Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Estimated Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate | $17,081 | ~1.5–2 years (part-time) |
| BSN-to-DNP PMHNP | $43,529 | ~3.5 years |
| Combined PMHNP Certificate + DNP | $33,060–$39,672 | ~2.5–3 years |
The programs emphasize evidence-based practice, clinical judgment, and social determinants of health throughout the curriculum.
Graduate PMHNP Certificate
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate is approximately $17,081 (31 credits × $551/credit), and the program takes approximately 1.5-2 years to complete on a part-time basis.
Certificate Curriculum
The Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate requires completion of prerequisite courses (if not already completed) followed by 31 certificate credits with 750 clinical hours:
Prerequisite Courses (15 credits – if needed)
GRN 7101 – Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (4)
Students review normal physiology and explain disease mechanisms by system. Students apply this knowledge to recognize deviations from health across all ages.
GRN 7102 – Advanced Practice Roles in Nursing Practice (3)
Students define APRN roles, scope, and regulation. Students build leadership, collaboration, and policy awareness for advanced practice.
GRN 7103 – Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan (4)
Students apply pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to safe prescribing. Students evaluate drug classes, interactions, and counseling needs across age groups.
GRN 7104 – Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan (4)
Students conduct advanced histories, physicals, and diagnostic reviews. Students organize findings into clear case presentations and plans.
Students who have not completed these APRN-level courses must do so prior to enrollment with a grade of “B” or higher. A GAP analysis is conducted for each student to confirm completion of these prerequisites.
PMHNP Certificate Courses (31 credits, 750 clinical hours)
GRN 7201 – Psychopharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse Across the Lifespan (3)
Students link neuroscience to medication selection for psychiatric disorders. Students monitor response, safety, and adherence across the lifespan.
GRN 7202 – Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders (3)
Students study brain structures and pathways tied to psychiatric symptoms. Students use current evidence to guide assessment and treatment planning.
GRN 7203 – Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions and Evidence-Based Interventions Across the Lifespan (3)
Students survey major conditions and match them to proven interventions. Students integrate assessment, differential diagnosis, and prevention.
GRN 7204 – Therapeutic Modalities and Psychiatric Conditions Across the Lifespan (3)
Students practice core psychotherapies such as CBT and skills-based approaches. Students combine therapy with health promotion and interprofessional care.
GRN 7205 – Psychiatric Mental Health Application, Management, and Advancement Across the Lifespan (3)
Students synthesize advanced skills for contemporary PMHNP practice. Students plan care using data, communication, and systems thinking.
GRN 7221 – Psychiatric Mental Health Practicum I (3)
Students begin supervised care across the lifespan. Students perform assessments, form differentials, and initiate first-line treatments.
GRN 7222 – Psychiatric Mental Health Practicum II (3)
Students expand management from Practicum I. Students adjust therapies, coordinate care, and evaluate outcomes.
GRN 7223 – Psychiatric Mental Health Practicum III (3)
Students manage more complex cases with greater independence. Students document progress and refine treatment plans using evidence.
GRN 7224 – Psychiatric Mental Health Practicum IV (3)
Students deliver comprehensive care with near-independent practice. Students demonstrate readiness for entry into the PMHNP role.
Certificate Clinicals
Students complete 750 clinical practicum hours distributed across four practicum courses (GRN 7221, 7222, 7223, 7224) in the latter half of the program. Practicum experiences are spread over a few semesters, providing advance notice for scheduling needs.
Clinical experiences occur in various clinical settings to provide comprehensive preparation.
Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing with cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher from nationally accredited program
- Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice with cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher from nationally accredited program
- Completion of undergraduate health assessment course with grade of “B” or better
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Current resume
- Statement of goals (2-page minimum, double-spaced)
- Completed graduate application with $35 non-refundable fee
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Two-stage admissions process: Stage 1 reviews application materials; Stage 2 includes individual Zoom interviews (2-3 hours)
- Applicants with GPA 2.75 or higher may be considered
- Application deadline: May 1st for Fall admission, November 1st for Spring admission
- International students must provide TOEFL (minimum 46 overall, 12 individual) or IELTS (minimum 5.5 overall and individual) scores
BSN to DNP PMHNP
The estimated cost for the BSN-DNP PMHNP program is approximately $43,529 (79 credits × $551/credit), and the program takes 3.5 years to complete.
DNP Curriculum
The BSN-DNP PMHNP program includes 79 credits with 750 PMHNP clinical hours plus additional DNP experiential hours:
NP Core Courses:
- GRN 7101: Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan
- GRN 7102: Advanced Practice Roles in Nursing Practice
- GRN 7103: Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan
- GRN 7104: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
Psychiatric Mental Health NP Courses:
- GRN 7201: Psychopharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse Across the Lifespan
- GRN 7202: Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders
- GRN 7203: Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions and Evidence-Based Interventions Across the Lifespan
- GRN 7204: Therapeutic Modalities and Psychiatric Conditions Across the Lifespan
- GRN 7205: Psychiatric Mental Health Application, Management, and Advancement Across the Lifespan
- GRN 7221: Psychiatric Mental Health Practicum I
- GRN 7222: Psychiatric Mental Health Practicum II
- GRN 7223: Psychiatric Mental Health Practicum III
- GRN 7224: Psychiatric Mental Health Practicum IV
DNP Core Courses:
- GRN 7000: Scholarly Writing
- GRN 8101: Healthcare Leadership and Innovation
- GRN 8102: Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice
- GRN 8103: Epidemiology and Population Health
- GRN 8104: Healthcare Politics and Policy
- GRN 8105: Healthcare Informatics
- GRN 8106: Healthcare QI and Systems Thinking
- GRN 8107: Healthcare Economics
- GRN 8108: Applied Evidence-Based Practice
DNP Project Courses:
- GRN 9001: Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I
- GRN 9002: Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II
- GRN 9003: Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III
DNP Clinicals
The program requires 750 PMHNP clinical hours plus additional DNP experiential hours. Clinical experiences are integrated throughout the program, with PMHNP practicum courses occurring in the latter portion of the curriculum.
DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing with cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher from nationally accredited program
- Completion of undergraduate health assessment course with grade of “B” or better
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Current resume
- Letter of recommendation from doctorally prepared professional (DNP, PhD, EdD, MD, DO, PharmD) submitted on letterhead
- Statement of goals (2-page minimum, double-spaced) addressing DNP goals, professional preparation, doctoral project interests, and PMHNP career goals
- Must meet admission requirements for both PMHNP Certificate and DNP programs
- Two-stage admissions process with application review and Zoom interviews
- Application deadline: May 1st for Fall admission, November 1st for Spring admission
- Applicants with GPA 2.75 or higher may be considered
- Students will be dual-advised by NP Program Chair and DNP Program Director
Combined PMHNP Certificate and DNP
The estimated cost for the Combined PMHNP Certificate + DNP program is approximately $33,060-39,672 (60-72 credits × $551/credit depending on transfer credits), and the program takes approximately 2.5-3 years to complete.
Combined Curriculum
This dual option allows master’s-prepared nurses to earn both credentials simultaneously, totaling 60 credits (or 72 credits for non-APRNs who need prerequisite courses):
NP Core Courses (if not already completed – 12 credits):
- GRN 7101: Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan
- GRN 7103: Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan
- GRN 7104: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
Four courses may be accepted as transfer credit: GRN 7101, 7102, 7103, and 7104.
Psychiatric Mental Health NP Certificate Courses (27 credits, 750 clinical hours):
- GRN 7201: Psychopharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse Across the Lifespan
- GRN 7202: Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders
- GRN 7203: Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions and Evidence-Based Interventions Across the Lifespan
- GRN 7204: Therapeutic Modalities and Psychiatric Conditions Across the Lifespan
- GRN 7205: Psychiatric Mental Health Application, Management, and Advancement Across the Lifespan
- GRN 7221: Psychiatric Mental Health Practicum I
- GRN 7222: Psychiatric Mental Health Practicum II
- GRN 7223: Psychiatric Mental Health Practicum III
- GRN 7224: Psychiatric Mental Health Practicum IV
DNP Core Courses (33 credits):
- GRN 7000: Scholarly Writing
- GRN 8101: Healthcare Leadership and Innovation
- GRN 8102: Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice
- GRN 8103: Epidemiology and Population Health
- GRN 8104: Healthcare Politics and Policy
- GRN 8105: Healthcare Informatics
- GRN 8106: Healthcare QI and Systems Thinking
- GRN 8107: Healthcare Economics
- GRN 8108: Applied Evidence-Based Practice
DNP Project Courses:
- GRN 9001: Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I
- GRN 9002: Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II
- GRN 9003: Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III
Combined Clinicals
Students complete 750 clinical hours for the PMHNP Certificate component plus additional DNP experiential hours for the doctoral project. Clinical experiences are distributed across four practicum courses in various clinical settings.
Combined Prerequisites & Admissions
- Master of Science in Nursing from nationally accredited program
- Must meet admission requirements for both PMHNP Certificate and DNP programs
- Two separate applications required (one for PMHNP Certificate, one for DNP program)
- Acceptance to one program does not guarantee acceptance to the other
- Maximum six credits may be transferred for doctoral credit
- Students will be dually advised by MSN PMHNP Program Chair and DNP Program Chair
- All PMHNP Certificate and DNP admission requirements apply (see above sections)
Tuition
Graduate tuition for 2025-2026 is $551 per credit hour for Brandywine, Dover, New Castle, online, and distance learning locations. International students pay $606 per credit hour.
Active duty service members (not including guard, reserves, spouses, or dependents) pay $300 per credit hour. The $35 application fee is non-refundable. Students may pay tuition in full at registration or choose a payment plan.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program and nursing programs at Wilmington University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates of all PMHNP tracks are eligible for national board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).
Other Nursing Programs
Wilmington University’s College of Health Professions and Natural Sciences offers additional nursing and health programs including:
- Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Post-Master’s
- Combined Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate and DNP
- Combined Legal Nurse Consultant Certificate and DNP
- Combined Nurse Educator Certificate and DNP
- Combined Nurse Executive Certificate and DNP
- Combined Public Health Certificate and DNP
- Dual-Credit ADVANTAGE™ Programs (various certificates applicable to degree programs)
Other Delaware PMHNP Programs
Compare All PMHNP Programs in Delaware
- Delaware State University - Dover
- University of Delaware - Newark