Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty in the DNP Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PMHNP) program at New Mexico State University is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive mental healthcare to individuals and families across the lifespan and develop as healthcare leaders. You can play a role in addressing the critical shortages of mental healthcare providers in the state of New Mexico and across the nation by training to become a doctorally-prepared PMHNP.

NMSU’s DNP-PMHNP program blends theoretical coursework with hands-on clinical experience to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the dynamic field of psychiatric nursing. With a strong focus on evidence-based practice, cultural competency, and leadership, our curriculum prepares graduates to provide high-quality, patient-centered care across the lifespan in clinic and hospital settings. The clinical component of the PMHNP-DNP program consists of over 1000 hours of supervised clinical experiences in the student's own community, the majority of which are completed in the final year of the program.

The DNP-PMHNP program at NMSU integrates knowledge and competencies for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of opioid and other substance use disorder throughout the curriculum. Students have the opportunity to work with clients undergoing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and other evidence-based therapies for recovery.

Graduates are eligible to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam. 

Primary care APRNs interested in dual certification as a PMHNP can achieve this goal in 12 months through the NMSU Psychiatric Mental Health post graduate APRN certificate program.

Application Deadlines for  2025 Fall Cohort
Priority Deadline February 15, 2025
Final Deadline April 1, 2025

Program Overview

Degree Awarded: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Program Duration:  3 years (full-time)
Format:  Online with on-campus orientation, a 1-week on-campus intensive prior to the third year, and clinical practicum conducted in the student’s hometown.
Credit Hours: 74 credit hours

Degree Plan   Info Sessions

 

Why Choose NMSU

Comprehensive Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in advanced nursing theory, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, with specialized courses focusing on population health, and health promotion. Dive deep into advanced psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based interventions for mental health disorders, including substance use disorder and serious mental illness. The NMSU DNP-PMHNP program emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health care, integrating psychotherapy approaches, medication management, and exploring the integration of mental health services into primary care settings. Clinical practicum experiences allow students to apply their knowledge under the guidance of experienced preceptors in community health centers, psychiatric hospitals, primary care clinics, and private practices.

Distance Education

Although many of our students live in southern New Mexico, our distance education format allows nurses to earn their DNP degree in their hometown. Didactic courses are delivered in a flexible, mostly asynchronous format, and clinical training can be completed with nurse practitioners and physicians at your local healthcare centers. Information eligibility for distance education by state please refer to the School of Nursing’s Distance Education State Authorization Information website.

Interprofessional Education

Collaboration is key in mental health care. Engage in interprofessional education experiences, learning alongside professionals from psychology, social work, counseling, and other disciplines. Cultivate teamwork skills essential for providing holistic, patient-centered care within interdisciplinary teams.

Expert Faculty

Learn from experienced PMHNP and other nursing faculty who are dedicated to your success. With diverse clinical backgrounds and expertise in areas such as addiction and substance use disorder, serious mental illness, and child/adolescent mental health, our faculty bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom, ensuring that students receive comprehensive and up-to-date instruction.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We embrace diversity and strive to create an inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and respected. Join a supportive community that celebrates diversity and prepares you to provide culturally competent care to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Through partnerships with underserved communities and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), students gain firsthand experience in addressing the unique healthcare needs of diverse populations.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of our PMHNP program are well-prepared to pursue advanced practice roles in a variety of healthcare settings. Whether you aspire to work in a community mental health center, private clinic, psychiatric hospital, or an integrated care setting, our program will provide you with the skills and confidence to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of individuals and families in your community.

Embark on a transformative journey into the field of mental health care with the DNP-PMHNP program at New Mexico State University School of Nursing. Apply today and take the first step toward advancing your career as a skilled and compassionate psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner!

 

How To Apply

Ready to take the next step in your nursing career? To apply you must complete the following:

  • Apply to the DNP Program through the NMSU Graduate School (here) and select ‘NMSU Global Campus’ to find the DNP-PMHNP programs.
  • Upload the following documents:
    • Current CV/resume.
    • RN license
    • Unofficial transcripts from nursing programs/degrees
    • A letter of intent specifying career goals and a clear statement of how the DNP will advance the applicant’s career
    • A two to four (2-4) page paper (double spaced, 12 pt font) describing an example of a common problem in clinical practice that, if changed, could improve patient outcomes, population health outcomes, and/or healthcare delivery in your specialty area. This problem could be the basis for the DNP Project. Please use APA format and cite references.
    • Names and contact information for three (3) references from colleagues in clinical practice
  • Official transcripts from all prior college and universities (1 set from each) attended sent directly to the School of Nursing at: nursing@nmsu.edu or rcastro@nmsu.edu. You need official transcripts submitted before the end of the first semester.
  • After an initial review of applications, selected applicants will be invited to attend an interview with faculty (on campus or via videoconferencing)

DNP-PMHNP Admission Criteria 

  • Successful admission to the NMSU Graduate School
  • Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program with a minimum nursing GPA of 3.0 or better
  • Current unencumbered RN license from one of the 50 U.S. States or Territories
  • Undergraduate or graduate level statistics course
  • Must sign a commitment to enroll for full-time study as well as attend a 2-day program on-campus orientation at the start of the fall semester and a 1-week clinical seminar in the summer of the second year (non-attendance could result in program dismissal or failure to progress)
  • Admission to the DNP Program is a competitive process based on the components of the application and interview

 

Contact Us

Our graduate advisors are here to assist you with any questions you may have. For more information about the DNP-PMHNP program at NMSU, please contact:

Anthony Castro, SON Graduate Advisor