DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

intersecting circles that say body, mind, spirit, soul

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Best Grad Schools Nursing DNP Program 2024

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Learn an integrated approach to addressing the needs of body, mind, soul, and spirit.

There is no health without mental health, and individuals who seek mental health care require competent, compassionate providers.

As a family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, you’ll assess, evaluate, diagnose, and treat the mental health conditions of individuals across the life span.


65 Years (And Counting ...)

The University of Maryland School of Nursing has had a distinguished psychiatric nursing program since 1955.


100% Pass Rate: Congratulations to our 2023 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner graduates, who earned a 100% pass rate on the American Nurses Credentialing Center Board exam.

Program Snapshot

Length

As little as 3 years

Format

Blended (face-to-face and online)

Tuition and Fees View overview

In State Tuition: $873.00/credit
Out of State Tuition: $1,549.00/credit

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

  • Core DNP courses are available online.
  • Specialty courses are conducted in person, allowing you to learn directly from and network with our faculty experts.
  • Flexible scheduling includes 3-, 4-, and 5-year plans of study.
  • You’ll learn from faculty with diverse doctoral training, research interests, and practice appointments.
  • You’ll be paired with faculty specialists and preceptors in clinical opportunities for sub-specialization in various high-risk populations, such as geriatric, children and adolescents, those with severe and persistent mental disorders, and those with substance abuse disorders.
  • For your clinical and practicum hours, placements are available at premium sites throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.

This program is offered as a great mix of face-to-face, supportive instruction and online classes, all with faculty who are experts in their areas of specialty.

What You'll Learn

This specialized program prepares you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide primary care psychiatric services to children and adults. You’ll learn an evidence-based holistic approach to treat mental health problems, building on these four core competencies:

  • physical and psychosocial advanced health assessments
  • diagnosis of mental disorders, pathophysiology, and neurophysiology
  • individual, family, and group psychotherapy
  • medication management (pharmacology and psychopharmacology).

Other courses develop competencies in health care systems, best-practice research utilization and translation, and health care quality improvement.

What You'll Do

Upon completion of the program, you’ll be prepared to:

  • take the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (across the lifespan) certification exam
  • meet the growing demand for qualified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners in private practices, outpatient clinics, and urgent care settings — or as hospital liaisons
  • educate nursing students across all education levels in psychiatric mental health nursing.
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.

More Information

Courses You'll Take

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 and Beyond:

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: Practice Leadership Within Complex Adaptive Health Care Systems/Practicum 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 (45 Hours)
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: Practice Leadership Within Complex Adaptive Health Care Systems/Practicum 3 Credits (45 Hours)
Total: 8 Credits
Spring Year 4
NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination 1 Credit (45 Hours)
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: Practice Leadership Within Complex Adaptive Health Care Systems/Practicum 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 (45 Hours)
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 (45 Hours)  
NDNP 814: Practice Leadership Within Complex Adaptive Health Care Systems/Practicum 3 Credits (45 Hours)
NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination 1 Credit (45 Hours) 
NDNP 710: Evidence-Informed Health Policy and Advocacy 3 Credits 
Total Core: 28 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.

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 AidAward
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 full scholarship: tuition and fees
(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 Nurse Anesthesia specialty accepts applicants for the summer session only and has different deadlines and requirements

All other specialties and the Post-Master's DNP option accept students for fall admission.


In this section:


Deadlines:

For best consideration, applicants are encouraged to have all required application materials submitted by the deadlines listed below.

Fall 2025 Timeline
Priority Deadline/Deadline for UMSON Scholarship Consideration Nov. 1, 2024
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, 2025
All applications and supplemental documents must be received by this date. Incomplete applications after this deadline will be canceled.

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.  

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 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:

  • submit your online application and fee
  • submit/request any supplemental documents
  • check your application status.

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:

  • Maryland Baltimore, Univ of
  • UMB- School of Nursing

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.

More information.

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.

Required Work Experience

You must have at least two years of full-time psychiatric mental health work experience at the time of application.

It is recommended that you be certified in Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing (RN-BC credential). Membership and participation in the professional specialty organization, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, is also recommended.

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.

Postdoctoral Certificate Admission Information

Postdoctoral Certificates are available for the following specialty areas:

Learn more about our DNP and Postdoctoral Certificate Pathways.


In this section:


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
  • As part of the application process, applicants interested in completing a post-doctorate certificate should complete the Pre-Application Assessment form. Based on the evaluation of the pre-application assessment, which includes the student's prior academic work and a gap analysis of courses/experiences, DNP faculty will tailor an individualized program plan and recommend a start term. Once you receive your individualized program plan, your dedicated admissions representative will guide you through the necessary steps to submit your application. We look forward to supporting you on your journey to advanced nursing education at the University of Maryland School of Nursing.

Application Materials and Instructions:

Materials/Qualification

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:

  • submit your online application and fee
  • submit/request any supporting materials
  • check your application status.

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:

  • Maryland Baltimore, Univ of
  • UMB- School of Nursing

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:

  • How will earning this degree (or postdoctoral certificate) impact your care of the population you expect to serve after graduation?
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.

More information.

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.

How long does it take to complete the specialty?

Students can choose from several options for completing their studies. Click Plans of Study to view each of the different options.

What type of nursing experience should applicants have?  

You must have at least two years of full-time psychiatric mental health experience at the time of application and it is recommended that you be certified in Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing (RN-BC credential). Membership and participation in the professional specialty organization, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, is also recommended.

How much hands-on clinical time will need to be completed?

The minimum number of practicum hours required for the DNP degree is 1,000 hours. For UMSON graduates to be eligible for their respective board certification exams, they must complete the DNP degree. Refer to the plans of study for the number of clinical hours required each semester.

Do students have to find their own preceptor or clinical site?  Can they do their clinical rotations where they work? 

Students are not required to find their own preceptor or clinical site. The UMSON faculty is committed to assigning students to clinical sites that are appropriate for course and program objectives. We are fortunate to have contacts with many nurse practitioner alumni and other providers who serve as preceptors. UMSON has clinical contracts with agencies in a variety of settings across the state of Maryland and Washington, D.C.  Students with a particular clinical site/preceptor of interest may forward the contact information to the course faculty member so the faculty member can determine whether the site is appropriate to meet the course objectives. Faculty members must approve any student-suggested site.

Students have completed practica at emergency services and rehabilitation facilities, as well as a variety of private practices, community and non-profit behavioral health organizations, mobile and home treatment centers, military installations, substance abuse centers, and after-hours urgent care and crisis clinics. 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.

Students should not complete their clinical rotations in the specific environments where they are employed due to a potential conflict of interest. Final approval of clinical site placement is at the faculty member’s discretion. 

Where can graduates work? What is the job market like for graduates of this specialty?

PMH Nurse Practitioners are well-respected health care professionals and they are in very high demand. Graduates from this specialty work in areas similar to those where they gained clinical experience: private practice, mobile, hospital, and clinical settings are representative of the varied work environments where PMHNPs readily find jobs. Our graduates are very well prepared academically. Their pass rates for the ANCC board certification exam are above the national average, enabling them to confidently embark on their careers and immediately begin to help improve access to care.

Is there anything else I can do to strengthen my application?

Many variables are taken into consideration when reviewing a student’s application for admission. A strong foundation in courses such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment is one key to success. Writing and grammar skills are also critically important for graduate-level education. Taking a writing course, particularly a technical writing course, may be of assistance. You may take these courses at a university of your preference. In addition, an applicant’s involvement in professional and organizational activities, as well as other scholarly activities, is evidence of leadership capabilities and interests. Current clinical experience is ideal and completion of certification in your specialty area is strongly recommended. We highly recommend that you spend several hours shadowing an advanced practice nurse in the specialty you wish to pursue. 

How can I get additional information?

For more information regarding admissions to this specialty, please contact the UMSON Admissions Office at: 410-706-0501, option #2 or admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu.

 American Nurses Credentialing Center  American Academy of Nurse Pracitioners Certification Board logo

This program has met the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s certification eligibility educational requirements. When you complete this program, you’ll be prepared to sit for ANCC’s certification examination, provided you meet all of the eligibility criteria.

Graduates of this specialty are also prepared for certification by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board, an independent, nonprofit certifying body that evaluates individuals wishing to enter, continue, and/or advance in the nurse practitioner profession.
The mentorship and supervision provided by professors who were, and are still, actively practicing as PMHNPs and psychotherapists was invaluable in shaping my view of the clinical role and clearly distinguished the importance of evidence-based practice being incorporated to ensure the highest standard of clinical care. Karen Abernathy, MS '15
Apart from stellar preparation regarding diagnosis and management of psychiatric illnesses, I find that UMSON’s program helped me become a holistic health care provider. I look at each of my patients as human beings — not diagnoses. UMSON set me up with wonderful clinical experiences that helped me land my first nurse practitioner job! William Sutton, DNP '18
UMSON helps students to be the utmost prepared. We were already building our listening skills on day one. I have huge test anxiety, and when I took the ANCC board certification exam to become a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I felt fully prepared. I knew I passed halfway through the exam. Kimberly Lynn Ferrara, DNP '18, MS '11
I obtained critical skills and knowledge required to successfully implement evidence-based practices in real-life settings. I learned how to properly research a problem and develop ways to fix it, while also learning the barriers to long-term change and how to overcome them. These are valuable skills that will improve my practice and patient care for the rest of my career. Samantha Ann Rogers, DNP ‘18
The mental health nurse practitioner program combines academic rigor and diverse clinical experiences. The professors are seasoned, supportive clinicians that provided a foundation for my clinical growth; application of evidence-based practice; and the confidence to identify, lead, and advocate for change that can improve patient care and outcomes. Elsa Correa-Deleonardo, DNP '18, BSN '12
'Thank you' cannot begin to describe my gratitude to the University of Maryland School of Nursing. Yesterday ... as I sat watching Dr. Melnyk, who co-authored the book we used for [NRSG 790], deliver a keynote on the importance of evidence-based practice, I was confident that a UMSON education prepared me well for the challenges I will face in practice. Jemima Pierre-Jacques, DNP '20
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