BS to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Do you have a bachelor’s in nursing and want to earn two advanced degrees back-to-back? This program is for you. First, you’ll earn a master's specializing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Then, you’ll pursue your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree where you’ll train to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
Earning these degrees prepares you to care for patients of all ages with mental health concerns. You’ll learn to take a holistic approach to care, using a combination of medication, therapy, and health promotion techniques.
Overview
Format
Hybrid online
Mostly online with some in-person requirements on the CU Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO.
Avg. time to complete
4.5 years
10 semesters
Exam prep
PMHNP
When you finish the program, you can sit for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Across the Lifespan exam to become board-certified.
Apply once, earn two degrees
You only apply once to this program. You'll earn a master's degree and a doctoral degree back-to-back without needing to apply to each program separately.
Clinical placements set up for you
If you’re in Denver or Aurora, we arrange clinical placements for you. We work with some of the top clinics and hospitals in the metro area to provide high-quality, hands-on experiences.
Expert faculty dedicated to your success
Many of our faculty are recognized locally and nationally for their excellence in nursing, education, and research. Our educators are passionate about helping students advance their knowledge and careers.
100%
Board certification exam pass rate for this specialty
#1
Doctor of Nursing Practice program in Colorado*
#1
Nursing master’s program in Colorado*
Career
Once you finish the BS to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, you can take the board certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. After passing the exam, you'll be ready to unlock a new career path and scope of practice. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can get licensed to work in all 50 states, including Colorado.
What you can do
- Prescribe medication
- Provide psychotherapy
- Serve as an independent provider
- Assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions
Who you can care for
Patients of all ages, from children to adults.
Where you can work
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Schools and universities
- + more
Why get a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree?
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree prepares you for leadership, advanced clinical practice, and healthcare policy roles. You'll learn about evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and healthcare systems management. Unlike a PhD in Nursing, which is more research-focused, a DNP is geared towards applying your skills in a clinical setting.
Admissions
Deadline(s)
| Start term | Application opens | Priority deadlinetooltip | Extended deadlinetooltip |
| Fall 2025 | August 15, 2024 | January 15, 2025 | April 1, 2025 |
Get started
1
Check the requirements
Understand the admissions requirements like how many letters of recommendation you need and what courses should be on your transcript.
2
Start your application
Work on your application and submit it through NursingCAS.
Curriculum
Hands-on training
You’ll complete 1,100+ clinical hours in this program. We set up your clinical placements if you’re in the Denver Metro area.
In-depth coursework
This program includes 52 classroom-based credit hours. Some classes you’ll take focus on research, psychotherapy and behavior change, and integrated behavioral health.
Skills and knowledge you'll gain
Costs
| Residency status | Estimated total tuition** |
| Colorado residents | $61,230 |
| Eligible western state residents** | $61,230 |
| Nonresidents | $99,294 |
| Additional expenses | Time frame | Estimated costs |
| Matriculation fee | One-time | $140 |
| Other fees | By term | Fall $392, Spring $232, Summer $180 |
| Books and supplies | Total for program | $2,000 |
| CU health insurance (may be waived with proof of comparable personal health insurance) | By term | Fall $1,575, Spring $1,575, Summer $1,050 |
I’ve had this great string of mentors that CU has connected me with over the course of the program… and on top of that, I feel like I’ve been exposed to so much of the evidence and guidelines, and best practices in our field.
Stuart Eynon, PMHNP
CU Nursing Alum
MS Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program
Become the nurse practitioner looked to first 
Get your degree from the top nursing college in Colorado. Start your journey to become a CU nurse today.