Best Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs in Wisconsin
- 2026 Best Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs in Wisconsin
- What PMHNPs Do in Wisconsin
- PMHNP Pathways in Wisconsin: MSN vs DNP vs Post-Master's Certificate
- Quick Comparison Table: Which PMHNP Route Fits?
- Online, Hybrid, and Campus PMHNP Options in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Clinical Training Examples for PMHNP Students
- What to Look for in The Best Wisconsin PMHNP Programs
- Licensing and Certification Planning in Wisconsin
- FAQs
- Latest Articles & Guides
Wisconsin is a strong place to train as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) thanks to its mix of large integrated health systems, academic medical centers, behavioral health hospitals, and community-based providers serving both urban and rural populations. From Milwaukee and Madison to Green Bay, Wausau, and the Driftless region, PMHNPs play a key role in expanding access to psychiatric evaluation, medication management, therapy-informed care, and treatment for co-occurring substance use disorders.
In this article, you'll learn:
- The difference between MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate PMHNP pathways
- What online, campus, and hybrid PMHNP programs typically look like in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin-specific clinical site examples to help you picture training options
- What to compare when choosing the "best" PMHNP program for your goals
- Practical tips for clinical placement planning and career readiness in Wisconsin
2026 Best Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs in Wisconsin
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Milwaukee, WI - Private 4-year - msoe.edu
BSN to MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Milwaukee School of Engineering offers a hybrid Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track within its Master of Science in Nursing program. This program prepares nurses for advanced practice in mental health care. It combines online coursework with practical experiences. Admission requires meeting MSN program criteria. The program is accredited by CCNE. Prospective students can apply through NursingCAS. The curriculum focuses on psychiatric assessment and treatment. It equips graduates for diverse healthcare settings.
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track
- Hybrid program format
- MSN degree program
- CCNE accredited
- Apply through NursingCAS
- Graduate admissions inquiry available
- U.S. News Best Online Programs 2026
- Contact director for admissions
- Located in Milwaukee, WI
Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Milwaukee School of Engineering offers a Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate for nurses seeking advanced psychiatric mental health specialization. This hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person clinical experiences. Students gain expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions across the lifespan. The program prepares graduates for certification as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. Contact the Graduate Admissions Director for specific admission requirements and application details through NursingCAS. The nursing program holds CCNE accreditation, ensuring quality education standards.
- Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate
- Hybrid program format
- CCNE accreditation
- Apply through NursingCAS
- Contact Graduate Admissions Director
- Psychiatric mental health specialization
- Advanced nursing certification preparation
- Combines online and in-person learning
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI - Public 4-Year - wisc.edu
Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Psychiatric Nursing Capstone Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a Capstone Certificate in Post-Graduate Psychiatric Nursing for advanced practice nurses. This 18-month hybrid program combines online coursework with on-campus and community clinical experiences. It requires 18 graduate credits at $670.47 per credit for residents or $1,503.40 for non-residents. Applicants need a bachelor's and master's degree in nursing, an RN license, and advanced practice certification eligibility. The program prepares nurses for high-demand psychiatric mental health roles, focusing on underserved populations.
- 18-month program duration
- Hybrid format delivery
- 18 graduate-level credits
- Resident tuition $670.47/credit
- Nonresident tuition $1,503.40/credit
- Capstone certificate awarded
- Summer admission term only
- Requires bachelor's nursing degree
- Requires master's nursing degree
- RN license required
MSN to DNP - Nursing Practice: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive mental health care. This hybrid program offers a rigorous curriculum designed for working professionals seeking to specialize in psychiatric and mental health nursing. Students complete 68 credits with a focus on advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice, and healthcare leadership. Admission requires a baccalaureate nursing degree, RN licensure, professional experience, and a competitive academic record. Graduates are equipped to deliver high-quality, patient-centered mental health care in diverse healthcare settings.
- Hybrid program delivery
- 68 total credit requirement
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- RN license required
- One year nursing experience
- ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health NP certification track
- Graduate School minimum requirements
- Advanced clinical practicum
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership and policy courses
Bellin College
Green Bay, WI - Private 4-year - bellincollege.edu
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Bellin College's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program prepares nurses to address critical mental health needs. This online MSN concentration offers flexible full-time or part-time options, with small class sizes and personalized practicum placements. No GRE is required for admission. The program builds on the college's century-long nursing education legacy, focusing on patient care. It equips graduates to work in diverse settings like hospitals, community centers, and private practices. Tuition details and application deadlines are available on the college website.
- Online cohort model.
- Flexible full-time options.
- Part-time study available.
- Small class sizes.
- No GRE required.
- Personalized practicum placements.
- Faculty committed to success.
- Patient care-focused doctorate.
- Over 100-year nursing history.
- Concentration in PMHNP.
Concordia University-Wisconsin
Mequon, WI - Private 4-year - cuw.edu
Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner CAGE Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
Concordia University Wisconsin offers an online Post-Graduate Certificate for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. This program equips current nurse practitioners with advanced skills in mental health care. It features 18 credits at $800 per credit and can be completed in as little as one year. Admission requires an MSN or DNP degree, a 3.0 GPA, current certification, and CPR certification. The curriculum blends online coursework with 500 clinical hours, focusing on neurobiology and psychotherapy. It prepares graduates for board certification and comprehensive patient care across the lifespan.
- Online program format.
- Cost: $800 per credit.
- Total credits: 18.
- Completion in one year.
- 500 clinical hours required.
- For current nurse practitioners.
- Requires MSN or DNP degree.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA needed.
- CPR certification required.
- No GRE exams.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI - Public 4-Year - uwosh.edu
Graduate Certificate - Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh offers an online Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). This 19-credit program prepares certified Nurse Practitioners for dual certification in just nine months. It combines 100% online coursework with hands-on practicum, focusing on mental health care across the lifespan. Graduates achieve a 100% first-time exam pass rate. Admission requires a graduate nursing degree with a 3.0 GPA, current Wisconsin licenses, and NP certification. The program costs approximately $22,669.47 in tuition, plus additional fees. Applications are due by March 31 for fall enrollment.
- Online program format.
- 19 credits total.
- Nine-month completion time.
- 100% online coursework.
- Hands-on practicum included.
- Prepares for PMHNP certification.
- 100% first-time exam pass rate.
- Graduate nursing degree required.
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
- Current Wisconsin licenses needed.
MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice–Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP) Emphasis (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Emphasis prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver specialized mental health care. This comprehensive 74-credit program blends online coursework with in-person training, equipping students with advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice knowledge, and healthcare leadership expertise. Graduates become highly qualified mental health practitioners ready to address complex psychiatric challenges, with eligibility to pursue national certification and advanced clinical roles.
- 74-credit BSN to DNP program
- Hybrid learning format
- Full-time or part-time options
- In-person classes 3-4 Mondays
- Prepares for PMHNP certification
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Healthcare policy education
- Clinical placement support
BSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice–Psychiatric Mental Health (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh offers a comprehensive Doctor of Nursing Practice with a specialized Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner emphasis. This rigorous 74-credit program prepares advanced nursing professionals through a hybrid learning model, combining online coursework with periodic in-person sessions. Students gain expertise in evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, leadership, and specialized psychiatric mental health training. The program provides a flexible full-time (three-year) or part-time (four-year) pathway, enabling graduates to become certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners equipped to address complex mental health challenges.
- 74-credit BSN to DNP program
- Hybrid learning format
- Full-time or part-time options
- Prepares for PMHNP certification
- In-person classes 3-4 Mondays/semester
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI - Public 4-Year - uwm.edu
Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate. This program prepares advanced practice nurses to address mental health needs across the lifespan. It features a hybrid format with both online and on-campus options. Students complete six courses over one year, including practicums in behavioral clinics. Admissions require a master's or doctoral degree in nursing, certification in an advanced practice specialty, and Wisconsin RN registration. Costs are subject to federal gainful employment regulations, with private loan options available. The program meets high demand for psychiatric nurse practitioners, especially in underserved areas.
- Graduate Certificate program.
- Hybrid format: on-campus and online.
- One-year completion expected.
- Six courses total.
- Practicums in behavioral clinics.
- For advanced practice nurses.
- Requires master's or doctoral degree.
- Certification in specialty needed.
- Wisconsin RN registration required.
- Three letters of recommendation.
MSN to DNP - Nursing Practice, DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive mental healthcare with cutting-edge expertise. This intensive 65-credit doctoral program equips nurses to lead transformative clinical practice, addressing complex mental health challenges through evidence-based interventions. Designed for registered nurses with bachelor's or master's degrees, the program offers flexible part-time and full-time options. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, one year of RN experience, and a current unencumbered nursing license. Graduates emerge as highly skilled mental health practitioners prepared to improve patient outcomes, drive healthcare innovation, and provide exceptional psychiatric care across diverse populations.
- 65-credit doctoral nursing program
- Three entry pathway options
- Online and part-time study
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- One year RN experience required
- Specialized psychiatric mental health track
- 460 clinical immersion hours
- Comprehensive leadership training
Edgewood University
Madison, WI - Private 4-year - edgewood.edu
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Edgewood University offers an online MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This 51-credit program prepares nurses for advanced practice roles in mental health care. The curriculum covers advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and psychotherapy. Students gain clinical experience to treat diverse populations. The program is fully online with flexible full-time or part-time options. It leads to eligibility for PMHNP certification. Graduates can pursue careers in various healthcare settings. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration.
- 51 total credits.
- Fully online format.
- 3-year full-time completion.
- Flexible part-time options.
- Prepares for PMHNP certification.
- Includes clinical experiences.
- Covers advanced pathophysiology.
- Focuses on psychotherapy.
- Teaches psychopharmacology.
- Emphasizes diverse populations.
What PMHNPs Do in Wisconsin
PMHNPs diagnose and treat mental health conditions across the lifespan. In Wisconsin, PMHNP roles often include:
- Psychiatric assessments and differential diagnosis
- Medication management and monitoring
- Coordinating care with primary care, therapy providers, and social services
- Managing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
- Supporting crisis stabilization and higher levels of care transitions
- Providing psychotherapy (depending on training, role, and employer expectations)
Common Wisconsin Work Settings
- Outpatient psychiatry clinics and integrated primary care clinics
- Inpatient behavioral health units and psychiatric hospitals
- Community mental health programs and county human services
- Substance use treatment programs and dual-diagnosis services
- Telepsychiatry and rural access programs
Explore nurse practitioner schools in Wisconsin.
PMHNP Pathways in Wisconsin: MSN vs DNP vs Post-Master's Certificate
MSN PMHNP Programs
Best for BSN-prepared RNs seeking a direct route into advanced practice psychiatry.
Typical components:
- Advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment
- Psychiatric assessment and diagnosis across the lifespan
- Psychopharmacology and evidence-based therapy foundations
- Supervised clinical practicums in multiple settings
DNP PMHNP Programs
Best for students who want PMHNP preparation plus doctoral-level training in leadership and outcomes.
Common DNP advantages:
- Systems-level thinking (quality improvement, population health, care models)
- Leadership preparation for clinical program development
- Strong fit for integrated systems and complex behavioral health environments
Post-Master's PMHNP Certificates
Best for MSN-prepared nurses or APRNs who want to add psychiatry without completing a full second degree.
Common reasons Wisconsin nurses choose this route:
- Transitioning from another NP population focus into psychiatry
- Adding psychiatric expertise for integrated care or rural practice
- Strengthening credentials for behavioral health leadership roles
Quick Comparison Table: Which PMHNP Route Fits?
| Pathway | Best For | Typical Timeframe | Result |
| MSN | BSN RNs entering psychiatric NP practice | ~2–3 years (varies) | PMHNP prep + certification eligibility |
| BSN to DNP | RNs seeking doctoral-level training | ~3–4 years (varies) | PMHNP prep + DNP credential |
| Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate | MSN/APRN adding psychiatry | ~1–2 years (varies) | PMHNP prep without a second full degree |
| Post-MSN DNP | Certified APRNs seeking a doctorate | ~1–2+ years (varies) | DNP credential (role usually stays aligned with existing cert) |
Online, Hybrid, and Campus PMHNP Options in Wisconsin
PMHNP programs are often designed for working nurses, so format matters.
Online Didactic + In-Person Wisconsin Clinicals
- Coursework delivered online (cases, lectures, discussion)
- Clinical rotations completed in person with approved preceptors in Wisconsin
- Often best for nurses outside Milwaukee/Madison metro areas
Hybrid Programs
- Mostly online coursework with periodic on-campus intensives
- Skills validation, simulation, and assessment check-ins
- Practical option for nurses who can travel occasionally
Campus-Based Programs
- In-person classes and labs
- Often easier access to local clinical partnerships and faculty-supervised experiences
Wisconsin Scheduling Tip: If you work 12s, confirm whether the program offers part-time pacing and how far in advance intensive dates are published.
Wisconsin Clinical Training Examples for PMHNP Students
Strong PMHNP preparation includes multiple settings and populations, not just one clinic. Here are Wisconsin-specific examples of clinical environments students commonly seek (availability depends on program approvals and preceptor capacity):
Academic and Large Health System Psychiatry
- Hospital-based behavioral health units and outpatient psychiatry within major systems in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, Wauwatosa, and the Fox Valley
- Integrated primary care clinics where mental health and physical health care are coordinated
Examples of Wisconsin ecosystems where PMHNP training and employment are common:
- Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin (Milwaukee/Wauwatosa area)
- UW Health (Madison region)
- Children's Wisconsin (pediatric behavioral health exposure in the Milwaukee region)
- Aurora/Advocate Aurora clinics and hospitals across multiple Wisconsin regions
Specialty Behavioral Health Providers and Levels of Care
Wisconsin has strong options for:
- Partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Eating disorder programming, OCD/anxiety specialty care, trauma tracks
- Dual-diagnosis and SUD-focused programs
Examples students often recognize statewide include Rogers Behavioral Health (multiple locations).
Community Mental Health and County-Based Services
For broad, real-world psychiatry experience, many students benefit from:
- Community mental health clinics serving serious mental illness (SMI)
- County crisis services, care coordination, and outpatient medication management
- Behavioral health programs connected to housing, employment, and social supports
Rural and Northern Wisconsin Access Settings
To build confidence with limited-resource care environments:
- Rural primary care clinics with integrated behavioral health
- Telepsychiatry-supported outpatient practices
- Critical access hospitals and regional systems (e.g., Central/North Wisconsin hubs)
Clinical Placement Tip: Ask each program whether it places students, assists with placement, or expects you to secure all preceptors. In Wisconsin, high-demand preceptors (child/adolescent psych, inpatient consults, SUD programs) can fill months ahead; start outreach early.
What to Look for in The Best Wisconsin PMHNP Programs
1) Lifespan Coverage and Diagnosis Breadth
A competitive PMHNP graduate should be comfortable with:
- Mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, trauma-related disorders
- Psychotic disorders and severe mental illness
- Substance use and co-occurring disorders
- Child/adolescent and adult/older adult populations (as required)
2) Psychopharmacology Depth
Compare how programs teach:
- Medication selection and titration
- Side effect monitoring and metabolic management
- Controlled substances policies and safe prescribing frameworks
- Medication + psychotherapy coordination
3) Therapy Foundations and Evidence-Based Care
Even if you won't be "therapy-first" in your role, strong programs build competence in:
- Motivational interviewing (especially for SUD and adherence)
- CBT-informed approaches and behavioral activation
- Safety planning and suicide risk assessment
- Trauma-informed care
4) Wisconsin-Fit Logistics
- Clinical radius and travel expectations
- Hybrid intensives and scheduling predictability
- Support for affiliation agreements with Wisconsin clinics/systems
Licensing and Certification Planning in Wisconsin
Most PMHNP students plan around two milestones:
- National PMHNP certification (after graduation, based on eligibility requirements)
- Wisconsin APRN/APNP state requirements (which can include RN licensure, graduate education, certification, and state-specific practice rules)
Because licensure rules can change, it's smart to confirm current Wisconsin requirements with the state nursing regulator when you're choosing a program.
Planning Tip: When comparing programs, ask how they align curriculum and clinical documentation with certification expectations (lifespan hours, preceptor credentials, clinical logs). This prevents delays after graduation.
FAQs
Q: What Clinical Settings Should I Prioritize In Wisconsin If I Want Broad Experience?
A: A strong mix usually includes outpatient medication management, community mental health/SMI exposure, SUD/dual-diagnosis experience, and some acute/inpatient or crisis stabilization time.
Q: I'm Already an NP in Another Specialty, Do I Need Another Full Degree?
A: Often no. A post-master's PMHNP certificate is a common pathway for MSN/APRNs who want to add psychiatric training without completing a second full degree.
Q: How Early Should I Start Planning Preceptors in Wisconsin?
A: Earlier than you think; many students begin outreach one to two terms ahead, especially for child/adolescent sites, inpatient consult experiences, and specialty SUD programs.
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