3 Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Maryland (Online & Campus) – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Are you an RN who feels genuine empathy for clients? As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Maryland, you can exercise your expertise to the full extent of your education and training. This means you’ll be able to touch the lives of thousands of Old Line State residents with little or no access to mental health services. Graduates of PMHNP programs in Maryland are sorely needed throughout urban and rural parts of the state in various practice settings, including psychiatric hospitals, private clinics, addiction rehabilitation centers, and government-operated facilities. PMHNPs in the Old Line State make good money, too: $127,290 a year on average.

Find out more by reviewing the 3 best PMHNP programs in Maryland below.


FOLLOWING ARE THE 3 BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN MARYLAND (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 3 best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in Maryland.)


1. Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Master’s Certificate

About Johns Hopkins University: To help you become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Johns Hopkins University offers two excellent PMHNP programs, a BSN-to-DNP and a post-master's certificate. Among the best online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Maryland, both these pathways groom highly skilled practitioners who go on to make a difference in their communities.


BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Johns Hopkins’ BSN-to-DNP-PMHNP can seamlessly make you a doctorally-prepared nurse leader. The program prepares graduates to effectively meet the healthcare needs of mental health patients. You’ll obtain proficiency in psychosocial assessment, health promotion, evidence-based practice, and clinical decision-making. Most of the courses are offered online with onsite visits required only for immersions. This PMHNP program in Maryland takes around three years to complete, provided you’ve enrolled full-time.


BSN-to-DNP Coursework: This BSN-to-DNP-PMHNP program is a 76-credit coursework that includes 1040 hours of clinical training. The coursework starts with classes in advanced physiology, clinical pharmacology, and biostatistics for evidence-based practice. Also included are courses in health promotion, advanced nursing policy, organization systems & leadership, human growth development, diagnostics skills, neurobiology, and clinical psychopharmacology. The comprehensive coursework also includes classes in health finance, data analysis & management, project advancement, and clinical reasoning.

BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: The BSN-to-DNP program is designed for BSN-prepared registered nurses who have a GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants must also have at least one year of work experience as a registered nurse. To apply, you must be prepared to submit three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a current resume, and a goal statement.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: The post-master's certificate is perfect for graduate nurses who want to obtain specialized skills in psychiatric mental health care. The program is offered part-time and can be completed within as little as three semesters. Upon completion of this program, you’ll be prepared to sit for the PMHNP certification exam.


Post-Master’s Certificate Coursework: The PMHNP certificate coursework builds on your graduate nursing education and requires completing as little as 17 credits and 500 clinical hours. The coursework covers topics such as the neurobiology of mental disorders, clinical psychopharmacology, differential diagnosis of mental disorders, and psychiatric mental health management.

Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: To apply for the PMHNP certificate, you must have at least an MSN from an accredited college or university. Also, your GPA must be at least 3.0. Applicants must also hold an active and unencumbered RN license. The admission process also requires the submission of the requisite documents.

Why Choose Johns Hopkins University PMHNP Program

• Johns Hopkins University’s graduate nursing programs are ranked among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• Johns Hopkins University’s PMHNP programs are offered in an interprofessional learning environment where graduates learn to collaborate as members of an interprofessional healthcare team.
• Johns Hopkins University’s PMHNP programs offer scholarships, grants, loans, and employment discounts.


2. Frostburg State University - Frostburg


Programs Offered: MSN

About Frostburg State University: If you find your calling in behavioral health and want to obtain the professional skillset from one of the sought-after online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Maryland, then Frostburg State University is a great place to start. The school trains aspiring mental health nurse practitioners through its evidence-based MSN-MHNP program. Its student-centric learning environment produces healthcare leaders who are influencing positive change in healthcare delivery.


MSN Program Details: Leading to the PMHNP certification, Frostburg State’s MSN prepares graduates for psychiatric mental health care in rural and urban environments. The program is offered in a blended format, offering almost 90 to 95 percent of the courses online. Focussed on rural populations, the program prefers students who live and work in rural areas. On a full-time basis, you can complete this program within seven consecutive semesters, whereas if you enroll part-time, you’ll graduate within 13 semesters.


MSN Coursework: The MSN-PMHNP coursework consists of 28 credits in core MSN courses and 32 credits in PMHNP-related courses. The core courses cover topics such as nursing informatics, research & systematic analysis, health systems & populations, quality improvement, and advanced physiology & pathophysiology across the lifespan. In addition, the PMHNP-related courses mainly focus on psychiatric diagnostic reasoning, common physical health issues in psychiatric disorders, and therapeutic management of individuals suffering from psychiatric and mental health illnesses.

MSN Admission Requirements: To apply for Frostburg State University’s MSN, you must have a BSN with an unencumbered RN license. The program also requires the submission of a current resume and three professional recommendations.

Why Choose Frostburg State University PMHNP Program

• Frostburg State University’s PMHNP program is offered in small classes where personalized attention is allowed.
• Frostburg State University’s PMHNP program is more affordable than most other online PMHNP programs in Maryland, little surprise that the school ranks among the U.S. News & World Report’s list of best value schools.


3. Uniformed Services University of The Health Sciences - Bethesda


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP

About Uniformed Services University of The Health Sciences: Uniformed Services University of The Health Sciences has for more than 25 years trained highly skilled nurse practitioners to serve in the military healthcare systems. The school offers aspiring psychiatric nurse practitioners an excellent BSN-to-DNP through which it produces evidence-based mental health practitioners.


BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program offered by Uniformed Services University of The Health Sciences prepares graduates who provide care to the mental health needs of military personnel. The BSN-to-DNP-PMHNP is a 36-month full-time program. Consisting of didactic courses, clinical simulation, and clinical training, this psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Maryland prepares you for the PMHNP certification exam.


BSN-to-DNP Coursework: The BSN-to-DNP-PMHNP coursework is a 98-credit rigorous curriculum that includes core and PMHNP-related courses. The core courses cover key topics such as leadership & teamwork, advanced health assessment, global perspectives in healthcare systems, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and integrative medicine methodologies. Students also attend classes in trauma & combat casualty care, healthcare informatics and healthcare practice, and policy & evaluation. The PMHNP coursework is comprehensive and covers subjects such as substance abuse, sexual assault, operational behavioral health, and therapeutic modalities.

BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To apply for the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences PMHNP program, you must be currently in the military or federal services. Also, you must have a BSN with an active and unencumbered RN license. This psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Maryland is not open to civilians. Other admission requirements include the submission of documents, such as transcripts, a goal statement, and a resume.

Why Choose Uniformed Services University of The Health Sciences PMHNP Program

• Uniformed Services University of The Health Sciences PMHNP program boasts of an excellent pass rate on the PMHNP certification exam.
• Uniformed Services University of The Health Sciences provides excellent outside-the-class training. PMHNP students are put through unique experiences that prepare them for the rigors of serving in the military.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



HOW MUCH DO PMHNP GRADUATES MAKE IN MARYLAND?


WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN MARYLAND EXPECT?


Hourly$39.28
Weekly$1,571
Monthly$6,810
Annual$81,710
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN MARYLAND EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?


Level of Experience Hourly Weekly Monthly Annual
Entry-Level $39.28 $1,571 $6,810 $81,710
1-4 Years of Experience $49.05 $1,962 $8,500 $102,030
5-9 Years of Experience $56.51 $2,260 $9,800 $117,540
10-19 Years of Experience $64.24 $2,569 $11,130 $133,610
20 Years or More Experience $76.80 $3,072 $13,310 $159,740
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PMHNP SALARY IN MARYLAND?


Hourly$57.52
Weekly$2,301
Monthly$9,970
Annual$119,650
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


HOW MUCH DO PMHNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF MARYLAND?


Metro Hourly Monthly Annual
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson $57.61 $9,990 $119,830
California-Lexington Park $53.35 $9,250 $110,960
Cumberland $51.47 $8,920 $107,050
Hagerstown-Martinsburg $52.93 $9,170 $110,090
Salisbury $56.43 $9,780 $117,370
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)



PMHNP SALARY IN MARYLAND VS. OTHER SALARIES


PMHNP SALARY IN MARYLAND VS. PMHNP SALARY IN THE NATION


Average Maryland
PMHNP Annual Salary
Average National PMHNP
Annual Salary
Difference
Number %
$119,650$124,680-$5,030-4.03%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


PMHNP SALARY IN MARYLAND VS. PMHNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES


State Average
Annual Salary
Difference
Number %
California $158,130 -$38,480 -24.33%
New Jersey $143,250 -$23,600 -16.47%
New York $141,470 -$21,820 -15.42%
Massachusetts $138,700 -$19,050 -13.73%
Oregon $136,250 -$16,600 -12.18%
Nevada $136,230 -$16,580 -12.17%
Washington $135,590 -$15,940 -11.76%
Connecticut $131,490 -$11,840 -9.00%
District of Columbia $131,270 -$11,620 -8.85%
New Mexico $129,560 -$9,910 -7.65%
Hawaii $128,310 -$8,660 -6.75%
Iowa $128,180 -$8,530 -6.65%
Minnesota $128,160 -$8,510 -6.64%
New Hampshire $125,780 -$6,130 -4.87%
Rhode Island $125,250 -$5,600 -4.47%
Texas $124,660 -$5,010 -4.02%
Illinois $122,310 -$2,660 -2.17%
Oklahoma $121,740 -$2,090 -1.72%
Indiana $121,730 -$2,080 -1.71%
Arizona $121,410 -$1,760 -1.45%
Wisconsin $121,210 -$1,560 -1.29%
Delaware $120,570 -$920 -0.76%
Pennsylvania $120,550 -$900 -0.75%
Montana $119,960 -$310 -0.26%
Maryland $119,650 $0 0.00%
Nebraska $118,970 +$680 +0.57%
Maine $118,300 +$1,350 +1.14%
Louisiana $118,210 +$1,440 +1.22%
Idaho $117,720 +$1,930 +1.64%
Ohio $117,440 +$2,210 +1.88%
Mississippi $117,260 +$2,390 +2.04%
Virginia $116,980 +$2,670 +2.28%
Vermont $116,610 +$3,040 +2.61%
Colorado $116,440 +$3,210 +2.76%
Alaska $116,390 +$3,260 +2.80%
South Dakota $115,610 +$4,040 +3.49%
Utah $115,610 +$4,040 +3.49%
Georgia $115,440 +$4,210 +3.65%
Wyoming $115,230 +$4,420 +3.84%
North Carolina $114,450 +$5,200 +4.54%
North Dakota $113,940 +$5,710 +5.01%
Michigan $113,780 +$5,870 +5.16%
Missouri $113,180 +$6,470 +5.72%
Kansas $111,670 +$7,980 +7.15%
Florida $110,310 +$9,340 +8.47%
Kentucky $109,290 +$10,360 +9.48%
South Carolina $109,130 +$10,520 +9.64%
Arkansas $107,110 +$12,540 +11.71%
West Virginia $106,790 +$12,860 +12.04%
Alabama $106,610 +$13,040 +12.23%
Tennessee $99,330 +$20,320 +20.46%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


PMHNP SALARY IN MARYLAND VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN MARYLAND


Type of Nurse Average
Annual Salary
Difference
Number %
Nurse Anesthetist $182,710 -$63,060 -34.51%
Nurse Midwife $120,170 -$520 -0.43%
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner $119,650 $0 0.00%
Registered Nurse $87,990 +$31,660 +35.98%
Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary $80,990 +$38,660 +47.73%
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse $60,180 +$59,470 +98.82%
Nursing Assistant $37,180 +$82,470 +221.81%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


PMHNP SALARY IN MARYLAND VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN MARYLAND


Job Title Average
Annual Salary
Difference
Number %
Physician $208,470 -$88,820 -42.61%
Podiatrist $169,840 -$50,190 -29.55%
Dentist $157,960 -$38,310 -24.25%
Optometrist $143,690 -$24,040 -16.73%
Pharmacist $126,330 -$6,680 -5.29%
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner $119,650 $0 0.00%
Physician Assistant $113,340 +$6,310 +5.57%
Physical Therapist $96,250 +$23,400 +24.31%
Occupational Therapist $95,810 +$23,840 +24.88%
Speech-Language Pathologist $92,790 +$26,860 +28.95%
Chiropractor $86,730 +$32,920 +37.96%
Audiologist $79,280 +$40,370 +50.92%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED


1. WHO ACCREDITS PMHNP PROGRAMS IN MARYLAND?


S.No.Accrediting Agency
1Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
2Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)


2. HOW MANY ACCREDITED PMHNP SCHOOLS ARE THERE IN MARYLAND?


3


3. ON AVERAGE, HOW MUCH DOES A PSYCHIATRIC NP MAKE PER HOUR IN MARYLAND?


$57.52


4. ON AVERAGE, HOW MUCH DOES A PSYCHIATRIC NP MAKE PER WEEK IN MARYLAND?


$2,301


5. ON AVERAGE, HOW MUCH DOES A PSYCHIATRIC NP MAKE PER MONTH IN MARYLAND?


$9,970


6. ON AVERAGE, HOW MUCH DOES A PSYCHIATRIC NP MAKE PER YEAR IN MARYLAND?


$119,650


7. WHAT IS THE JOB OUTLOOK FOR PMHNPS IN MARYLAND?


10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030)
+36.30%
(Source: Careeronestop.org)



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