Online Rn To Msn Pmhnp Programs & State Licensure
Were tempted to stick this caution in BIG, BOLD WRITING! Before you commit to an Online RN to MSN PMHNP program, check with your State Board of Nursing and the program coordinator about APRN state licensure. State Boards have specific rules and regulations regarding clinical learning experiences for students enrolled in distance education programs. Be sure your degree components will meet licensure requirements in your state.
For example, in its Program FAQ section, East Tennessee State University notes that is unable to accept applications from a number of states due to restrictions imposed on distance education programs by the board of education or board of nursing. Those states include Arizona, California, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, Oregon, and Washington.
Youll find info about out-of-state applications in the programs FAQ section or on the universitys State Regulation page. The language can be confusing, so feel free to ask for clarification!
With Our 100% Online Psychiatric
- Prepare for certification. As a graduate, you will be eligible to take the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam.
- Complete coursework online. Only two campus visits are required.
- Learn from faculty mentors. Youll have the name, number and email of a campusbased faculty member to help guide your study.
- Leverage a flexible learning environment. Work when and where it is most convenient for you.
- Study at a respected school. Ranked #45 Best Online Graduate Nursing Program by U.S. News & World Report for 2020.
How To Pick The Right Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner School For You
Its hard to know what the perfect school is for what youre looking for. While there are only a handful of institutions that offer a psychiatric nurse practitioner program, narrowing it down further will likely be based on different factors, including:
- Cost: Is the school within an affordable range? Will you have to move to attend school, and how expensive is the new city going to be? Do they offer financial aid?
- Location: Commuting to and from facilities where you get real-world experience is common for psychiatric NPs. This means you might have to move to a new area for school or work with the school to find clinical sites near your home and complete your coursework online.
- Program length: Depending on the program you study toward, you may have to plan to be in school for 2-4 years, and possibly even longer if youre working full-time and studying part-time. If you have to continue to work while youre in school, youll also want to verify that the program can be completed while you work.
- Accreditation: Accreditation is always something important to keep in mind before selecting any school or programnot only does it ensure that your school will properly prepare you for your certifying exams, but if you plan on applying for federal loans, you may get turned down if your school is not accredited.
Also Check: Nc Board Of Nursing Accredited Schools
What Is A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
A psychiatric nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is in charge of assessing patients’ mental health statuses by reviewing their pertinent medical history, conducting complete psychiatric examinations, and identifying risk factors that may impair mental health. They also can interpret tests ordered by psychologists or psychiatrists.
These nurse practitioners provide support to families of patients and the mental health community, too. Often mental illness affects more than just the patient. Mental health professionals such as a PMNHP can offer therapy and treatment to the family as a group.
They may also work with patients that have behavioral problems, including substance abuse. Mental health care is an intricate part of substance abuse recovery.
PMHNPs can have their own private practices, but many work in psychiatric hospitals or dedicated mental health units. They treat patients of all ages, but can specialize in pediatric or geriatric care, for example.
Why Is Online Psychiatric Np Program Accreditation Important

Accreditation is important for any college, but even more important for your online psych NP program.
- Certification requires graduating from an accredited program.
- Even if you have an MSN, DNP, or post-graduate 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 non-accredited 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 the time and money you invest in your education.
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Msn Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The accredited online MSN Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is designed to prepare nurses to provide a wide range of mental health services across the lifespan through a bio-psychosocial model of care. It includes the study and application of diagnostic and treatment modalities, theories and approaches to practice.
You’ll learn collaborative skills to work with other healthcare professionals to provide mental healthcare services in all settings. The program enables graduates to deliver direct and indirect advanced practice services to those who are at risk for and/or require mental health services.
University Of California San Francisco
Tuition: $60,482 per year in-state, $72,727 per year non-resident
While the focus of the psychiatric nurse practitioner program at UCSF is on all demographics, students have the option to complete their residency while focusing on a specific age group. This program is ideal for nurses who want to work exclusively with adults or children.
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Can I Complete An Online Pmhnp Program Without A Nursing Degree
You may not be able to complete an online PMHNP program without a nursing degree. Admission requirements may require an RN license, and in order to pursue that license, you must have completed at least an approved nursing program. Be sure to check with your preferred university and states board of nursing for more information.
Why Is Rn To Msn Online Program Accreditation Important
Because accreditation is important, schools and programs will proudly state their accreditation status usually on the school or program’s home page or a prominent navigation link.
Accreditation is important for both online and on-campus programs, and a lack of accreditation information can be a warning sign. Check the accrediting agencies’ websites listed above to search their lists of accredited programs. Please note that all programs listed here or elsewhere on NurseJournal.org are accredited.
- Accreditation requires regular and rigorous review of programs’ academic and clinical content.
- Some schools may not accept transfer credits from unaccredited programs.
- Some graduate nursing programs may not admit applicants with degrees from unaccredited undergraduate programs.
- Many public and private funding organizations require financial aid recipients to attend accredited nursing schools.
- Graduates of accredited degree programs generally enjoy greater job prospects, and some employers prefer to hire graduates who have attended accredited programs.
- Most state nursing boards require credentials from accredited nursing programs.
- typically require a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited program.
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What Does A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Do
They specialize in caring for patients with mental health issues by assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with mental health conditions. A PMNHP carries out physical and psychosocial examinations, prescribes medications and treatment, leads therapy sessions, and monitors patients with mental health concerns.
What Is The Fastest Way To Become A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
The fastest way to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner depends on your current level of education. If you have a BSN and nursing experience, some MSN programs take just 24 months. If you have an ADN or a degree in a field other than nursing, you can enroll in a bridge or accelerated MSN program, rather than spending four years on a BSN plus an MSN program.
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No 1 In Master Of Science In Nursing Graduates In The Us
Care for the mental and emotional well-being of patients of all ages with an MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree from Walden. Play a bigger role in raising awareness of societal issues around mental illness and become a catalyst for social change.
A pioneer in this specialization, Walden offers one of the first online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in the country.2 Online PMHNP-MSN programs academically prepare nurses to deliver a full spectrum of care to patients with psychiatric disorders, organic brain disorders, and substance abuse issues.
As a graduate of this CCNE-accredited online psychiatric nurse practitioner MSN program, youll be academically prepared to sit for the national psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner certification exam.
Potential Pmhnp Salary And Jobs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average salary of $111,680 for a nurse practitioner. However, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioner article on a career as a PMHNP, full-time PMHNPs reported a mean total annual income of more than $137,000.
Psychiatricmental health nurse practitioners may be employed in a psychiatric mental health facility and treat depression, anxiety, insomnia and dementia, according to the AANP article above. Learn more about nursing salary by career, states and the highest-paying states for each career.
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Help Address The Complex Nature Of Mental Illness From A Clinical Perspective
According to a recent study, 25% of U.S. adults experience some form of mental illness each year. Its a national issue that can no longer be ignored.* Its a national issue that can no longer be ignored.* Through Norwichs online Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track, youll explore the latest in research theory combined with experiential learning and proven methodologies that can help provide treatment and relief for individuals with mental or neurological disorders.
Program graduates also earn the knowledge and skills required to be prepared to sit for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certification exam, administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center .
Professional Licensure DisclosureThe Master of Science in Nursing, with specializations in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, is designed to prepare students for advanced practice. The requirements for professional licensure or certification vary by state. Norwich University has determined that the Norwich nursing program meets or does not meet the educational requirements for state licensure. Please review our Professional Licensure Disclosure.
Are Online Rn To Msn Pmhnp Programs Available
Yes. A modest number of universities in our directory now offer Online RN to MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degrees. However, we should point out that youll find much more variety in Online RN to MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Programs. Feel free to compare the two!
- Undergraduate Phase: Just like an on-campus RN to MSN program, youll be required to earn credits in upper-level undergraduate courses before you can proceed to the MS or MSN. These courses are usually offered through distance learning, making it easy to work while you study.
- Graduate Phase: Its relatively easy to take standard MS or MSN courses online, but remember that you must participate in clinical practicums in order to graduate. You can earn your clinical hours in your own community. On the other hand, you may be expected to find the site and a clinical preceptor who is willing to supervise you.
Another thing to watch out for? Any program that claims its 100% online. A number of universitiesespecially the ones with good reputationswill expect you to visit the campus for training and assessment. For example:
We give two thumbs up to online programs with on-campus componentsthe hands-on training and networking opportunities are invaluablebut they will involve extra costs . Budget for every part of the degree.
Also Check: Gonzaga Online Nurse Practitioner Program
Learn From Experienced Faculty
Our online M.S.N. psychiatric nurse practitioner program is staffed by experienced faculty, who all hold Ph.D. or DNP degrees and who are eager to mentor you. You’ll work with them directly in regularly scheduled personal advising sessions, chat with them on discussion boards and personally via phone, video chat or email as needed. They are dedicated to your success in this critical profession.
S To Becoming A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Like all advanced nursing roles, PMHNPs must complete several steps before entering practice as a psychiatric primary care provider, psychotherapist, consultant, or educator. These nurses must hold a valid registered nurse license in the state where they intend to practice, a graduate degree, and national board certification as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
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Online Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
Master of Science in Nursing
According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, 37% of Americans live in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner , youll be in demand as you deliver patient-centered, holistic care to patients with psychiatric disorders. Through this online PMHNP program, youll further develop the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver mental health care to patients across the life span, making a positive impact on the health of your patients and the health of your communities.
Prepare for a career as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Flexible online classes with 24/7 access
- 15-week psychiatric nursing courses
- 95% passage rate for all nursing programs on national certification exams
- Become eligible to sit for the Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner ANCC Certification Exam
Expert Faculty Unmatched Student Support
Our highly engaged faculty sees each student as an individual. Youll learn from practicing PMHNPs who are experts in their field as you translate theoretical knowledge from the sciences and humanities into delivering advanced nursing care to diverse populations. Youll benefit from access to a dedicated Student Success Advisor, who will work with you to ensure you have the resources you need to complete your degree.
Some schools put the burden of identifying preceptors and sites for clinicals on the student. At Marymount, we fully support you by providing Clinical Placement Services so you can concentrate on working and studying. Our talented team of Clinical Placement Specialists are highly successful at securing clinical site placements for our online nursing students.
For MSN-level clinicals, this comprehensive clinical placement service can be valued at $9,800, but it’s provided to all Marymount online nursing students free of charge. We won’t charge you anything beyond your regular tuition and fees.
Next application deadline:
This course introduces students to the concept of evidence-based practice and its relationship to improved patient outcomes. It prepares students to critically examine current nursing practice standards and guidelines to determine if these are consistent with the best research available. Strategies to overcome barriers to the integration of new knowledge in the practice setting are identified.
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Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post Masters Certificate
Experienced registered nurses with an MSN from a regionally-accredited college or university and CCNE or ACEN accreditation are eligible to apply for the post-masters certificate program. The MSN PMHNP post-masters certificate program requires 18 to 27 semester hours, depending upon the applicants previously completed course work. This certificate option requires the NP and PMHNP Core but does not require NURS 779.
Xavier University
3800 Victory Parkway | Cincinnati, Ohio 45207 | © 2022 Xavier University. All rights reserved.
Whats The Difference Between A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner And A Psychiatrist

The American Psychiatric Nurse Association provides helpful details about what exactly a PMHNP does, and how the role may differ from a traditional physician role as a psychiatric or psychologist. Although many of the duties of a PMHNP and psychiatrists may be very similar , the primary differences will be in the educational pathway and some of the state limitations that a PMHNP may have.
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Why Choose Liberty Universitys Pmhnp Degree
As pioneers in distance education since 1985, were committed to offering high-quality programs that fit your schedule. At Liberty, youll benefit from flexible courses, affordable tuition rates, and practical training that can help equip you for the real world.
Choosing Liberty means choosing
Flexibility| Our psych DNP program is available 100% online. You can complete your coursework from the comfort of your home without needing to relocate to attend classes on campus. The best part? You can stay invested in your family and career while earning your degree!
Respected Credentials| Libertys online DNP psychiatric nurse practitioner program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education . This degree can help you prepare to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner national certification exam. By completing our rigorous curriculum, you can pursue state licensure and national certification as a PMHNP.
Experienced Faculty| Our PMHNP professors have years of experience working in the field of nursing. With their guidance, you can develop marketable skills that could help set you apart from the competition. For some of your courses, youll have weekly online meetings with your professors, allowing you to further benefit from their mentorship.
Msn Degrees For Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse Practitioners: Program Content And Structure
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN programs, which take between 16 and 24 months to complete on a full-time basis, consist of two primary components: didactic and clinical:
Didactic Coursework
The coursework of a psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner masters degree is based on a holistic model of psychiatric and mental healthcare. Coursework prepares students to diagnose and treat simple and complex psychiatric and mental health problems ranging from adjustment disorders to serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar illnesses, and major depression.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education is the national accrediting agency of nurse practitioner programs in the U.S. Accredited MSN Nurse Practitioner programs with a focus on psychiatric/mental health prepare graduates to provide mental health promotion and mental illness diagnoses and treatment across the lifespan.
Students of these programs may also choose to further specialize their MSN by focusing on a subspecialty of psychiatric/mental health, such as:
- Child and Adolescent Health
- Substance Abuse Disorders
The didactic curriculum content of a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program addresses the three Ps found within all graduate programs that prepare advanced practice registered nurses advanced pharmacology, physical assessment, and physiology/pathophysiology.
Clinical Experiences
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