Are you a registered nurse in South Carolina who’s empathetic, compassionate, and has a strong foundation in nursing assessment skills? You may be an ideal candidate to pursue psychiatric-mental health NP certification through one of the PMHNP programs in South Carolina. PMHNPs are qualified to work in a wide range of practice settings, including medical centers, veterans’ hospitals, community agencies, and private physician practices, and their skills are so highly sought after that demand for their services will increase by an impressive 61 percent in the next decade. They make comfortable salaries—$128,750 a year on average. Could psychiatric-mental health nurse practice be your calling? Read this guide to the 4 best PMHNP programs in South Carolina and find out.
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 4 best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in South Carolina.)
MSN Program Details: Are you a registered nurse ready to take your career to the next level by earning a master’s degree in nursing? Do you have a passion for providing quality psychiatric care to clients and want a role where you can truly impact the lives of those in your care? If so, becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner could be the perfect career move! One way to accomplish that is through an MSN PMHNP program, like the one offered at the University of South Carolina.
The MSN program, which is one of the best PMHNP programs in South Carolina, features online didactic coursework in a distance-learning format with some campus immersion experiences required. The program is designed to be completed in eight semesters.
The MSN Psychiatric Mental Health NP program requires a total of 47 credits. Some classes in the curriculum include Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Legal, Ethical, & Role Transition, Management of Complex Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions, and Neuroscientific Basis of Behavior & Psychopharmacological Treatment. The program includes 672 direct patient contact clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program at the University of South Carolina is a fantastic choice for registered nurses who want to earn a clinical doctorate and specialize as a Psychiatric Mental Health NP. You can choose to enroll part-time or full-time based on your current needs and academic goals. Full-time students complete the program in nine semesters. Part-time students take 12 semesters to accomplish the degree.
This post-bachelor’s PMHNP program in South Carolina features a 74-credit curriculum. While most didactic coursework is delivered online, some campus visits are required for skills labs and immersion experiences. The program also includes a minimum of 1,112 clinical hours. The College of Nursing offers assistance in securing clinical placements and identifying clinical preceptors, ensuring you have adequate experiences to prepare you throughout the program.
Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you have already earned a master’s degree in nursing, you can earn a Certificate of Graduate Studies, adding PMHNP to your clinical specialty. The Graduate Certificate program is available to master's-prepared nurses with or without APRN certification. Licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurses complete the program in four semesters. Non-APRNs follow a six-semester pathway. The program includes online didactic instruction, campus-based immersions, and in-person clinical practicums.
The Graduate Certificate curriculum varies based on whether you have a current APRN license. The minimum required credits is 18 for current APRNs and 32 for non-APRNs. An analysis of your previous transcripts will determine the total number of credits you need, and you will be given an individualized plan of study. The program includes 672 hours of precepted clinical practicum.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The University of South Carolina was the first of four nationally-recognized DNP programs in the country. The school’s long history of dedication to nursing education and success makes this a great place to earn your degree or certificate and begin your journey to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner!MSN Program Details: The Master of Science in Nursing PMHNP program in South Carolina at Anderson University is an excellent program designed to prepare nurses for the advanced practice role of a Psychiatric Mental Health NP. The program offers a five-semester, full-time option and an eight-semester, part-time option, allowing you to choose a schedule that works best for you. Upon completion of the MSN PMHNP program, you will be eligible to test with the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or American Nurses Credentialing Center to obtain board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
New students are admitted annually in the fall semester. The program features a hybrid learning format, combining online learning with some campus days and required in-person clinical hours. The MSN program requires students to complete 51 credits and 750 clinical hours. The curriculum features classes, including Clinical Epidemiology & Analytical Methods, Management of Behavioral Health Populations Across the Lifespan, and Advanced Assessment Processes in Mental Healthcare Across the Lifespan.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Anderson University offers a post-baccalaureate pathway to earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice and specializing in the PMHNP concentration. The program admits new students in the fall semester each year and is designed to be completed in three years or nine semesters.
Didactic coursework is offered online, making it easy for you to learn from anywhere. In-person attendance on campus is required once per semester for two to three days. The BSN-to-DNP program features a 77-credit curriculum. In addition to coursework, all students in this pathway complete a DNP Scholarly Project and a Clinical Residency.
Upon completion of the program, you will have completed at least 1,000 clinical hours. You will complete 500 clinical hours in the first four semesters while completing the core curriculum. 500 additional clinical hours will be completed in the specialty track and DNP course and through the Scholarly Project courses.
FNP-to-PMHNP Certificate Program Details: If you are a Family Nurse Practitioner who wants to add Psychiatric Mental Health to your certification to extend your professional scope of practice, the FNP-to-PMHNP Certificate program at Anderson University is an excellent path to consider. The program admits students in the spring semester annually and takes 15 months to complete.
The FNP-to-PMHNP Certificate program is a mostly online option that includes some selected days on campus to meet with faculty, participate in skills learning, and interact with peers. The program is a 22-credit hour pathway. In this program, you will complete 750 clinical hours working alongside licensed psychiatrists and PMHNPs.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• If you are searching for a PMHNP program in South Dakota where Christian principles are integrated into the spirit of caring and healing, Anderson University is an excellent choice! The university’s motto, “Humanitatem per crucem alere,” means “Serve mankind through the cross.” Program faculty are dedicated to helping you meet not only the physical and emotional needs of your clients but their spiritual needs, as well.MSN Program Details: Francis Marion University is home to another of our featured PMHNP programs in South Carolina. One of three options the university offers is the Master of Science in Nursing PMHNP program. The program is designed to be completed in two and a half years on a full-time basis. If you prefer a part-time study plan, your faculty advisor may develop one for you. Admission to the program occurs annually in the fall semester. Most courses are fully online. However, some hybrid courses require travel to campus. Campus visits are usually required no more than twice per semester.
The MSN Psychiatric Mental Health NP program is a 55-credit hour pathway designed to prepare advanced practice nurses to provide psychiatric mental healthcare to patients across the lifespan in both acute and non-acute settings. The curriculum features classes, including Advanced Assessment, Differential Diagnosis, & Management of Psychiatric Disorders Across the Lifespan, Evidence-Based Psychopharmacology of the Advanced Practice Nurse, and Neuroscience of Psychiatric Disorders. The program requires 780 precepted clinical hours. Clinicals occur in acute and non-acute settings. Students are responsible for locating clinical preceptors and scheduling clinical hours with faculty approval.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program at Francis Marion University offers a pathway for baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses to transition to a doctoral degree and prepare for certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. New students are admitted to the program each fall. Full-time students complete the program in just three years.
The BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program features online didactic coursework for most classes. A few hybrid courses require travel to campus up to two times per semester. The curriculum is a 72-credit hour pathway and includes 1,080 clinical hours. While students are responsible for identifying clinical preceptors, Course Coordinators are available to provide assistance and collaborate with you to ensure you have adequate experiences and qualified preceptors to meet the program’s clinical requirements.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Francis Marion University offers a Post-Master’s Certificate option for master’s-prepared RNs desiring to add the PMHNP certification to their professional role. The program admits students annually in the fall semester and is designed to be completed in just four semesters full-time. If you prefer to pursue the certificate part-time, you may discuss that option with your faculty advisor.
This Post-Master’s Certificate program features a curriculum plan that requires 23-27 credit hours and 780 clinical hours. A GAP analysis is performed for each student to determine a personalized plan of study. While hybrid courses typically require visits to campus, as a Post-Master’s Certificate student, you have the option of completing hybrid requirements completely online via virtual, simulated learning.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Upon enrollment in the PMHNP program, you will be assigned an academic advisor. Your advisor will be your point of contact throughout the program, offering support, assistance, and resources, as needed, to help promote your success.MSN Program Details: The MSN PMHNP program at the Medical University of South Carolina prepares nurses to specialize in primary behavioral health care, capable of providing care to patients across the lifespan. The program admits new students each fall and is available in a two-year or three-year plan of study.
This 60-credit PMHNP program in South Carolina covers topics in psychiatric-mental health, opioid and substance abuse, palliative care, and telehealth. The program also includes 765 clinical hours. Clinicals encompass the care of clients of all ages, including pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients. Students may choose clinical sites and preceptors, but must collaborate with Lead Faculty and the College of Nursing Clinical Education Manager for approval of all sites and preceptors and to ensure proper contracts are in place.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program offers another pathway to a terminal nursing degree and certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health NP. The program offers two starting dates each year, once in the spring and once in the fall. You may choose to enroll part-time and complete the program in 11 semesters or full-time and graduate in eight semesters. The DNP program offers online courses with limited visits to campus and clinical practicums in your hometown.
The BSN-to-DNP program is a 76-credit pathway. Students in this post-bachelor’s DNP program complete 1,165 clinical practicum hours. All clinicals are completed under the supervision of an approved, qualified preceptor and in collaboration with an assigned MUSC Clinical Faculty member.
Post-MSN Certificate Program Details: If you have a master’s degree in nursing, you can earn a Post-MSN Certificate with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health at the Medical University of South Carolina. This post-master’s option can be completed in just four semesters. The program features a 23-credit curriculum and includes 765 clinical hours. However, after a GAP analysis of your master’s program transcripts, adjustments to your study plan may be made to reflect a different number of required credits or clinicals needed to earn the certificate.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• One of the things I love about nursing is that there are endless opportunities to continue learning. Something I find appealing about the Medical University of South Carolina’s PMHNP program is that you have the option of adding three education courses (nine credits) to your plan of study, making you qualified for the Certified Nurse Educator Exam.| Hourly | $45.54 |
| Weekly | $1,822 |
| Monthly | $7,890 |
| Annual | $94,720 |
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $45.54 | $1,822 | $7,890 | $94,720 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $51.53 | $2,061 | $8,930 | $107,180 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $60.83 | $2,433 | $10,540 | $126,520 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $67.74 | $2,709 | $11,740 | $140,890 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $80.95 | $3,238 | $14,030 | $168,370 |
| Hourly | $61.90 |
| Weekly | $2,476 |
| Monthly | $10,730 |
| Annual | $128,750 |
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Charleston-North Charleston | $65.46 | $2,618 | $11,350 | $136,160 |
| Columbia | $59.86 | $2,394 | $10,380 | $124,510 |
| Florence | $64.77 | $2,591 | $11,230 | $134,730 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin | $60.35 | $2,414 | $10,460 | $125,530 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort | $56.79 | $2,272 | $9,840 | $118,120 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach | $59.96 | $2,398 | $10,390 | $124,710 |
| Spartanburg | $62.79 | $2,512 | $10,880 | $130,610 |
| Sumter | $60.57 | $2,423 | $10,500 | $125,990 |
| Average South Carolina PMHNP Annual Salary | Average National PMHNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $128,750 | $141,470 | -$12,720 | -8.99% |
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $177,860 | -$49,110 | -27.61% |
| Nevada | $163,690 | -$34,940 | -21.35% |
| Washington | $160,090 | -$31,340 | -19.58% |
| New Jersey | $159,680 | -$30,930 | -19.37% |
| Oregon | $159,590 | -$30,840 | -19.32% |
| Massachusetts | $158,560 | -$29,810 | -18.80% |
| New York | $157,260 | -$28,510 | -18.13% |
| Connecticut | $150,820 | -$22,070 | -14.63% |
| New Mexico | $150,590 | -$21,840 | -14.50% |
| Minnesota | $148,650 | -$19,900 | -13.39% |
| District of Columbia | $148,470 | -$19,720 | -13.28% |
| Rhode Island | $146,940 | -$18,190 | -12.38% |
| Hawaii | $146,010 | -$17,260 | -11.82% |
| Arizona | $145,950 | -$17,200 | -11.78% |
| Delaware | $144,350 | -$15,600 | -10.81% |
| Iowa | $144,040 | -$15,290 | -10.62% |
| New Hampshire | $143,950 | -$15,200 | -10.56% |
| Texas | $143,140 | -$14,390 | -10.05% |
| Wisconsin | $141,290 | -$12,540 | -8.88% |
| Maryland | $140,920 | -$12,170 | -8.64% |
| Utah | $140,730 | -$11,980 | -8.51% |
| North Dakota | $140,670 | -$11,920 | -8.47% |
| Pennsylvania | $140,320 | -$11,570 | -8.25% |
| Illinois | $139,720 | -$10,970 | -7.85% |
| Alaska | $138,920 | -$10,170 | -7.32% |
| Vermont | $138,840 | -$10,090 | -7.27% |
| Montana | $137,230 | -$8,480 | -6.18% |
| Idaho | $137,130 | -$8,380 | -6.11% |
| Oklahoma | $136,890 | -$8,140 | -5.95% |
| Wyoming | $136,040 | -$7,290 | -5.36% |
| Indiana | $135,780 | -$7,030 | -5.18% |
| Maine | $135,360 | -$6,610 | -4.88% |
| Ohio | $135,280 | -$6,530 | -4.83% |
| Colorado | $134,310 | -$5,560 | -4.14% |
| Nebraska | $133,970 | -$5,220 | -3.90% |
| North Carolina | $133,870 | -$5,120 | -3.82% |
| Georgia | $133,390 | -$4,640 | -3.48% |
| South Dakota | $133,200 | -$4,450 | -3.34% |
| Virginia | $133,080 | -$4,330 | -3.25% |
| Michigan | $132,870 | -$4,120 | -3.10% |
| Florida | $131,800 | -$3,050 | -2.31% |
| Kansas | $131,320 | -$2,570 | -1.96% |
| Louisiana | $130,660 | -$1,910 | -1.46% |
| Mississippi | $129,360 | -$610 | -0.47% |
| South Carolina | $128,750 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Missouri | $128,470 | +$280 | +0.22% |
| West Virginia | $124,910 | +$3,840 | +3.07% |
| Arkansas | $124,870 | +$3,880 | +3.11% |
| Kentucky | $121,520 | +$7,230 | +5.95% |
| Alabama | $121,130 | +$7,620 | +6.29% |
| Tennessee | $114,200 | +$14,550 | +12.74% |
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $233,920 | -$105,170 | -44.96% |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $128,750 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $95,940 | +$32,810 | +34.20% |
| Registered Nurse | $81,390 | +$47,360 | +58.19% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $81,230 | +$47,520 | +58.50% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $56,430 | +$72,320 | +128.16% |
| Nursing Assistant | $34,590 | +$94,160 | +272.22% |
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $182,970 | -$54,220 | -29.63% |
| Podiatrist | $159,340 | -$30,590 | -19.20% |
| Pharmacist | $134,960 | -$6,210 | -4.60% |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $128,750 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $127,400 | +$1,350 | +1.06% |
| Optometrist | $114,430 | +$14,320 | +12.51% |
| Physician Assistant | $114,310 | +$14,440 | +12.63% |
| Radiation Therapist | $94,940 | +$33,810 | +35.61% |
| Physical Therapist | $94,280 | +$34,470 | +36.56% |
| Occupational Therapist | $88,520 | +$40,230 | +45.45% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $85,670 | +$43,080 | +50.29% |
| Audiologist | $82,610 | +$46,140 | +55.85% |
| Dental Hygienist | $76,950 | +$51,800 | +67.32% |
| Chiropractor | $72,810 | +$55,940 | +76.83% |
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
| 4 |
| $61.90 |
| $2,476 |
| $10,730 |
| $128,750 |
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +60.68% |




Darby Faubion BSN, RN