Best Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs in Georgia
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Georgia’s escalating mental health crisis, marked by rising suicide rates, substance use disorders affecting communities from Atlanta to rural South Georgia, and severe psychiatric provider shortages across all 159 counties, demands qualified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) capable of delivering comprehensive mental health care. Online PMHNP programs offer Georgia nurses the flexibility to specialize in psychiatric care while continuing to serve patients at Emory Healthcare, Wellstar Health System, Piedmont Healthcare, and community mental health centers from Savannah to Columbus. Whether preparing for outpatient therapy in Buckhead, integrated behavioral health in Augusta, or telepsychiatry serving rural counties, online education provides pathways to psychiatric specialization without relocating from your Georgia community.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- How online PMHNP programs balance remote coursework with Georgia clinical requirements
- What MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate pathways offer Georgia nurses
- Where Georgia PMHNP students complete hands-on clinical training across the state
- How Georgia’s scope of practice laws position PMHNPs for autonomous practice
- What salary expectations and employment opportunities look like throughout Georgia
2026 Best Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs in Georgia
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, GA - Public 4-Year - gcsu.edu
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Georgia College & State University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration. This program prepares nurses for advanced practice roles in mental health care, especially in rural and underserved areas. Students complete 570 clinical hours within Georgia. The program is fully online with minimal campus visits, including a mandatory summer immersion week. Full-time students finish in 6 semesters, part-time in 9 semesters. Admissions require a BSN, Georgia RN license, three recommendation letters, transcripts, resume, and a goals statement. Applications are accepted annually with priority deadlines in January.
- Online MSN program format.
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration.
- 570 clinical hours required.
- Clinicals must be in Georgia.
- Full-time: 6 semesters.
- Part-time: 9 semesters.
- Mandatory campus immersion week.
- Limited campus trips required.
- BSN preparation required.
- Georgia RN license needed.
Graduate Certificate - Nursing Post-Master Certificates (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Georgia College & State University offers a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master Certificate for MSN-prepared nurses. This online program provides specialized training for board certification. It requires 11-32 credit hours depending on prior coursework. The curriculum focuses on advanced psychiatric assessment and treatment. Accredited by CCNE, it prepares nurses for advanced practice roles. Admissions require an MSN, DNP, or Ph.D. in Nursing. An individualized study plan is created for each student. The program accommodates working professionals with flexible online delivery.
- Online program format.
- Psychiatric Mental Health concentration.
- 11 credit hour minimum.
- 32 credit hour maximum.
- MSN degree required.
- DNP degree accepted.
- Ph.D. in Nursing accepted.
- Individualized study plans.
- CCNE accredited program.
- Board certification preparation.
BSN to DNP - BSN to DNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Georgia College & State University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers ambitious nurses a comprehensive pathway to advanced clinical leadership. This rigorous three-year online program prepares nurses to become specialized mental health practitioners through evidence-based practice and advanced clinical training. Students develop expertise in complex healthcare systems, gaining the skills to diagnose, treat, and manage psychiatric conditions across diverse patient populations. The program emphasizes translational research, policy development, and holistic patient care, positioning graduates as innovative healthcare leaders who can transform mental health treatment approaches.
- Online program with campus intensives
- 3-year full-time track
- CCNE accredited program
- Requires 1+ year clinical experience
- Synchronous and asynchronous classes
- DNP translational research project
- Focuses on evidence-based practice
- Prepares for certification exams
BSN to DNP - BSN to DNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Georgia College & State University's BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program provides a comprehensive pathway for nursing professionals to advance their careers. This rigorous three-year online doctorate prepares nurse leaders to transform healthcare through evidence-based practice. Students develop advanced clinical skills, learn to influence healthcare policy, and complete an intensive translational research project. Admissions require a BSN from an accredited program, minimum 2.75 GPA, undergraduate statistics course, and one year of clinical experience. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible learning with synchronous and asynchronous course formats.
- Three-year full-time online program
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- Synchronous and asynchronous classes
- Requires minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
- One year clinical experience required
- Quarterly on-campus lab sessions
- CCNE fully accredited program
- Research-focused curriculum
BSN to DNP - BSN to DNP (Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Georgia College & State University offers an online BSN to DNP program with a concentration in Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, designed for nurses aiming to advance their careers. This program blends rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical experiences, preparing graduates for leadership roles in healthcare. It emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare innovation, and policy influence. The curriculum is tailored for working professionals, offering flexibility with online courses. Admission requires a BSN degree, a current RN license, and clinical experience. The program fosters a supportive learning environment, encouraging collaboration and personal growth.
- Online format for flexibility.
- Concentration in Women’s Health.
- Prepares for leadership roles.
- Requires BSN and RN license.
- Emphasizes evidence-based practice.
- Includes practical clinical experiences.
- Supports collaborative learning.
- Focuses on healthcare innovation.
- Designed for working professionals.
- Encourages personal growth.
Mercer University
Macon, GA - Private 4-year - mercer.edu
MSN to DNP - Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mercer University's Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced program designed for experienced nurses seeking to elevate their clinical expertise. Tailored for registered nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing, this comprehensive program prepares professionals to meet rigorous certification standards. Students will develop advanced skills in mental health assessment, psychopharmacology, and clinical practice through an intensive curriculum combining theoretical foundations, evidence-based research, and extensive practical training.
- Post-Master's Advanced Nursing Practice
- Hybrid Program Format
- Extensive Clinical Practicum Hours
- Certification Exam Preparation
- Total 960 Practice Hours
- Comprehensive Psychiatric Care Training
- Leadership and Systems Focus
MSN to DNP - BSN to DNP with Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mercer University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program provides registered nurses a comprehensive pathway to advanced clinical practice. This rigorous doctoral program prepares nurses to meet complex mental health challenges through advanced training, combining theoretical coursework with extensive clinical practicums. Students undergo 780 clinical practice hours and 240 immersion hours, equipping them to sit for national certification exams. The curriculum integrates advanced physiological, pharmacological, and psychological knowledge, positioning graduates as expert mental health providers capable of delivering high-quality, evidence-based patient care across diverse settings.
- Comprehensive 77 credit hour program
- 1,020 total post-baccalaureate practice hours
- Hybrid program format
- Prepares for national certification exams
- Advanced clinical and theoretical training
- Four semester practicum experiences
- Leadership and interprofessional focus
BSN to DNP - BSN to DNP with Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mercer University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares registered nurses to advance their clinical expertise in mental health care. This comprehensive doctoral pathway equips nurses with advanced clinical skills, theoretical knowledge, and leadership capabilities. Students complete 77 course hours and 1,020 post-baccalaureate practice hours, including extensive clinical practicums. The program prepares graduates to sit for national certification exams, positioning them as specialized mental health practitioners ready to address complex psychiatric healthcare needs across diverse patient populations.
- Hybrid program format
- 780 clinical practicum hours
- Prepares for certification exams
- 77 total course hours
- Full-time curriculum plan
- Advanced clinical specialization
Emory University
Atlanta, GA - Private 4-year - emory.edu
Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Post-Graduate Certificate Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing offers a Psychiatric Mental Health Post-Graduate Certificate Program, focusing on child and adolescent behavioral and mental health. This hybrid program combines online coursework with onsite or virtual intensives and clinical practica. It requires 26 credit hours over three semesters, including 720 precepted clinical hours. Admission requires a baccalaureate and master's degree from an accredited nursing program, an unencumbered APRN license in Georgia, and at least one year of full-time APRN experience with pediatric care. The program prepares graduates for advanced practice in psychiatric mental health nursing, emphasizing evidence-based care and interprofessional collaboration.
- 26 credit hour program.
- Three semester duration.
- Hybrid delivery format.
- 720 precepted clinical hours.
- Focus on child and adolescent mental health.
- Requires baccalaureate and master's degrees.
- APRN license in Georgia required.
- One year pediatric APRN experience preferred.
- Includes onsite or virtual intensives.
- Clinical training at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Post-Graduate Certificate Program (Child and Adolescent Behavioral and Mental Health)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing offers a Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Child and Adolescent Behavioral and Mental Health concentration. This 26-credit, three-semester hybrid program includes 720 clinical hours and focuses on neurobiological approaches and evidence-based care. Tuition support is available through the Blake Scholars Program. Applicants need a master's degree in nursing, an unencumbered APRN license, and pediatric experience. The curriculum prepares graduates for autonomous practice in diverse settings.
- 26 credit hour program.
- Three semester duration.
- 720 clinical hours.
- Hybrid delivery format.
- Child and adolescent concentration.
- Tuition support available.
- Master's degree required.
- APRN license needed.
- Pediatric experience preferred.
- Synchronous and asynchronous classes.
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA - Public 4-Year - valdosta.edu
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Family Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Valdosta State University's MSN program offers a Family Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track. This hybrid program combines online learning with weekend campus meetings. It requires 57 credit hours and 675 clinical hours over approximately 8 semesters. The curriculum covers advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology. Admission requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, and active RN license. No GRE is needed. The program is CCNE-accredited and approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing. Graduates can pursue careers as psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners in various healthcare settings.
- Hybrid program format.
- 57 credit hours required.
- 675 clinical hours.
- Approximately 8 semesters.
- No GRE required.
- BSN degree needed.
- 3.0 GPA minimum.
- Active RN license required.
- CCNE accredited.
- Georgia Board approved.
Graduate Certificate - Post-Master’s Certificate Program (Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Valdosta State University offers a Post-Master's Certificate in Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP). This hybrid program blends online and in-person coursework for flexibility. It's designed for nurses with a Master's in Nursing seeking advanced certification. The curriculum is personalized through a gap analysis with the Graduate Nursing Program Director. The program prepares graduates for specialized mental health care roles. Prospective students should contact the FPMHNP Track Coordinator for details. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences provides comprehensive support. This certificate enhances career opportunities in psychiatric nursing.
- Post-Master's Certificate program
- Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration
- Hybrid delivery format
- Online and in-person coursework
- For Master's in Nursing holders
- Individualized program of study
- Gap analysis required
- Meet with Graduate Nursing Program Director
- FPMHNP Track Coordinator available
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Augusta University
Augusta, GA - Public 4-Year - augusta.edu
Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric and Mental Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Augusta University's Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric and Mental Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner prepares certified NPs to expand their scope into mental healthcare. This hybrid program blends online coursework with clinical training. It requires 22 credit hours and 504 clinical hours, typically completed in one year part-time. Applicants need a master's or doctoral degree and NP certification. The program is CCNE-accredited and qualifies graduates for national board certification.
- One-year program length.
- Hybrid online and campus format.
- 22 credit hours required.
- 504 clinical hours included.
- Part-time study schedule.
- CCNE-accredited program.
- Prepares for national certification.
- Requires NP certification.
- Master's or doctoral degree prerequisite.
- Web-based with over 50% online.
MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Augusta University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive mental healthcare across adult, pediatric, and geriatric populations. The program offers flexible full-time and part-time tracks, enabling nurses to develop clinical expertise and leadership skills. With a remarkable 100% board pass rate and an average PMHNP salary of $123,607, graduates gain the knowledge to improve healthcare outcomes and address complex mental health challenges. The hybrid learning model combines online and on-campus experiences, ensuring comprehensive professional development.
- Hybrid online/offline learning
- Full-time and part-time options
- 100% board pass rate
- Average PMHNP salary $123,607
- CCNE accredited program
- Augusta and Athens campus locations
- Interactive web-based classes
- Capstone practice project
- Expert faculty instruction
- Georgia and South Carolina residents
Why Online PMHNP Education Works for Georgia Nurses
Georgia’s geography, spanning from Appalachian mountain communities to coastal islands, dense Atlanta suburbs to sparsely populated Southwest Georgia, creates accessibility challenges for traditional campus-based education. Online programs eliminate these barriers while maintaining rigorous academic standards.
Benefits for Georgia nurses:
- Study from anywhere: Dalton to Albany, Macon to Brunswick
- Maintain employment at Grady Memorial Hospital, Northside Hospital, or regional medical centers
- Balance shift work with coursework
- Access programs from universities nationwide offering competitive tuition
Despite online delivery, all PMHNP programs require substantial in-person clinical experience at Georgia mental health facilities; typically 500-600 hours for MSN programs.
Explore nurse practitioner schools in Georgia.
Understanding Your Educational Options
MSN Programs: Direct Path to Practice
Timeline: 18-24 months full-time, 2-3 years part-time | Clinical hours: 500-600
Online MSN PMHNP programs provide foundational education combining advanced practice nursing core courses (pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment) with psychiatric-specific content covering psychopathology, psychopharmacology, evidence-based psychotherapy modalities, crisis intervention, and psychiatric assessment across the lifespan.
Upon graduation, Georgia nurses are eligible for national PMHNP certification through ANCC and can apply for Georgia APRN licensure, allowing immediate psychiatric practice throughout the state.
DNP Programs: Terminal Degree Options
BSN to DNP: 72-85 credits, 3-4 years
BSN to DNP programs integrate all MSN-level PMHNP content with doctoral education in healthcare policy, systems leadership, and quality improvement. Georgia BSN to DNP students complete scholarly projects addressing state-specific mental health challenge such as examining depression screening in Atlanta primary care, improving substance use treatment access in rural Georgia, or evaluating telepsychiatry effectiveness in coastal communities.
Post-Master’s DNP: 30-36 credits, 1-2 years
Already certified as a PMHNP in Georgia? Post-master’s PMHNP DNP programs add doctoral credentials without redundant clinical training, beneficial for PMHNPs pursuing leadership at Emory Healthcare, Piedmont Healthcare, or faculty positions at Georgia universities.
Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificates
Timeline: 12-18 months | Clinical hours: 500-600
Online PMHNP post-master’s certificates allow practicing nurse practitioners in other specialties to add PMHNP certification. This benefits Georgia family NPs who encounter psychiatric patients in primary care, adult-gerontology NPs who want to provide mental health services, or nurses in other specialties transitioning into Georgia’s high-demand psychiatric workforce.
Clinical Training Across Georgia
Despite online coursework, all PMHNP programs require extensive in-person clinical experience at Georgia mental health facilities.
Atlanta Metro Area:
Grady Memorial Hospital psychiatric services, Emory Healthcare behavioral health programs, Ridgeview Institute (Smyrna), Skyland Trail (Atlanta), Peachford Hospital (Atlanta), Lakeview Behavioral Health (Norcross), Georgia Regional Hospital at Atlanta
Regional Centers:
Augusta University Medical Center psychiatry, Georgia Regional Hospital at Augusta, Coliseum Health System (Macon), Peach Regional Hospital, Anchor Hospital (Atlanta and Cartersville), Georgia Regional Hospital at Savannah, Memorial Health University Medical Center psychiatric services (Savannah)
Community Mental Health Centers:
Georgia Collaborative ASO provider network across all regions, Viewpoint Health (multiple Georgia locations), Highland Rivers Health (serving North Georgia), New Horizons CSB, Gateway Behavioral Health Services
Specialized Settings:
Veterans Affairs facilities in Augusta, Atlanta (Decatur), and Dublin; Georgia Department of Corrections mental health services; Emory Wesley Woods Geriatric Hospital; university counseling centers at University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State
Placement considerations: Atlanta metro offers abundant clinical sites with diverse populations. Students in South Georgia, coastal areas, or North Georgia mountains may need to travel to regional hubs for certain specialty rotations, though programs increasingly facilitate local placements where possible.
TIP: Join the Georgia Nurses Association and/or the United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of Georgia early in your program. Network with PMHNPs at your workplace and attend Georgia psychiatric nursing conferences. Personal connections significantly help with clinical placement, especially in the competitive Atlanta metro area.
Admission Requirements
Most online PMHNP programs serving Georgia students require:
| Requirement | Standard Expectation |
| RN License | Active Georgia RN license (or compact state license) |
| Undergraduate Degree | BSN from accredited program, typically 3.0+ GPA |
| Nursing Experience | 1-2 years; psychiatric or mental health experience valued but not required |
| GRE | Waived by most programs |
| References | 2-3 professional letters from supervisors or faculty |
| Personal Statement | Essay demonstrating commitment to psychiatric nursing |
| Technology Access | Reliable internet, webcam, microphone for virtual sessions |
Georgia PMHNP Program Costs
Tuition Expectations
| Program Type | Estimated Total Cost |
| Georgia public university MSN (residents) | $15,000 – $28,000 |
| Out-of-state public university MSN | $30,000 – $55,000 |
| Private university MSN | $38,000 – $68,000 |
| Georgia public DNP (residents) | $28,000 – $48,000 |
| Private university DNP | $60,000 – $88,000 |
| Post-master’s certificate | $18,000 – $40,000 |
Georgia residents attending University System of Georgia schools benefit from significantly reduced tuition.
Georgia Licensure and Practice Authority
Certification and Licensure Process
- Complete a PMHNP program meeting Georgia Board of Nursing requirements
- Pass national certification (PMHNP-BC through ANCC)
- Apply for Georgia APRN licensure through Georgia Board of Nursing
- Apply for DEA registration for prescriptive authority
Georgia Scope of Practice
Georgia grants substantial autonomy to APRNs, including PMHNPs:
Independent Practice: Georgia law allows APRNs to practice independently without physician collaboration or supervision requirements. This positions Georgia PMHNPs for autonomous careers including independent practice ownership.
Full Prescriptive Authority: Georgia PMHNPs prescribe all medications including Schedule II-V controlled substances independently, without physician oversight or collaborative agreements.
Autonomous Decision-Making: PMHNPs assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric patients without physician supervision, making Georgia one of the more progressive states for APRN practice authority.
This progressive framework means Georgia PMHNPs enjoy complete professional autonomy from day one of practice – no required physician relationships, no chart review, no co-signatures.
Career Outlook for Georgia PMHNPs
Georgia’s psychiatric workforce shortage creates exceptional opportunities across the state.
Employment Settings:
Private psychiatric practices throughout Atlanta metro and regional cities, integrated behavioral health in primary care settings, hospital consultation-liaison services at Georgia hospitals, community mental health centers across all 159 counties, substance use treatment programs addressing Georgia’s opioid crisis, telepsychiatry platforms expanding rural access, correctional mental health through Georgia Department of Corrections, university counseling centers at Georgia’s numerous colleges
Salary Expectations:
| Region | Annual Salary Range |
| Atlanta Metro | $105,000 – $130,000 |
| Augusta/Columbus/Macon | $100,000 – $120,000 |
| Savannah/Coastal Georgia | $95,000 – $118,000 |
| North Georgia | $95,000 – $115,000 |
| South Georgia/Rural | $95,000 – $125,000 (plus loan repayment/bonuses) |
Atlanta offers the highest base compensation reflecting the cost of living. Rural areas may offer lower base salaries but often include signing bonuses ($15,000-$30,000), relocation assistance, and generous loan repayment packages that can total $30,000-$50,000 over commitment periods.
Georgia’s lack of state income tax effectively increases take-home pay compared to high-tax states, making PMHNP salaries particularly attractive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I find preceptors for clinical hours in Georgia?
A: Network through the Georgia Nurses Association, contact PMHNPs at your workplace, utilize LinkedIn and PMHNP-specific social media groups, and attend Georgia healthcare conferences. Some programs provide preceptor networks while others expect significant student initiative. Atlanta metro has more options than rural areas.
Q: Will Georgia accept clinical hours completed via telehealth?
A: Some programs allow limited telehealth clinical hours, but Georgia and certifying bodies require substantial in-person psychiatric assessment and patient interaction hours. Check with your specific program about telehealth clinical hour policies and Georgia Board of Nursing requirements.
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