DNP | Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program Online

Credit Hours

Online,* 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Dates: January 19, 2026 | March 23, 2026 | May 18, 2026

Care for the Full Spectrum of Patient Needs with Liberty’s DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Degree

There is a critical shortage of mental health professionals in the United States and around the world. Regular nurse practitioners are qualified to address many health problems, but they lack expertise in the area of mental health.

That’s where conferring Liberty’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) degree comes in. This program can help you develop a holistic approach to patient care so you can pursue a wider variety of nursing jobs.

If you are a nurse practitioner seeking specialized mental health training, Liberty can help. In this DNP program, you can learn how to assess, diagnose, and treat the mental health needs of your patients. Our program can also help you pursue state licensure and national certification as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

To qualify for this program, you must be a licensed nurse practitioner with an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) degree. We can help you develop the skills needed to provide mental health services to patients in a variety of settings. You’ll also receive advanced training in nursing administration, healthcare research, and best nursing care practices.

Partner with us and prepare to take your nursing career to the next level.

Liberty maintains strict compliance with all licensure requirements for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Not a Virginia resident? We want to help find the best program for you! To view educational requirements and whether a specific program aligns with the licensure requirements for your state, please review our licensure/certification requirements webpage.

*Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.

Accreditation

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and the postgraduate APRN certificate program at Liberty University School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026

Private Nonprofit University
600+ Online Degrees
No Standardized Testing for Admission
Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Top 10 Reasons to Choose Liberty

Why Choose Liberty University’s PMHNP Degree?

As pioneers in distance education since 1985, we’re committed to offering high-quality programs that fit your schedule. At Liberty, you’ll benefit from flexible courses, affordable tuition rates, and practical training that can help equip you for the real world.

Our psych DNP program is available online. You can complete your coursework from the comfort of your home without needing to relocate to attend classes on campus. The best part? You can stay invested in your family and career while earning your degree!

Liberty’s online DNP – psychiatric nurse practitioner program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This degree can help you prepare to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner national certification exam. By completing our rigorous curriculum, you can pursue state licensure and national certification as a PMHNP.

Our PMHNP professors have years of experience working in the field of nursing. With their guidance, you can develop marketable skills that could help set you apart from the competition. For some of your courses, you’ll have weekly online meetings with your professors, allowing you to further benefit from their mentorship.

As a Christian university, Liberty’s goal is to help you lead with integrity in the workplace. Our courses seek to integrate ethical principles with professional knowledge. That way, you can make medical decisions that are clinically and biblically sound.

What Will You Study in Our MSN to DNP – PMHNP Online Program?

This post-MSN degree is broken down into 3 main parts: core nursing courses, project and practicum classes, and the PMHNP specialization. Throughout the program, you will explore the theoretical, clinical, and administrative aspects of nursing. We can help equip you to develop innovative solutions to healthcare challenges and become a leader in the industry.

Our core DNP courses provide a solid foundation in translational research, evidence-based care, leadership and policy, clinical prevention, healthcare operations, and interprofessional collaboration. You can learn how to approach nursing from an ethical perspective so you can make medical decisions that are morally and scientifically sound.

Learn how to treat patients with mental health disorders. The PMHNP specialization dives into the essentials of psychiatric mental health nursing. You will analyze the various causes of mental disorders, including injury, trauma, disease, and genetics. You can also learn how to conduct diagnostic tests, treat disorders using methods in psychopharmacology, and help patients overcome acute psychiatric issues.

Before graduating, you will complete extensive practicums, allowing you to gain practical experience in your field. You’ll also write and defend a scholarly project based on original research so you can contribute to the base of knowledge in your field.

Potential Career Opportunities

Featured Courses

Degree Information

Practicum Experience Requirements

Practicum Placement Process
Our Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs’ practicum placement process is designed to be a collaborative partnership between the student and our dedicated practicum team. We believe that this cooperative approach ensures the best possible learning experience for our students.

Collaborative Partnership
The practicum team is committed to assisting students in identifying suitable preceptors and practicum sites. While we provide support in this process, we also encourage students to take an active role in finding potential placements, as they are more familiar with their local areas and potential opportunities.

Preceptor and Site Matching
Our goal is to match each student with a preceptor and site that aligns with their educational needs. However, please note that the assigned term may not always meet the student’s initial preferences. Due to the limited availability of preceptors and the need for sites that offer specialties, students may need to travel longer distances to complete their practicum requirements. If a student declines a site provided for them based on distance, they will be asked to identify a new site that meets the requirements for the practicum course needed.

Travel and Restrictions
Students should be prepared for the possibility of additional travel or other restrictions as part of their practicum placement. Flexibility and adaptability are key to ensuring a successful practicum experience.

Telehealth Sites
For students in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, telehealth sites are permitted for up to 50% of their practicum hours. However, telehealth sites are not allowed for students in the Family Nurse Practitioner program.

Compliance and Requirements
Students must complete all required steps in the placement process and become fully compliant with all requirements to be eligible to move forward with their practicum experience.

Fees and Costs
Any fees or costs required by a practicum facility and/or preceptor are the responsibility of the student and should be negotiated directly between the student and the site. Liberty University is unable to control additional onboarding requirements or fees charged by a practicum facility.

We are dedicated to supporting our students throughout their practicum journey and ensuring they receive the best possible clinical education. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team at APRN.DNPPracticum@liberty.edu.

Additional Information

Disclosures

RN Licensure

Students must hold a current and active RN license within the United States and a current APRN license.

Non-Discrimination Statement

View the School of Nursing Non-Discrimination Statement.

For advising, please contact dnp@liberty.edu.

Disclosure Statement

Enrollment in one of Liberty University’s licensure programs does not guarantee a degree from Liberty or qualification for licensure. Students are responsible for meeting all academic and professional requirements for graduation. Further information regarding these academic and professional requirements is outlined on this program page and on the full admission page linked on the Admission Requirements tab. Students enrolled in a licensure program are responsible for knowing the material outlined for their program. Further, it is the sole responsibility of the student, not the institution, to obtain information regarding prerequisites for licensure as outlined by their particular state Board of Nursing.

Licensure requirements for any state are subject to change without notice. Liberty University is not responsible for knowing when changes occur. Additionally, there might be other states with unique licensure requirements. Please reference our State Requirements for NP and APRN Licensure page and contact your State Board of Nursing for further information.

Liberty University Online State Approval Disclosure

Practicum Sites

Degree Completion Plan

State Licensure Requirements

Individual state licensure requirements may vary and are subject to change without notice. View your state’s requirements here: licensure/certification requirements.

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Request Information

Tuition & Aid

PMHNP Programs	$850/Credit

These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Liberty’s Psych DNP Program Online

Admission Requirements

At this time, our DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree is limited in certain states. Please view the licensure/certification requirements for your state. International students can contact the School of Nursing for questions about admission to their specific degree of interest.

Disclosure Statement

Enrollment in one of Liberty University’s licensure programs does not guarantee a degree from Liberty or qualification for licensure. Students are responsible for meeting all academic and professional requirements for graduation. More information about academic and professional requirements can be found below. Students enrolled in a licensure program are responsible for knowing the material outlined for their program. Further, it is the sole responsibility of the student, not Liberty University, to obtain information regarding prerequisites for licensure as outlined by their particular state Board of Nursing.

Licensure requirements for any state are subject to change without notice. Additionally, there might be other states with unique licensure requirements. Please reference our State Requirements for NP and APRN Licensure page for further information.

Apply online or over the phone with an admissions counselor by calling (800) 424-9596.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required).
Send official college transcripts (sealed, unopened copies, or via a direct electronic transcript system). Transcripts must be regionally or nationally accredited, show all post-secondary schools and must show a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing with an advanced practice specialty as a nurse practitioner focused on family, adult, geriatric, neonatal, pediatrics, or women’s health. Transcripts must show a 3.0 GPA or higher in all previous graduate work, and the master’s degree must be accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Please note: upon admission, if official transcripts do not show successfully passed graduate coursework in the following areas, students may be required to take additional courses as prerequisites to NURS 751: advanced physical health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology.
Admission to this program requires the following items to be submitted:
- Current and active RN license issued in one of the fifty United States. (If a past sanction or disciplinary action exists on a professional license, the applicant may be contacted by the Nursing Admissions Review Committee for further explanation.)
- Active APRN license and Active National Certification for Nurse Practitioner. If a past sanction or disciplinary action exists on a professional license, the applicant may be contacted by the Nursing Admissions Review Committee for further explanation.
- American Heart Association BLS CPR Card for Healthcare Providers with AED.
- One Reference (requires login): We require one reference contact from a professional or academic reference. Your reference should be able to speak to your work ethic and academic abilities. This contact should also be able to be reached via phone or email.
- Writing Sample
  - A document using APA rules of grammar. First person is permitted; APA formatting (i.e. title page, headers) is not needed. Return completed writing sample to luoverify@liberty.edu. Entire document should be 1,500 words minimum and 3,000 words maximum.
    - A document discussing introduction and worldview, professional experience/ goals, and vision for professional practice, including a scholarly project.
  - Please also provide the following:
    - Name of present or most recent employment and position
    - Length of Employment (Indicate in MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY. If still employed, write ‘current’ as the end date)
- Department Admission Review approval required – upon all documents being received on the checklist, the application will be sent for admission review by the department. An interview will be extended to selected applicants. Please note that not all applicants will be requested to interview with the Nursing departments. Interviews can be conducted remotely, as needed. Review times can vary due to several factors, but they will be completed as soon as possible.
Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.

Supplemental Acceptance Steps

After reviewing applications, the School of Nursing will contact selected applicants for an interview. Please note that not all applicants will be requested to interview with the School of Nursing. Interviews can be conducted remotely, as needed. If an acceptance offer is extended to an applicant, there will be additional application steps needed before attending courses. Included in these steps is the purchase of a standardized background check and submission of immunization records. More information will be provided to selected applicants.

Additional Requirements

Students who are accepted and offered a seat each semester will be required to submit a $500 deposit,* which will be applied to your student account to be used towards tuition, fees, etc. If accepted to our program, you will receive additional information via your Liberty email regarding your next steps and payment of the deposit.

If you have any questions, you may reach the School of Nursing at DNP@Liberty.edu or by calling (434) 592-6505.

*Deposit refund deadlines apply. Contact the School of Nursing for specific semester refund dates.

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.

Admissions Office Contact Information

Submit your application online or over the phone.

Start Online Application

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

Mental health nurse practitioners help patients overcome and cope with various psychiatric disorders. They can identify, treat, and manage symptoms resulting from many different mental illnesses, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, schizophrenia, trauma, and personality disorders.

PMHNPs are also trained in regular nurse practitioner (NP) duties, so they can offer a holistic approach to healthcare — one that integrates physical and mental health concerns. By pursuing certification in psychiatric nursing, you can learn how to provide even better care to your patients.

Can a mental health nurse practitioner prescribe medication?

What is the difference between a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a psychiatrist?

While psychiatric NPs hold nursing degrees, psychiatrists must attend medical school. Both PMHNPs and psychiatrists typically perform many of the same duties.

However, different states have different laws governing the responsibilities of psychiatric NPs. Depending on where you work as a PMHNP, there may be some restrictions on the types of treatment or care you can provide. Be sure to check the exact requirements of the state you want to work in.

What accreditations does this program have?

What accreditation does Liberty University have?

What is this program designed to lead to?

Are you ready to change your future?

Apply Now

App Fee Waived This Week*

Request Information

*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, non-degree-seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and certificate students.

Choose a Program Level

Choose a program level

Associate

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Doctorate

Certificate

Select a Field of Study

Select a field of study

Select a Program

Select a program

Change

Legal First Name

Enter legal first name

Legal Last Name

Enter legal last name

Email

Enter an email address

Phone

Enter a phone number

Full Address

Enter an address

Apt., P.O. Box, or can’t find your address?Enter it manually instead.

Country

Select a Country

Street Address

Enter Street Address

City

Enter City

State

Enter State

ZIP/Postal Code

Enter Zip Code

Back to automated address search

Start my application now for FREE

You will be automatically taken to the application once you submit your request for information

By submitting contact information through this form, I agree that Liberty University and its affiliates may call and/or text me about its offerings by any phone number I have provided and may provide in the future, including any wireless number, using automated technology.

Message and data rates may apply. For additional information, text HELP to 49595 or 49596. You may opt-out at any time by sending STOP to 49595 or 49596. Visit for Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Chat Request Info Apply

DNP – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program Online Elevating Mental Health with Advanced Nursing Skills

Care for the Full Spectrum of Patient Needs with Liberty’s DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Degree

Accreditation

What Sets Us Apart?

Why Choose Liberty University’s PMHNP Degree?

What Will You Study in Our MSN to DNP – PMHNP Online Program?

Potential Career Opportunities

Featured Courses

Degree Information

Practicum Experience Requirements

Additional Information

State Licensure Requirements

Not sure what to choose?

Tuition & Aid

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Admission Information for Liberty’s Psych DNP Program Online

Admission Requirements

Supplemental Acceptance Steps

Preliminary Acceptance

Transcript Policies

Admissions Office Contact Information

Ready to Apply?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

Can a mental health nurse practitioner prescribe medication?

What is the difference between a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a psychiatrist?

What accreditations does this program have?

What accreditation does Liberty University have?

What is this program designed to lead to?

Are you ready to change your future?

Request Information About a Program

Request Info About Liberty University Online

Choose a Program Level

Select a Field of Study

Select a Program

Next: Contact Info

Legal First Name

Legal Last Name

Email

Phone

Full Address

Country

Street Address

City

State

ZIP/Postal Code

Request Information