Best Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs in Georgia

Georgia College's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) concentration addresses critical healthcare shortages by preparing advanced practice nurses to serve rural and underserved communities. Students complete a comprehensive 570-hour clinical program designed to develop expert mental health assessment and treatment skills. The flexible online curriculum supports working nurses seeking career advancement, with minimal campus visits and courses structured to accommodate professional schedules. Graduates emerge as highly qualified professionals ready to make significant contributions to mental healthcare delivery.

• Online MSN with minimal campus visits
• 570 total clinical hours
• Clinical rotations in Georgia only
• Full-time or part-time options
• Addresses mental health provider shortage
• Synchronous and asynchronous classes
• Accredited by CCNE
• Summer program start
• Mandatory immersion experiences

Georgia College & State University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares nurses for advanced practice roles in mental health care, especially in rural and underserved areas. The program blends online coursework with minimal campus visits, focusing on clinical reasoning and professional skills. Admission requires a BSN, Georgia RN license, and three professional references. The curriculum includes 570 clinical hours, with support for securing preceptors in Georgia. Start your journey to address Georgia's mental health provider shortage today.

• Online program format
• 570 clinical hours required
• Minimal campus visits
• Focus on rural mental health
• BSN and RN license required
• Three professional references needed
• Clinicals in Georgia only
• Support for preceptor placement
• Starts summer semester
• Full-time and part-time options

Georgia College's Post-Masters Nursing Certificates provide advanced practice nurses opportunities to specialize in critical healthcare domains. Designed for MSN-prepared professionals, these fully online programs offer specializations including Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Psychiatric Mental Health, Nurse Midwifery, and Women's Health. Minimum requirements include 11 credit hours, with some concentrations potentially requiring up to 32 credit hours. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, these certificates enable nurses to expand their clinical expertise and career potential through flexible, comprehensive educational pathways.

• Fully online program format
• 5 specialized certificate options
• Minimum 11 credit hours required
• CCNE accredited program
• Individualized study plans available
• Minimal on-campus requirements
• Designed for MSN graduates
• Professional organization connections

Georgia College & State University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers ambitious nurses a comprehensive pathway to advanced clinical leadership. This rigorous three-year online program prepares nurses to become specialized mental health practitioners through evidence-based practice and advanced clinical training. Students develop expertise in complex healthcare systems, gaining the skills to diagnose, treat, and manage psychiatric conditions across diverse patient populations. The program emphasizes translational research, policy development, and holistic patient care, positioning graduates as innovative healthcare leaders who can transform mental health treatment approaches.

• Online program with campus intensives
• 3-year full-time track
• CCNE accredited program
• Requires 1+ year clinical experience
• Synchronous and asynchronous classes
• DNP translational research project
• Focuses on evidence-based practice
• Prepares for certification exams

Georgia College & State University's BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program provides a comprehensive pathway for nursing professionals to advance their careers. This rigorous three-year online doctorate prepares nurse leaders to transform healthcare through evidence-based practice. Students develop advanced clinical skills, learn to influence healthcare policy, and complete an intensive translational research project. Admissions require a BSN from an accredited program, minimum 2.75 GPA, undergraduate statistics course, and one year of clinical experience. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible learning with synchronous and asynchronous course formats.

• Three-year full-time online program
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
• Synchronous and asynchronous classes
• Requires minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
• One year clinical experience required
• Quarterly on-campus lab sessions
• CCNE fully accredited program
• Research-focused curriculum

Georgia College & State University offers an online BSN to DNP program with a concentration in Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, designed for nurses aiming to advance their careers. This program blends rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical experiences, preparing graduates for leadership roles in healthcare. It emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare innovation, and policy influence. The curriculum is tailored for working professionals, offering flexibility with online courses. Admission requires a BSN degree, a current RN license, and clinical experience. The program fosters a supportive learning environment, encouraging collaboration and personal growth.

• Online format for flexibility.
• Concentration in Women’s Health.
• Prepares for leadership roles.
• Requires BSN and RN license.
• Emphasizes evidence-based practice.
• Includes practical clinical experiences.
• Supports collaborative learning.
• Focuses on healthcare innovation.
• Designed for working professionals.
• Encourages personal growth.

Emory University's Blake Scholars Program addresses the critical shortage of mental health professionals, focusing specifically on child and adolescent behavioral health. This innovative post-graduate certificate program provides comprehensive training for nurse practitioners, offering full tuition and specialized clinical experiences. Participants gain advanced skills in psychiatric mental health nursing, learning evidence-based practices for assessment, diagnosis, and holistic care across individual, family, and group settings. With 26 credit hours and 720 clinical hours, graduates become highly effective practitioners prepared to autonomously manage complex mental health challenges.

• Full tuition scholarship
• 26 credit hour program
• 720 direct clinical hours
• Child/adolescent mental health focus
• Synchronous/asynchronous learning
• Clinical training at CHOA
• Psychiatric medication management
• Evidence-based practice curriculum
• Advanced practice nursing skills

Emory University's Blake Scholars Program offers a specialized post-graduate certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing with a unique focus on child and adolescent behavioral and mental health. This comprehensive 26-credit hour program addresses critical mental health professional shortages by training nurse practitioners to provide specialized care for vulnerable pediatric populations. The curriculum combines advanced clinical training with 720 precepted direct clinical hours, emphasizing evidence-based practice, autonomous clinical functioning, and holistic patient care. Designed for experienced APRNs, the program provides full tuition support and opportunities for advanced clinical immersion at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

• 26-credit hour post-graduate certificate
• Full tuition scholarship available
• 720 direct clinical hours
• Focus on child/adolescent mental health
• Clinical training at CHOA
• Synchronous/asynchronous learning
• Neurobiologically-informed approach
• Advanced psychotherapy training
• Medication management skills
• Interprofessional collaborative care

Mercer University's Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced program designed for experienced nurses seeking to elevate their clinical expertise. Tailored for registered nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing, this comprehensive program prepares professionals to meet rigorous certification standards. Students will develop advanced skills in mental health assessment, psychopharmacology, and clinical practice through an intensive curriculum combining theoretical foundations, evidence-based research, and extensive practical training.

• Post-Master's Advanced Nursing Practice
• Hybrid Program Format
• Extensive Clinical Practicum Hours
• Certification Exam Preparation
• Total 960 Practice Hours
• Comprehensive Psychiatric Care Training
• Leadership and Systems Focus

Mercer University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program provides registered nurses a comprehensive pathway to advanced clinical practice. This rigorous doctoral program prepares nurses to meet complex mental health challenges through advanced training, combining theoretical coursework with extensive clinical practicums. Students undergo 780 clinical practice hours and 240 immersion hours, equipping them to sit for national certification exams. The curriculum integrates advanced physiological, pharmacological, and psychological knowledge, positioning graduates as expert mental health providers capable of delivering high-quality, evidence-based patient care across diverse settings.

• Comprehensive 77 credit hour program
• 1,020 total post-baccalaureate practice hours
• Hybrid program format
• Prepares for national certification exams
• Advanced clinical and theoretical training
• Four semester practicum experiences
• Leadership and interprofessional focus

Mercer University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares registered nurses to advance their clinical expertise in mental health care. This comprehensive doctoral pathway equips nurses with advanced clinical skills, theoretical knowledge, and leadership capabilities. Students complete 77 course hours and 1,020 post-baccalaureate practice hours, including extensive clinical practicums. The program prepares graduates to sit for national certification exams, positioning them as specialized mental health practitioners ready to address complex psychiatric healthcare needs across diverse patient populations.

• Hybrid program format
• 780 clinical practicum hours
• Prepares for certification exams
• 77 total course hours
• Full-time curriculum plan
• Advanced clinical specialization

Augusta University's Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric and Mental Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner is a specialized program designed for certified nurse practitioners seeking to expand their psychiatric healthcare expertise. This web-based, part-time program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive mental health services across patient lifespans. Fully accredited by CCNE, the program offers a streamlined pathway to national board certification. Participants complete 22 credit hours and 504 clinical hours, gaining advanced skills in psychopharmacology, mental health assessment, and clinical practice.

• Web-based part-time program
• 22 total credit hours
• 504 clinical practice hours
• CCNE fully accredited
• Prepares for board certification
• Designed for certified nurse practitioners
• Comprehensive mental health focus
• Advanced psychopharmacology training

Augusta University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive mental healthcare across adult, pediatric, and geriatric populations. The program offers flexible full-time and part-time tracks, enabling nurses to develop clinical expertise and leadership skills. With a remarkable 100% board pass rate and an average PMHNP salary of $123,607, graduates gain the knowledge to improve healthcare outcomes and address complex mental health challenges. The hybrid learning model combines online and on-campus experiences, ensuring comprehensive professional development.

• Hybrid online/offline learning
• Full-time and part-time options
• 100% board pass rate
• Average PMHNP salary $123,607
• CCNE accredited program
• Augusta and Athens campus locations
• Interactive web-based classes
• Capstone practice project
• Expert faculty instruction
• Georgia and South Carolina residents

Valdosta State University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Family Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive mental healthcare. The hybrid program blends academic rigor with practical clinical training, requiring 57 credit hours and 675 clinical hours over eight semesters. Students develop critical thinking skills and cultural competence while learning to diagnose, treat, and prevent mental health conditions across diverse patient populations. Designed for working nurses, the program features weekend class meetings and prepares graduates for leadership roles in various healthcare settings. Admission requires a BSN from an accredited program, a 3.0 GPA, current RN licensure, and professional recommendations.

• 8 semester hybrid program
• 57 credit hours required
• 675 clinical training hours
• No GRE/MAT required
• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• CCNE accredited program
• Weekend class meetings
• Current RN license mandatory

Valdosta State University in Georgia offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program designed for aspiring advanced practice nurses. The program features tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner and Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, catering to diverse career goals. Courses blend online and hybrid formats, offering flexibility for working professionals. Admission requires a Bachelor's degree in nursing, with specific prerequisites. The program emphasizes practical skills and theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates for leadership roles in healthcare. Financial aid options are available, making this program accessible to a wide range of students seeking to advance their nursing careers.

• MSN program available.
• Family Nurse Practitioner track.
• Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track.
• Online and hybrid coursework.
• Flexible for working professionals.
• Requires Bachelor's degree in nursing.
• Prepares for advanced practice roles.
• Financial aid options available.
• Focus on practical and theoretical knowledge.
• Leadership roles in healthcare.

Georgia Southern University's Post-BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) track offers a comprehensive online program designed to prepare advanced practice nurses to provide holistic mental health care. Students gain advanced skills in pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies, learning to diagnose and treat mental health conditions across diverse patient populations. The hybrid program combines rigorous online coursework with immersive clinical experiences, requiring students to complete 1,350 total clinical hours. Graduates are positioned to work in various settings like psychiatric facilities, community mental health centers, and private practices, addressing critical mental healthcare needs.

• Online hybrid program format
• 1,350 total clinical hours
• Prepares for PMHNP certification
• Comprehensive mental health focus
• Interdisciplinary clinical experiences
• Flexible MSN exit option
• Advanced pharmacology training
• Multiple clinical placement settings

Kennesaw State University's Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate addresses critical healthcare shortages by preparing advanced practice nurses to serve communities. This innovative hybrid program enables registered nurses with master's or doctoral degrees to expand their expertise in mental health care. Designed for working professionals, the certificate can be completed in four semesters, combining online coursework with periodic on-campus intensives. Graduates become equipped to take national certification exams, positioning themselves at the forefront of addressing psychiatric provider gaps across the United States.

• Hybrid online/on-campus program
• 4 semester completion timeline
• Master's or doctoral RN prerequisite
• Three weekend on-campus intensives
• Synchronous online weeknight classes
• Prepares for ANCC/AANP exams
• Addresses mental health provider shortage
• Requires unencumbered RN license
• Advanced health assessment required
• Advanced pharmacology prerequisite

Georgia State University's Master's Program in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice registered nurses to excel in mental health care across diverse settings. This comprehensive 48-credit program emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and specialized clinical skills. Graduates gain advanced pathophysiological knowledge, comprehensive health assessment techniques, and in-depth psychopharmacology expertise. The curriculum includes extensive clinical training across adult, child, and geriatric psychiatric care, totaling 500 clinical hours. Students develop competencies to manage complex psychiatric cases, making them highly competitive professionals eligible for national certification.

• 48-credit advanced nursing program
• 500 total clinical training hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• CCNE accredited program
• Comprehensive psychiatric care focus
• National certification preparation
• Multiple patient population training