Overview
Radford University’s School of Nursing‘s online Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) program prepares registered nurses who currently hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing science, a master’s degree, or a master’s degree in nursing science for advanced nursing practice. The program is accredited by the CCNE and SACSCOC..
Choose Your D.N.P. Track
Clinical Practice Leadership (post-MSN)
Family Nurse Practitioner (post-BSN)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (post-MSN)
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialty concentration of the D.N.P. program prepares graduates to synthesize and apply theories, clinical reasoning, and research in the treatment of patients. Courses focus on the best psychiatric and mental health nursing practices for addressing behavioral health issues, and acute and chronic mental illness.
Why Study Nursing Practice at Radford?
- Our program is distance-based to promote maximum flexibility while maintaining quality.
- Theory and research-based courses prepare our graduates to work in a variety of settings and to provide leadership in healthcare occupations.
The program culminates in a residency tailor-made to the student’s learning needs and career goals. - Upon completion of the D.N.P. program, graduates are eligible for Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Leadership.
- The D.N.P. program offers the required clinical and didactic courses in all concentrations and more than 1,000 clinical hours.
Careers and Internships
A doctoral degree in Nursing Practice can help graduates pursue careers as family nurse practitioners, psychiatric nurse practitioners, clinical leaders in healthcare facilities, and positions in upper management within healthcare settings, such as a chief nursing officer (CNO).
What will you do as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner?
- Conduct mental health assessments and develop treatment plans for patients
- Prescribe and manage medications for mental health conditions
- Provide individual and group psychotherapy to patients
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care for patients with mental health needs
- Practice in a variety of settings, including private practice, community mental health centers, hospitals, and schools
- Address the growing need for mental healthcare providers and make a positive impact on patients' lives
Opportunities for Doctor of Nursing Practice students at Radford
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Our program is structured around evidence-based methods such as psychopharmacological, psychotherapeutic, and psychoeducational interventions with an emphasis on mental health promotion and disease prevention strategies. Gain an understanding of ethical and legal considerations in mental healthcare and have ppportunities to prepare for certification as a PMHNP.
Admission Requirements
Various tracks require different courses, experiences, and amounts of time invested into the program.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Admission Requirements
- A master’s degree in nursing (M.S.N.) or doctoral degree in nursing (Ph.D. or D.N.P.)
- Current certification as a nurse practitioner and a license to practice as a registered nurse
- Cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale at the graduate level
- Current certification in BLS or ACLS
- Completed Graduate College application
- Resume or curriculum vitae that includes prior education and professional practice
- Professionally written letter describing career goals and how certification will assist in achieving those goals
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended
- Three letters of reference from professional contacts
- Personal phone interview with graduate nursing faculty
Please note: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required.
This specialty concentration meets the criteria established by the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC). Upon successful completion of the approved courses, graduates are eligible to take the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certification examination offered by the ANCC.
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Most Affordable in Virginia
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Top Graduate School in Virginia and the Nation
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College of Distinction
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Choose a track that interests you
Tracks include nursing leadership, family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, clinical leadership, and clinical excellence. The program prepares leaders in nursing through scientific underpinnings, to conduct research, generate new evidence, and initiate quality improvement.
