Career
Nursing

8-week course terms allow for start dates throughout the year
Get hands-on practice during in-person immersive experiences that help prepare you for clinical rotations
This APRN track is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education1
Preparation to make a difference in the mental health field
Training in telehealth, special populations, and new trends in psychiatry
Flexible online coursework and study tools you can access on the go
Hands-on practice through on-site intensives and clinical practice hours
If you want to make a difference for the mental health of individuals in your community, becoming a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) may be the right path for you.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), tens of millions of people are actively seeking psychiatric care for mental and substance-abuse disorders.2 PMHNPs are poised to make a difference. If you are passionate about fighting mental health stigmas and improving access to care, our online PMHNP tracks might be a rewarding choice.
Distance Education/Online
158 Credits
32 Months
8 Trimesters
Distance Education/Online
158 Credits
44 Months
11 Trimesters
Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Number | Name | Hours |
NURS 530 | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology – APRN | 3 |
NURS 676 | Advanced Pharmacology – APRN | 3 |
NURS 681 | Advanced Health/Physical Assessment and Lab – APRN | 4 |
NURS 682 | Care Coordination and Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse | 3 |
NURS 682L-A | Advanced Healthcare Residency I | 2 |
NURS 682L-B | Advanced Healthcare Residency II | 2 |
NURS 683 | Neurobiology and Psychopharmacology | 3 |
NURS 686 | Psychiatric – Mental Health Care Across the Lifespan: Theory I | 3 |
NURS 686L | Psychiatric – Mental Health Care Across the Lifespan: Practicum I | 3 |
NURS 687 | Psychiatric – Mental Health Care Across the Lifespan: Theory II | 3 |
NURS 687L | Psychiatric – Mental Health Care Across the Lifespan: Practicum II | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 32.0 |
We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.
Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of RN to MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner online tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the RN to MSN – PMHNP track costs at West Coast University.
We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.
8 Month Academic Year | ||
with parents | off campus | |
Food & Housing | $2,384 | $7,936 |
Transportation | $1,648 | $1,648 |
Personal Expenses | $5,392 | $5,392 |
Total | $9,424 | $14,976 |
Degree Type | Master of Science | |
Total Program Credits | 1581 | |
Program Length(full time) | 8 trimesters | |
Non-Military Rate | Military Rate2 | |
RN to MSN Core(per credit x 33 credits) | $615 | $523 |
APRN Core(per credit x 35 credits) | $785 | $667 |
Total Tuition Cost | $47,770 | $40,604 |
STRF3 | $142.50 | $125 |
Technology Fee4 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees5 | $2,300 | $2,300 |
Program Fee (Clinical)6 | $3,300 | $3,300 |
Estimate Total Program Costs (Texas) | $57,370 | $50,204 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $57,512.50 | $50,329 |
Degree Type | Master of Science | |
Total Program Credits | 1581 | |
Program Length(full time) | 11 trimesters | |
Non-Military Rate | Military Rate2 | |
RN to MSN Core(per credit x 33 credits) | $615 | $523 |
APRN Core(per credit x 35 credits) | $785 | $667 |
Total Tuition Cost | $47,770 | $40,604 |
STRF3 | $147.50 | $130 |
Technology Fee4 | $5,500 | $5,500 |
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees5 | $2,300 | $2,300 |
Program Fee (Clinical)6 | $3,300 | $3,300 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $58,870 | $51,704 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $59,017.50 | $51,834 |
Degree Type | Master of Science |
Total Program Credits | 1581 |
Program Length(full time) | 8 trimesters |
RN to MSN Core(per credit x 33 credits) | $615 |
APRN Core(per credit x 35 credits) | $785 |
Total Tuition Cost | $47,770 |
STRF3 | $142.50 |
Technology Fee4 | $4,000 |
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees5 | $2,300 |
Program Fee (Clinical)6 | $3,300 |
Estimate Total Program Costs (Texas) | $57,370 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $57,512.50 |
Degree Type | Master of Science |
Total Program Credits | 1581 |
Program Length(full time) | 11 trimesters |
RN to MSN Core(per credit x 33 credits) | $615 |
APRN Core(per credit x 35 credits) | $785 |
Total Tuition Cost | $47,770 |
STRF3 | $147.50 |
Technology Fee4 | $5,500 |
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees5 | $2,300 |
Program Fee (Clinical)6 | $3,300 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $58,870 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $59,017.50 |
* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term.
1 Includes 42 credits for unobstructed RN License, assumes 48 transfer credits for non-nursing courses, and the remaining 68 credits are required to be taken at WCU.
2 Rate provided to Active Duty, Active Duty Spouse, Reserve, Reserve Spouse, Veterans, Veteran Spouse, Department of Defense employees, dependents utilizing parent's veteran's education benefits, and Veterans Affairs employees. The military rate will no longer be offered after Fall II 2024.
3 Effective April 1, 2022, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be two hundred and fifty cents ($2.50) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.
The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.
You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.
It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.
To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:
To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.
A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.
However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.
4 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.
5 Supplies and licensure prep fees include a WCU identification card, background check, standardized patients, supplies, equipment for onsite intensives, and APRN predictor exams for APRN students. Supplies become student purchases once issued to students. Students who drop or have been dismissed after supplies have been issued will assume ownership for these items and will not be eligible for refunds. For details on all the supplies please contact the Bursar Office.
6 Program Fee covers the establishment, on-going management, scheduling, coordination, site visits, and any other expenses related to clinical rotations.
Applicants to the program must meet the following standards (RN-MSN All Track Options):
* Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to the International Admissions section of the catalog.
In addition to the admissions requirements above, applicants to the RN to Master of Science in Nursing – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse tracks must also meet the following admissions requirements:
For additional requirements, including admission information for CA-based APRN students and international students, visit our catalog.
Distance Education/Online
53 Credits
20 Months
5 Trimesters
Distance Education/Online
53 Credits
36 Months
9 Trimesters
A student in the MSN Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) online program at West Coast University participates in two (2) On-site Intensive (OSI) weekends. The OSI brings students to campus to learn, practice and demonstrate essential hands-on skills and competencies needed by nurse practitioners.
(August 1, 2015 and thereafter) (To locate curriculum for courses begun prior to August 1, 2015, please see the 2015-2016 West Coast University Catalog)
Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Number | Name | Hours |
NURS 530 | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology – APRN | 3 |
NURS 676 | Advanced Pharmacology – APRN | 3 |
NURS 681 | Advanced Health/Physical Assessment and Lab – APRN | 4 |
NURS 682 | Care Coordination and Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse | 3 |
NURS 682L-A | Advanced Healthcare Residency I | 2 |
NURS 682L-B | Advanced Healthcare Residency II | 2 |
NURS 683 | Neurobiology and Psychopharmacology | 3 |
NURS 686 | Psychiatric – Mental Health Care Across the Lifespan: Theory I | 3 |
NURS 686L | Psychiatric – Mental Health Care Across the Lifespan: Practicum I | 3 |
NURS 687 | Psychiatric – Mental Health Care Across the Lifespan: Theory II | 3 |
NURS 687L | Psychiatric – Mental Health Care Across the Lifespan: Practicum II | 3 |
NURS 691A | Culminating Experience I | 1.5 |
NURS 691B | Culminating Experience II | 1.5 |
Total Credit Hours: | 35.0 |
Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Number | Name | Hours |
NURS 500 | Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice | 3 |
NURS 510 | Policy, Organization, and Financing in Healthcare | 3 |
NURS 521 | Ethics in Healthcare | 3 |
NURS 535 | Principles of Teaching and Learning | 3 |
NURS 540 | Research Utilization | 3 |
NURS 561 | Health Promotion and Disease Prevention | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.
Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner online tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the MSN – PMHNP track costs at West Coast University.
We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.
8 Month Academic Year | ||
with parents | off campus | |
Food & Housing | $2,384 | $7,936 |
Transportation | $1,648 | $1,648 |
Personal Expenses | $5,392 | $5,392 |
Total | $9,424 | $14,976 |
Degree Type | Master of Science | |
Total Program Credits | 53 | |
Program Length(full time) | 5 trimesters | |
Non-Military Rate | Military Rate1 | |
MSN Core(per credit x 18 credits) | $635 | $540 |
APRN Core(per credit cost x 35 credits) | $785 | $667 |
Total Tuition Cost | $38,905 | $33,065 |
STRF2 | $117.50 | $102.50 |
Technology Fee3 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees4 | $2,300 | $2,300 |
Program Fee (Clinical)5 | $3,300 | $3,300 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $47,005 | $41,165 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $47,122.50 | $41,267.50 |
Degree Type | Master of Science | |
Total Program Credits | 53 | |
Program Length(full time) | 9 trimesters | |
Non-Military Rate | Military Rate1 | |
MSN Core(per credit x 18 credits) | $635 | $540 |
APRN Core(per credit cost x 35 credits) | $785 | $667 |
Total Tuition Cost | $38,905 | $33,065 |
STRF2 | $122.50 | $107.50 |
Technology Fee3 | $4,500 | $4,500 |
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees4 | $2,300 | $2,300 |
Program Fee (Clinical)5 | $3,300 | $3,300 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $49,005 | $43,165 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $49,127.50 | $43,272.50 |
Degree Type | Master of Science |
Total Program Credits | 53 |
Program Length(full time) | 5 trimesters |
MSN Core(per credit x 18 credits) | $635 |
APRN Core(per credit cost x 35 credits) | $785 |
Total Tuition Cost | $38,905 |
STRF2 | $117.50 |
Technology Fee3 | $2,500 |
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees4 | $2,300 |
Program Fee (Clinical)5 | $3,300 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $47,005 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $47,122.50 |
Degree Type | Master of Science |
Total Program Credits | 53 |
Program Length(full time) | 9 trimesters |
MSN Core(per credit x 18 credits) | $635 |
APRN Core(per credit cost x 35 credits) | $785 |
Total Tuition Cost | $38,905 |
STRF2 | $122.50 |
Technology Fee3 | $4,500 |
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees4 | $2,300 |
Program Fee (Clinical)5 | $3,300 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $49,005 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $49,127.50 |
1 Rate provided to Active Duty, Active Duty Spouse, Reserve, Reserve Spouse, Veterans, Veteran Spouse, Department of Defense employees, dependents utilizing parent's veteran's education benefits, and Veterans Affairs employees. The military rate will no longer be offered after Fall II 2023.
2 Effective April 1, 2022, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.
The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.
You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.
It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.
To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:
To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.
A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.
However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.
3 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.
4 Supplies and licensure prep fees include a WCU identification card, background check, standardized patients, supplies, equipment for onsite intensives, and APRN predictor exams for APRN students. Supplies become student purchases once issued to students. Students who drop or have been dismissed after supplies have been issued will assume ownership for these items and will not be eligible for refunds. For details on all the supplies please contact the Bursar Office.
5Program Fee covers the establishment, on-going management, scheduling, coordination, site visits, and any other expenses related to clinical rotations.
Applicants for the program must meet the following requirements (MSN All Track Option):
*Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to the International Admissions section of the catalog
Additional Admissions Requirements Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Tracks Only:
In addition to the admissions requirements above, applicants to the Master of Science in Nursing – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse tracks must also meet the following admissions requirements:
*Students admitted to APRN tracks under previous admissions requirements and have withdrawn that have completed more than 75% of the credits associated with the program will be re-admitted to the previous version of their program using previous requirements
For additional admission requirements, please visit our catalog.
Distance Education/Online
32 Credits
20 Months
5 Trimesters
Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Number | Name | Hours |
NURS 530 | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology – APRN | 3 |
NURS 676 | Advanced Pharmacology – APRN | 3 |
NURS 681 | Advanced Health/Physical Assessment and Lab – APRN | 4 |
NURS 682 | Care Coordination and Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse | 3 |
NURS 682L-A | Advanced Healthcare Residency I | 2 |
NURS 682L-B | Advanced Healthcare Residency II | 2 |
NURS 683 | Neurobiology and Psychopharmacology | 3 |
NURS 686 | Psychiatric – Mental Health Care Across the Lifespan: Theory I | 3 |
NURS 686L | Psychiatric – Mental Health Care Across the Lifespan: Practicum I | 3 |
NURS 687 | Psychiatric – Mental Health Care Across the Lifespan: Theory II | 3 |
NURS 687L | Psychiatric – Mental Health Care Across the Lifespan: Practicum II | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 32.0 |
We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.
Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of post-master’s PMHNP online tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the post-master’s PMHNP certificate program costs at West Coast University.
We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.
8 Month Academic Year | ||
with parents | off campus | |
Food & Housing | $2,384 | $7,936 |
Transportation | $1,648 | $1,648 |
Personal Expenses | $5,392 | $5,392 |
Total | $9,424 | $14,976 |
Prior to Spring I 2024
Degree Type | Certificate | |
Total Program Credits | 32 | |
Program Length(full time) | 5 trimesters | |
Non-Military Rate | Military Rate1 | |
APRN Core (per credit x 32 credits) | $785 | $667 |
Total Tuition Cost | $25,120 | $21,344 |
STRF2 | $82.50 | $72.50 |
Technology Fee3 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees4 | $2,300 | $2,300 |
Program Fee (Clinical)5 | $3,300 | $3,300 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $33,220 | $29,444 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $33,302.50 | $29,516.50 |
Effective Spring I 2024
Degree Type | Certificate |
Total Program Credits | 32 |
Program Length(full time) | 5 trimesters |
APRN Core(per credit x 32 credits) | $785 |
Total Tuition Cost | $25,120 |
STRF2 | $82.50 |
Technology Fee3 | $2,500 |
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees4 | $2,300 |
Program Fee (Clinical)5 | $3,300 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $33,220 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $33,302.50 |
1 Rate provided to Active Duty, Active Duty Spouse, Reserve, Reserve Spouse, Veterans, Veteran Spouse, Department of Defense employees, dependents utilizing parent's veteran's education benefits, and Veterans Affairs employees. The military rate will no longer be offered after Fall II 2024.
2 Effective April 1, 2022, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.
The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.
You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.
It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.
To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:
To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.
A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of non-collection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.
However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.
3 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.
4 Supplies and licensure prep fees include a WCU identification card, background check, standardized patients, supplies, equipment for onsite intensives, and APRN predictor exams for APRN students. Supplies become student purchases once issued to students. Students who drop or have been dismissed after supplies have been issued will assume ownership for these items and will not be eligible for refunds. For details on all the supplies please contact the Bursar Office.
5 Program Fee covers the establishment, on-going management, scheduling, coordination, site visits, and any other expenses related to clinical rotations.
*Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to the International Admissions section of the catalog.
Additional Admissions Requirements Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Tracks Only:
In addition to the admissions requirements above, applicants to the post master’s certificate Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) tracks must also meet the following admissions requirements:
*Students admitted to APRN tracks under previous admissions requirements and have withdrawn that have completed more than 75% of the credits associated with the program will be re-admitted to the previous version of their program using previous requirements.
For additional admission requirements, please visit our catalog.
New academic sessions begin, on average, every eight weeks. The number of trimesters needed depends on the program and pace selected for the PMHNP track. For the most updated start-to-completion schedule, view the Academic Calendar.
As you embark on the exciting journey of completing your on-site clinicals, you can rest assured knowing you will have support every step of the way. We have a Clinical Placements team that helps with preceptor and site selection and placement. We leverage our healthcare provider partnerships and other resources to help students get on the right track for their practicum experience.
If at any point during your program you find that you need advice to help make your clinicals a smoother experience, you can schedule a call with your assigned coordinator of clinical relations. We’re here to assist you from day one all the way through graduation!
As a WCU graduate, you get access to our dedicated Career Services team — for the rest of your career! 3 Get access to a variety of resources, including resume writing workshops, interview coaching, professional development, and help locating job posts that match your needs.
Donald Burdine, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC
Dean, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
Donald Burdine is the Dean of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program at West Coast University, as well as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Burdine is dually certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and a family nurse practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
In his role at WCU, Dr. Burdine focuses on the areas of faculty and student management, college orientations and program admissions oversight, curriculum development and course design, and compliance. He has over a decade of clinical nursing and education administration experience.
Prior to joining WCU, Dr. Burdine served as an MSN Program Director, Campus Administrator, and Assistant Professor. He additionally has acted as an independent nursing education consultant, aiding organizations with learning management system (LMS) integration, curriculum development, design, and internal process implementation.
Dr. Burdine has served on various committees and in leadership roles. He has served as a Graduate Nursing Policy Committee Chair (2022); APRN / NP Sub-Committee Chair (2021); Graduate Curriculum Committee (GCC) Chair (2020-2021); DNP Sub-Committee; APRN Taskforce; and Admissions, Progression, Retention, & Graduation (APRG) Committee Member. He is currently an active member of the PLN Leadership Team at WCU.
Dr. Burdine is a member of numerous professional associations, including the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN), American Nurses Association (ANA), Florida Nurses Association (FNA), Central Florida Advanced Nursing Practice Council (CFANPC), National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF), American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), and Sigma Theta Tau International.
Our nursing programs deliver a student-centric, evidence-based education that includes topics relevant to an evolving healthcare environment. As a PMHNP student, you will receive in-depth learning around psychiatric conditions, treatment, therapy management, and other modalities. Our curriculum also addresses telehealth, special populations, and upcoming trends in psychiatry.
Our On-Site Intensives (OSIs) allow you to get hands-on practice, learn unique skills, and obtain instructor feedback during mandatory in-person, immersive experiences that are necessary to prepare you for your APRN clinical rotations and practice.
Our programs require students complete clinical hours for their degrees. For the MSN and Post-Master’s certificate programs, students must complete 500 clinical hours. RN to MSN students must complete 590 clinical hours.
When it comes to finding the right facility, WCU has a dedicated team to help you find a placement for clinical training that aligns with your goals.
We can evaluate your previous coursework for credit. The number of credits you are able to transfer depends on the specific program’s requirements. For example, for the RN to MSN program, you can transfer up to a total of 90 credits.
Speak to your advisor to learn more about the transfer credit policy for your desired program.
Our PMHNP faculty members are experienced, board-certified nursing professionals in the psychiatric-mental health field. As a WCU student, you will be matched with a PMHNP faculty advisor who can help provide personalized advice for your education and career plans. Additionally, the Remind app is a tool provided to all of our students that allows them to contact their professors when needed, ensuring you get the guidance you need during your learning journey.
Yes, after you complete one of our PMHNP tracks with the required clinical hours, you will be eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certification (PMHNP-BC) exam.
WCU also provides you with different tools to help review for your exam, including Lecturio and BoardVitals. Both tools are mobile-friendly platforms that will help you review materials so you can approach the exam with confidence.
Coursework for our PMHNP tracks is online. In-person practice is delivered through two on-site intensives and clinical practice hours at a local healthcare facility.
Our Accelerated program pace allows you to earn your degree faster, taking more classes per trimester. Our Working Professional pace lets you take fewer classes per trimester, providing flexibility when you need it.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at West Coast University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
1 The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at West Coast University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
2 American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). www.aanp.org/news-feed/are-you-considering-a-career-as-psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner
3 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
Students enrolled through the Orange County campus must complete their OSI’s in California. Students enrolled through the Texas campus must complete them in Texas. Travel costs are not included in tuition and fees, and students are responsible for arranging transportation.