Best Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs in South Carolina
- 2026 Best Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Carolina
- PMHNP Degree Paths in South Carolina
- Why South Carolina Students Pursue PMHNP Training
- Curriculum: What You'll Study in a South Carolina PMHNP Program
- Clinical Training in South Carolina
- Online, Campus, and Hybrid PMHNP Options in South Carolina
- Admissions and Prerequisites
- Cost and Time-to-Completion: What to Expect
- South Carolina Licensure and Prescribing Considerations for PMHNPs
- How to Choose the Right PMHNP Program in South Carolina
- FAQs
- Latest Articles & Guides
South Carolina continues to expand behavioral health services across hospitals, community mental health centers, private practices, and integrated primary care, especially in underserved and rural areas. For RNs who want to diagnose mental health conditions, provide psychotherapy, and manage psychiatric medications, becoming a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) can be one of the most direct, high-impact career paths in the state.
The good news: South Carolina students can find campus, hybrid, and online PMHNP options, plus post-master's certificates for already-certified APRNs, while completing clinicals with major healthcare systems and community partners throughout the Palmetto State.
In this article, you'll learn:
- The main PMHNP program pathways in South Carolina (MSN, DNP, post-master's certificate)
- What curriculum and clinical training typically look like
- How to choose the right format (online vs. campus vs. hybrid)
- Local clinical and employer examples across South Carolina
- Licensure and prescribing considerations for PMHNPs in SC
2026 Best Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs in South Carolina
Anderson University
Anderson, SC - Private 4-year - andersonuniversity.edu
BSN to MSN - MSN, Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Anderson University's MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to make a profound impact in mental healthcare. This hybrid program blends online learning with strategic campus intensives, offering a comprehensive 51-credit curriculum that equips students to diagnose, treat, and manage mental health conditions across all age groups. With 750 clinical hours and potential salaries ranging from $95,000 to $115,000, graduates gain the expertise to work in diverse healthcare settings like clinics, hospitals, and community health centers.
- 51 total credit hours
- Hybrid program format
- 750 clinical training hours
- Covers all population age groups
- Bachelor's in Nursing required
- 1-2 years nursing experience recommended
- 5 semesters full-time option
- 8 semesters part-time option
- Certification exam preparation
Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Unlock a rewarding career in psychiatric mental health with Anderson University's specialized Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate. Designed for experienced Family Nurse Practitioners, this hybrid program prepares advanced practice nurses to excel in mental health care. Complete 24 credit hours and 750 clinical hours, gaining expertise in psychiatric assessment, treatment, and patient care. With a flexible learning model featuring mostly online coursework and brief on-campus intensives, students can advance their skills while maintaining professional commitments. The program offers a pathway to certification and positions graduates for a lucrative career, with average salaries around $135,000 in South Carolina.
- Mostly online certificate program
- 24 total credit hours
- 750 clinical hours requirement
- Hybrid learning format
- 15-month program duration
- Requires masters/doctorate in FNP
- Certification exam preparation
- Average salary $135,000
- Small cohort learning
- Experienced nursing faculty
MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Anderson University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to excel in mental health care across diverse populations. This comprehensive 77-credit hour program blends online learning with critical campus intensives, offering a rigorous curriculum that includes 750 clinical hours and a guided scholarly project. Graduates gain expertise in treating mental and behavioral health disorders, positioning themselves for high-demand roles with competitive salaries ranging from $95,000 to $115,000. The program requires a BSN and recommends 1-2 years of nursing experience, making it ideal for professionals seeking to elevate their clinical skills and leadership potential.
- 77 total credit hours
- Mostly online hybrid format
- 750 clinical training hours
- 3-year program duration
- BSN degree required
- National certification preparation
- Covers all population age groups
- Competitive salary potential
Francis Marion University
Florence, SC - Public 4-Year - fmarion.edu
BSN to MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Francis Marion University offers a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program designed for those passionate about mental health care. This hybrid MSN degree program combines online coursework with minimal campus visits, providing flexibility for working professionals. With 55 semester hours and 780 practicum hours, students gain comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience. Graduates are eligible for national certification, opening doors to advanced practice roles in psychiatric mental health. The program emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing students to meet the growing demand for mental health services. It's an ideal choice for nurses aiming to specialize in psychiatric care and make a significant impact in the field.
- Hybrid program format.
- 55 semester hours required.
- 780 practicum hours.
- Eligible for national certification.
- Minimal campus visits.
- Focus on psychiatric mental health.
- Flexible for working professionals.
- Comprehensive knowledge and skills.
- Prepares for advanced practice roles.
- Addresses growing mental health demand.
Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Francis Marion University's Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate offers advanced practice registered nurses a specialized pathway to expand their clinical expertise. This comprehensive 23-27 credit hour program encompasses 780 clinical practicum hours, preparing professionals to serve diverse patient populations across acute and non-acute settings. Designed for MSN-prepared nurses, the fully online curriculum provides flexibility and personalized learning, with an individualized gap analysis for each student. Graduates become eligible to sit for national certification exams, positioning themselves as critical mental healthcare providers in rural and underserved communities.
- 23-27 credit hour certificate
- 780 clinical practicum hours
- Fully online curriculum
- Individualized gap analysis
- Prepares for AANP/ANCC exams
- MSN degree required
- Serves lifespan population
- Advanced practice focus
- Rural healthcare emphasis
- Flexible learning options
BSN to DNP - BSN to PMHNP/DNP
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Francis Marion University's BSN to PMHNP/DNP program offers a seamless transition from baccalaureate to doctoral level, focusing on psychiatric mental health nursing. This hybrid program combines online coursework with minimal campus visits, requiring 72 credit hours and 1,080 clinical hours. Designed for full-time students, it can be completed in 3 years, with part-time options available. Graduates are eligible to sit for AANP and/or ANCC certification exams. The curriculum covers advanced pharmacology, health policy, and psychiatric disorders management across the lifespan. Admission is in the fall, with hybrid courses requiring up to two campus visits per semester.
- 72 credit hours
- 1,080 clinical hours
- Hybrid program
- 3-year completion
- Fall admission
- AANP/ANCC eligible
- Advanced pharmacology
- Health policy focus
- Psychiatric disorders management
- Minimal campus visits
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, SC - Public 4-Year - web.musc.edu
Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Post-Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post-Graduate Certificate at MUSC prepares advanced practice nurses for a critical role in addressing mental health service demands. With projected job growth of 45% and a significant workforce shortage, graduates gain comprehensive training in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. The program offers specialized training in medication management and psychotherapy, enabling practitioners to work with diverse populations like children, adolescents, and adults across various healthcare settings.
- 45% projected job growth
- Holistic mental health approach
- Interprofessional learning environment
- Specialized psychotherapy training
- Optional psychodynamic psychotherapy certificate
- Multiple patient population options
- Certification exam preparation
- Telemedicine and diverse care settings
MSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) DNP program at MUSC prepares advanced practice nurses to address critical mental health workforce shortages. With projected job growth of 45% and an estimated shortage of 250,000 professionals by 2025, this program offers a compelling career pathway. Students gain comprehensive skills in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, with flexible specialization options in patient populations and service delivery. The curriculum integrates holistic, interprofessional training in medication management and psychotherapy, including specialized modalities like trauma-focused and cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Online Post-BSN DNP Track
- 45% Job Growth Projection
- Multiple Clinical Specialization Options
- Interprofessional Learning Environment
- National Certification Eligibility
- Diverse Clinical Placement Opportunities
- Optional Psychotherapy Certificate
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC - Public 4-Year - sc.edu
BSN to MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of South Carolina's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) MSN program offers comprehensive training for nurses seeking advanced mental health specialization. Designed for B.S.N. graduates, this rigorous curriculum prepares professionals to deliver holistic mental healthcare across diverse settings like clinics, psychiatric facilities, and schools. Students gain advanced skills in psychopharmacology, psychiatric evaluation, and evidence-based population health interventions. The program requires a 3.0 GPA and includes extensive practical training through clinical practicums, positioning graduates for national certification and impactful mental health practice.
- B.S.N. entry pathway
- 48-51 total credit hours
- National certification preparation
- Diverse practice settings
- Advanced clinical practicums
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Psychopharmacology focus
- Comprehensive psychiatric training
Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of South Carolina's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate offers advanced practice nursing professionals an opportunity to specialize in comprehensive mental health care. Designed for post-master's nurses, this program prepares practitioners to provide holistic mental health treatment across diverse settings like clinics, psychiatric facilities, and schools. Focusing on neuroscientific principles, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy, students develop skills to evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The curriculum combines rigorous coursework with practical training, positioning graduates for national certification and career advancement in psychiatric nursing.
- Post-master's certificate program
- 18-32 total credit hours
- Advanced practice nursing focus
- National certification preparation
- Multiple practice settings available
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Holistic mental health approach
- Diverse clinical practicum experiences
MSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of South Carolina's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive mental health care across patient lifespans. This pioneering program integrates neuroscientific principles with evidence-based psychotherapy techniques, enabling graduates to address complex clinical challenges. Students develop sophisticated skills in trauma-related care, health policy, and interprofessional collaboration. Nationally ranked and designed for ambitious nursing professionals, the program equips candidates to sit for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certification, opening doors to transformative healthcare roles.
- Top-tier faculty mentorship
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Prepares for national certification
- Interprofessional collaboration focus
PMHNP Degree Paths in South Carolina
PMHNP education generally comes in three formats. Your best fit depends on where you're starting (RN vs. APRN), how quickly you want to graduate, and whether you want the terminal practice doctorate.
| Pathway | Best For | Typical Length | What You Earn |
| MSN | RNs seeking PMHNP certification | ~2–3 years | MSN + PMHNP eligibility |
| DNP | RNs who want doctoral prep/leadership | ~3–4 years | DNP + PMHNP eligibility |
| Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate | APRNs adding PMHNP population focus | ~1–2 years | Certificate + PMHNP eligibility |
You'll want to compare how programs support clinical placements and the transition into APRN practice in South Carolina's regulatory environment.
Why South Carolina Students Pursue PMHNP Training
South Carolina has persistent mental health access gaps, especially outside major metros, making PMHNPs central to expanding care via outpatient clinics, hospital consult services, and telepsychiatry. Many PMHNP graduates in the state work in:
- Community mental health and crisis services
- Hospital-based behavioral health and consult-liaison teams
- Integrated primary care (behavioral health embedded in family medicine/pediatrics)
- Substance use disorder treatment programs
- Telehealth-focused psychiatric care
Local training examples: South Carolina students may encounter PMHNP education options and clinical networks tied to statewide institutions (for example, the University of South Carolina's PMHNP program and MUSC's PMHNP certificate offerings).
Curriculum: What You'll Study in a South Carolina PMHNP Program
PMHNP coursework is designed to build both psychotherapy and medication-management competence across the lifespan.
Typical PMHNP Course Topics (MSN/DNP)
| Curriculum Area | Common Course Titles You'll See |
| Advanced Assessment | Advanced Health Assessment; Diagnostic Reasoning |
| Pathophysiology | Advanced Pathophysiology |
| Pharmacology | Advanced Pharmacology; Psychopharmacology |
| Psychotherapy | Individual Psychotherapy; Family Therapy; Group Therapy |
| Psychiatric Diagnosis | Psychiatric Assessment Across the Lifespan; DSM-Based Diagnosis |
| Special Populations | Child/Adolescent Mental Health; Geriatric Psychiatry; Trauma-Informed Care |
| Systems/Leadership (often stronger in DNP) | Quality Improvement; Informatics; Policy/Population Health |
| Evidence-Based Practice | Research Methods; Translating Evidence to Practice |
Some South Carolina-based programs emphasize integrating neuroscience, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy across the lifespan.
Clinical Training in South Carolina
Clinical training is where PMHNP students become practice-ready, learning assessment, therapy modalities, and medication management with real patients under qualified preceptors.
What South Carolina Clinicals Often Include:
- Outpatient psychiatry (adult + pediatric where available)
- Inpatient psychiatry or consult-liaison rotations
- Substance use disorder treatment exposure
- Integrated care experiences (behavioral health + primary care)
- Telepsychiatry experiences in some tracks
Clinical placement realities in SC: Major health systems may have formal processes for graduate clinical placement requests and eligibility requirements (which can affect where and how quickly students can secure sites).
Local employer/clinical ecosystem examples:
| Region | Examples of Potential Clinical/Employer Settings |
| Lowcountry (Charleston area) | Academic medical centers, VA facilities, outpatient psych clinics, telehealth programs |
| Midlands (Columbia area) | Large hospital systems, community mental health services, integrated care clinics |
| Upstate (Greenville/Spartanburg) | Regional health systems, outpatient psychiatry, SUD programs, inpatient units |
Online, Campus, and Hybrid PMHNP Options in South Carolina
South Carolina students typically see three delivery formats:
1) Campus-based
Best if you want face-to-face intensives, built-in local networking, and easier access to faculty supports.
2) Hybrid
A common sweet spot: online didactic courses with periodic on-campus skills checks or intensives, plus in-person clinicals close to home.
3) Fully online (didactic) with in-person clinicals
Often ideal for rural students—but clinical placement support becomes the deciding factor. Even online programs require supervised, in-person clinical experiences.
Tip: If you live far from Charleston/Columbia/Greenville metros, prioritize programs with strong clinical support and telehealth-friendly rotations, since preceptor availability can be the limiting factor.
Admissions and Prerequisites
Requirements vary, but most PMHNP programs expect:
- Active RN license (and often a BSN for MSN/DNP entry)
- Minimum GPA (commonly 3.0+)
- Professional references and a goal-focused statement
- Some clinical nursing experience (varies by school)
- Background check, immunizations, and compliance items for clinical sites
Post-master's certificates usually require an existing APRN degree (e.g., FNP, AGNP) and may evaluate advanced practice coursework already completed.
Cost and Time-to-Completion: What to Expect
Because tuition varies widely (public vs. private, in-state vs. out-of-state online), students often compare programs by total cost, not just per-credit pricing.
Quick Planning Table
| Goal | Best-Fit Path | Typical Timeline |
| Start practicing ASAP | MSN–PMHNP | ~2–3 years |
| Long-term leadership/doctorate goals | DNP–PMHNP | ~3–4 years |
| Add PMHNP to existing APRN role | Post-master's certificate | ~1–2 years |
Budget Tip: Ask each program for an "all-in" estimate that includes tuition, fees, intensives, compliance costs, travel, and any separate clinical placement fees.
South Carolina Licensure and Prescribing Considerations for PMHNPs
After graduation, PMHNPs pursue national certification and South Carolina APRN licensure, then (if desired) apply for prescriptive authority.
South Carolina's Board of Nursing outlines an application sequence that includes obtaining the APRN license and then applying for prescriptive authority (with specific pharmacotherapeutics education expectations and a collaborating physician).
How to Choose the Right PMHNP Program in South Carolina
Use this checklist to compare your finalists, especially if you're balancing work, family, and clinical logistics.
PMHNP Program Comparison Checklist
Clinical readiness
- Does the program help secure preceptors and sites in South Carolina?
- Are clinical rotations diverse (outpatient, inpatient, SUD, lifespan exposure)?
- Does the school have relationships with major health systems or clear placement processes?
Format fit
- Online/hybrid/campus: which matches your schedule and learning style?
- Are there on-campus intensives (and what's the travel requirement)?
Curriculum strength
- Psychotherapy depth (not just meds)
- Child/adolescent + SUD content
- Evidence-based practice and quality improvement (especially for DNP)
Career outcomes
- Certification pass-rate transparency (when available)
- Alumni placement in SC settings (community mental health, hospital, telehealth)
FAQs
Q: Can I become a PMHNP in South Carolina through an online program?
Yes, many students complete coursework online, but clinical training must be in person. The biggest factor is whether the program supports securing South Carolina clinical placements.
Q: Should I choose an MSN or DNP PMHNP program in South Carolina?
A: Choose an MSN if your priority is entering practice sooner. Choose a DNP if you want doctoral-level training in leadership, quality improvement, and systems change; often useful for advanced clinical leadership roles.
Q: What clinical settings should I look for during PMHNP training in South Carolina?
A: Strong programs typically include outpatient psychiatry, some inpatient or consult exposure, and experience with substance use disorders and lifespan mental health needs.
Q: Does South Carolina require anything special for PMHNP prescribing?
A: South Carolina has a defined prescriptive authority process, including pharmacotherapeutics education expectations and a collaborating physician as part of the application pathway.
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