Top 10 Easiest PMHNP Programs to Get Into for 2025

If you’re dreaming of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) but feeling stressed about getting in—don’t worry. There are programs out there that are easier to get into. We’ve rounded up a list of PMHNP programs with higher acceptance rates, fewer hoops to jump through, and more flexibility. 

Top 10 Easiest PMHNP Programs to Get Into

Our ranking criteria is based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation, and uses the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard.

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PMHNP Program Overview

The PMHNP programs on this list may be easier to get into, but they all hold themselves to rigorous standards. Attending a PMHNP program is intense, time-consuming, and challenging. 

Most programs require full-time attendance, and even the part-time programs are fast-paced. Maintaining a work-study-life balance can be challenging or impossible during your program, and may require suspending your career while you complete the degree.

Many programs on this list blend online didactic coursework with in-person labs, intensives, and clinical rotations with approved preceptors. You can expect PMHNP clinicals to focus on learning the role of the provider, diagnosing, treating, and placing orders.

PMHNP Program Prerequisites

Many requisite courses to become eligible for a PMHNP program would have been accomplished during your undergraduate education. Most PMHNP schools note that a minimum BSN education is necessary to qualify for admission. 

Some specific prerequisite courses listed by these universities include:

• Anatomy & Physiology I  w/lab
• Anatomy & Physiology II  w/lab
• Statistics
• Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan
• Pharmacology
• Health Assessment

Admission Requirements

You must meet certain admission requirements to be eligible for a PMHNP program. While specific requirements vary by school, most include the following:

• A BSN or MSN from an accredited university
• RN licensure
• At least 1 year of relevant experience
• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• Current Resume/CV
• Personal statement
• Official transcripts
• Admission interview
• GRE, if applicable

Classes & Coursework

PMHNP programs will slightly vary in their curriculum, but generally, students will take some version of the following classes:

• Advanced Pharmacology
• Advanced Health Assessment
• Translating Evidence into Practice
• Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Advanced Pathophysiology
• Ethics for APRN
• Organizational Leadership and Administration
• Professional Practice
• Evidence-Based Research
• Information Technology
• Psychopharmacology
• Health Care Law, Policy, and Analysis
• Psychiatric Assessment, Diagnosis, and Management of Adults and Geriatrics
• Psychiatric Assessment, Diagnosis & Management of Children & Adolescents

Programs that allow students to earn a DNP will take additional classes focused on research, administration, leadership, and teaching. All programs, whether MSN or DNP, require onsite clinicals at an approved site with a preceptor.

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How to Choose a PMHNP Program

Choosing a PMHNP can be overwhelming, especially with the options of online, hybrid, and in-person. There are many factors to consider, both from a personal and professional perspective. 

Regardless, the first and most important factor to consider is nursing school accreditation. Non-accredited universities should be a massive red flag. The two main accreditation bodies in the United States are:

• The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

After narrowing down your options, consider the following factors:

• Cost (including loans, scholarships, tuition reimbursement)
• Class location (in-person vs. hybrid online)
• Program length
• Program flexibility
• Degree outcome - MSN vs DNP?
• Attrition rate
• Job placement rate
• Certification pass rate
• Clinical placement assistance

 

FAQs

• Is there a psych NP shortage?

  • Yes! PMHNPs are the least represented out of all the NPs, and with mental health issues and addiction on the rise, PMHNPs are desperately needed. 

• Is there a high demand for PMHNPs?

  • One of the most in-demand NP specialities, PMHNPs are able to find employment across the country easily. 

• Do FNPs or PMHNPs make more money?

  • PMHNPs are one of the highest-paid nurse practitioner specialties. ZipRecruiter reports that PMHNPs earn an average annual salary of  $141,112. In comparison, FNPs earn around $127,976 each year.

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