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


Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN

In recent years, the demand for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners has skyrocketed in Virginia, and their employment opportunities are expected to climb another 57 percent in the next decade. PMHNPs provide behavioral and mental healthcare services to patients in practice settings that range from hospitals and clinics to substance abuse centers and community mental health agencies. Graduates of PMHNP programs in Virginia make $124,450 a year. If you’re an RN in the Old Dominion State who’s drawn to behavioral and mental health care, getting your PMHNP degree could be a great move. Get started today by reading about the 8 best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Virginia for 2025.


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

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


1. George Mason University - Fairfax


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

About the School: George Mason University has provided excellent nursing education for over 40 years. The university's mission is “for faculty and students to contribute to the health of all populations through innovative and impactful nursing education, research, practice, and service.”

George Mason University's nursing programs are nationally recognized for their innovation, excellence, and evidence-based education. The School of Nursing at George Mason University strives to produce leaders capable of addressing common challenges and diversities related to healthcare, making it the perfect place to pursue some of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Virginia.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program at George Mason University is one of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Virginia. The hybrid format features occasional campus visits, but most coursework is delivered online. Full-time students usually complete the program in four years. However, the total time to complete the program may be, at most, eight calendar years.

This BSN-to-DNP program features a 72-credit-hour curriculum. You will study classes such as Group, Family, and Couple Psychotherapy, The Pathogenesis of Mental Disorders, and Clinical Psychopharmacology.

All DNP students complete 1000 preceptor-supervised clinical hours, distributed through introductory and graduate courses. Additionally, the program includes two Practice Inquiry Project courses culminating in disseminating a DNP Project.

Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: George Mason University School of Nursing also offers an outstanding Post-Masters Certificate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program in Virginia. The Post-Master's Certificate program is available to master's-prepared registered nurses whose degree was conferred by an accredited nursing school. The program is offered online with in-person clinicals completed near your home region, as much as possible. The Post-Masters PMHNP Certificate Program begins in the fall semester and can be pursued full-time or part-time. Students complete the program in 12 to 18 months, depending on the number of credits needed.

Applicants who are certified as nurse practitioners and desire to transition their practice or add a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certification complete a 21-credit hour pathway. Applicants with an MSN who are not certified as a nurse practitioner in another specialty must complete 32 credits.

Classes in the curriculum include Pathogenesis of Mental Disorders, Individual Psychotherapy, Group, Family, & Couple Psychotherapy, and Clinical Psychopharmacology. Non-nurse practitioner students take four additional classes: Physiology & Pathophysiology in Advanced Practice, Health Assessment in Clinical Practice, Pharmacotherapeutics, and Health Assessment Practicum.


2. University of Virginia - Charlottesville


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

About the School: The University of Virginia is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in several categories, including Best Grad Schools for Doctor of Nursing Practice and Nursing Master's Degree. The university provides students with a learning experience focused on human compassion, respect, and honor.

UVA offers three options for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs. The university reports graduates of the PMHNP programs demonstrate excellent pass rates on national certification exams and high employment rates, which supports our belief that it is a suitable place to pursue the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Virginia.

MSN Program Details: The University of Virginia is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best public schools for Master’s Nursing Programs. The MSN-Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program offered at the university is an excellent choice for a PMHNP program in Virginia.

The MSN-PMHNP program is available to baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses with at least one year of RN work experience. The program's hybrid format features most coursework online and occasional campus visits. With part-time and full-time options, you can choose a plan of study that fits your personal goals. Part-time students usually graduate in three years. Full-time students typically take two years to complete the program.

The MSN-PMHNP program features a 42-credit hour curriculum. Classes include Biological Basis of Mental Health and Mental Illness, Mental Health Theories & Therapies, and PMH Disorders & Diagnoses.

Students complete a minimum of 500 clinical hours. Students complete clinicals in the final two semesters. Clinicals occur in various settings and give you a wide range of experiences providing psychiatric healthcare. Clinical practicums are usually conducted within the Commonwealth of Virginia. However, exceptions may be made for students outside the state pending faculty approval and if the university is authorized to place students in that state for practice.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program at the University of Virginia offers a pathway for registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or generalist MSN degree to transition to a Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specialty focus. The program is designed to help students transition from their current nursing degree level to completing doctoral-level coursework and clinicals.

This BSN-to-DNP Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program is offered in a hybrid format with part-time and full-time study options. Part-time students usually complete the DNP-PMHNP program in five years. Full-time students graduate in as few as 33 months, although most take four years. The program features an 82-credit-hour curriculum. You may pursue the program on a full-time or part-time basis.

The curriculum includes 42 credits of master's-level coursework. In this component of the program, you will take classes including Mental Health Theories & Therapies, Biological Basis of Mental Health & Mental Illness, and Advanced Pathophysiology. After completing all MSN coursework, you will transition to doctoral studies and complete an additional 39 credits with classes such as Applied Statistics for Clinical Practice, Evidence-Based Practice, and Nursing Ethics for Advanced Practice.

In addition to the required coursework, students will complete at least 1,000 hours of precepted clinical experiences. Clinical coordinators help students create individualized plans to meet clinical requirements specific to the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specialty.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Suppose you are a registered nurse with a Master's degree in nursing with an active RN license, APRN certification, and one year of nursing experience. In that case, the Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program at The University of Virginia is an excellent option for pursuing your education and becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.

The Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate program admits students yearly, with classes starting in the fall. The program is offered on campus or via a distance-learning platform. Admission to the distance-learning option is quite competitive, with only six students admitted yearly. Students can complete the program in 12 to 15 months of part-time study.

The curriculum for this pathway includes 39 credit hours. You will take classes, including Biological Basis of Mental Health & Mental Illness, Psychiatric Mental Health Disorders & Diagnoses, and Mental Health Theories & Therapies. In this program, you will participate in clinical practicum assignments in various inpatient and community care mental health settings.

All students complete at least 500 supervised clinical hours. Students who live within the Commonwealth of Virginia will complete clinicals in that area. Students residing outside of the Commonwealth of Virginia must obtain faculty approval for clinical practice sites and Preceptors in other locations.


3. Virginia Commonwealth University - Richmond


Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Professional Certificate

About the School: Founded in 1893, the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing has a long history of educating professional nurses. The school's mission is to shape the future of nursing through the power of education, discovery, and collaboration. The VCU School of Nursing is recognized by U.S. News & World Report in the categories of Best Nursing Schools: Master's and Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice, indicating it is an excellent option for pursuing a psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Virginia.

MSN Program Details: The VCU School of Nursing Master of Science in Nursing PMHNP program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge to provide primary mental health services to individuals and families. The program, one of the top psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Virginia, features a hybrid format of online learning, minimal campus visits, and in-person clinicals and can be completed full-time or part-time. Full-time students can complete the program in 2 years, while part-time students may take three years or longer.

The MSN-PMHNP program features a 44-credit hour curriculum. Students study in classes such as Epidemiology & Population Health, Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice, and Managing Psychiatric Disorders in Special & Vulnerable Populations. The program also includes three clinical courses, each with a corresponding practicum experience. By the time you graduate from the MSN Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, you will have at least 600 hours of hands-on clinical experience.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Are you a baccalaureate-prepared registered nurse with hopes of earning a doctorate in nursing and becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner? If so, the BSN-to-DNP PMHNP at Virginia Commonwealth University could be an excellent choice for you. The BSN-to-DNP Program at Virginia Commonwealth University is offered in both full and part-time pathways. Full-time students can graduate in three years, while part-time students typically take four years to complete the program.

The 66-credit hour curriculum features classes including Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice, Managing Psychiatric Disorders in Special & Vulnerable Populations, and Psychotherapy: Theory & Practice.

BSN-to-DNP students must complete at least 1,000 clinical hours to meet graduation requirements. The clinical requirements are divided into two foci: direct patient care clinical hours and residency hours. You will complete 600 hours of direct-contact patient care relevant to primary psychiatric care and 400 residency hours devoted to developing leadership skills to help improve patient outcomes.

Post-Professional Certificate Program Details: Another option for a PMHNP program in Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University is the Post-Professional Certificate program. This pathway is designed for advanced practice registered nurses who already have a master's or doctoral degree but wish to seek an additional specialty certification in psychiatric care. This pathway offers online course delivery and two start dates yearly.

The Post-Professional PMHNP Certificate program consists of a 21-credit hour curriculum that consists of four classes and three clinical practicums. You will take the classes Psychiatric Disorders Across the Lifespan, Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice, Managing Psychiatric Disorders in Special & Vulnerable Populations, and Psychotherapy; Theory & Practice. The three clinical practicum experiences consist of 600 direct care, preceptor-supervised clinical hours.


4. James Madison University - Harrisonburg


Programs Offered: MSN

About the School: James Madison University is recognized as one of the nation's top universities for nursing education. The school is home to a more than 7,000 square feet learning lab where nursing students can practice assessment skills in its new Health and Behavioral Studies department. The simulation lab features a 20-patient care bay and standardized patient suites.

James Madison University is recognized by U.S. News & World Report in several categories, including Best Nursing Schools: Master's, Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Best Nursing Schools: Online Graduate Nursing Programs. These rankings and other school accolades are one of the reasons the school is an excellent option for individuals seeking the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Virginia.

MSN Program Details: The James Madison University MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is offered in partnership with Shenandoah University. The program features a hybrid format with online classes, options for on-campus collaboration, and in-person clinicals. The MSN-PMHNP program can be completed in two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study.

The MSN-PMHNP program at James Madison is a unique psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Virginia because graduates earn two credentials through the program. Students who complete the program earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree from James Madison University and a Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate from Shenandoah University.

The entire curriculum requires students to complete 51 credits. The program's first component is completed at JMU where you will earn 22 credit hours. During the first year of the program, you may enroll part-time or full-time. The following year, students transition to full-time study at Shenandoah University and earn an additional 29 credit hours.

The PMHNP curriculum includes classes such as Epidemiology & Population Assessment, Research for the Advanced Health Professional, and Advanced Clinical Pharmacotherapeutics. All students in the MSN pathway complete at least 600 clinical hours to meet graduation requirements.


5. Liberty University - Lynchburg


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

About the School: Liberty University combines science, research, and a foundation of Christian values to offer students a unique approach to nursing. The school promotes a holistic approach to nursing care, teaching students to address patients' physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. Liberty University offers three options for psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Virginia, the BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate programs.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Liberty University offers baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses the opportunity to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice and specialize as Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners through its BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program. Coursework for the program is delivered online with one on-campus residential intensive and in-person clinical experiences. The program is designed with a three-year, full-time study plan.

This BSN-to-DNP program features a 72-credit hour curriculum consisting of core nursing and advanced practice courses, project and practicum classes, and PMHNP specialization classes. Coursework includes classes such as Interprofessional Collaboration & Outcomes Management for quality, Neurobiology & Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders, and Psychotherapeutic Theories, Frameworks, & Modalities. All BSN-to-DNP students complete at least 1,000 clinical hours, which includes hands-on practicum and DNP Scholarly Project hours.


MSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you have a Master of Science in Nursing and want to earn a terminal degree and specialize as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, the MSN-to-DNP PMHNP program in Virginia at Liberty University may be a good fit for you. The program is offered in a distance learning format, making it an excellent choice for students who need flexible scheduling. The program can be completed in two years full-time or three years if you enroll part-time.

In the MSN-to-DNP PMHNP program, you will complete 58 credit hours, learning in classes such as Clinical Psychopharmacology, Applications of Evidence-Based Care, and Interprofessional Collaboration & Outcomes Management for Quality. Students complete a minimum of 504 clinical practicum hours in various psychiatric-related care settings under the supervision of an approved preceptor. Clinical experiences include adult, geriatric, pediatric, and family mental health. Most students can complete clinical requirements near their homes.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: Liberty University offers a Post-Graduate Certificate option for nurse practitioners with a master’s or doctorate in nursing who desire to specialize in mental health care and become eligible for PMHNP certification. The university offers one of the shortest Post Graduate Certificate Programs available for psychiatric nurse practitioners, with most students completing the program in approximately 12 months.

The PMHNP Post-Graduate Certificate program features a 17-credit hour plan of study. You will study classes such as Clinical Pharmacology, Neurobiology and Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders, and Psychotherapeutic Theories, Frameworks & Modalities. This pathway also includes 504 hours of clinical experience.


6. Radford University - Radford


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

About the School: Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Nursing Schools in its Doctor of Nursing Practice category, Radford University is a great choice for individuals seeking online PMHNP programs in Virginia. The School of Nursing has an excellent team of doctoral-prepared faculty dedicated to student success. The online PMHNP programs in Virginia at Radford University offer an excellent opportunity for you to pursue your degree at a time and on a schedule that works best for you.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The Radford University BSN-to-DNP program is a perfect option for registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing who want to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice and become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. The program offers an online learning format with a residency designed to fit your needs and personal career goals. Full-time students can complete the program in approximately three years. Part-time students usually take four to five years to graduate, depending on the pace of study.

The program consists of a 79-credit hour curriculum. In this pathway, students study Evidence for Advanced Nursing Practice, Synthesis & Evaluation of Evidence-Based Data for Advanced Practice Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nursing in Rural Communities. The BSN-to-DNP curriculum includes 1,000 hours of clinical practicum designed to give you ample experience in various mental health settings with the support and supervision of a clinical preceptor.

MSN-to-DNP Program Details: Radford University also offers a DNP-PMHNP program, one of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Virginia, for registered nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing. The MSN-to-DNP program is offered in an online format, making it a flexible option for busy working nurses.

This MSN-to-DNP Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program offers a 61-credit hour curriculum featuring classes such as Clinical Scholarship & Population-Based Outcomes for Advanced Practice Nurses, Advanced Practice Nursing Roles & Leadership, and Healthcare Policy, Ethics, & Law. This MSN-to-DNP pathway includes 540 clinical hours. However, to align with DNP Essentials, all DNP students must have at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical practicum hours. Students must coordinate with clinical faculty to ensure the 1,000-hour requirement is met to be eligible for graduation.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: The Post Masters Certificate program with Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner focus is available in an online format with part-time and full-time study options. You can complete the program in as little as one year. However, part-time students may take 18 to 24 months to graduate.

The program features a 23-credit curriculum. You will take Advanced Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health, Neuropathophysiology & Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders, and Psychotherapeutic treatment Modalities & Clinical Psychopharmacology. The curriculum includes two clinical courses with corresponding clinical practicums, PMHNP Practicum 1: Children & Adolescents and PMHNP Practicum II: Adults & Geriatrics. After completing both practicum experiences, you will have a minimum of 540 clinical hours.


7. Old Dominion University - Norfolk


Programs Offered: MSN, MSN-to-DNP, and Post-Professional Certificate

About the School: The Old Dominion University School of Nursing was established in 1967 and remains a leader in nursing education, offering distance-learning technologies, giving working professionals the flexibility to continue their careers while earning a higher degree. The university boasts high national certification exam pass rates, job placement and graduate satisfaction rates among NP graduates. ODU offers three options for individuals seeking a psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Virginia. Each program has one start date yearly in the fall semester.

MSN Program Details: The MSN PMHNP program at Old Dominion University is offered in a hybrid distance learning format with online course delivery and video-streamed lectures. Although most classes are asynchronous, some courses may require periodic synchronized online attendance for live-streaming lectures. Distance-learning students are required to visit the campus once per semester.

The MSN Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program is designed for two years of full-time study and features a 41-credit curriculum. You will earn 21 credits from MSN core courses and 20 credits from specialty-relevant coursework. Some of the classes in the program include Fundamentals of Psychotherapy & Differential Diagnosis, Psychopharmacology & Neurobiology, and Managing Psychiatric Disorders Across the Lifespan. You will study classes like Psychopharmacology and Neurobiology, Managing Psychiatric Disorders Across the Lifespan, and Health Promotion and Maintenance.

The MSN-PMHNP program requires students to complete 504 clinical hours. You will collaborate with faculty to locate clinical placements and qualified preceptors. Clinical practicum includes rotations providing psychiatric care to children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric clients in various inpatient and outpatient settings.

MSN-to-DNP Program Details: Another online psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Virginia at Old Dominion University is the MSN-to-DNP program. The Program is delivered in a distance-friendly, full-time schedule. The full-time format is designed to be completed in seven semesters.

The MSN-to-DNP PMHNP program includes 53 credits of coursework and clinicals. You will complete 37 post-master's DNP coursework and 17 credits of PMHNP specialty coursework. The curriculum includes classes such as Psychotherapy & Differential Diagnosis, Managing Psychiatric Disorders in Specific Populations, and Leadership & Interprofessional Practice in Healthcare.

The program offers a special focus on care for underserved, diverse populations, and the incorporation of advanced technology to enhance patient care and promote positive outcomes. The planned curriculum provides 560 clinical hours. However, all DNP students must earn at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours to be eligible for graduation with the DNP credential. A GAP analysis will determine how many clinical hours you may transfer from your BSN program and whether you need hours more than the hours planned for in the MSN-to-DNP curriculum.

Post-Professional Certificate Program Details: The Post-Professional Certificate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Old Dominion University is a great option for master's-prepared nurses desiring to transition practice or add a new certificate as a PMHNP. The online program can be completed in three semesters or one year of full-time study.

The program features three classes and two clinical practicum experiences, designed in an 18-credit hour curriculum. You will study Fundamentals of Psychotherapy & Differential Diagnosis, Psychopharmacology & Neurobiology, and Managing Psychiatric Disorders Across the Lifespan. The program includes 540 clinical hours.


8. Shenandoah University - Winchester


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

About the School: The nursing program at Shenandoah began in 1961 at the Winchester Medical Center. Through the years, the University has expanded its accomplishments and now offers several online PMHNP programs in Virginia. The School of Nursing’s Mission is to educate lifelong learners who provide compassionate and evidence-based care while also promoting wellness across diverse populations. Graduate nursing pass rates at Shenandoah have been 100% over the past five years, making it a leader in nursing education nationally.

MSN Program Details: If you have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and want to take the next step to earn a master’s degree and become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, the Shenandoah University MSN-PMHNP is worth considering. The program is one of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Virginia.

The MSN-PMHNP program offers a 46-credit curriculum that includes Advanced Concepts in Physiology & Pathophysiology, Management of Psychiatric Mental Health for Adults, and Management of Complex Mental Health Across the Lifespan.

Students in the MSN-Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program collaborate with faculty to establish appropriate clinical placements. Clinicals occur in various community and hospital settings where you will provide psychotherapy to clients of all ages. Clinicals begin in the fourth semester and continue through the final semester, with students earning 600 clinical hours.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program in Virginia at Shenandoah University is fully online, featuring synchronous class meetings one day each week. Occasional campus visits and immersion experiences may be required. The program is designed in a full-time format and can be completed in nine consecutive semesters or three full years.

The BSN-to-DNP Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program comprises 75 credit hours and 1100 Clinical placement hours. You will study classes, including Behavioral Neuroscience & Psychopharmacology, Management of Complex Mental Health: Lifespan, and Informatics & Quality Improvement.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you are seeking a Post-Graduate Certificate focused on Psychiatric Mental Health, Shenandoah University has another option that may be an excellent fit for you. The Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate program is designed for master's- and doctoral-prepared registered nurses who wish to become Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners.

The Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate program begins once yearly in the fall semester and takes five semesters to complete. The program includes a 35-credit hour curriculum with classes such as Epidemiology & Population Health, Analytical Methods, and Roles & Issues of the DNP. Students in the Post-Graduate Certificate program complete approximately 500 clinical hours. As with the other graduate programs at Shenandoah University, the Post-Graduate Certificate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program is in an online synchronous format.


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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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