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

The online MSN with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration at Georgia College & State University prepares nurses to serve rural and underserved communities. The program requires 570 clinical hours in Georgia, with minimal campus visits plus a mandatory summer immersion week. Students may enroll full-time (six semesters) or part-time (nine semesters). Courses are delivered synchronously and asynchronously on Thursdays, and the program provides preceptor assistance. Admissions require a BSN, Georgia RN license, three recommendations, transcripts, a resume, and a goals statement. Applications open annually; priority is given by January and the final deadline is March 1. The CCNE-accredited program prepares graduates for APRN certification.

• Online MSN program format.
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• 570 clinical hours required.
• Clinicals must be in Georgia.
• Full-time: 6 semesters.
• Part-time: 9 semesters.
• Mandatory campus immersion week.
• Limited campus trips required.
• BSN preparation required.
• Georgia RN license needed.

Georgia College & State University's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master Certificate offers MSN, DNP, or Ph.D. prepared nurses a path to board certification. Credit requirements range from 11 to 32 hours based on prior coursework, with individualized study plans created after syllabi review. The curriculum emphasizes advanced psychiatric assessment and treatment. Accredited by CCNE, the program supports APRN licensure and flexible online learning with minimal campus visits, ideal for practicing nurses. Graduates emerge ready for advanced practice roles in mental health.

• Online program format.
• Psychiatric Mental Health concentration.
• 11 credit hour minimum.
• 32 credit hour maximum.
• MSN degree required.
• DNP degree accepted.
• Ph.D. in Nursing accepted.
• Individualized study plans.
• CCNE accredited program.
• Board certification preparation.

Georgia College & State University's BSN to DNP with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration is a three-year, nine-semester program starting each summer. The curriculum integrates psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapy with DNP essentials. Coursework is delivered online with on-campus labs and simulations once per semester, and students progress through a cohort model. Entry requires a BSN, a 2.8 GPA, three letters of recommendation, and one year of clinical practice before clinical courses. A capstone translational research project addresses real-world mental health issues. Graduates are eligible for national PMHNP certification. The program is CCNE accredited.

• CCNE accredited
• 3 concentration options
• 3-Year program
• Complete in three years (9 semesters)
• Full-time and part-time options
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts summer
• Synchronous and asynchronous options
• Cohort-based structure
• 2.8 GPA minimum

Georgia College & State University's BSN to DNP program offers a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration within its CCNE-accredited curriculum. This online, cohort-based program spans three years with classes held both synchronously and asynchronously. Students attend on-campus labs and simulations once per semester to refine clinical skills. The DNP curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and health policy, culminating in a translational research project. Admission requires a BSN, Georgia RN license, 2.8 GPA, three letters of recommendation, one year of clinical practice, and an interview and writing exercise. Graduates are prepared to sit for national FNP certification and pursue careers in primary care.

• CCNE accredited
• 3 concentration options
• 3-Year program
• Complete in three years (9 semesters)
• Full-time enrollment
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts summer
• Synchronous and asynchronous options
• Cohort-based structure
• 2.8 GPA minimum

Georgia College & State University's BSN to DNP with a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares nurses for advanced practice specializing in women's health. The CCNE-accredited program is online with on-campus labs and simulations once per semester. Core DNP coursework covers evidence-based practice, leadership, and policy, while concentration coursework focuses on reproductive health, gynecological care, and primary care for women. A capstone project addresses clinical problems in practice. The three-year cohort model includes classes on Thursdays. Applicants need a BSN, Georgia RN license, 2.8 GPA, three recommendations, one year of clinical practice, and an interview/writing exercise. Graduates are eligible for national WHNP certification.

• CCNE accredited
• 3 concentration options
• 3-Year program
• Apply by 2025-11-15
• Full-time and part-time options
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts summer
• Synchronous and asynchronous options
• Cohort-based structure
• 2.8 GPA minimum

Mercer University offers a post-master's Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialization for experienced nurses seeking advanced clinical leadership. The hybrid program delivers 58 credit hours across six full-time semesters, integrating clinical epidemiology, health care economics, policy, and evidence-based psychiatric care. Students complete 780 practicum hours plus 180 immersion hours, totaling 960 post-master's practice hours, with deep coursework in psychopharmacology. Graduates are prepared for PMHNP certification and roles in diverse mental health settings, leading quality improvements and patient outcomes. No entrance exam requirement is specified for admission.

• 58 total credit hours
• 780 clinical hours
• Prepares for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Prepares for PMHNP certification
• Total 960 post-master's practice hours
• Full-time curriculum plan
• Includes psychopharmacology coursework

This BSN to DNP track at Mercer University prepares registered nurses with a bachelor's degree for advanced psychiatric-mental health practice. The 77-credit hybrid curriculum combines online coursework with on-campus intensives, spanning eight semesters of full-time study. Students gain over 1,000 practice hours, including 780 practicum hours and 240 immersion hours, with four PMHNP practicums. Coursework covers advanced physiology, pharmacology, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy models, population health, and interprofessional leadership. A DNP project emphasizes evidence-based practice. Graduates are eligible for PMHNP certification via ANCC or AANPCB. No entrance exam requirement is specified.

• 77 total credit hours
• 1020 clinical hours
• Prepares for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification examination
• Prepares for PMHNP certification exam
• Includes DNP project development
• Interprofessional leadership training
• Advanced health assessment skills
• Population health coursework
• Psychopharmacology course included
• 780 practicum hours

Mercer University's BSN to DNP with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a defined pathway for BSN-educated nurses to become PMHNPs. The full-time, 77-credit hybrid program spans eight semesters, blending online instruction with on-campus intensives. Clinical training includes 780 practicum hours and 240 immersion hours—totaling 1,020 practice hours—with a 1:4 credit-to-clinical ratio. Core coursework covers advanced health assessment, psychopharmacology, and three levels of psychiatric management, plus interprofessional leadership and health policy. A DNP project prepares students to lead evidence-based change. Graduates are eligible for PMHNP certification through ANCC or AANPCB. Entrance exam requirements are not detailed.

• 77 total credit hours
• 780 clinical hours
• Prepares for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification
• DNP project development included
• Total immersion hours: 240
• Total practice hours: 1,020
• Psychopharmacology course
• Interprofessional leadership
• Practicum ratio 1:4
• Full-time 8-semester plan

Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing offers a hybrid Psychiatric Mental Health Post-Graduate Certificate with a focus on child and adolescent behavioral and mental health. The 26-credit, three-semester program includes 720 precepted clinical hours, combining online coursework with onsite or virtual intensives and practica. Admission requires baccalaureate and master’s degrees in nursing, an unencumbered Georgia APRN license, and at least one year of full-time APRN experience in pediatric care. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration, preparing nurses for advanced psychiatric mental health roles. The program is accredited by multiple organizations and is military-friendly, but does not accept F1 visa applicants. A $50 fee, personal statement, references, transcripts, and resume are required. No entrance exam requirement is listed.

• 26 credit hour program.
• Three semester duration.
• Hybrid delivery format.
• 720 precepted clinical hours.
• Focus on child and adolescent mental health.
• Requires baccalaureate and master's degrees.
• APRN license in Georgia required.
• One year pediatric APRN experience preferred.
• Includes onsite or virtual intensives.
• Clinical training at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

The Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Emory University features a specialized Child and Adolescent Behavioral and Mental Health concentration. This hybrid, 26-credit program spans three semesters and includes 720 clinical hours, with synchronous and asynchronous coursework plus onsite or virtual intensives. Students gain clinical experience at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and learn neurobiological and evidence-based approaches to psychiatric care. Applicants must hold a master’s degree in nursing and an unencumbered APRN license, with pediatric experience preferred. The Blake Scholars Program offers tuition support and a fellowship opportunity. The program does not list an entrance exam requirement in its admission criteria. International students are not eligible for F1 visas, and the program is accredited by multiple organizations.

• 26 credit hour program.
• Three semester duration.
• 720 clinical hours.
• Hybrid delivery format.
• Child and adolescent concentration.
• Tuition support available.
• Master's degree required.
• APRN license needed.
• Pediatric experience preferred.
• Synchronous and asynchronous classes.

Augusta University's post-master's certificate prepares certified NPs to expand into psychiatric-mental health care through a hybrid format blending online coursework with clinical training. The accelerated, part-time program spans 22 credit hours and 504 clinical hours, typically completed in one year. Curriculum highlights include advanced psychopharmacology, lifespan development, theoretical foundations, and three practice courses focused on individual and family care. Applicants must hold a master's or doctoral degree and current NP certification. This CCNE-accredited, Georgia Board of Regents-approved standalone certificate qualifies graduates for national board certification. Entrance exam requirements are not specified.

• One-year program length.
• Hybrid online and campus format.
• 22 credit hours required.
• 504 clinical hours included.
• Part-time study schedule.
• CCNE-accredited program.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Requires NP certification.
• Master's or doctoral degree prerequisite.
• Web-based with over 50% online.

Augusta University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive mental health care across the lifespan. This CCNE-accredited hybrid program offers full-time or part-time attendance, combining interactive web-based classes with offline clinical experiences. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, health policy, leadership, and systems management, culminating in a capstone project. Students learn from practice expert faculty at the region's only academic health center, with clinical partnerships in Georgia and South Carolina. Graduates are eligible for APRN certification and have achieved a 100% board pass rate for five years. The average PMHNP salary is $134,369. Applicants must reside in GA or SC; financial aid and scholarships are available. Entrance exam requirements are not specified.

• CCNE accredited
• 4 concentration options
• Apply by 2026-06-15
• Full-time and part-time options
• 100% licensure pass rate
• The average salary for a PMHNP is $134,369
• Capstone required
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Hybrid of online and offline learning

Valdosta State University's Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Family Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares students for advanced practice in psychiatric care. This hybrid program requires 57 credit hours and 675 clinical hours, completed over approximately eight semesters with weekend campus meetings. Core coursework includes advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology, along with evidence-based practice and OSCE experiences. Applicants need a BSN, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and an active RN license. Notably, no GRE is required for admission. The program holds CCNE accreditation and is approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing, leading to eligibility for PMHNP certification.

• Hybrid program format.
• 57 credit hours required.
• 675 clinical hours.
• Approximately 8 semesters.
• No GRE required.
• BSN degree needed.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• Active RN license required.
• CCNE accredited.
• Georgia Board approved.

Valdosta State University's Post-Master's Certificate in Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP) offers a hybrid learning format that combines online coursework with in-person sessions. Designed for nurses who already hold a Master of Science in Nursing, this certificate program provides an individualized plan of study developed through a gap analysis with the Graduate Nursing Program Director. The curriculum builds on prior learning to prepare advanced practice nurses for specialized psychiatric-mental health care roles. Fall and spring admission tracks are available, and the program is supported by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. The program does not specify an entrance exam requirement.

• Post-Master's Certificate program
• Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration
• Hybrid delivery format
• Online and in-person coursework
• For Master's in Nursing holders
• Individualized program of study
• Gap analysis required
• Meet with Graduate Nursing Program Director
• FPMHNP Track Coordinator available
• College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Kennesaw State University offers a Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate for registered nurses holding a master's or doctoral degree. This hybrid program combines synchronous online weeknight classes with three weekend on-campus intensives, allowing working professionals to complete the certificate in four semesters. The curriculum builds on prerequisite coursework in advanced health assessment and advanced pharmacology, preparing graduates to sit for ANCC or AANP national certification exams. With a focus on addressing critical mental health provider shortages, this program equips advanced practice nurses to deliver psychiatric care across diverse communities. Applicants must hold an unencumbered RN license.

• 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 Southern University's Post-BSN to DNP program with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares RNs for advanced practice in mental health. This CCNE-accredited, hybrid program blends asynchronous coursework with live sessions, covering psychodynamics, clinical research, health policy, and ethical leadership. The curriculum includes an 80-credit-hour total, with a focused 43-credit PMHNP track offering training in pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies across the lifespan. Emphasizing care for rural and underserved communities, clinical placements are arranged in Georgia and South Carolina. Applicants must take the GRE. Graduates are eligible for national certification and pursue careers as psychiatric nurse practitioners, clinical directors, or nurse executives. Scholarships from organizations like the Georgia Nurses Association and AANP are available.

• CCNE accredited
• 4 concentration options
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: GRE
• 80 total credit hours
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• Synchronous and asynchronous options
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Work experience required