Doctor of Nursing Practice Psychiatric-Mental Health
About the Program
The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) doctoral degree at St. Catherine University prepares registered nurses to provide primary care in the changing healthcare delivery system by focusing on clinical excellence, systems thinking, and advanced nursing practice with a social justice foundation.
Our students are ready to serve the mental health needs of patients and clients in health systems, clinics, counseling centers, and community organizations Social justice and a holistic approach to health are integrated throughout the curriculum. In our program you will:
• Acquire a broad-based skill set to assess, evaluate and care for patients with psychiatric and mental health challenges across all social strata
• Enhance your nursing experience to incorporate holistic health practices into patient care
• Expand your leadership skills and knowledge to establish independent practice as a PMHNP
Our Curriculum
The 68-credit PMHNP-DNP can be completed in three years of full-time study; an extended 4-year option is also available. Courses are offered in a hybrid learning format, blending the convenience of online learning with the benefits of in-person meetings on our St. Paul campus, and enhancing the connections between faculty and students.
A one-year, 21-credit Post-Master’s Certificate option is available for working professionals who are certified as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
We offer a unique focus on mental health through a holistic lens. Our “whole person” approach interweaves medical-pharmacological care with alternative and complementary therapies, emphasizing prevention and wellness. You’ll also learn business and management skills for leading change and navigating in health systems.
810 hours of hands-on, direct patient care are required for the DNP program. St. Kate’s faculty will help you make connections with leading healthcare providers for access to high-quality clinical experiences.
Tuition and Fees
The 2024–25 tuition rate for the PMHNP program is $1,200 per credit. Additional costs include fees for student services and technology ($330 per term) and books (prices vary by course).
How to Apply
Application deadline: January 15 for Fall enrollment. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis
To be eligible for admission, applicants must have:
• A bachelor’s or graduate degree from an institution accredited by a nationally recognized, regional accrediting association.
• The baccalaureate nursing program (i.e., initial major or upper division, postbaccalaureate second major) or comparable master's-level program in which the nursing degree is awarded must be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• GPA of 3.0 or higher, and a grade of not less than B- in every nursing course.
• A current unencumbered RN license
• Preferred (but not required): Two years of recent clinical practice as a registered nurse, with at least one year of experience in the area of specialization.
The PMHNP application requires the following materials:
• Admission essay
• Current résumé
• Video statement
• One recommendation
• Transcripts from all degree-granting institutions
• Official scores from TOEFL or IELTS (if native language is not English)
• Credential evaluation from World Education Services (if college/university coursework was completed outside the U.S.)
Visit our website for detailed application information
St. Catherine University Nursing Programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
This document provides information about graduate studies at St. Catherine University. The information may change at any time. Contact the Office of Graduate Admission to confirm program and application details.
DNP: Nurse Practitioner Sample Plan of Study
Start in the Fall semester and complete the 68-credit Nurse Practitioner program in three years for the Psychiatric-Mental Health track. An extended 4-year plan is also available.
Sample Plan of Study: Fall start, 3-Year track for PMHNP
FALL
Year 1 Foundations of Nurse Practitioner Practice I
Principles of Epidemiology and Biostatistics I
Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan
Clinical Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan
Intensive 1: Introduction to the DNP-NP
SPRING
Advanced Informatics
Interprofessional Perspectives and Competencies
Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan
Intensive 2: Cadaver lab, simulation
SUMMER
Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
Neurobiology and Psychopathologic Disorders Across the Lifespan
Holistic Interventions for Patients with PsychiatricMental Health Disorders
Intensive 3: Practice & Exam
Sample Plan of Study: PMHNP Track (continued)
Year 2
Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice
Healthcare Economics and Finance
PMHNP I: Assessment, Diagnosis and EvidenceBased Management of Psychiatric-Mental Health Conditions for Adults and Older Adults
Intensive 4: Simulations
Advanced Outcome and Evaluation
The Business of Providing Care to Patients with Psychiatric-Mental Health Disorders
Advanced Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Practitioners
PMHNP II: Assessment, Diagnosis and Evidence-Based Management of PsychiatricMental Health Conditions for Children and Families
Intensive 5: Simulation
DNP Integration I
PMHNP III: Role of the PMHNP; Integrated Care Across the Lifespan
Psychotherapeutic Interventions Across the Lifespan: PMHNP Clinical I
Telehealth Simulation
Year 3
DNP Integration II
Psychotherapeutic Interventions Across the Lifespan: PMHNP Clinical II
Intensive 6: Simulation
Healthcare: Power, Policy and Politics
DNP Integration III
Psychotherapeutic Interventions Across the Lifespan: PMHNP Clinical III
Telehealth Simulation
DNP Integration IV
Psychotherapeutic Interventions Across the Lifespan: PMHNP Clinical IV
Intensive 7: DNP Presentations