Best Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Programs in Illinois

North Central College's online MSN with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration emphasizes evidence-based practice, social justice, and cultural inclusivity. Accredited by CCNE, it requires a BSN, RN license, and 3.0 GPA for admission, with scholarships reducing tuition by up to 25%. The program fosters interprofessional collaboration and critical thinking for advanced mental health roles. No entrance exam is mentioned, and it includes a holistic admission process.

• Online program format
• Psychiatric Mental Health focus
• Accredited by CCNE
• Requires BSN and RN license
• 3.0 GPA for admission
• Interprofessional collaboration
• Evidence-based practice
• Cultural inclusivity emphasized
• Social justice principles
• Scholarships available

North Central College's Post-Graduate APRN Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is a hybrid program requiring 47 credit hours over 9 semesters. It prepares nurses to assess, diagnose, and manage mental health conditions across the lifespan through 525 clinical practice hours and 2-3 on-campus immersions. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, and interprofessional collaboration. Admission requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, current RN license, and undergraduate statistics. No entrance exam is mentioned, and scholarships can reduce tuition by up to 25%.

• 47 credit hours online program
• 525 clinical practice hours
• 2-3 on-campus immersions
• Unencumbered RN license required
• 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
• Prescription and therapy authorization
• Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
• Certification exam eligible
• Interprofessional approach
• Holistic admission process

North Central College's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track focuses on holistic care and cultural inclusivity. The 47-credit, 9-semester program includes 525 clinical hours and 2-3 campus visits, preparing graduates for PMHNP-BC certification and Illinois licensure. Admission requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, RN license, statistics course, resume, recommendations, and a personal narrative. No entrance exam is specified, and financial aid is available for a Fall 2025 start.

• Online MSN program
• PMHNP track
• 47 credit hours
• 9 semesters
• 525 clinical hours
• 2-3 campus visits
• National certification
• Illinois licensure
• Financial aid available
• Fall 2025 start

Lewis University's campus-based MSN program with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares students to provide comprehensive mental healthcare across the lifespan. This CCNE-accredited program delivers advanced training in psychiatric diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, and pharmacotherapy management. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills for diverse mental health settings while offering both full-time and part-time study options. Admission requires a BSN degree, current RN licensure, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Financial support includes employer tuition discounts and scholarship opportunities. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program focused specifically on psychiatric mental health nursing.

• Psychiatric Mental Health focus.
• Online and campus options.
• Flexible full or part-time.
• BSN and RN licensure required.
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
• Employer tuition discounts available.
• Scholarships for eligible students.
• Advanced diagnostics and therapy training.
• Prepares for diverse mental health settings.
• Accredited by CCNE.

Lewis University's hybrid Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner post-master's certificate program offers specialized training for advanced practice nurses seeking to expand their credentials. This CCNE-accredited program features multiple nursing specialty tracks, including a dedicated psychiatric mental health option. The curriculum provides rigorous training in mental health care delivery across diverse clinical settings. Admission requires current RN licensure, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and professional recommendations. The program offers flexible online and on-campus formats with financial benefits including employer tuition assistance and a 20% alumni scholarship. No entrance exam is required for this graduate-level certificate program.

• Multiple nursing specialty tracks
• CCNE accredited program
• Post-masters certificate options
• Employer tuition assistance available
• Online and on-campus formats
• 20% alumni scholarship
• Competitive graduate admissions
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Current RN licensure needed
• Professional recommendation required

The University of St. Francis provides an online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program tailored for working nurses, offering flexible sixteen-week courses over 24-48 months. At $799 per credit hour, this CCNE-accredited program prepares graduates for AANP or ANCC certification, enabling them to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions in diverse settings. With online and in-person options, it emphasizes a flexible learning environment and multiple clinical concentrations, though no entrance exam is mentioned. Rooted in Roman Catholic values and military-friendly, it equips nurses for leadership in mental health care delivery without specifying exam requirements.

• Online and in-person options
• $799 per credit hour
• 24-48 month program length
• CCNE accredited program
• Certification exam eligibility
• Multiple clinical concentrations
• Flexible learning environment

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is a hybrid doctoral program designed to combat the national mental health workforce shortage. It prepares nurses with advanced clinical skills and theoretical knowledge for comprehensive psychiatric care across all patient lifespans. Emphasizing evidence-based practice, leadership, and policy, the program offers flexible part-time and full-time options with primarily online coursework and on-campus immersion experiences. Graduates are eligible for board certification and can pursue roles in diverse settings like private practices and mental health agencies. This master's/doctorate-level program does not require an entrance exam.

• Hybrid online/on-campus format
• Advanced clinical competencies
• Total estimated cost $9,454
• High-demand specialization
• Multiple career settings available
• Board certification eligible
• Part-time and full-time options
• Primarily online instruction

Loyola University Chicago's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program trains advanced practice nurses to meet mental health needs across all patient ages through a hybrid format that blends online and in-person learning. This 72-credit DNP program, designed for working professionals, offers part-time and full-time options over four to five years, requiring an RN license and 2000+ clinical hours. Students develop skills in evaluation, pharmacological treatment, and therapeutic interventions, with a focus on social justice and underserved populations. The program prepares for ANCC certification and includes clinical rotations in Chicago, with a Jesuit mission emphasizing ethical care. As a master's/doctorate level program, it may require an entrance exam; check with the school for specifics.

• Blended online/in-person format
• 72 credit hour program
• Part-time and full-time options
• ANCC certification preparation
• Jesuit mission-driven approach
• Clinical rotations in Chicago
• Substance use addiction specialty
• RN license required
• 2000+ clinical hours needed
• Competitive admissions process