Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are required to meet several requirements to gain licensure. These requirements include becoming a registered nurse (RN), passing the NCLEX-RN, and earning an MSN or higher degree. The final step is passing the ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) board certification examination (PMHNP-BC™). Online PMHNP programs, such as the one offered by Duquesne University, are designed to prepare students to pass this exam.

To qualify for our online MSN program, you must:

• Hold a BSN from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA or higher
• Hold a current, unencumbered RN license
• Have at least one year of full-time work experience as an RN prior to registration in the clinical or specialty courses
• Have completed an undergraduate-level statistics course with a “C” or higher
  
  The faculty admissions committee may look more closely at nursing and science grades when making admissions decisions.

• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Professional goal statement
• Official transcript(s)
• Two electronically submitted references (one academic and one professional in a supervisory role)
  • The supervisor reference letters must come from a direct supervisor who is responsible for your performance evaluation
  • If you have been out of school more than five years, please speak with your Enrollment Advisor for advice
• An interview may be required

• A maximum of 9 graduate credits, completed within the past 5 years from a previously earned graduate degree, may be transferred.
• A grade of “B” or higher is required.
• The Advanced Standing Request form must be submitted during the admissions process for transfer credits to be considered.