6 Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Tennessee (Online & Campus) – 2024
Written By: Sarah Cruzan RN, BSN
Reviewed By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Are you a Tennessee RN who’s interested in providing mental health services? Then you may be interested in attending one of the many PMHNP programs in Tennessee. You’ll learn how to provide integrated care to individuals with chronic emotional, behavioral, or mental health problems. Employment opportunities will be abundant; in fact, within the next 10 years, PMHNP jobs are projected to increase by 57 percent in the Volunteer State. You’ll be paid well, too; the average PMHNP salary in Tennessee is $105,680. Sound like a good fit for your talents? Find out more by reviewing this list of the 6 best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee for 2024.
FOLLOWING ARE THE 6 BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN TENNESSEE (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2024
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 6 best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in Tennessee.)
1. Vanderbilt University - Nashville
About the School: Are you looking for a school where you can study to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner? Do you like the idea of approaching psychiatric care with a holistic approach? If so, you may not need to look any further than Vanderbilt University, home to some of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee.
At Vanderbilt, low classroom ratios and an individualized approach to academic planning create an atmosphere conducive to student success. The university offers its PMHNP programs in a hybrid format. Flexible scheduling means you can study and earn your degree without putting the important things in your life on hold.
Vanderbilt University is known for its rich history in psychiatric nursing education. The PMHNP program at the school was one of the first Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs in the country. U.S. News & World Report ranks Vanderbilt among the best schools for Master's in Nursing Programs.
MSN Program Details: The MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Vanderbilt offers a 41-credit curriculum and is available part-time or full-time. You can complete the full-time pathway in just three semesters or the part-time program in six semesters.
You will learn essential skills such as how to promote mental health services such as psychotherapy and to intervene in crisis situations. In this pathway, you will study courses, including Mental Health Nursing Care of Individuals, Groups, & Families, Human Experience of Health & Illness, and Pharmacotherapy for Populations. The program includes 620 hours of preceptor-supervised clinical practicum.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Vanderbilt offers another excellent psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Tennessee, the Post-Masters PMHNP Certificate option. The program is designed for master’s-prepared registered nurses desiring to expand or transition their advanced practice role. The program, which features a blended format of online learning and in-person clinicals, can be completed in as few as three semesters.
The Post-Master's Certificate pathway specializing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner features a 32-credit hour curriculum with classes such as Population-Based Mental Health Care Across the Lifespan, Diagnostic Reasoning for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Models & Theories of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. Like the MSN program, Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate students complete 620 clinical hours.
2. University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Memphis
About the School:The University of Tennessee Health Center has a long history of outstanding nursing education, lasting more than 100 years. The College of Nursing was the first nursing college in Tennessee, and since its opening has consistently educated well-rounded, professional nurses in diverse specialties. Many students come to the college seeking a top PMHNP Program in Tennessee and are not disappointed!
The university offers three options for prospective students seeking to become Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. Depending on your current level of education, you may choose from the BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, or Post-DNP Certificate programs. All three pathways offer online coursework with minimal on-campus visits.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The University of Tennessee BSN-to-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is offered in part-time and full-time formats, allowing you to choose a study plan best suited to your needs. Part-time students complete the program in four or five years. Full-time students can anticipate graduating in three to four years.
The program features a 61-credit curriculum. The program includes DNP core and concentration-specific classes. Some of the courses you'll take include Biologic Treatments for Psychiatric Disorders, Clinical Health Promotion & Disease Risk Assessment, and Assessment Strategies in Psychiatric Mental Health.
Students complete 780 clinical hours. Clinical hours are earned through hands-on psychiatric mental health care practicum and completion of a DNP Scholarly Project.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: The MSN-to-DNP program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is another one of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee. The program offers a 44-credit study plan that can be completed in as few as two years.
Students in the MSN-to-DNP pathway take classes, including Psychiatric Mental Health Disorders, Epidemiology for Clinical Practice, and Individual, Group, & Family Therapy. The program includes 540 clinical practicum hours.
Post-DNP Certificate Program Details: The Post-DNP Certificate Program is designed for APRNs who already have a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and desire to transition practice or add a specialty to Psychiatric Mental Health NP. The program includes a 23-credit curriculum consisting of online coursework and supervised clinical experiences.
You will study in classes such as Child & Adolescent Mental Health Care in Advanced Psychiatric Nursing, Assessment Strategies in Psychiatric/Mental Healthcare, and Biological Treatments for Psychiatric Disorders. This pathway also requires the completion of 54 clinical hours. Most students complete the program in three semesters.
3. University of Tennessee - Knoxville
About the School: The University of Tennessee, located in Knoxville, promotes high-quality nursing education, research, and practice. The university boasts internationally renowned faculty with a solid dedication to the school and students.
The university’s dedication to mental health and awareness led to the College of Nursing being awarded a 3.7 million grant to provide mental health services to underrepresented residents of rural communities.
The College of Nursing offers three options for nurses seeking a PMHNP in Tennessee and desiring to earn a degree and specialize in the field as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. Each pathway is offered in a hybrid format combining online learning and in-person clinical experiences.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Tennessee is designed to be completed in eight semesters full-time. The program, which is one of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee, features a 69-credit hour curriculum with classes, including Advanced Pathophysiology, Psychopharmacology in Advanced Practice, and Advanced Health/Physical Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning.
The BSN-to-DNP program includes 1,000 hours of clinical practicum. At least 600 hours are earned through direct-contact patient care. You will also earn credit for clinicals from the creation and dissemination of the DNP Scholarly Project.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: The MSN-to-DNP PMHNP program is explicitly designed for registered nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing degree who desire to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice and specialize as Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. The program is designed to be completed in two and a half years and includes a 59-credit-hour curriculum.
Classes in the MSN-to-DNP pathway include Introduction to Healthcare Informatics, Principles of Population Health, and Evidence, Acquisition, Appraisal, & Synthesis. All DNP students must earn a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. The number of clinical hours you need in this pathway will be determined by faculty evaluation of your previous BSN clinical experiences.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The University of Tennessee offers a Post-Graduate Certificate option for master's and doctoral-prepared nurses who desire additional certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The program, which admits students once yearly, is designed in a three-semester, hybrid format.
You must complete Advanced Health/Physical Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning, Advanced Clinical Pharmacology, and Advanced Pathophysiology for Nursing Practice before entering the first clinical course. You will take three classes and participate in two clinical practicum experiences. The program requires 21 credit hours, including credits earned from 600 clinical practice hours.
4. East Tennessee State University - Johnson City
About the School: If you are searching for a PMHNP program in Tennessee, you may not need to look past East Tennessee State University. The university offers five pathways to becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
The school also offers a range of full-time and part-time options to fit your busy lifestyle as a nurse. Most of the courses are online with a rural focus. The school also boasts an exceptional pass rate among graduates on the national PMHNP certification exam.
RN-to-MSN Program Details: The RN to MSN program is an opportunity for associate degree registered nurses who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree to earn an MSN and specialize as a PMHNP. The program offers online coursework, simulation experience opportunities, and in-person clinicals. This pathway can be completed in as few as five semesters full-time.
You must complete Health Promotion and Research, Leadership & Professional Practice, Advancing to Professional Practice, and Population, Community, & Public Health Nursing before beginning MSN-level coursework. Students complete 80 credit hours, including 540 preceptor-supervised clinical hours. Some of the classes in this program include Health Assessment Through the Lifespan, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Health Policy Leadership.
MSN Program Details: The MSN-PMHNP program is designed for baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses. The program features a fully online format for coursework and direct-care clinical hours. You can achieve your MSN with a full-time focus in just five semesters or a part-time focus in eight semesters. Some of the coursework in this 80-credit hour pathway includes Advanced Clinical Pharmacology, Conceptual Systems in Advanced Nursing Practice, and Nursing Research for Evidence-Based Practice. The curriculum includes 540 clinical practice hours.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program can be completed in three years if you enroll full-time or five years if you attend part-time. The program features a blended/online format combining online classes, a few campus-based intensives, and hands-on clinical experiences. Students complete 80 credits and at least 1,000 clinical hours. Some of the classes in this pathway include Health Policy Leadership, Health Assessment Throughout the Lifespan, and Advanced Clinical Pharmacology.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: The MSN-to-DNP pathway is another featured psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Tennessee offered by East Tennessee State University. The program can be completed in four semesters of full-time or seven semesters of part-time study.
This blended/online pathway features a 32-credit hour curriculum with classes such as Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders, Mental Healthcare Delivery Systems, and Principles of Population Health & Data Analysis for Advanced Nursing Practice. Students in the MSN-to-DNP PMHNP program complete a minimum of 500 clinical hours to meet the 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hour requirement.
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program Details: The Post-Graduate APRN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate program provides MSN- and DNP- prepared registered nurses the opportunity to become a PMHNP in just four semesters. The program is delivered in a hybrid format and offers a 24-credit curriculum with classes such as Psychopharmacology, Advanced Family Psychiatric Care, and Interpersonal Treatment Modalities. All students in this program complete 480 clinical practicum hours.
5. Union University - Jackson
About the School: Union University is dedicated to preparing nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to make a difference in the lives of patients, families, communities, and the profession. The university offers opportunities for nurses of almost every education level to pursue a degree and certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. In fact, the school offers six pathways for PMHNP programs in Tennessee.
RN to MSN Program Details: The RN to MSN program offers options for associate-degree RNs with or without a non-nursing bachelor's degree to earn an MSN and specialize as a PMHNP. The blended online program admits students once per year in the Fall semester and is offered in a full-time format. Students typically complete the program in 24 months.
Candidates for this program must first complete RN-to-MSN General Education requirements. Then you may transition to the MSN track and complete 46 credit hours and 560 clinical hours. The total number of credits ranges from 67 to 97, depending on your previous academic history. Some classes you'll take include Advanced Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice, Management of Acute & Chronic Disorders Mental Health Disorders, and Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan.
MSN Program Details: BSN-prepared nurses can pursue the MSN-PMHNP program. This pathway offers a 46-credit hour curriculum and includes 560 supervised clinical hours. You'll study topics including Models & theories for Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Transitions to Advanced Practice Nursing, and Advanced Theoretical & Ethical Concepts in Nursing. This hybrid program is only available for full-time study and can be completed in four semesters.
RN-to-DNP Program Details: Union University offers a hybrid RN-to-DNP option that admits students once yearly. The program is formatted for full-time study. Applicants must first complete RN-to-DNP general education requirements, which cover BSN-level content.
After completing general education requirements, students complete 76 credit hours and 1,220 clinical practice hours over three years. Coursework includes Organizational Leadership & Management, Mental Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning Across the Lifespan, and Epidemiology.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Tennessee at Union University begins each fall. The program features a blended format of online learning and in-person clinicals. The three-year pathway includes a 76-credit hour curriculum with classes, including Role Development & Collaborative Strategies in Advanced Nursing Practice, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Healthcare Policy & Economics. In addition to the classroom courses, you will complete 1,220 clinical hours.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: The MSN-to-DNP PMHNP pathway is offered in a blended format and is available part-time or full-time. Students who attend full-time can complete the program in five semesters. Part-time students typically take eight semesters to graduate.
Applicants must have an MSN degree and an APRN license. The program features a 38-credit-hour curriculum that includes 660 clinical hours. In this pathway, you will complete classes, including Methods for Evidence-Based Practice, Leadership & Teaching Practice Strategies, and Organizational Leadership & Management. Both require a total of 660 in-person clinical hours to graduate.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: Union University also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate option for registered nurses who hold a Master of Science in Nursing. The program features online coursework and hands-on clinicals in its 29-credit hour curriculum. You will study topics such as Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan, Management of Acute & Chronic Mental Health Disorders, and Advanced Pathophysiology. This pathway includes 560 hours of hands-on psychiatric-relevant clinical practice.
6. Tennessee Technological University - Cookeville
About the School: Tennessee Technological University has a history of nursing education that began in 1980. The school has grown since its inception and is now home to a nearly 66,000-square-foot state-of-the-art nursing facility. The university is dedicated to providing excellence in nursing education and promoting lifelong learning, making it an excellent option for students looking for psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee.
MSN Program Details: Tennessee Technological University offers a fully online MSN-PMHNP program. The program includes a 46- credit hour pathway designed to be completed in seven to eight semesters.
The curriculum includes MSN core, advanced practice, and PMHNP clinical courses. You will study topics including Theoretical Foundations, Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing, and Advanced Pharmacology. All students in this pathway complete 540 clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program is offered in a blended/online format with part-time or full-time study options. You can graduate in nine to fifteen months depending on your enrollment status.
The post-baccalaureate DNP-PMHNP program offers a rich 80-credit hour curriculum. Some of the classes in this program include Conceptual Systems in Advanced Nursing Practice, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Principles of Population Health & Data Analysis for Advanced Nursing Practice. This pathway also includes 1,040 clinical hours.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: Suppose you have a Master of Science in Nursing and wish to earn a DNP and specialize as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. In that case, the MSN-to-DNP PMHNP program in Tennessee at Tennessee Technological University could be a great option. The program is designed in a hybrid format and can be completed in four semesters of full-time study or seven semesters of part-time study.
The program includes 32 credit hours and 500 clinical practicum hours. You will take classes such as Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders, Mental Healthcare Delivery Systems, and Systems Management.
Sarah Cruzan, RN, BSN
Sarah Cruzan is a registered nurse with 6 years of hospital, sales, and education experience. She is passionate about engaging clients and providing exceptional care. Sarah was a competitive swimmer for 15 years. She received a scholarship to The Ohio State University and swam varsity for 4 years.
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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