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FNP vs PMHNP: Which NP Specialty Is Best? | 2026

Written By: Kathleen Gaines
MSN, RN, BA, CBC
3 Min Read Published December 9, 2025
FNP vs PMHNP: Which NP Specialty Is Best? | [year]
FNP vs PMHNP: Which NP Specialty Is Best? | [year]

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Both are highly trained providers who diagnose and treat patients with specific health concerns. But the two specialties are also quite different.

This article explores the most significant differences and similarities between FNPs and PMHNPs. Read on to learn more, including FNP vs PMHNP education requirements, patient populations, salary, duties, and more.

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RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

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Walden University

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 CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

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Grand Canyon University

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

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FNP vs PMHNP: What’s the Difference?

What is a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)?

Family nurse practitioners are primary healthcare providers who treat people of all ages. They provide care to individuals and entire families, diagnosing conditions, ordering and interpreting labs, coordinating with other healthcare providers, and prescribing medications.

What is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)?

PMHNPs specialize in mental health treatment and primarily help patients with mental illnesses, disorders, and substance abuse problems. A PMHNP's primary duties include assessing, diagnosing, and providing treatment plans to patients.

Similarities & Differences Between FNPs and PMHNPs

Similarities

  • Duties and responsibilities
  • Advocacy 
  • Career outlook
  • Work environment
  • Skills

Differences

  • Patient population
  • Education/certification
  • Salary

 

 

Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Sponsored
Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN-NP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI

Learn More
Chamberlain University Learn More
Purdue Global

Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Learn More
Purdue Global Learn More
Walden University

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 CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Learn More
Walden University Learn More
Grand Canyon University

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Learn More
Grand Canyon University Learn More

FNP vs PMHNP Comparison

  FNP PMHNP
Salary $127,976 annually (ZipRecruiter) $139,486 annually (ZipRecruiter)
Demand 35% (much faster than average) (BLS) 35% (much faster than average) (BLS)
Total Currently Certified 190,323 (AANP, ANCC) 584 (AANP, ANCC)
Requirements
  • Earn a BSN from an accredited nursing program
  • Pass the NCLEX and earn RN licensure
  • Gain relevant bedside experience (1 - 2 years)
  • Attend an FNP program
  • Complete FNP clinicals
  • Graduate from an FNP program
  • Pass the national certification exam
  • Earn a BSN from an accredited nursing program
  • Pass the NCLEX and earn RN licensure
  • Gain relevant bedside experience (1 - 2 years)
  • Attend a PMHNP program
  • Complete PMHNP clinicals
  • Graduate from a PMHNP program
  • Pass the national certification exam
Job Responsibilities
  • Assess and diagnose health conditions
  • Conduct routine physicals
  • Develop and carry out treatment plans for acute and chronic illnesses
  • Provide primary health care, emphasizing preventative care
  • Prescribe medications and other therapies
  • Order and interpret labs and diagnostic tests
  • Assisting in minor surgeries
  • Making appropriate referrals when needed
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams 
  • Develop and adjust individualized treatment plans.
  • Document patient care, treatment progress, and ensure regulatory compliance
  • Participate in on-call rotations or telehealth services as required
  • Stay current with continuing education and evolving best practices
  • Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and mental health assessments
  • Diagnose mental health disorders using clinical tools like DSM-5
  • Prescribe, manage, and monitor psychiatric medications
  • Provide psychotherapy (e.g., CBT, supportive therapy) within the scope of practice
  • Educate patients and families on diagnoses, treatments, and self-care
  • Order and interpret lab tests or diagnostic studies
  • Develop and adjust individualized treatment plans
  • Document patient care, treatment progress, and ensure regulatory compliance
  • Respond to psychiatric crises and assess risk of harm
  • As needed, refer patients to a specialist or inpatient care
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams (e.g., primary care, social work)
  • Participate in on-call rotations or telehealth services as required
  • Stay current with continuing education and evolving best practices
  • Reduce mental health stigma through advocacy and spreading awareness

How Do I Decide Between Becoming a PMHNP vs an FNP?

The most important factor to consider when choosing between FNP and PMHNP is the patient population you want to help. While a family NP does treat patients with mental health disorders and illnesses, it's not their primary focus. On the other hand, psychiatric mental health NPs will treat the comorbidities of some patients, but generally aren't responsible for managing a patient's hypertension or diabetes.

Ultimately, knowing the type of patient you want to treat when comparing FNP vs PMHNP will be a key driver in your decision.

FAQs

Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Sponsored
Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN-NP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI

Learn More
Chamberlain University Learn More
Purdue Global

Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Learn More
Purdue Global Learn More
Walden University

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 CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Learn More
Walden University Learn More
Grand Canyon University

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Learn More
Grand Canyon University Learn More

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading

 

PMHNP
Kathleen Gaines
MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Kathleen Gaines
News and Education Editor

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

Education:
MSN Nursing Education - Loyola University New Orleans
BSN - Villanova University
BA- University  of Mary Washington

Expertise:
Pediatric Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, Nursing Education, Women’s Health, Intensive Care, Nurse Journalism, Cardiac Nursing 

Read More From Kathleen
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