[2025 Updated] Best Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs

Simmons University's online Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program empowers registered nurses to become advanced mental health practitioners. This comprehensive curriculum addresses nationwide mental health provider shortages by developing sophisticated diagnostic and treatment capabilities across all life stages. Encompassing 47 credits and 672 clinical hours, students gain extensive training in psychiatric assessment, intervention strategies, and patient-centered care. Graduates emerge prepared for board certification with potential to earn substantial salaries around $141,260 annually, equipped to deliver transformative mental healthcare services.

• CCNE Accredited Program
• Full-time or Part-time Options
• 672 Minimum Clinical Hours
• Online Flexible Learning
• Three Annual Start Dates
• BSN Degree Required
• 47 Total Program Credits
• Board Certification Preparation

Simmons University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner represents an advanced educational pathway for experienced nurses seeking specialized mental health expertise. Tailored for registered nurses, this innovative online program addresses critical healthcare gaps by providing comprehensive clinical training across patient lifespans. Students engage in 47 credits and 672 minimum clinical hours, developing advanced skills to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications. The CCNE-accredited curriculum emphasizes health equity, holistic care, and compassionate mental health interventions, enabling practitioners to make significant contributions to psychiatric healthcare delivery.

• Online MSN-PMHNP program
• 47 total credit hours
• 672 minimum clinical hours
• Full/Part-time options
• CCNE accredited program
• RN with BSN required
• Three annual start dates
• Live online class sessions
• Clinical placement support
• Prepares for ANCC certification

Simmons University's Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner represents an innovative 3-year, 108-credit program designed for individuals without traditional nursing backgrounds. This groundbreaking hybrid pathway enables students to simultaneously earn an MSN and DNP, transforming participants into advanced psychiatric mental health professionals. Through extensive coursework and 1,492 clinical hours across 850+ training sites, students develop comprehensive skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing complex mental health conditions. The program emphasizes leadership, research, and compassionate care, preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions to mental healthcare systems.

• 108 total credits, 3-year program
• Hybrid learning format
• 1,492 total clinical hours
• 850+ clinical training sites
• Non-nurse pathway to PMHNP
• MSN and DNP awarded
• Eligible for NCLEX and PMHNP certification
• Full-time and part-time options
• Advanced clinical training
• Leadership and research focus

Carlow's online PMHNP program addresses the nation's mental health crisis by training advanced nursing professionals. The curriculum covers assessment, counseling, and medication management for diverse populations, focusing on children, families, or substance abuse. This flexible, 28-month program costs $918 per credit and requires a 3.0 GPA for admission.

• 100% online program
• 19 courses for MSN
• $918 per credit
• 28 months completion time
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• Specialized patient focus options
• Clinical hours included
• National certification preparation

Carlow University's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program equips nurses to fill mental healthcare gaps. This flexible, 28-month program offers specializations in pediatric, family, and substance abuse care. At $918 per credit, students gain skills in assessment, counseling, and medication management. The program boasts a 97-100% certification board pass rate.

• 100% online graduate program
• 28-month completion timeline
• $918 per credit
• 19 courses for MSN
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• 75 years nursing education experience
• Specialization in patient populations
• National certification preparation
• International students accepted

Carlow's online PMHNP program, specializing in pediatric mental health, addresses the growing need for qualified practitioners. This 28-month, $918 per credit program trains nurses in assessment, counseling, and medication management for children. The online format provides flexibility, and graduates are prepared for national certification.

• 100% online program
• 28-month completion time
• $918 per credit
• 19 courses for MSN
• Pediatric concentration available
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• 75 years nursing education
• National certification preparation

Focusing on family mental health, Carlow's online PMHNP program equips nurses with advanced skills in assessment and treatment. This flexible program costs $918 per credit and can be completed in as little as 28 months. Graduates are prepared to address diverse mental health challenges and achieve a high certification board pass rate.

• 100% online delivery
• As few as 28 months to complete
• $918 per credit
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• Concentration in Family Mental Health
• 97-100% certification board pass rate
• 19 courses for MSN program
• Accepts international students
• Transfer up to 18 post-Masters credits

Carlow's online PMHNP program offers a specialization in substance abuse treatment. Designed for working nurses, this 28-month program costs $918 per credit. Students gain proficiency in assessment, counseling, and medication management, addressing the nationwide shortage of mental healthcare professionals. A 3.0 GPA is required for admission.

• 100% online program
• 28-month completion time
• $918 per credit cost
• Substance abuse concentration
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• 19 courses for MSN
• 97-100% certification pass rate
• Designed for working nurses
• National certification preparation

The University of South Carolina's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program provides transformative education for Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates seeking advanced mental health specialization. This meticulously crafted curriculum equips students with comprehensive skills in psychiatric assessment, evidence-based interventions, and population health management. Students engage in intensive clinical practicums across diverse healthcare settings, developing sophisticated competencies in mental health diagnosis and treatment. The program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, psychopharmacological principles, and holistic patient care approaches. Graduates are strategically positioned to pursue national certification and implement innovative mental health interventions in complex clinical environments.

• 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

The University of South Carolina's Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate delivers specialized advanced practice training for experienced nursing professionals. This targeted program empowers nurses to expand their mental health expertise through comprehensive neurological and psychotherapeutic coursework. Graduates gain advanced skills in comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, psychopharmacology, and holistic treatment strategies across varied clinical environments. Strategically designed for post-master's nurses, the program combines rigorous academic preparation with practical clinical experiences. Participants develop competencies to diagnose, treat, and manage complex mental health conditions while preparing for national certification and career advancement in specialized psychiatric nursing practice.

• 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

University of South Carolina's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing represents a cutting-edge program designed for ambitious advanced practice nurses. This doctoral trajectory integrates sophisticated neuroscientific principles with evidence-based psychotherapeutic techniques, preparing professionals to address intricate mental health challenges across patient lifespans. Students develop advanced competencies in trauma-informed care, health policy development, and interprofessional collaboration. The program's comprehensive curriculum emphasizes research-driven approaches, enabling graduates to become transformative leaders in psychiatric mental health practice. Participants gain extensive skills to navigate complex clinical scenarios and contribute meaningfully to progressive healthcare interventions.

• Top-tier faculty mentorship
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Prepares for national certification
• Interprofessional collaboration focus

The University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post-Master's Online Certificate, a 28-30 credit program tailored for nurses aiming to specialize in mental health care. This online program equips nurses with the skills to treat psychiatric and substance disorders across various settings, preparing them for ANCC certification. It emphasizes clinical practice in diverse environments, ensuring graduates meet nationwide licensure requirements. Designed for experienced nurses, it provides a pathway to expand professional scope in mental health services.

• 28-30 credit online program
• Post-master's certificate option
• Prepares for ANCC certification
• Clinical practice in multiple settings
• Designed for experienced nurses
• Covers psychiatric and substance disorders
• Meets licensure requirements nationwide

At the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, the Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration is a fully online program designed for advanced clinical experts. It spans 4-5 years, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA and an active RN license. The program focuses on psychiatric care, offering 560-728 clinical hours for hands-on experience in diverse settings. It prepares nurses for specialized mental health care, emphasizing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders, with flexible clinical placements tailored to individual backgrounds.

• Fully online DNP program
• 4-5 year study plans
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Active RN license needed
• 560-728 clinical hours
• CCNE accredited program
• Focuses on psychiatric care
• Flexible clinical placement

Saint Louis University's online MSN-NP program offers a Family Psychiatric/Mental Health concentration. This flexible program, with full and part-time options, prepares RNs for advanced practice. Students learn to provide culturally sensitive care for children, adolescents, and adults. The program costs $1,370 per credit and prepares graduates for national certification. Requires GRE.

• Online flexible learning format
• National certification preparation
• Specialized mental health focus
• $1,370 per credit tuition
• Full and part-time options
• CCNE accredited program
• Individually assigned faculty advisor
• Advanced clinical practicum
• Multiple concentration choices

Saint Louis University's post-master's certificate program equips NPs to deliver comprehensive mental healthcare across the lifespan. This hybrid program emphasizes evidence-based and culturally sensitive care for diverse populations. Graduates are prepared for national certification and a field with high job growth potential. Tuition is $1,370 per credit hour, with financial aid options available.

• Online program with one campus visit
• Minimum 15 graduate credits
• Prepares for national certification
• Median NP salary $125,900
• 38% projected job growth
• Accredited by CCNE
• Specializes in mental health care
• Holistic admission process
• Advanced clinical training
• State-specific licensure requirements

Saint Louis University's DNP program offers a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration. This hybrid program prepares nurses for advanced practice, focusing on holistic, evidence-based care across the lifespan. The curriculum covers 62-67 credits, including extensive clinical hours, and prepares graduates for national certification. Tuition is $1,370 per credit, with significant career advancement opportunities in mental health care. Requires GRE.

• Hybrid program format
• 62-67 total credit hours
• National certification eligible
• Comprehensive clinical training
• Advanced mental health focus
• 6-year maximum completion time
• 1050-1125 clinical hours
• Multiple specialty concentrations
• Research translation opportunities
• $1,370 per credit tuition

East Tennessee State University's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Master of Science in Nursing represents a comprehensive professional training program. Designed for registered nurses, the 48-credit curriculum enables students to develop advanced psychiatric care competencies across diverse patient populations. The asynchronous online format supports working professionals, allowing flexible part-time or full-time progression. Students learn sophisticated mental healthcare interventions, diagnostic techniques, and treatment strategies for individuals, families, and groups. The program's curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical clinical skills, preparing graduates for leadership roles in mental health practice.

• 100% Online Asynchronous Program
• 48 Total Credit Hours
• No GRE Required
• Flexible Part-Time/Full-Time Options
• CCNE Accredited Program
• 5 Semesters Full-Time Completion
• Multiple Tuition Rate Options
• BSN or Non-Nursing Bachelor's Accepted

East Tennessee State University's online graduate nursing certificates offer specialized professional development for nurses seeking advanced expertise. Tailored for working professionals, these comprehensive programs provide targeted training across diverse healthcare domains like psychiatric mental health, gerontology, and nursing administration. With fully online coursework and flexible learning formats, nurses can strategically enhance their professional qualifications. The programs emphasize practical skill development, national certification preparation, and meeting critical healthcare workforce needs. Competitive tuition structures, ranging from $646-$1,487 per credit hour, make these certificates an accessible pathway for career advancement.

• Multiple nursing certificate specializations
• 100% online coursework available
• No GRE required
• 15-32 credit hours
• CCNE accredited programs
• Designed for working professionals
• Competitive per-credit tuition rates
• Prepare for national certification exams
• Requires prior nursing degree
• Clinical experiences included

East Tennessee State University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration offers an advanced educational pathway for experienced nurses. This comprehensive program develops high-level clinical expertise in mental healthcare delivery across patient lifespans. Students engage in evidence-based learning, exploring complex psychiatric interventions, healthcare policy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The curriculum emphasizes advanced practice skills, leadership development, and innovative mental health treatment approaches. Flexible full and part-time enrollment options accommodate working professionals, with competitive tuition rates and comprehensive clinical placement support positioning graduates for transformative roles in mental health services.

• 100% Online DNP Program
• Multiple Enrollment Options
• No GRE Required
• CCNE Accredited Program
• 4-9 Semesters Completion
• Competitive Tuition Rates
• Clinical Placement Support
• National Certification Eligible

UNH's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Master's degree transforms experienced registered nurses into advanced mental health professionals. This meticulously designed 50-credit, 30-month program equips students with sophisticated clinical skills for comprehensive patient care across life stages. Through innovative online learning, high-fidelity simulations, and intensive clinical practicums, students develop expert-level psychiatric competencies. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing graduates for the ANCC board certification and positioning them for impactful careers in diverse mental healthcare environments, from private practices to integrated behavioral health centers.

• Online Master's degree program
• 50 total credit hours
• 30-month program length
• 750 clinical practice hours
• Full and part-time options
• ANCC certification preparation
• Experienced nursing faculty
• Minimum 1 year RN experience required
• Across lifespan patient care focus
• Competency-based curriculum

UNH's Post-Masters PMHNP Online Certificate strategically targets advanced practice registered nurses seeking specialized mental health expertise. This rigorous 29-credit program delivers comprehensive training in psychiatric patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across all developmental stages. Learners benefit from a flexible online format complemented by immersive clinical practicums, enabling seamless professional advancement. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through synchronous and asynchronous modalities, preparing graduates for the ANCC certification exam and diverse career opportunities in behavioral healthcare settings like telehealth, private practice, and integrated mental health services.

• Online graduate certificate program
• 29 total credit hours
• 17-month program length
• 750 clinical hours required
• Three on-campus intensives
• Synchronous and asynchronous learning
• For licensed APRNs
• Prepares for ANCC certification
• Multiple mental health career paths

UNH's online Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner represents a transformative educational pathway for experienced nurses aspiring to become healthcare leaders. This comprehensive 80-credit doctoral program cultivates advanced mental health expertise through evidence-based clinical training and leadership development. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum combines flexible online learning with extensive practicum experiences, enabling students to expand their clinical capabilities and systemic healthcare understanding. Graduates emerge as highly skilled PMHNP practitioners, prepared to drive innovative mental health interventions and deliver exceptional patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings.

• 80 total credit hours
• Fully online program
• 750 clinical practice hours
• ANCC certification eligible
• Post-baccalaureate doctoral degree
• Customizable program length
• Small class sizes
• Expert faculty mentorship
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Advanced practice preparation

The University of Arizona's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate empowers registered nurses to elevate their psychiatric care expertise through an intensive four-semester program. Expertly crafted for working professionals, this comprehensive curriculum spans 25 credits and delivers extensive clinical training with 765 practica hours. Students master complex psychiatric nursing theories, health assessment techniques, and advanced clinical decision-making strategies across diverse patient populations. The program uniquely prepares nurses for national board certification, creating transformative pathways in mental health nursing specialization through flexible online and campus learning modalities.

• 30 total credits required
• Cost per credit: $1,053
• Part-time program structure
• Requires MSN degree
• 765 clinical practica hours
• Four-semester certificate
• Campus and online learning
• Advanced psychiatric nursing focus
• National certification eligible

University of Arizona's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner represents an advanced, practice-driven doctoral journey for nurses seeking comprehensive mental health specialization. Through a dynamic hybrid model blending online instruction and immersive on-campus experiences, students develop sophisticated clinical competencies in psychiatric disorder diagnosis, treatment, and innovative intervention strategies. The 67-credit program emphasizes evidence-based approaches, medication prescribing skills, and telehealth management, preparing doctoral-level practitioners to address complex mental health challenges with exceptional clinical expertise and professional adaptability.

• 67 total credits required
• Hybrid program format
• Cost per credit: $1,053
• Top 19 DNP Program
• Prescribing medication training
• Full-time and part-time options
• Mental health assessment skills
• Clinical experience included
• Telehealth and treatment planning
• Registered nurse prerequisite

Nova Southeastern University's M.S.N. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program transforms dedicated nurses into expert mental health practitioners. This comprehensive 51-credit hybrid degree spans seven semesters, integrating advanced theoretical knowledge with intensive clinical training. Students explore complex domains like Neurobiology, Psychiatric Management, and Psychopharmacology, developing sophisticated skills in symptom diagnosis, treatment planning, and medication management. The curriculum cultivates a holistic understanding of mental health across diverse patient populations. Strategic learning approaches blend online instruction with on-site experiences at Miramar and Tampa Bay campuses, ensuring graduates emerge as competent, compassionate mental health professionals ready to address complex psychological healthcare needs.

• 51 total credits
• Hybrid learning model
• Seven-semester program
• Advanced clinical training
• Miramar and Tampa campuses
• Psychopharmacology focus
• Comprehensive mental health curriculum

Nova Southeastern University's Postgraduate Certificate offers an advanced specialization pathway for nurses seeking expertise in Psychiatric-Mental Health nursing. Tailored for licensed professionals with existing Master's degrees, this program provides comprehensive training across multiple APRN tracks. Students navigate rigorous coursework and extensive clinical experiences, developing advanced competencies in mental health assessment, intervention, and patient care. The curriculum emphasizes professional development, preparing nurses for national certification and leadership roles in psychiatric healthcare. Flexible online and on-site learning options accommodate working professionals, enabling seamless academic progression while maintaining current career trajectories.

• 3 APRN Certificate Specializations
• 24-27 Total Program Credits
• Requires 3.0 GPA
• Active RN Licensure Required
• Online and On-site Options
• Multiple Florida Campus Locations
• Prepares for National Certification
• 12 Months Clinical Practice Needed
• Requires Prior M.S.N. Degree
• Comprehensive Graduate-Level Courses

Tennessee Tech's Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program delivers comprehensive training for advanced practice nurses targeting holistic mental healthcare across patient lifespans. Graduates develop sophisticated clinical skills to assess, diagnose, and treat complex mental health conditions through an evidence-based curriculum. The program strategically prepares nurses to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary healthcare teams, positioning them for impactful roles in primary care, community clinics, hospitals, and private practice settings. Students emerge as highly competent mental health professionals ready to address critical psychological healthcare needs.

• Online MSN program
• Comprehensive psychiatric care training
• National certification eligible
• Diverse healthcare settings
• Advanced practice nursing focus

Tennessee Tech's Post-Graduate Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification provides an innovative online pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. This strategic 23-credit hour program transforms experienced nurses into specialized mental health professionals through comprehensive coursework and practical clinical training. Designed for working professionals, the certification enables seamless integration of advanced learning with existing nursing careers. Students can complete the program in approximately 4 semesters, gaining specialized knowledge in psychiatric care delivery while maintaining professional flexibility and enhancing their clinical credentials.

• Fully online certification program
• 23 credit hour curriculum
• 4 semester completion timeline
• Flexible course load
• Local clinical hour preceptorships
• Master's degree prerequisite
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• $17,000-$21,000 estimated cost
• Graduate nursing faculty instruction
• Advanced practice licensure preparation

Tennessee Tech's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration represents a transformative educational journey for advanced practice nurses. This rigorous program cultivates sophisticated clinical leadership skills, preparing practitioners to deliver comprehensive mental healthcare across diverse life stages and settings. Offering flexible entry pathways for both BSN and MSN-prepared nurses, the curriculum emphasizes advanced diagnostic reasoning, evidence-based interventions, and systemic understanding of mental health challenges. Graduates gain national certification eligibility and expanded opportunities to drive meaningful improvements in psychiatric care delivery.

• Terminal professional nursing degree
• 80 credit hour BSN-DNP track
• 32 credit hour MSN-DNP track
• Comprehensive mental health focus
• Prepares for national certification
• Joint program with ETSU
• Diverse healthcare settings training
• Advanced practice nurse preparation