Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Description of Program:
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a clinical doctoral degree for registered nurses who have already obtained a Bachelor’s or Master of Science in Nursing. Core requirements of the degree prepare students for evidenced-based inquiry, leadership, healthcare policy and finance, curriculum development, and advanced practice skills in three clinical specialties: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
The culminating experience for students will be the completion of an evidence-based practice/translational research project. Students are expected to complete the program in three years while attending full-time, and in four years when attending part-time. The number of units for the DNP program of study range between 70 – 78 units depending on specialty concentration. Three- and four-year curriculum plans are available.
Admission Criteria
- The applicant holds an acceptable bachelor's or master’s degree in nursing earned at an institution accredited by a regional accrediting association and a national professional accrediting association.
- Meet SDSU graduate admission requirements
- Be in good standing at the last college/university attended
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in an acceptable bachelor’s or master’s degree program.
- Hold a current registered nursing license from the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), unencumbered, unrestricted with no disciplinary action pending.
- Have a minimum of two years of full-time experience working as an RN.
- Two letters of recommendation from professional persons knowledgeable about the applicant's nursing practice experience and the applicant's potential for scholarship and leadership.
- A written statement of purpose reflecting what the applicant expects to accomplish in the DNP program and how the DNP program will advance the applicant’s nursing career and practice.
- A personal interview may be required prior to admission.
- The applicant meets all requirements for credentialing or certification eligibility as appropriate to the nursing specialty area.
- The applicant has demonstrated sufficient preparation and experience pertinent to nursing practice to be successful in doctoral education.
- The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission.