The Best Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Explore today’s top programs, curriculum details, and financial aid while taking the first steps towards becoming a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP).
One in five Americans are affected by mental illness each year, which is why we need more mental health professionals, including nurses, to provide treatment. Thankfully, online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs are helping to make this happen with their flexible study format. We know finding the right program is daunting, that’s why we developed a list of accredited online PMHNP programs with the best combination of affordability, quality, and flexibility – so you don’t have to break the bank to reach your goals. Get started on your school search with our ranking of the top online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs.
Kent State University at Kent
Kent, Ohio
Public
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee
Public
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, Michigan
Public
George Washington University
Washington, District of Columbia
Private
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
Mostly online programs allow students to finish the majority of their coursework online, but they may still need to complete some parts in person. For instance, some schools enable students to take their classes online classes but then they have to complete the clinical element of their program inperson at a healthcare facility. Other programs also offer online coursework but students have to periodically come to campus to complete practicums.
- 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.
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 have several options for financing their education. Take a look at 5 examples PMHNP students have to offset the cost of their 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 provides funding for college to students who served in the military after 9/11.
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.
To earn a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification, or PMHNP-BC, professionals need to pass a rigorous 200-question exam, lasting four hours. Candidates must possess an active nursing license, as well as master’s, doctoral or postgraduate degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing.
10 Valuable Resources for Nursing Students
- APRN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practice
- ANA Certification Prep
- APNA Awards & Scholarships
- What Do Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurses Do?
- Meeting the Needs of People with Mental Illness: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Salary
- Continuing Education for the APRN-PMH
- Self Care Tip Sheet For Nurses
- A Night in the Life of a Mental Health Nurse
