PMHNP Training in Boston, MA: Degrees, Clinicals, and Mental Health Career Paths
Boston's reputation as a healthcare and research hub makes it a standout location for training as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). The city is home to some of the most prestigious hospitals, behavioral health institutions, and academic medical centers in the country. Whether you're just starting out or expanding your career, Boston offers access to:
- Top-ranked PMHNP programs
- Clinical placements at renowned facilities
- Post-graduate residencies and fellowships
- A strong job market for psychiatric nurse practitioners
This guide covers everything you need to know to help you choose the right PMHNP program in Boston, from degrees and clinicals to licensure and career paths.
PMHNP Degree Options in the Boston Area
Boston offers a variety of PMHNP educational pathways, including:
- MSN-PMHNP specialization
- PMHNP Post-Master's Certificates for existing APRNs
- DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)-PMHNP track
- Accelerated/direct-entry options (limited, but available through select schools)
Most programs are offered in hybrid or online formats, with in-person clinical requirements.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner schools in Massachusetts.
Comparison of PMHNP Degree Types:
| Degree Type | Duration | Common Prerequisites | Outcome |
| MSN → PMHNP | 2–3 years | BSN, RN license | NP licensure eligibility |
| Post-Master's Certificate | 1–2 years | APRN license, MSN | PMHNP certification eligibility |
| DNP (PMHNP track) | 3–4 years | BSN or MSN, RN license | Doctoral-level practice + certification |
2026 Best PMHNP Programs Near Boston, MA
Simmons University
Boston, MA - Private 4-year - simmons.edu
Master's - Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Direct Entry MSN-PMHNP program at Simmons University is a campus-based option for non-nurses with a bachelor's degree, involving 91 credits over three years and 1,492 clinical hours across 850+ sites. It builds nursing skills from scratch, focusing on evidence-based mental health care across lifespans, and does not require an entrance exam. Graduates achieve a 90% NCLEX pass rate and are prepared for advanced roles.
- 91 credit, 3-year program
- No prior nursing experience required
- Over 850 clinical training sites
- 1492 total clinical hours
- 90% NCLEX pass rate
- Full-time and part-time options
- Campus and online learning
- Advanced psychiatric mental health focus
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) — Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Simmons University's online MSN-PMHNP program equips BSN-prepared nurses with skills in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment, covering 47 credits and 672 clinical hours. It addresses mental health shortages through a patient-centered approach, offering full- or part-time study with three annual starts and no entrance exam required. Graduates are eligible for board certification and can earn competitive salaries.
- 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
Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Simmons University's online Post-Graduate Certificate in PMHNP is designed for registered nurses with a BSN, offering a flexible, CCNE-accredited program that requires 47 credits and 672 clinical hours. It emphasizes holistic care and health equity, preparing graduates for ANCC certification without an entrance exam. Full-time students can finish in 24 months, with live online sessions and clinical placement support.
- 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
Doctorate - Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The hybrid Direct Entry DNP-PMHNP program at Simmons University is a three-year, 108-credit pathway for non-nurses, awarding both MSN and DNP degrees. It includes over 1,492 clinical hours at 850+ sites, focusing on leadership and research in mental health care without an entrance exam. Graduates are prepared for NCLEX and PMHNP certification, with flexible scheduling options.
- 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
MCPHS University
Boston, MA - Private 4-year - mcphs.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing—Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Master of Science in Nursing—Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at MCPHS University is a 24-month online part-time degree that enables nurses to treat complex mental health issues without an entrance exam requirement. It includes clinical experience in community settings and prepares students for national certification, addressing high demand in mental health care with a median NP salary of $120,680.
- 24-month part-time online program
- Flexible start terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Clinical experience in community
- Prepares for national certification
- High-demand mental health specialty
Master's - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Online Learning - Visit Website
MCPHS University's Master of Science in Nursing—Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is a 24-month part-time online course that specializes in psychiatric disorders, with no concentration specified. It combines flexible online learning with clinical practice, does not require an entrance exam, and readies graduates for PMHNP certification, offering start terms in fall, spring, or summer and a median salary of $120,680.
- 24-month part-time program.
- Online coursework with clinical experience.
- Prepares for PMHNP certification.
- Starts fall, spring, or summer.
- Median salary $120,680 for NPs.
Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies
Online Learning - Visit Website
MCPHS University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies is a two-year online program tailored for healthcare professionals, focusing on diagnosing and managing conditions like dementia, depression, and anxiety. It requires 450 clinical training hours and prepares graduates for certification exams, with no entrance exam specified. The part-time format offers flexible start terms and emphasizes community-based opportunities, leading to a median salary of $120,680.
- Online part-time two-year program
- 450 clinical training hours
- Flexible start terms: Fall/Spring/Summer
- Advanced pathophysiology training
- Certification exam preparation
- Median salary $120,680
- Community-based clinical opportunities
Northeastern University
Boston, MA - Private 4-year - northeastern.edu
Master's - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Northeastern University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a hybrid format with online courses and on-campus clinical intensives, preparing nurses for advanced mental health care across the lifespan. It emphasizes diagnostic decision-making, psychotherapeutic interventions, and psychopharmacology, requiring 43 credits for a Master's degree. The program has no GRE requirement and needs a minimum 3.0 GPA, one year of psychiatric nursing experience, and offers full-time or part-time options for flexibility. Graduates are eligible for national certification to work in diverse settings like community mental health centers and schools.
- Online courses with campus intensives
- Lifespan mental health focus
- No GRE required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- 1+ year psychiatric nursing experience
- Full-time or part-time options
- 43 total graduate credits
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Northeastern University's online Master of Science in Nursing-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program combines flexible online coursework with two in-person Clinical Intensive weekends in Boston, focusing on holistic mental healthcare for all ages. It covers psychopharmacology, diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions, requiring a baccalaureate degree in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, and current RN licensure, with no entrance exam needed. Accredited by CCNE, the program has an estimated tuition of $44,505 and prepares graduates for national certification with part-time or full-time study options.
- Hybrid online and in-person format.
- Prepares for national certification.
- Focuses on psychopharmacology and diagnostics.
- Requires baccalaureate in nursing.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 required.
- Current RN licensure needed.
- Two Clinical Intensive weekends.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Estimated tuition $44,505.
- Flexible study options.
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA - Private 4-year - bc.edu
Master's - Master of Science, Nurse Practitioner Track
Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
Boston College's Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track, is a campus-based program that prepares advanced practice nurses for comprehensive mental health care. It focuses on developing clinical skills to diagnose, treat, and manage psychiatric disorders across diverse populations, including psychotherapy, assessments, and medication management. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and may necessitate an entrance exam like the GRE for admission, though specifics should be verified with the school. Graduates are equipped for roles in various healthcare settings, with highlights including specialized mental health training and multiple clinical placements.
- Specialized Psychiatric-Mental Health Focus
- Multiple Clinical Placement Sites
- Advanced Practice Nursing Preparation
- Comprehensive Mental Health Training
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Requirement
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
Boston College's Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration is a campus-based terminal degree for advanced nursing professionals. It emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and holistic mental health care across patient lifespans, covering psychotherapy, case management, and psychiatric consultation. The program may require an entrance exam such as the GRE for admission, but applicants should confirm details with the institution. Graduates are eligible for national certification and prescriptive authority, preparing them for impactful careers in diverse clinical settings, with highlights including advanced practice preparation and eligibility for certification.
- Terminal nursing practice degree
- Comprehensive mental health focus
- National certification eligibility
- Advanced practice preparation
- Diverse clinical practice settings
University of Massachusetts-Boston
Boston, MA - Public 4-Year - umb.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Massachusetts-Boston offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration, a hybrid program blending online and in-person learning. This CCNE-accredited, nationally ranked program equips nurses with advanced skills in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across all age groups. It requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and 42 credits over two years, boasting a 95% certification exam pass rate and high graduate employment. No entrance exam is specified as required, focusing on evidence-based, patient-centered care for diverse populations.
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Two-Year MSN Program
- 95% Certification Exam Pass Rate
- Lifespan Mental Health Focus
- Hybrid Program Format
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
- 42 Credit Minimum Requirement
- Expert Nursing Faculty
- High Graduate Employment Rate
What You’ll Study in a Boston PMHNP Program
Curricula are designed to blend psychiatric theory, clinical practice, and leadership. Core coursework typically includes:
- Psychopharmacology
- Psychopathology across the lifespan
- Mental health assessment and diagnosis
- Evidence-based therapies (CBT, DBT, MI)
- Neurobiology of mental illness
- Integrated behavioral health in primary care
- Ethics, cultural competence, and health equity
- Population health, leadership, and policy
Specialty Electives Available in Boston Programs:
- Trauma-informed care
- LGBTQ+ mental health
- Substance use and addiction
- Child and adolescent psychiatry
- Forensic mental health
Many programs culminate in a capstone or DNP project aligned with your clinical work.
Clinical Training in Greater Boston
Most PMHNP programs require 500 to 700+ hours of supervised clinical practice. In Boston, these hours are often completed at world-class medical and mental health facilities.
Top Clinical Placement Sites:
- Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) – Outpatient and inpatient psychiatry
- McLean Hospital – Harvard-affiliated psychiatric hospital
- Brigham and Women's Hospital – Women's mental health and consult/liaison psychiatry
- VA Boston Healthcare System – PTSD, substance use, and integrated care
- Fenway Health – LGBTQ+ behavioral health services
- Boston Children's Hospital – Pediatric mental health
- Community Health Centers – Dorchester, East Boston, Roxbury, and others
Clinical placements are usually arranged by the school, though students may sometimes assist in identifying preceptors.
PMHNP Licensure, Certification, and Scope of Practice in Boston
To practice as a PMHNP in Massachusetts, follow these steps:
- Graduate from an accredited PMHNP program
- Pass the ANCC PMHNP-BC board certification exam
- Apply for APRN licensure through the Massachusetts Board of Nursing
- Apply for prescriptive authority, including controlled substances
- Maintain your license and certification through continuing education
Note: Most Boston-area programs are designed to meet the licensure and certification requirements for Massachusetts and the ANCC.
PMHNP Career Paths and Employers in Boston
Boston's healthcare ecosystem offers a wide range of opportunities for PMHNP graduates.
Common Roles for PMHNPs:
- Outpatient psychiatric nurse practitioner
- Inpatient psychiatric unit provider
- Behavioral health consultant in primary care
- Substance use treatment provider
- Telepsychiatry clinician
- Psychiatric NP in forensic or correctional settings
Top Employers in the Boston Area:
- Mass General Brigham (MGH, Brigham and Women's)
- McLean Hospital
- Boston Medical Center
- Fenway Health
- Carelon Behavioral Health (formerly Beacon)
- The Home for Little Wanderers
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless (BHCHP)
PMHNP Salary Estimates in Boston:
| Experience Level | Salary Range |
| Entry-Level | $114,000 – $130,000 |
| Mid-Career | $130,000 – $150,000 |
| Senior / Private Practice | $150,000+ |
Actual salaries may vary based on setting, specialty, and schedule.
How to Choose the Right PMHNP Program in Boston
When comparing Boston-based PMHNP programs, consider the following:
- Is the program accredited by CCNE or ACEN?
- Does it offer strong clinical placement support?
- Are faculty experienced in psychiatric nursing or behavioral health?
- Is there flexibility in schedule or format (e.g. part-time, hybrid, online)?
- Are scholarships or financial aid available?
- What are the program's board pass rates and job placement outcomes?
- Are electives or specializations offered in your area of interest?
Smart Questions to Ask Admissions:
- Where do most students complete their clinical hours?
- Are preceptors provided, or do I need to find my own?
- Do you offer electives in trauma, LGBTQ+ mental health, or addiction?
- What is the ANCC PMHNP pass rate for your program?
PMHNP Residencies and Fellowships in Boston
Post-graduate training opportunities in Boston help new PMHNPs gain confidence and refine their skills.
Notable PMHNP Residency Programs:
- VA Boston / Boston College PMHNP Residency – Veteran-focused mental health rotations
- NeighborHealth PMHNP Residency – Training in underserved communities with mentorship and leadership focus
- Additional hospital or community-based fellowships may be available through partnerships
While not required for licensure or employment, residencies can help you stand out in competitive job markets.
FAQs
Q: Do I need psych RN experience before applying?
A: Not necessarily. It can strengthen your application, but many Boston programs accept a range of nursing backgrounds.
Q: Can I do my clinicals at MGH or McLean?
A: Yes, if your program partners with them and you are placed appropriately.
Q: Is a residency required to get hired?
A: No, but it can be beneficial, especially for jobs at top-tier hospitals or specialty clinics.
Q: Are there online PMHNP programs in Boston?
A: Yes. Several Boston-based schools offer hybrid or online PMHNP programs with in-person clinical placements.
Q: Can I work in Massachusetts after training?
A: Yes, as long as your program is accredited and meets the ANCC and Massachusetts licensure requirements.
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