Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Maine (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
The state of Maine struggles with high rates of opioid addiction and suicide and a shortage of qualified mental health professionals. As a graduate of one of the PMHNP programs in Maine, you’ll be entering a field where the number of available jobs is expected to jump by 35 percent in the next decade, and practitioners can count on earning $135,360 annually on average. You’ll learn knowledge and skills that will prepare you to minister to individuals of all ages affected by a range of psychiatric, emotional, and behavioral disorders, including substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Find out more by reviewing this list of the best PMHNP programs in Maine.
FOLLOWING ARE THE BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN MAINE (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in Maine.)
1. University of Southern Maine - Portland
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate
MSN Program Details: Are you a registered nurse with a passion for providing psychiatric care who is ready to take your career to the next level? If so, the University of Southern Maine is a great place to start! At USM, you can earn a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in as little as three years as a full-time student or pursue your degree part-time and graduate in four years. The program admits students twice yearly in the fall and spring semesters.
This post-master’s PMHNP program in Maine is a campus-based program that requires you to complete 50 credit hours. The curriculum is based on national certification examinations and includes courses like Advanced Psychopharmacology, Advanced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Supervision, Foundations of Advanced Practice Mental Health Nursing, and Advanced Pathophysiology.
Clinical practicums are an essential part of the MSN PMHNP program at the University of Southern Maine. After learning concepts and theories of nursing in the classroom and developing new skills in the simulation laboratories, you will begin direct patient care. The program includes 600 hours of supervised clinical practicum.
MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates desiring admission to the MSN program must hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and have proof of a Maine RN license. You may begin the admission process by submitting an online application.
Applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities they have attended. Transcripts should reflect completion of an undergraduate course in Microbiology and an undergraduate course in introductory Statistics, each with a grade of “B-” or better. Additional documents to be submitted include a resume or curriculum vitae, an admission essay, and two letters of recommendation. A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 is preferred. However, students with a GPA of less than 3.0 and satisfactory GRE or MAT scores may be considered. After a review of all the required admission materials, a personal interview with the School of Nursing graduate faculty may be required.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: If you have already earned a master’s degree in nursing and you want to specialize as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, the Post-Master’s Certificate program at the University of Southern Maine is an excellent option to consider. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis and admits students twice per year in the fall and spring semesters.
The Post-Master’s Certificate program features a blended mode of study that combines online and in-person courses, lab learning, and in-person clinicals. The curriculum requires you to complete between 30 and 40 credits. A GAP analysis of your previous transcripts will determine the exact number of credits you need. When the analysis is complete, your academic advisor will develop an individualized plan of study tailored for you. Post-Master’s Certificate students complete 600 hours of direct patient care through three clinical practicum courses. Clinicals are completed in a variety of settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and community health facilities.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate program are evaluated on previous academic preparation, scholastic achievements, interest, and professional experience. Admission to the program is competitive.
Applicants must hold a master’s degree in nursing earned from an NLN- or CCNE-accredited program and have a current, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse in Maine. After submitting an online application, you are also required to provide a 500-word admission essay, two letters of recommendation, a professional resume or CV, and transcripts from all post-secondary schools you attended. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. In addition to submitting application materials, candidates are required to provide copies of all syllabi from their initial master’s nursing program, documentation of MSN clinical hours, and identification of courses in which clinical practicum hours are embedded.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At the University of Southern Maine, you will have opportunities to participate in international healthcare missions. Since the 1990s, School of Nursing students and faculty have traveled to the Dominican Republic to provide care to patients in rural villages. This program is an excellent opportunity to give back to others in a place of need.• The PMHNP program at the University of Southern Maine boasts a team of dedicated faculty who are frequently published in leading nursing journals. Many faculty are board members of state and national nursing organizations/associations and are active in research and policy issues at state and national levels.
• The University of Southern Maine has over 150 graduate assistantships available to students in the PMHNP programs. These assistantships include tuition assistance and a stipend. The school also offers scholarships, fellowships, and research opportunities.
2. Husson University - Bangor
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate
MSN Program Details: If you are searching for the top online PMHNP programs in Maine, you need to look no further than Husson University. One pathway the school offers is the Master of Science in Nursing PMHNP program. The program admits students in the fall semester and can be completed in as little as 30 months. Coursework is delivered entirely online, including a virtual orientation for your clinicals, making it a great choice for working professionals.
The 51-credit curriculum features classes, including Diagnosis & Pharmacologic Management of Psychiatric Illness, Public Health Policy Issues & Challenges, and Socio-Cultural Perception of Addiction & Population Health. The MSN PMHNP curriculum consists of 15-week psychiatric courses and includes 600 clinical hours. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam administered by the ANCC.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at Husson University, complete and submit an online application through Husson Admissions. You will also be asked to provide one letter of recommendation from a current or former supervisor, transcripts from the college or university where you earned your BSN, a personal essay, a curriculum vitae or resume, and proof of a current, unrestricted RN license.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: The PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate program at Husson University is designed for currently licensed nurse practitioners who want to add the Psychiatric Mental Health NP certification to their expertise. This PMHNP program in Maine is an online pathway that can be completed in as few as three semesters.
The program requires a minimum of 21 credits. However, additional courses may be required pending review of your master’s degree transcript. Students enrolled in the Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate option also complete 600 hours of supervised clinical practicum.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: Candidates interested in pursuing the Post-Master’s Certificate program at Husson University must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree earned from an accredited nursing program. Prospective students must complete an online application and submit one letter of recommendation, a personal essay, a current resume or CV, and transcripts from all post-secondary schools they have attended.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At Husson University, student support is a priority. The Center for Student Success works to enhance your student experience and promote your success through every aspect of the program. You will have academic support through the availability of 24/7 tutoring, academic advisors, and career services, ensuring you have the tools and resources you need to succeed!• While earning your degree through the PMHNP program at Husson University, you can also earn digital badges. These are a type of micro-credentials used to certify your mastery in various professional subject areas. These credentials can be used on your online profile and resume to verify your skills for current or potential employers. A few examples include badges for Conducting Research, Life-Span Development Analysis, and Validating Psychological Sources.
• As you are searching for a school where you want to pursue a degree and become a PMHNP, I recommend finding out what present and former students have to say. If you find a school that has high student satisfaction ratings, that is always a positive sign. For instance, Husson University students give the school four- and five-star ratings on helpfulness, opportunities, facilities, reputation, and faculty engagement.
3. Saint Joseph's College of Maine - Standish
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate
MSN Program Details: Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers two pathways for nurses searching for a PMHNP program in Maine. One option is the MSN Psychiatric Mental Health NP program. The program offers four start dates each year. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as 27 months, while part-time students typically take three-and-a-half to four years.
The MSN PMHNP program is a 48-credit pathway. Your curriculum plan consists of 24 nursing core credits, 21 specialty core credits, and 3 Capstone credits. In this program, you will study The Advanced Practice Nurse as a Provider, Organizational & Systems Leadership, and Advanced Pathophysiology. Courses are delivered online. The pathway also includes three clinical courses that have corresponding clinical practicum requirements. You will complete a minimum of 600 clinical hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited institution and hold an active, unencumbered RN license in the United States. All applicants are required to submit official transcripts reflecting a cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or better and proof of completing Statistics and Health Assessment courses with grades of “B” or higher. Additionally, you must submit a resume or curriculum vitae, a Career Statement, and three professional recommendations. The school requests one letter of recommendation each from a peer, a supervisor, and a prior nursing faculty member.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Saint Joseph’s College also offers a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate program. This post-graduate program is designed with a 30-credit curriculum. However, if you took advanced courses in health assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology in your MSN program, you may need only 21 credits to earn the certificate. A review of your MSN transcript will be used to determine an individualized plan of study.
The Post-Master’s Certificate program includes 600 hours of supervised clinical practicum to ensure the skills and role competencies of the PMHNP are met. Clinical assignments are arranged collaboratively between students and faculty to ensure you have adequate experiences at appropriate sites with qualified preceptors. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to sit for the national certification exam.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: Admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate program at Saint Joseph’s is competitive. Eligible candidates possess a BSN and MSN from accredited institutions and have an unrestricted RN license in the U.S. If you hold an NP certification in another specialty, your NP certification must be unencumbered. In addition to completing an application for admission, you will be asked to provide three letters of recommendation, a Career Statement, a professional resume or a curriculum vitae, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended. Candidates must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher for their MSN program.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• One of the things I love about nursing and the healthcare industry is that there are so many options when it comes to earning a degree and choosing a career path. You can embrace those opportunities at Saint Joseph's College by earning dual credentials. For example, you can combine your MSN degree with an MBA or MHA to earn dual credentials. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can leverage your credentials, knowledge, and skills to negotiate your salary and find jobs that interest you most.• Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is committed to making education affordable. The school has educational partnerships with various employers and organizations that provide students with partner tuition rates and tuition reimbursement opportunities. The school also offers one of the lowest cost-per-credit tuition rates in the state!
• Graduates of Saint Joseph’s PMHNP programs in Maine have outstanding records of great performance on national certification exams. The school reports that most graduates pass the exam on their first attempt, which is a great indication that the program is high-quality and prepares students well with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed!
HOW MUCH DO PMHNP GRADUATES MAKE IN MAINE?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN MAINE EXPECT?
| Hourly | $47.88 |
| Weekly | $1,915 |
| Monthly | $8,300 |
| Annual | $99,580 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN MAINE EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $47.88 | $1,915 | $8,300 | $99,580 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $54.17 | $2,167 | $9,390 | $112,680 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $63.95 | $2,558 | $11,080 | $133,010 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $71.22 | $2,849 | $12,340 | $148,130 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $85.10 | $3,404 | $14,750 | $177,010 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PMHNP SALARY IN MAINE?
| Hourly | $65.08 |
| Weekly | $2,603 |
| Monthly | $11,280 |
| Annual | $135,360 |
HOW MUCH DO PMHNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF MAINE?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Bangor | $64.97 | $2,599 | $11,260 | $135,140 |
| Lewiston-Auburn | $68.53 | $2,741 | $11,880 | $142,550 |
| Portland-South Portland | $64.55 | $2,582 | $11,190 | $134,270 |
PMHNP SALARY IN MAINE VS. OTHER SALARIES
PMHNP SALARY IN MAINE VS. PMHNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Maine PMHNP Annual Salary | Average National PMHNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $135,360 | $141,470 | -$6,110 | -4.32% |
PMHNP SALARY IN MAINE VS. PMHNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $177,860 | -$42,500 | -23.90% |
| Nevada | $163,690 | -$28,330 | -17.31% |
| Washington | $160,090 | -$24,730 | -15.45% |
| New Jersey | $159,680 | -$24,320 | -15.23% |
| Oregon | $159,590 | -$24,230 | -15.18% |
| Massachusetts | $158,560 | -$23,200 | -14.63% |
| New York | $157,260 | -$21,900 | -13.93% |
| Connecticut | $150,820 | -$15,460 | -10.25% |
| New Mexico | $150,590 | -$15,230 | -10.11% |
| Minnesota | $148,650 | -$13,290 | -8.94% |
| District of Columbia | $148,470 | -$13,110 | -8.83% |
| Rhode Island | $146,940 | -$11,580 | -7.88% |
| Hawaii | $146,010 | -$10,650 | -7.29% |
| Arizona | $145,950 | -$10,590 | -7.26% |
| Delaware | $144,350 | -$8,990 | -6.23% |
| Iowa | $144,040 | -$8,680 | -6.03% |
| New Hampshire | $143,950 | -$8,590 | -5.97% |
| Texas | $143,140 | -$7,780 | -5.44% |
| Wisconsin | $141,290 | -$5,930 | -4.20% |
| Maryland | $140,920 | -$5,560 | -3.95% |
| Utah | $140,730 | -$5,370 | -3.82% |
| North Dakota | $140,670 | -$5,310 | -3.77% |
| Pennsylvania | $140,320 | -$4,960 | -3.53% |
| Illinois | $139,720 | -$4,360 | -3.12% |
| Alaska | $138,920 | -$3,560 | -2.56% |
| Vermont | $138,840 | -$3,480 | -2.51% |
| Montana | $137,230 | -$1,870 | -1.36% |
| Idaho | $137,130 | -$1,770 | -1.29% |
| Oklahoma | $136,890 | -$1,530 | -1.12% |
| Wyoming | $136,040 | -$680 | -0.50% |
| Indiana | $135,780 | -$420 | -0.31% |
| Maine | $135,360 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Ohio | $135,280 | +$80 | +0.06% |
| Colorado | $134,310 | +$1,050 | +0.78% |
| Nebraska | $133,970 | +$1,390 | +1.04% |
| North Carolina | $133,870 | +$1,490 | +1.11% |
| Georgia | $133,390 | +$1,970 | +1.48% |
| South Dakota | $133,200 | +$2,160 | +1.62% |
| Virginia | $133,080 | +$2,280 | +1.71% |
| Michigan | $132,870 | +$2,490 | +1.87% |
| Florida | $131,800 | +$3,560 | +2.70% |
| Kansas | $131,320 | +$4,040 | +3.08% |
| Louisiana | $130,660 | +$4,700 | +3.60% |
| Mississippi | $129,360 | +$6,000 | +4.64% |
| South Carolina | $128,750 | +$6,610 | +5.13% |
| Missouri | $128,470 | +$6,890 | +5.36% |
| West Virginia | $124,910 | +$10,450 | +8.37% |
| Arkansas | $124,870 | +$10,490 | +8.40% |
| Kentucky | $121,520 | +$13,840 | +11.39% |
| Alabama | $121,130 | +$14,230 | +11.75% |
| Tennessee | $114,200 | +$21,160 | +18.53% |
PMHNP SALARY IN MAINE VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN MAINE
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $227,270 | -$91,910 | -40.44% |
| Nurse Midwife | $140,440 | -$5,080 | -3.62% |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $135,360 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $84,340 | +$51,020 | +60.49% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $79,240 | +$56,120 | +70.82% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $71,430 | +$63,930 | +89.50% |
| Nursing Assistant | $42,960 | +$92,400 | +215.08% |
PMHNP SALARY IN MAINE VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN MAINE
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $214,810 | -$79,450 | -36.99% |
| Podiatrist | $160,390 | -$25,030 | -15.61% |
| Optometrist | $147,470 | -$12,110 | -8.21% |
| Veterinarian | $137,380 | -$2,020 | -1.47% |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $135,360 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Pharmacist | $133,540 | +$1,820 | +1.36% |
| Physician Assistant | $132,790 | +$2,570 | +1.94% |
| Physical Therapist | $91,720 | +$43,640 | +47.58% |
| Audiologist | $88,700 | +$46,660 | +52.60% |
| Radiation Therapist | $88,680 | +$46,680 | +52.64% |
| Chiropractor | $84,230 | +$51,130 | +60.70% |
| Occupational Therapist | $80,590 | +$54,770 | +67.96% |
| Dental Hygienist | $80,310 | +$55,050 | +68.55% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $79,310 | +$56,050 | +70.67% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits PMHNP Programs In Maine?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited PMHNP Schools Are There In Maine?
| 3 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Hour In Maine?
| $65.08 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Week In Maine?
| $2,603 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Month In Maine?
| $11,280 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Year In Maine?
| $135,360 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For PMHNPs In Maine?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +35.34% |
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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