Top 10 RN to Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
If you are a registered nurse who wants to advance your career with advanced-level learning, work with psychiatric patients, and earn more money, an RN to psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program may be an excellent pathway for you!
Most RN-to-PMHNP programs require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to enroll. However, some mental health nurse practitioner programs also have a track for Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN)- trained nurses.
To help you decide on the right program for you, we've ranked the top RN-to-PMHNP programs for 2024.
Popular Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs
Learn in-depth practices in how to provide comprehensive psychiatric mental health care at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Grow your skills in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of a variety of psychiatric mental health disorders across the lifespan of patients.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
At Ohio University, we provide aspiring and current nursing professionals programs and credentials that will help them launch their careers and advance toward leadership positions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, except AL, AZ, CO, DE, GA, IA, ID, KS, LA, MD, MN, ND, NE, NY, OK, OR, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, WA, and WY
Nurses Helping Nurses: Why You Can Trust Nurse.org
As the leading educational website for nurses by nurses, Nurse.org is committed to editorial integrity and data-driven analysis. We independently research schools and programs for nurses and strive to write recommendations that genuinely reflect our true opinion of the product or service. Where relevant, our recommendations may incorporate feedback from 500,000+ nurses in our social communities.
✔ Evaluated 1,100+ accredited nursing school programs using the latest U.S. government data sets. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
✔ Content written by 80+ licensed, practicing nurses who are experts in their respective specialties. Learn more about our nurse contributors.
✔ Connected 1,500,000+ nurses to educational programs since 2020.
Top 10 RN to Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs
Choosing a nurse practitioner program is a huge decision that requires careful consideration. Fortunately, we compiled the best RN to psychiatric NP programs, including hybrid or online PMHNP program options.
Our ranking system considers essential factors, such as accreditation, graduation rates, and student-faculty ratios.
Ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report, the program at Duke University is unparalleled to none. The program focuses on delivering psychiatric mental health and advanced practice nursing to all ages, especially those in underserved and rural areas. The program can be completed in roughly 2.5 years. Duke has partnerships with over 2,000 clinical sites across the country, allowing students to complete the program from anywhere.
- Application Deadline:
- Fall priority: December 1st
- Spring priority: May 1st
- Post-priority deadline applications reviewed on a space-available basis
- Contact Phone Number: (877) 415-3853
- Email Information: SONAdmissions@dm.duke.edu
According to U.S. News and World Report, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is ranked as the #2 psychiatric-mental health program in the country. The university is also home to one of the country’s first psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner specialties.
Vanderbilt’s psychiatric NP program graduates earn a doctorate in nursing (DNP). Students have low faculty-to-student ratios, mentoring, and personalized attention during their program. Graduates score well above the national average on certification exams.
- Application Deadline: October 15th
- Contact Phone Number: (615) 322-3800
- Email Information: VUSN-Admissions@vanderbilt.edu
The University of California, San Francisco's program offers BSN-trained nurses an opportunity to earn an MSN and practice as a PMHNP. In addition, the university provides PMHNP pathways for those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, an MSN without an NP foundation, and other advanced-practice RNs who wish to earn state certification in psychiatric mental health.
The university also recently partnered with UC Davis and UCLA School of Nursing to launch new remote-access training to help prepare 300 psychiatric mental health NPs over five years.
- Application Deadline: February 1st
- Contact Phone Number: 415-476-1381
- Email Information: michele.keating@ucsf.edu
- Online Options Available: Hybrid online with in-person components
Popular Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs
Sponsored
Learn in-depth practices in how to provide comprehensive psychiatric mental health care at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Grow your skills in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of a variety of psychiatric mental health disorders across the lifespan of patients.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
At Ohio University, we provide aspiring and current nursing professionals programs and credentials that will help them launch their careers and advance toward leadership positions.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, except AL, AZ, CO, DE, GA, IA, ID, KS, LA, MD, MN, ND, NE, NY, OK, OR, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, WA, and WY
Popular Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs
Learn in-depth practices in how to provide comprehensive psychiatric mental health care at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Grow your skills in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of a variety of psychiatric mental health disorders across the lifespan of patients.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
At Ohio University, we provide aspiring and current nursing professionals programs and credentials that will help them launch their careers and advance toward leadership positions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, except AL, AZ, CO, DE, GA, IA, ID, KS, LA, MD, MN, ND, NE, NY, OK, OR, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, WA, and WY
The University of Pennsylvania's psychiatric-mental health NP program aims to provide RNs with an advanced practice nursing degree to provide mental health treatment to a wide spectrum of patients across the lifespan.
This MSN program is flexible; full-time students can typically complete coursework in 14 months. Part-time students may take from two to five years, depending on how quickly they complete their studies. The program is held in person; however, to accommodate the busy schedules of our students some courses will be offered in an online or hybrid format.
- Application Deadline:
- Full-time: November 4th
- Part-time:
- Spring: October 15th
- Summer: April 1st
- Tuition:
- Full-time: $56,262 per academic year
- Part-time: $6,392 per course unit
- Contact Phone Number: (215) 898-4271
- Email Information: admissions@nursing.upenn.edu
The University of North Carolina offers a BSN-DNP for nurses who want to become PMHNPs. The program takes about three years to complete if attending full-time. The university encourages students to complete clinical hours in their communities depending on their learning objectives and interests.
- Application Deadline: November 15th
- Contact Phone Number: (919) 966-4260
- Email Information: nursing@unc.edu
New York University’s psychiatric-mental health NP program graduates earn an MSN degree. All practicums are arranged by faculty, and licensed clinicians supervise students at various diverse practicum sites. Practicum sites include premier teaching hospitals such as New York-Presbyterian, Four Winds Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center and Behavioral Health Centers, and the VA Medical System.
- Application Deadline:
- Fall: June 15th
- Spring: December 1st
- Summer: February 15th
- Contact Phone Number: (212) 998-5317
- Email Information: nursing.admissions@nyu.edu
The RN to PMHNP program at the University of Washington specializes in ongoing psychiatric and mental health care across the lifespan. Graduates earn a DNP. This three-year program offers a hybrid learning format in year one and clinical placements in years two and three.
The priority deadline is January 15th, and applicants are accepted on a space-available basis.
- Application Deadline:
- Priority: January 15th
- Final: May 1st
- Tuition:
- In-state: $10,826 per quarter
- Out-of-state: $15,440 per quarter
- Contact Phone Number: (206) 543-8736
- Email Information: asknursing@uw.edu
The Ohio State University offers two RN-to-PMHNP programs for BSN-trained nurses to earn an MSN or a DNP.
- Traditional Master of Science
- BSN to DNP
The university also offers distance learning and on-campus program options.
- Application Deadline: October 31st
- Tuition:
- In-state: $972.50 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $2,705.63 per credit hour
- Contact Phone Number: (614) 292-4041
- Email Information: nursing@osu.edu
The University of Cincinnati offers an online DNP track for students who want to become PMHNPs. It is one of a few fully online PMHNP programs available. It’s important to note that despite all of the didactic coursework being online, students will still need to complete in-person clinical rotations at an approved site.
Before starting, applicants must have at least one year of working as an RN and excellent assessment skills. The university also offers a part-time option for nurses who want to continue developing their skills and working during their program.
- Application Deadline: June 1st
- Tuition:
- Part-time:
- In-state: $836 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $851 per credit hour
- Full-time:
- In-state: $8,359 per semester
- Out-of-state: $8,509 per semester
- Part-time:
- Contact Phone Number: (513) 558-3600
- Email Information: nursingbearcats@uc.edu
The University of Maryland School of Nursing’s psychiatric nursing program began in 1955. The PMHNP program is blended with face-to-face and online coursework and offers flexible scheduling with 3-, 4-, and 5-year study plans. Graduates earn a DNP.
- Application Deadline: December 1st
- Tuition:
- In-state: $873 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $1,549 per credit hour
- Contact Phone Number: (410) 706-0501
- Email Information: admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu
Popular Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs
Learn in-depth practices in how to provide comprehensive psychiatric mental health care at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Grow your skills in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of a variety of psychiatric mental health disorders across the lifespan of patients.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
At Ohio University, we provide aspiring and current nursing professionals programs and credentials that will help them launch their careers and advance toward leadership positions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, except AL, AZ, CO, DE, GA, IA, ID, KS, LA, MD, MN, ND, NE, NY, OK, OR, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, WA, and WY
What to Expect in an RN to PMHNP Program
RN to PMHNP programs can be difficult. In an RN program, you learn about diseases and how to care for patients, while in an NP program, you will learn how to diagnose and treat illnesses. It requires advanced critical thinking and reasoning.
Programs that grant a DNP upon completion require even more time and commitment since you will be earning a terminal degree and a dissertation is required.
The first semester of all nursing programs will cover the core courses. Some programs will start clinical rotations in the second or third semester while others wait until the second or third year. Each PMHNP program is structured slightly differently based on the coursework but students can expect to complete similar coursework as their counterparts in other programs.
Admission Requirements
Specific requirements will vary based on the program, but you can anticipate the following basic requirements for all PMHNP programs. These include,
- An ADN or BSN from an accredited nursing program
- An unencumbered nursing license
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Resume/CV
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- At least 1-2 years of clinical experience
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- A letter of intent
- GRE (if applicable)
- Official transcripts
- Personal interview
Classes and Coursework
PMHNP students will take core courses similar to those of other NP specialties; however, clinicals are tailored specifically to psychiatric and mental health nursing. All programs will require multiple in-person clinicals throughout the program that must be completed at an approved clinical site with a licensed preceptor. Course may include,
- Advanced health assessment
- Advanced pharmacology
- Advanced pathophysiology
- Research
- Ethics
- Neuroscience
- Psychopharmacology
- Human Diversity and Social Policy
- Telemedicine
- Basic Counseling Theories & Techniques
FAQs
Learn More About Becoming a PMHNP
- Psychiatric NP Career Overview
- Psychiatric NP Salary Guide
- Top Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Psychiatric NP vs Psychiatrist
