURSING 828 – Clinical Leadership III (3 cr.)
You practice clinical leadership under faculty and preceptor guidance. You set and meet individualized objectives for impact on care.
NURSING 829 – Clinical Leadership IV (3 cr.)
You deepen leadership skills in supervised practice. You drive measurable improvements aligned with personal learning goals.
NURSING 906 – Scholarly Project 1
You plan and begin an evidence-based project that targets a defined health outcome. You apply a systematic approach from question to intervention.
Post-MSN Options: Students with advanced practice nursing certification or eligibility can pursue post-MS options with personalized program plans. Some courses may be satisfied with previous master’s coursework. Students choose from three focus areas:
- Educational Leadership Focus
- Expert Practice Focus
- Leadership Focus
More curriculum details are available here.
DNP Clinicals
DNP/PMHNP students complete extensive clinical experiences organized by Clinical Placement Coordinators at multiple locations across Wisconsin.
- Students learn from diverse preceptors across settings: community mental health centers, inpatient psychiatry, outpatient clinics, correctional facilities, Indian Health Services, schools, and other sites.
- Experiences span the full lifespan, with emphasis on social justice and reducing disparities in underserved areas.
- Students gain hands-on practice through high-tech simulations in Cooper Hall and access to advanced campus resources.
- Many graduates continue serving underserved communities after graduation, influenced by their placements.
- Placement decisions consider proximity to home, clinical interests, and breadth of exposure to ensure comprehensive PMHNP training.
DNP Admissions Requirements
Prerequisites & Admission Requirements:
- Graduation from accredited baccalaureate program in nursing OR master’s degree from accredited nursing program (if applicable)
- One year of professional nursing experience (minimum)
- Minimum GPA Requirements:
- 3.0 in last 60 baccalaureate credits, AND/OR
- 3.5 in master’s degree credits (if completed master’s degree)
- Grade of B or better in approved graduate level statistics course within last 5 years (does not need to be completed before applying, but must be successfully completed prior to start of fall term)
- Unencumbered Wisconsin RN license (by program start)
- Certification as advanced practice nurse (if applicable)
- Application essay (see School of Nursing website for specific criteria)
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- 3 letters of recommendation required
- No GRE required
- CGFNS Certification (for international applicants only)
- English Proficiency Requirements (higher than Graduate School minimums):
- TOEFL (iBT): 100
- IELTS: 8
- Duolingo English Test: 130
- Application Deadline: December 1 for fall admission only (no spring or summer admission)
- With program approval, applicants without APN master’s degree (e.g., nurse education) may apply prior coursework toward degree requirements
Post-BSN Students: Students with non-APRN master’s degree in nursing considered post-BSN students and can waive up to 18 credits based on previous graduate coursework.
Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Certificate
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate program is approximately $13,500-$16,200 and would take 18 months to complete.
Estimate based on 18 credits at capstone certificate tuition rate.
Certificate Curriculum
Program: 18-credit Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Certificate for master’s-prepared nurses who have completed the “3Ps” (Advanced Physical Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology).
Year 1 Courses:
- Summer: N657 Clinical Psychopharmacology (3 credits) – Examines history, rationale, and mechanism of action of drugs used in treatment of mental health and behavioral disorders; emphasizes neurobiological processes underlying psychopathology and clinical application of evidence-based pharmacological interventions across lifespan
- Fall:
- N726 Foundations for APN Clinical Practice I (3 credits) – Advances knowledge for clinical decision-making; emphasizes health promotion, illness prevention, and common health conditions
- N728 Advanced Practice Clinical Application and Role Development I (2 credits) – Supervised clinical practicum focusing on development and application of advanced health promotion, assessment, and clinical management skills
- Spring:
- N727 Foundations for APN Clinical Practice II (3 credits) – Continues advancing clinical decision-making knowledge; emphasizes complex and chronic health conditions while promoting health maintenance
- N729 Advanced Practice Clinical Application and Role Development II (2 credits) – Supervised clinical practicum continuing development of advanced health promotion, assessment, and clinical management skills
Year 2 Courses:
- Summer (Optional): N590 Pediatric Assessment for Mental Health APNs (1 credit) – Optional course for students needing pediatric content to ensure assessment across lifespan
- Fall:
- N826 Foundations for APN Clinical Practice III (3 credits) – Continues advancing clinical decision-making; emphasizes coordination of complex care across systems and settings
- N828 Clinical Leadership III (2 credits) – Supervised clinical practice enhancing clinical leadership skills within Advanced Practice Nurse role; students collaborate with faculty and clinical preceptor to meet individualized learning objectives
More curriculum details are available here.
Certificate Clinicals
Certificate students complete total of 500 clock hours of clinical practice during regular working hours across the 18-month program.
- Start & Length: Begins in summer; completed in 4 terms (summer, fall, spring, summer) over ~1.5 years.
- Time Commitment: Plan for 20–25 hours/week across clinical work and coursework.
- Outcome: Meets coursework and clinical hour requirements to sit for the ANCC PMHNP exam and earn PMHNP-BC.
- Gap Analysis: Faculty review prior transcripts to identify any additional coursework needed before or during enrollment.
- Assessment Requirement: If prior assessment covered adult-only or child-only (not lifespan), students must complete lifespan assessment content within the certificate.
Certificate Admissions Requirements
Prerequisites & Admission Requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree from accredited nursing program
- Master’s degree from accredited nursing program
- Active RN license
- Certification as advanced practice nurse OR eligible to apply for certification as advanced practice nurse
- Prior completion of “3Ps” courses (not integrated content):
- Advanced Physical Assessment across lifespan
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics
- Master’s GPA of at least 3.0
- Application Opens: Early September
- Application Deadline: December 1
- Applicants typically notified in April of admission decision
- Faculty conduct gap analysis at admission to determine if additional coursework required to meet ANCC certification eligibility
- Students admitted as University Special students through Adult Career and Special Student Services (ACSSS)
- Program admits students to begin in summer session only
Note: Nurses interested in providing specialized mental health care for rural populations, underserved populations, primary care patients, or persons living with severe mental illness are encouraged to apply.
Tuition
Graduate Tuition Rates (2025-26 Academic Year):
- Wisconsin Resident: Tuition & Fees $12,404 per year
- Non-Resident: Tuition & Fees $25,732 per year
- Minnesota Resident: Tuition & Fees $21,478 per year
Capstone Certificate Rate: The Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate follows capstone certificate tuition rates. Capstone certificates typically follow Graduate School rules for tuition, credit limits, and grading.
Estimated Total Program Costs:
DNP/PMHNP Program (Post-BSN, 71 credits minimum):
- Wisconsin Residents: Estimated tuition for 3-4 years approximately $37,212-$49,616 plus living expenses
- Non-Residents: Estimated tuition for 3-4 years approximately $77,196-$102,928 plus living expenses
Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate (18 credits):
- Estimated at capstone certificate rate over 18 months
- Wisconsin residents typically pay lower tuition rates
Additional Cost of Attendance Items (2025-26 per year):
- Required Course Material & Educational Supplies: $700 ($1,100 for incoming graduate students for computer purchase)
- Housing & Meals: $16,414
- Personal Expenses: $5,000
- Transportation: $920 (Wisconsin residents) to $1,500 (non-residents)
- Loan Fees: $272
Financial Support: Financial aid, scholarships, and graduate assistantships may be available. Students should contact School of Nursing financial aid office for specific opportunities.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing is consistently ranked among top public universities for nursing education. The undergraduate nursing program is ranked 8th nationally (5th among public universities) by U.S. News & World Report in 2026.
The School of Nursing is a leader in research funding and maintains rigorous accreditation standards ensuring graduates receive quality education meeting national standards for advanced practice psychiatric mental health nursing.
Other Nursing Programs
UW-Madison School of Nursing offers comprehensive nursing education programs:
Undergraduate Program:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Named Options:
- Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
- Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (Hybrid)
- Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
- Population Health Nursing (Online)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
- Systems Leadership and Innovation (Online)
Doctoral Program:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing
Certificate Programs:
- Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Certificate
- Nurse Educator Certificate Program (for DNP/PhD students)
- Nurse Educator Capstone Certificate Program (for master’s/doctoral-prepared nurses not currently enrolled in doctoral program)
- Global Health Certificate
- Infant, Early Childhood, and Mental Health Certificate
Special Opportunities:
- UW-Madison LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Related Disabilities) Fellowship
- Graduate Clinical Preceptor Development Workshops
- International immersion experiences
- Academic practice partnerships
- Clinical scholarship opportunities
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-Eau Claire - Eau Claire
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Milwaukee