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Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | DNP

Advance Your Career in Mental Health:
Explore the PMHNP Track at UNF


The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) track is a post-MSN Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at the 海角社区. This program is designed for those who already possess, at a minimum, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), is licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), hold national certification as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), and wish to obtain their DNP and become certified as a PMHNP.  The program will also consider applications from those who are nationally certified as a CNM, CNS, or CRNA with a B or better in graduate-level coursework in pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and assessment (the assessment course must include across the lifespan). 

PMHNP Nurse talking with a patient with holding a stethoscope

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.

Who Should Pursue the PMHNP DNP?

The PMHNP DNP track is designed to include education and preparation that will assist the student to acquire the advanced knowledge and clinical skills to provide best practices and comprehensive care to clients across the lifespan. This track is 68 credits with 1,100 clinical hours.  The clinical component of this program will focus on the mental health care needs of individuals and families whether in outpatient, inpatient, or private practice settings.  The program currently offers online studies in this degree track with courses following the traditional full-length semesters. Full- and part-time enrollment options are available, which must be selected on the application form.  The seats for this program are combined with the seats for the PMHNP Certificate program for 14 total each spring term beginning in 2024.  Note:  Those who are only interested in completing the PMHNP Certificate rather than the DNP should apply under the PMHNP Certificate track.

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:

Distance Learning Student Services

Application Deadlines

Spring Term . . . . . . . . Sept. 1

School of Nursing Important Dates

Admission Requirements

For admission requirements and information on how to apply, please visit our Admissions area or

The 海角社区Grad School Website

  • Course Descriptions

    For course descriptions and course searches please view the 海角社区Course Catalog.

  • 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 海角社区 are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.

    The 海角社区Nurse Anesthesiology Program is accredited by the , which may be reached at 222 South Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge, IL 60068 or at (847) 692-7050.

    The 海角社区 is accredited by the  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 海角社区.

    Individual contact to the Commission on Colleges about the 海角社区 accreditation status should occur only if there is evidence that appears to support significant noncompliance with a requirement or standard.

  • Estimated Cost of Attendance
    Tuition and fee assessments for distance learning may vary. Refer to the 海角社区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.

  • Technology Requirements
    Visit 海角社区ITS for Technology Requirements.

Contact Us


Dr. Beth A. Dibble

Assistant Director of Admissions: Nursing Programs
Email: nursingadmissions@unf.edu