Leading advanced mental healthcare

The Post-MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Doctor of Nursing Practice (PMHNP DNP) program at Concordia University Wisconsin prepares advanced practice nurses to expand their clinical expertise in psychiatric mental health while earning a doctoral degree. Designed for currently certified nurse practitioners, this program integrates psychiatric mental health specialization with doctoral-level leadership, evidence-based practice, informatics, and healthcare systems knowledge.

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Program Overview

The Post-MSN PMHNP DNP program is designed for nurse practitioners seeking advanced preparation in psychiatric mental health care and healthcare leadership.

This program combines coursework from the PMHNP certificate curriculum and the MSN-to-DNP program to provide both psychiatric specialization and doctoral-level leadership preparation.

You will develop advanced competencies in:

  • Psychiatric assessment and diagnosis
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Healthcare systems leadership
  • Informatics and quality improvement
  • Population health and policy
What to Expect

CUW's DNP program is built with the working professional in mind, allowing you to balance your professional responsibilities while completing the program in in 8 semesters (approximately 3 years).

Curriculum & practicum

The curriculum includes doctoral nursing courses, psychiatric mental health specialization, and DNP project development. View the curriculum here.

Residency requirements

Students in the Post-MSN PMHNP DNP program must document 1,000 post-baccalaureate residency hours, including:

  • 500 psychiatric clinical hours completed within the program
  • 200 leadership residency hours required for the DNP degree

Remaining hours may include verified clinical experience from a prior advanced practice nursing degree.

DNP scholarly project

You will complete a two-course sequence focused on implementing evidence-based change in healthcare systems. This project emphasizes quality improvement, population health outcomes, and translation of evidence into practice.

Career opportunities

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners provide specialized care for individuals experiencing behavioral and mental health conditions. Graduates may practice in:

  • Behavioral health clinics
  • Hospitals and psychiatric units
  • Integrated primary care settings
  • Community mental health centers
  • Telehealth practices

Many DNP-prepared psychiatric nurse practitioners also serve in leadership roles focused on healthcare quality improvement, systems transformation, and population health.

Take the next step

Expand your clinical expertise. Lead change in behavioral health care. Advance your career with a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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