Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
PMHNP Doctor of Nursing Practice for non-nurses
Begin your transformative journey to becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with Simmons University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. Tailored for individuals with a non-nursing degree, this program seamlessly transitions you into advanced practice. Embrace leadership roles across diverse health care settings, driving innovation and excellence in patient care and mental health.
Begin by earning your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), making you eligible to sit for the NCLEX Registered Nurse exam. After completing the pre-licensure curriculum and the first semester of the post-licensure curriculum on campus, you'll transition to our dynamic hybrid program to complete your DNP. This will prepare you to sit for the National PMHNP board exam and step into advanced practice with confidence.
By enrolling in the PMHNP DNP program, you will be at the forefront of addressing mental health challenges. You'll offer compassionate care, and advocate for the well-being of your patients.
Why enroll in the DNP PMHNP Program?
The Direct Entry DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is offered through Simmons' prestigious School of Nursing, located in Boston. Our program provides you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to become a highly skilled Registered Nurse (RN) and PMHNP.
In our program, you will embark on a comprehensive educational journey that includes:
- Foundational Nursing Education: Begin by earning your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and becoming eligible for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). You'll gain a solid foundation in nursing practice and patient care.
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Education: Dive into specialized training focused on psychiatric-mental health care, learning to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across the lifespan.
- Clinical Excellence: Gain hands-on clinical experience through clinical rotations in diverse psychiatric settings, developing clinical judgment and therapeutic skills.
- Leadership and Advocacy: Dive deep into leadership, health care policy, and ethics to equip yourself for influential roles that shape health care systems and elevate patient care outcomes. Our program prepares you to be a visionary leader in the field, driving advancements and innovations that make a meaningful impact on the health of communities.
- Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Engage in research activities and learn to apply evidence-based practices to enhance mental health care delivery.
What Can You Do as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP)?
Upon completing the Direct Entry DNP PMHNP program, you will be well-equipped to take on various rewarding and impactful roles in mental health care. Career opportunities include:
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Evaluate, diagnose, and manage the mental health needs of individuals across the lifespan. Provide therapeutic interventions and prescribe medications to support patients with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Additionally, you'll perform comprehensive physical and psychosocial assessments, deliver emergency psychiatric care, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment plans to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Health Care Leadership: Take on leadership positions within mental health organizations, shaping policies and practices to improve mental health care delivery.
- Educator: Teach and mentor the next generation of psychiatric-mental health nurses, nurse practitioners, and health care professionals in academic or clinical settings.
- Researcher: Contribute to the advancement of psychiatric-mental health nursing through research and evidence-based practice initiatives.
- Policy Advocate: Advocate for mental health policies promoting access to care, reducing stigma, and addressing public health challenges.
This program prepares you to excel as Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, leaders, and innovators in the behavioral health field, making a profound impact on the lives of individuals and communities.
Nursing Program Highlights
90%
Simmons Graduates have a NCLEX Pass Rate Above 90%
A 90% pass rate is well above the national average for RN candidates, which is in the low 80% range.
850+
Clinical Training Sites
Boston-based students have access to more than 850 clinical training sites, including world-class hospitals like Massachusetts General, Brigham and Women’s, Boston Children’s, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
7
Clinical Rotations
Through the pre-licensure program of study you will complete rotations in medical/surgical nursing, complex care, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatric nursing, and community health on your way to earning your MSN and becoming an RN.
>17K
Affiliated Placement Sites
Simmons has over 17,000 affiliated post-licensure clinical placement sites in 48 states.
1492
Clinical Hours
You will complete over 1492 total clinical hours over the course of the Direct Entry FNP and PMHNP program.
Nursing Faculty
The faculty at Simmons University School of Nursing are a dynamic blend of practicing nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse leaders, and nurse researchers, all committed to guiding you through the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare. Their real-world clinical experience, leadership expertise, and innovative research ensure that your education is both grounded in current practice and inspired by future possibilities.
Spotlight on Nursing Students and Alums
School of Nursing Students Train to Work with Children with Developmental Disorders
Simmons School of Nursing students Rachel Takes ’24MSN and Elizabeth Strager ’19 ’21MSN, FNP- C, ’25DNP were recruited into the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program (LEND Boston) at Boston Children's Hospital’s Institute for Community Inclusion.
Kimberly Noonan ’18DNP Selected as 2023 Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing
On October 7, 2023, Kimberly Noonan ’18DNP was inducted as a Fellow within the American Academy of Nursing. A Chief Nurse Practitioner at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Dr. Noonan is committed to supporting Nurse Practitioners and advancing oncology nursing.
Samantha Sochan ’19 Discovers New Career in Non-Traditional Nursing Jobs
Samantha Sochan '19 shares her journey from bedside nursing to nursing educator.