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.

Program Highlights

DNP Program Highlights

Approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, 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.

At a Glance

Degree Type: Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

Program Length: 3 years

Availability: hybrid

Program Overview

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Program overview

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Our DNP program degree is the first of its kind in Louisiana, as McNeese continues to be a trailblazer in offering new degree options to fit the changing demands of the healthcare field. 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 prescriber and psychoanalyst 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 staff 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:

According to Rural Health Information Hub 2021, 100% of Louisiana parishes are Health Professional Shortage Areas in mental health. McNeese’s DNP program is intended to create graduates who help address this shortage and facilitate transformative change in the delivery and outcomes of healthcare services to underserved and disenfranchised patients, families and communities.

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Careers and Opportunities

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.