Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration
Three-year full-time or four-year part-time hybrid program
The D.N.P. with a concentration in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner program prepares graduates to use outcomes to evaluate practice initiatives, use evidence-based practice to implement change, lead advanced decision-making and strategies to influence health policies and facilitate interprofessional collaboration in health care systems. Graduates earn a D.N.P. in nursing. This program is an option for bachelor's-prepared nurses.
- Graduate teaching assistantships help you cover tuition and offer a stipend
- A premier health science campus anchored by VCU Health, an academic medical center with Magnet status
- Opportunities to collaborate with the nationally-recognized Langston Center for Innovation in Quality and Safety
Program Details
In the D.N.P. psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner concentration, your coursework will focus on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders. You will learn about a variety of types of interventions to support and promote mental health and be introduced to topics such as psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, nonpharmacologic interventions, and advanced therapeutic communication. You will develop advanced clinical skills to to provide psychiatric care to individuals and populations across the lifespan and across the continuum of care, explore pathways to implement quality improvement and develop leadership skills to prepare you for roles as a nurse practitioner, administrator or educator.
Application Info
| Application Opens | Early Admission Deadline | Early Decision Notification | Application Closes | Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 1, 2023 | November 1, 2023 | December 15, 2023 | July 15, 2024* | Ongoing |
*In order to be reviewed for admission all components of the application (personal statements, references, transcripts, etc.) must be verified by July 15, 2024. Incomplete applications after this date will not be reviewed for the fall 2024 semester start.
Complete the NursingCAS application ($80 fee) and the VCU supplemental information application ($70 fee).
Submit the following materials with your application through NursingCAS, including:
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume or a curriculum vitae
- RN license
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable): Visit VCU's Graduate International Applicants page and see heading 'Application materials --> Proof of English proficiency'
We're here to help! Contact us at VCU_Nurse@vcu.edu with your admissions questions.
Review the functional and technical standards required for participation in the academic programs of the School of Nursing.
Prospective students with a conviction showing on their criminal history record may not be eligible to participate in clinical experiences at selected sites. This may impact the student’s ability to successfully complete program requirements. Applicants with a criminal history record are advised to review eligibility and licensure requirements for states in which they may seek employment (see Virginia eligibility requirements).
Financial Info
Use the following links to understand what your attendance costs will be and how aid and scholarships can help make your degree affordable.
Guaranteed Admission
Students who graduate with the minimum of a bachelor’s degree from the VCU School of Nursing are guaranteed admission to any VCU nursing graduate program provided they meet the requirements for admission and there is program space availability. Contact VCU_Nurse@vcu.edu for more info.