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Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health, DNP

Pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program and provide nursing care to individuals with mental health and substance-related problems and their families.

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About this Program

The Transformation of Mental Health Care Begins with You

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Seattle University prepares you for advanced nursing practice and leadership in transforming health care systems that serve individuals with mental health and substance-related problems and their families. Our program’s approach focuses on the integration of mental health and addictions treatment in community, primary care, hospital and outpatient settings.

Join us as we provide a scientific and compassionate framework for understanding and intervening in complex problems that face populations disproportionately affected by mental health and substance-related problems. Become a leader who drives policies and reduces disparities in access to high-quality, evidence-based mental health and addiction treatment for children, adolescents, adults and older adults in our community.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Program at a Glance

Learn how a DNP degree in the PMHNP program will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University degree can be.

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program prepares graduates to provide comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment care in hospitals, outpatient and community settings. The PMHNP program is a lifespan program, providing education to care for patients with mental health problems from early childhood to old age. The program focus is integration of mental illness and addictions, including preparation to serve diverse populations who may be disproportionately affected by mental health and substance-related problems and/or health care disparities, such as barriers to accessing services.

The PMHNP program of study is for students entering the DNP program with an RN and Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion (APNI) to DNP students who have successfully completed their pre-licensure program of study.

DNP graduates will:

  1. Synthesize knowledge from nursing and other disciplines in the provision of evidence-based advanced practice nursing care. 
  2. Utilize information systems technology to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes.
  3. Demonstrate competence in an advanced nursing practice specialty.
  4. Exercise leadership through scholarship, advocacy, and community engagement to achieve just and equitable healthcare systems that improve health potential and reduce health disparities of vulnerable populations.
  5. Evaluate and influence healthcare systems and health policy at local, state, federal, and global levels.
  6. Demonstrate effective communication and interprofessional collaboration in the promotion of healthcare access, quality, and outcomes.
  7. Evaluate beliefs, values, and ways of knowing to foster lifelong personal and professional development.
  8. Apply ethical decision-making in complex clinical situations.

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

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CCNE Accredited

Seattle University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

85.7%

Job Placement Rate

For Seattle University Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) grads.

#1

Top-Ranked Nursing School

Seattle University is a leader in WA state and among the top in the U.S. —College Factual, 2024

Virtual Information Sessions

Have questions about Seattle University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice programs? Attend a one-hour virtual information session to learn more about the College of Nursing, meet a knowledgeable admissions representative, and get answers to your questions about our programs, the application process and more.

College of Nursing Student in a Classroom
A nurse talking to a patient in a hospital room.

State-of-the-Art Clinical Performance Lab

The Clinical Performance Lab is a state-of-the-art, 20,000 square foot facility located a few blocks from the Seattle University main campus at Swedish Cherry Hill Medical Center. You’ll take your classroom knowledge and practice in a safe clinical environment with realistic patient scenarios.

Clinical Performance Lab

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) CCNE Accredited

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing/Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Seattle University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Hear From Our Alumni

Jeffrey Kendall

“The exceptional faculty, facilities, and clinical placements at Seattle University have all helped me to develop the skills necessary to effectively serve the mental health needs of my community as a family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.”

DNP, PMHNP, RN, Class of 2018

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Get in Touch

We’re here to help. For information about DNP degrees at Seattle University, contact:

Oz Sener, MEd

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