Doctor of Nursing Practice / Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP)
University of Utah

Program Details

The DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track from the University of Utah combines neuro-biological science and psychosocial theory. Nurses learn how to promote, support, and facilitate optimal mental health through compassionate client-centered care.

Coursework prepares nurses to meet their patients’ mental healthcare needs while emphasizing respect for the person, family, community, and culture. Students in this online Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program learn essential skills for psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and prescriptive practice. The program incorporates mentoring and supervised clinical experiences.

Students can expect to learn topics related to:

  • Mood and anxiety disorders
  • Group and family therapy
  • Substance-related and addiction disorder therapy and management
  • Biobehavioral foundations of mental illness and diagnostic testing

Learning Pace

Institution-Paced

% Online

Mostly Online

Program Accreditation & Licensing

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

School Accreditation & Licensing

University of Utah is accredited by:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Program Requirements & Restrictions

Minimum Education

Bachelor Degree

Recommended GPA

3.0 or above (4.0 scale)

Application Requirements

Occupational License, Official College Transcript(s)

Additional Info

  • Requires on-campus visits no more than five times per semester
  • Must have a bachelor's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution and a nationally accredited nursing school
  • Provide verification of licensure as an RN or APRN in at least one of the jurisdictions of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing
  • Priority admission given to students in Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona, and New Mexico