BSN to DNP – Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Program
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The past decade has witnessed efforts to destigmatize mental health while also providing greater access to lifesaving mental health services — increasing the demand for skilled mental health practitioners. This need has intensified as communities cope with the stress, depression, irritability, insomnia, fear, confusion, anger, frustration, and boredom associated with COVID-19, economic struggles, and contentious political ideologies.
Hawai‘i Pacific University’s online BSN to DNP – PMHNP program is designed for registered nurses who want to specialize in mental health care and earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. This CCNE-accredited program offers a direct path from BSN to advanced clinical practice and leadership in psychiatric nursing.
Delivered in a flexible online format with full clinical placement support, this program prepares you to treat individuals across the lifespan facing psychiatric and behavioral health conditions.
Program at a Glance
100% online coursework with mobile-friendly delivery
Small classes with accessible faculty who care about your success and well-being
Prepare to pass the ANCC certification exam on your first attempt
Dedicated student support from first contact through graduation
Earn your BSN-DNP in as few as 34-44 months*
Transfer up to 12 credits
*Full-time students take 34 months and part-time students take 44 months to complete the program.
Why Choose HPU’s Online BSN to DNP – PMHNP?
HPU’s nursing programs emphasize whole-person mental health care and community-centered leadership. The BSN to DNP – PMHNP pathway trains you to integrate evidence-based therapy and pharmacologic treatment, with a strong focus on culturally responsive care for underserved and diverse populations.
Integrated PMHNP & DNP
Pathway A streamlined route to advanced certification and terminal degree.
Focused Mental Health Training
Learn psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and trauma-informed care.
Mental Health Faculty Mentors
Learn from experienced psychiatric providers and educators.
Clinical Placement Included
Gain experience in behavioral and psychiatric settings near you.
BSN to DNP – PMHNP Curriculum Overview
As a PMHNP student, you’ll follow a comprehensive plan of study focused on mental health diagnosis, treatment, and leadership. In addition to core DNP coursework, you’ll take specialized classes in psychiatric nursing and complete 1,000+ hours of supervised clinical practice.
Courses include:
- Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan
- Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing I, II and III
- Advanced Clinical Decision Making
- Evidence Based Practice for Advanced Nursing
- Leadership and Systems Management
- Informatics and Technology for Advanced Practice
- Optimizing Quality in Healt Care Systems
- Business and Finance Essentials for the DNP
- Development and Implementation of Health Care Policy
- Clinical Scholarship and Scholarly Writing
- Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice
- Doctoral Projects: Development, Implementation, and Data Analysis and Dissemination
You’ll build real-world expertise in therapeutic communication, medication management, and care planning, culminating in a scholarly project that addresses a current mental health challenge.
Clinical Placement Support
HPU’s clinical placement team works with you to secure approved psychiatric and mental health sites and preceptors in your region.
- Placements in outpatient clinics, inpatient units, community mental health settings, and telepsychiatry
- Support with onboarding, documentation, and scheduling
- Faculty mentorship during clinical experiences and capstone project
BSN to DNP – PMHNP Career Outcomes
PMHNPs play a critical role in addressing the national mental health provider shortage. Graduates of this program are equipped to work independently or in collaboration with physicians to provide psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and evidence-based therapy.
Practice Settings
- Community Mental Health Centers
- Outpatient Behavioral Clinics
- VA and Military Health Facilities
- Hospitals and Inpatient Psychiatric Units
- Private Practice and Telehealth Platforms
Job Outlook
- Median Salary:$116,000 (ZipRecruiter)
- Projected Growth:40% growth from 2023 through 2033 (BLS)
Admission Requirements
Tuition & Financial Aid
HPU’s online BSN to DNP – PMHNP program is designed to be affordable, flexible, and accessible for working nurses advancing into APRN roles.
- $1,065 per credit
- Program length and total cost vary by specialization
- Eligible for federal financial aid and scholarships
- Employer-sponsored tuition assistance welcome
- Special tuition benefits available for active-duty military and veterans