[2025 Updated] Best Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs

Carlow University's online PMHNP program equips nurses to address mental health needs in underserved communities. The 28-month, $918 per credit program offers specializations in patient populations like children, families, and those with substance abuse issues. The curriculum includes clinical hours and national certification preparation. A 3.0 GPA and an active nursing license are required for admission.

• 100% online program
• 19 courses for MSN
• $918 per credit
• 28 months completion time
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• Specialized patient focus options
• Clinical hours included
• National certification preparation

Carlow University's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program offers flexible learning for working nurses. The 28-month program costs $918 per credit and prepares graduates for national certification with a 97-100% pass rate. Students develop advanced skills in mental health assessment, counseling, and medication management, with specializations available. The program accepts international students and requires a 3.0 GPA for admission.

• 100% online graduate program
• 28-month completion timeline
• $918 per credit
• 19 courses for MSN
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• 75 years nursing education experience
• Specialization in patient populations
• National certification preparation
• International students accepted

Carlow University's online PMHNP program offers a pediatric concentration, preparing nurses to address the growing need for specialized children's mental healthcare. This 28-month, $918 per credit program emphasizes assessment, counseling, and medication management. With a 97-100% certification board pass rate, graduates are well-prepared to become ethical mental health leaders. A 3.0 GPA is required for admission.

• 100% online program
• 28-month completion time
• $918 per credit
• 19 courses for MSN
• Pediatric concentration available
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• 75 years nursing education
• National certification preparation

Specializing in family mental health, Carlow's online PMHNP program equips nurses with the skills to provide comprehensive care. This flexible program costs $918 per credit and can be completed in as few as 28 months. Graduates are prepared for national certification, boasting a 97-100% pass rate. The program requires a 3.0 GPA for admission and accepts international students. Up to 18 post-master's credits can be transferred.

• 100% online delivery
• As few as 28 months to complete
• $918 per credit
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• Concentration in Family Mental Health
• 97-100% certification board pass rate
• 19 courses for MSN program
• Accepts international students
• Transfer up to 18 post-Masters credits

Carlow University's online PMHNP program offers a specialization in substance abuse, preparing nurses to address this critical area of mental health. This 28-month program, costing $918 per credit, is designed for working professionals. With a high certification board pass rate, graduates are equipped to provide comprehensive care. A 3.0 GPA is required for admission.

• 100% online program
• 28-month completion time
• $918 per credit cost
• Substance abuse concentration
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• 19 courses for MSN
• 97-100% certification pass rate
• Designed for working nurses
• National certification preparation

For B.S.N. graduates seeking specialization in mental health, the University of South Carolina-Columbia provides an online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program. This program focuses on advanced skills in psychiatric evaluation, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based interventions across diverse settings. With a requirement of a 3.0 GPA for admission, the program includes extensive clinical practicums, preparing students for national certification and a career in delivering comprehensive mental healthcare.

• B.S.N. entry pathway
• 48-51 total credit hours
• National certification preparation
• Diverse practice settings
• Advanced clinical practicums
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Psychopharmacology focus
• Comprehensive psychiatric training

The University of South Carolina-Columbia offers an online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate, tailored for post-master's nurses aiming to specialize in mental health care. This program emphasizes a holistic approach, covering neuroscientific principles, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy to equip students with the skills needed for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for national certification, offering diverse clinical practicum experiences in various settings.

• Post-master's certificate program
• 18-32 total credit hours
• Advanced practice nursing focus
• National certification preparation
• Multiple practice settings available
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• Holistic mental health approach
• Diverse clinical practicum experiences

The Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practitioner at the University of South Carolina-Columbia is designed for advanced practice nurses. This online program integrates neuroscientific principles with evidence-based psychotherapy, focusing on trauma-related care, health policy, and interprofessional collaboration. It prepares graduates for national certification, offering a curriculum that addresses complex clinical challenges and opens doors to leadership roles in mental healthcare.

• Nationally ranked online program
• Top-tier faculty mentorship
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Prepares for national certification
• Interprofessional collaboration focus

At the University of New Hampshire-Main Campus, the online Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (M.S.) program is designed for RNs aiming to advance their careers in mental health. This 50-credit, 30-month program emphasizes clinical skills for mental healthcare management across lifespans, preparing students for ANCC certification. It blends online learning with simulations and practicums, offering full and part-time study options.

• Online Master's degree program
• 50 total credit hours
• 30-month program length
• 750 clinical practice hours
• Full and part-time options
• ANCC certification preparation
• Experienced nursing faculty
• Minimum 1 year RN experience required
• Across lifespan patient care focus
• Competency-based curriculum

The University of New Hampshire-Main Campus offers a Post-Master's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate online, tailored for advanced practice registered nurses seeking specialization. This 29-credit program, completable in 17 months, combines online coursework with clinical practicums, preparing graduates for the ANCC certification exam. It focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions across all ages, offering career opportunities in various mental health settings.

• Online graduate certificate program
• 29 total credit hours
• 17-month program length
• 750 clinical hours required
• Three on-campus intensives
• Synchronous and asynchronous learning
• For licensed APRNs
• Prepares for ANCC certification
• Multiple mental health career paths

The University of New Hampshire-Main Campus provides an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, aimed at nurses aspiring to leadership in mental healthcare. This 80-credit program focuses on evidence-based practice, leadership, and clinical skills for mental health management, leading to ANCC certification eligibility. It offers flexible online learning tailored for working professionals.

• 80 total credit hours
• Fully online program
• 750 clinical practice hours
• ANCC certification eligible
• Post-baccalaureate doctoral degree
• Customizable program length
• Small class sizes
• Expert faculty mentorship
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Advanced practice preparation

Simmons University's online Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced mental health professionals through a comprehensive, patient-centered curriculum. Designed for registered nurses, the program develops sophisticated psychiatric diagnostic and treatment skills applicable across patient life stages. By addressing critical mental health provider shortages, students complete 47 credits and 672 clinical hours, gaining expertise to potentially earn up to $141,260 annually. The program's flexible format and board certification preparation position graduates as innovative psychiatric care providers.

• CCNE Accredited Program
• Full-time or Part-time Options
• 672 Minimum Clinical Hours
• Online Flexible Learning
• Three Annual Start Dates
• BSN Degree Required
• 47 Total Program Credits
• Board Certification Preparation

Simmons University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers a transformative online program addressing critical mental healthcare gaps. Tailored for practicing registered nurses, this comprehensive curriculum provides advanced clinical training spanning patient lifespans with a profound emphasis on health equity and holistic interventions. Participants engage in 47 credit hours and complete 672 minimum clinical hours, developing sophisticated skills to diagnose, treat, and prescribe psychiatric medications. The program's flexible scheduling and CCNE accreditation ensure high-quality, accessible advanced practice nursing education.

• Online MSN-PMHNP program
• 47 total credit hours
• 672 minimum clinical hours
• Full/Part-time options
• CCNE accredited program
• RN with BSN required
• Three annual start dates
• Live online class sessions
• Clinical placement support
• Prepares for ANCC certification

Simmons University's Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner represents an extraordinary pathway for non-nursing professionals seeking advanced mental health expertise. This rigorous 3-year, 108-credit hybrid program enables students to simultaneously earn MSN and DNP credentials while gaining comprehensive psychiatric care competencies. With over 1,492 clinical hours across 850+ training sites, participants develop advanced skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing complex mental health conditions. The program emphasizes leadership, research, and compassionate care across patient lifecycles.

• 108 total credits, 3-year program
• Hybrid learning format
• 1,492 total clinical hours
• 850+ clinical training sites
• Non-nurse pathway to PMHNP
• MSN and DNP awarded
• Eligible for NCLEX and PMHNP certification
• Full-time and part-time options
• Advanced clinical training
• Leadership and research focus

East Tennessee State University's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Master of Science in Nursing provides comprehensive training for registered nurses seeking advanced psychiatric care expertise. The 48-credit program delivers asynchronous coursework enabling professionals to develop advanced skills in mental healthcare across patient lifespans. Students learn to treat individuals, groups, and families through evidence-based practices, preparing for diverse clinical environments. Flexible enrollment options and competitive tuition make this program accessible for both Tennessee residents and out-of-state students.

• 100% Online Asynchronous Program
• 48 Total Credit Hours
• No GRE Required
• Flexible Part-Time/Full-Time Options
• CCNE Accredited Program
• 5 Semesters Full-Time Completion
• Multiple Tuition Rate Options
• BSN or Non-Nursing Bachelor's Accepted

East Tennessee State University's online nursing graduate certificates offer specialized pathways for healthcare professionals seeking advanced mental health expertise. Tailored for working nurses, these comprehensive programs provide targeted training in psychiatric mental health, enabling career advancement through flexible, fully online coursework. With competitive tuition and no GRE requirement, nurses can enhance their clinical skills across diverse healthcare domains. The certificate programs prepare students for national certification exams, emphasizing practical knowledge and professional development in specialized nursing practice.

• Multiple nursing certificate specializations
• 100% online coursework available
• No GRE required
• 15-32 credit hours
• CCNE accredited programs
• Designed for working professionals
• Competitive per-credit tuition rates
• Prepare for national certification exams
• Requires prior nursing degree
• Clinical experiences included

East Tennessee State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration represents an advanced educational pathway for nurses seeking leadership roles in mental healthcare. This comprehensive online program develops sophisticated clinical competencies, emphasizing evidence-based psychiatric interventions across patient lifespans. Students receive expert faculty mentorship, flexible learning formats, and robust clinical preparation. The curriculum integrates advanced practice skills, collaborative healthcare strategies, and comprehensive mental health assessment techniques, positioning graduates for impactful professional opportunities.

• 100% Online DNP Program
• Multiple Enrollment Options
• No GRE Required
• CCNE Accredited Program
• 4-9 Semesters Completion
• Competitive Tuition Rates
• Clinical Placement Support
• National Certification Eligible

The University of Massachusetts-Amherst's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post-Master's Online Certificate is a 28-30 credit, fully online program tailored for nurses aiming to specialize in mental health. It equips students with the skills to treat psychiatric and substance disorders across various settings, ensuring readiness for ANCC certification. The program emphasizes clinical practice in diverse environments, from inpatient to community clinics, catering to experienced nurses seeking to broaden their expertise. With a curriculum designed to meet nationwide licensure requirements, it offers a pathway to advanced practice in mental health care.

• 28-30 credit online program
• Post-master's certificate option
• Prepares for ANCC certification
• Clinical practice in multiple settings
• Designed for experienced nurses
• Covers psychiatric and substance disorders
• Meets licensure requirements nationwide

Offering a Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst provides an online program that molds nurses into advanced clinical experts in mental health. This 4-5 year program requires a 3.0 GPA and an active RN license, blending academic rigor with practical experience through 560-728 clinical hours. Accredited by CCNE, it focuses on psychiatric care, offering flexible clinical placements to accommodate working professionals. Graduates emerge prepared to address complex mental health needs across populations, backed by a curriculum that prioritizes assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders.

• Fully online DNP program
• 4-5 year study plans
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Active RN license needed
• 560-728 clinical hours
• CCNE accredited program
• Focuses on psychiatric care
• Flexible clinical placement

The online Master of Science in Nursing with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration at Georgia College & State University prepares nurses to address mental health care shortages, especially in rural areas. This CCNE-accredited program includes 570 clinical hours, focusing on mental health assessment and treatment. It offers flexible full-time or part-time options, with synchronous and asynchronous classes, and requires summer start and mandatory immersion experiences. Designed for working nurses, it aims to develop skilled professionals ready to improve mental health care delivery.

• Online MSN with minimal campus visits
• 570 total clinical hours
• Clinical rotations in Georgia only
• Full-time or part-time options
• Addresses mental health provider shortage
• Synchronous and asynchronous classes
• Accredited by CCNE
• Summer program start
• Mandatory immersion experiences

Georgia College & State University offers a Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, tailored for MSN-prepared nurses seeking specialization. This fully online program, accredited by the CCNE, requires a minimum of 11 credit hours, with some concentrations needing up to 32. It's designed to enhance clinical expertise in mental health care, offering flexible study plans and minimal on-campus requirements. Ideal for professionals aiming to expand their career opportunities in psychiatric mental health services.

• Fully online program format
• 5 specialized certificate options
• Minimum 11 credit hours required
• CCNE accredited program
• Individualized study plans available
• Minimal on-campus requirements
• Designed for MSN graduates
• Professional organization connections

Tennessee Tech's Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program cultivates advanced nursing professionals equipped to address complex mental health challenges. This comprehensive online curriculum emphasizes holistic patient care, diagnostic reasoning, and evidence-based treatment strategies across patient lifespans. Students develop sophisticated clinical skills through intensive coursework and practical training, preparing them to navigate intricate mental health landscapes. Graduates emerge as highly skilled practitioners ready to make significant contributions in psychiatric care settings, from community clinics to specialized treatment facilities.

• Online MSN program
• Comprehensive psychiatric care training
• National certification eligible
• Diverse healthcare settings
• Advanced practice nursing focus

Tennessee Tech's Post-Graduate Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification provides a streamlined online pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced clinical specialization. This intensive 23-credit program equips nurses with sophisticated mental health assessment and intervention skills, enabling rapid professional development. Focused on practical expertise, the certification prepares practitioners to deliver comprehensive psychiatric care across diverse clinical environments. With a strategic four-semester structure and affordable total program cost, nurses can efficiently enhance their professional credentials while maintaining current employment commitments.

• Fully online certification program
• 23 credit hour curriculum
• 4 semester completion timeline
• Flexible course load
• Local clinical hour preceptorships
• Master's degree prerequisite
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• $17,000-$21,000 estimated cost
• Graduate nursing faculty instruction
• Advanced practice licensure preparation

Tennessee Tech's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration represents an advanced educational pathway for transformative mental health leadership. This rigorous program develops expert clinicians capable of addressing complex psychiatric challenges through comprehensive, patient-centered approaches. Offering flexible entry points for BSN and MSN-prepared nurses, the curriculum integrates advanced clinical knowledge with systemic healthcare perspectives. Students gain profound insights into mental health treatment, research methodologies, and innovative intervention strategies across individual, family, and community domains.

• Terminal professional nursing degree
• 80 credit hour BSN-DNP track
• 32 credit hour MSN-DNP track
• Comprehensive mental health focus
• Prepares for national certification
• Joint program with ETSU
• Diverse healthcare settings training
• Advanced practice nurse preparation

Alabama's Master of Science in Nursing with Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration delivers a transformative online educational pathway for advanced practice nurses. The program meticulously prepares students to address complex mental health challenges through an innovative curriculum combining theoretical knowledge and extensive clinical training. Requiring 180-540 clinical hours, students develop sophisticated skills in mental health assessment, pharmacological interventions, and holistic patient care. The comprehensive approach equips nurses with advanced diagnostic capabilities, evidence-based treatment strategies, and the expertise to serve diverse patient populations across various healthcare settings.

• Online MSN program
• Psychiatric Mental Health NP concentration
• Multiple clinical intensive hours
• Virtual orientation included
• Prepares for national certification exam

The University of Alabama's Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers a strategically designed online program targeting advanced nursing professionals seeking specialized mental health expertise. This 29-credit curriculum provides comprehensive training in psychiatric care, emphasizing lifespan patient services. Designed for nurses with existing master's credentials, the program delivers intensive clinical experiences and advanced mental health competencies. Students explore complex psychiatric interventions, diagnostic strategies, and patient management techniques across diverse healthcare environments. The flexible online format allows working professionals to enhance their skills while maintaining current employment, with a robust curriculum preparing graduates for advanced mental health practice.

• 29 total credit hours
• Primarily online format
• $440 per credit hour
• Requires master's degree
• Clinical hours included
• 5 semester curriculum
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• 28 state eligibility
• Advanced mental health focus
• Lifespan patient care

The University of Alabama's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner represents a cutting-edge program designed to cultivate advanced nursing leadership in mental healthcare. Spanning an extensive curriculum, this online doctoral pathway demands 1,320-2,100 clinical hours, ensuring graduates possess profound clinical expertise and systemic understanding of mental health challenges. Students explore sophisticated intervention strategies, health policy development, and innovative practice models. The program emphasizes evidence-based approaches, preparing practitioners to address complex psychiatric needs, implement transformative healthcare solutions, and lead meaningful improvements in mental health service delivery across diverse populations.

• Online DNP program
• Psychiatric Mental Health concentration
• 1,320-2,100 clinical hours
• Flexible admission pathways
• Comprehensive curriculum
• Leadership and policy focus
• Evidence-based practice emphasis

Liberty University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers an accelerated pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced mental health specialization. This concise 17-credit online program enables practicing nurse practitioners to enhance their clinical expertise without interrupting professional commitments. Utilizing an 8-week course format, students delve into complex neurobiological foundations, advanced psychopharmacology, and sophisticated psychotherapeutic interventions. Tailored for nurses holding existing master's or doctoral degrees, the program prepares participants to sit for PMHNP certification through comprehensive training spanning patient lifecycles and intricate mental health dynamics.

• 100% Online Program
• 17 Credit Hours Total
• $1,200 Per Credit
• 8-Week Course Format
• CCNE Accredited
• No Standardized Testing
• Christian Worldview Approach
• Practicum Included
• Preparation for PMHNP Exam
• Networking Opportunities

Liberty University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner addresses the urgent shortage of mental health professionals through a robust online doctoral program. Students gain sophisticated skills in comprehensive psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across diverse patient populations. The curriculum emphasizes advanced psychopharmacological interventions, evidence-based clinical strategies, and holistic mental health management. Designed for working healthcare professionals, the program provides in-depth training to effectively diagnose and treat complex psychiatric conditions from anxiety disorders to schizophrenia, preparing graduates for national certification and advanced clinical practice.

• Online 8-week course format
• 59 total credit hours
• Transfer up to 50% credits
• CCNE accredited program
• No standardized testing
• Prepare for national certification
• Comprehensive mental health focus
• Flexible learning environment

Liberty University's innovative BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers registered nurses a direct doctoral pathway without intermediate master's degree requirements. This comprehensive online program equips students with advanced skills to diagnose and treat mental health disorders across all age groups. Spanning approximately three years, the curriculum integrates over 1,000 practicum hours with intensive training in psychopharmacology, clinical assessment, and evidence-based interventions. Graduates are prepared for national certification and state licensure, addressing critical mental health provider shortages through a flexible, accelerated educational model.

• 72 total credit hours
• Online with one residential intensive
• CCNE accredited program
• Can transfer up to 50% credits
• Complete in approximately 3 years
• Over 1,000 practicum hours
• Prepare for national certification
• No master's degree required
• Treat mental health across lifespan