19 Best 1-Year PMHNP Online Programs – 2025
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Is a one-year PMHNP online program a good educational investment? If you’re a nursing professional who wants to enter the psychiatric mental health advanced practice nursing field quickly, it can be. Keep in mind that becoming a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner involves learning an enormous amount of information and completing 1,000 clinical hours. But if you’re up to that challenge, 1-year PMHNP online programs are an excellent option because they’ll allow you to proceed through your classwork at your own pace. You’ll be able to find out more about these accelerated PMHNP options with this list of the 19 best 1-year PMHNP online programs for 2025.
WHAT ARE THE BEST 1-YEAR PMHNP ONLINE PROGRAMS IN THE NATION?
(The following 19 best online 1-year PMHNP Programs for 2025 are ideal for nurses who wish to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in twelve months or lesser.)
Program Length:
3 Semesters
Program Details:
If you thinking of completing your NP education from one of the best online 1-year PMHNP programs in the nation, then you are in the right place. Johns Hopkins University offers one such program that can take you closer to your goals in no time. With a critical shortage in mental health NPs, the school manages to bridge this gap by producing excellent quality PMHNPs who are serving the mental health needs of Maryland and beyond. This is a post-masters certificate program that builds on your master's or doctoral-level nursing education.
Coursework:
The curriculum comprises as little as 17 credits and 500 hours of clinical practice. This 1-year online psych NP program equips you with the specialized skills to provide holistic care to mental health patients, both in rural and urban settings. You’ll learn about the neurobiology of mental disorders, clinical pharmacology, diagnosis of mental health disorders, and psychiatric mental health care. Towards the end of the program, you’ll complete a clinical experience where you’ll apply your PMHNP knowledge to practice. To successfully complete this 1-year PMHNP program, you require a time commitment of 30 hours each week.
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Program:
You’ll complete this program on a part-time basis, taking three semesters to graduate.
Admission Requirements:
To qualify for this PMHNP program, you must have an MSN or a doctoral nursing degree with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0. In addition, you must have an active RN license as well as an APRN certification. Besides this 1-year online psych NP program requires you to submit a resume, three letters of recommendation, and all your official transcripts to fulfill the admission requirements.
Program Length:
3 Semesters
Program Details:
Ohio University’s 1-year psych NP online program can help you enter the field of psychiatric mental health advanced practice nursing in quick time. The school is known for its excellent online nursing education and has also received accolades for delivering high-quality education through the distance format. The 20-credit certificate coursework is offered through part-time enrollment. Also included in the coursework is 500 hours of clinical training.
Coursework:
During the three semesters of your study, this program teaches you psychiatric mental health care, emphasizing care of patients suffering from mental illnesses, addiction, or other complex psychiatric disorders.
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Program:
To graduate, you’ll require completing three semesters of full-time study.
Admission Requirements:
To qualify for admission, you’ll require an accredited MSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, you are required to submit your professional goals statement, three letters of recommendation, and your official transcripts. The 1-year PMHNP online program also requires you to have an active and unencumbered RN license in the U.S. Besides, you must have completed courses in advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and health assessment.
Program Length:
12 Months
Program Details:
If you are an advanced practice nurse who is keen on expanding your nursing practice in psychiatric mental health rather quickly, then UC Davis Health’s online 1-year PMHNP program can be a befitting choice. This certificate-PMHNP program is proudly the first remote program in California that has trained exceptional PMHNPs through the online format. As a competent mental health professional, you’ll be helping mental health patients across California’s diverse patient populations. While you’ll complete the didactic courses online, you must make three campus visits for intensives. Aside from this, you’ll require completing clinical experiences that can be done within your home community or even at your current workplace.
Coursework:
Counted among the best online 1-year PMHNP programs in the nation, here, you’ll complete competency-based coursework that requires you to take only the required courses. The curriculum mainly focuses on clinical reasoning, foundations of psychopharmacology, psychotherapeutic interventions, and treatment planning for complex mental disorders. In addition, you’ll master skills in the management of complex cases in psychopharmacology.
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Program:
To graduate, you’ll take as little as 12 months, making this one of the quickest routes to earn the PMHNP certification.
Admission Requirements:
If you want to apply to this program, then you must foremost be licensed as an APRN in California. Besides, you must have a graduate nursing degree from an accredited school. In addition, you are required to submit your official transcripts, a personal goal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a resume. Aside from this, you are required to have completed graduate-level courses in advanced physiology, advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology.
Program Length:
12 Months
Program Details:
If you are seeking to enroll in one of the best online 1-year PMHNP programs, then the University of Virginia’s PMHNP program can be an excellent choice. With a focus on rural and underserved populations, this certificate-PMHNP program prepares you with exceptional skills to address the mental health needs of these populations. As a mental health expert, you’ll be able to maintain and restore health, treating and detecting mental illnesses.
Coursework:
The curriculum comprises 19 credits that need to be completed in PMHNP courses. You’ll learn about the biological basis of mental health, mental health theories & therapies, and PMH disorders & diagnosis. Upon completion of this program, you’ll be eligible to take the PMHNP certification exam.
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Program:
You can complete this certificate-PMHNP program within as little as 12 months.
Admission Requirements:
Admission to this 1-year PMHNP online program requires you to possess an APRN licensure and your MSN must be from an accredited school. Also, you must have an unencumbered RN license in the U.S. In addition, the school requires you to submit three recommendation letters, a CV, and all your official transcripts.
Program Length:
12 Months
Program Details:
If you are inclined toward the well-being of mental health patients, you should consider obtaining your education from one of the best 1-year PMHNP online programs in the nation. University of California, Los Angeles offers one such certificate-PMHNP program that can be completed from the comfort of your home that too without spending a lot of time in nursing school.
Coursework:
Upon enrollment into this quick PMHNP program, you’ll learn about the skills and knowledge required in the healthcare management of mental health patients. The coursework includes courses in clinical reasoning & psychopathology, application in psychopharmacology, clinical formulation for treatment planning, psychotherapeutics interventions across the lifespan, treatment planning for complex mental disorders, and complex cases in psychopharmacology.
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Program:
Being a 1-year PMHNP program, you’ll complete your coursework within 12 months.
Admission Requirements:
The school takes in students who have an active APRN licensure. Also, you must have completed either an MSN or a DNP. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must submit your official transcripts, a goal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a resume. In addition, you are required to have graduate-level courses in advanced physiology, advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, health promotion, and disease prevention.
Program Length:
12 Months
Program Details:
Do you see yourself quickly working in diverse healthcare settings where you provide care to mental health patients? If you are eager to join the PMHNP workforce, then the University of Miami’s certificate program can help you obtain proficiency in the care of mental health patients. Here, within a short duration, you can graduate as a competent mental health professional, serving patients with varied mental health needs.
Coursework:
The 1-year psych NP online program focuses on advanced practice psychopharmacology and advanced practice psychiatric mental health nursing therapeutic interventions and requires you to complete 18 credits. Included in the coursework are 504 hours of clinical practice. The clinical experiences include individual, group, and family treatment modalities. As a certified PMHNP, you’ll be prepared to treat mental health patients of all age groups.
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Program:
The program spans three semesters of full-time study.
Admission Requirements:
To qualify for this 1-year PMHNP online program, you must have a master's degree from an accredited school. In addition, the school requires you to possess an APRN and RN license. To qualify, your GPA must not be below 3.0. Additionally, the school requires you to submit your official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a statement of professional goals, and a current resume. The school accepts applications on a rolling basis, so ensure you apply early to enhance your chances of admission.
Program Length:
12 Months
Program Details:
University of Missouri-Columbia’s certificate program can be a great choice to expand your scope of practice without spending years in NP school. Counted among the well-known 1-year PMHNP programs online, this program is offered through a 100% online format. The program builds on your existing advanced practice nursing knowledge and equips you with specialized skills in quality improvement and health assessment within the psychiatric mental health field.
Coursework:
Upon enrollment, a gap analysis will be done of your previous transcripts after which the graduation requirements specific to your academic needs are determined. Nevertheless, your coursework focuses on the advanced healthcare management of psychiatric mental health patients. Upon completion of this coursework, you’ll be eligible to take the PMHNP certification exam.
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Program:
On a full-time basis, you can complete this program within one year.
Admission Requirements:
To apply to this 1-year PMHNP program, you must be a certified PMHNP who has either an accredited MSN or a DNP. In addition, your GPA must be at least 3.0. Besides, you must be ready to submit your official transcripts, a resume, a personal goal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Program Length:
12 Months
Program Details:
By earning your PMHNP qualification from the University of Missouri-Columbia, you will be able to start a fulfilling career in mental health in a rather short duration. Furthermore, the flexibility of online classes further adds to the ease of taking classes while juggling a full-time job. Counted among the best 1-year PMHNP programs online, here, you’ll gain a student-centric education that is grounded in ethics and values.
Coursework:
The evidence-based coursework of this certificate program does not have a fixed number of credits. The exact credits required for graduation are based on a gap analysis of your previous transcripts. The curriculum centers on the healthcare management of psychiatric mental health patients of all age groups.
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Program:
You’ll complete this PMHNP program within 12 months.
Admission Requirements:
If you are seeking admission into this 1-year psychiatric nurse practitioner program, then you must have an MSN from an accredited school. Also, you must possess an active RN license. To qualify, your GPA must be at least 3.0.
Program Length:
12 Months
Program Details:
If you are a compassionate person by nature and do not have much time to gain education in mental health nursing, then you are in the right place. Hawai‘i Pacific University offers one of the online 1-year PMHNP programs that you can consider to launch your career as a certified PMHNP. Here, you’ll complete your education entirely online, to the extent of even taking courses on your mobile phone. Also, because you’ll take classes in an intimate learning environment, you’ll receive individualized attention. This is a certificate program that starts thrice a year in the fall, spring, and summer.
Coursework:
The program comprises 27 credits and includes courses that teach you psychopharmacology across the lifespan and advanced psychiatric mental health nursing.
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Program:
You can complete this program within as little as 12 months.
Admission Requirements:
To be considered for this 1-year PMHNP program, you must have an MSN from an accredited university with a GPA of 3.0. Also, you require to possess an RN and APRN licensure. To fulfill the admission requirements, you are required to submit your transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
Program Length:
1 Year
Program Details:
If impacting mental health is your passion and you cannot wait to kickstart your career in mental health, then D'Youville College’s 1-year PMHNP online program can prepare you for a fulfilling career as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in a rather short time. What's more, this online certificate program is not only convenient but also quite affordable.
Coursework:
The program comprises 30 credits, including a total of 13 courses. You’ll learn about mental health assessment & intervention, individual & group counseling, prescription writing, advanced pathophysiology, and psychotherapy. Also included in the coursework are 540 hours of clinical training.
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Program:
The program requires one year of time commitment, provided you enroll full-time.
Admission Requirements:
An ideal candidate for this 1-year PMHNP online program is a registered nurse with an MSN, having a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, you must have at least one year of experience as a registered nurse. In addition, you must submit a resume, official transcripts, and a copy of your unencumbered RN license.
Program Length:
3 Semesters
Program Details:
If you are already certified in an area of advanced practice nursing and are keen on earning a second or third certification in mental health, then you can do this rather quickly. Georgia State University offers some of the sought-after 1-year PMHNP online programs in GA that can be a great launch pad for your mental health career. This is a certificate program that expands on your previous nursing education and requires you to only study topics that you haven’t completed before.
Upon completion of this 1-year PMHNP program, you’ll be prepared to deliver mental health care in rural and urban areas.
Coursework:
The coursework required for graduation depends on the courses previously completed by you. Regardless, you’ll require complete PNHNP-specific courses that include theories of advanced psychiatric nursing, advanced psychopharmacology, common adult health problems, advanced psychiatric care for adults & older adults, advanced medical & psychiatric care for children, and integrative management of complicated psychiatric cases.
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Program:
On a full-time basis, most students complete this program within three semesters.
Admission Requirements:
To be eligible for admission, you must have an MSN and an APRN certification. In addition, you must submit two letters of recommendation, a resume, a statement of purpose, and official transcripts. The school also requires you to have one to two years of nursing experience in psychiatric mental health.
Program Length:
12 Months
Program Details:
Liberty University’s online 1-year PMHNP program helps you expand on your existing graduate nursing education without spending a lot of time in school. The 100% online certificate program offers courses in an 8-week format. Being rooted in Christan values, here, education prepares you to tend to the emotional and spiritual needs of patients.
Besides, here, you’ll graduate without burning a hole in your pocket as the school offers high-quality, affordable PMHNP education. The training you obtain, prepares you for a variety of settings, including behavioral health clinics, correctional facilities, hospitals, mental health agencies, veteran psychiatric facilities, and inpatient & outpatient psychiatric facilities.
Coursework:
Leading to the PMHNP certification, this coursework comprises 17 credits. The curriculum makes you proficient in important topics of neurobiology & differential diagnosis of mental disorders, clinical psychopharmacology, psychotherapeutic theories, framework & modalities, and psychiatric mental health advanced practice nursing. This 1-year PMHNP online program is offered thrice a year in the fall, spring, and summer.
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Program:
You can complete your PMHNP education within as little as three semesters.
Admission Requirements:
To qualify for this program, you must have a BSN, MSN, or DNP. Also, your GPA must be at least 3.0. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must submit your official transcripts, a current RN license, and an active APRN licensure.
Program Length:
12 Months
Program Details:
If you are searching for one of the best online 1-year PMHNP programs in MA, then Regis College’s certificate program, leading to the PMHNP certification, can be a befitting choice. Meant for NPs with a master's degree, this certificate program is 100% online and therefore easily fits into the lives of busy advanced practice nurses. Being grounded in faith-based values, the program emphasizes holistic patient care. Aside from this, the industry-aligned curriculum not only equips you with the most relevant skill set but also enhances leadership qualities to positively influence mental health among diverse patient populations.
Coursework:
The coursework requires the completion of a minimum of 22 credits. You’ll learn about the theory & practice of contemporary psychotherapies, advanced psychopharmacology, and the primary care of psychiatric mental health patients. The coursework is offered thrice a year in spring, fall, and summer semesters.
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Program:
You can complete this program within 12 months, provided you already have an NP specialization.
Admission Requirements:
Similar to other 1-year PMHNP programs online, to qualify for admission, you must have at least an MSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, because this is a short program, you should have already completed the required advanced practice nursing courses. Besides, you must possess an NP certification. In addition, the program requires you to have an active and unencumbered RN license. You must also be prepared to submit your current resume, a statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation.
14. National University - San Diego, CA
Program Length:
12 Months (MSN) and 12 Months (Post-Graduate Certificate)
Program Details:
National University offers two online 12-month PMHNP programs that can be entered either after your undergraduate or graduate nursing education. So, if you are an RN with a BSN, you can enter the MSN, alternatively, for APRNs with a graduate nursing degree, there is a certificate program on offer. Regardless of the 1-year psychiatric nurse practitioner program you enter, you’ll gain proficiency in the treatment of mental health diseases in hardly any time.
Coursework:
The MSN coursework includes core MSN courses as well as PMHNP-specific coursework, whereas the certificate program mainly centers on psychiatric mental healthcare. Some of the courses that are common to both programs include psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and mental health care of patients across the lifespan.
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Program:
Both, the MSN, as well as the certificate program can be completed within 12 months, provided you enroll full-time.
Admission Requirements:
To qualify for the MSN, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. On the other hand, the certificate program requires you to have completed either an MSN or a DNP. In addition, both programs require you to possess an active and unencumbered RN license. Also, if you are applying to the certificate program, then you also possess a valid APRN license. The other requirements for admission include submission of your official transcripts, a resume, a personal goal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Program Length:
12 Months
Program Details:
When considering the best 1-year PMHNP online programs in NM, you cannot miss out on New Mexico State University’s certificate-PMHNP program. The program is not only one of the quickest routes to earn the PMHNP certification, but also one of the most affordable. By completing this program, you’ll be able to broaden your advanced practice skillset and therefore position yourself as a valuable caregiver in the advanced practice nursing field.
Coursework:
The curriculum comprises 18 credits in PMHNP courses. The four competencies that form a framework of your PMHNP certificate program include advanced health assessment, diagnosis of mental disorders, psychotherapy, and medication management.
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Program:
The program takes one year to complete.
Admission Requirements:
To be considered for this 1-year psych NP online program, you must have an MSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, you are required to possess an active RN as well as APRN licensure. In addition, you are required to make submissions, including your transcripts, a resume, and a personal goal statement.
Program Length:
12 Months
Program Details:
If you can leverage your graduate nursing education to become a leader in psychiatric mental health, then why wouldn't you want to put it to good use? Well, not only that, you can do this rather quickly and through flexible online classes at York College of Pennsylvania. Among the best 1-year PMHNP programs online, the college’s certificate- PMHNP program starts six times a year, so you can begin your training whenever convenient. Further, here, you’ll obtain proficiency without burning a hole in your pocket, as the program’s tuition costs are quite affordable, more so for students coming from partner healthcare institutions.
Coursework:
The coursework is tailored to suit your specific academic needs. Therefore the exact number of credits that you must complete will be based on a gap analysis of your previous transcripts. Regardless of the credits, the topics you’ll learn include psychopharmacology across the lifespan, advanced diagnosis, and psychotherapeutic treatment modalities in special populations.
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Program:
You’ll be able to graduate within as little as 12 months.
Admission Requirements:
The 1-year online psych NP program is open to APRNs, who have either an MSN or a DNP from an accredited university. In addition, you’ll require having an RN and APRN licensure. The program also requires you to submit your official transcripts, a resume, and letters of recommendation.
Program Length:
3 Semesters
Program Details:
If you have the heart to care for mental health patients, then enrolling in one of the best online 1-year PMHNP programs will equip you with the professional training to enter the highly rewarding field of mental healthcare in no time. Winona State University’s certificate-PMHNP program can prove to be a perfect stepping stone to a career as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Offered in a hybrid format, the program offers a fine blend of online and on-campus classes. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to take the PMHNP certification exam.
Coursework:
This is a 24-credit coursework that consists of 600 hours of clinical training. The required courses that you’ll complete mainly include psychopharmacology, psychopathologic disorders across the lifespan, psychiatric assessment, evidence-based treatments, and advanced practice nursing in psychiatric mental health.
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Program:
You can complete this program within as little as three semesters.
Admission Requirements:
To qualify for admission, you must have an MSN or DNP from an accredited university. In addition, this online 1-year PMHNP program requires you to have completed advanced practice courses, including pathophysiology, health assessment, health promotion, and pharmacology. Besides, you are required to submit your official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a resume. Also, you must have at least one relevant nursing work experience.
Program Length:
3 Semesters
Program Details:
There is no better time to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner than now! Well, if you’ve been thinking of expanding your nursing career in this field, then you need not wait any further as Rivier University’s 1-year PMHNP online program can make you eligible for the PMHNP certification within as little as three semesters. Further, with flexible online coursework and only three weekends on campus, this certificate-PMHNP program easily fits into your life as a full-time working nurse.
Coursework:
The minimum credits required to complete this program as quickly as possible will be only 19 credits. However, the exact graduation requirements depend on the previously completed courses. The curriculum mainly focuses on psychopharmacology and advanced psychiatric nursing theory.
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Program:
To complete the program, you’ll require investing in three full-time semesters of study.
Admission Requirements:
To be considered for this 1-year psychiatric nurse practitioner program, you must have an MSN or a DNP. Also, you must be certified in an advanced practice area of nursing. The program also requires you to have an active RN license as well as an APRN licensure. In addition, you must submit your official transcripts, a resume, and a personal goal statement.
Program Length:
3 Semesters
Program Details:
Among our featured online 12-month PMHNP programs is the PMHNP certificate program offered by Mount Carmel College of Nursing. Within a close-knit learning environment, this program prepares you for the national PMHNP certification exam in a very short time. The program offers didactic courses through the online format and requires you to attend in-person sessions only for intensives.
Coursework:
This certificate program comprises 23 credits and includes 500 hours of clinical practice. You’ll mainly learn about psychopharmacology and the assessment & management of mental health disorders. The program is offered twice a year in summer and fall.
How Long Does It Take To Complete This Program:
You’ll be able to graduate within as little as three semesters.
Admission Requirements:
This 1-year PMHNP program is ideal for certified APRNs who either have an MSN or a DNP. In addition, your GPA must be at least 3.0. The school also requires you to submit your official transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Also, you must possess an active and unencumbered RN license.
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