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.
Criminal Background Check Policy
All nursing students will be required to complete a series of clinical learning experiences in order to successfully meet the learning outcomes for a given program of study. Prior to participating in clinical learning experiences at any off-campus healthcare facility, students are required to complete a criminal background check and a drug test. Each clinical facility has policies regarding possible convictions and potential drug use that may bar students from being accepted at the facility for clinical placement. You may read more about this policy.
Community Mental Health Programs
Mental health services are also provided by licensed social workers at elementary, intermediate, and high schools served by the School Health Program. If medication intervention is indicated, students are referred to a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Licensed social workers, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners also provide mental health services at homeless shelters through our Community Medicine Program.
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Dual Degree In Nursing
In collaboration with the highly acclaimed NYU Meyers College of Nursing, we offer a three-year dual degree MS/MPH program designed to integrate advanced practice nursing and public health training, preparing you to assume leadership positions in a variety of settings. At completion of this full-time program, you will have earned a Master of Science in Nursing and a Master of Public Health , starting you off in a prime position for advanced career options in either field.
Applicants to the MS/MPH can apply to one of eight programs. Links to the relevant course sequences are provided below:
- MS/MPH in Nurse-Midwifery/Global Health
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program And Certificate Of Graduate Study

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program in the Lienhard School of Nursing, uses a primary health care and lifespan focus to prepare students for advanced practice in psychiatric mental health nursing. Students are prepared to practice in various settings including communities, private practice, institutional settings, substance abuse settings, and shelters. The program provides health promotion, disease prevention, assessment, and treatment of psychiatric diseases and disorders across the lifespan, with particular attention to health disparities and the care of vulnerable populations. Strategies used will include, but are not limited to, treatment, medication management, case management, individual, family and group therapy. The program is offered as a Master of Science for those looking to enhance their career or as a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study for those already Mastered prepared as advanced practice nurses.
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Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Online Programs
Most psychiatric nurse practitioner programs are technically considered psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner programs.
Nurses that want to become psychiatric NPs shouldnt be concerned by the label its all the same field.
If youre looking to pursue this path, check out these top 10 PMHNP programs for 2021 2022
Specialized Mental Health Programs
Specialized mental health programs are also available at Sunset Terrace Family Health Center.
The Psychosocial Club is a program for people with serious mental illness who benefit from daily social support and interaction. The club meets weekdays, and breakfast and lunch are served.
Project Second Try serves children ages 5 to 18 who are struggling with inappropriate sexual tendencies, including those who have sexually offended and have sexual behavior issues. We also provide support and education to guardians and family members of Project Second Try participants.
The Sunset Terrace Integration and Recovery Program helps people who are being treated for mental health conditions access medical assessments and primary care. Health literacy classes and support groups on topics such as tobacco cessation, healthy eating and wellness, and diabetes management are also provided.
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Nyu School Of Nursing Expands Lgbtq+ Curriculum Options
Jun 16, 2022 | Blog, BSN, Faculty/Nurse Educator, Nurse educators
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NYU Rory Meyers School of Nursing has been expanding its offerings focused on LGBTQ+ health to better prepare nursing students to provide culturally affirming and inclusive care to this population.
It is rare for nursing schools to offer coursework dedicated to the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, despite the unique issues they face and growing interest from students. Our goal is to empower new nurses to provide care for people across sexual orientations and gender expressions that promote health and improves patient outcomes, said Jeff Day, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, clinical assistant professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, who developed and is teaching a new elective course on LGBTQ+ health.
LGBTQ+ individuals face barriers to healthcare, including stigma and discrimination, as well as longstanding health disparitiesfor instance, an increased risk for substance use, suicide, and sexually transmitted infections. Nurses have historically been leaders in caring for this patient population, particularly in advocating for people living with HIV and AIDS, but many healthprofessionals lack an understanding of LGBTQ+ issues in healthcare.
The course was successfully piloted at NYU Meyers in Spring 2022 and will officially be part of the curriculum as an elective in Fall 2022.
Pmhnps Salary And Job Outlook
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners are one of the highest-paying nurse practitioner specialties because they are a highly-specialized field.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mental Health Nurse Practitioners makes a mean annual salary of $125,350 with an average hourly wage of $60.26.
Although most NPs work full-time, salaries will also vary based on the type of occupation, hours, and the state and city.
Nurse Practitioners, in general, have a higher-than-average job outlook and because psychiatric nursing is a field that is still growing in interest and awareness, its reasonable to expect that wages are going to gradually climb over the coming years.
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Nyu Rory Meyers College Of Nursing Nursing Programs
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing is the nations second-largest private university college of nursing. It was founded in 1932 and continues its aim of providing patient-centered care. Its nursing baccalaureate, masters, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate program received full accreditation from CCNE.
Accelerated 15-Month – This accelerated program allows students with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree to obtain a BSN program in just 15 months. The program can be completed in four consecutive semesters for a full-time study. Graduates are eligible to sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. A non-accelerated option is also available for students with non-nursing baccalaureate degree.
Traditional 4-year – High school students who want to obtain a BSN degree can enroll in this traditional four-year program. With 128 credit hours, 64 of these are for nursing core and clinical courses. Nursing courses start at the students third year in the program. Graduates are eligible to sit in the NCLEX licensing exam.
BS/MS – This dual-degree program allows students to obtain a BSN degree and advance into a masters degree. Available advanced practice areas are Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP/Primary Care NP, Pediatrics NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, Nurse-Midwifery, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Informatics. Prior to undergraduate program graduation, completion of one graduate course is required.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Faqs
What Do Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Wear on the Job?
Depending on where a psychiatric nurse practitioner works, the dress code can be variable.
Psychiatric NPs working in acute care may wear scrubs and a lab coat with the facility logo. They can also wear professional, business attire with or without a lab coat. It depends on the facility.
Psychiatric NPs working in the clinic setting can wear business attire. A lab coat may or may not be required by the organization. Some feel that providers who do not wear scrubs and a lab coat are more “approachable” therefore allowing patients to be more receptive to care. It helps place patients at ease and makes them feel more comfortable. Many psychiatric nurse practitioners prefer a less âclinicalâ environment when treating patients, and shunning the scrubs and lab coat helps build a quiet, comforting environment.
Regardless of the setting, psychiatric nurse practitioners must also consider safety when choosing professional attire. Sometimes patients experience acute mental illnesses and may view the provider as a threat. Dangling jewelry, lanyards, strings, neckties, and even belt loops can be grabbed and used to harm a provider. Dressing for safety as well as professionalism is essential in the field of mental health.
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University Of North Carolina
Tuition: $34,535 for full program in-state tuition $61,124 for full program out-of-state tuition
A part of UNCs Master of Science nursing program, psychiatric-mental health is an advanced practice area that students can focus their studies on. This all-around education will require students to be able to attend in-person practice, something to keep in mind before applying.
What Does A Pmhnp Do

Some of the duties that a PMHNP could take on include:
- Create healthcare plans, based on outpatient or home-based care for acute or chronic mental health care conditions
- Provide consultations
- Prescribe medications per their state laws
- Prescribe and offer various treatments, such as psychotherapy, medication therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, etc.
- Work alongside doctors for referrals and to provide patient care
- Participate and/or initiate research
- Education on mental health disorders
- Contribute to policy development, quality improvement, practice evaluation, and healthcare reform
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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.
Behavioral Health Services At Sunset Terrace Family Health Center
At Sunset Terrace Family Health Center, our team of physicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners, social workers, psychologists, and mental health counselors helps restore, maintain, and enhance the wellbeing of adults, adolescents, and children who have mental health disorders.
We provide individual, group, and family therapy, including therapy for children and adolescents and geriatric treatment for older adults. Psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and psychological testing and case management are also available.
Care is provided for people experiencing depression, mood and anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children, insomnia, and schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, as well as other mental health conditions.
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Advantages Of An Online Program
Online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs offer the most convenience and flexibility. Students enrolled in these programs are able to take courses from the comfort of their own home, at times that suit their schedules. This is particularly ideal for those who don’t have a university within feasible commuting distance. Speaking of commuting, online programs also eliminate the expenses associated with transportation, including gas, parking fees, and more.
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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What Is A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
A psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, formally known as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner , is an advanced nursing role that requires a Masters or Doctorate degree. Psychiatric NPs can work as generalists in the field, or further specialize as geriatric, forensic, psychotherapy, or child and adolescent APPNs.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Certification
Once you complete your education program, you will have to pass the PMHNP certifying exam, issued by the American Nurses Credentialing Center . According to the ANCC, upon successful completion of the exam, you will be Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified . Once you earn your license, the credential is valid for 5 years.
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Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Degree Levels Offered
Two advanced nursing options are available for those interested in becoming psychiatric nurse practitioners. A master’s level program, which gives students the high-level education needed to enter this advanced field, and the doctoral program for those who want an even more elevated educational experience.
Nurse Practitioner Nyu Langone Jobs

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Admission And Certification Requirements
Graduate nursing admission requirements may vary between schools, but some requirements may include:
- Holding a BSN degree from an accredited school of nursing
- Current RN license
- Provide official transcripts from all colleges/ universities attended
- Submit a resume/ CV
- Submission of a written essay outlining goals for graduate studies
- Provide letters of recommendation
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Completion of a year or two of full-time nursing experience
- Completion of a statistics course
- Completion of the GRE
- Provide proof of liability insurance
Second Degree Transfer Program
- Prior bachelors degree required, but science prerequisite classes have not been completed.
- Students will complete all of their science prerequisites during their first and/or second semesters at NYU before entering the accelerated 15-month program.
- Students will graduate with a bachelors degree in nursing and enter the workforce as an RN.
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Accelerated Msn Psychiatric Np Programs
Who is it right for? Those with anon-nursing bachelors degree
Many graduate nursing programs also allow you to enroll directly if you have your RN license and a bachelors in a non-nursing-related field.
Some schools may also accept non-nurses with bachelors degrees to fast-track them into a masters program by the end of the program, you will have earned your RN and be eligible to sit for the NP certifying exam as well.
What Are The Admissions And Certification Requirements
Admissions requirements for most psychiatric nurse practitioner programs include:
- BSN or higher from an accredited university
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- 1 or more years of clinical experience may be required
- Official transcripts from all schools attended
- Reference letters
Certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner can be obtained through the American Nurses Credentialing Center . Eligibility requirements include:
- Must hold a current, U.S. RN license
- Graduate of an accredited psychiatric nurse practitioner program
- Must have completed clinical training in at least two psychotherapeutic treatment modalities
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How Do I Become A Nurse Practitioner In New York
The first step prospective nurses take in becoming an NP in New York includes earning a BSN from an accredited institution. Upon completion of the program, students must pass the NCLEX to become a licensed RN. RNs must then complete an accredited MSN program and pass a national certification exam for their chosen specialty. Finally, they may apply for their license to practice as an NP.
What Can I Do With This Degree
The MS/MPH dual degrees provide you with the necessary skill to pursue professional careers in both nursing and public health, and for leadership roles in community healthcare settings, government agencies, and non-profit organizations in the United States and internationally. Completion of the MS component of the MS/MPH program will lead to eligibility for state licensure and/or national certification, depending on the program.
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State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement
The regulation requires the institutions to disclose to prospective and current students a list of all States for which institutions curriculum meets out of State educational requirements for professional licensure or certification and a list of States for which the institutions curriculum does not meet, or for which the institution has not made a determination of, whether the curriculum meets educational requirements. In compliance with the above stated regulation, Pace University has determined the PMHNP curriculum meets the professional licensure or certification requirement for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Pace University has made no determination of other states eligibility at this time. As such, we only accept applications from students who are residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Additional information regarding state regulations.