13 Best Accelerated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs For Non-Nurses (Online & Campus-Based)
Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Are you a college graduate with a non-nursing bachelor's degree? Do you enjoy learning about mental health and wellness and wish you could transition your career to a field dedicated to your interests? If so, a career as a psychiatric nurse practitioner is an excellent option worth considering. Perhaps you have heard of psychiatric nurse practitioners or even thought of becoming one but feel the time commitment to earn this type of degree is too great.
If I told you there are options to earn your degree and become a nurse practitioner specializing in mental health in less time, would you be interested? Maybe you heard of fast-track nursing degrees and wondered, "What are the best accelerated PMHNP programs for non-nurses?” In this article, you will find the answer to that question as I share with you the 13 best accelerated (campus-based and online) psychiatric nurse practitioner programs for non-nurses in the nation. As you continue reading, you will learn about the top programs and find information about admissions, curriculum, and practical training. You will also learn about income potential and job outlook for program graduates to help you decide if this is a career path you wish to pursue.
What Exactly is the Goal of an Accelerated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program for Non-Nurses?
The goal of an accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner program for non-nurses is to give individuals with a degree in a field other than nursing the chance to earn a graduate nursing degree in a quick time and become psychiatric nurse practitioners. The programs offer a transition to nursing by providing a foundation in nursing theory and concepts, followed by in-depth instruction in advanced nursing and psychiatric specialty coursework and clinical training. Program goals include preparing students to advance and transform psychiatric care through research and education and to become advocates for psychiatric nursing leadership.
3 Main Advantages of Accelerated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs for Non-Nurses
I recommend weighing the pros and cons before committing to any degree program. By doing so, you can decide if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and choose a program that fits your goals and needs. While there are many advantages to accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner programs for non-nurses, the following are three of the main ones.
ADVANTAGE #1: You Can Earn a Graduate Degree in Less Time
One of the main advantages of accelerated PMHNP programs for non-nurses is you can earn a graduate degree in less time by leveraging your previous bachelor's degree. When you apply for admission to one of these specialized programs, admission teams review your previous college transcripts to determine how many transferable credits you have. With a non-nursing bachelor's, some, if not all, your prerequisites may already be complete, which could save you a year or longer in earning your degree.
ADVANTAGE #2: You Can Make a Difference in Others’ Lives
I believe one of the biggest advantages of being a psychiatric nurse practitioner is that what you do can impact others’ lives in a big way. The knowledge and skills you gain in an accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner program for non-nurses will prepare you to provide care to individuals, groups, and families with diverse psychiatric mental health needs. You can not only diagnose and treat psychiatric health issues but also leverage what you know to advocate for clients, communities, and the psychiatric profession.
ADVANTAGE #3: You Will Work in a Role with Long-Term Job Security
The American Psychiatric Nurses Association and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners report a critical shortage of mental health professionals, including psychiatric nurses, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists. The shortage of providers, coupled with society's growing interest in and understanding of the importance of mental health care, indicates excellent potential for finding good jobs with long-term security.
What are the Best Accelerated (Campus-Based and Online) Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs for Non-Nurses in the Nation?
(Based on our
Ranking Methodology, the following are the 13 best accelerated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner programs for non-nurses. The following list includes both (Campus-Based and Online) programs. These programs are for students with a degree in a non-nursing field.)
Specialty Offered: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 6 Semesters
Program Details: If you are searching for one of the best accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner programs for non-nurses in the nation and you live within commuting distance of Nashville, you need to look no further than Vanderbilt University. The program has two start dates each year in the fall and spring and features a hybrid format combining classroom and online didactic courses, laboratory simulation training, and preceptor-supervised, in-person clinicals.
Although the first year of the program must be completed on a full-time basis, after completing the first year of required courses, you may choose to stay enrolled full-time or transition to part-time studies. All students follow a pre-determined program of study.
The first pre-specialty year of the program is designed to help you transition from a non-nursing background and develop a nursing foundation. In addition to a rigorous didactic curriculum, the pre-specialty year also includes at least 780 hours of clinical practicum.
After completing all pre-specialty coursework, you will complete an additional 41 credits to earn the MSN in the PMHNP specialty. The rich
curriculum plan features classes, including Psychopharmacology, Diagnostic Reasoning for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Population-Based Mental Health Across the Lifespan, and Evidence-Based Change in Healthcare Environments.
At Vanderbilt, your specialty director will work with you to match you with appropriate clinical sites and preceptors. Clinicals for the PMHNP specialty begin in the first semester of the nursing program. You will complete a minimum of 620 clinical hours.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner program for non-nurses at Vanderbilt in as few as six semesters.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the accelerated PMHNP program for non-nurses at Vanderbilt, you must hold a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college/university. To begin the application process, you will create a student file in the admissions system, where you will upload the required documents.
All candidates must provide official transcripts from any post-secondary school they attended, regardless of whether a degree was earned. A minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or higher is required. Additional required documentation includes a Statement of Purpose, three to five letters of professional or academic recommendation, and written answers to admission questions. You must have successfully completed 11 hours of Natural Science coursework within the previous five years. Natural Science coursework must include courses in Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Statistics, and Developmental Psychology.
Why Choose Vanderbilt University Accelerated PMHNP
• Vanderbilt University is home to one of the nation’s first Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs and has paved the way for advanced psychiatric nursing education.
• You will learn from doctoral-prepared faculty who remain clinically active and who are dedicated to preparing you for practice as a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
• The university offers low faculty-to-student ratios, providing you with personalized attention and mentorship to help promote your success.
Specialty Offered: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 3 years
Program Details: Another of the best accelerated PMHNP programs for non-nurses can be found at the University of California in San Francisco. The program features a rich curriculum plan, which includes synchronous classroom learning, asynchronous online classes, clinical practicums, fieldwork, and a residency.
The first year of the program, known as the master's entry or pre-specialty year, is dedicated to concentrated study leading to RN licensure. In this year, you will complete 68.5 units of credit. The pre-specialty year's curriculum includes classes such as Sociocultural Issues in Health and Illness, Effective Communication, and Pathophysiology. The final two years of the program include master 's-level nursing and specialty training.
In this program, you will complete more than 1,100 hours of clinical training. Clinicals are arranged by university faculty. Your clinicals may occur in some of the country’s top medical centers, including the UCSF Hellen Diller Medical Center, Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente, and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner program for non-nurses at the University of California – San Francisco is formatted for completion in three years.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the program at UCSF, you must have a non-nursing baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. You must complete the first pre-specialty year and pass the NCLEX-RN before declaring PMHNP as your specialty and matriculating into the second year of the program.
You must submit official transcripts from any college or university you attended and have a minimum college GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. All candidates must complete a college-level statistics course within five years of matriculating to the nursing program (your second year). Further, you must provide a Goal Statement, four nominated recommendations, and a current resume or curriculum vitae. Some candidates are asked to participate in an admission interview, as well.
Why Choose University of California-San Francisco Accelerated PMHNP
• At UCSF, you will have opportunities to work with renowned faculty with a history of dedication to student success.
• The University of California- San Francisco offers state-of-the-art simulation labs within area teaching hospitals and clinical settings.
• The university reports high retention and student satisfaction rates.
Specialty Offered: Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 3 years
Program Details: Another of the nation’s best accelerated PMHNP programs for non-nurses can be found at Yale School of Nursing. The program admits students once each year in the fall semester.
At Yale, you will participate in classroom instruction, in-person clinical practicums, and clinical seminars designed to give you a rich learning experience. Upon entry into the specialty program, you will complete 52.5 credits in classes such as Psychopharmacologic Interventions, Psychopathology Diagnosis and Clinical Reasoning, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Psychotherapeutic Interventions: Application and Special Populations.
The program also includes
802 clinical hours and 120 clinical seminar hours. Clinicals begin in the first semester of the specialty year and continue each semester until graduation. The lifespan approach of the clinical component means you will have experiences with patients of all ages across the lifespan. Clinicals are completed in a variety of healthcare facilities, including emergency psychiatric services, private practices, acute and long-term care facilities, and community mental health centers. Program faculty oversee and approve clinical sites and preceptors to ensure you have a balance of rich experiences caring for diverse populations in multiple settings.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The program at Yale School of Nursing is designed to be completed in three years.
Admission Requirements: To be accepted to the accelerated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program for non-nurses at Yale School of Nursing, you must meet the following criteria. You must hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree from an accredited post-secondary institution. A minimum bachelor's grade point average of 3.0 is preferred. However, if your GPA is less than 3.0, you may apply with acceptable GRE scores.
You must provide a current resume or curriculum vitae, three letters of professional recommendation, and official transcripts from any college or university you have attended. Additionally, you must submit a personal essay and three short-answer essays.
Why Choose Yale University Accelerated PMHNP
• Program faculty actively practice in various mental health settings, including community mental health centers, federally qualified health facilities, and private practices. Their rich and diverse experiences mean you will have access to the most current research and knowledge associated with psychiatric health care.
•
U.S. News ranks Yale University in its Best Nursing School: Doctor of Nursing Practice category.
• As a student in the program at Yale, you will have access to state-of-the-art learning facilities designed to prepare you for academic and professional success.
Specialty Offered: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 3 years
Program Details: At Ohio State University, you will find another top accelerated PMHNP program for non-nurses. The program admits students once per year in the summer semester, features a hybrid mix of in-person and online learning, and is designed for full-time study.
The curriculum includes pre-licensure, MSN, and specialty coursework, as well as rich clinical experiences. The first year of pre-licensure coursework prepares you with a foundation in nursing theory, leading to taking the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as a registered nurse.
MS and Specialty core courses help you delve deeper into graduate-level nursing and integrate advanced clinical experiences. You will learn in classes such as Neuroscience Principles and Concepts, Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan, and Advanced Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing.
In addition to studying advanced specialty topics such as Neuroscience Principles and Concepts and Advanced Practice Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, the program offers a broad range of clinical experiences. Under the direction of dedicated program faculty and PMHNP and psychiatrist clinical preceptors, you will complete 600 clinical hours. To ease the burden of some program responsibilities, program faculty arrange clinical sites and preceptors for you.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: If you pursue the accelerated PMHNP program for non-nurses at Ohio State University, you can anticipate graduating in three years.
Admission Requirements: If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA from your last degree, and have completed all prerequisite coursework, you are eligible to apply for the accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner program for non-nurses at OSU. The first step is to complete an online application. After submitting your application, you will be asked to provide all college or university transcripts, a curriculum vitae or resume, a Purpose and Goals Statement, and three letters of academic or professional recommendation. Finally, you must complete a recorded online video interview.
Why Choose Ohio State University Accelerated PMHNP
• Ohio State University’s College of Nursing is ranked by
U.S. News as one of the top schools in the country for Master’s Nursing Education.
• OSU reports graduates of the program have outstanding pass rates on certification exams among first-time testers.
• The university offers career counseling and job placement services to help you prepare for and find employment as a PMHNP after graduation.
Specialty Offered: Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program (PMHNP)
Program Length: 3 Years
Program Details: The University of Texas at Austin is home to another excellent accelerated PMHNP program for non-nursing degree holders. The psychiatric nurse practitioner program admits students once per year in the summer semester and is designed for campus-based learning. The first year of the program requires full-time attendance. Beginning in the second year, you have the option of enrolling part-time or full-time.
Entering the Advanced Entry MSN-Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree requires you to complete 86 total credits. The first year of the program is dedicated to foundational courses, preparing you to transition to advanced nursing education. During that year, you will earn 38 credits. After completing your foundation courses, you will complete an additional 48 credits, which will come from core and concentration courses.
This specialized program includes more than 1,300 clinical hours. Clinical placements are arranged by program faculty and tailored to meet the goals of the PMHNP program. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be eligible to test for national certification as a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner program for non-nurses is designed to be completed in three years if you pursue the degree full-time. However, after the first foundation year, part-time study is an option.
Admission Requirements: Admission to the accelerated PMHNP program for non-nurses at the University of Texas at Austin is competitive. The school accepts applications from August to October and admits a new cohort of approximately 60 students the summer following the close of applications.
To be considered, you must first complete an electronic graduate admission application. All candidates must provide official transcripts from each post-secondary school attended and have an upper-level (junior and senior year) cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. You must provide a Statement of Purpose, official GRE scores, and three recommendations. You must also submit a curriculum vitae indicating your educational background, professional and volunteer experience, and any other relevant information, such as scholarships, awards, community activities, and publications.
Why Choose University of Texas at Austin Accelerated PMHNP
• The University of Texas at Austin was ranked by
U.S. News as one of the Best Grad Schools in its Nursing Master’s Degree category for 2023.
• At the University of Texas-Austin, you will have dedicated faculty and clinical advisors to mentor you through the program.
• The university boasts more than 100 program faculty who are Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing, the Society of Behavioral Medicine, and other top nursing organizations.
Specialty Offered: Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 3 Years
Program Details: The University of Rochester is home to one of our featured accelerated PMHNP online programs for non-nurses. The program admits students three times each academic year in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Upon acceptance, you will be admitted to both the 12-month ABSN (accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and Master’s Nurse Practitioner programs.
In the first 12 months known as the ABSN year, you will complete 49 credits and participate in more than 700 clinical hours. Classes are held on campus, and clinicals are completed at the University of Rochester Medical Center. After completing the first year, you will earn a BSN and sit for the NCLEX-RN. You will then matriculate to the MSN component of the accelerated PHMNP program.
Coursework for the master's component of the PMHNP program is offered exclusively online, apart from two short on-site intensive sessions and in-person clinicals. With a hybrid model of synchronous and asynchronous classes that blends hands-on laboratory and clinical experiences, you will gain all the skills needed to prepare for the transition to a new career path as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The
54-credit hour program features classes, including Individual Psychotherapy Across the Lifespan, Pathophysiology and Psychopharmacology of Mental Health Disorders, Theoretical Frameworks for Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Practice, and Psychopathology and Psychiatric Assessment and Diagnosis Across the Lifespan.
In addition to professional core and specialty classes, you will take three clinical courses which have corresponding clinical practicums. By the time you graduate from this accelerated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program for non-nurses, you will have completed more than 600 clinical practice hours. With clinical sites and preceptors arranged by program faculty, you can expect quality clinical experiences with qualified mentors.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: At the University of Rochester, the accelerated PMHNP program is designed to be completed in three years, including summer sessions.
Admission Requirements: Admission to the program at the University of Rochester is contingent upon having a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field with a minimum college GPA of 3.0. Because admission to the program is highly competitive, previous healthcare experience on a professional or volunteer basis is required.
To begin the application process, you must first create an online account. Once your account is created, you may complete the application and upload the required documents. You must provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended, two letters of professional or academic recommendation, and a current resume or curriculum vitae. Additionally, as part of the application, you must answer a list of short-answer questions. Some candidates are asked to participate in an interview with the Admissions Review Committee.
Why Choose University of Rochester Accelerated PMHNP
• The University of Rochester has offered accelerated nursing programs for more than 20 years and has graduated approximately 4,000 students into the nursing profession. As a student in the university’s program, you can benefit from its long history of educating successful nursing professionals.
• The University is ranked by
U.S. News in its Best Nursing Schools: U.S., Best Nursing Schools: Masters, and Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice categories!
• At the University of Rochester, you can take advantage of the Center for Lifelong Learning, where you will have access to continuing education and professional development opportunities both as a student and a graduate of the program.
Specialty Offered: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 4 years (11 Semesters)
Program Details: At Boston College, you will find another of the nation’s best accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner programs for non-nurses. The program admits students in the fall semester of each academic year.
The PMHNP program for non-nurses is a Direct-Entry DNP pathway. The
curriculum is divided into two components: the Advanced Generalist MSN and DNP. Upon acceptance, you will complete between 58 and 61 credits, earning the Advanced Generalists Master of Science in Nursing degree and be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. Then, you will complete 46 credits of doctoral-level coursework specializing in advanced psychiatric nursing care.
As a student at Boston College, you will work with actors and high-fidelity mannequins in the simulation lab to learn practice skills to prepare for clinical practicums. The college has clinical partnerships with top hospitals and healthcare facilities where you will gain at least 1,000 hours of hands-on clinical practice providing direct psychiatric patient care. Program directors and clinical experience faculty work with you to secure clinical placements and preceptors relevant to the PMHNP specialty.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The accelerated PMHNP program for non-nurses at Boston College can be completed in four years. You will complete the Advanced Generalist MSN in five semesters and the DNP component in the following six semesters.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the program offered at Boston College, you must have a baccalaureate degree or higher in a non-nursing field from an accredited college or university. Candidates must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 and complete all prerequisite courses. Along with your completed application, you must provide a Goal Statement, a CV or resume, two letters of recommendation, and copies of all official transcripts from post-secondary schools you attended.
Why Choose Boston College Accelerated PMHNP
• Graduates of the accelerated PMHNP program for non-nurses at Boston College have excellent employment rates following graduation, with most finding jobs within six months of completing the program.
• Boston College has clinical partnerships with some of the nation’s top hospitals, such as the Longwood Medical Center. These partnerships mean you will have quality clinical experiences to prepare you for practice as a PMHNP.
• Graduates of the Boston College School of Nursing work in some of the nation's top medical institutions, including Oklahoma Children's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Children's National Medical Center, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Specialty Offered: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 8 Semesters
Program Details: At Northeastern University, you will find another excellent accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner program for non-nurses. This Direct-Entry MSN option for becoming a psychiatric NP is a campus-based program that awards both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing degree. The program admits students in the fall and spring of each academic year and is delivered in a hybrid format that combines a blend of synchronous and asynchronous classroom and online instruction, intensive laboratory experiences, and in-person clinicals.
The pre-licensure first segment of the program consists of 64 credit hours. Upon completion of this segment, a BSN will be conferred, and you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. After becoming licensed, you must obtain employment as a registered nurse and take two online transition to practice courses. Upon completion of the transition to practice courses, you will enroll in the MSN specialty track, which requires
43 additional credits.
With an extensive network of clinical affiliate partnerships, expert preceptors, and dedicated clinical faculty, your learning extends beyond the classroom to the clinical setting. You will gain more than 600 clinical hours in behavioral and mental health settings, including major teaching hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The accelerated PMHNP program for non-nurses at Northeastern University is formatted to be completed in eight semesters of full-time study.
Admission Requirements: With a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts non-nursing degree, you can apply for admission to the accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner program at Northeastern. Viable candidates have a minimum college GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and complete all prerequisites. Science prerequisites must have a grade of “C” or higher. You must submit one academic and one professional letter of recommendation and a Personal Goals Statement. Although not required for admission to the pre-licensure component, candidates with volunteer or paid experience in patient care are preferred.
Why Choose Northeastern University Accelerated PMHNP
• Northeastern University is consistently ranked among the nation’s top nursing schools by
U.S. News.
• Students in the accelerated PMHNP program at Northeastern have excellent national certification examination pass rates.
• Most graduates of the PMHNP accelerated program report being employed as psychiatric NPs within six months of completing the program. Some students secure employment offers while still enrolled, contingent upon passing their certification exams.
Specialty Offered: Psychiatric/Mental Health Lifespan Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 3 Years
Program Details: Another of the nation’s best accelerated PMHNP programs for non-nurses is offered at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. The program, which is designed for full-time study, admits students once per year in the fall. Classes are a blend of in-person and online theory as well as campus-based lab sessions and in-person clinicals.
The PMHNP accelerated program features a
91-credit curriculum. The first year of the program consists of pre-licensure, foundation courses, such as Pathophysiology, Nursing Process and Critical Thinking, and Common Adult Health Problems and Clinical Judgment. The second year of the program transitions to advanced specialty coursework and clinical practicums.
Track coordinators and course faculty work with the clinical education office to assign clinical placements and preceptors. By the time you graduate from the program, you will have completed a minimum of 650 clinical practicum hours.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner program for non-nurses at MGH Institute of Health Professions is a three-year program.
Admission Requirements: Admission to the accelerated PMHNP program for non-nurses requires having a bachelor’s degree earned at an accredited college or university. In addition to a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you must complete the prerequisite requirements, earning a “C+” or higher grade for each prerequisite course. Candidates with a college GPA of 3.0 or higher are preferred. You must also provide two letters of recommendation and prepare and submit a Personal Statement.
Why Choose MGH Institute of Health Professions Accelerated PMHNP
• MGH Institute of Health Professions offers a low faculty-to-student ratio, which means more individualized attention to help you succeed in the program.
• The master’s nursing program at MGH is ranked as one of the best in the Best Grad Schools: Nursing Master’s degree program by
U.S. News & World Report.
• You will benefit from the school’s partnerships with over 600 clinical sites, where you will complete clinicals and prepare for your new role as a PMHNP.
Specialty Offered: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 4 Years
Program Details: If you are a baccalaureate degree holder interested in earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, the University of Massachusetts Medical School has an excellent option! The accelerated PMHNP for non-nurses is a full-time, graduate-entry program. Students are admitted to the program in the fall semester each year.
The program is a course-heavy,
121-credit pathway consisting of classroom and online didactic courses, lab intensive sessions, and clinical practicum experiences. You will earn 50 credits in the first year, known as the graduate-entry year. This phase of the program introduces you to introductory courses and clinicals designed to help you transition from a non-nursing role to the role of a registered nurse. The remaining 71 credits are earned in the second through fourth years of the specialty program. You will take classes, including Analytical Foundations for Practice Inquiry, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: Care of Children, Adolescents, and Families, and Clinical Psychopharmacology.
In compliance with guidelines established by
The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice, the program includes a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. The university’s clinical placement faculty arrange clinical sites and preceptors to ensure you have adequate experiences to prepare for your role as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The accelerated graduate entry PMHNP program is a four-year program. The program is 11 consecutive semesters, including three summer sessions.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the accelerated PMHNP program for non-nurses at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, you must have a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing earned at an accredited post-secondary institution. All candidates must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0. Students with higher GPAs are given preferential consideration. You must complete all prerequisites, including Anatomy and Physiology I & II with lab, Microbiology with lab, Nutrition, and Human Growth and Development. You must also take a Statistics course and pass with a minimum B-. Required documentation includes two letters of professional or academic recommendation and a Personal Statement.
Why Choose University of Massachusetts Medical School Accelerated PMHNP
• As a student at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, you will have access to a world-class medical school featuring a diverse professional learning environment and
a state-of-the-art simulation center.
• The program has a low student-to-teacher ratio, which means individualized attention to help guide you through the program.
• You will learn from program faculty who are clinically active Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and professional leaders.
Specialty Offered: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 3 Years
Program Details: The University of Hawaii at Manoa is home to another featured accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner program for non-nurses. The program begins in the fall of each year, features a full-time cohort model, and culminates by conferring a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree upon completion.
The specialized PMHNP program consists of a three-semester pre-licensure curriculum. After completion of the pre-licensure year, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX to obtain your RN license and will transfer to the DNP component of the accelerated PMHNP program for non-nurses.
In the DNP-PMHNP program, you will earn 74 credits, which come from core advanced nursing courses and psychiatric mental health specialty courses. The curriculum includes a special focus on individual, group, and family psychotherapy, psychotropic medication management, care coordination and consultation, and crisis intervention.
This program includes
810 hours of supervised clinical practicum in diverse psychiatric/mental health settings, caring for patients across the lifespan. Additionally, you will complete 225 supervised hours dedicated to a DNP Scholarly Project.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the accelerated PMHNP program for non-nurses at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in three years.
Admission Requirements: Applying to the program offered at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is a two-step process. You must first apply to the university's graduate division and select DNP in Nursing Practice as your planned course of study. Then, you must apply to Nursing’s Central Application Service (NCAS), selecting DNP-Psychiatric Mental Health Track for Applicants with a Baccalaureate degree.
Why Choose University of Hawaii at Manoa Accelerated PMHNP
• The University of Hawaii at Manoa has a long history of educating advanced practice nurses, making it an excellent choice of schools where you can earn your MSN and prepare to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
• The university has a state-of-the-art simulation center where you will learn hands-on skills before transitioning to clinicals.
• At UH-M, you will learn from doctoral-prepared faculty and highly qualified psychiatric nurse practitioner and psychiatrist preceptors.
Specialty Offered: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Program Length: 3 Years
Program Details: The accelerated PMHNP program for non-nurses at Azusa Pacific University is another excellent choice for anyone desiring to transition their career to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner. The program has three start dates each year in spring, summer, and fall.
The first four semesters of the program are designed in an intensive cohort model with full-time enrollment required. This portion of the program is the prelicensure component, which requires the completion of
69 units of credit and a clinical residency.
After completing the pre-licensure portion of the accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner program, you will transition to advanced practice coursework, completing
56 additional credits and specialty-relevant clinicals. Theory and clinical courses focus on assessment of the psychiatric patient, planning interventions, and individual, family, and group therapy.
Under the supervision of program faculty and approved preceptors, you will complete at least 600 clinical hours in various psychiatric health settings, including psychiatric inpatient units, emergency departments, community and public health facilities, and hospitals. The program director and clinical faculty arrange clinical sites and preceptors.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner program for non-nurses at Azusa Pacific University is a three-year program.
Admission Requirements: Admission requirements for Azusa Pacific’s graduate program must be met before being accepted into the accelerated PMHNP program for non-nurses. Your first step is to complete a graduate application for admission and pay the $45 application fee.
You must provide official transcripts from any school where you earned credit for your non-nursing bachelor's degree and any post-baccalaureate study. A cumulative bachelor's GPA of 3.0 is required for admission. In some cases, provisional admittance may be granted to candidates with a lower GPA, if other measures of competency are shown. Admission to the nursing program requires completion of all prerequisite coursework with a grade of "C" or better. You must provide two recommendations, a Personal Statement and a resume or statement of experience.
Why Choose Azusa Pacific University Accelerated PMHNP
• Azusa Pacific University has highly experienced faculty dedicated to your success in the program.
• The university is ranked by
U.S. News as one of the Best Nursing Schools in the Master’s Nursing category of its review.
• The university reports graduates of the accelerated PMHNP program for non-nurses have excellent national certification exam pass rates.
Specialty Offered: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 4 years
Program Details: Seattle University’s accelerated PMHNP program for non-nurses is another of the best programs in the nation. The program offers a special approach to psychiatric care focused on integrating addictions and mental health treatment in diverse healthcare settings. Classes begin three times each year, in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. The program is formatted to include classroom and online learning and rich clinical practicum experiences.
The program begins with the prelicensure phase, a five-quarter component, consisting of 67 credits and 600 clinical hours. In this phase, you will learn foundational concepts for nursing practice and prepare to take the licensing exam.
After obtaining your RN license, you will transition to the DNP component of the accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner program for non-nurses. This component of the program includes 148 more credits and requires participating in at least 400 additional clinical hours. The program features a rich curriculum with classes, including Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders and Addictions, Motivational Interviewing Theory and Practice, and Psychopharmacology and Complementary Therapeutics.
The university promotes strong clinical preparation by arranging clinical practicum sites and preceptors qualified to help you succeed. You will complete clinicals in hospitals, long-term care facilities, community-based mental health facilities, and other sites as determined by the program director. By the time you graduate, you will have more than 1,000 hours of clinical practice experience.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The accelerated psychiatric NP program for non-nurses at Seattle University takes four years to complete.
Admission Requirements: Candidates for admission to the accelerated PMHNP program for non-nurses at Seattle University must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a 3.0 or higher GPA on the most recent 90 quarter or 60-semester credits. You must provide a letter of intent describing your motivation for applying to the program and why you hope to transition your career to become a PMHNP. Additionally, you must provide a resume detailing your education and work experience and two letters of recommendation.
Why Choose Seattle University Accelerated PMHNP
• Seattle University reports high retention rates among students in the program, which indicates student satisfaction and success.
• As a student at Seattle University, you will have an academic advisor who works with you from the time you are admitted to the program until graduation, ensuring you have all the resources and support needed to succeed.
• Graduates of the program have excellent employment rates, with most finding jobs within three to six months of completing the program.
VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY
What Starting Salary Can New Graduates of These Programs Expect to Earn?
The starting salary of new graduates of accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner programs for non-nurses is $87,340 per year. This pay is the equivalent of $7,280 per month, $1,680 per week, or $41.99 per hour.
Hourly | $41.99 |
Weekly | $1,680 |
Monthly | $7,280 |
Annual | $87,340 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
What is the Average Salary for Experienced Graduates of These Programs?
Experienced graduates of accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner programs for non-nurses earn generous salaries. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates earn an average of $124,680 annually, which equals $59.94 per hour, $2,398 per week, or $10,390 per month.
Hourly | $59.94 |
Weekly | $2,398 |
Monthly | $10,390 |
Annual | $124,680 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Average Salary by State for Experienced Graduates of These Programs
The average earning for experienced graduates of accelerated PMHNP programs for non-nurses varies. In states where the cost of living is higher, and the demand for services is greater, earning potential is usually higher. For example, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and California offer some of the highest salaries for graduates of these programs, ranging from $131,270 to $158,130. In states with less demand and lower cost of living, earning potential is typically less. For instance, program graduates with experience in Tennessee, Alabama, and West Virginia earn between $99,330 and $106,790 annually.
State | Average Annual Salary |
Alabama | $106,610 |
Alaska | $116,390 |
Arizona | $121,410 |
Arkansas | $107,110 |
California | $158,130 |
Colorado | $116,440 |
Connecticut | $131,490 |
Delaware | $120,570 |
District of Columbia | $131,270 |
Florida | $110,310 |
Georgia | $115,440 |
Hawaii | $128,310 |
Idaho | $117,720 |
Illinois | $122,310 |
Indiana | $121,730 |
Iowa | $128,180 |
Kansas | $111,670 |
Kentucky | $109,290 |
Louisiana | $118,210 |
Maine | $118,300 |
Maryland | $119,650 |
Massachusetts | $138,700 |
Michigan | $113,780 |
Minnesota | $128,160 |
Mississippi | $117,260 |
Missouri | $113,180 |
Montana | $119,960 |
Nebraska | $118,970 |
Nevada | $136,230 |
New Hampshire | $125,780 |
New Jersey | $143,250 |
New Mexico | $129,560 |
New York | $141,470 |
North Carolina | $114,450 |
North Dakota | $113,940 |
Ohio | $117,440 |
Oklahoma | $121,740 |
Oregon | $136,250 |
Pennsylvania | $120,550 |
Rhode Island | $125,250 |
South Carolina | $109,130 |
South Dakota | $115,610 |
Tennessee | $99,330 |
Texas | $124,660 |
Utah | $115,610 |
Vermont | $116,610 |
Virginia | $116,980 |
Washington | $135,590 |
West Virginia | $106,790 |
Wisconsin | $121,210 |
Wyoming | $115,230 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
10-Year Job Outlook for Graduates of These Programs
The job outlook for graduates of accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner programs for non-nurses is very promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for the industry of this classification of nurse practitioners will see an increase of approximately 45.68% between 2021 and 2031, which is much faster than all other jobs.
2021-31 |
+45.68% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
My Final Thoughts
If you are a college graduate with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree desiring to change professions and become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you know there is so much to consider. If you are like me and many other professionals, you want to find an option that does not take several years to achieve. In that case, you probably ask if there are fast-track programs, and if so, “What are the best accelerated PMHNP programs for non-nurses?”
I understand how difficult choosing a degree program can be. In this article, I have tried to help rid you of some of the guesswork by sharing the 13 best accelerated (campus-based and online) psychiatric nurse practitioner programs for non-nurses in the nation. Whether you decide to earn a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, your dream of becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner may be closer than you think! I encourage you to research the programs in the article and reach out to an admission advisor to get your questions answered. Now is the perfect time to start your journey to a successful career as a psychiatric nurse practitioner!
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.