Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs

Nurses with a passion for mental health who want to take their careers to a higher level can opt to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). With both Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) pathways, students have a wealth of educational program options for the specialty. With just a few years of schooling, a rewarding psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) career can be achieved.

Choosing a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program

Students who want to choose a great psychiatric nurse practitioner program should keep the following in mind when researching schools:

Accreditation

It's important to pick a psychiatric nurse practitioner program that's accredited by a nationally recognized organization, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and/or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Programs may also hold various local and regional accreditations as well. Accreditations demonstrate that the program is held to rigorous standards.

Program Cost

Psychiatric nurse practitioner program tuition is typically listed per credit hour. Both MSN and DNP level programs can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 or more per credit, depending on the school, state, and degree level chosen. DNP programs are generally more expensive, as they require more credits than MSN programs. Tuition costs usually do not include extra expenses, such as books, program fees, and other mandatory fees.

Program Length

A typical MSN-level psychiatric nurse practitioner program requires roughly 50 credits for completion. Part-time and full-time study options are readily available, so students can finish in anywhere from 8 to 11 semesters. Doctoral programs require closer to 75 total credits and can take 3-5 years to complete, depending on whether a student attends full or part-time. Both program options require a minimum number of clinical hours as well.

Internship/Externship Opportunities

With clinical hours being a requirement of psychiatric nurse practitioner programs, many schools have special relationships with nearby hospitals and medical facilities to facilitate this. Students can inquire about what internship opportunities are available and where, and may even be able to choose their own preceptor sites.

Online/Campus Options

In this age of technology, many schools are now offering online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in addition to traditional, campus-based programs. Some schools even offer a "hybrid" program, allowing students to take many courses online but also offering classroom-based lectures and labs.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Degree Levels Offered

Two advanced nursing options are available for those interested in becoming psychiatric nurse practitioners. A master's level program, which gives students the high-level education needed to enter this advanced field, and a doctoral program for those who want an even more elevated educational experience.

MSN Programs

The master's level psychiatric nurse practitioner program prepares nurses to perform mental health assessments and interventions on children, teens, and adults. The curriculum consists of both advanced general nursing courses and specialized psychiatric nursing courses. Classes taken may include Integrated Behavioral Health Care and Common Psychiatric Presentations, Diagnoses and Management of Adults for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics. The University of Colorado, for example, offers both full-time and accelerated MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs.

RN to MSN Programs

For nurses who are interested in pursuing a career as a psychiatric NP but have not completed their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, an RN to MSN bridge program may be a good first step. RN to MSN programs allow registered nurses who have an ADN or non-nursing bachelor's degree to complete their BSN and MSN simultaneously. There is also certain RN to MSN programs that specialize in the psychiatric nurse practitioner role by offering courses in psychotherapy with individuals, psychotherapy with groups, and psychopharmacologic approaches to the treatment of psychopathology. One example of these programs is offered at Walden University, which prepares students to provide care for patients with psychiatric disorders, medical brain disorders, and patients with substance abuse problems.

DNP Programs

Doctoral psychiatric nurse practitioner programs take a more complex approach to the curriculum, preparing nurses to utilize a full scope of therapies and emphasizing leadership. Courses taken may include Theory of Psychopharmacology from a Neurological Basis, Therapeutic Modalities, and Organizational Systems and Leadership. Washington State University, as an example, offers a DNP-level Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program.

RELATED: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner vs. Psychiatrist: Which Path is Right for You?

RN to DNP Programs

Another route to a career as a psychiatric nurse practitioner for nurses who have completed their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is a BSN to DNP bridge program. BSN to DNP programs are specially designed to allow students to complete their master's and doctoral degrees in nursing simultaneously. Some BSN to DNP programs are tailored for aspiring psychiatric nurse practitioners, such as the one at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which offers courses in advanced psychiatric mental health nursing, counseling models for advanced practice psychiatric nursing, and neuroscience of pharmacology for advanced practice nursing.

See our list of post master’s psychiatric NP graduate certificate programs.

Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs

Prospective psychiatric nurse practitioner students are often incredibly busy with work, family, and other obligations. This has prompted many schools to offer online programs to accommodate these students. Keep in mind, however, that some online programs may still require a few trips to campus for various orientations, and clinical hours will still need to be completed in person.

Advantages of an Online Program

Online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs offer the most convenience and flexibility. Students enrolled in these programs are able to take courses from the comfort of their own homes, at times that suit their schedules. This is particularly ideal for those who don't have a university within feasible commuting distance. Speaking of commuting, online programs also eliminate the expenses associated with transportation, including gas, parking fees, and more.

Program Accreditation

Those apprehensive about opting for an online psychiatric nurse practitioner program should look for schools that offer fully accredited programs. Like campus-based programs, CCNE and ACEN are two reputable accreditations to search for. Many large universities offer an online or hybrid version of their programs.

Costs and Length

Credit requirements are the same for online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs as they are for campus-based versions. Total length can be more variable for online programs, though, as they tend to offer more flexibility when it comes to program entrance and course completion. Tuition also falls in a similar range, from $500 per credit and up, though students tend to have a lot more options when it comes to online programs. As an example, Drexel University offers an online MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program which charges approximately $1,046 per credit.

What Are the Admissions and Certification Requirements?

Admissions requirements for most psychiatric nurse practitioner programs include:

• BSN or higher from an accredited university
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Resume or CV
• 1 or more years of clinical experience may be required
• Official transcripts from all schools attended
• Reference letters

Certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) can be obtained through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Eligibility requirements include:

• Must hold a current, U.S. RN license
• Graduate of an accredited psychiatric nurse practitioner program (MSN or DNP)
• Must have completed clinical training in at least two psychotherapeutic treatment modalities

List of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs

Psychiatric nurse practitioner programs are available across the country, see the following campus, hybrid, and online nurse practitioner programs by state.

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