Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Mississippi (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Could psychiatric-mental health nurse practice be the right career track for you in Mississippi? Yes, if you’re looking for a job that combines a good salary, excellent employment prospects, and meaningful work that really helps others. Graduates of PMHNP programs in Mississippi play a vital role in addressing mental health needs across the Magnolia State. They provide accessible, high-quality care in diverse practice settings, including hospitals, community health centers, clinics, correctional facilities, and private physician practices. They average $129,360 in annual salary, and the demand for their services is expected to rise 43 percent within 10 years. The guide below to the best PMHNP programs in Mississippi has more information on this dynamic career track.
FOLLOWING ARE THE BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN MISSISSIPPI (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in Mississippi.)
1. University Of Mississippi Medical Center - Jackson
Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN (Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner), MSN (Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner), BSN-to-DNP (Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner), and Post-Graduate Certificate (Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
RN-to-MSN Program Details: Are you a registered nurse with an associate degree dreaming of becoming a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner? If so, The University of Mississippi Medical Center is a great school to consider! At UMMC, you will find an RN-to-MSN Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP program that is one of the top PMHNP programs in Mississippi.
The Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program will prepare you to assess, diagnose, and treat patients and families across the lifespan who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing mental health problems and disorders. The RN-to-MSN program is a six-semester pathway that admits students annually in the summer. Courses for the program are online. However, campus visits are usually required twice per semester to complete intensives.
The RN-to-MSN PMHNP program features a 62-credit pathway. The curriculum includes Clinical Management of Individuals with Mental Health Problems, Clinical Pharmacotherapeutics, Informatics & Healthcare Technology, and Health Policy & Population Health classes. This program includes 630 hours of precepted clinical experience. Clinical practicum hours must be completed in Mississippi.
RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: Admission to the RN-to-MSN PMHNP program is contingent upon meeting the following requirements. Candidates must possess an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited institution, have a current, unencumbered RN license and be eligible for licensure in Mississippi, and have at least one year of clinical experience as a licensed registered nurse.
While candidates with a minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or higher are preferred, in some cases, those with a cumulative nursing GPA of 3.0 or higher may be considered. Applicants must show proof of completing all prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better. Additionally, pre-admission counseling is completed after the Graduate Admission and Progression Commission reviews your application, and an interview with program faculty may be required.
MSN Program Details: If you have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and want to earn a master’s degree and specialize as a Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP, the MSN PMHNP program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center is another great option. The MSN program admits students in the fall semester annually and takes an average of five semesters to complete.
In the MSN program, your classes will be delivered in an online format and complemented by campus-based intensives two times per semester and in-person clinicals at healthcare sites in Mississippi. The program features a 46-credit curriculum. 630 hours of clinical practicum are integrated into the curriculum.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN at UMMC, you must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an institution accredited by the ACEN or CCNE. Candidates are required to have a current, unencumbered RN license in the U.S. and eligibility to practice or become licensed in Mississippi. Candidates are required to submit transcripts from all post-secondary schools reflecting a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and a grade of “C” or higher on all prerequisite courses. One year of work experience as a registered nurse is also required. All applicants participate in pre-admission counseling and may be asked to participate in an admission interview, as well.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a bachelor’s-prepared RN and want to achieve a clinical doctorate in nursing and become a PMHNP, the BSN-to-DNP program at UMCC is worth considering. The post-bachelor’s DNP PMHNP program admits students each year in the fall semester and is designed to be completed in eight semesters if you enroll as a full-time student. Part-time enrollment is also available, which could extend the time it takes to complete the program by at least two semesters based on the number of credits you attempt each term.
The BSN-to-DNP Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program features a rigorous 75-credit curriculum. Course delivery is a combination of online classes and face-to-face intensive sessions. This PMHNP program in Mississippi includes 1,230 clinical hours. You will complete 780 hours of clinicals providing direct patient care. An additional 450 clinical hours are considered indirect hours, as they are dedicated to completing the DNP Scholarly Project requirement.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Individuals seeking admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited nursing program and an unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or one of its territories and eligibility for licensure in the state of Mississippi. One year of clinical experience as an RN is required.
Eligible candidates will have an overall GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 grading scale and must show completion of at least one research course and one statistics course. In cases where the overall GPA is less than 3.2, the nursing GPA may be considered. Candidates are asked to submit three letters of reference and a personal statement and may be asked to participate in an admission interview.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you have already earned a graduate degree in nursing and wish to specialize as a Family/PMHNP, the Post-Graduate Certificate Program at UMMC could be the perfect opportunity for you! The program features theory and clinical experiences tailored to focus on the PMHNP role.
The curriculum consists of support courses, didactic specialty courses, and clinical practicum hours. Your academic advisor will develop An individualized study plan based on your previous transcripts and academic needs. Post-Graduate students typically complete a minimum of 21 credits. The program also includes a minimum of 500 or up to 630 clinical hours.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Prospective students who wish to pursue the Post-Graduate Certificate program at UMMC should be registered nurses with a Master’s degree in nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program. You will be asked to provide evidence of a current, unrestricted RN license in the United States and license or eligibility to be licensed and practice in Mississippi. Completion of an undergraduate or graduate-level statistics course is required. Candidates with an overall college grade point average of at least 3.0 are preferred. However, a nursing GPA of 3.0 may be considered.
In addition to completing an admission application, you must provide official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended and a professional resume. Pre-admission counseling is required of all candidates. Additionally, you may be asked to participate in an admission interview.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse and healthcare educator, I like to acknowledge when nursing schools and programs contribute to their communities. For example, the University of Mississippi Medical Center has School of Nursing-managed health clinics throughout the state that provide research and practice opportunities. These clinics contribute to the health and well-being of individuals and communities. The school reports that, through these clinics, more than 60,000 hours of service learning and over $1.5 million worth of free healthcare services have been provided!• Pursuing one of the PMHNP programs in Mississippi at UMMC will allow you to practice skills at the school’s state-of-the-art simulation center. The center features high-fidelity simulation suites that emulate clinic and hospital settings, including having mid- and high-fidelity patient simulators. The center also has a 27-bay treatment lab, a simulated home lab environment, and a simulated advanced primary care office.
• At the University of Mississippi Medical Center, you will have awesome clinical learning opportunities, many of which will occur on the school’s campus. The university houses four specialized hospitals, including an adult hospital, a critical care hospital, a women’s and infants hospital, and the state’s only children’s hospital. UMCC also has the state’s only Level I trauma center, Level 4 neonatal intensive care nursery, and an organ transplant program.
• Upon admission to the PMHNP program at UMCC, you will be assigned a faculty advisor who will serve as your academic counselor throughout the program. Your advisor will collaborate with you to develop an individualized plan of study and will offer guidance and assistance as you need it to help promote your success.
2. University of Southern Mississippi - Hattiesburg
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are interested in a doctoral-level PMHNP program in Mississippi, another school to consider is the University of Southern Mississippi. This post-bachelor’s degree program admits new students in the fall semester. The program can be completed in three years full-time. A part-time option is also available.
The BSN-to-DNP program requires 73 credits. Didactic courses are offered online, and one campus visit is required per semester. The curriculum features classes, including Psychobiological Theories & Assessment in Advanced Psychiatric Nursing, Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Diagnosis & Management with Individuals, and Psychopharmacology. This post-bachelor’s DNP program requires you to complete at least 1,000 clinical hours. Clinicals are arranged collaboratively between students and faculty and completed in your own community or nearby communities.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at The University of Southern Mississippi, you must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing earned from a nursing program accredited by the CCNE or NLNCNE, a current, unencumbered Mississippi registered nurse license, and one year of recent work experience as an RN. Candidates must provide evidence of a 3.0 GPA for undergraduate nursing courses, GRE scores of 3.0 or higher on the analytical section, and complete an introductory statistics course. All applicants are required to submit a Supplemental Nursing Application, a current curriculum vitae or professional resume, three letters of recommendation, a cover letter of introduction, and a personal statement, and participate in an interview with program faculty.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: Graduate-prepared registered nurses desiring to add the PMHNP specialty to their role can pursue the Post-Graduate Certificate program at USM. The program is designed with working nurses in mind, offering a part-time plan that can be completed in five semesters. The hybrid format features online didactic coursework, one campus visit per semester, and clinicals in or near your hometown.
The Post-Graduate Certificate program is designed as a 28-credit pathway. However, a final plan of study will be developed for you by the Program Director after reviewing your official graduate transcript. To obtain the certificate, students must pass a comprehensive exam and maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the program. The curriculum includes three clinical courses with corresponding practicums. You will complete approximately 810 clinical hours in the Post-Graduate Certificate program.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate Program at SMU must have a graduate nursing degree from a program accredited by the CCNE or NLNCNE, an unencumbered RN license in Mississippi, and at least one year of psychiatric nursing experience. Candidates are required to submit official transcripts from any college or university where college credits were attempted and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all undergraduate and graduate-level coursework. You must also provide a copy of your current immunizations, CPR card, and proof of a recent health exam, and pass a criminal background check and drug screening.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The University of Southern Mississippi is committed to providing PMHNP programs that prepare you to deliver high-quality care confidently. As a student at USM, you will learn from faculty who are experts in nursing practice and dedicated to helping you succeed.• USM believes every student should have the opportunity to pursue their academic goals without the added worry of finances. The school has many scholarships and grant opportunities available to students in its PMHNP programs. On average, the school awards nearly $800,000 annually!
• Graduates of the BSN-to-DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate PMHNP programs at the University of Southern Mississippi have outstanding success rates on national certification exams. The school reports nearly 100% of program graduates pass the exam on their first attempt!
• As a nurse educator, I encourage potential students to check school rankings when searching for a good program. Finding a program that is well-ranked by a reputable source means you can feel confident that you will receive a high-quality education that will prepare you for your role. For example, the University of Southern Mississippi is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in its category Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice, making it an excellent choice for earning your DNP and specializing as a PMHNP!
HOW MUCH DO PMHNP GRADUATES MAKE IN MISSISSIPPI?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN MISSISSIPPI EXPECT?
| Hourly | $45.75 |
| Weekly | $1,830 |
| Monthly | $7,930 |
| Annual | $95,170 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN MISSISSIPPI EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $45.75 | $1,830 | $7,930 | $95,170 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $51.77 | $2,071 | $8,970 | $107,680 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $61.11 | $2,444 | $10,590 | $127,110 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $68.06 | $2,722 | $11,800 | $141,560 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $81.33 | $3,253 | $14,100 | $169,170 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PMHNP SALARY IN MISSISSIPPI?
| Hourly | $62.19 |
| Weekly | $2,488 |
| Monthly | $10,780 |
| Annual | $129,360 |
HOW MUCH DO PMHNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF MISSISSIPPI?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula | $63.33 | $2,533 | $10,980 | $131,730 |
| Hattiesburg | $59.60 | $2,384 | $10,330 | $123,960 |
| Jackson | $63.52 | $2,541 | $11,010 | $132,120 |
PMHNP SALARY IN MISSISSIPPI VS. OTHER SALARIES
PMHNP SALARY IN MISSISSIPPI VS. PMHNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Mississippi PMHNP Annual Salary | Average National PMHNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $129,360 | $141,470 | -$12,110 | -8.56% |
PMHNP SALARY IN MISSISSIPPI VS. PMHNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $177,860 | -$48,500 | -27.27% |
| Nevada | $163,690 | -$34,330 | -20.97% |
| Washington | $160,090 | -$30,730 | -19.20% |
| New Jersey | $159,680 | -$30,320 | -18.99% |
| Oregon | $159,590 | -$30,230 | -18.94% |
| Massachusetts | $158,560 | -$29,200 | -18.42% |
| New York | $157,260 | -$27,900 | -17.74% |
| Connecticut | $150,820 | -$21,460 | -14.23% |
| New Mexico | $150,590 | -$21,230 | -14.10% |
| Minnesota | $148,650 | -$19,290 | -12.98% |
| District of Columbia | $148,470 | -$19,110 | -12.87% |
| Rhode Island | $146,940 | -$17,580 | -11.96% |
| Hawaii | $146,010 | -$16,650 | -11.40% |
| Arizona | $145,950 | -$16,590 | -11.37% |
| Delaware | $144,350 | -$14,990 | -10.38% |
| Iowa | $144,040 | -$14,680 | -10.19% |
| New Hampshire | $143,950 | -$14,590 | -10.14% |
| Texas | $143,140 | -$13,780 | -9.63% |
| Wisconsin | $141,290 | -$11,930 | -8.44% |
| Maryland | $140,920 | -$11,560 | -8.20% |
| Utah | $140,730 | -$11,370 | -8.08% |
| North Dakota | $140,670 | -$11,310 | -8.04% |
| Pennsylvania | $140,320 | -$10,960 | -7.81% |
| Illinois | $139,720 | -$10,360 | -7.41% |
| Alaska | $138,920 | -$9,560 | -6.88% |
| Vermont | $138,840 | -$9,480 | -6.83% |
| Montana | $137,230 | -$7,870 | -5.73% |
| Idaho | $137,130 | -$7,770 | -5.67% |
| Oklahoma | $136,890 | -$7,530 | -5.50% |
| Wyoming | $136,040 | -$6,680 | -4.91% |
| Indiana | $135,780 | -$6,420 | -4.73% |
| Maine | $135,360 | -$6,000 | -4.43% |
| Ohio | $135,280 | -$5,920 | -4.38% |
| Colorado | $134,310 | -$4,950 | -3.69% |
| Nebraska | $133,970 | -$4,610 | -3.44% |
| North Carolina | $133,870 | -$4,510 | -3.37% |
| Georgia | $133,390 | -$4,030 | -3.02% |
| South Dakota | $133,200 | -$3,840 | -2.88% |
| Virginia | $133,080 | -$3,720 | -2.80% |
| Michigan | $132,870 | -$3,510 | -2.64% |
| Florida | $131,800 | -$2,440 | -1.85% |
| Kansas | $131,320 | -$1,960 | -1.49% |
| Louisiana | $130,660 | -$1,300 | -0.99% |
| Mississippi | $129,360 | $0 | 0.00% |
| South Carolina | $128,750 | +$610 | +0.47% |
| Missouri | $128,470 | +$890 | +0.69% |
| West Virginia | $124,910 | +$4,450 | +3.56% |
| Arkansas | $124,870 | +$4,490 | +3.60% |
| Kentucky | $121,520 | +$7,840 | +6.45% |
| Alabama | $121,130 | +$8,230 | +6.79% |
| Tennessee | $114,200 | +$15,160 | +13.27% |
PMHNP SALARY IN MISSISSIPPI VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN MISSISSIPPI
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $201,280 | -$71,920 | -35.73% |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $129,360 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $75,510 | +$53,850 | +71.32% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $68,620 | +$60,740 | +88.52% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $49,050 | +$80,310 | +163.73% |
| Nursing Assistant | $29,660 | +$99,700 | +336.14% |
PMHNP SALARY IN MISSISSIPPI VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $130,550 | -$1,190 | -0.91% |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $129,360 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Pharmacist | $125,330 | +$4,030 | +3.22% |
| Optometrist | $124,000 | +$5,360 | +4.32% |
| Veterinarian | $102,660 | +$26,700 | +26.01% |
| Physical Therapist | $95,230 | +$34,130 | +35.84% |
| Occupational Therapist | $90,510 | +$38,850 | +42.92% |
| Radiation Therapist | $84,360 | +$45,000 | +53.34% |
| Chiropractor | $83,870 | +$45,490 | +54.24% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $76,680 | +$52,680 | +68.70% |
| Audiologist | $75,150 | +$54,210 | +72.14% |
| Dental Hygienist | $62,120 | +$67,240 | +108.24% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits PMHNP Programs In Mississippi?
| 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 Mississippi?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Hour In Mississippi?
| $62.19 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Week In Mississippi?
| $2,488 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Month In Mississippi?
| $10,780 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Year In Mississippi?
| $129,360 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For PMHNPs In Mississippi?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +42.58% |
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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