DNP PMHNP Admission Requirements

Education

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from an accredited institution must be completed prior to matriculation.
• A minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale for undergraduate curriculum.
• Biostats/Statistics course in previous 2 years recommended.

TOEFL

• If you earned your BSN or MSN degree from outside the U.S. and/or you do not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, you are required to demonstrate proof of English proficiency via an official TOEFL report that includes a total score and category scores in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
• The TOEFL requirement may be waived if the applicant has been a full-time student at an accredited U.S. college or university for at least two consecutive years, or is from a country in which English is the primary language.
• A TOEFL iBT (Internet-based test) of 100 or the equivalent is recommended and with no category score being lower than 22.

Letters of Reference

Applicants must provide references from three individuals that are able to attest to the candidate’s academic or clinical performance. References must include a professor or faculty member from your nursing education program, nursing work supervisor (i.e. the person responsible for your annual nursing employment performance review), and a healthcare professional who you engaged with as part of a patient-centered interprofessional team.

Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae

A resume or curriculum vitae is required.

Career Motivation

Applicants are required to submit a short essay (no more than 500 words) explaining why they want to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts from each college, university or community college previously attended must be submitted directly to NursingCAS.

Licensure

As a condition of matriculation, applicants are required to provide evidence of a current, unencumbered license as a registered professional nurse in the United States, its territories or protectorates.

Professional Experience

A minimum of one year of work experience in a psychiatric mental health practice setting, preferably in the role of a psychiatric mental health registered nurse, is highly encouraged at the time of matriculation.

Matriculation Requirements

Meet the university’s and program’s Technical Standards for Admissions. Be proficient with basic computer skills and pass a criminal background check.