Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN), DNP

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program prepares Registered Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a graduate degree (MSN, DNP, PhD) in nursing or a related field as a psychiatric mental health care practitioner and nursing leader.

Graduates of the PMHNP program are equipped to provide a wide range of mental health services for children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings including primary care, hospital or community health centers, outpatient mental health clinics, or long-term care facilities. PMHNPs provide mental health promotion services, diagnose psychiatric conditions, conduct therapy, and prescribe medications for patients who have psychiatric disorders. They may also serve as consultants or as educators for families and staff.

PMHNP curriculum plans include options for post-baccalaureate (BSN-DNP PMHNP) and post-master’s (MSN-DNP PMHNP) DNP degree completion; as well as a post-doctoral certificate for nurses with a earned doctoral degree (DNP or PhD). Course delivery schedules are responsive to the needs of the working nurse professional. The program is delivered in a hybrid format (in-person and online coursework). Classes are held on the Hilltop campus in San Francisco on DNP Teaching Weekends (Friday-Saturday) twice a month, in addition to online and clinical practicum experiences.

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CONCURRENT MASTER’S OPTIONS

PMHNP students have the option to complete a concurrent master’s degree in Public Health (MPH). The MPH courses are delivered online and integrated throughout the DNP PMHNP curriculum.

ACCREDITATION

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at the University of San Francisco, School of Nursing and Health Professions are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Graduates meet the outcome competencies and practice standards of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) for the DNP. In the program, students complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice and an evidence-based practice scholarly project.

STATE AUTHORIZATION

Please check our State Authorization Status List for the states and territories from which we can enroll students in specific online degree programs.

Program Learning Outcomes

DNP Program Learning Outcomes

Combine knowledge in nursing, ethics, and the medical sciences to develop and evaluate practices and models of patient care/client delivery
Develop and evaluate effective strategies for managing ethical dilemmas present across the health care, technology, and research fields
Use analytic methods to design, implement, and evaluate best-practice models for patient/client care and care delivery
Effectively develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based approaches to advance the field and systems of population health care delivery
Demonstrate leadership in the development and implementation of institutional, local, state, federal, and international health policy
Advocate for social justice, equity, and ethical policies in health care
Analyze the relationship among practical, organizational, population, fiscal, and policy issues to educate individuals and colleagues effectively
Develop relationships and partnerships with patients/clients and other professionals to facilitate optimal patient/client care outcomes
Advance the mission and core values of the University of San Francisco

Supplemental PMHNP PLOs

Demonstrate the specialized body of knowledge and clinical competencies required to assume an advanced practice nursing role, including theoretical foundation, evidence based clinical practice and inter and intra professional collaboration
Demonstrate the ability to provide quality health care services that reflect cultural competence, social justice, fiscal stewardship, and ethical responsibility, representing the Jesuit mission of a more humane and just world
Create and implement holistic plans of care that competently assess, diagnose, treat, and evaluate patients with a focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and patient centered care
Demonstrate the ability to integrate doctoral scholarship and leadership skills in the delivery of care

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN), DNP

CONCURRENT MASTER’S OPTIONS

ACCREDITATION

STATE AUTHORIZATION

Program Learning Outcomes

Major Requirements (72 units)

Semester 1: Fall (10 units)

Semester 2: Spring (12 units)

Semester 3: Summer (6 units)

Semester 4: Fall (10 units)

Semester 5: Spring (11 units)

Semester 6: Summer (10 units)

Semester 7: Fall (7 units)

Semester 8: Spring (6 units)