Washington State University at Vancouver

What you'll study

Coursework and clinical preparation center on evidence-based practice and clinical excellence consistent with American Association of Colleges of Nursing recommendations. Students select one of three tracks:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) — prepares graduates for primary care practice and for operating independent practices while managing patient health across the lifespan.
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) — focuses on full-scope psychiatric assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders.
• Post-Master’s General (PMG) — for nurses who already hold a master’s degree and wish to advance leadership, research and evidence-based practice skills.

Entry requirements

The program materials advise prospective applicants to meet with academic staff and to bring unofficial copies of all transcripts to advising appointments. For advising and application questions, the listed contacts are Jenny Schrock (Academic Coordinator) at schrock@wsu.edu, (360) 546-9618 and Wendy Ovall (Academic Coordinator, Graduate Nursing) at wendy.ovall@wsu.edu, (360) 546-9350.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for advanced clinical leadership and advanced-practice roles. In jurisdictions such as Washington, Oregon and Idaho, DNP-prepared practitioners have authority to diagnose illnesses, manage treatments and prescribe medications autonomously, enabling practice as independent primary care or psychiatric providers depending on track.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Students should explore WSU graduate funding options and discuss financial aid or scholarships with academic coordinators during advising. Program accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education supports eligibility for many graduate funding and credentialing pathways.