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Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner vs. Psychiatrist

Kristen Hamlin
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Updated November 23, 2022
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    Psychiatric nurse practitioners are similar to psychiatrists, but there are differences in education and scope of practice. Get details on both careers.
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    Senior Black female psychiatrist asks a female patient questions about her mental health during a therapy session.Credit: SDI Productions | E+ | Getty Images

    Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs) assess, diagnose, and treat patients with behavioral and mental health conditions. The two roles share some similarities, but there are differences.

    Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed medical school and residency, while psychiatric NPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The scope of practice for each role varies by state, with some states limiting psychiatric NPs’ duties.

    Keep reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between these two careers, including educational requirements, salary potential, and job duties for each role.

    In Brief: Comparing Psychiatric NPs and Psychiatrists

    Psychiatric Nurse PractitionerPsychiatrist
    Education

    Master’s or doctorate in nursing with a psychiatric nurse practitioner concentration; two years of work experienceDoctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO); four years of psychiatric residency
    Salary$114,510 (for all NPs)$217,100
    Roles
    • Assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions
    • Provide psychotherapy and counseling
    • Prescribe medication
    • Develop mental health education and resources for patients and families
    • Assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions
    • Provide psychoanalysis, counseling, and therapy
    • Prescribe medication
    Certification (optional) + Licensure (required)
    • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC)
    • NP state license
    • Board certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
    • MD state license
    Practice SettingsWhile work settings tend to overlap for both types of practitioners, psychiatric NPs are most likely to work in hospitals or mental health clinics.More than half of psychiatrists work in private practice, although many work in the same settings as psychiatric NPs such as outpatient clinics, correctional facilities, addiction treatment centers, and inpatient hospitals.
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    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner vs. Psychiatrist: Key Similarities

    A psychiatric NP, also known as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), is an advanced practice nurse who cares for individuals with psychiatric and mental health disorders. A psychiatrist is a doctor who cares for the same population.

    In many ways, these two careers overlap. Both PMHNPs and psychiatrists assess, diagnose, and treat patients. Treatment may include analysis, psychotherapy, counseling, medication, and hospitalization. Both use in-depth knowledge of human behavior and mental health conditions to help patients manage symptoms associated with mental health and substance use disorders.

    Education Comparisons

    It takes slightly less time to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner than a psychiatrist. Most PMHNPs begin as licensed RNs before earning a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) in psychiatric nursing. Most MSN programs require applicants to have at least two years of work experience. RNs with a graduate or doctoral degree are qualified to become advanced practice nurses and seek psychiatric nurse practitioner certification.


    8-10

    Years to Become a Psychiatric NP


    12

    Years to Become a Psychiatrist


    Psychiatrists attend medical school after earning a bachelor’s degree, then complete a four-year psychiatric residency. In total, becoming a psychiatrist takes a minimum of 12 years, while it typically takes 8-10 years to become a psych NP.

    Work Setting and Role Comparisons

    Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners work in hospitals, rehabilitation and substance use treatment programs, private or group practices, schools, and correctional facilities. The American Psychiatric Association reports that more than half of psychiatrists work in private practice. In contrast, psychiatric NPs are more likely to work in hospitals or mental health clinics, although many go into private practice.

    Both psychiatrists and psychiatric NPs use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to diagnose patients, and they follow the same treatment protocols. Both order appropriate diagnostics to monitor treatment, provide psychological assessments, and develop treatment plans. Treatment may involve psychotherapy and counseling, medication, or even hospitalization.

    Key Differences Between PMHNPs and Psychiatrists

    Although psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses practitioners share many similarities, their roles are not entirely the same. The education and licensure requirements for each position vary, and scope of practice may differ considerably depending on location and state laws.

    Educational Differences

    Psychiatric nurse practitioners begin their careers as RNs after earning a nursing degree and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). After at least two years of practice, RNs can apply to programs that prepare them to become advanced practice nurses.

    Psychiatrists, on the other hand, begin their careers by attending medical school after earning a bachelor’s degree, followed by a residency in psychiatry. Unlike psychiatric NPs, psychiatrists can choose a concentration such as child, addiction, or forensic psychology during their studies. On average, it takes two years longer to become a psychiatrist than a nurse practitioner.

    License and Certification Differences

    Both psychiatric nurses practitioners and psychiatrists must be licensed to practice. Psychiatric NPs must hold an active RN license to qualify for graduate-level or doctoral programs.

    Psychiatrists can seek certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology once they meet the education, training, and experience requirements. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers certification for psychiatric NPs. Both credentials are optional and exam based.

    Scope of practice can also differ among states. Some states, like North Carolina, limit what psychiatric nurses practitioners may do and require psychiatrist supervision or collaboration with a psychiatrist. In states like Washington, psychiatric nurses practitioners can practice autonomously with all of the same duties as psychiatrists.

    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner vs. Psychiatrist: Salary Comparison

    Psychiatrists earn a mean annual wage of $217,100, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). NPs, including psychiatric nurse practitioners, earn a mean annual wage of $114,510.

    According to the BLS, psychiatrists enjoy the highest wages working in home healthcare, followed by government agencies (not including schools or hospitals), residential care facilities, and outpatient care facilities. Psychiatrists employed in doctors’ offices, including private practices, also fall among the top earners.

    The highest-paying industries for NPs, in general, include community relief organizations, religious organizations, residential mental health and substance use facilities, and outpatient care centers. However, like psychiatrists, PMHNPs typically earn high salaries in private practice. Job opportunities for both careers are most common in hospitals and physicians’ offices.


    $114,510

    Psychiatric NP Salary

    Source: BLS, May 2020


    $217,100

    Psychiatrist Salary

    Source: BLS, May 2020


    Highest-Paying Areas for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and Psychiatrists

    BLS data indicates that psychiatrists earn the most money in North Dakota and Kansas, where they enjoy annual median wages of $288,060 and $281,410, respectively. Other high-paying states include Minnesota, New Mexico, and Nebraska.

    NPs draw the highest annual median wages in California ($145,970) and New Jersey ($130,890). Other top-paying states include Washington, New York, and Massachusetts.

    While North Dakota and Kansas may pay psychiatrists well, professionals are more likely to find a job in Rhode Island, New York, Maryland, Hawaii, or the District of Columbia. In fact, New York tops the list for the highest concentration of psychiatrists in the U.S., followed by California, Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania.

    There is no overlap between high pay and job availability for NPs. The most opportunities exist in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alaska, Kentucky, and Maine. However, there is some overlap between the most lucrative positions and the highest concentration of NPs, with the largest numbers found in California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Ohio.

    How to Decide Which Career Is Right for You

    With so many similarities between the two roles, it can be challenging to choose a career path. Both practitioners diagnose and treat patients who face mental health and psychiatric challenges. Whether you work in private practice, a hospital, or residential care facility, you can make a measurable difference in others’ lives.

    Although it takes longer to become a psychiatrist, this career path offers greater earning potential. Psychiatrists enjoy full autonomy and do not need supervision to practice in any state or setting. Psychiatrists can also focus their education and training on a specific population.

    On the other hand, some cost-minded nurses interested in mental health pursue APRN licensure and certification after beginning their nursing careers. The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates the cost of medical school at over $200,000, while it costs just over $100,000 to become an advanced practice nurse. Working nurses may enjoy access to additional financial aid sources like employer tuition assistance.

    Frequently Asked Questions: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatrist?


    What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychiatric NP?

    Psychiatrists are medical doctors, having earned an MD or a DO and completed a psychiatric residency. Psychiatric nurse practitioners are advanced practice RNs who have completed a graduate program such as a master’s or doctorate and worked as licensed nurses. Both diagnose and treat mental disorders.

    Is a psychiatric nurse practitioner as good as a psychiatrist?

    Both psychiatrists and psych NPs can assess, diagnose, and treat patients with mental health conditions. They may also prescribe medication. However, psychiatric nurse practitioners can practice autonomously only in 22 states and the District of Columbia. Psychiatrists receive formal residency training and have the option to specialize in specific populations or conditions. Psychiatrists may practice without restrictions.

    See:What to Know About Seeing a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Do psychiatric nurse practitioners get paid more?

    Psychiatrists earn considerably more than psychiatric nurse practitioners. However, because psychiatric NPs are advanced practice nurses, they earn more than RNs.

    Can psychiatric nurse practitioners diagnose patients?

    Psychiatric NPs are qualified to assess patients and make diagnoses based on the DSM. Depending on the laws in their state, a psychiatrist may be required to sign off on the diagnosis and treatment plan before moving forward. For example, some states require a psychiatrist to sign off when an NP recommends involuntary commitment.

    How to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Individuals who want to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner must first receive nursing licensure before getting additional education, experience, and certification.

    Earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)

    Begin your nursing career with a four-year BSN program to prepare for RN licensure. Programs include core coursework in nursing as well as specialty courses and clinical experience.

    Pass the NCLEX-RN to receive RN licensure

    Upon graduation, request an authorization to test from your state nursing board. This allows you to register for the NCLEX-RN. When you pass the exam, you may become a licensed RN in your state.

    Gain RN experience

    Most advanced nursing programs require applicants to have a minimum of two years of nursing experience. Consider working within the psychiatric RN field to begin gaining experience.

    Earn an MSN or a DNP

    An MSN is required to become an advanced practice nurse. Some choose to go further with a DNP. Choose a program that offers a concentration in psychiatric nursing. Programs combine specialized nursing education with clinical experience.

    Pass the national credentialing exam to become certified as a PMHNP

    Pursue certification through the ANCC and an NP license through your state nursing board. Every state maintains individual education, experience, and examination requirements, but psychiatric NP positions in certain states require certification to practice specifically with this population. Seek additional certifications as you gain professional experience. Credentialing options are typically exam based.

    Pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

    The MCAT is a standardized test that assesses your readiness to study medicine by evaluating your knowledge of scientific principles and problem-solving, critical thinking, and writing skills. Score requirements vary among medical schools.

    Earn an MD or a DO

    Complete a four-year medical program. Medical schools combine core and specialized coursework with laboratory and clinical experience.

    Complete a residency program in psychiatry

    Psychiatrists complete a four-year residency in both inpatient and outpatient settings to gain clinical experience. Most psychiatrists select a specialization during or after their residency.

    Earn and maintain license and board certification

    Pass the required examination to earn state licensure. You may apply for board certification which requires a review of your education and experience as well as passing a board exam.
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    Reviewed by:

    Portrait of Karen Luu, MSN, PMHNP-BC

    Karen Luu, MSN, PMHNP-BC

    Karen Luu, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Luu holds an MSN from Azusa Pacific University as well as an undergraduate degree in public health science. She currently works at a private practice which specializes in bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

    Luu is a paid member of our Healthcare Review Partner Network. Learn more about our review partners.

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