Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Overview
- What You Will Do: Diagnose mental illnesses, prescribe psychiatric medication, provide counseling and psychotherapy, work with a larger healthcare team
- Where Will You Work: Private mental health clinics, university counseling services, community health clinics, inpatient and outpatient psychiatric units, correctional facilities
- Employment Projections: The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 31 percent growth for NP roles between 2016 and 2026. The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) profession is included in this estimate.
- How Much Will I Earn: PMHNPs have a competitive salary typically making between $90,000 and $117,000.
- Number of Programs: There are 123 PMHNP programs in the U.S.
- How Long Does It Take to Become an PMHNP: Depending on the program you choose becoming a PMHNP will take 2 to 3 years.
- Requirements to Become One: You will need a bachelor’s degree, a master’s in nursing, RN and NP licensure in your state, as well as national certification as an NP.
What are the Best Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs in Each State?
Jump to a Best Ranked Nursing Programs
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- University of Alaska Anchorage
- Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences-Little Rock
- California State University-Long Beach
- Fairfield University
- University of Delaware
- University of Florida - Gainesville
- Georgia State University
- Idaho State University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
- Allen College
- University of Kansas Medical Center
- University of Louisville-Louisville
- McNeese State University
- University of Southern Maine
- University of Maryland-Baltimore
- Northeastern University - Accelerated
- Wayne State University
- University of Minnesota
- University of Mississippi Medical Center
- University of Missouri-Kansas City
- MSU Bozeman College of Nursing
- University of Nebraska Medical Center
- University of Nevada-Reno
- Rivier University
- Rutgers University SON Newark
- New Mexico State University-Las Cruces
- Stony Brook University
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- University of North Dakota
- Case Western Reserve University
- Drexel University
- University of South Carolina-Columbia
- South Dakota State University
- Union University
- The University of Texas at Arlington
- University of Utah College of Nursing
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- University of Washington
- Marshall University Huntington Campus
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
#1 in Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Administration Bldg Suite 1070, Birmingham, AL - 35294-0110
(205) 934-4011
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP
Nurse Admin:
Doreen C. Harper, PhD, RN, FAAN
Title: Dean and Professor
University Information
Total Faculty: 2544
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,568
Book and Supplies: $1,200
Percent Received Aid: 96%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,344
Percent Admitted: 81%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 26%
Graduation Rate: 61%
#1 in Alaska
University of Alaska Anchorage
- 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK - 99508
- (907) 786-1800
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
Nurse Admin:
Carla Hagen, PhD, MPH, RN
Title: Director
University Information
- Total Faculty: 547
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,622
- Book and Supplies: $1,320
- Percent Received Aid: 83%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,504
- Percent Admitted: 77%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 45%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
#1 in Arizona
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix
- 411 N Central Avenue - Ste 520, Phoenix, AZ - 85004
- 8552785080
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty:
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: N/A
- Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: N/A
#1 in Arkansas
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences-Little Rock
- 4301 W Markham, Little Rock, AR - 72205-7199
- (501) 296-1275
- Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
Nurse Admin:
Patricia A. Cowan, PhD, RN, FAAN
Title: Dean
University Information
- Total Faculty: 518
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: N/A
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,204,374
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: N/A
#1 in California
California State University-Long Beach
- 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA - 90840-0115
- (562) 985-4111
- Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
Nurse Admin:
Loucine M. Huckabay, PhD, RN, PNP, FAAN
Title: Director and Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1088
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,846
- Book and Supplies: $1,070
- Percent Received Aid: 80%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,722
- Percent Admitted: 42%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 17%
- Graduation Rate: 73%
#1 in Connecticut
Fairfield University
Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies
- 1073 N Benson Rd, Fairfield, CT - 06824-5195
- (203) 254-4000
- Programs: CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP
Nurse Admin:
Meredith Kazer, PhD, APRN, CNL, FAAN, AGPCNP-BC
Title: Dean and Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 312
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,150
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 97%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $24,395
- Percent Admitted: 56%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 16%
- Graduation Rate: 82%
#1 in Delaware
University of Delaware
- 104 Hullihen Hall, Newark, DE - 19716
- (302) 831-2000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
Nurse Admin:
Elizabeth Speakman, EdD, RN, FNAP, ANEF, FAAN
Title: Senior Associate Dean
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1263
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $15,020
- Book and Supplies: $1,000
- Percent Received Aid: 89%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $11,188
- Percent Admitted: 66%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 19%
- Graduation Rate: 82%
#1 in Florida
University of Florida - Gainesville
- Tigert Hall, Gainesville, FL - 32611
- (352) 392-3261
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, MSN to PhD, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Anna M. McDaniel, PhD, RN
Title: Dean
University Information
- Total Faculty: 5237
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,381
- Book and Supplies: $810
- Percent Received Aid: 91%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $10,500
- Percent Admitted: 31%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 42%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
#1 in Georgia
Georgia State University
Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing & Health Professions
- 33 gilmer st, Atlanta, GA - 30303-3083
- (404) 413-2000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN
Nurse Admin:
Joan S. Cranford, EdD, MSN, RN
Title: Interim Chief Nurse Administrator
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1329
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,286
- Book and Supplies: $2,000
- Percent Received Aid: 95%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,703
- Percent Admitted: 82%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 33%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
#1 in Idaho
Idaho State University
- 921 S 8th Ave, Pocatello, ID - 83209
- (208) 282-2700
- Programs: CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Associate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
Nurse Admin:
Karen Neill, PhD, RN
Title: Associate Dean and Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 608
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,872
- Book and Supplies: $1,000
- Percent Received Aid: 95%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,842
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 34%
#1 in Illinois
University of Illinois at Chicago
- 601 S Morgan, Chicago, IL - 60607
- (312) 996-7000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Eileen Collins, PhD, RN, FAAN, ATSF
Title: Dean
University Information
- Total Faculty: 2502
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $14,126
- Book and Supplies: $1,400
- Percent Received Aid: 85%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $12,093
- Percent Admitted: 73%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 21%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
#1 in Indiana
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
- 420 University Blvd, Indianapolis, IN - 46202-5143
- (317) 274-5555
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Robin P. Newhouse, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
Title: Dean and Distinguished Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 3216
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,044
- Book and Supplies: $1,050
- Percent Received Aid: 92%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $10,412
- Percent Admitted: 79%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 30%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
#1 in Iowa
Allen College
- 1990 Heath St, Waterloo, IA - 50703-1999
- (319) 226-2000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Doctor of Nursing, LPN to BSN, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN
Nurse Admin:
Kendra B. Williams-Perez, EdD, RN, CNE
Title: Dean & Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 43
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: N/A
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,024,380
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: N/A
#1 in Kansas
University of Kansas Medical Center
- Strong Hall, 1450 Jayhawk Blvd, Room 230, Lawrence, KS - 66045
- (785) 864-2700
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
Nurse Admin:
Sally L. Maliski, PhD, RN, FAAN
Title: Dean
University Information
- Total Faculty: 3254
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $11,166
- Book and Supplies: $1,224
- Percent Received Aid: 85%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,825
- Percent Admitted: 91%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 28%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
#1 in Kentucky
University of Louisville-Louisville
- 2301 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY - 40292-0001
- (502) 852-5555
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Accelerated MSN, Bachelor, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
Nurse Admin:
Sonya R. Hardin, PhD, MBA, MHA, NP-C, FAAN
Title: Dean and Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1752
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $12,370
- Book and Supplies: $1,200
- Percent Received Aid: 98%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,625
- Percent Admitted: 65%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 25%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
#1 in Louisiana
McNeese State University
- 4205 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA - 70605
- (337) 475-5000
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
Nurse Admin:
Ann Warner, PhD, RN, CNE
Title: Interim Dean and Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 258
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,380
- Book and Supplies: $1,300
- Percent Received Aid: 96%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,283
- Percent Admitted: 63%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
#1 in Maine
University of Southern Maine
- 96 Falmouth St, Portland, ME - 04103
- (207) 780-4141
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Accelerated MSN, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Brenda Petersen, PhD, RN, APRN-C, CPNP-PC
Title: Associate Dean
University Information
- Total Faculty: 299
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,904
- Book and Supplies: $600
- Percent Received Aid: 97%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,634
- Percent Admitted: 88%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 19%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
#1 in Maryland
University of Maryland-Baltimore
- 620 West Lexington St, Baltimore, MD - 21201-1627
- (410) 706-3100
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 2336
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: N/A
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,503,024
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: N/A
#1 in Massachusetts
Northeastern University - Accelerated
- 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA - 02115-5005
- (617) 373-2000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Accelerated MSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Denise Korniewicz, PhD, RN, FAAN
Title: Inteirm Dean And Visiting Clinical Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1660
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,000
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 82%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $28,535
- Percent Admitted: 20%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
#1 in Michigan
Wayne State University
- 42 W. Warren Ave., Detroit, MI - 48202
- (313) 577-2424
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Laurie M. Lauzon Clabo, PhD, RN
Title: Dean And Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 2238
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $14,043
- Book and Supplies: $1,268
- Percent Received Aid: 98%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,435
- Percent Admitted: 69%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 26%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
#1 in Minnesota
University of Minnesota
- 100 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN - 55455-0213
- (612) 625-5000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 5385
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $15,254
- Book and Supplies: $1,000
- Percent Received Aid: 80%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,528
- Percent Admitted: 70%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 22%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
#1 in Mississippi
University of Mississippi Medical Center
- 2500 N State St, Jackson, MS - 39216-4505
- 6019841000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
University Information
- Total Faculty:
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: N/A
- Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: N/A
#1 in Missouri
University of Missouri-Kansas City
School of Nursing and Health Studies
- 5000 Holmes St., Kansas City, MO - 64110
- (816) 235-1000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Melissa Joy Roberts, JD, RN, APRN-BC, FNP
Title: Interim Dean
University Information
- Total Faculty: 601
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,599
- Book and Supplies: $770
- Percent Received Aid: 92%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,046
- Percent Admitted: 63%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 30%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
#1 in Montana
MSU Bozeman College of Nursing
- Montana State University, Bozeman, MT - 59717
- (406) 994-0211
- Programs: CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP
Nurse Admin:
Sarah E. Shannon, PhD, RN, FAAN
Title: Dean And Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1023
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,528
- Book and Supplies: $1,450
- Percent Received Aid: 92%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,737
- Percent Admitted: 81%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 21%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
#1 in Nebraska
University of Nebraska Medical Center
- 42nd & Dewey Ave, Omaha, NE - 68198-7815
- (402) 559-4000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
Nurse Admin:
Juliann G. Sebastian, PhD, RN, FAAN
Title: Dean And Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1415
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: N/A
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,863,604
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: N/A
#1 in Nevada
University of Nevada-Reno
- North Virginia Street, Reno, NV - 89557
- (775) 784-1110
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
Nurse Admin:
Debera Thomas, DNS, RN, ANP, FNP
Title: Dean And Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1173
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,588
- Book and Supplies: $1,200
- Percent Received Aid: 92%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,872
- Percent Admitted: 87%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 40%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
#1 in New Hampshire
Rivier University
Division of Nursing and Health Professions
- 420 South Main St, Nashua, NH - 03060
- (603) 888-1311
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Paula Williams, EdD, RN, CNE
Title: Chairperson
University Information
- Total Faculty: 58
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 97%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $16,881
- Percent Admitted: 76%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 15%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
#1 in New Jersey
Rutgers University SON Newark
- 249 University Avenue, Blumenthal Hall, Newark, NJ - 07102
- (973) 353-1766
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Linda Flynn, PhD, RN, FAAN
Title: Dean
University Information
- Total Faculty: 653
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $15,208
- Book and Supplies: $1,350
- Percent Received Aid: 85%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $13,022
- Percent Admitted: 74%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 13%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
#1 in New Mexico
New Mexico State University-Las Cruces
- 2850 Weddell Street, Las Cruces, NM - 88003-8001
- (575) 646-0111
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP
Nurse Admin:
Alexa Doig, PhD, RN
Title: Director
University Information
- Total Faculty: 802
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,301
- Book and Supplies: $1,240
- Percent Received Aid: 99%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $11,520
- Percent Admitted: 63%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 25%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
#1 in New York
Stony Brook University
- 310 Administration Building, Stony Brook, NY - 11794-0701
- (631) 632-6000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
Nurse Admin:
Annette Wysocki, PhD, RN, FAAN
Title: Dean And Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 2070
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,455
- Book and Supplies: $900
- Percent Received Aid: 76%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,880
- Percent Admitted: 49%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 18%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
#1 in North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- 103 South Bldg Cb 9100, Chapel Hill, NC - 27599
- (919) 962-2211
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Leadership, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Margaret C. Wilmoth, Interim Dean
Title: Phd, Mss, Rn, Faan
University Information
- Total Faculty: 4545
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,028
- Book and Supplies: $1,002
- Percent Received Aid: 64%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $15,936
- Percent Admitted: 25%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 43%
- Graduation Rate: N/A
#1 in North Dakota
University of North Dakota
College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines
- 264 Centennial Drive, Stop 8193, Grand Forks, ND - 58202-8193
- (800) 225-5863
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, Doctor of Nursing, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
Nurse Admin:
Maridee Shogren, DNP, CNM, CLC
Title: Interim Dean
University Information
- Total Faculty: 717
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,596
- Book and Supplies: $800
- Percent Received Aid: 95%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,133
- Percent Admitted: 87%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 33%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
#1 in Ohio
Case Western Reserve University
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing
- 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH - 44106
- (216) 368-2000
- Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Carol M. Musil, PhD, RN, FAAN
Title: Dean
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1713
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 90%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $31,992
- Percent Admitted: 30%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 15%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
#1 in Pennsylvania
Drexel University
College of Nursing and Health Professions
- 3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA - 19104
- (215) 895-2000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Ph.D., Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
Nurse Admin:
Kymberlee Montgomery, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, CNE, FAANP, FAAN
Title: Chair
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1294
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,700
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $25,373
- Percent Admitted: 77%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 10%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
#1 in South Carolina
University of South Carolina-Columbia
- Columbia-Campus, Columbia, SC - 29208
- (803) 777-7000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1956
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $12,688
- Book and Supplies: $1,085
- Percent Received Aid: 94%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,405
- Percent Admitted: 68%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
#1 in South Dakota
South Dakota State University
- 1004 Campanile Ave, Brookings, SD - 57007-1898
- (800) 952-3541
- Programs: CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Ph.D., Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Mary Anne Krogh, PhD, RN, APRN, CRNA, FAAN
Title: Dean
University Information
- Total Faculty: 676
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,299
- Book and Supplies: $1,200
- Percent Received Aid: 95%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,603
- Percent Admitted: 89%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 44%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
#1 in Tennessee
Union University
- 1050 Union University Dr, Jackson, TN - 38305-3697
- (731) 668-1818
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursingg, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
Nurse Admin:
Kelly Harden, DNSc, FNP-BC
Title: Dean And Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 223
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,600
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $21,886
- Percent Admitted: 58%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 22%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
#1 in Texas
The University of Texas at Arlington
College of Nursing and Health Innovation
- 701 S. Nedderman Dr., Arlington, TX - 76013
- (817) 272-2011
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Elizabeth Merwin, PhD, RN, FAAN
Title: Dean
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1241
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $11,727
- Book and Supplies: $1,150
- Percent Received Aid: 90%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,127
- Percent Admitted: 88%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 30%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
#1 in Utah
University of Utah College of Nursing
- 201 Presidents Circle, ROOM 201, Salt Lake City, UT - 84112-9008
- (801) 581-7200
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP
Nurse Admin:
Marla J. De Jong, PhD, RN, CCNS, FAAN
Title: Dean, Louis H. Peery Presidential Endowed Chair, And Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 4193
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,893
- Book and Supplies: $1,036
- Percent Received Aid: 87%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,345
- Percent Admitted: 79%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 31%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
#1 in Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
- 910 W Franklin St, Richmond, VA - 23284-2512
- (804) 828-0100
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
Nurse Admin:
Jean Giddens, PhD, RN, FAAN
Title: Dean And Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 2496
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $15,319
- Book and Supplies: $1,240
- Percent Received Aid: 83%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $11,276
- Percent Admitted: 91%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
#1 in Washington
University of Washington
- 1400 NE Campus Parkway, Seattle, WA - 98195-4550
- (206) 543-2100
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursingg, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 7812
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $12,076
- Book and Supplies: $900
- Percent Received Aid: 56%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $14,519
- Percent Admitted: 56%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 29%
- Graduation Rate: 82%
#1 in West Virginia
Marshall University Huntington Campus
- 1 John Marshall Dr, Huntington, WV - 25755
- (304) 696-3170
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Denise Landry, EdD, APRN-BC
Title: Chair
University Information
- Total Faculty: 830
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,552
- Book and Supplies: $1,100
- Percent Received Aid: 96%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,947
- Percent Admitted: 89%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 29%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
#1 in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- 500 Lincoln Dr, Madison, WI - 53706-1380
- (608) 263-2400
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Linda D. Scott, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
Title: Dean And Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 4957
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,720
- Book and Supplies: $1,150
- Percent Received Aid: 58%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $11,609
- Percent Admitted: 57%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 28%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
See our Ranking Methodology
Eight Steps to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- Earn Your RN – Complete an RN or BSN program from an ACEN or CCNE accredited university. See our BSN guide for more detail!
- Pass The NCLEX-RN Exam – Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is crucial. By using strategic studying and taking practice exams you can pass it on the first try. Our NCLEX-RN guide and practice tests can help you.
- Earn Your MSN – You will take classes in psychopharmacology, psychiatric and mental health nursing theory, research, pathophysiology, and advanced health assessment and more.
- Complete Supervised Clinical Hours – You must finish 500 supervised clinical hours during your PMHNP program.
- Become Board Certified – Pass the exam administered through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to become a certified PMHNP.
- Obtain Licensure – Apply for state licensure as an NP.
- Obtain a DEA Number – DEA registration is required to prescribe medication.
- Maintain Active Certification and Licensure –100 continuing education (CE) hours and 1,000 hours of clinical practice are required. You must also keep active BLS, DEA, and RN licenses.
What is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
PMHNPs are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) that provide mental health care for people. As a PMHNP you will assess, diagnose and treat people with mental illnesses. According to the American Psychiatric Nurses Association some of your duties may include providing individual or group counseling, or prescribing psychiatric medications. You can work with people throughout their lifespan in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
List of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs – Campus and Online
| University | Offered as | City/State |
|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Birmingham, AL |
| Samford University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Birmingham, AL |
| University of Alaska Anchorage | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Anchorage, AK |
| Azusa Pacific University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Azusa, CA |
| Florida National University-Miami | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Miami, FL |
| Georgia State University | Campus, Hybrid | Atlanta, GA |
| University of Illinois at Chicago | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Chicago, IL |
| Saint Francis Medical Center – College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Peoria, IL |
| University of St Francis | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Joliet, IL |
| Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Indianapolis, IN |
| University of South Alabama | Campus, Online | Mobile, AL |
| University of Arizona | Campus, Online | Tucson, AZ |
| University of Kansas Medical Center | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Lawrence, KS |
| Washburn University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Topeka, KS |
| University of Southern Maine | Campus, Hybrid | Portland, ME |
| Johns Hopkins University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Baltimore, MD |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Campus, Online | Amherst, MA |
| Northeastern University – Accelerated | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Boston, MA |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences-Little Rock | Campus, Hybrid | Little Rock, AR |
| California State University-Long Beach | Campus | Long Beach, CA |
| University of Michigan-Flint | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Flint, MI |
| Wayne State University | Campus, Hybrid | Detroit, MI |
| The College of Saint Scholastica | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Duluth, MN |
| Rivier University | Campus, Hybrid | Nashua, NH |
| Monmouth University School of Nursing and Health Studies | Campus, Hybrid | West Long Branch, NJ |
| New Mexico State University-Las Cruces | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Las Cruces, NM |
| California State University-Los Angeles | Campus | Los Angeles, CA |
| Loma Linda University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Loma Linda, CA |
| National University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | La Jolla, CA |
| University of San Diego/Hahn | Campus | San Diego, CA |
| Fairfield University | Campus, Hybrid | Fairfield, CT |
| University of Saint Joseph | Campus, Hybrid, Online | West Hartford, CT |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | Campus, Hybrid | New York, NY |
| University of North Dakota | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Grand Forks, ND |
| University of Akron Main Campus | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Akron, OH |
| Case Western Reserve University | Campus, Hybrid | Cleveland, OH |
| University of Delaware | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Newark, DE |
| Florida State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Tallahassee, FL |
| Jacksonville University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Jacksonville, FL |
| Kent State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Kent, OH |
| University of Florida – Gainesville | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Gainesville, FL |
| University of Miami | Campus, Hybrid | Coral Gables, FL |
| The Ohio State University-Main Campus (Columbus) | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Columbus, OH |
| East Tennessee State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Johnson City, TN |
| Midwestern State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Wichita Falls, TX |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Arlington, TX |
| The University of Texas at Austin | Campus, Hybrid | Austin, TX |
| Shenandoah University -Eleanor Wade Custer | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Winchester, VA |
| Georgia College and State University | Hybrid, Online | , GA |
| Valdosta State University | Campus, Hybrid | Valdosta, GA |
| Seattle University | Campus, Hybrid | Seattle, WA |
| Washington State University | Campus, Hybrid | Pullman, WA |
| Marshall University Huntington Campus | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Huntington, WV |
| West Virginia Wesleyan College | Campus, Hybrid | Buckhannon, WV |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Madison, WI |
| Brandman University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Irvine, CA |
| Idaho State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Pocatello, ID |
| University of Southern Indiana | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Evansville, IN |
| Wichita State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Wichita, KS |
| University of Maryland-Baltimore | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Baltimore, MD |
| Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix | Campus, Hybrid | Phoenix, AZ |
| Allen College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Waterloo, IA |
| Northern Kentucky University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Highland Heights, KY |
| Eastern Kentucky University | Campus, Online | Richmond, KY |
| Western Kentucky University-Bowling Green | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Bowling Green, KY |
| University of Louisville-Louisville | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Louisville, KY |
| McNeese State University | Campus, Online | Lake Charles, LA |
| Nicholls State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Thibodaux, LA |
| Southeastern Louisiana University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Hammond, LA |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Lafayette, LA |
| Alcorn State University | Campus, Hybrid | Alcorn State, MS |
| Delta State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Cleveland, MS |
| Boston College | Campus | Chestnut Hill, MA |
| University of Mississippi Medical Center | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Jackson, MS |
| Regis College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Weston, MA |
| University of Southern Mississippi | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Hattiesburg, MS |
| University of Minnesota | Campus, Hybrid | Minneapolis, MN |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | Campus, Online | Columbia, MO |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Kansas City, MO |
| University of Missouri-St Louis | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Saint Louis, MO |
| MSU Bozeman College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid | Bozeman, MT |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Omaha, NE |
| University of Nevada-Reno | Campus, Hybrid | Reno, NV |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | Campus, Hybrid | Teaneck, NJ |
| CUNY Hunter College | Campus, Hybrid | New York, NY |
| NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid | New York, NY |
| Molloy College | Campus | Rockville Centre, NY |
| Pace University – The Lienhard School of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | New York, NY |
| University of Rochester School of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid | Rochester, NY |
| Russell Sage College | Campus, Hybrid | Troy, NY |
| St. John Fisher College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Rochester, NY |
| University at Buffalo | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Buffalo, NY |
| Binghamton University | Campus, Online | Vestal, NY |
| Stony Brook University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Stony Brook, NY |
| Gardner-Webb University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Boiling Springs, NC |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Chapel Hill, NC |
| Wright State University-Main Campus | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Dayton, OH |
| Drexel University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Philadelphia, PA |
| University of Pittsburgh | Campus, Online | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Robert Morris University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Moon Township, PA |
| Wilkes University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Columbia, SC |
| King University | Online | Bristol, TN |
| South Dakota State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Brookings, SD |
| University of the Incarnate Word | Campus, Hybrid, Online | San Antonio, TX |
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Campus, Hybrid | Knoxville, TN |
| The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio | Campus, Hybrid | San Antonio, TX |
| Union University | Campus, Hybrid | Jackson, TN |
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Lubbock, TX |
| University of Utah College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Salt Lake City, UT |
| George Mason University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Fairfax, VA |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Richmond, VA |
| University of Virginia | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Charlottesville, VA |
| Gonzaga University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Spokane, WA |
| University of Washington | Campus | Seattle, WA |
| Alverno College | Campus, Online | Milwaukee, WI |
| West Coast University | Campus | North Hollywood, CA |
| California State University-San Marcos | Campus, Hybrid, Online | San Marcos, CA |
| Saint Louis University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | , MO |
| Rutgers University SON Newark | Campus, Hybrid | Newark, NJ |
| Texas State University San Marcos and St. David School of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid | San Marcos, TX |
| Chamberlain University | Campus, Online | Phoenix, AZ |
| Augusta University | Campus | Augusta, GA |
How Do I Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
To become a PMHNP you will need a bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing. Whether you are already an RN or not there are ways for you to become a PMHNP.
- BSN to MSN: If you are already an RN with a BSN you can do a master’s in nursing program in 2 years.
- Bachelors to MSN: If you are not a nurse but have a bachelor’s degree in any field you can do a Direct Entry Master’s in Nursing program. If you have a bachelors in something other than nursing you complete a Direct Entry Master’s in Nursing program. To enter one of these programs you will have to complete the pre-requisite nursing courses that will include various biology and chemistry courses as well as anatomy and physiology and more. A Direct Entry Master’s program will take around 2 to 3 years.
- BSN to DNP: A doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) will give you both an MSN and DNP degree after about 4 years. This degree will prepare you to use evidence based research to guide your clinical practice.
- MSN to DNP: Obtaining a DNP degree will take around 2 to 3 years if you already have a master’s in nursing.
Certification and Licensure: Certification is used to make sure that you meet the qualifications to care for your designated population. By passing the PMHNP exam through the ANCC you can become a certified PMHNP. You will need to renew your certification every 5 years by meeting the 1,000 clinical hour and 100 CE hours requirements. Once certified you can get licensed through your state’s board of nursing (BON). This means that you will be legally allowed practice as an PMHNP in your state. Your state’s board of nursing (BON) will grant you licensure after you complete the application process. This enables you to practice legally in your state. You will have to submit transcripts from your PMHNP program as well as a fee and proof of RN licensure and national certification.
Where Do PMHNPs Typically Work?
PMHNPs can work in outpatient and inpatient mental health settings. This can be a psychiatric hospital, a private practice, community health clinics, universities, or even prisons. There are many settings where you can choose to work which means that you can change your career focus if you wish to.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Salary Expectation
Your salary is dependent on the state and city where you practice as well as your experience and practice setting. In general, the median salary for all NPs is $104,610 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The salary range for PMHNPs can vary from about $90,000 to $117,000 per year. Certain settings such as private practices will pay you more than community health settings, however there are other financial benefits to working with medically underserved populations. The Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program is a great service that will help you pay off your loans if you work in medically underserved areas. You may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness and/or Perkins Loan Forgiveness. You can also expect your salary to increase as you gain experience.
Online PMHNP Programs
For many busy professionals pursuing an advanced degree can have many barriers. Online PMHNP programs make this profession more accessible to everyone. With an online PMHNP program you will be able to complete your coursework online in your own time and do clinical hours close to your home. You may only need to go to campus a couple times a year, if at all. These programs allow you to balance all the priorities in your life with a little less stress. The University of Missouri Columbia, Missouri McNeese State University in Louisiana, Eastern Kentucky University, and University of South Alabama offer online PMHNP programs.
What is a Typical PMHNP Curriculum?
Each university will have a little variety in their curriculum. In general, you can expect to take courses similar to what is offered at Vanderbilt University:
- Ethical Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing
- Neuroscience for Mental Health Practitioners
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Research Methods for Advanced Practice Nursing
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Psychopharmacology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Psychiatric Mental Health Theory
- Conceptual Basis for Advanced Practice Nursing
The Role of the PMHNP in the Mental Healthcare Provider Shortage
Like with all nursing specialties, there is a shortage of psychiatric specialists. This means that the job outlook for PMHNPs is good. Additionally, as the public gains more awareness of mental health needs in the country, the role of the PMHNP could continue to become more essential in filling the mental healthcare provider gap. With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, more people have gained access to insurance. This has increased the need for all primary healthcare providers. PMHNPs offer a cost-effective solution to filling the gap in mental healthcare providers.
Number of PMHNP Programs in the United States
In the U.S. there are 123 PMHNP programs with 4 fully online programs at the University of Missouri Columbia, Missouri McNeese State University in Louisiana, Eastern Kentucky University, and University of South Alabama
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Resources
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- American Psychiatric Nurses Association
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
Denisco, S. M., Barker, A. M., (2016). Advanced practice nursing: Essential knowledge for the profession. Burlington, MA: Jones and Barlett Learning.
- About the Author
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Lauren is a Registered Nurse and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner who works in an OB/GYN clinic in the Boston area. She completed a Direct Entry MSN program at Boston College in May 2017 after obtaining a BS in Forensic Science and a BS in Biology from the University of New Haven, so she has special awareness of how confusing the many paths to nursing can be! She is passionate about enhancing and clarifying the nursing role globally as well as combatting human trafficking from a public health standpoint. In her free time Lauren enjoys writing and traveling.
