Inside the Best Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs

Explore top programs for 2023, curriculum details, and financial aid while taking the first steps towards becoming a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP).

Written By

Kenya McCullum

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Expert Contributor

Renee Warmbrodt

- Bio

Renee Warmbrodt is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience working with pediatrics in a range of settings. She graduated from Saint Louis University with her MSN and currently works with a pediatric urology group in St. Louis, MO. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Renee worked several years with critically ill children as a PICU staff nurse. She also has experience educating, precepting, and mentoring nursing students.

last updated

01/21/2022

With mental illness affecting one in five Americans every year, more mental health professionals, including nurses, are needed to provide treatment. Online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs are helping to make that happen through their flexible study format. To help you and other prospective students find programs that have high standards, accommodating schedules, and won’t break the bank, we developed a list of accredited online PMHNP programs with the best combination of affordability, quality, and flexibility. Start your school search with our 2023 ranking of the best online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs.

#	School Name	Type	Cost	Online Programs	School Information	Online Students	Academic Counseling	Career Placement	Students w/Institutional Aid
1	Upstate Medical UniversitySyracuse, NY	Public	$$	3	At Upstate Medical University’s College of Nursing, students will be able to take advantage of clinical opportunities at the only academic medical center in the region. Learning in an academic medical center offers opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and typically leads to a more meticulous focus on information retention and implementation of evidence-based practices. Upstate also boasts small class sizes, award-winning faculty, and impressive statistics. Across all their nursing programs, there is an 84% graduation rate, a 97% post-graduation employment rate, and a 89% first-time passage rates on board certifications. Program Highlights: Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MS) Credits: 53 credits Cost: $22,620 in-state, $46,200 out-of-state Length: 2 years full-time, 3 years part-time Mode: Hybrid Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Credits: 50 credits Cost: $22,620 in-state, $46,200 out-of-state Length: 2 years full-time Mode: Hybrid Family Nurse Practitioner Credits: 50 credits Cost: $22,620 in-state, $46,200 out-of-state Length: 2 years full-time, 3 years part-time Mode: Hybrid	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio6/1	AccreditationMSCHE
2	New Mexico State University-Main CampusLas Cruces, NM	Public	$$	1	For those with an interest in how mental health affects the whole patient, the post-master’s graduate certificate in psychiatric mental health nursing practitioner offers students the opportunity to begin to explore practicing in this specialty area before committing to a master’s or doctoral level degree. Students will focus on four competencies for PMHNP providers: advanced health assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and medication management. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exam after a concentrated and streamlined curriculum to begin practicing in this exciting specialty area in just over a year’s time. Program Highlights: Post-Masters Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practitioner Credits: 18 credits Cost: $444.40/credit hour, $250/credit hour for active military Length: 1 year Mode: Online	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationHLC
3	University of ArizonaTucson, AZ	Public	$$$	1	Of the University of Arizona’s numerous DNP programs, the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner DNP focuses on the mental health care and mind-body connection for patients. Utilizing deep elements of nursing theory with regards for caring for the whole patient, the approach to psychiatric care with a nurse offers patients the opportunity to explore their experiences with a provider who is skilled both in medical care and psychotherapy. Students will learn about diagnosing and treating mood disorders, anxiety and phobias, social disorders and more, and they can work with patients both short and long-term to develop experience with brief counseling and guiding longer courses of care with treatment planning. Program Highlights: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP Credits: 67 credits plus 720 clinical hours Cost: $1053/credit hour Length: 2.5 years full-time, 3.5 years part-time Mode: Online with on-campus intensives	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1	AccreditationHLC
4	East Carolina UniversityGreenville, NC	Public	$	1	Eastern Carolina University’s goal with its psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner MSN graduates is to prepare them to be safe and competent advance-practice providers of psychiatric and mental health services. ECU also seeks to invest in the educations of nurses who demonstrate a clear understanding of the PMHNP and show self-awareness, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, emotional maturity, professional decorum, and exceptional personal and clinical insight. After completing all coursework, students are eligible to sit for the PMHNP certification exam by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Faculty at ECU’s program have provided care in a myriad of settings, including private and publicly funded outpatient practices, undergraduate and graduate education institutions, inpatient psychiatric and substance abuse care, behavioral health emergency departments and consultation/liaison with medical centers. Program Highlights: MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Credits: 47 credits and 550 clinical hours Cost: $489.55/credit hour in-state, $1,020.05/credit hour out-of-state Length: 7 semesters Mode: Online with on-campus intensives	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
5	University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH	Public	$$$	1	University of Cincinnati offers numerous DNP degree options, including psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and invites nurses with at least one year of RN experience who excel at assessment as a generalist to apply for specialization as a PMHNP. Graduates can expect preparation to work in numerous settings, including acute care, outpatient clinics and practices, schools, prisons, behavioral health homes, long-term care facilities, or private practice offices. As a PMHNP, they will be responsible for completing assessment, engaging in collaborative treatment planning with the patient, and providing care, which may include psychotherapy in conjunction with medication management. Program Highlights: Psychiatric Mental Health - DNP Credits: 77-82 credits Cost: $746/credit hour in-state, $1,333/credit hour out-of-state Length: 3 years Mode: Online Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP Credits: 75-79 credits Cost: $746/credit hour in-state, $1,333/credit hour out-of-state Length: 3 years Mode: Online	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationHLC
6	University of IowaIowa City, IA	Public	$$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationHLC
7	The University of Texas at TylerTyler, TX	Public	$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
8	Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro, GA	Public	$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio22/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
9	University of KansasLawrence, KS	Public	$$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationHLC
10	Georgia College & State UniversityMilledgeville, GA	Public	$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
11	Augusta UniversityAugusta, GA	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
12	Southeastern Louisiana UniversityHammond, LA	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
13	McNeese State UniversityLake Charles, LA	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
14	Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond, KY	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
15	South Dakota State UniversityBrookings, SD	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationHLC
16	University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City, MO	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationHLC
17	Winona State UniversityWinona, MN	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationHLC
18	Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green, KY	Public	$$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
19	Husson UniversityBangor, ME	Private not-for-profit	$$$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1	AccreditationNECHE
20	Liberty UniversityLynchburg, VA	Private not-for-profit	$$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
21	University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst, MA	Public	$$$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationNECHE

PMHNP Nursing School Profiles

To complement our rankings above, we’ve profiled two other accredited online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs that are also worth a look in your school search. We’ve laid out all the details, from admissions requirements to curriculum information and program costs.

Vanderbilt University

The psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (lifespan) program at Vanderbilt University allows students at different educational levels the training to provide holistic mental health treatments. Registered nurses with a master’s or bachelor’s degree can enroll in this program, as well as registered nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma, and those who are beginning their nursing education with no prior experience. As a result, students can get an education that is tailored to their previous experience.

No matter where they are educationally when starting the program, Vanderbilt University students take coursework that familiarizes them with the realities of working as a mental health nurse practitioner. The school’s curriculum covers psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, clinical reasoning, and pathophysiology. In addition, students participate in clinical education so they get the advanced hands-on training they need to work in a mental health environment. Students in this phase of the program may be placed in prison systems, inpatient psychiatric units, community mental health centers, or outpatient private practices.

In April 2019, students paid $1,556 per credit for tuition, as well as $1,500 for books, $3,162 for health insurance, $561 for activity fees, and $100 for transcript fees.

University of California, San Francisco

The psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner master’s degree program at the University of California, San Francisco’s School of Nursing trains students to provide mental health services. This includes treating adults or children, providing assessments, diagnosing patients, and helping patients manage their conditions. Students can use this training to go on to work for substance abuse centers, forensics organizations, and primary care clinics.

In order to prepare students for the challenges of working in a mental health setting, they are required to take coursework about symptom management, advanced clinical assessments, psychopharmacology, and lifespan development. In addition, students learn about the therapy that mental health patients may receive in individual, group, and family settings.

Students who already have a master’s degree in nursing may also be able to join the mental health sector by enrolling in the school’s post-master’s study option. Depending on their previous training, students can complete the program in four to six semesters.

In April 2019, the tuition and fees for this program were $28,911 for California residents and $41,156 for out-of-state students. The school offers stipends and scholarships specifically for PMHNP students.

Finding the Online Psychiatric NP Program for You

Nurses who are interested in entering the psychiatric area of the field should examine their professional and educational goals before enrolling in a program. In addition, they should consider what learning environment will work best. For example, students who like to work independently may prefer a program conducted mostly online, while those who prefer to have some classroom interaction with instructors and peers may perform better in a partially online program.

Online Learning Flexibility

Mostly online
In mostly online programs, students will complete the majority of their coursework online, but may be required to complete certain parts of the program in person. For example, some schools allow students to complete classes online and then participate in the clinical part of the program at a health care facility. In other cases, students can do some of their coursework via the internet, but are required to come to campus periodically for practicums that reinforce their online learning.

Partially online
Students who prefer to spend most of their time in a traditional classroom can enroll in partially online programs, where most of their courses are conducted on campus. In these cases, students may be able to take a few classes online, which can add convenience for those who are juggling their education with a full-time nursing job.

Types of Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Degrees

1. RN to MSN
RN to MSN degree programs are for nurses with a diploma or associate degree, as well as a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. These programs are designed to teach students how to assess and treat patients with mental health issues, communicate effectively with patients and families, and promote mental health in their communities. In addition, students become familiar with the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with providing mental health treatment.

2. RN to DNP
RN to DNP programs allow registered nurses to prepare for leadership roles in a mental health setting. People with these degrees may become consultants, go into private practice, or work as educators. In order to provide this training, the curriculum combines coursework on mental health treatment with classes designed to develop leadership skills. Specific classes may include pharmacology, nursing decision making, health care informatics, epidemiology, and human pathophysiology.

In addition to program level and delivery, prospective PMHNP students should also consider how long the program takes to complete, how much it costs, and the credentials of the faculty members in a department. Also, students may have a preference on the size of the school they would like to attend.

Entrance Criteria & Prerequisites

Every school has its own specific entrance requirements. The following are some of the expectations that schools may have for applicants to psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner programs.

BSN or higher from an accredited program
Active RN license
One or more years of clinical experience
Clinical training in at least two psychotherapeutic treatment modules
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement describing career goals and interest in psychiatric nursing
A minimum 3.0 grade point average
A specific minimum score on the GRE
A personal interview
Evidence of immunizations and recent physical examination

Eye on the Curriculum

The curriculum in PMHNP programs is designed to give nurses the high-level clinical skills necessary to provide specialized care to patients. These programs include coursework that teaching students to develop patient care plans, promote mental health and education, and perform psychotherapy, crisis interventions, and consultations. In addition, these programs provide in-depth information about psychiatric nursing models, pharmacotherapies, and neuroscience. The following are examples of some of the classes involved in most programs.

Advanced pharmacotherapeutics

Students learn about the medications used to treat chronic and acute health issues and gain an understanding of when these drugs should be used. The class also teaches students how to understand the side effects of different medications and monitor the way patients respond to treatments.

Health assessment

Health assessment classes build on nurses’ former education in order to help them understand how assessments are conducted in a mental health context. Students also learn different evidenced-based assessment principles.

Mental health care for individuals and groups

This course trains students to care for people with mental health challenges in different age groups. The curriculum covers care from assessment to diagnosis to pharmacological interventions.

Neuroscience for mental health practitioners

This class explores the relationship between neuroscience and mental health conditions. Topics may include psychiatric disorders and their treatment, neuroanatomy, and diagnostics.

Health care law and policy

Nurses in this course learn the regulations and laws involved with working in both private and public psychiatric settings. This also includes how laws and policies impact health care delivery and outcomes.

Nursing theory

Students gain an understanding of major nursing theories and study the professionals who created them. In addition, the class may cover how seminal nursing theories are applied in day-to-day practice.

Nursing leadership

This course is designed to instill leadership skills in nursing professionals so they can effectively interact with peers, employees, and families, as well as their community at large. Specific course topics may include managerial ethics and conflict resolution.

Population-based nursing

Students in this course learn how mental health nursing is delivered in different populations and communities. The course may explore law, health maintenance, and disease prevention.

Nursing ethics

Students in this course learn the different ethical theories nurses are expected to use in their practice. Specific ethical dilemmas nurses face are also discussed.

Popular Psychiatric NP Subspecialties

Within the psychiatric realm of the nursing field, there are several subspecialties that professionals can focus on. As a result, students who train for PMHNP jobs should enroll in a program that not only teaches mental health nursing, but caters to their area of interest within the field. The following are common subspecialties that psychiatric nurses may pursue.

Addiction
Nurses who focus on addiction may work with patients who are dependent on alcohol and drugs, as well as those with internet, gambling, food, or sex addictions. These professionals may work in detoxification centers, rehab clinics, or hospitals.
Forensics
PMHNPs focusing on this subspecialty apply their nursing expertise to legal matters. After evaluating patients, these nurses may give their opinions in criminal, child custody, and juvenile justice cases. They can work for courts, hospitals, or correctional facilities.
Child/adolescent
Professionals in this nursing subspecialty focus on the psychiatric disorders affecting children and adolescents, and how these issues not only affect the patient, but the entire family. Nurses who focus in this area may work with patients who have mood disorders, learning disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders.
Geriatric
Psychiatric nurses who want to focus their practice on older generations may pursue the geriatric subspecialty. These professionals work with senior citizens who have depression, dementia, and addiction, as well as those who are struggling with loss and isolation.
Psychosomatic medicine
PMHNPs who specialize in psychosomatic medicine focus on the relationship between mental and physical illnesses.

Paying for Your Online PMHNP Program

The cost of an online PMHNP program depends on the specific school that students attend. Students may be charged per semester or credit hour, and in some cases, are charged a lump sum for their entire program. The price range for the program is around $700 to $1,700 per credit, $3,800 to $16,400 per semester, and $20,000 to $44,600 for an entire program. Information about the cost of certain specific programs can be found in our listings above. And check out EduMed’s list of most affordable online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs to find accredited NP programs that won’t bury you in student debt.

Online PMHNP Courses & Financial Aid

Many students who enroll in PMHNP training schools are concerned about how they will pay for their education. Those who qualify may be able to obtain financial aid to help them pay tuition and fees, and there may be some standards students are expected to adhere to in order to receive these awards. The following are some of these stipulations.

1. Accreditation
Programs are designed to prepare students to get their certification, and in order to ensure that they’re getting the high-quality education they need, they should enroll in accredited programs. As a result, students can only qualify for financial aid for attending accredited schools.

2. Courses for credit
Students cannot apply financial aid awards to non-credit courses.

3. Minimum grade point average
In order to receive certain scholarships and grants, students may be expected to demonstrate academic excellence by maintaining a minimum grade point average.

4. Enrollment status
In some cases, financial aid awards are only available to students who are enrolled in a program on a full-time basis.

For more information about how to pay for a PMHNP education, check out EduMed’s full page on financial aid for medical support.

Other Ways to Pay

Students looking for ways to pay for their education have several options. The following are some examples of ways they can defray the cost of their PMHNP studies.

1. Scholarships
This type of aid may be available through professional associations that cater to the needs of health care professionals, and is also typically offered by the school a student is attending as well.

2. Loans
Graduate students can receive loans without demonstrating financial need. However, the amount that students can borrow depends on their education costs and the other aid they may be receiving.

3. Veterans benefits
The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program allows students who served in the military after 9/11 to receive funding for their degree program.

4. Employer tuition assistance
Organizations need highly-skilled workers and in some cases, may have tuition assistance programs available to encourage workers to advance their education.

5. Payment plans
Some schools allow students to enter a plan where they make monthly payments toward their education. The terms of the plan vary from school to school.

Certification: The PMH in PMHNP

After students complete their psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner degree program, the next step is to become nationally certified. In most cases, professionals are not able to obtain a state license unless they receive a PMHNP certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

In order to receive the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification, or PMHNP-BC, professionals must pass a 200-question examination that takes four hours to complete. To qualify for the exam, candidates must have an active nursing license and a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner master’s, doctoral, or postgraduate degree.