Doctor of Nursing Practice / Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP)
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Program Details

This online Doctor of Nursing Practice builds on core competencies gained in a BSN program for advanced practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Courses focus on the assessment and care of individuals with both acute and chronic mental health conditions.

Students in this BSN to DNP online degree examine issues related to the trajectory of illness, psychological development, family dynamics, and primary prevention. Clinical experiences allow nurses to develop their clinical reasoning as well as patient assessment and management skills. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

The curriculum covers topics such as:

  • Evidence-based practice
  • Psychopharmacology in advanced practice
  • APRN practice issues
  • Nursing leadership in complex systems

% Online

Mostly Online

Program Accreditation & Licensing

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

School Accreditation & Licensing

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is accredited by:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Program Requirements & Restrictions

Minimum Education

Bachelor Degree

Recommended GPA

3.0 or above (4.0 scale)

Admission Tests

GRE, Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students)

Application Requirements

Interview, Occupational License, Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Resume/CV, Statement of Purpose/Intent

Additional Info

  • Requires on-campus visits twice per semester during clinical courses in area of concentration
  • Must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited program that also holds nursing accreditation through the National Accrediting Commission or the Collegiate Commission on Nursing Education
  • GRE scores not required for applicants with GPA of 3.3 or higher