Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs

When considering becoming a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), an online PMHNP program may be an ideal fit for you. There are a wide variety of PMHNP programs available to registered nurses. 

Your options may include an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Choosing to complete your degree online may allow for self-paced study. As you search for the best online nurse practitioner program for you, consider your personal preferences, level of education, life circumstances, and long-term career goals.

The program tables and sponsored program cards featured on this page were last updated in January 2022. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.  

Accredited Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner (PMHNP) online programs

While the following MSN programs can be completed online, some require on-campus visits. Be sure to check with your preferred university for more information.

Sponsored online nursing programs

Simmons University

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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.

  • Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
  • Complete in as few as 24 months
  • Full-time and part-time tracks available

Georgetown University

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Master of Science in Nursing

Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months. 

  • Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
  • Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
  • Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice

St. John Fisher University

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Master of Science in Nursing

Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing. Bachelor’s in nursing and RN license-required. 

  • Part-time and accelerated tracks available
  • Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP

info SPONSORED

Choosing a school online for your PMHNP program

When thinking about applying for a school or program online, there are some factors you may wish to consider such as accreditation, personal goals, availability and flexibility, admissions requirements, curriculum, and clinical hour requirements. Keep in mind that several online programs mirror their on-campus counterparts.

Accreditation for PMHNP programs

Accreditation for nursing programs in the United States falls to the recognition of Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This organization accredits bachelor’s and graduate nursing degree programs across the country. This is no different for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) programs. Often offered by nursing schools, PMHNP programs may confer either master’s or doctoral degrees. Be sure to check with your preferred university for more on accreditation.

Goals

Why do you want to pursue an online PMHNP program? Maybe you are a registered nurse looking to become a nurse practitioner or transition into a specific specialty. Depending on your career goals, an online PMHNP may provide the flexibility you need to build relevant knowledge and pursue more advanced opportunities. You may also consider, if available, an accelerated nursing program or dual nursing programs. While these options may not be available online, they could help you achieve your PMHNP career goals.

Schedule 

Online programs, including PMHNP degrees and post-master’s certificates, may incorporate asynchronous and synchronous learnings, or non-live and live classes. Some programs also offer full-time or part-time enrollment options. When considering an online PMHNP program, take into account the time you can commit to your studies.

Program length

The time it takes to complete an online PMHNP program depends on the program you choose and your enrollment status. Opting for full-time enrollment usually enables you to earn your degree quicker compared to a part-time track. However, programs may have a limit on how long students can take to complete the program — often around five years.

Admission requirements

MSN programs may require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, and a current, unencumbered RN license. Requirements for Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs may either require a BSN or MSN. PMHNP programs may also require some general nursing or psychiatric nursing experience. Be sure to check with your preferred PMHNP program for more information.

Curriculum 

PMHNP programs often share similar course requirements based on accreditation standards and/or preparation for national certification, as outlined in the CCNE Standards for Accreditation. These courses touch on advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, evidence-based practice, health assessment, and theoretical foundations. Students will also complete a practicum and internship to acquire clinical hours. By integrating classroom knowledge with field experience, PMHNP students can cultivate unique skill sets, emphasizing pharmacology and its application to mental health and psychiatric patients.

Clinical hour requirements

If you’re wondering how you will complete your clinical hours as an online student, universities may offer online student support to place students in residencies in their local area. CCNE-accredited programs typically include a clinical hours requirement which is integral to obtaining your nursing license upon program completion. As such, your PMHNP online program will likely include clinical hour requirements, typically after initial coursework is completed.

Potential PMHNP salary and jobs

While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median salary of $121,610 for nurse practitioners in May 2022, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) suggests that full-time PMHNPs might earn more. According to its 2020 national NP sample survey, the median annual income for these professionals was $137,000.

Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners may be employed in a psychiatric mental health facility and treat depression, anxiety, insomnia, and dementia. Learn more about nursing salary by career and states, as well as the highest-paying states for each career.

PMHNP certifications and licenses 

To practice as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner in your state, you’ll need to meet all the state-specific requirements. Each state may have varying requirements, so be sure to check with your state board of nursing before embarking on your educational journey. Besides post-master’s certifications offered by universities, there are nursing certifications available to psychiatric-mental health nurses through professional organizations:

Additional nursing programs

There are several types of PMHNP programs to consider. Depending on where you are in your journey to become a psychiatric–mental health nurse practitioner or pursue other advanced nursing opportunities, there may be an on-campus or online nursing program for you.

  • RN-to-MSN PMHNP programs: RN-to-MSN programs offer bridge curricula for students who hold an unencumbered RN license in their state. RNs with an associate degree or education from an approved nursing program may earn their MSN and pursue advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) careers, such as psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs: MSN degrees are the minimum requirement to pursue an APRN career, which means becoming a PMHNP also requires a master’s degree in nursing from an on-campus or MSN program online program. Some schools in the table above offer MSN degrees with a PMHNP focus.
  • Post-master’s PMHNP certificate: If you’ve earned your master’s degree in nursing, you may consider a post-master’s or graduate PMHNP certificate. The time it would take to complete required clinical hours and credits for this nursing education program may be less than earning another MSN degree. However, requirements for admission to the certificate pathway may require an RN license and MSN degree. Be sure to check with your preferred program for more information.
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) PMHNP programs: Along with MSN programs, earning a degree from a DNP program may also help prepare you to become a PMHNP. DNP programs typically entail more credit hours and clinical hours than MSN programs, so it will take more time to complete your degree. There are options for undergraduates to pursue this degree without having a MSN. If you already have your BSN, you may consider a BSN to DNP program.

Sponsored online nursing programs

Simmons University

info

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.

  • Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
  • Complete in as few as 24 months
  • Full-time and part-time tracks available

Georgetown University

info

Master of Science in Nursing

Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months. 

  • Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
  • Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
  • Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice

St. John Fisher University

info

Master of Science in Nursing

Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing. Bachelor’s in nursing and RN license-required. 

  • Part-time and accelerated tracks available
  • Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP

info SPONSORED

Scholarship options for PMHNP students

There are many financial aid options for nursing students. Be sure to check with your preferred university for scholarship and grant opportunities as well as fellowships. Your state board of nursing or state’s nursing association may also offer opportunities for nursing financial aid.

FAQ

How do online psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) programs work?

Online PMHNP programs may comprise coursework with both synchronous and asynchronous components. Even though a program is online, there may be on-campus requirements. For accredited programs, there may be clinical hour requirements that you will complete at a facility or location near you.

How is course content delivered in an online PMHNP program?

Course content in online PMHNP programs may be delivered in a live and/or offline format. Live classes will require students to log in at a specific time and meet face-to-face, virtually, with their classmates and instructors. Offline formats may require you to complete projects on your time before the submission deadline.

Should I enroll into an online PMHNP program?

If you are seeking to become a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, an online PMHNP program may help you reach your goals.

Will an online PMHNP program help me get a job?

While there is no guarantee that an online PMHNP program will help you get a job, accredited programs may help prepare you for state licensure and national certification. A license and certification may be required for practice in your state. Be sure to check with your state’s board of nursing for more information.

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 usually 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 state’s board of nursing for more information.

What is the difference between a PMHNP with an MSN vs. DNP?

From a clinical hour experience perspective, MSN students in a PMHNP program may complete less clinical hours than DNP candidates. The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) released a statement (PDF, 398 KB) in 2018 that it is committing to move all entry-level nurse practitioner degrees to DNPs by 2025.

For more specialized programs, check out our list of online nurse practitioner programs.

Last updated December 2023.