BSN to Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP) – Online
Designed for Licensed RNs Seeking an Online DNP
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) track is a BSN-entry Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at the University of North Florida created for licensed registered nurses ready to advance their practice. This primarily online pathway is designed for working professionals, with only one required campus visit during the first semester.
The first BSN-entry cohort is anticipated to begin in Fall 2026, with the approved program of study appearing in the UNF Catalog in Summer 2026.
The curriculum for the program is based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's (AACN's) The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (2021) and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) Standards for Quality Nurse Practitioner Education 6th edition (2022). The program objectives build upon those for the masters in a nursing program.
Want to learn more about the UNF Online Osprey Nursing Community?
Who Should Pursue the BSN to PMHNP (DNP)?
The BSN to PMHNP (DNP) track is designed to prepare students with the advanced knowledge and clinical skills needed to deliver best practices and comprehensive care to clients across the lifespan. This track includes 94 credits and 1,140 clinical hours.
The clinical component focuses on the mental health care needs of individuals and families in outpatient, inpatient, and private practice settings. The program is delivered primarily online, with courses following traditional full-length semesters. This program is offered only as a full-time enrollment option.
There are 16 seats available each fall semester beginning in Fall 2026.
Support and Resources for Online Students
Candidates seeking online, distance learning options who do not reside in Florida are encouraged to first review the State Authorization page for distance learning before making application. This program prepares students for licensure in the state of Florida. To be admitted, students must be located in Florida or intend to seek employment in Florida.
Below are several tools and resources to review:
Application Deadlines
| Fall June 1 |
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Program Information
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Program Sequence
1st semester (Fall): 13 credit hours
Course number Course Name Credit Hours NGR5003C Health Assessment and Diagnostics 4 NGR5172 Pharmacotherapeutics 3 NGR5141 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 NGR6740 Role Developments in Advanced Practice Nursing 3 2nd semester (Spring): 12 credit hours
Course number Course Name Credit Hours NGR6530 Neuropathophysiology of Mental Illness 3 NGR6538 Psychopharmacology 3 NGR5110 Theoretical Framework for Practice 3 NGR7843 Statistical Interpretation for Advanced Practice 3 3rd semester (Summer): 12 credit hours
Course number Course Name Credit Hours NGR6532 Adv Pract in Mental Health Nursing I: Psychiatric Assessment across the Lifespan 3 NGR6532L Adv Practice Mental Health Nursing Clinical Experience I: Assessment 3 NGR5810 Research Methods for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice 3 NGR7154 Advanced Bioscience 3 4th semester (Fall): 12 credit hours
Course number Course Name Credit Hours NGR6533 Adv Practice in Mental Health Nursing II: Diagnostic Reasoning/Mgmt of Adults 3 NGR6533L Adv Practice in Mental Health Nursing Clinical Experience II: Adults 3 NGR6673 Principles of Epidemiology for Advanced Practice 3 NGR7767 Practice Management in Advanced Nursing and Healthcare 3 5th semester (Spring): 12 credit hours
Course number Course Name Credit Hours NGR6531C Psychotherapeutic Modalities 3 NGR6534 Adv Practice in Mental Health Nursing III: Diagnostic Reasoning and Management of Pediatrics 3 NGR6534L Adv Practice in Mental Health Nursing Clinical Experience III: Peds 3 NGR7850 Evidence-based Practice I 3 6th semester (Summer): 9 credit hours
Course number Course Name Credit Hours NGR6892 Public Policy for Advanced Practice 3 NGR7851 Evidence-based Practice II 3 NGR7871 Health Informatics for Advanced Practice 3 7th semester (Fall): 9 credit hours
Course number Course Name Credit Hours NGR6535 Adv Practice in Mental Health Nursing IV: Simulation 1 NGR6536 Adv Practice in Mental Health Nursing V: Practicum 2 NGR6536L Adv Practice in Mental Health Nursing Clinical Experience V: Practicum 6 8th semester (Spring): 9 credit hours
Course number Course Name Credit Hours NGR6894 Global Healthcare and Culture 3 NGR7946 Residency in Advanced Practice 3 NGR7974 DNP Project 3 9th semester (Summer): 6 credit hours
Course number Course Name Credit Hours NGR7946 Residency in Advanced Practice 3 NGR7974 DNP Project 3 -
Course Descriptions
For course descriptions and course searches please view the UNF Course Catalog.
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Admission Requirements
For admission requirements and information on how to apply, please visit our Admissions area or
The UNF Graduate School Website
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Graduate Academic Learning Compact
Visit the Office of Institutional Effectiveness website to view the Nursing Graduate Academic Learning Compact. -
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree, master's degree, and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree programs and the post-graduate APRN certificate at the University of North Florida are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.
The UNF Nurse Anesthesiology Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs, which may be reached at 222 South Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge, IL 60068 or at (847) 692-7050.
The University of North Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the University of North Florida.
Individual contact to the Commission on Colleges about the University of North Florida accreditation status should occur only if there is evidence that appears to support significant noncompliance with a requirement or standard.
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Estimated Cost of Attendance
Tuition and fee assessments for distance learning may vary. Refer to the UNF Tuition & Fees page for more detail. For information regarding tuition waivers, please see our page on University accepted waivers. -
Important Dates
We encourage all students to view the important dates website.
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Technology Requirements
Visit UNF ITS for Technology Requirements.
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Dr. Beth A. Dibble
