10 Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in New York (Online & Campus) – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Are you a registered nurse in New York who’s looking to broaden your scope of practice? Does mental health interest you? Then one of the PMHNP programs in New York may be the perfect next step in your nursing career. Many of these PMHNP programs are offered online so that you won’t have to step back from job and family obligations. After you graduate, you’ll earn $150,510 on average, and your employment opportunities will increase by more than 56 percent in the next 10 years. Want to learn more? These reviews of the 10 best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in New York for 2025 are a great place to start.


FOLLOWING ARE THE 10 BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN NEW YORK (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 10 best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in New York.)


1. Stony Brook University -SUNY, Stony Brook


Programs Offered: MSN , BSN to DNP, and Advanced Certificate

Are you looking for the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in New York to fulfill your dream of becoming a PMHNP in New York? Stony Brook University is a research institution recognized internationally for its quality education.

MSN Program Details: With 45 credits, this PMHNP program in New York is offered in a hybrid format, with online lectures paired with specific on-campus requirements. To apply, you will need to have previously completed your BSN in nursing with a GPA of 3.0 as well as one year of relevant experience. This program requires you to have completed three credits each in your undergrad in Health Assessment and Statistics. You will also have to meet all technical standards to be admitted and to maintain your spot and to have previously received a valid RN license. If you did not complete your bachelor’s in nursing but in another specialty, you can alternatively submit a clinical practice portfolio. This requires a $300 evaluation fee that is separate from your application fee and is non-refundable, even if you are not admitted.

BSN to DNP Program Details: This program was created for RNs with a BSN. Totalling 87 credits, you will also need to complete 1000 total hours of clinical practice. If you have already received your MSN, you could be eligible to receive advanced standing in the program at a post-masters level. If you do enter at that level, you would need to complete a minimum of 42 credits and at least 500 scholarly practice hours. This is an on-site program.

Advanced Certificate Program Details: Through the completion of this program, you will be eligible to apply for your certification in the state of New York and at a national level. To apply, you will need to have completed your MSN or doctorate of nursing with at least one year of relevant experience completed recently being preferred. Your GPA should be at least 3.0 and you will need to hold a current, valid RN license. In your undergraduate, you will need to have completed three credits each in Health Assessment and Statistics. You will need a minimum of 22 credits, with more required by individual advisement.


2. Columbia University, New York


Programs Offered: Post-BS DNP and Masters Direct Entry (MDE)

One of the most highly ranked nursing schools in the world, Columbia University easily holds a spot amongst the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in New York. An Ivy League university, these programs are competitive but offer high-quality education to those aspiring to become a nurse practitioner in New York.

Post-BS DNP Program Details: This is a two-year program made up of lectures, clinical work, and simulations, capped by a final intensive practicum exam. It includes between 84 and 94 total credits. Upon graduation, you become eligible to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center certification exam and to receive your license as a psychiatric NP in the state of New York.

Masters Direct Entry (MDE) Program Details: This program was designed as an accelerated, full-time program with immersive six-week experiences over fifteen months. This is a June-start program designed specifically for those who have a college degree that is not in nursing and are not yet an RN. As most psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in New York require you to already be an RN, this is a good choice for those who are not. When you have completed the program, you will receive your MSN and can then sit for your NCLEX exam. From there, you can matriculate directly into a DNP or doctorate program if you so choose.


3. University at Buffalo-SUNY, Buffalo


Programs Offered: Post-BS to DNP and Advanced Certificate

University at Buffalo-SUNY is one of the well-known public universities that offer aspiring psychiatric nurse practitioners two pathways of post-BSN to DNP and an advanced certificate that can be completed with a combination of online and on-campus classes.

Post-BS to DNP Program Details: This is a hybrid program that offers flexible learning options, ending in a DNP project that is customized for your specialty. You can attend this program on a part-time or full-time basis, and most students take between three and five years to graduate. Upon completion, you will be eligible for certification in the state of New York and to sit for the national PMHNP certification exam and the CARN-AP exam should you have taken any addiction-related specialty courses during your time of study. If you are interested in distance learning courses with this specialty, keep in mind that while they are available, priority registration for those courses is given to students who are in the Post-MS to DNP program. To be eligible for this post BS to DNP program, you will need to have completed your BSN degree with a 3.0 GPA and to have an active RN license and a minimum of one year working full-time as an RN. The school notes that part-time students should apply to begin in the fall semester, while full-time students should apply to begin in the summer semester.

Advanced Certificate Program Details: This certificate can be completed on a full or part-time basis and is available in an asynchronous online format, meaning that classes occur in real-time on a set schedule. The program is made up of between 25 and 45 credit hours and starts in the spring semester. To be eligible, you will need to have completed your MSN degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and to be a licensed nurse practitioner. This certification program was specifically designed for those NPs who have another specialty but are wanting to change their specialty or add another one to become a PMHNP in New York. You will need to ensure your RN and NP licenses are active in the US before classes begin.


4. Hunter College, New York


Programs Offered: MSN , DNP , and Post-Graduate Advanced Certificate

The nursing school at this university was created as the flagship nursing school of The City University of New York. As one of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in New York, admittance can be difficult, so you must ensure you strengthen your application to enhance your chances of admission.

MSN Program Details: This 48 credit hour MSN program involves core and specialization-based coursework paired with 630 supervised hours of clinical experience. Upon completion, you will be eligible to sit for the NP certification for the state of New York and can apply for national board certification. You can study in this program either full or part-time. To be eligible, you will need to have received your BSN with a cumulative GPA of 3.0, be licensed and registered as an RN in New York, and have completed a Statistics class as well as a Research class in your undergraduate program.

DNP Program Details: If you have not received your MSN by the time you start this program, you will need to complete 90 credits as well as 1000 supervised clinical hours. If you have already attained your MSN, your coursework could be reduced by 42 hours, provided you received a B or higher in grade, and the clinical hours you completed, if relevant, could be counted towards the clinical hour requirement for this program. In addition to the core courses that all DNP students take, students in this PMHNP program in New York will also take 27 specialty credits. This program has a higher GPA requirement than most, wanting a cumulative score of 3.5 or higher.

Post-Graduate Advanced Certificate Program Details: This 36-hour advanced post-graduate certification program takes you through didactic courses and 630 hours of clinical experience. Upon completion, you will be eligible for the NP certification for New York. This program is designed for RNs who already have received their MSN degree.


5. Binghamton University-SUNY, Binghamton


Programs Offered: MSN , DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate

The NP programs at Binghamton University-SUNY rank among the top 10% of nursing programs in the nation, making it one of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in New York.

MSN Program Details: This program is a four-semester course sequence, requiring a total of 46 to 48 credits. It is made up of five parts: core courses, clinical specialization courses, role development courses, supporting courses, and elective courses. You can complete this program on a full or part-time basis. One of the policies of this school is that your master’s degree must be completed within five years of your matriculation date.

DNP Program Details: This degree can be completed in 36 to 38 credits if you already hold a master’s degree in nursing, and can be completed on a full or part-time schedule. To be eligible, you will need your MSN with a GPA of 3.0 minimum, your BSN, your RN license, NP license, and to have completed a Statistics class at the graduate level within five years of the start date. If you study full-time, you can complete this program in two years. On a part-time study schedule, it would take approximately three years.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: This program is designed for those looking for a PMHNP program in New York who already have an MSN. A major part of this program is the supervised practice in a clinic, which is possibly organized near your home. Once you have completed this program, you will be able to apply for your national as well as certification in the psychiatric mental health focus. This is a two-year program with 660 clinical hours and 31 credits.


6. St. John Fisher College, Rochester


Programs Offered: MSN and BSN to DNP

St. John Fisher College offers one of the best PMHNP programs in the state where you can expect to be mentored by a passionate faculty in a conducive environment that emphasizes vital skills such as critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical reasoning.

MSN Program Details: This PMHNP program in New York requires 600 clinical practice hours and has 54-course credits. It starts every year in the fall only, and classes are scheduled on weekday evenings so that you can study even with a full schedule. Once you have completed this program, you can apply for the PMHNP certification. The application process for this program is best completed as soon as possible, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You will need to have completed your BSN and one year of clinical experience, preferably in your specialty. For your undergraduate, a GPA of 3.0 is required, however, a GPA of 3.3 or higher is preferred, and you will need to have earned at least a B in your Health Assessment, Research, and Statistics classes. You will also need to have an RN license that is valid in the state of New York.

BSN to DNP Program Details: You are eligible to enroll in this program if you have a BSN. This post BSN program requires you to complete around 62-72 credits to earn the doctorate in nursing. If you are entering post-BSN, this will be a three full-time track. However, if you want to pursue the program part-time, the college offers a part-time schedule. This program is a blended hybrid one, with simulations, seminars, and case studies.


7. University of Rochester, Rochester


Programs Offered: RN to BS to MS , MSN , Post-BS to DNP , MS-PhD , Post-Master's Certificate , and Accelerated Master’s Program for Non-Nurses (AMPNN)

Among all of the many New York psychiatric nurse practitioner programs, the University of Rochester offers a broad range of study options. Additionally, if you live or work in the Finger Lakes, you could be eligible to save 50% on your tuition with the school’s 50% Finger Lakes Regional Scholarship.

RN to BS to MS Program Details: If you’re a registered nurse, this program was designed as a way for you to complete your MSN even with your busy schedule, blending online and in-person evening classes. The PMHNP program is fully online, with some short in-person intensive sessions. This program requires the completion of 54 credits and 616 clinical hours. This program can be completed within two to three years, depending on the course load that you choose to take.

MSN Program Details: This MSN is offered fully online alongside brief on-site intensive sessions. It is made up of 54 credit hours and 616 clinical hours. To be eligible to apply, you will need to have completed your BSN with at least a 3.0 GPA, have your RN license valid in the state of New York, and have completed a Statistics course in which you earned a minimum grade of a C.

Post-BS to DNP Program Details: Designed for those looking to become a PMHNP post-bachelor’s or post-master’s, this program offers varying tracks. If you are entering post-MSN, your transcript from your MSN program will be analyzed and the relevant courses will be transferred. You will need to have completed either a BSN (minimum GPA of 3.0) or an MSN (minimum GPA of 3.5) and to have RN licensure in the state of New York. You will also have to have passed a Statistics class with a minimum grade of a C. If you are post-MSN, you will also need your national certification in your NP specialty. This program schedule was created for those working full-time, with the typical course load being two per semester. Depending on your choice of course load, you can complete this program on a part-time basis in three years. The program includes 54 credits and 616 clinical hours.

MS-PhD Program Details: This is a full-time program that takes five years to complete, but allows you to earn both your MS and Ph.D. in that time. This is a small program that admits few students. You will need to have completed your BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and to have taken the GRE within the past five years. You will also need to have your RN license for New York State. You can complete this program if you study full-time for five years.

Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: For those who already have their MSN, this program is one of the best online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in New York. Courses are fully online, with some in-person intensives. To apply, you will need to have your BSN and your MSN (required GPA of 3.0 minimum), as well as your RN license in New York and APRN license if applicable. The certificate program bases its graduation requirements on your previously completed coursework.

Accelerated Master’s Program for Non-Nurses (AMPNN) Program Details: This is a three-year, full-time program that will allow you to receive your degree and specialize in the field of Family Psychiatric Mental Health. This FPMHNP is offered fully online, making it one of the sought-after online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in New York. The application for this program progresses through the bachelor’s level of your experience first and then the master’s level, with an interview required at each level. To apply, you will need to have a bachelor’s in a non-nursing degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, relevant experience in health care, and to have completed these pre-requisite courses: Statistics, Human Growth and Development, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Nutrition, and Microbiology. This program of study requires 54 credit hours and 616 clinical hours.


8. NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York


Programs Offered: Dual-Degree BS/MS , MSN , Post-BS to DNP , and Advanced Certificate

The NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing is home to a diverse student population coming from varied cultures and ethnicities. Besides providing a culturally rich environment, the school is also proudly one of the top 10 nursing schools receiving funding from the NIH for its innovative research. Over the years the school has produced several outstanding PMHNP graduates who have majorly contributed to the better health of our local community as well as the global populations.

Dual-Degree BS/MS Program Details: This dual-degree program allows you to obtain both your BSN and your MSN with an advanced practice area in Psychiatric Mental Health NP. This program is only available to NYU Meyers students who are currently enrolled in the BS program; admission to the BS program is a requirement. In the third year of your four-year degree, you would apply to this dual degree. You would need a 3.5 GPA in your first and second bachelor’s clinical sequence courses, as well as approval from the coordinator of the master’s program.

MSN Program Details: Graduation from this program allows you to sit for the Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam and to apply for your licenses as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a New York certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. The faculty will arrange your practicum placement, supervised by licensed psychiatric clinicians at diverse sites around the New York metropolitan area.

Post-BS to DNP Program Details: Created for RNs with a BSN, this program launches with courses at the graduate-level of practice nursing and DNP core courses. You will work through an advanced leadership focus before starting your clinical placement. These courses are largely offered in the evening and are require on-campus attendance. To apply, you will need to be an RN with a BSN, to have a GPA of at least 3.5, your RN license in New York State, as well as one year of full-time experience as an RN, and to have completed Statistics and Research courses in your undergrad.

Advanced Certificate Program Details: The Advanced Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health NP is available for nurses who have already received their MSN degree. You will need to have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 and to have your New York State nursing license before you begin classes. You will also need to have completed at least a year of full-time clinical experience as an RN.


9. D'Youville College, Buffalo


Programs Offered: Dual-Degree BS/MS , MSN , Post-BS to DNP , and Advanced Certificate

D’Youville College has positively contributed to improving the mental health of the community through excellence in education and active community engagement. Here, through the PMHNP program, whether you enroll in the MSN, DNP, or the advanced certificate pathway, you will go through extensive interdisciplinary learning opportunities, forming a team with students from seven other health care majors.

MSN Program Details: The schedule for this program is simple, only holding classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. As a full-time student, you can expect to earn your MSN in two years. Once you have graduated, you will be eligible to take the exam for your board certification. This is a 40 to 42 credit hour program.

DNP Program Details: This program, open for advanced practice nurses prepared at the doctoral level, is made up of traditional coursework combined with clinical fieldwork and the completion of graduate-level research. You can start this program in either the fall or spring semesters and can study full or part-time. With 37 credit hours, you will complete courses both in your specific area of concentration along with interdisciplinary courses.

Advanced Certificate Program Details: Designed for those who have already earned their MSN degree, this program is scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays and can be completed in a one to two-year time period. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to take your board certification exam. This certificate program is made up of 30 total credits.


10. Adelphi University, Garden City


Programs Offered: MSN and Advanced Certificate

Among psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in New York, the program found at Adelphi University stands out for its very impressive ranking among the top NP schools in the country. It is also a school that has put a lot of resources into advancing technologically. Furthermore, the college’s student-centric approach and high-quality education are its hallmarks, making it a rather popular choice among aspiring PMHNPs.

MSN Program Details: You will finish 43 credits and 500 hands-on hours of clinical experience in several different settings to earn your MSN-PMHNP degree. To apply, you will need to have at least a 3.0 GPA earned in all nursing and science courses, an RN license valid in the state of New York, and two letters of recommendation from nurses holding at least a master’s degree. This program was designed to be completed over seven terms.

Advanced Certificate Program Details: This certificate program requires 19 credits and 500 hours of clinical experience in different settings and can be completed in two years. To apply, you will need to have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all of your science and nursing courses, two letters of recommendation written by nurses with, at a minimum, a master’s degree, and valid RN and NP licenses in New York.


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