Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs

When considering becoming a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), an online PMHNP program may be an ideal fit for you. There are a wide variety of PMHNP programs available to registered nurses.

Your options may include an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Choosing to complete your degree online may allow for self-paced study. As you search for the best online nurse practitioner program for you, consider your personal preferences, level of education, life circumstances, and long-term career goals.

The program tables and sponsored program cards featured on this page were last updated in January 2022. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.

Choosing a school online for your PMHNP program

When thinking about applying for a school or program online, there are some factors you may wish to consider such as accreditation, personal goals, availability and flexibility, admissions requirements, curriculum, and clinical hour requirements. Keep in mind that several online programs mirror their on-campus counterparts.

Accreditation for PMHNP programs

Accreditation for nursing programs in the United States falls to the recognition of Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This organization accredits bachelor’s and graduate nursing degree programs across the country. This is no different for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) programs. Often offered by nursing schools, PMHNP programs may confer either master’s or doctoral degrees. Be sure to check with your preferred university for more on accreditation.

Goals

Why do you want to pursue an online PMHNP program? Maybe you are a registered nurse looking to become a nurse practitioner or transition into a specific specialty. Depending on your career goals, an online PMHNP may provide the flexibility you need to build relevant knowledge and pursue more advanced opportunities. You may also consider, if available, an accelerated nursing program or dual nursing programs. While these options may not be available online, they could help you achieve your PMHNP career goals.

Schedule

Online programs, including PMHNP degrees and post-master’s certificates, may incorporate asynchronous and synchronous learnings, or non-live and live classes. Some programs also offer full-time or part-time enrollment options. When considering an online PMHNP program, take into account the time you can commit to your studies.

Program length

The time it takes to complete an online PMHNP program depends on the program you choose and your enrollment status. Opting for full-time enrollment usually enables you to earn your degree quicker compared to a part-time track. However, programs may have a limit on how long students can take to complete the program — often around five years.

Admission requirements

MSN programs may require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, and a current, unencumbered RN license. Requirements for Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs may either require a BSN or MSN. PMHNP programs may also require some general nursing or psychiatric nursing experience. Be sure to check with your preferred PMHNP program for more information.

Curriculum

PMHNP programs often share similar course requirements based on accreditation standards and/or preparation for national certification, as outlined in the CCNE Standards for Accreditation. These courses touch on advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, evidence-based practice, health assessment, and theoretical foundations. Students will also complete a practicum and internship to acquire clinical hours. By integrating classroom knowledge with field experience, PMHNP students can cultivate unique skill sets, emphasizing pharmacology and its application to mental health and psychiatric patients.

Clinical hour requirements

If you’re wondering how you will complete your clinical hours as an online student, universities may offer online student support to place students in residencies in their local area. CCNE-accredited programs typically include a clinical hours requirement which is integral to obtaining your nursing license upon program completion. As such, your PMHNP online program will likely include clinical hour requirements, typically after initial coursework is completed.

Potential PMHNP salary and jobs

While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median salary of $121,610 for nurse practitioners in May 2022, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) suggests that full-time PMHNPs might earn more. According to its 2020 national NP sample survey, the median annual income for these professionals was $137,000.

Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners may be employed in a psychiatric mental health facility and treat depression, anxiety, insomnia, and dementia. Learn more about nursing salary by career and states, as well as the highest-paying states for each career.

PMHNP certifications and licenses

To practice as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner in your state, you’ll need to meet all the state-specific requirements. Each state may have varying requirements, so be sure to check with your state board of nursing before embarking on your educational journey. Besides post-master’s certifications offered by universities, there are nursing certifications available to psychiatric-mental health nurses through professional organizations:

• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) — Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan)
• American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) — Online certificate program APNA Transitions in Practice (ATP) for RNs who are not yet PMHNPs
• American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) — Connection Certificate that explores biological processes behind human behavior

Additional nursing programs

There are several types of PMHNP programs to consider. Depending on where you are in your journey to become a psychiatric–mental health nurse practitioner or pursue other advanced nursing opportunities, there may be an on-campus or online nursing program for you.

• RN-to-MSN PMHNP programs: RN-to-MSN programs offer bridge curricula for students who hold an unencumbered RN license in their state. RNs with an associate degree or education from an approved nursing program may earn their MSN and pursue advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) careers, such as psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs: MSN degrees are the minimum requirement to pursue an APRN career, which means becoming a PMHNP also requires a master’s degree in nursing from an on-campus or MSN program online program. Some schools in the table above offer MSN degrees with a PMHNP focus.
• Post-master’s PMHNP certificate: If you’ve earned your master’s degree in nursing, you may consider a post-master’s or graduate PMHNP certificate. The time it would take to complete required clinical hours and credits for this nursing education program may be less than earning another MSN degree. However, requirements for admission to the certificate pathway may require an RN license and MSN degree. Be sure to check with your preferred program for more information.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) PMHNP programs: Along with MSN programs, earning a degree from a DNP program may also help prepare you to become a PMHNP. DNP programs typically entail more credit hours and clinical hours than MSN programs, so it will take more time to complete your degree. There are options for undergraduates to pursue this degree without having a MSN. If you already have your BSN, you may consider a BSN to DNP program.

Scholarship options for PMHNP students

There are many financial aid options for nursing students. Be sure to check with your preferred university for scholarship and grant opportunities as well as fellowships. Your state board of nursing or state’s nursing association may also offer opportunities for nursing financial aid.

• The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) lists various grant and scholarship opportunities for PMHNPs.
• The International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse (ISPN) offers research grants and travel scholarships for conference attendance.

For more specialized programs, check out our list of online nurse practitioner programs.