Ranked Among the Best
DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
There is no health without mental health. And we need psych mental health NPs to keep us healthy.
Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) sit at the intersection of a mental health crisis, a workforce shortage, and an evolving health care system, making it one of the most in-demand and impactful advanced practice roles in modern health care.
The need for mental health services in the United States continues to grow, while access to treatment remains a significant challenge, particularly in rural and underserved communities. PMHNPs are well positioned to help address these gaps and improve access to high-quality mental health care.
PMHNPs provide psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, therapy, and medication management across a variety of settings, including integrated primary care. Their advanced nursing education and whole-person approach prepare them to address mental health needs alongside chronic disease and medical comorbidities, supporting improved patient outcomes.
An ideal candidate for this program is passionate about working with patients with psychiatric-mental health care needs and recognizes the importance of individual patient interactions and larger, systemic changes. Flexibility, patience, compassion, and open-mindedness are among the essential attributes for the PMHNP.
Why Earn Your DNP in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty at UMSOM
- Coursework and clinical experiences are focused on the full scope of practice of the PMHNP. This includes two semesters of psychotherapy didactic content and clinical experiences in addition to experience with medication management.
- We keep our cohort and class sizes small, which fosters connections with students and faculty, including one-on-one academic advising by a PMHNP faculty member.
- UMSON faculty are all experienced clinicians, educators, and leaders with combined decades of experience in the field.
- UMSON is a pioneer in psychiatric mental health nursing, having established its program as one of the first in the nation more than 70 years ago. We’ve been doing this a long time, and we know the field in and out.
- You can supplement your PMHNP DNP with a 12-credit graduate Substance Use and Addictions Nursing Certificate. You can apply up to two of the four certificate courses toward your DNP.
Certification Exams and Pass Rates
When you graduate, you’ll be prepared to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center board certification exam or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners certification board exam
Congratulations to our 2025 graduates, who earned a 100% pass rate on the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam.
Program Snapshot
Length
As little as 3 years
Format
Blended (face-to-face and online)
Tuition and Fees View overview
In State Tuition: $926/credit hour
Out of State Tuition: $1,643/credit hour
Out of State Tuition: $1,643/credit hour
Credits
45-81 (depending on previous academic preparation); 1,085 minimum clinical/practicum hours
Accreditation Read Details
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Earn a postdoctoral certificate.
If you’re a doctoral-prepared nurse who wants to add or change your area of specialty, there’s no need to repeat coursework you’ve already taken. See the Course Listing for the Postdoctoral Certificate under Plans of Study below.
How the Program Works
This program is offered as a great mix of primarily face-to-face, supportive instruction, and select online synchronous classes, all with faculty who are experts in the specialty.
- While some DNP core courses may be offered online with synchronous web conferencing, the PMHNP specialty courses are offered in person on campus. This supports engaging, hands-on learning experiences and interaction with classmates and faculty.
- Simulation and standardized patient experiences further complement classroom and clinical learning.
- Clinical placements for the PMHNP specialty are in the Baltimore area and throughout Maryland. UMSON faculty and staff work to coordinate high-quality placements for you (no need to find your own!) in a variety of settings (for example, outpatient mental health, inpatient mental health, private practices, urgent or emergency care settings, and psychotherapy practices) to offer you a robust and well-rounded experience. We maintain strong relationships with local preceptors, many of whom are UMSON PMHSNP alumni, and organizations.
- You will work with patients experiencing mental health needs across the life span to support eligibility for board certification upon successful program completion. Placements are arranged in accordance with the topic area for the course in a given semester.
This specialty offers three-, four-, and five-year plans of study:
- 3-Year (Summer Start Only): Designed for students who can fully immerse themselves in the program and commit to full-time study. Students in this pathway are generally not employed outside of the program and are available Monday through Friday for academic and clinical requirements. This option is often selected by students participating in military programs or receiving employer sponsorship. Approximately 5% of students choose this plan of study.
- 4-Year (Summer Start Only): Designed for students seeking a balance between graduate study and part-time employment. Approximately 50% of students choose this plan of study.
- 5-Year (Fall Start Only): Designed for students who need the flexibility to continue working full time while pursuing their DNP degree. Approximately 45% of students choose this plan of study.
During the application review and interview process, the Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships team will discuss plan of study options with applicants.
You may indicate a preferred plan; however, final placement into a three-, four-, or five-year plan, including the start term, is determined by program leadership, based on academic readiness and overall preparation.
In some cases, a review of prior coursework (a gap analysis) may indicate that you should begin your DNP program in a later semester than originally anticipated. For example, an applicant who applies with a preference for a four-year plan beginning in the summer may be offered admission to the five-year plan beginning in the fall if additional coursework is needed.
Choose one of four paths to your DNP.
Our Doctor of Nurse Practice program has an option that fits your goals and experience, whether you 1) have your BSN, 2) have your master's in nursing or a related field, 3) are already a nurse practitioner, 4) are looking to change your specialty. Focus your energy and resources on only those courses that you need to achieve your goals. Learn more about our DNP pathways.
What You'll Learn
You will graduate having met or exceeded the requirements for board certification eligibility for the PMHNP, and most importantly, you will develop an integral skillset to support your clinical practice career. Throughout the program, you will gain experience in:
- mental health diagnosis and differential diagnosis
- comprehensive mental health assessments
- psychotherapy with individuals, families, and groups
- recommending appropriate treatment modalities for diagnosis
- psychopharmacology for varied conditions
- coordinating care effectively
- supporting patient outcomes and advocating for best practices
- applying evidence-based knowledge to patient care.
You will complete a scholarly project focused on evidence-based practice, quality improvement, or systems-level impact.
What You'll Do After Graduation
Graduates have tremendous opportunities to work across many settings with varied patient populations with mental health needs across the life span, including but not limited to:
- outpatient
- community mental health centers
- private practices
- emergency/urgent care settings
- inpatient psychiatric settings
- residential or partial mental health care
- telehealth
- integrated behavioral health
- consultation services.
While many of our graduates are dedicated to Baltimore and surrounding communities, our students and graduates practice across Maryland and throughout the country. Mental health care treatment needs are immense nationally, which means lots of employment opportunities across settings.
Competency-Based Education
This program’s curriculum is aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, which focus on competency-based education (CBE). CBE is a student-centered approach that is built on the science of how we learn and provides multiple opportunities for you to demonstrate and use what you are learning as you learn it.
More Information
Courses You'll Take: Students Admitted Fall 2016 – Fall 2026
For financial aid purposes, there are credit minimums for full-time status that may differ from the plans of study. See details.
Post-BSN:
Plans of Study for Fall 2016 - Fall 2026:
Plans of Study Prior to Fall 2016:
Post-Master's:
Postdoctoral Certificate:
Post-BSN: Three-Year Plan of Study
| Semester and Course Number/Title | Credit/Clinical Hours |
| Fall Year 1 | |
| NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
| NURS 723: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Life Span | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span | 4 Credits |
| NRSG 785: Professional Writing | 1 Credit |
| Total: | 11 Credits |
| Spring Year 1 | |
| NRSG 790: Methods for Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 795: Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 870: Diagnosis and Management 1: Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Across the Life Span | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 871: Diagnosis and Management 1: Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Across the Life Span Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 3 Credits (135 Hours) |
| Total: | 12 Credits |
| Summer Year 1 | |
| NRSG 780: Population Health and Promotion | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 710: Evidence-Informed Health Policy and Advocacy | 3 Credits |
| NPHY 862: Neurophysiology of Mental Disorders | 2 Credits |
| Total: | 8 Credits |
| Fall Year 2 | |
| NDNP 804: Theory for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 782: Health Systems & Health Policy: Leadership & Quality Improvement | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 872: Diagnosis and Management 2: Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span | 4 Credits |
| NDNP 873: Diagnosis and Management 2: Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 4 Credits (180 Hours) |
| NDNP 809A: DNP Project Readiness | 0 Credits |
| Total: | 14 Credits |
| Spring Year 2 | |
| NDNP 807: Healthcare Informatics for Advanced Practice | 3 Credits (45 Hours) |
| NDNP 810: DNP Project Identification | 3 Credit (90 Hours) |
| NDNP 874: Diagnosis and Management 3: Family Systems for Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 875: Diagnosis and Management 3: Family Systems for Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 2 Credits (90 Hours) |
| Total: | 11 Credits |
| Summer Year 2 | |
| NDNP 811: DNP Project Development | 1 Credit |
| NURS 834: Translating Evidence to Practice | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 876: Diagnosis and Management 4: Psychopharmacology Across the Life Span | 4 Credits |
| Total: | 8 Credits |
| Fall Year 3 | |
| NDNP 812: DNP Project Implementation | 1 Credit (45 Hours) |
| NDNP 814: Advanced Practice Leadership in Health Care Systems | 3 Credits (45 Hours) |
| NDNP 877: Diagnosis and Management 5: Professional Practice Immersion: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 4 Credits (180 Hours) |
| Total: | 8 Credits |
| Spring Year 3 | |
| NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination | 1 Credit |
| NDNP 878: Diagnosis and Management 6: Integration of Practice and Leadership: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 5 Credits (225 Hours) |
| ELECTIVE or Necessary Specialty Course | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 9 Credits |
| TOTAL 81 CREDITS (58 Didactic/23 Clinical Credits [1,035 Clinical Hours]) | |
Post-BSN: Four-Year Plan of Study
| Semester and Course Number/Title | Credit/Clinical Hours |
| Fall Year 1 | |
| NRSG 780: Health Promotion and Population Health | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 790: Methods for Research and Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 785: Professional Writing | 1 Credit |
| Total: | 7 Credits |
| Spring Year 1 | |
| NRSG 795: Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 782: Health Systems & Health Policy: Leadership & Quality Improvement | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 6 Credits |
| Summer Year 1 | |
| NDNP 710: Evidence-Informed Health Policy and Advocacy | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 3 Credits |
| Fall Year 2 | |
| NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
| NURS 723: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Life Span | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span | 4 Credits |
| Total: | 10 Credits |
| Spring Year 2 | |
| NDNP 870: Diagnosis and Management 1: Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Across the Life Span | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 871: Diagnosis and Management 1: Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Across the Life Span Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 3 Credits (135 Hours) |
| NDNP 804: Theory for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 9 Credits |
| Summer Year 2 | |
| NPHY 862: Neurophysiology of Mental Disorders | 2 Credits |
| NURS 834: Translating Evidence to Practice | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 5 Credits |
| Fall Year 3 | |
| NDNP 872: Diagnosis and Management 2: Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span | 4 Credits |
| NDNP 873: Diagnosis and Management 2: Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 4 Credits (180 Hours) |
| NDNP 807: Healthcare Informatics for Advanced Practice | 3 Credits (45 Hours) |
| NDNP 809A: DNP Project Readiness | 0 Credits |
| Total: | 11 Credits |
| Spring Year 3 | |
| NDNP 810: DNP Project Identification | 3 Credit (90 Hours) |
| NDNP 874: Diagnosis and Management 3: Family Systems for Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 875: Diagnosis and Management 3: Family Systems for Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 2 Credits (90 Hours) |
| Total: | 8 Credits |
| Summer Year 3 | |
| NDNP 811: DNP Project Development | 1 Credit |
| NDNP 876: Diagnosis and Management 4: Psychopharmacology Across the Life Span | 4 Credits |
| Total: | 5 Credits |
| Fall Year 4 | |
| NDNP 812: DNP Project Implementation | 1 Credit (45 Hours) |
| NDNP 877: Diagnosis and Management 5: Professional Practice Immersion: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 4 Credits (180 Hours) |
| NDNP 814: Advanced Practice Leadership in Health Care Systems | 3 Credits (45 Hours) |
| Total: | 8 Credits |
| Spring Year 4 | |
| NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination | 1 Credit |
| NDNP 878: Diagnosis and Management 6: Integration of Practice and Leadership: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 5 Credits (225 Hours) |
| ELECTIVE or Necessary Specialty Course | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 9 Credits |
| TOTAL 81 CREDITS (58 Didactic/23 Clinical Credits [1,035 Clinical Hours]) | |
Post-BSN: Five-Year Plan of Study
| Semester and Course Number/Title | Credit/Clinical Hours |
| Fall Year 1 | |
| NRSG 780: Health Promotion and Population Health | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 782: Health Systems & Health Policy: Leadership & Quality Improvement | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 785: Professional Writing | 1 Credit |
| Total: | 7 Credits |
| Spring Year 1 | |
| NRSG 790: Methods for Research and Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 710: Evidence-Informed Health Policy and Advocacy | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 6 Credits |
| Summer Year 1 | |
| NDNP 804: Theory for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 3 Credits |
| Fall Year 2 | |
| NDNP 807: Healthcare Informatics for Advanced Practice | 3 Credits (45 Hours) |
| NRSG 795: Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 6 Credits |
| Spring Year 2 | |
| NURS 834: Translating Evidence to Practice | 3 Credits |
| ELECTIVE or Necessary Specialty Course | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 6 Credits |
| Summer Year 2 | |
| NDNP 814: Advanced Practice Leadership in Health Care Systems | 3 Credits (45 Hours) |
| 3 Credits | |
| Fall Year 3 | |
| NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
| NURS 723: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Life Span | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span | 4 Credits |
| Total: | 10 Credits |
| Spring Year 3 | |
| NDNP 870: Diagnosis and Management 1: Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Across the Life Span | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 871: Diagnosis and Management 1: Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Across the Life Span Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 3 Credits (135 Hours) |
| Total: | 6 Credits |
| Summer Year 3 | |
| NPHY 862: Neurophysiology of Mental Disorders | 2 Credits |
| Total: | 2 Credits |
| Fall Year 4 | |
| NDNP 872: Diagnosis and Management 2: Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span | 4 Credits |
| NDNP 873: Diagnosis and Management 2: Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 4 Credits (180 Hours) |
| NDNP 809A: DNP Project Readiness | 0 Credits |
| Total: | 8 Credits |
| Spring Year 4 | |
| NDNP 874: Diagnosis and Management 3: Family Systems for Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 810: DNP Project Identification | 3 Credit (90 Hours) |
| NDNP 875: Diagnosis and Management 3: Family Systems for Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 2 Credits (90 Hours) |
| Total: | 8 Credits |
| Summer Year 4 | |
| NDNP 811: DNP Project Development | 1 Credit |
| NDNP 876: Diagnosis and Management 4: Psychopharmacology Across the Life Span | 4 Credits |
| Total: | 5 Credits |
| Fall Year 5 | |
| NDNP 812: DNP Project Implementation | 1 Credit (45 Hours) |
| NDNP 877: Diagnosis and Management 5: Professional Practice Immersion: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 4 Credits (180 Hours) |
| Total: | 5 Credits |
| Spring Year 5 | |
| NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination | 1 Credit |
| NDNP 878: Diagnosis and Management 6: Integration of Practice and Leadership: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 5 Credits (225 Hours) |
| Total: | 6 Credits |
| TOTAL 81 CREDITS (58 Didactic/23 Clinical Credits [1,035 Clinical Hours]) | |
Post-Master's: Core Degree Requirements
The Post Masters-DNP with Specialty plan of study is by definition variable credit based on the student’s individual educational experiences.
Students should work closely with their advisor to determine specific plans of study.
All of the below degree requirements must be completed at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, or through transfer or waiver of credits that are directly equivalent to UMSON coursework.
| Course Number/Title | Credit/Clinical Hours |
|---|---|
| NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
| NURS 723: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Life Span | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span | 4 Credits (May be satisfied by at least 3 credits of directly equivalent transfer credit) |
| NRSG 790: Methods for Research and Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 795: Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 804: Theory for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 785: Professional Writing | 1 Credit |
| NDNP 807: Healthcare Informatics for Advanced Practice | 3 Credits (45 Hours) |
| NURS 834: Translating Evidence to Practice | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 809A: DNP Project Readiness | 0 Credits |
| NDNP 810: Project Identification | 3 Credit (90 Hours) |
| NDNP 811: DNP Project Development | 1 Credit |
| NDNP 812: DNP Project Implementation | 1 Credit |
| NDNP 814: Advanced Practice Leadership in Health Care Systems | 3 Credits (45 Hours) |
| NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination | 1 Credit |
| NDNP 710: Evidence-Informed Health Policy and Advocacy | 3 Credits |
| Total Core: | 38 Credits |
| Total APRN Specialty Courses: | 20 Credits (minimum)* |
| Total Credits: | 48 – 80** |
*Additional credits as needed to meet certification and 1,000-hour requirement.
**All students must complete a minimum of 48 credits to receive a DNP with specialty. Credits necessary to meet certification and DNP requirements determined upon admission. Maximum credits for degree 80.
Post-Master's: List of Specialty-Specific Courses
| Course Number/Title | Credit/Clinical Hours |
| NDNP 870: Diagnosis and Management 1: Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Across the Life Span | 3 |
| NDNP 871: Diagnosis and Management 1: Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Across the Life Span Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 3 (135 hours) |
| NPHY 862: Neurophysiology of Mental Disorders | 2 |
| NDNP 872: Diagnosis and Management 2: Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Nursing Across the Life Span | 3 |
| NDNP 873: Diagnosis and Management 2: Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Nursing Across the Life Span Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 4 (180 hours) |
| NDNP 874: Diagnosis and Management 3: Family Systems for Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span | 3 |
| NDNP 875: Diagnosis and Management 3: Family Systems for Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 2 (90 hours) |
| NDNP 876: Diagnosis and Management 4: Psychopharmacology Across the Life Span | 4 |
| NDNP 877: Diagnosis and Management 5: Professional Practice Immersion: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 4 (180 hours) |
| NDNP 878: Diagnosis and Management 6: Integration of Practice and Leadership: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 5 (225 hours) |
| Total Credits: | 33 |
| Total Clinical Hours: | 990 |
If the student has already taken some of the required courses, the option of lowering the number of credits is possible upon review by the program director.
Courses You'll Take: Students Admitted Summer 2027 and Later
For financial aid purposes, there are credit minimums for full-time status that may differ from the plans of study. See details.
Post-BSN:
Post-Master's:
P: Prerequisite
C: Corequisite
( ): Hours; unless specified, are clinical
D: Didactic
Pr: Practicum
Post-BSN: Three-Year Plan of Study
|
Summer Year 1 |
Credits |
|
NDNP 701: Professional Writing |
1 |
|
NDNP 700: Advanced Professional Nursing Practice |
3 |
|
NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology |
3 |
|
Total |
7 |
|
Fall Year 1 |
|
|
NDNP 702: Health Care Delivery: Quality, Access, and Economics |
3 |
|
NDNP 704: Population/Global Health |
3 (45) |
|
NDNP 723: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Life Span |
3 |
|
Total |
9 |
|
Spring Year 1 |
|
|
NDNP 706: Evidence-Informed Practice and Statistics |
4 |
|
NDNP 708: Health Care Informatics for Advanced Practice |
3 (45) |
|
NPHY 862: Neurophysiology of Mental Disorders P: NDNP 723; P: NPHY 612 |
2 |
|
NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span |
4 |
|
Total |
13 |
|
Summer Year 2 |
|
|
NDNP 710: Evidence-Informed Health Policy and Advocacy |
3 |
|
NDNP 870: Diagnosis and Management 1: Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Across the Life Span P: NDNP 723, NPHY 612; C: NDNP 819 |
2 (45) 1D/1Lab |
|
NDNP 871: Diagnosis and Management 1: Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Across the Life Span: Clinical P: NDNP 723, NDNP 819, NPHY 612, NDNP 870 |
2 (90) |
|
Total |
7 |
|
Fall Year 2 |
|
|
NDNP 712: Advanced Practice Leadership in Health Care Systems |
3 (45) |
|
NDNP 714: Translating Evidence to Practice |
3 |
|
NDNP 872: Diagnosis and Management 2: Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span P: NDNP 870, NDNP 871, NPHY 862; C: NDNP 873 |
4 |
|
NDNP 873: Diagnosis and Management 2: Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span: Clinical P: NDNP 870, NDNP 871, NPHY 862; C: NDNP 872 |
3 (135) |
|
Total |
13 |
|
Spring Year 2 |
|
|
NDNP 810: DNP Project Development |
3 (90) |
|
NDNP 874: Diagnosis and Management 3: Family Systems for Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span P: NDNP 872, NDNP 873; C: NDNP 875 |
4 |
|
NDNP 875: Diagnosis and Management 3: Family Systems for Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span: Clinical P: NDNP 872, NDNP 873; C: NDNP 874 |
3 (135) |
|
Total |
10 |
|
Summer Year 3 |
|
|
NDNP 811: DNP Project Planning |
1 |
|
NDNP 876: Diagnosis and Management 4: Psychopharmacology Across the Life Span P: NDNP 874, NDNP 875 |
4 |
|
Total |
5 |
|
Fall Year 3 |
|
|
NDNP 812: DNP Project Implementation |
2 (45) |
|
NDNP 877: Diagnosis and Management 5: Professional Practice Immersion: Clinical P: NDNP 876; C: NDNP 860 |
5 (225) |
|
NDNP 860: Transition Into APRN practice roles |
1 |
|
Total |
8 |
|
Spring Year 3 |
|
|
NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination |
1 5 Pr hours |
|
NDNP 878: Diagnosis and Management 6: Integration of Practice and Leadership: Clinical P: NDNP 877, NDNP 860 |
5 (225) |
|
Elective |
3 |
|
Total |
9 |
Total: 81 Credits (1,085 Hours [275 Practicum/810 Clinical])
Post-BSN: Four-Year Plan of Study
|
Summer Year 1 |
Credits |
|
NDNP 701: Professional Writing |
1 |
|
NDNP 700: Advanced Professional Nursing Practice |
3 |
|
Total |
4 |
|
Fall Year 1 |
|
|
NDNP 702: Health Care Delivery: Quality, Access, and Economics |
3 |
|
NDNP 704: Population/Global Health |
3 (45) |
|
Total |
6 |
|
Spring Year 1 |
|
|
NDNP 706: Evidence-Informed Practice and Statistics |
4 |
|
NDNP 708: Health Care Informatics for Advanced Practice |
3 (45) |
|
Total |
7 |
|
Summer Year 2 |
|
|
NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology |
3 |
|
NDNP 710: Evidence-Informed Health Policy and Advocacy |
3 |
|
Total |
6 |
|
Fall Year 2 |
|
|
NDNP 712: Advanced Practice Leadership in Health Care Systems |
3 (45) |
|
NDNP 714: Translating Evidence to Practice |
3 |
|
NDNP 723: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Life Span |
3 |
|
Total |
9 |
|
Spring Year 2 |
|
|
NDNP 810: DNP Project Development |
3 (90) |
|
NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span |
4 |
|
NPHY 862: Neurophysiology of Mental Disorders P: NDNP 723, NPHY 612 |
2 |
|
Total |
9 |
|
Summer Year 3 |
|
|
NDNP 811: DNP Project Planning |
1 |
|
NDNP 870: Diagnosis and Management 1: Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Across the Life Span P: NDNP 723, NPHY 612; C: NDNP 819 |
2 (45) |
|
NDNP 871: Diagnosis and Management 1: Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Across the Life Span: Clinical P: NDNP 723, NDNP 819, NPHY 612, NDNP 870 |
2 (90) |
|
Total |
5 |
|
Fall Year 3 |
|
|
NDNP 812: DNP Project Implementation |
2 (45) |
|
NDNP 872: Diagnosis and Management 2: Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span P: NDNP 870, NDNP 871, NPHY 862; C: NDNP 873 |
4 |
|
NDNP 873: Diagnosis and Management 2: Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span: Clinical P: NDNP 870, NDNP 871, NPHY 862; C: NDNP 872 |
3 (135) |
|
Total |
9 |
|
Spring Year 3 |
|
|
NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination |
1 5 Pr hours |
|
NDNP 874: Diagnosis and Management 3: Family Systems for Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span P: NDNP 872, NDNP 873; C: NDNP 875 |
4 |
|
NDNP 875: Diagnosis and Management 3: Family Systems for Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span: Clinical P: NDNP 872, NDNP 873; C: NDNP 874 |
3 (135) |
|
Total |
8 |
|
Summer Year 4 |
|
|
NDNP 876: Diagnosis and Management 4: Psychopharmacology Across the Life Span P: NDNP 874, NDNP 875 |
4 |
|
Total |
4 |
|
Fall Year 4 |
|
|
NDNP 877: Diagnosis and Management 5: Professional Practice Immersion: Clinical P: NDNP 876; C: NDNP 860 |
5 (225) |
|
NDNP 860: Transition Into APRN practice roles |
1 |
|
Total |
6 |
|
Spring Year 4 |
|
|
NDNP 878: Diagnosis and Management 6: Integration of Practice and Leadership: Clinical P: NDNP 877, NDNP 860 |
5 (225) |
|
Elective |
3 |
|
Total |
8 |
Total: 81 Credits (1,085 Hours [275 Practicum/810 Clinical])
Post-BSN: Five-Year Plan of Study
|
Fall Year 1 |
Credits |
|
NDNP 701: Professional Writing |
1 |
|
NDNP 700: Advanced Professional Nursing Practice |
3 |
|
Total |
4 |
|
Spring Year 1 |
|
|
NDNP 702: Health Care Delivery: Quality, Access, and Economics |
3 |
|
NDNP 704: Population/Global Health |
3 (45) |
|
Total |
6 |
|
Summer Year 1 |
|
|
NDNP 706: Evidence-Informed Practice and Statistics |
4 |
|
Total |
4 |
|
Fall Year 2 |
|
|
NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology |
3 |
|
Elective |
3 |
|
Total |
6 |
|
Spring Year 2 |
|
|
NDNP 708: Health Care Informatics for Advanced Practice |
3 (45) |
|
NDNP 710: Evidence-Informed Health Policy and Advocacy |
3 |
|
Total |
6 |
|
Summer Year 2 |
|
|
NDNP 712: Advanced Practice Leadership in Health Care Systems |
3 (45) |
|
Total |
3 |
|
Fall Year 3 |
|
|
NDNP 714: Translating Evidence to Practice |
3 |
|
NDNP 723: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Life Span |
3 |
|
Total |
6 |
|
Spring Year 3 |
|
|
NDNP 810: DNP Project Development |
3 (90) |
|
NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span |
4 |
|
NPHY 862: Neurophysiology of Mental Disorders P: NDNP 723, NPHY 612 |
2 |
|
Total |
9 |
|
Summer Year 3 |
|
|
NDNP 811: DNP Project Planning |
1 |
|
NDNP 870: Diagnosis and Management 1: Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Across the Life Span P: NDNP 723, NPHY 612; C: NDNP 819 |
2 (45) |
|
NDNP 871: Diagnosis and Management 1: Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Across the Life Span P: NDNP 723, NPHY 612; C: NDNP 819 |
2 (90) |
|
Total |
5 |
|
Fall Year 4 |
|
|
NDNP 812: DNP Project Implementation |
2 (45) |
|
NDNP 872: Diagnosis and Management 2: Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span P: NDNP 870, NDNP 871, NPHY 862; C: NDNP 873 |
4 |
|
NDNP 873: Diagnosis and Management 2: Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span: Clinical P: NDNP 870, NDNP 871, NPHY 862; C: NDNP 872 |
3 (135) |
|
Total |
9 |
|
Spring Year 4 |
|
|
NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination |
1 5 Pr hours |
|
NDNP 874: Diagnosis and Management 3: Family Systems for Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span P: NDNP 872, NDNP 873; C: NDNP 875 |
4 |
|
NDNP 875: Diagnosis and Management 3: Family Systems for Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span: Clinical P: NDNP 872, NDNP 873; C: NDNP 874 |
3 (135) |
|
Total |
8 |
|
Summer Year 4 |
|
|
NDNP 876: Diagnosis and Management 4: Psychopharmacology Across the Life Span P: NDNP 874, NDNP 875 |
4 |
|
Total |
4 |
|
Fall Year 5 |
|
|
NDNP 877: Diagnosis and Management 5: Professional Practice Immersion: Clinical P: NDNP 876; C: NDNP 860 |
5 (225) |
|
NDNP 860: Transition Into APRN practice roles |
1 |
|
Total |
6 |
|
Spring Year 5 |
|
|
NDNP 878: Diagnosis and Management 6: Integration of Practice and Leadership: Clinical P: NDNP 877, NDNP 860 |
5 (225) |
|
Total |
5 |
Total: 81 Credits (1,085 Hours [275 Practicum/810 Clinical])
Post-Master's Requirements
The Post-Master’s DNP with Specialty plan of study has variable credits, based on the student’s individual educational experiences.
Students should work closely with their advisor to determine specific plans of study.
All of the below degree requirements must be completed at the University of Maryland School of Nursing or through transfer or waiver of credits that are directly equivalent to UMSON coursework.
DNP Core (33 Credits; 275 Practicum Hours) 1
|
Course Number/Title |
Credits |
|
NDNP 700: Advanced Professional Nursing Practice |
3 |
|
NDNP 701: Professional Writing |
1 |
|
NDNP 702: Health Care Delivery: Quality, Access, and Economics |
3 |
|
NDNP 704: Population/Global Health |
3, 2D/1Pr (45) |
|
NDNP 706: Evidence-Informed Practice and Statistics |
4 |
|
NDNP 708: Health Care Informatics for Advanced Practice |
3, 2D/1Pr (45) |
|
NDNP 710: Evidence-Informed Health Policy and Advocacy |
3 |
|
NDNP 712: Advanced Practice Leadership in Health Care Systems |
3, 2D/1Pr (45) |
|
NDNP 714: Translating Evidence to Practice |
3 |
|
NDNP 810: DNP Project Development |
3, 1D/2Pr (90) |
|
NDNP 811: DNP Project Planning |
1 |
|
NDNP 812 : DNP Project Implementation |
2, 1D/1Pr (45) |
|
NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination |
1 (5 Pr. hours) |
APRN Core (11 Credits)2
|
Course Number/Title |
Credits |
|
NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology |
3 * |
|
NDNP 723: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Life Span |
3 * |
|
NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span |
4 *2D/2Lab |
|
NDNP 860: Transition Into APRN practice roles |
1 * |
Specialty-Specific Core (34 Credits; 810 Clinical Hours) 3
|
Course Number/Title |
Credits |
|
NPHY 862: Neurophysiology of Mental Disorders |
2 |
|
NDNP 870: Diagnosis and Management 1: Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Across the Life Span |
2 (45) 1D/1Lab |
|
NDNP 871: Diagnosis and Management 1: Clinical |
2 (90) |
|
NDNP 872: Diagnosis and Management 2: Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span |
4 |
|
NDNP 873: Diagnosis and Management 2: Clinical |
3 (135) |
|
NDNP 874: Diagnosis and Management 3: Family Systems for Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span |
4 |
|
NDNP 875: Diagnosis and Management 3: Clinical |
3 (135) |
|
NDNP 876: Diagnosis and Management 4: Psychopharmacology Across the Life Span |
4 |
|
NDNP 877: Diagnosis and Management 5: Professional Practice Immersion: Clinical |
5 (225) |
|
NDNP 878: Diagnosis and Management 6: Integration of Practice and Leadership: Clinical |
5 (225) |
Minimum Specialty-Specific Core Credits Required: 12 3 *
Minimum DNP Core + Specialty Core Credits Required: 45 1, 2, 3 *
Total Credits to Earn Degree: 45 - 81 4, 5 *
Total Clinical/Practicum Hours to Earn Degree: 1,085 5, 6 *
- Maximum of two courses can be transferred to satisfy DNP Core.*
- APRN Core may not be required.*
- Minimum of 12 Specialty-Specific Core credits required.*
- All students must complete a minimum of 45 credits to receive a DNP with specialty. *
- Additional credits as needed to meet APRN certification and the 1,085- hour requirement. *
- Maximum of 500 clinical hours from a prior advanced practice program may be applied toward the required 1,085 hours. All students must complete at least 585 of the 1,085 clinical, practicum, or practice hours at UMSON. *
* The final determination is made at the time of admission. The specialty director will complete the National Task Force (NTF) for Quality Nurse Practitioner Education's Sample Form B: Gap Analysis Documentation Form for NP Post-Graduate Certificate Program to assess eligible courses and clinical hours earned through a prior degree program and current APRN practice experience.
This evaluation will be used to establish the student’s specific plan of study.
All gap analysis documentation becomes part of the student’s permanent record.
Scholarship Opportunities
Your nursing education is an important investment. Financial aid and scholarships can help make your goals a reality.
UMSON offers multiple opportunities to help you afford your graduate education.
| Type of Aid | Award |
|---|---|
| Federal Financial Aid | various award amounts |
| Merit Scholarships | $1,500-$3,000 per semester (You are automatically considered for a merit scholarship upon submitting a completed application for enrollment in an UMSON academic program.) |
| Donor-Funded Scholarships | $500-2,000 per semester (offered during the fall and spring semesters) |
| Conway Scholarship | 50%: in-state tuition, fees, and books (for those who will have completed 9 credit hours of graduate study by the start of the semester for which the Conway Scholarship is awarded and who have at least half of their credit hours remaining) |
| Graduate Assistantships | stipend, tuition remission, in-state status, and paid student health insurance |
Learn More About Financial Aid and Scholarships
All students receiving funds through the University must:
- be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) in a degree-seeking program
- complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year by UMB's award priority deadline
- FAFSA Submission period: Oct. 1 (of the previous year) through Feb. 28
- FAFSA School code: 002104
The UMB Office of Student Financial Assistance & Education is available to guide prospective and current students through the FAFSA application process and the financial aid award package.
Contact Us:
UMSON Scholarships and Grants Office
410-706-0489 | nrsscholarships@umaryland.edu
UMB Student Financial Assistance and Education Office
410-706-7347 | aidtalk@umaryland.edu
DNP Admission Information
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers Summer and Fall admission pathways.
In this section:
- Deadlines
- Qualifications
- Application Materials and Instructions
- Applicants without a High School Diploma or College Degree in the U.S
Deadlines:
For best consideration, applicants are encouraged to have all required application materials submitted by the deadlines listed below.
| Fall 2026 Timeline | |
|---|---|
| Priority Deadline/Deadline for UMSON Scholarship Consideration | Nov. 3, 2025 Completed applications received after this deadline are reviewed solely on a space-available basis. Only applicants who apply by this deadline will be eligible for consideration for merit scholarships (no additional application required). Federal financial aid eligibility is not impacted by this deadline. |
| Final Deadline | July 1, 2026 All applications and supplemental documents must be received by this date. Incomplete applications after this deadline will be canceled. |
|
Summer/Fall 2027 Timeline
|
Date
|
|---|---|
|
Application Opens
|
June 3, 2026
|
|
Priority Application Deadline
|
Nov. 1, 2026
|
|
Priority Application Review
|
November 2026 - January 2027
|
|
Interviews
|
Beginning January 2027
|
|
Rolling Admissions
|
Nov. 2, 2026 until specialty capacity is reached
|
Should the deadline fall on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted through the subsequent business day.
- After the admissions committee file review, applicants may be invited to an on-campus interview.
- Applicants not selected for an interview will not be advanced to the next stage of applicant review.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a completed application by the Priority Application Deadline of November 1, 2026. Only applicants who apply by this deadline will be eligible for consideration for merit scholarships (no additional application required) and will receive priority consideration for available seats.
Applications received after the priority deadline will continue to be reviewed on a rolling, space-available basis until all seats within a specialty have been filled. Federal financial aid eligibility is not impacted by this deadline.
Qualifications:
- bachelor’s degree with a major in nursing from:
- an ACEN- (formally known as NLNAC), CCNE- or NLN CNEA- accredited college or university
or - an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution
- an ACEN- (formally known as NLNAC), CCNE- or NLN CNEA- accredited college or university
- an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0
Work experience requirements, if applicable, are included under the Required Work Experience dropdown on each DNP specialty page.
Application Materials and Instructions:
|
Materials |
Submission Guidelines |
|
Online Application and non-refundable $75 application fee. |
Start your application now via the Admissions Dashboard. The Admissions Dashboard is where you will:
You can save your progress and return to your application at a later date. We recommend that you continue to log in for regular updates. |
|
Two recommendations. Recommendations must come from sources knowledgeable about your work performance and experience. Only the first two recommendations received will be considered. |
Submit/request these materials via the Admissions Dashboard. |
|
Essay. You may submit the essay portion with your online application. We recommend that you compose the essay portion using word processing software and copy and paste it into the text box in the online application. Applicants are expected to submit a concise essay (no more than 350 words) addressing the following: How will earning this degree (or postdoctoral certificate) impact your care of the population you expect to serve after graduation? |
|
|
Typed résumé or CV. Be sure to include your full name with your résumé submission. |
|
|
A copy of your valid, unrestricted (current) RN license in the United States. For a current list of compact states, see the Maryland Board of Nursing website; if you hold an active Maryland RN license, send us a copy of your printable license verification, available on the Maryland Board of Nursing website. |
|
|
Official transcripts. An official transcript from every institution previously attended or currently attending must be submitted in a sealed envelope, as prepared by the sending institution. Returning students are not required to submit UMSON transcripts; we will upload a copy of your UMSON transcript to your application. Please note that UMSON is listed two ways in the Academics area. Please make sure you choose one of the following:
|
Have each institution submit electronically to admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu. |
|
Residency classification. Applicants who are claiming in-state (Maryland) residency MUST apply for in-state status. |
Complete a residency application and submit it either by mail, e-mail, or fax to the Office of the Registrar using the instructions supplied at the bottom of the residency application. The completed application, signed and dated, should be submitted prior to the first day of enrollment for the term and program for which you are seeking admission. |
An interview with selected applicants will be arranged after the applications are received and reviewed.
Applicants without a High School Diploma or College Degree in the U.S:
- If you do not have a degree from a U.S. high school, college, or university, you are required to demonstrate English proficiency.
- If you have completed coursework outside of the U.S., you must have your transcripts evaluated.
This program is not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship by the University of Maryland, Baltimore, due to the amount of online courses.
If you have questions regarding the admissions requirements or process, contact the Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your application.
Postdoctoral Certificate
Postdoctoral Certificate: Course Listing
Doctoral-prepared nurses who want to add or change their area of specialty only need to take the courses necessary for certification in that specialty. Your personalized plan of study will be determined at the time of admission.
| Course Number/Title | Credit/Clinical Hours |
| NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NURS 723: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Life Span | 3 |
| NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span | 4 |
| NDNP 870: Diagnosis and Management 1: Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Across the Life Span | 3 |
| NDNP 871: Diagnosis and Management 1: Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Across the Life Span Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 3 (135 hours) |
| NPHY 862: Neurophysiology of Mental Disorders | 2 |
| NDNP 872: Diagnosis and Management 2: Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Nursing Across the Life Span | 3 |
| NDNP 873: Diagnosis and Management 2: Therapeutic Interventions in Mental Nursing Across the Life Span Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 4 (180 hours) |
| NDNP 874: Diagnosis and Management 3: Family Systems for Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span | 3 |
| NDNP 875: Diagnosis and Management 3: Family Systems for Mental Health Nursing Across the Life Span Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 2 (90 hours) |
| NDNP 876: Diagnosis and Management 4: Psychopharmacology Across the Life Span | 4 |
| NDNP 877: Diagnosis and Management 5: Professional Practice Immersion: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 4 (180 hours) |
| NDNP 878: Diagnosis and Management 6: Integration of Practice and Leadership: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 5 (225 hours) |
| Total Credits: | 43 |
| Total Clinical Hours: | 990 |
If the student has already taken some of the required courses, the option of lowering the number of credits is possible upon review by the program director.
For postdoctoral certificate program outcomes, please see the What You’ll Do drop-down on the Doctor of Nursing Practice webpage.
Courses You’ll Take: Postdoctoral Certificate
Postdoctoral Certificates are available for the following specialty areas:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist#/postdoc-cert
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Learn more about our DNP and Postdoctoral Certificate Pathways.
In this section:
- Deadlines
- Qualifications
- Application Materials and Instructions
- Applicants without a High School Diploma or College Degree in the U.S
Deadlines:
Fall Admission
- Priority Deadline: Nov. 1
If you submit your online application and all supplemental applications materials by this date, your application will be given priority consideration. - Deadline: July 31
Completed applications received between Nov. 1 and June 1 will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
Spring Admission:
- Priority Deadline: Oct. 1
If you submit your online application and all supplemental applications materials by this date, your application will be given priority consideration. - Deadline: Nov. 15
Completed applications received between Oct. 1 and Nov. 15 will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
Should the deadline fall on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted through the subsequent business day.
Qualifications:
- Graduate degree in nursing (which may include a DNP)
- Doctoral degree (DNP, PhD, EdD, etc.)
- Active registered nursing license
- Applicants for the post-doctorate certificate must complete the Pre-Application Assessment form. Only those with a graduate degree in nursing and a doctorate will be considered; applications that do not meet these criteria will not be reviewed. The assessment evaluates your academic work and conducts a gap analysis of your courses and experiences. DNP faculty will then create an individualized program plan and recommend a start term. The primary focus will be on the "3 P's" (Advanced Physical Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Pathophysiology). Please provide transcripts and syllabi to show proof of completion of these courses. After receiving your individualized program plan, your admissions representative will guide you through the application process and next steps
Application Materials and Instructions:
|
Materials/Qualification |
Submission Guidelines |
|
Pre-Application Assessment form. Only those with a graduate degree in nursing and a doctorate will be considered; applications that do not meet these criteria will not be reviewed. |
|
|
Online Application and non-refundable $75 application fee. |
Start your application now via the Admissions Dashboard. The Admissions Dashboard is where you will:
You can save your progress and return to your application at a later date. We recommend that you continue to log in for regular updates. |
|
Two recommendations. Recommendations must come from sources knowledgeable about your work performance and experience. Only the first two recommendations received will be considered. |
Submit/request these materials via the Admissions Dashboard. |
|
Official transcripts. An official transcript from every institution previously attended or currently attending must be submitted in a sealed envelope, as prepared by the sending institution. Returning students are not required to submit UMSON transcripts; we will upload a copy of your UMSON transcript to your application. Please note that UMSON is listed two ways in the Academics area. Please make sure you choose one of the following:
|
Have each institution submit electronically to admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu. |
|
Essay. You may submit the essay portion with your online application. We recommend that you compose the essay portion using word processing software and copy and paste it into the text box in the online application. Applicants are expected to submit a concise essay (no more than 350 words) addressing the following:
|
Submit/request these materials via the Admissions Dashboard. |
|
Typed résumé or CV. Be sure to include your full name with your résumé submission. |
|
|
A copy of your active, unrestricted State of Maryland or compact state RN license. For a current list of compact states, see the Maryland Board of Nursing website; if you hold an active Maryland RN license, send us a copy of your printable license verification, available on the Maryland Board of Nursing website. |
|
|
Residency classification. Applicants who are claiming in-state (Maryland) residency MUST apply for in-state status. |
Complete a residency application and submit it either by mail, e-mail, or fax to the Office of the Registrar using the instructions supplied at the bottom of the residency application. The completed application, signed and dated, should be submitted prior to the first day of enrollment for the term and program for which you are seeking admission. |
An interview with selected applicants will be arranged after the applications are received and reviewed.
Applicants without a High School Diploma or College Degree in the U.S:
- If you do not have a degree from a U.S. high school, college, or university, you are required to demonstrate English proficiency.
- If you have completed coursework outside of the U.S., you must have your transcripts evaluated.
This program is not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship by the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
If you have questions regarding the admissions requirements or process, contact the Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read our general FAQs regarding the DNP.
Do I have to find my own preceptor or clinical site?
You are not required to find your own preceptor or clinical site. UMSON faculty are committed to assigning students to clinical sites that are appropriate for course and program objectives. We are fortunate to have contacts with many program alumni and other providers who serve as preceptors.
UMSON has clinical contracts with agencies in a variety of settings across the Maryland and Washington, D.C. Students with a particular clinical site/preceptor of interest may orward the contact information to the course faculty member, who can determine whether the site is appropriate to meet the course objectives. Faculty members must approve any student-suggested site.
Preceptors include psychiatric nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and licensed social workers and counselors. Clinical hours vary by site and are typically completed during regular business hours. However, there may be instances when students attend clinical time after hours and/or on weekends. Clinical experiences are designed to give students exposure to patients across the life span, from children to geriatric.
Can I do my clinical rotations where I work?
No, you are not permitted to complete your clinical rotations where you work due to a potential conflict of interest. Final approval of clinical site placement is at the faculty member’s discretion.
What type of experience should I have when applying to the program to have a strong application?
If you are a registered nurse, you must have at least one year of psychiatric work experience prior to applying to the program. If you are an advanced practice nurse pursuing a postdoctoral certificate, clinical experience in your advanced specialty will be reviewed and considered even if it is not in a psychiatric setting.
What types of settings count as psychiatric experience?
- inpatient psychiatric units
- PHPs/IOPs
- psychiatric emergency or behavioral health crisis services, including crisis assessment, stabilization, and treatment provided within or through an emergency department
- psychiatric emergency and urgent care settings
- substance use treatment/detox facilities
- day treatment centers (if mental health focused)
- mental health outpatient clinics
- community mental health clinics
- FQHCs (if working primarily within mental health services)
- correctional facilities (if working primarily within mental services)
- eating disorder treatment settings
Applicants may bring relevant professional experience from fields outside of nursing, such as behavioral health or therapy. This experience may be considered as part of the holistic application review but does not replace required nursing experience or other admission requirements.
Clinical experiences in an academic program do not count as psychiatric work experience for this program.
Working in a medical setting with patients who may also have psychiatric disorders does not count if the work roles and responsibilities do not relate to mental health care directly.
Is there anything else I can do to strengthen my application?
Beyond ensuring that you have the relevant and required work experience, it is recommended that you address the admissions essay prompt questions thoroughly. Aim to craft a strong piece that helps to distinguish you as an applicant and provide a clear narrative to complement the other components of your application packet. We strongly recommend you seek your two letters of recommendation from recent professional and/or academic references who have worked with you in a relevant and applicable capacity.
Meet a Few of Our Alumni
Filter
-
Jacquelynn (Schultz) Duquette, MS '84
Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry, Onondaga Nation Health Services
Clinical Assistant Professor, SUNY Upstate -
Sabrina Sepulveda, MS '11, BSN '02 CRNP-PMH, PMHNP-BC
Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner/Founder Harborside Behavioral Health, LLC
-
Ciara Smith, DNP '20, BSN '12 PMHNP-BC, CNE
Assistant Professor, UMSON
-
Jessica Sullivan, DNP '25, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Assistant Professor, UMSON
Upcoming Admissions Events
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