10 Best Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs – 2024
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
A psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, or PMHNP, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who is specially trained to provide mental health services. As a PMHNP, you will earn roughly $116,870 a year, and you will have your choice of work settings – in inpatient or outpatient facilities, in psychiatrists’ or psychologists’ offices, or even in home health. Becoming a PMHNP requires a great deal of education, and it’s important to take your time when choosing psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner programs for this reason. We have ranked the best programs across the country below to help you make your decision.
Degree Options Available to Become a PMHNP
1. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Program Cost:
It will cost an average of $9,800 to $92,410 to obtain your MSN degree, which is the minimum degree requirement to work as a PMHNP.
Program Length:
You will spend an average of two to three years completing your MSN program. Keep in mind that online PMHNP programs offer more flexibility and may allow you to take more time with your studies.
Curriculum:
The curriculum will include both core nursing and specialized psychiatric courses. Advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, healthcare policy, and health promotion/disease prevention are core courses, and you will also take courses related to psychiatric and mental health diagnosis and management. Your classroom (lecture-based) knowledge will be accompanied by clinicals, or practicums, which you will perform under the supervision of a doctor or certified PMHNP in a local facility. The number of hours you will need to complete varies from state to state.
2. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Program Cost:
If you choose a DNP degree, you will pay anywhere from $14,600 to $136,610 to complete the program. Because the program is longer and contains more specialized courses, the cost is higher.
Program Length:
Starting with a BSN degree, it will take you five to six years in total to earn your DNP. You may find that online and hybrid programs offer you more flexibility.
Curriculum:
DNP-PMHNP curriculum goes above and beyond that which is offered in a master’s program. You will learn about more specific mental health issues and how to help your patients manage them, and you will also be given the tools to become a nurse educator in your chosen field. Like the MSN option, you will be required to participate in clinicals at a local facility. Depending on your career goals, this may involve working hands-on with patients and aiding a PMHNP educator in a local college or university.
FOLLOWING ARE THE 10 BEST PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER (PMHNP) PROGRAMS - 2024
1. Yale University - West Haven, CT
Programs Offered:
MSN and Post Master's APRN CertificateMSN Concentrations:
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)Post Master's APRN Certificate Concentrations:
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
2. University of South Alabama - Mobile, AL
Programs Offered:
MSN, DNP ( BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, & MSN to DNP Specialty Certification), and Post-Graduate CertificateMSN Concentrations:
Psychiatric (Family) NP
BSN to DNP Concentrations:
Psychiatric (Family) Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN to DNP Concentrations:
Psychiatric (Family) Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN to DNP Specialty Certification Concentrations:
Psychiatric (Family) Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate Concentrations:
Psychiatric (Family) Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
3. Rush University - Chicago, IL
Programs Offered:
DNP DNP Concentrations:
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
4. The Ohio State University - Columbus, OH
Programs Offered:
MSN, BSN to DNP, and Post-Master's CertificateMSN Concentrations:
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
BSN to DNP Concentrations:
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate:
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
5. University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing - Philadelphia, PA
Programs Offered:
MSNMSN Concentrations:
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
6. University of Miami - Coral Gables, FL
Programs Offered:
Post Graduate Certificate Post Graduate Certificate Concentrations:
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
7. Duke University School of Nursing - Durham, NC
Programs Offered:
MSN, BSN to DNP, Post-Graduate Certificate, and Continuing Education ProgramsMSN Concentrations:
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
BSN to DNP Concentrations:
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate Concentrations:
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Continuing Education Concentrations:
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Training Program
8. University of Cincinnati - Cincinnati, OH
Programs Offered:
BSN to DNP, and Post-Master of Science CertificateBSN to DNP Concentrations:
Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master of Science Certificate Concentrations:
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
9. Frontier Nursing University - Hyden, KY
Programs Offered:
MSN, Post-Master's DNP, and Post-Graduate CertificateMSN Concentrations:
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's DNP Concentrations:
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Post-Graduate Certificate Concentrations:
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
10. Stony Brook University - Stony Brook, NY
Programs Offered:
MSN, DNP, and Advanced Certificate MSN Concentrations:
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
DNP Concentrations:
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Advanced Certificate Concentrations:
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
PMHNP Board Certification
You must become board certified in order to work as a PMHNP anywhere in the country. There are two different certifications you can obtain. The first is the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and the Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certifications, both of which are offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, or ANCC. The former certifies you to work with patients of all ages while the latter certifies you to work only with adults.
| Certification | Certifying Body | Link |
| Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC) | American Nurses Credentialing Center(ANCC) | https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner/ |
| Adult Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification (PMHNP-BC) | American Nurses Credentialing Center(ANCC) | https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/adult-psychiatric--mental-health-np-renewal/ |
What does PMHNP Do?
Your PMHNP duties may vary depending upon the state in which you work, your chosen work setting, and your credentials. You may provide a wide variety of services, which include (but are not limited to) diagnosing patients with mental illnesses, conducting various types of therapies, prescribing medications for patients who have psychiatric conditions or brain disorders, and assisting patients who have substance abuse problems. In some states, the level of care you can provide and the services you can offer may be limited by your scope of practice.
PMHNP Scope of Practice
The PMHNP scope of practice is typically determined by your state’s nursing board and may limit the care you are legally able to provide. For example, you may be able to practice autonomously (without the direct supervision of a psychiatrists, psychologist, or physician) in some states, and you may even be able to prescribe medications independently in others. Some states also place limits on PMHNPs’ ability to forcibly admit patients for holds or evaluations; in these cases, you will need to obtain a written order from the patients’ psychiatrists or primary caregivers.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Salary
The average psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner salary in the United States is $116,870 a year, which equals $56.19 an hour or $9,740 a month. A newly-graduated and certified PMHNP who works in a low-population area will earn significantly less than a more experienced PMHNP who works in a high-stress environment in a busy metro area. What’s more, PMHNPs who provide in-home services tend to earn slightly more than those who work in clinics and psychiatric hospitals.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $56.19 |
| Monthly | $9,740 |
| Annual | $116,870 |
PMHNP Job Outlook
The outlook for the healthcare industry over the course of the next several years is incredibly promising, and when it comes to nurse practitioners, that outlook is higher than any other healthcare career. Between 2016 and 2026, the employment of PMHNPs is expected to climb by some 31%. This increase will be driven by numerous factors, but the reduction of the social stigma that surrounds mental illness and increasing willingness to seek treatment for mental issues will play large roles.
Important PMHNP Organizations
The American Psychiatric Nurses Association, or APNA, is a professional organization that serves to promote the quality of psychiatric nursing care. As an APNA member, you will obtain access to more than 230 different continuing education options, access to the clinical psychopharmacology institute, the ability to participate in regional events and educational opportunities as part of your local chapter, and access to resume management and job searches with the APNA CareerLine.
The Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses, or AAPPN, is an organization dedicated to enhancing the advanced practice psychiatric nursing career. Membership provides you with incredible connection and networking opportunities with access to chapter meetings, a Facebook group, a member directory, and numerous volunteer opportunities to make a difference in your local area and build your own community.