Graduate · Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
McNeese's doctorate in advanced practice psychiatric mental health nursing is a year-round degree program with 50-99% of coursework offered online, making it a fast and convenient option for current advanced practice nurses looking to advance their practice.
At a Glance
DNP Program Highlights
Approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, McNeese's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in advanced practice psychiatric mental health nursing program is a practice-based approach to prepare current advanced practice nurses to care for patients with psychiatric mental health needs.
Building on the knowledge and skills gained through a master’s degree in advanced practice nursing, our DNP program prepares students to deliver high-quality, evidence-informed and patient-centered care. With high demand for this degree across Southwest Louisiana and throughout the state, this degree is a great way to expand your skills and provide patients with a holistic and well-rounded healthcare experience.
Earn Your Degree While Working Full Time
Offered 50-99% online with minimal on-campus requirements, our three-year continuous DNP program is geared towards current advanced practice nurses who are working full time. At the end of this course of study, candidates will graduate credentialed to sit for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certification examination.
Explore More
Our DNP degree is offered in a 12-month part-time format to meet the needs of busy Nurse Practitioners. Whether in class or online, DNP candidates enjoy access to McNeese’s advanced facilities and the full support and knowledge of the Department of Graduate Nursing's faculty and staff.
Practicum-Based Learning:
McNeese’s DNP is a practice-based doctorate, meaning that you will learn to build skills and knowledge at a systems level using translational science, data analytics and quality improvement methodologies to develop as a clinical scholar as well as improve your nursing practice. You will also develop your leadership skills through effective communication and collaboration to lead and influence teams to improve healthcare safety and quality.
Individual Care and System Research:
A major element of the DNP program is a scholarly project that focuses on best practices, quality improvement and health policy. Through 510 clinical practicum hours under the supervision of a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and a minimum of 300 hours DNP practicum, candidates will deeply explore how to improve healthcare from a systemic level and implement aspects of that care.
Work With Experts:
As a DNP candidate at McNeese, the faculty of the Department of Graduate Nursing will work with you to find in- and outpatient placements with psychiatrists, advanced psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists in Louisiana and Texas. Through these placements, you will become knowledgeable in care for a broad range of clients including children, adolescents, adults and geriatric patients, all of whom experience and express mental health crisis and disorders in different ways.
Make a Difference in Your Community:
McNeese’s DNP program is intended to create graduates who help address the shortage of psychiatric mental health providers and facilitate transformative change in the delivery and outcomes of healthcare services to underserved and disenfranchised patients, families and communities.
Expand Your Practice
With high demand for DNPs across Southwest Louisiana and throughout the state, this degree is a great way to expand your practice and provide your current patients with greater access to more comprehensive healthcare, especially those in underserved areas or from underserved groups.
Applicants must complete an electronic interview with the selection committee. In addition to the below requirements, students seeking admission to the DNP program must meet all the requirements for admission to the William J. Doré Sr. School of Graduate Studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
An applicant must have:
- Submitted completed application materials by June 15 to be considered for admission to the Fall 2021 cohort or March 1 to be considered for admission to the Fall 2022 cohort, including official transcripts from each degree-granting institution previously attended.
- A master’s degree in nursing from an NLNAC/ACEN- or CCNE-accredited school as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or certified nurse midwife with evidence of a 3-semester hour or 4-quarter hour graduate-level statistics course with a grade of B or higher.
- Documentation that Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics, and Advanced Physical Assessment courses were lifespan courses (i.e., had pediatric, adult, and older adult content).
- Graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- A current unencumbered advanced practice nursing license from Louisiana or Texas. All precepted clinical experiences will be completed in either Louisiana or Texas.
- Two professional references from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s capacity for doctoral study as well as clinical expertise and competency.
- Completed an electronic interview with the selection committee.
- A current resumé or curriculum vitae that includes work experiences and evidence of leadership.
- A two- to three-page, double-spaced personal statement that:
- Identifies immediate and long-range professional goals;
- Explains how a DNP will enhance future practice;
- Highlights the applicant’s current leadership, professional accomplishments, and scholarly work; and
- Describes the applicant’s academic challenges and strengths.
- An example of the applicant’s scholarly writing in APA format. This can be from previous coursework, a published work, or a short paper that discusses a clinical issue and uses professional references.
Prior to enrollment, applicants accepted into the program will be required to:
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- Provide a recent background check and drug screen;
- Meet program health requirements;
- Attend an on-campus orientation (and subsequent semester intensives); and
- Verify APRN practicum hours.