Online PMHNP DNP Programs: Inside Top Schools

BSN to DNP Bridge

If you’re a registered nurse who holds a BSN and you’re ready to take that next step to achieve the highest level of nursing practice, a bridge program is ideal for you. Most programs, like the BSN to DNP bridge at Baylor University, require a minimum of one year of full-time nursing experience. You’ll also need to meet other minimum requirements.

In terms of time to degree completion, BSN holders typically take about four years to earn their doctoral degrees, often skipping the master’s degree program entirely. This is compared to RNs who already hold a master’s degree, who can usually complete their terminal degree in one-and-a-half to two years.

Dual DNP/Master of Public Health (MPH)

Practicing registered nurses with a master’s degree may want a more wide-ranging terminal degree option; for those students, a dual PMHNP/DNP and MPH is an appealing option, such as this program from Johns Hopkins University. These dual degrees are often administered in a hybrid format; the Johns Hopkins offering, which follows an executive session format, can be completed in six semesters. Specific to this program, you’ll have three on-site immersions of roughly four days each during the first year and one on-site symposium event lasting one day the second year, combined with online and virtual learning experiences.

These programs also frequently have a project requirement. Find past examples from Johns Hopkins DNP candidates to give you an idea of scope and variety.

Dual FNP/PMHNP Degree

Maybe you’re a nurse practitioner interested in a multi-faceted doctoral degree, but a DNP/MPH isn’t appealing. Instead, you may be interested in a dual family nurse practitioner (FNP) and PMHNP doctoral option, such as this program from The University of Arizona Online. The outcome is an FNP doctoral degree, but you’ll also earn a certificate in PMHNP. The addition of a certificate may require an extra semester. However, the result is a diverse education that qualifies you to treat patients across their life spans, with special insight into their behavioral and mental health.

Assessing, Managing Psychiatric Disorders in Advance Practice PMH Nursing

Psychiatric disorders can be perplexing, so you’ll need foundational knowledge to understand the spectrum of disorders and resources to make assessments. This course offers a detailed overview of common psychiatric disorders.

Core Skills:

Assessment techniques, tactics for patient communication

Epidemiology and Population Health

The science of population health offers many insights into disease prevention. In this class — a version of which is offered in Marymount University’s online BSN to DNP PMHNP program — you’ll learn to analyze the determinants of health problems. The goal of this course is for students to gain an understanding of strategies to reduce the incidence and prevalence of disease.

Core Skills:

Analytical skills, strategic approach to public health

DNP NP Role Practicum

Real-world decision-making is a core competency for future PMHNPs. Your practicum, which is typically a requirement for doctoral students and can often be completed at your place of employment if you work in an applicable healthcare setting, allows you to use the knowledge you’ve gained in your online DNP program in a practical, supervised setting. Completion of your practicum is often the final step in your doctoral degree program.

Core Skills:

Tactical decision-making, interpersonal communication

Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning

As a PMHNP, you’ll need to make critical mental health evaluations that encompass a host of symptoms and test results. This course — a version of which is taught in Walden University’s online NP program — teaches you how to make effective diagnoses and communicate treatment plans to your patients.

Core Skills:

Psychiatric assessment, treatment planning

Psychotherapeutic Interventions with Individuals, Families, and Groups

Learning tactical ways to treat and prevent mental health disorders across the lifespan is a core outcome of online PMHNP DNP programs. This course title — much like the Psychotherapeutic Theories, Frameworks, and Modalities course at Liberty University Online — teaches these concepts. You’ll apply evidence-based theories to case studies, suggesting treatment techniques and assessing outcomes.

Core Skills:

Deep knowledge of disorders and treatments, research

Public Policy in Healthcare

As a nurse practitioner, you’ll need a clear understanding of the principles of public policy in healthcare. You’ll apply these principles to practice in courses like this one — or the similarly named Health Care Policy for Advocacy in Health Care from Samuel Merritt University’s Online DNP program. You’ll leave this class with a range of action, advocacy, and leadership skills that you’ll use daily in your practice.

Core Skills:

Leadership, evaluation, application of policy to practical work

Challenge: Balancing Clinical Rotations with Other Responsibilities

Completing your PMHNP DNP is possible online, but all accredited programs still require a clinical component in your education. This part, unlike other aspects of your program, cannot be completed in a remote format. You’ll need to plan accordingly for this in-person portion of your education, asking for patience from your family/friends and possibly even your co-workers as you attempt to balance your commitments. Time management will be critical, so you may want to research time-saving tips such as blocking time or downloading helpful apps.

Challenge: Building Professional Connections & Mentorship Opportunities

Because of the nature of online classrooms, networking isn’t quite as natural as with in-person classrooms. However, many online DNP programs facilitate mentorship and networking opportunities. In most cases, your doctoral classes will be small and led by working nurse practitioners, similar to the classes you’ll find in the Hawai’i Pacific University PMHNP DNP program. This helps you make connections and learn from professionals who can guide you in the future.

Challenge: Technological Competence & Connectivity

Most of the online PMHNP DNP programs spotlighted in this guide are hybrid in nature, meaning at least some portion of your curriculum is completed online. If you find yourself in a remote environment with little cell coverage or if you lack tech skills, this may present an obstacle to your success. However, most universities offer tech support and can help you troubleshoot technological challenges.

Benefit: Enhanced Proficiency with Digital Tools

Because you’ll be earning your degree in an online environment, you’ll be well-positioned to adapt your technological prowess to your professional environment. While others are scrambling to acclimate, you’ll be among early adopters based on your digital know-how.

Benefit: Integration of Clinical Experiences (and Time Management Skills) into Coursework

Online learning environments are known as optimal formats for working professionals with busy lives. While you’ll be able to apply the skills learned in class to your profession, this is a two-way street: You’ll also be able to take the knowledge you learn on the job and integrate it into your coursework. You’ll have ample fodder for case studies and real-world scenarios based on your day-to-day clinical work.

Benefit: Need for Proactive & Intentional Networking

Online students — especially those seeking their terminal degree — have abundant tools at their disposal for creating engaging learning environments and lasting relationships. Many schools create opportunities for networking, including cohort models that mean you’ll work with the same students and faculty throughout your program. And many hybrid programs — such as the University of Maryland DNP PMHNP — offer a combination of in-person learning with online coursework to facilitate more intentional networking opportunities.