The Best Psychiatric NP Programs Online of 2023

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Updated August 29, 2023

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There is a growing need for psychiatric nurse practitioners. Think about these factors when choosing an online psychiatric NP program.
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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Psychiatric NP listens to patient with compasssion. Credit: SDI Productions / E+ / Getty Images

As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), you can help fill a critical need for PMHNPs and provide care to those struggling with mental health challenges. These advanced practice nurses are qualified to diagnose and treat people with mental health disorders.

Completing an online program may allow you to use self-paced options and continue to work. Although many programs are completely online, be sure to check your preferred program as it may require on-campus visits.

As you search for a program among our ranked list of online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs, consider how your life circumstances, personal preferences, and long-term career goals will fit with the program.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

Featured Online MSN Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Learn About the Best Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs and Schools

See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.

#1 The Best Psychiatric NP Programs Online of 2023

Stony Brook University

  • Stony Brook, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Stony Brook University, in Stony Brook, New York, ranks as one of the best CCNE-accredited online psychiatric nurse practitioner (NP) programs. The advanced certificate – psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program (PMHNP) is designed for master's- or doctoral-level nursing graduates seeking PMHNP certification. The course prepares students to sit for American Nurses Credentialing Center's psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (across the lifespan) certification examination.

Certification requires the completion of 22 credits. Additional credits may be required, depending on the NP specialty and faculty recommendations. Core courses include advanced theory and clinical practice in psychiatric nursing and psychopharmacology. 

The online program includes in-person clinical requirements. The office of clinical placements processes all clinical placement requests and contracts for the school's nurse practitioner/advanced advance certificate programs.

  • Program: Advanced certificate – psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
  • Campus: Stony Brook, New York 
  • Type: Public 
  • Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $471 per credit for New York residents; $565 per credit for out-of-state online students
  • Admission Requirements: Application with personal essay; master's or doctoral degree in nursing from an accredited program; a current, unencumbered RN license; unofficial transcripts from all institutions previously attended; minimum GPA of 3.0; one year minimum relevant experience preferred; three letters of recommendation; a current resume
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$24,740
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
49%
Students Enrolled
26,782
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
90% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#2 The Best Psychiatric NP Programs Online of 2023

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

  • Cincinnati, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Ohio's University of Cincinnati offers a top-ranked CCNE-accredited online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program.

The fully online program includes virtual, synchronous intensives for enrollees to meet faculty members and network with other students. Learners can attend on a full- or part-time basis. Course topics include psychopathological disorders across the lifespan, neurobiology, and psychopharmacology.

  • Program: Post-master's psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certificate
  • Campus: Cincinnati, Ohio 
  • Type: Public 
  • Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $8,014 per semester for part-time Ohio residents; $8,164 per semester for part-time out-of-state students
  • Admission Requirements: An ACEN- or CCNE-accredited master of science in nursing degree; a current, unencumbered RN license; minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA; completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a 2.0 grade or higher
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months full-time
  • On-Campus Requirements: No
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $94,013 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,723
Out-of-state
$25,057
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,224
Out-of-state
$24,966
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
40,826
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
90% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 The Best Psychiatric NP Programs Online of 2023

Maryville University of Saint Louis

  • Saint Louis, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Maryville University of Saint Louis is ranked as one of the best CCNE-accredited online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs. The online post-master's nurse practitioner certificate program allows master's-level prepared nurses to broaden their scope of practice and reach out to network with other expert practitioners by joining Maryville University's virtual community. 

The entirely online program offers the convenience of scheduling your clinical practicums in your preferred geographic location. The curriculum includes advanced health assessment, professional role development, and health promotion/disease prevention. 

No entrance examinations are required for admission. 

  • Program: Online post-master's nurse practitioner certificate – psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner 
  • Campus: St. Louis, Missouri
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $813 per credit for Missouri residents and out-of-state students
  • Admission Requirements: An MSN from an accredited nursing program with a minimum GPA of 3.0; three letters of recommendation; official transcripts; current, unencumbered RN license
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months for part-time students
  • On-Campus Requirements: No on-campus requirements for curriculum, but there are in-person clinical requirements
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 93.08% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $93,724 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$24,766
Out-of-state
$24,766
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,346
Out-of-state
$14,346
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
10,979
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
83% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 The Best Psychiatric NP Programs Online of 2023

Frontier Nursing University

  • Versailles, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online

Frontier Nursing University, in Versailles, Kentucky, offers one of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs online. The 20-credit post-graduate program incorporates online recorded classes, on-campus intensives, and clinical practicums to enhance professional development.

The program includes two specialty tracks: a master of science – advanced practice RN program in psychiatric nursing and a post-graduate certificate. The curriculum is entirely online, with both full- and part-time options available. 

The curriculum includes two on-campus immersion sessions. Clinical practicum requirements can be completed in the student's local community.

  • Program: Master of science in nursing – psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and post-graduate certificate
  • Campus: Versailles, Kentucky
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $646 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: MSN or higher degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution; a current, unencumbered RN license; a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher from the most recent nursing program attended; background check 
  • Minimum Time Commitment: Six 11-week terms
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes 
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $93,445 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,617
Out-of-state
$18,617
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,436
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 The Best Psychiatric NP Programs Online of 2023

Otterbein University

  • Westerville, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, is among the top-ranked CCNE-accredited online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner programs. 

The program prepares graduates to treat patients across the lifespan. Students who successfully complete the coursework qualify to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center exam.

The online course starts each year in the summer semester. Required clinical practicum hours can be arranged in the student's local community, with faculty and staff assistance. Clinical rotations offer students an opportunity to learn about psychotherapy, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness and wellness in various settings (e.g., inpatient facilities and outpatient clinics).

  • Program: Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner post-graduate certificate
  • Campus: Westerville, Ohio 
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $29,637 total program cost 
  • Admission Requirements: Graduate degree in nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program; current, unencumbered RN license with no record of previous revocation or restriction; at least one year of clinical experience within the past three years prior to admission; cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; minimum 3.0 in required science courses (e.g., anatomy physiology, pathophysiology, statistics, microbiology and chemistry); professional recommendations 
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes. Advanced assessment and procedures/skills are offered at the on-campus lab.
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $111,017 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$32,624
Out-of-state
$32,624
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,417
Out-of-state
$6,417
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
2,652
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
81% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 The Best Psychiatric NP Programs Online of 2023

Winona State University

  • Winona, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Minnesota's Winona State University offers one of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs online. The 24-credit post-master's doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program is available primarily online, with minimal on-campus coursework required.

In total, enrollees of the DNP program must complete 1,000 clinical practicum hours. During the program, students must complete 540 clinical hours, while faculty determine if the remaining 460 credits can transfer from the student's master of science in nursing program. 

  • Program: Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner – post-master's doctor of nursing practice
  • Campus: Winnona, Minnesota
  • Type: Public 
  • Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $27,000 total program cost
  • Admission Requirements: Master's in nursing with a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner concentration; prerequisite courses (e.g.,Statistics 601, Nursing 606, and Nursing 608) from an accredited program; a minimum 3.0 GPA; current, unencumbered RN license
  • Minimum Time Commitment: Three semesters and two summer sessions
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes, for a three-day immersion course
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 91.36% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $105,678 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,712
Out-of-state
$13,903
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,710
Out-of-state
$11,631
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
7,106
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
46% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 The Best Psychiatric NP Programs Online of 2023

DeSales University

  • Center Valley, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A private, Catholic institution, DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, ranks among the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs online. 

Graduates can work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to plan, provide, and manage healthcare. Through this program, students increase their scope of practice in primary, secondary, and tertiary care. Core courses include advanced physical assessment, pathophysiology, and advanced pharmacology. 

Students can take classes online or in a hybrid format (i.e., some online and some in-person classes). Distance learners must arrange their own clinical placements with final approval from faculty. 

  • Program: Post-master of science in nursing psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner graduate certificate 
  • Campus: Center Valley, Pennsylvania
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $910 per credit 
  • Admission Requirements: Meet all requirements of the MSN program; completion of an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited MSN program; 3.0 GPA; one year full-time minimum clinical RN experience within 18 months of application submission; those with less than two years of psychiatric nursing experience must continue working as a psychiatric nurse during the program; active, unencumbered RN license; pass a background check; provide current immunization status verification
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes 
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 87.50% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $99,251 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$38,500
Out-of-state
$38,500
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$20,520
Out-of-state
$20,520
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
3,302
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
64% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#8 The Best Psychiatric NP Programs Online of 2023

Cox College

  • Springfield, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cox College in Springfield, Missouri, offers one of the best online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs. The 42-credit-hour program is for bachelor's-level RNs to obtain certification in providing mental health care and psychotherapy, and prescribing medications to patients across the life span. 

The program comprises primarily online coursework with some on-campus requirements and clinical practicums. Students can enroll at any time during the academic year.

The program may not meet the certification requirements in all 50 states; it's important to understand one's local state requirements before applying. 

  • Program: Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
  • Campus: Springfield, Missouri
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $615 per credit
  • Admission Requirements: U.S. citizenship or permanent residency card; cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher from an accredited BSN program (a GPA of 2.5 to 2.9 may be accepted upon faculty approval); a current, unencumbered RN license. Students from Arizona, California, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee, and Wisconsin are not eligible for the program. 
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 86.67% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $97,959 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,080
Out-of-state
$10,080
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,800
Out-of-state
$10,800
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
100%
Students Enrolled
975
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#9 The Best Psychiatric NP Programs Online of 2023

Mount Marty University

  • Yankton, SD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Mount Marty University in Yankton, South Dakota, offers a 50-credit-hour program, including 660 clinical hours. The program integrates Catholic Benedictine values into patient care. 

Nurses seeking an advanced practice registered nurse credential graduate with the ability to treat individuals, families, groups, and communities. Students learn assessment and clinical skills, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and diagnosis and treatment approaches to address mental health conditions and disease prevention.

  • Program: Master of science in nursing – psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
  • Campus: Yankton, South Dakota
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $635 per credit 
  • Admission Requirements: BSN from an ACEN- or CCNE- accredited program with a cumulative 3.0 or higher GPA; official transcripts; passing score on an undergraduate statistics course; a current, unencumbered RN license; at least one year, and preferably two years experience working as an RN; BLS for healthcare providers; three letters of recommendation; a personal essay, current resume; passing a criminal background check; an admissions interview
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 88% first-time pass rate
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $169,592 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,926
Out-of-state
$26,926
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,900
Out-of-state
$6,900
Retention Rate
76%
Acceptance Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
1,167
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
34% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 The Best Psychiatric NP Programs Online of 2023

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

  • Marion, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global, in Marion, Indiana, ranks as one of the best online psychiatric nurse practitioner (NP) programs. The master of science in nursing in psychiatric mental health program encompasses a Christian-centered focus on mental health. 

IWU offers a 49-credit-hour program taught by nationally certified NPs. The coursework is primarily online and students can conduct psychiatric evaluations with live actors. Classes include evidence based communication, biostatistics and epidemiology, and psychotherapeutic modalities across the lifespan. 

  • Program: Online master of science in nursing in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner 
  • Campus: Marion, Indiana
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $685 per credit hour
  • Admission Requirements: BSN degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited institution; active, unencumbered RN license; letter of recommendation; official transcripts; a criminal background check; and at least 12 months of RN clinical practice experience
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $98,512 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,871
Out-of-state
$8,871
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,083
Out-of-state
$11,083
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
10,944
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an Online Psychiatric NP Program

This list of online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs was evaluated and ranked based on specific metrics. These same data points are crucial to a student's evaluation of a nursing program. They are an indication of how well the program will fit with the student's life and educational needs.

Admission Requirements

Each online psychiatric NP program has consistent admission requirements and most include requirements that are unique to the program. For example, you will always need an active registered nurse (RN) license, but not all programs require a GRE score or statement of purpose. These requirements determine your eligibility for admission.


Clinical Experience

Every program requires clinical experience, but the format may vary. Some schools help find student placements and others only approve the placement a student finds. Schools that don't help students find a placement or have a demanding clinical schedule might place added stress on students, which can influence the decision to enroll in the program.


Accreditation

Accreditation is crucial for a student to receive federal aid, transfer credits to another program, or take the certification exam necessary to practice.


Program Length

Typically master's online psychiatric NP programs take 2-3 years and include 46 credit hours and roughly 600 clinical hours. A doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program may require more time. Some programs have part-time options for working students.


NP Certification Pass Rate

The program may publish the certification pass rate, which tells a candidate how well the program prepares students to take the national certification required to practice.


Online Learning Format and Requirements

Online learning platforms differ from in-person programs in how the information is taught to students, which can highly influence your decision based on your learning style. Technology requirements may differ between programs requiring students to purchase more hardware or software, which increases cost.

Why Is Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program Accreditation Important?

Accreditation is a voluntary, peer-reviewed process by an organization. The program's curriculum and clinicals are evaluated to ensure they meet minimum national standards. The accreditation process is used by federal and private financial aid institutions to demonstrate the program prepares students for success.

The process is meant to protect employers and the public by graduating students who are fully prepared to take on a professional psychiatric nurse practitioner role. The best online PMHNP programs are accredited, which ensures the student can:

  • Meet the accreditation nursing qualification for federal student aid
  • Receive a quality education that meets national standards
  • Transfer credits to another program if needed
  • Take the national certification examination
  • Advance to a DNP program or another master's
  • Hold a greater potential for employment and advancement

How Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs Work

Candidates may choose a master's or doctorate-level online psychiatric NP program to complete their education. A master of science in nursing (MSN) program offers the opportunity for nurses to function as an NP and earn a higher salary.

The terminal degree in nursing is a DNP, which a nurse can also earn through an online psychiatric NP program. Both programs have required clinical components.

Depending on the school, an MSN or a DNP may also have lab components that require in-person attendance, or the school may allow the clinical preceptor to check off the skills. This also depends on the school requirements so students should verify if they are required to attend in-person labs.

Students who are attending an online program find clinical placement assistance as an online nursing student an important factor in program choice. This takes added stress off the student as they are moving into a new role.

It should be noted that due to the national shortage of PMHNPs, clinical experiences may be hard to find, even for schools that provide placements.

National board certification for a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The computer-based test is offered year round. After application, students can test during a 90-day window at a time and location that is best for them.

Applying to an Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program

Accreditation is important for any college, but it is even more important for your online psych NP program.

  • Certification requires graduating from an accredited program.
  • Even if you have an MSN, a DNP, or a postgraduate certification from another accredited program, you can take the certification examination.
  • Accreditation is a sign of quality for online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs.
  • Many government loans do not apply to unaccredited programs.
  • Many employers only consider graduates of accredited programs.
  • Even if an unaccredited program appears to be cheaper or faster, it is likely to be a waste of time and money.

Paying for Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs

Several factors affect the cost of an online psychiatric NP program, which in turn affects the student's ability to pay out-of-pocket for nursing degrees. These factors include many of the criteria used in the ranking of the best online PMHNP programs.

For example, the length of the program influences the amount of money it will cost a student. Students should be aware of the cost per credit hour and the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition costs.

Some students may be able to work to help cover the cost of living during school. Each of these factors should be evaluated before enrolling. Attending an accredited program allows the student to apply for federal financial aid, including nursing grants, loans, and federal scholarship programs.

Accreditation also influences the ability to qualify for private grants and loans. Students should search for scholarship programs that help cover the cost of an online psychiatric nurse practitioner program. It is important to seek out information about financial aid for nurses to help pay for your program, including loan forgiveness for nurses and programs to help support economically disadvantaged and minority students.

What Can You Do as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?

Roughly 21% of all adults experience some type of mental illness. This is a sharp increase since before 2020 and an increase in the demand for qualified psychiatric nurse practitioners.

A licensed and nationally board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner can care for patients in a variety of settings. They focus on mental health disorders and most frequently address the needs of patients with:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Personality disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Disruptive behavior
  • Trauma
  • Psychosis

These professionals are highly analytical and adept at problem-solving. Some of the common areas where they work include hospital mental health departments, private clinics, mental health clinics, or mental health departments.

According to the 2020 American Association of Nurse Practitioners Salary Report, the median annual salary of a psychiatric nurse practitioner is $131,500. This is one of the highest-earning NP specialties.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

What degree do you need to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner?

Licensed psychiatric NPs must hold both a bachelor's and a master's degree in nursing or higher. Many universities offer MSN programs with a concentration in psychiatric mental health. Some students earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) instead of a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and bypass a bachelor's degree by enrolling in an RN-to-MSN program.

What is the fastest way to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

The quickest way to become a nurse, such as an PMHNP, depends on your current level of education. You may consider a 3-4 year RN-to-MSN program if you have an ADN. Online BSN-to-DNP programs can take 3-4 years, depending on if you are full time or part time.

Is the psychiatric NP market oversaturated?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the pandemic sparked a roughly 25% rise in depression and anxiety. The rise in patient population in a short time, coupled with the time it takes to become a psychiatric NP, has meant the market is not oversaturated. However, it may be more difficult to find employment in a small town or an attractive private practice.

What are the eligibility requirements for psychiatric nurse practitioner certification?

The American Nurses Credentialing Center requires candidates to hold an active and unencumbered RN license and an MSN or a DNP from an accredited PMHNP program.

A candidate must also have graduate-level courses in pathophysiology/physiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology. Additional eligibility requirements include clinical training in at least two psychotherapeutic interventions.


Related Online Psychiatric NP Program Resources


Page last reviewed November 14, 2022. Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.

NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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