Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion

What you'll study

Coursework is designed to develop advanced practice competencies across the lifespan, prepare students to sit for PMHNP-BC credentialing, and strengthen skills in leadership and systems-level improvement. Program-specific courses listed include:

• DNP-780
• DNP-710
• DNP-820
• DNP-870
• DNP-750
• DNP-715
• DNP-810
• DNP-811
• DNP-812
• DNP-795
• DNP-835
• DNP-740
• DNP-702
• DNP-712
• DNP-714
• DNP-720
• DNP-752
• DNP-722
• DNP-728
• DNP-790
• DNP-791
• DNP-792
• DNP-793

Topics emphasized in the program include attainment of advanced PMHNP practitioner status, application of organizational leadership to improve mental health systems, culturally informed mental-health care, psychotherapeutic modalities across the lifespan, advocacy for vulnerable psychiatric populations, and influence on psychiatric health policy.

Entry requirements

• Completed Indiana Wesleyan University Doctoral Nursing application for the BSN-to-DNP PMHNP track.
• Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education and CHEA-recognized agency and national nursing programmatic accreditation (CCNE, ACEN, CNEA); official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale (based on at least 30 hours at the degree-granting institution). Conditional admission possible with a minimum 3.0 GPA subject to successful completion of 9 credit hours of doctoral nursing courses with a 3.0 GPA; a grade of B- or lower while conditionally admitted results in administrative withdrawal.
• Current unencumbered RN license(s); documentation that any nursing licenses, active or inactive, are unencumbered. Applicants with encumbered licenses are ineligible.
• Resume/CV and a 2–3 page narrative describing practice experience and professional goals.
• International/non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL (paper 600 / computer 250 / internet 100) or IELTS (minimum 6.5) scores for regular admission.
• A criminal background check (student expense) required within six weeks of program start; additional documentation (health records, immunizations, drug screening) may be requested by clinical sites.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles such as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), and healthcare leadership positions across public health, non-profits, hospitals and clinics. The curriculum targets both clinical advanced practice and systems-level leadership in mental healthcare.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Financial aid options include grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits and employer reimbursement. Program materials note applicable resource and service fees, additional charges for prerequisites or required electives, and availability of cost sheets and net-price estimation via the university’s financial aid office. Tuition rate is guaranteed for students who remain continuously enrolled in the same program.