Doctor of Nursing Practice Online – Psychiatric Mental Health
Our program equips nurses with advanced skills to provide comprehensive mental health care, addressing the complex needs of people with psychiatric disorders.
Advance Mental Health Care and Support Patients in Need
About the Program
Become a leader in mental health care. Gain expertise in evidence-based psychotherapy and psychopharmacology to provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages. This program is designed for working nurses and can be completed online over approximately three years, providing flexibility while preparing graduates to earn PMHNP certification.
Personalized Financial Aid
Financial aid at SMU is offered for your nursing education and future career. With a low loan default rate, our graduates have access to scholarships, work study, and student loans. To start, submit your FAFSA. Our need-based scholarships cover tuition and additional educational expenses. Our financial aid office provides personalized assistance for a stress-free experience.
Best Career Prospects
Studying at SMU ensures a prosperous career in nursing. We’re the #1 university in CA for post-grad jobs, with 86% of employers preferring our grads. Forbes ranks us #1 for early-career salaries, and The New York Times recognizes us as one of the top two universities nationwide for median income ten years after graduation.
SMU’s College of Nursing | Graduate | DNP programs have a rolling admissions policy; applications will be reviewed and evaluated as they are received until class roster slots are at capacity for the incoming class. If an application deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted through the end of the next business day.
Applications for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Doctor of Nursing Practice program are accepted using the Centralized Application Service for Nursing Programs (NursingCAS).
Samuel Merritt University Alumni students are invited to apply using the Alumni Application Academic Year 2023-2024. If you have questions regarding this application, contact Rudy Torres, Assistant Dean of Admissions, at rtorres1@samuelmerritt.edu.
SMU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; 510.748.9001.
The doctor of nursing practice program at Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001.
DNP Accreditation
Initial Accreditation Date: September 24, 2012
Most Recent Accreditation Date: September 25, 2017
Accreditation Term Expires: June 30, 2028
Last On-Site Evaluation: September 2020
Next On-Site Evaluation: Fall 2030
Application Fees
Application fees are payable to Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS). Samuel Merritt University does not charge an additional admission fee.
Application Fee = $80
Non-Refundable Deposits and Fees
Students offered admission pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $350 to secure their seat in the class.
Application fees and tuition deposits are non-refundable, whether or not the student withdraws in the first week of the term.
Tuition
For a detailed summary of annual tuition, and all fees for the program visit Student Accounts.
Admitted Academic Year: 2024-2025
Per Unit Rate = $2,008/unit
Program Units = 66 units
Total Cost Guarantee* = $132,500
*The total cost estimate does not reflect potential future tuition rate increases.
Your nursing education at SMU is an important and valuable investment in your future. SMU graduates have a loan default rate of less than 1%. This means that students who borrowed to attend the University have found employment in their chosen field that allows them to pay off their loans.
SMU is proud to offer a variety of ways to assist in funding your education, including scholarships, work study, and student loans. The first step in applying for financial aid at SMU is to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
SMU offers scholarships and an assortment of resources for funding opportunities outside of the program. Most scholarships are awarded based on financial need. A limited number are awarded for academic merit. Scholarships for nurses include:
- Sharon Clark Diaz
- Employee Campaign
- Marshall Steele, Jr.
- Hitchcock Heydman
- Henry & Bernice Bigge
- Faculty Scholarship
- Alumni Scholarship
- Elks of the Year
- William Breslin
In addition to the cost of tuition and and fees, financial aid can also cover other indirect educational costs, including:
- Books and supplies
- Room and board
- Transportation
- Personal expenses
- Other fees as determined by program/college
Once you receive your financial aid package, check this budget against your actual living expenses, and we can make necessary adjustments to meet your needs.
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.
We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming. We are here to help. Financial Aid staff can assist with budgeting, understanding your awards, and understanding the process. The SMU staff is committed to each prospective student and enrolled student. We have an open-door policy and are available via email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510.879.9200.
PLO1: Integrate nursing science with biomedical knowledge and evidence-based interprofessional best practices for the highest level of nursing practice. (ILO1, ILO4, ILO5)
PLO2: Provide leadership for the organization, delivery, quality, safety, sustainability, accountability, responsiveness, and continuous improvement in healthcare. (ILO2, ILO5, ILO6)
PLO3: Translate evidence into practice, evaluate practice, improve outcomes of care, and participate in collaborative research. (ILO4, ILO5, ILO7)
PLO4: Identify, appraise, implement, and evaluate information technology and systems to provide and improve care. (ILO1, ILO5, ILO6, ILO7)
PLO5: Design, advocate, and implement healthcare policy to support equitable and inclusive healthcare access, financing, regulation, safety, quality, and efficacy. (ILO1, ILO2, ILO4, ILO5, ILO6)
PLO6: Provide leadership to facilitate collaborative team functioning and interprofessional practice to improve healthcare outcomes. (ILO3, ILO5)
PLO7: Analyze health risks within the biological, environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic determinants of health to develop, implement, and evaluate clinical prevention measures to improve population health. (ILO3, ILO4, ILO6, ILO7, ILO8)
PLO8: Practice in a specialty role using advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, accountability, and innovation to design, deliver, and evaluate evidence-based care to improve healthcare outcomes. (ILO1, ILO2, ILO3, ILO4, ILO5, ILO6, ILO7, ILO8)
Practice—
Enter practice, enter residency education, or practice in the enhanced role for which they have been prepared.
Ethics, Professionalism, Compassion—
Embody their ethical and professional responsibilities to effectively serve individuals from diverse backgrounds, their profession, and society with compassion, caring, and humility.
Teamwork—
Communicate and collaborate effectively as members of interprofessional teams.
Structural and Social Determinants of Health—
Integrate an understanding of structural and social determinants of health into professional practice.
Clinical Reasoning—
Provide person-centered care using sound clinical reasoning informed by evidence from research and practice.
Leadership—
Advocate, as agents of change, to improve health and healthcare, especially for structurally vulnerable populations.
Informatics—
Effectively use data, information, and technology to support decision-making in complex systems.
Self-Care—
Engage in self-care practices for personal health and wellness.
Advance Mental Health Care and Support Patients in Need
About the Program
Become a leader in mental health care. Gain expertise in evidence-based psychotherapy and psychopharmacology to provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages. This program is designed for working nurses and can be completed online over approximately three years, providing flexibility while preparing graduates to earn PMHNP certification.
Personalized Financial Aid
Financial aid at SMU is offered for your nursing education and future career. With a low loan default rate, our graduates have access to scholarships, work study, and student loans. To start, submit your FAFSA. Our need-based scholarships cover tuition and additional educational expenses. Our financial aid office provides personalized assistance for a stress-free experience.
Best Career Prospects
Studying at SMU ensures a prosperous career in nursing. We’re the #1 university in CA for post-grad jobs, with 86% of employers preferring our grads. Forbes ranks us #1 for early-career salaries, and The New York Times recognizes us as one of the top two universities nationwide for median income ten years after graduation.
SMU’s College of Nursing | Graduate | DNP programs have a rolling admissions policy; applications will be reviewed and evaluated as they are received until class roster slots are at capacity for the incoming class. If an application deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted through the end of the next business day.
Applications for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Doctor of Nursing Practice program are accepted using the Centralized Application Service for Nursing Programs (NursingCAS).
Samuel Merritt University Alumni students are invited to apply using the Alumni Application Academic Year 2023-2024. If you have questions regarding this application, contact Rudy Torres, Assistant Dean of Admissions, at rtorres1@samuelmerritt.edu.
SMU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; 510.748.9001.
The doctor of nursing practice program at Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001.
DNP Accreditation
Initial Accreditation Date: September 24, 2012
Most Recent Accreditation Date: September 25, 2017
Accreditation Term Expires: June 30, 2028
Last On-Site Evaluation: September 2020
Next On-Site Evaluation: Fall 2030
Application Fees
Application fees are payable to Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS). Samuel Merritt University does not charge an additional admission fee.
Application Fee = $80
Non-Refundable Deposits and Fees
Students offered admission pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $350 to secure their seat in the class.
Application fees and tuition deposits are non-refundable, whether or not the student withdraws in the first week of the term.
Tuition
For a detailed summary of annual tuition, and all fees for the program visit Student Accounts.
Admitted Academic Year: 2024-2025
Per Unit Rate = $2,008/unit
Program Units = 66 units
Total Cost Guarantee* = $132,500
*The total cost estimate does not reflect potential future tuition rate increases.
Your nursing education at SMU is an important and valuable investment in your future. SMU graduates have a loan default rate of less than 1%. This means that students who borrowed to attend the University have found employment in their chosen field that allows them to pay off their loans.
SMU is proud to offer a variety of ways to assist in funding your education, including scholarships, work study, and student loans. The first step in applying for financial aid at SMU is to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
SMU offers scholarships and an assortment of resources for funding opportunities outside of the program. Most scholarships are awarded based on financial need. A limited number are awarded for academic merit. Scholarships for nurses include:
- Sharon Clark Diaz
- Employee Campaign
- Marshall Steele, Jr.
- Hitchcock Heydman
- Henry & Bernice Bigge
- Faculty Scholarship
- Alumni Scholarship
- Elks of the Year
- William Breslin
In addition to the cost of tuition and and fees, financial aid can also cover other indirect educational costs, including:
- Books and supplies
- Room and board
- Transportation
- Personal expenses
- Other fees as determined by program/college
Once you receive your financial aid package, check this budget against your actual living expenses, and we can make necessary adjustments to meet your needs.
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.
We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming. We are here to help. Financial Aid staff can assist with budgeting, understanding your awards, and understanding the process. The SMU staff is committed to each prospective student and enrolled student. We have an open-door policy and are available via email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510.879.9200.
PLO1: Integrate nursing science with biomedical knowledge and evidence-based interprofessional best practices for the highest level of nursing practice. (ILO1, ILO4, ILO5)
PLO2: Provide leadership for the organization, delivery, quality, safety, sustainability, accountability, responsiveness, and continuous improvement in healthcare. (ILO2, ILO5, ILO6)
PLO3: Translate evidence into practice, evaluate practice, improve outcomes of care, and participate in collaborative research. (ILO4, ILO5, ILO7)
PLO4: Identify, appraise, implement, and evaluate information technology and systems to provide and improve care. (ILO1, ILO5, ILO6, ILO7)
PLO5: Design, advocate, and implement healthcare policy to support equitable and inclusive healthcare access, financing, regulation, safety, quality, and efficacy. (ILO1, ILO2, ILO4, ILO5, ILO6)
PLO6: Provide leadership to facilitate collaborative team functioning and interprofessional practice to improve healthcare outcomes. (ILO3, ILO5)
PLO7: Analyze health risks within the biological, environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic determinants of health to develop, implement, and evaluate clinical prevention measures to improve population health. (ILO3, ILO4, ILO6, ILO7, ILO8)
PLO8: Practice in a specialty role using advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, accountability, and innovation to design, deliver, and evaluate evidence-based care to improve healthcare outcomes. (ILO1, ILO2, ILO3, ILO4, ILO5, ILO6, ILO7, ILO8)
Practice—
Enter practice, enter residency education, or practice in the enhanced role for which they have been prepared.
Ethics, Professionalism, Compassion—
Embody their ethical and professional responsibilities to effectively serve individuals from diverse backgrounds, their profession, and society with compassion, caring, and humility.
Teamwork—
Communicate and collaborate effectively as members of interprofessional teams.
Structural and Social Determinants of Health—
Integrate an understanding of structural and social determinants of health into professional practice.
Clinical Reasoning—
Provide person-centered care using sound clinical reasoning informed by evidence from research and practice.
Leadership—
Advocate, as agents of change, to improve health and healthcare, especially for structurally vulnerable populations.
Informatics—
Effectively use data, information, and technology to support decision-making in complex systems.
Self-Care—
Engage in self-care practices for personal health and wellness.
Additional Information
PLO1: Integrate nursing science with biomedical knowledge and evidence-based interprofessional best practices for the highest level of nursing practice. (ILO1, ILO4, ILO5)
PLO2: Provide leadership for the organization, delivery, quality, safety, sustainability, accountability, responsiveness, and continuous improvement in healthcare. (ILO2, ILO5, ILO6)
PLO3: Translate evidence into practice, evaluate practice, improve outcomes of care, and participate in collaborative research. (ILO4, ILO5, ILO7)
PLO4: Identify, appraise, implement, and evaluate information technology and systems to provide and improve care. (ILO1, ILO5, ILO6, ILO7)
PLO5: Design, advocate, and implement healthcare policy to support equitable and inclusive healthcare access, financing, regulation, safety, quality, and efficacy. (ILO1, ILO2, ILO4, ILO5, ILO6)
PLO6: Provide leadership to facilitate collaborative team functioning and interprofessional practice to improve healthcare outcomes. (ILO3, ILO5)
PLO7: Analyze health risks within the biological, environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic determinants of health to develop, implement, and evaluate clinical prevention measures to improve population health. (ILO3, ILO4, ILO6, ILO7, ILO8)
PLO8: Practice in a specialty role using advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, accountability, and innovation to design, deliver, and evaluate evidence-based care to improve healthcare outcomes. (ILO1, ILO2, ILO3, ILO4, ILO5, ILO6, ILO7, ILO8)
Practice—
Enter practice, enter residency education, or practice in the enhanced role for which they have been prepared.
Ethics, Professionalism, Compassion—
Embody their ethical and professional responsibilities to effectively serve individuals from diverse backgrounds, their profession, and society with compassion, caring, and humility.
Teamwork—
Communicate and collaborate effectively as members of interprofessional teams.
Structural and Social Determinants of Health—
Integrate an understanding of structural and social determinants of health into professional practice.
Clinical Reasoning—
Provide person-centered care using sound clinical reasoning informed by evidence from research and practice.
Leadership—
Advocate, as agents of change, to improve health and healthcare, especially for structurally vulnerable populations.
Informatics—
Effectively use data, information, and technology to support decision-making in complex systems.
Self-Care—
Engage in self-care practices for personal health and wellness.
To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- BSN or MSN degree from a CCNE-accredited program
- BSN degree GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (as listed on BSN transcript)
- Active, unencumbered California RN license
- One year of full-time RN experience at the time of application
- Psychiatric nursing experience is preferred but not required
- Two letters of reference from individuals who can attest to your clinical expertise and preparedness for graduate-level study; at least one letter must be from a supervisor or instructor and should be on official letterhead
