Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs – Everything You Need to Know in 2024

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners also known as Psych NPs or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP), are registered nurses with advanced education and training in diagnosing and treating individuals with mental health conditions.

The role requires you to be a registered nurse, have a Master’s or Doctorate degree and the attendance of an accredited Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. In many cases the Master’s or Doctorate component is combined with the psychiatric nurse practitioner program i.e. a Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about these programs from the different types and entry requirements to timeframe, costs and earning potential.

What’s in this guide?

By PsychologyJobs.com Staff Writer

Our career guides are produced by staff writers in conjunction with our expert career coaches.

What are the different types of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs?

  1. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP)
  2. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PMHNP)
  3. Post-Master’s Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

A Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program provides a unique opportunity for nurses to specialize in an area of high demand and make a significant impact on the health and well-being of patients with mental health disorders. The program offers a deep dive into mental health diagnosis and treatment, medication management, and psychotherapy, preparing graduates to serve as mental health experts in a variety of settings. With the growing need for mental health care providers, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree can provide a fulfilling and rewarding career path for nurses looking to make a difference.
Dr. Laurie Lauzon Clabo, Dean of Wayne State University School of Nursing.

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) prepares registered nurses (RNs) to become advanced practice nurses specializing in psychiatric and mental health care. The program builds on the RN’s foundational nursing education and experience and provides in-depth education and training in mental health assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management.

The MSN-PMHNP curriculum typically includes courses in advanced health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, nursing research, and theory. Specific courses in psychiatric nursing may include diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy.

Clinical practicum is a critical component of the MSN-PMHNP program, providing students with hands-on experience in a variety of mental health care settings.

Graduates of MSN-PMHNP programs are eligible to take the national certification exam to become certified as psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The Doctor of Nursing Practice – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is designed to prepare nurses to be leaders in the field of mental health care. The program emphasizes advanced knowledge and skills in evidence-based practice, leadership, and research, as well as the clinical skills needed to provide high-quality care to patients with mental health disorders. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to make significant contributions to the field of mental health care and improve the lives of their patients.
Dr. JoEllen Wilbur, National Advisory Council for Nursing Research at NIH

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program is a doctoral level degree program for registered nurses who want to become expert practitioners in the field of mental health care. The program builds on the RN’s prior nursing education and experience and provides advanced knowledge and skills in mental health assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management.

The DNP-PMHNP curriculum typically includes advanced courses in health policy, ethics, leadership, research methods, and evidence-based practice, as well as coursework specific to psychiatric-mental health nursing.

Like the MSN-PMHNP program, the DNP-PMHNP program requires a clinical practicum component.

A key component of the DNP program is the DNP project, which is a scholarly project that demonstrates the student’s advanced knowledge and skills in nursing practice. The project may involve research, quality improvement initiatives, or the development of evidence-based clinical guidelines.

Graduates of DNP-PMHNP programs are eligible to take the national certification exam to become certified as psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners.

Differences between DNP-PMHNP and MSN-PMHNP

Program TypeMaster of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP)Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PMHNP)Post-Master’s Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitione
Purpose To prepare RNs with advanced practice skills in psychiatric mental health To prepare advanced practice nurses for the highest level of clinical practice and leadership To provide specialized training in psychiatric mental health to those with a master’s degree in nursing
Duration 2-3 years 3-4 years 1-2 years
Prerequisites Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) MSN or BSN (varies by program) MSN in nursing or a related field
Curriculum Focus Advanced clinical skills, psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, therapy techniques Advanced clinical practice, leadership, healthcare policy, evidence-based practice Specialized psychiatric mental health courses, clinical training
Clinical Hours Typically 500-600 hours Typically 1,000 hours (including previous MSN clinical hours if applicable) Varies, usually 500-600 hours
Outcome Eligibility to sit for PMHNP certification exam Eligibility to sit for PMHNP certification exam; prepares for leadership roles Eligibility to sit for PMHNP certification exam
Research Component Limited research focus Significant research component, including a DNP project Minimal to no research component
Career Opportunities Clinical practice as a PMHNP Clinical practice as a PMHNP, leadership roles, academic positions Clinical practice as a PMHNP
Ideal Candidates RNs seeking to advance their clinical practice in psychiatric mental health RNs seeking advanced clinical roles and leadership positions in psychiatric mental health MSN-prepared nurses looking to specialize in psychiatric mental health
Purpose
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP) To prepare RNs with advanced practice skills in psychiatric mental health
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PMHNP) To prepare advanced practice nurses for the highest level of clinical practice and leadership
Post-Master’s Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitione To provide specialized training in psychiatric mental health to those with a master’s degree in nursing
Duration
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP) 2-3 years
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PMHNP) 3-4 years
Post-Master’s Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitione 1-2 years
Prerequisites
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP) Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PMHNP) MSN or BSN (varies by program)
Post-Master’s Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitione MSN in nursing or a related field
Curriculum Focus
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP) Advanced clinical skills, psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, therapy techniques
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PMHNP) Advanced clinical practice, leadership, healthcare policy, evidence-based practice
Post-Master’s Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitione Specialized psychiatric mental health courses, clinical training
Clinical Hours
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP) Typically 500-600 hours
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PMHNP) Typically 1,000 hours (including previous MSN clinical hours if applicable)
Post-Master’s Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitione Varies, usually 500-600 hours
Outcome
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP) Eligibility to sit for PMHNP certification exam
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PMHNP) Eligibility to sit for PMHNP certification exam; prepares for leadership roles
Post-Master’s Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitione Eligibility to sit for PMHNP certification exam
Research Component
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP) Limited research focus
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PMHNP) Significant research component, including a DNP project
Post-Master’s Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitione Minimal to no research component
Career Opportunities
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP) Clinical practice as a PMHNP
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PMHNP) Clinical practice as a PMHNP, leadership roles, academic positions
Post-Master’s Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitione Clinical practice as a PMHNP
Ideal Candidates
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP) RNs seeking to advance their clinical practice in psychiatric mental health
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PMHNP) RNs seeking advanced clinical roles and leadership positions in psychiatric mental health
Post-Master’s Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitione MSN-prepared nurses looking to specialize in psychiatric mental health

Post-Master’s Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

A Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program is designed for nurses who already have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in another specialty, but want to become certified as PMHNPs. The PMC-PMHNP program provides the necessary coursework and clinical experience to prepare nurses for national certification as PMHNPs.

The PMC-PMHNP curriculum is typically shorter than an MSN or DNP program and focuses specifically on the coursework needed for PMHNP certification.

Like the MSN and DNP programs, the PMC-PMHNP program requires a clinical practicum component.

Students are prepared for work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, community mental health centers, and correctional facilities as well as research, teaching or advocacy positions.

Graduates of the PMC-PMHNP program are eligible to take the national certification exam to become certified as psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners.

What should you consider when choosing a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program?

Carefully research and evaluating each program you are considering to ensure it is the right choice for you. Here are some key factors that you might want to consider:

  1. Accreditation: Make sure that the program you choose is accredited by a recognized accrediting body, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
  2. Cost: Cost is top of mind for many students and in this instance we don’t simply mean the cost of tuition and fees for each program but also consider carefully the likely living expenses during completing the program as well as the availability of financial aid and scholarships.
  3. Curriculum: Review the program’s curriculum carefully to ensure that it covers the topics and skills you want to learn. Look for programs that offer clinical experience in a variety of settings.
  4. Faculty: Research the faculty at each program to ensure that they are experienced and knowledgeable in the field of psychiatric nursing.
  5. Program Reputation: Look for programs with a strong reputation in the field of psychiatric nursing. This can include talking to alumni of the program, reading online reviews, and researching the program’s ranking and reputation.
  6. Location: Consider the location of the program and whether it is convenient for you.

What is the typical curriculum of a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program?

Here is an example curriculum of a psychiatric nurse practitioner program at the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) level:

1

First Year

  • Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
  • Advanced Health Assessment
  • Advanced Pharmacology
  • Role Development in Advanced Practice Nursing
  • Ethics and Legal Issues in Healthcare
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing I
  • Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
2

Second Year

  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing II
  • Psychotherapy in Psychiatric Nursing
  • Psychopharmacology in Psychiatric Nursing
  • Family Therapy
  • Group Therapy
  • Clinical Practicum in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing I
  • Clinical Practicum in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing II
3

Third Year

  • Leadership in Advanced Nursing Practice
  • Health Policy and Advocacy
  • Clinical Practicum in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing III
  • Clinical Practicum in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing IV
  • DNP Project

The curriculum includes foundational nursing courses such as Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Advanced Pharmacology, as well as courses focused specifically on psychiatric-mental health nursing. In addition to didactic coursework, the curriculum includes clinical practicum experiences to provide hands-on training in psychiatric-mental health nursing practice.

What are the entry requirements for PMHNP programs?

Entry requirements will vary by program and how competitive that program is however here are some typical requirements:

  • Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure: Applicants must hold a current and active RN license in the state where the program is located. In some cases, applicants may need to have a certain amount of work experience as an RN.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Most PNP programs require applicants to have a BSN degree from an accredited nursing program. Some programs may accept applicants with an associate degree in nursing, but they may require additional coursework to meet BSN-level requirements.
  • Minimum GPA: Many programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Prerequisite Courses: Applicants may need to complete certain prerequisite courses, such as statistics, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology, before starting the program.
  • Professional Recommendations: Most programs require applicants to provide letters of recommendation from professional references, such as nursing supervisors or professors.
  • Personal Statement: Applicants may be required to submit a personal statement outlining their reasons for pursuing a PNP degree and their career goals.
  • Entrance Exam: Some programs require applicants to take a graduate-level entrance exam, such as the GRE or MAT.
  • Interview: In some cases, applicants may be required to participate in an interview with program faculty or staff.

How much do PMHNP programs cost?

The tuition cost and fees vary considerably based upon the type of program you opt for and the institution you choose to study with. From $10,000 for a post-master’s certificate to $200,000 for a DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

How long are psychiatric nurse practitioner programs?

The length of study will depend upon the type of program you opt for:

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 2-3 years
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 3-4 years
  • Post-Master’s Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 1-2 years

What do you do as a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

Your day may start with a review of patient charts, including medical histories, mental health assessments, and progress notes.

You will likely then meet with patients to conduct psychiatric assessments, diagnose mental health disorders and develop a treatment plan including prescribing any medication and providing psychotherapy.

The remainder of your day is likely to be dominated by paperwork/documentation, collaborating with other healthcare professionals and staying up to date with the latest best practices and new research as well as completing any required continuing education courses.

What’s the difference between a psych NP and a psychiatrist?

The key differences between a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a psychiatrist are; education and training, prescriptive authority, billing, scope of practice and how you collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Please see our guide to Psych NP vs Psychiatrist for more insights.

How much can you earn as a psychiatric nurse practitioner

Experienced psychiatric nurse practitioners get paid an average of $139,976 per year.

There is certainly strong demand so you can be assured of a “job for life”. The BLS is projecting a 17% increase between 2019 to 2029 in jobs for nurse practitioners specializing in psychiatric care.

See our psychiatric nurse salary guide for more detailed insights