Nursing (BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) DNP

Overview

The School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) emphasis areas: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

The purpose of the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is to prepare students as advanced practice registered nurses in the role of nurse practitioners. The PMHNP program prepares the graduate to provide primary and psychiatric health care at an advanced level to individuals and families across the lifespan in rural and community health settings.

Admission Requirements

The College of Nursing and Health Professions adheres to the university policies with regard to the admission of graduate students. Members of all underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

In addition to adhering to the Graduate School Admissions and Procedures , doctoral program applicants must also meet the following requirements of the School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice:

1. Baccalaureate in Nursing (BSN) from an institution accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
2. Submitted official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), including a score of 3.0 or higher on the analytical section. The GRE must have been completed within the last five years.
3. Must have earned a 3.0 or higher-grade point average (GPA) (based on a 4.0 system) in both undergraduate and graduate level courses.
4. Proof of a current and unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license to practice in the State of Mississippi (prior to starting the program).
5. Must have at least one year of clinical experience as an RN before beginning nurse practitioner emphasis/clinical courses.
6. Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate.
7. Completed an approved advanced graduate-level statistic course, achieving a grade of B or higher within the past 5 years.
8. Must submit a current curriculum vitae (CV) (professional resume).
9. Submission of three (3) letters of reference from individuals (doctoral-level nursing individuals preferred) familiar with the applicant’s academic/professional background and experience in nursing practice, specifying in detail the applicant’s capacity for doctoral study and clinical expertise.
10. Submit a cover letter of introduction and a personal statement of scholarly inquiry interests.
11. Supplemental Nursing Application
12. An interview (online or telephone).
13. Proof of recent health examinations to include (a) proof of immunization against the Hepatitis B virus, (b) current tuberculosis (TB) skin test or QuantiFERON G test, (c) current Tdap immunization, (d) Evidence of immunity to varicella, and (e) current MMR immunization.
14. Must pass both a criminal background check and drug screening.

Exceptions to the above criteria must be approved by the School Director, the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

Thirty-seven (37) to forty-three (43) credit hours are required to complete the program: 7 hours in the core and 37 hours in the area of emphasis, including clinical courses, and support courses at the 600 level. A comprehensive exam, doctoral project, and a 3.0 GPA are required to graduate.

A student must maintain a 3.0-grade point average each semester and may not earn more than 6 hours with a grade of C in the program of study. Failure to meet this requirement will result in denial of progression in the graduate nursing program.

If a student has a felony conviction, the student may not be able to complete the degree because he or she may not be able to perform the required clinical experience.

Students enrolled in any laboratory course must adhere to agency guidelines and must maintain their nursing license to practice throughout the program of study.

Students must purchase liability insurance through the University. The required insurance fee will be charged for each semester the student is enrolled in a clinical course at the time of registration.

Nurse Practitioner students will be expected to purchase physical assessment equipment.

See General Degree Requirements  and General Academic Information  for other requirements and policies.

Course Requirements (59-64 hours)

These courses will be taken in a prescribed order not reflected here. Courses will also be taken during the summer semester.

• NUR 608 - Advanced Practice Nurse Role I 2 hrs.
• NUR 615 - Health Promotion & Disease Prevention for APRN 2 hrs.
• NUR 630 - Psychobiological Theories and Assessment in Advanced Psychiatric Nursing 3 hrs.
• NUR 631 - Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Diagnosis and Management with Individuals 3 hrs.
• NUR 631L - Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum I 6 hrs.
• NUR 634L - Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum III 6 hrs.
• NUR 635 - FPMHNP Diagnosis and Management Groups/Families 3 hrs.
• NUR 635L - Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP Practicum II 6 hrs.
• NUR 636 - Psychopharmacology 2 hrs.
• NUR 671 - Transition To Practice Seminar 1 hr.
• NUR 800 - Advanced Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice 3 hrs.
• NUR 801 - Advanced Pharmacology for Advanced Practice 3 hrs.
• NUR 803 - Advanced Health Assessment Advance Practice Nurses 3 hrs.
• NUR 805 - Role Development in Advanced Practice Nursing 3 hrs.
• NUR 809 - Methods for Evaluating Evidence Based Practice 3 hrs.
• NUR 810 - Practice Inquiry I: Information Systems & Technology 1 hr.
• NUR 811 - Population Health and Epidemiology 4 hrs.
• NUR 812 - Practice Inquiry II: Translating Research into Practice 1 hr.
• NUR 813 - Policy and Politics in Healthcare 3 hrs.
• NUR 816 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project 2-6 hrs.
• NUR 817 - Quality and Leadership in Healthcare Systems 4 hrs.
• NUR 819 - Economics and Finance in Healthcare Systems 3 hrs.