8 Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Massachusetts (Online & Campus) – 2025


Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN

Are you a Massachusetts RN drawn to helping individuals dealing with psychological crises? Think about enrolling in one of the many PMHNP programs in Massachusetts. Psychiatric-mental health nurse work with patients who are dealing with acute psychological crises as well as with chronic mental illness. You’ll find PMHNPs in hospitals, community mental health agencies, substance abuse treatment centers, and many other healthcare facilities. Employment opportunities for these skilled professionals are expected to increase by 56 percent in the next 10 years, and they earn $147,560 a year. Want to find out more? The descriptions below of the 8 best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts for 2025 are a good starting point.


FOLLOWING ARE THE 8 BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN MASSACHUSETTS (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 8 best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in Massachusetts.)


1. MGH Institute of Health Professions - Boston


Programs Offered: Direct-Entry MSN, MSN, and CAS

About the School: MGH Institute of Health Professions- Boston provides some of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts. The school is ranked as one of the Best Grad Schools for Nursing Master's Degrees by U.S. News & World Report.

The university boasts a diverse faculty population whose knowledge, skills, and clinical experience help prepare you for practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Nearly 90% of the nationally and internationally renowned faculty are doctorally-prepared.

Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Do you have a non-nursing bachelor's degree but dream of becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner? You can turn that dream into a reality with the Direct-Entry MSN Program at MGH Institute of Health Professions.

The Direct-Entry MSN Program is a rigorous three-year program that awards graduates a BSN and an MSN upon completion. This campus-based program features a 91-credit-hour curriculum. Classes in the program include Biobehavioral Principles & Theories, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Interprofessional Ethics.

The School of Nursing’s clinical coordinator arranges clinical sites and preceptors to ensure appropriate clinical experiences. Students in the Direct-Entry MSN Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program complete approximately 700 clinical hours before graduating.

MSN Program Details: Another excellent option for PMHNP programs in Massachusetts at MGH Institute of Health Professions is the MSN with a Psychiatric NP focus. This program is designed for baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses who desire to earn a graduate degree and become Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. The MSN program is designed for campus-based learning and takes five semesters to complete, including one summer semester.

The MSN-PMHNP program requires students to complete 48 credits. You will study in classes such as Advanced Pharmacology, Research for Clinical Practice, and Advanced Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning. Students complete a minimum of 650 clinical hours arranged by clinical faculty.

CAS Program Details: Suppose you have a master's or doctorate in nursing. In that case, the Certificate of Advanced Study in Nursing Program could be a terrific way for you to gain the theoretical knowledge and skills needed to transition to practice as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. The program admits students every semester and offers part-time and full-time enrollment options, making it an excellent choice for busy nurses.

The program is available with Post-MSN and Post-NP Certificate options. GAP Analysis upon admission determines whether you need to take Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning.

The Certificate of Advanced Study in Nursing PMHNP program at MGH IHP- Boston is a 32 to 41-credit program. The curriculum includes six didactic courses and three clinical practicum courses. Students in this pathway complete at least 500 clinical hours to meet graduation requirements.


2. Northeastern University - Boston


Programs Offered: Direct Entry MSN, MSN, and CAGS

About the School: Bouve' College of Health Sciences of Nursing at Northeastern has a long history of providing high-quality nursing education. The university is dedicated to preparing students to perform at the best level of practice in their specialties, providing competent, professional nursing care. With renowned faculty, a desire to promote the nursing profession, and dedication to furthering awareness of mental health and mental disease, it is no surprise that the school is home to some of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts.

Direct Entry MSN Program Details: Northeastern University’s Bouve’ College of Health Sciences offers a Direct-Entry MSN PMHNP option for professionals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who meet eligibility requirements. The program, offered in a campus-based format, is designed to help non-nurses transition to a career in nursing as Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. The Direct-Entry MSN PMHNP program takes eight to ten semesters to complete, depending on whether you enroll part-time or full-time.

The Direct-Entry MSN program consists of 107 credit hours and has two components, the Pre-Licensure and Master’s Specialty tracks.

The Pre-Licensure track is four semesters and includes 64 credits of undergraduate and graduate-level coursework designed to prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-RN and transition to practice. You will study Public Health Community Nursing, Managing & Leading in Nursing, and Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice.

Once you pass the NCLEX-RN and become licensed, you must secure full-time work as a registered nurse. Although you may take non-clinical courses in the PMHNP track, you must have at least one year of work experience as a registered nurse before beginning the master's clinical track. The Master's Specialty Track includes research, professional nursing, and clinical core courses, as well as specialty clinical courses.

MSN Program Details: The MSN PMHNP program at Northeastern University is among the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts. The program is available to baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses, including students transitioning from the Pre-Licensure track of the Direct-Entry MSN program.

The MSN-Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program is a 43-credit hour program that includes classes such as Psychobiological Bases of Mental Disorders, Contemporary Psychotherapies, and Clinical Psychopharmacology.

Clinical hours are assigned by faculty advisors and chosen from available clinical sites and preceptors. The program includes 600 hours of direct-care, preceptor-supervised clinical practicum.

CAGS Program Details: If you have a master’s degree in nursing with a non-psychiatric specialty, the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study program could be a good fit for you. The CAGS-PMHNP is available part-time or full-time and offers late afternoon and early evening classes on campus to accommodate all types of learners. You can complete the program in as few as three semesters.

The CAGS with a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner focus is a 24-credit program. The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study program's curriculum includes Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dimensions of Clinical Practice, Psychobiological Bases of Mental Disorders, Contemporary Psychotherapies, and two PMH Nursing Practicum courses. Students complete at least 500 clinical hours in various settings, providing psychiatric care to clients of all ages across the lifespan.


3. Boston College - Chestnut Hill


Programs Offered: Direct Entry DNP, RN-to-DNP, BSN-to-DNP, and MSN-to-DNP

About the School: The Boston College Chestnut Connell School of Nursing is a private Catholic college that offers four psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts. U.S. News and World Report ranks Boston College among the Best Grad Schools for a Master's in Nursing. Additionally, the school reports outstanding pass rates for first-time test-takers on national certification exams, high retention rates, and excellent job placement rates for PMHNP graduates.

Direct Entry DNP Program Details: Boston College offers another opportunity for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree to pursue graduate studies in nursing and specialize as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. The program offers a hybrid learning format, combining online learning, campus-based intensives, and clinical practicum experiences. The Direct-Entry DNP program can be completed in ten semesters with full-time study.

The Direct Entry DNP PMHNP program offers a 109-credit curriculum consisting of coursework and clinicals. Students initially complete 57 to 60 credits of advanced generalist coursework and clinicals. After completing the advanced generalist curriculum, a generalist master's degree is conferred, and you may take the NCLEX-RN to earn your RN license.

The remainder of the program, referred to as the post-Master's component includes DNP and PMHNP-specific coursework. The post-Master's track includes 49 credits of coursework. You will study classes, including Advanced Health/Physical Assessment Across the Lifespan, Developmental, Behavioral, & Mental Health in Pediatrics, and Family & Group Therapy.

The Direct-Entry DNP program includes 1,000 clinical hours. You will earn a minimum of 750 direct care clinical hours and 250 indirect care hours, which are earned through the DNP Scholarly Project.

RN-to-DNP Program Details: If you have an associate degree in nursing but dream of becoming a Doctor of Nursing Practice and specializing as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, the RN-to-DNP PMHNP program in Massachusetts at Boston College may interest you. Applicants must have an associate of science degree in nursing earned at a nationally accredited nursing school and a current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse. The RN-to-DNP pathway accepts students in the Fall and Spring semesters.

The RN-to-DNP Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner pathway features a 74-credit hour curriculum, with classes including Advanced Psychopharmacology, Psychobiology of Mental Health & Illness, and Family & Group Therapy. Students complete specialty-focused clinical practicum and a DNP Scholarly Project and achieve more than 1,000 clinical hours before graduating.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program is an excellent choice for baccalaureate-prepared RNs looking for a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program in Massachusetts. The program offers a 74-credit hour curriculum with classes including Pharmacotherapeutics in Advanced Practice Nursing, Population Health Principles, Program Planning & Evaluation, and Foundations of Evidence-Based Advanced Nursing Practice.

In alignment with the DNP Essentials outlined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, all DNP students complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours to be eligible for graduation.

MSN-to-DNP Program Details:Boston College offers an excellent PMHNP program in Massachusetts designed for master’s-prepared nurses. The post-Master's DNP program features a 33-credit hour curriculum with classes, including Nursing Ethics & Professional Responsibility in Advanced Practice, Program Planning & Evaluation for Population Health, and Examining Diversity in Nursing & Healthcare.

The MSN-to-DNP PMHNP plan of study includes 540 clinical hours. However, students must achieve a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours, which means some students may need to complete additional hours to meet graduation criteria.


4. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth - Dartmouth


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study

About the School: The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is home to a few more of our featured best PMHNP programs in Massachusetts. The university offers low student-to-faculty ratios, ensuring individualized attention and instructor interaction. U-Mass is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in its Best Graduate Schools category for Doctor of Nursing Practice. The university offers two pathways to becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, the BSN-to-DNP and the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: At the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, you can pursue a post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice, specializing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The university's BSN-to-DNP program is offered in face-to-face and blended formats, making it possible for you to pursue your DNP without disrupting your regular schedule or responsibilities. The BSN-to-DNP program, which is one of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts, admits students in the fall and spring semesters and can be completed in four years if you study full-time or five years of part-time study.

Baccalaureate-prepared RNs pursuing the BSN-to-DNP PMHNP degree complete a 66-credit curriculum, including approximately 1,008 clinical hours. The coursework for the program includes classes such as Advanced Practice Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, Pathophysiological Bases for Advanced Practice Nursing, and Statistical Analysis.

In addition to classroom and clinical learning, you will participate in a three-semester DNP residency and complete a translational DNP Scholarly Research Project. The DNP Project allows you to identify and assess a problem relevant to psychiatric care and develop a project proposal based on evidence-based research. The project aims to help you develop interprofessional and collaborative skills and knowledge. The BSN-to-DNP program culminates with your presentation of your DNP Scholarly Research Project.

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study Program Details: If you have a master's or doctorate in nursing and want to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, the Dartmouth University online Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study program is an excellent option to consider. The four-semester program is offered part-time, allowing you to continue working while enrolled.

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study PMHNP program includes four didactic courses and three clinical practicum courses. You will earn 18 credits through classes, including Neuropsychopharmacology & Biologically Based Treatments and Advanced Practice Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing I, II, & III. You will also complete 500 hours of direct psychiatric care to patients across the lifespan in various psychiatric settings.


5. University of Massachusetts Amherst- Amherst


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

About the School: The University of Massachusetts Amherst is home to two more of the best online PMHNP programs in Massachusetts. The U-Mass Amherst Elaine Marieb College of Nursing boasts renowned, experienced faculty dedicated to student success and improving access to mental healthcare services for individuals and populations, especially in underserved areas.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP Psychiatric NP program at U-Mass Amherst is designed to prepare BSN registered nurses with a doctoral-level degree in nursing and the knowledge and skills needed to become certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. Students are admitted once yearly in the summer semester. You may choose from a four-year or five-year study plan, depending on the course load you prefer.

This online BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program is designed with an 85-credit curriculum. You will study classes including Assessment & Diagnosis of Mental Health Disorders, Neuropsychopharmacology, and Health Disparities & Social Justice. In addition to coursework, you will complete nearly 1,200 clinical hours. Clinical experiences include direct patient care, a residency, and the completion of a DNP Scholarly Project.

Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: The University of Massachusetts at Amherst also offers a Post-Master's Certificate program for master's-prepared registered nurses desiring to specialize as PMHNPs. The program has two start dates each year, in the spring and summer. Nurse practitioners can complete the Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate program in five semesters. Non-APRNs typically take three years to earn the certificate. Coursework is exclusively online, and clinical practicum experiences are arranged in your home region.

You will complete between 25 and 30 credits, depending on GAP analysis. Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate program classes include Advanced Psychotherapy Modalities with Individuals, Groups & Families, Assessment & Diagnosis of Mental Health Disorders, and Integrative Therapies.

Students with APRN certification complete 560 clinical hours. Non-APRN students complete 728 clinical hours. All clinicals are performed under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor. Clinical placements occur in various behavioral/mental health settings, including Crisis Stabilization, Psychiatric Mental Health Partial & Intensive Outpatient Programs, and Inpatient Psychiatric Mental Health facilities.


6. University of Massachusetts Medical School - Worcester


Programs Offered: GEP-to-DNP, BSN-to-DNP, and Post Graduate Certificate

About the School:With high national certification exam pass rates, excellent job placement following graduation, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice program ranked as one of the best by U.S. News & World Report, it is no surprise the University of Massachusetts Medical School is one of our featured online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts. The U-Mass Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing promotes a strong belief in diversity and inclusion, believing the thoughts and behaviors of nurses significantly impact patient outcomes. Nursing faculty are dedicated to preparing PMHNPs ready to succeed in clinical practice.

GEP-to-DNP Program Details: U-Mass Medical School offers individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree the opportunity to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice and become PMHNPs through its Graduate Entry Pathway to DNP program. The program is formatted for completion in four years.

The 121-credit hour curriculum is broken down into one Pre-Licensure year and three years of DNP and Specialty coursework and clinicals.

The Pre-Licensure year includes a 50-credit curriculum consisting of coursework and clinicals. During this year, you will take classes including Pharmacology for Nursing, Health Assessment & Skills, and Biomedical Sciences. Upon completion of the Pre-Licensure year, you may sit for the NCLEX-RN and become licensed as a registered nurse.

After completing Pre-Licensure coursework, you will transition to DNP and specialty coursework and clinicals. DNP-level and specialty courses include Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics, Psychotherapeutic Interventions, and Analytical Foundations of Practice Inquiry.

Students in the GEP-to-DNP program complete 1,800 clinical hours in four years. 540 hours are earned in the Pre-Licensure year, and the remaining 1,260 are earned throughout the rest of the program.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program, you can pursue your DNP-PMHNP credentials through the University of Massachusetts Medical Center BSN-to-DNP program. This program is offered with part-time and full-time enrollment options. Part-time students can complete the program in eleven semesters or four years. Full-time students usually graduate in eight semesters or just three years.

The BSN-to-DNP pathway offers a rigorous 77-credit hour curriculum. You will study Clinical Psychopharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Epidemiology. The BSN-to-DNP Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program includes more than 1,200 precepted clinical hours.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The Psychiatric Mental Health NP Post-Graduate Certificate program is a great option designed for practicing nursing practitioners to gain the knowledge and clinical experience needed to transition their practice to psychiatric care or add an additional certification. You can earn the Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate in three to six semesters.

The PMHNP Post-Graduate Certificate program offers a 22-credit curriculum, including classes in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: Assessment & Diagnosis Across the Lifespan, Psychotherapeutic Interventions, and Clinical Psychopharmacology.

The Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate program includes three clinical practicum experiences. Students complete 630 clinical hours in various mental health care settings.


7. Regis College - Weston


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

About the School: Regis College is a private Catholic college with an excellent reputation for preparing highly qualified nursing professionals. Regis College School of Nursing PMHNP students have access to state-of-the-art learning labs and enjoy low faculty-to-student ratios. The School of Nursing is nationally recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. The school offers five pathways to complete one of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts.

RN-to-BSN-to-MSN Program Details: The RN-to-BSN-to-MSN program is designed to build upon the theoretical and clinical knowledge you gained in your associate degree nursing program. Students in the RN-to-BSN-to-MSN program earn both a BSN and MSN. The program is offered in a hybrid format with some online classes, on-campus requirements, and in-person clinical experiences. Full-time students can complete the program in three years. Part-time students typically take four years.

Students enrolled in this program must complete 104 credit hours, including prerequisites, lower-level nursing sequence, and PMHNP specialty track courses. You will study classes such as Advanced Psychopharmacology and Theory & Practice of Contemporary Psychotherapies.

The RN-to-BSN-to-MSN program includes more than 700 clinical hours. Clinical faculty arrange clinical sites and preceptors, planning clinical experiences at facilities such as Massachusetts General Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Franciscan Hospital.

MSN Program Details: The Master of Science in Nursing PMHNP program in Massachusetts at Regis College is an excellent option for baccalaureate-prepared nurses desiring to earn an MSN and study to become a PMHNP. The program is offered online or on-campus and can be completed in two years.

The MSN-PMHNP is a 49-credit hour program and includes core nurse practitioner courses and specialty-specific coursework. Classes in this pathway include Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Psychopharmacology, and theory & Practice of Contemporary Psychotherapies. The program includes 600 hours of clinical practicum, including psychiatric care of adult, geriatric, and pediatric clients in various settings.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Regis College's BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program is the perfect option for baccalaureate-prepared RNs to transition to doctoral practice and specialize as Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. You can attend classes on-campus or pursue the degree through the college's fully online program. The program offers three start dates each year in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. You can complete the degree in as little as 40 months.

This 79-credit hour BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program includes classes like Theory & Practice of Contemporary Psychotherapies, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, and Advanced Research Methods for Evidence-Based Practice. You will complete 1,000 clinical hours in the program, which include 600 hours earned through direct patient care and 400 hours earned from the DNP Scholarly Project.

MSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a master's-prepared registered nurse, you can earn a terminal degree as a DNP and become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner through the Regis College MSN-to-DNP PMHNP program. The online program is designed to be completed in two years full-time or three years part-time.

The MSN-to-DNP program offers a rigorous curriculum focused on the knowledge of psychopharmacology and psychotherapy modalities to prepare you to provide psychiatric care to clients. The curriculum includes DNP core courses, bridge courses, and specialty-focused courses. The MSN-to-DNP PMHNP program includes 600 clinical hours. However, a GAP analysis of previous clinicals may determine students need additional hours to comply with the 1,000-hour clinical requirement per the DNP Essentials.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: At Regis College, master's prepared nurses can earn a Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate through its fully online program. The Post-Master's Certificate program is available to registered nurses with an MSN, with or without NP certification. Current nurse practitioners can complete the program in just one year. Non-APRNs typically take 20 months to complete the PMHNP Post-Master's Certificate.

Master's-prepared NPs complete 22-40 credits. Non-APRNS complete 34-40 credits. The Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate program's curriculum includes classes such as Theory & Practice of Contemporary Psychotherapies and Advanced Psychopharmacology. Both pathways require students to complete two clinical practicum experiences, earning 600 clinical practice hours.


8. Massachusetts College Of Pharmacy And Health Sciences - Boston


Programs Offered: MSN and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies

About the School: Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has a rich history of educating healthcare professionals dating back nearly 200 years. MCPHS offers two options for individuals seeking online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts. The university offers a low student-to-faculty ratio, which promotes individualized attention and improved student outcomes. The school boasts renowned faculty who are experts in their field and dedicated to your success.

MSN Program Details:Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science offers a two-year Master of Science in Nursing program with a focus on Psychiatric Mental Health NP studies. The program is exclusively online and allows you to complete clinicals in your home community. The flexible schedule makes this program an excellent choice for working professionals. Additionally, the program offers three start dates yearly, making it possible for you to begin your studies at a time most convenient for you.

The MSN-PMHNP program features a 45-credit hour curriculum with in-depth coursework, including Counseling Theory & Techniques for the PMHNP, Human Diversity, Social & Policy Issues, and Psychopharmacology for PMHNPs. Clinicals begin in the third semester and continue through graduation. Upon completing the program, you will have completed at least 630 clinical practice hours.

In addition to required coursework and clinicals, you will complete three campus-based residencies that last one to three days each. The residencies include new student orientation, one residency in the second year, and a final residency before graduation.

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies Program Details: Another online psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Massachusetts designed for master's-prepared nurses is the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies offered at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The program offers three start dates each year in the spring, summer, and fall semesters and is delivered entirely online, other than a few on-campus visits.

The 36-credit hour program is designed to be completed in two years, including two summer semesters. The curriculum includes nine theory classes and four clinical courses. You will study Advanced Pathophysiology & Pharmacology, Professional Role Development for Advanced Practice Nursing, and Survey of Telemedicine. Like the MSN PMHNP program, the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies PMHNP program includes 630 hours of clinical practicum.


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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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