Online MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Programs – Selecting the Best Program

Case Western Reserve University's Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program equips registered nurses to address complex mental health needs across all age groups. The comprehensive 46-credit curriculum prepares advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioners to work in diverse settings like community clinics, hospitals, private practices, and treatment facilities. Students develop expertise in prevention, health promotion, assessment, and culturally appropriate interventions through rigorous theoretical and clinical training. The program requires 720 clinical hours and can be completed in four semesters, with flexible part-time and full-time options.

• 46 total credit hours
• 720 clinical practice hours
• Flexible part-time/full-time formats
• Comprehensive psychiatric mental health training
• Practice across diverse healthcare settings

Case Western Reserve University's Family Systems Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to address complex mental health needs across diverse populations. This rigorous hybrid program offers comprehensive training in psychopathology, advanced assessment, and family systems interventions. Graduates develop expertise in treating individuals and families impacted by addiction, chronic illness, and systemic challenges. The curriculum blends theoretical foundations with practical clinical experiences across healthcare settings, enabling students to become highly skilled psychiatric nurse practitioners. Ranked 8th nationally, the program provides robust clinical partnerships with leading healthcare institutions.

• Top 10 NIH-funded nursing school
• Hybrid learning format
• Four consecutive semesters
• Diverse clinical placement options
• Advanced practice psychiatric focus
• Multiple healthcare setting preparation
• Comprehensive mental health curriculum
• Part-time schedule available
• Nationally recognized program

The Family Systems Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Case Western Reserve University prepares graduates to address psychiatric mental health and substance use needs across all ages. This online program blends intensive courses with web-based learning, requiring 45 credit hours and 720 clinical hours. Graduates can work in diverse settings, from community clinics to military bases. The curriculum focuses on treating various family structures, offering flexibility with part-time options available. Advanced practice core courses are prerequisites for clinical nursing courses, ensuring a comprehensive foundation for aspiring nurse practitioners.

• 45 credit hours required.
• 720 clinical hours.
• Online and intensive formats.
• Focus on diverse family structures.
• Part-time options available.
• Advanced practice core courses.
• Prepares for diverse work settings.
• Comprehensive psychiatric training.
• Flexible course schedule.
• Clinical course prerequisites.

The University of South Carolina's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) MSN program offers comprehensive training for nurses seeking advanced mental health specialization. Designed for B.S.N. graduates, this rigorous curriculum prepares professionals to deliver holistic mental healthcare across diverse settings like clinics, psychiatric facilities, and schools. Students gain advanced skills in psychopharmacology, psychiatric evaluation, and evidence-based population health interventions. The program requires a 3.0 GPA and includes extensive practical training through clinical practicums, positioning graduates for national certification and impactful mental health practice.

• 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 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program at the University of South Carolina-Columbia prepares students for holistic mental health care. It integrates neuroscientific principles with psychotherapy and trauma-related care across patient lifespans. The program offers online coursework for flexibility, complemented by hands-on clinical experiences. Graduates are eligible for the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s PMHNP exam. The program spans 47 credits over 8 semesters, including 672 clinical hours. Admission requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, 2400 hours of nursing experience, and more. Costs vary by residency, with financial aid available.

• Online coursework flexibility
• 47 credits over 8 semesters
• 672 direct clinical hours
• BSN and 3.0 GPA required
• 2400 hours nursing experience needed
• Eligible for PMHNP exam
• Holistic mental health care focus
• Integrates neuroscientific principles
• Hands-on clinical experiences
• Financial aid available

The University of New Hampshire's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Master's program prepares experienced registered nurses to become advanced mental health professionals. This comprehensive 50-credit, 30-month program equips students with advanced clinical skills to assess, diagnose, and manage mental healthcare across patient lifespans. Graduates become eligible for the ANCC board certification exam, opening doors to diverse career opportunities in settings ranging from private practices to integrated behavioral health centers. The program combines online learning with high-fidelity simulations and intensive clinical practicums, ensuring students develop expert-level competencies in psychiatric care.

• 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 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (M.S.) program at the University of New Hampshire prepares RNs to assess, diagnose, and manage mental health care across the lifespan. This online program combines foundational core coursework with specialty content, using competency-based, evidence-based approaches. Graduates are eligible for the ANCC board certification exam. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license, a baccalaureate degree, one year of RN experience, professional references, a personal statement, and a resume. The program emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and inter-professional collaboration.

• Online program format.
• 750 clinical hours required.
• Competency-based coursework.
• Eligible for ANCC certification.
• Unencumbered RN license needed.
• Baccalaureate degree required.
• One year RN experience minimum.
• 3 professional references.
• Personal statement required.
• Resume submission needed.

Vanderbilt University's top-ranked Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan) program equips healthcare professionals with advanced skills in mental health care. Students gain comprehensive training in psychotropic medication management, psychotherapy, and holistic patient care across all life stages. The rigorous curriculum blends online learning with intensive on-campus sessions and 560 clinical practice hours, preparing graduates for diverse mental health roles. Accredited and following the latest AACN standards, the program offers flexible full-time and part-time options for motivated nurses seeking to specialize in psychiatric care.

• Hybrid Online/Campus Learning
• 560 Clinical Practice Hours
• 4 Full-Time Semesters
• Lifespan Mental Health Focus
• Evidence-Based Curriculum
• Multiple Program Entry Options

Vanderbilt University's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan) program prepares students for diverse mental health care settings. This hybrid program blends online learning with on-campus sessions, focusing on psychiatric diagnosis, treatment, and psychotherapy across all ages. Students gain hands-on experience through 560 clinical hours, learning from top-ranked faculty in a program recognized nationally. The curriculum covers pharmacotherapeutics, neuroscience, and holistic care approaches, aligning with the latest AACN Essentials. Graduates are well-prepared for certification and highly sought after in various mental health roles. The program offers full-time and part-time options, catering to different student needs without compromising on the depth of education.

• Hybrid learning format.
• 560 clinical hours.
• Holistic care approach.
• Full-time and part-time options.
• Focus on lifespan care.
• Prepares for ANCC certification.
• Integrates latest AACN Essentials.
• Diverse clinical placement opportunities.
• Emphasis on evidence-based practice.

Duke University's top-ranked Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program prepares advanced nursing professionals to address critical mental health needs across diverse patient populations. This innovative hybrid program equips students with comprehensive psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic skills, leveraging cutting-edge distance learning and extensive clinical partnerships. Graduates emerge as skilled mental health experts ready to practice in various settings, from emergency psychiatry to community mental health, with strong job market prospects and potential earnings exceeding $129,480 annually.

• #1 Mental Health Nursing Program
• Hybrid Learning Model
• Nationwide Clinical Partnerships
• Distance-Based Education Options
• Comprehensive Mental Health Training
• Expert Faculty with Clinical Experience
• Diverse Career Opportunities
• 38% Job Growth Projection

Duke University's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program is a top-ranked hybrid program designed to prepare students for the growing demand in mental health care. It combines synchronous and asynchronous learning with practical experiences, ensuring graduates are ready for clinical practice. The program focuses on innovative treatment methods and is led by expert faculty. Admissions consider holistic life experiences alongside academic achievements.

• Hybrid learning model.
• Nationwide clinical network.
• Expert faculty guidance.
• Holistic admissions strategy.
• Focus on innovative treatments.
• Combines online and campus learning.
• Prepares for diverse settings.
• Emphasis on health equity.
• Trauma-informed academic environment.

Northeastern University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive mental health services across the lifespan. Students gain expertise in diagnostic decision-making, psychotherapeutic interventions, and psychopharmacology through a flexible online curriculum with on-campus clinical intensives. The program offers full-time and part-time options, with a total of 43 credits required for the Master's degree. Graduates become eligible for national certification and can work in diverse settings like community mental health centers, schools, and outpatient practices.

• 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

Northeastern University's online Master of Science in Nursing-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses to provide holistic mental healthcare across all ages. This hybrid program combines flexible online coursework with two in-person Clinical Intensive weekends in Boston. Graduates are eligible for national certification. The program focuses on psychopharmacology, diagnostic decision-making, and therapeutic interventions. Admission requires a baccalaureate degree in nursing, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and current RN licensure. The estimated tuition is $44,505. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

• 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.

Yale's Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program addresses critical healthcare gaps by training advanced practice nurses to serve communities with mental health professional shortages. This innovative 51.5-credit Master of Science in Nursing prepares registered nurses to diagnose, treat, and support patients across age groups experiencing mental health challenges. Students develop comprehensive skills through a flexible three-year hybrid format combining online coursework and immersive clinical training. The program equips graduates to prescribe medication, deliver psychotherapy, and collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

• 51.5-credit online MSN program
• Three-year flexible format
• Hybrid learning model
• Mental health professional shortage solution
• Advanced practice nursing preparation
• Diagnose and treat all ages
• Medication prescription training
• Psychotherapy skill development
• Yale School of Nursing expertise

Yale University's online Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program prepares registered nurses for advanced practice in mental health care. This 51.5-credit-hour program blends online coursework with in-person clinical training and immersions, offering flexibility for working professionals. Graduates are equipped to address mental health professional shortages, providing care for individuals with complex psychiatric needs. The program emphasizes human-forward care, preparing students to screen, diagnose, and treat mental health and substance use disorders across all ages. Admission requirements include RN licensure and advanced practice nursing experience. The program spans three years, with tuition details available on Yale's website.

• 51.5 credit hours
• Online and in-person training
• Three-year program
• RN licensure required
• Advanced practice nursing experience needed
• Focus on mental health care
• Human-forward care approach
• Screen and diagnose disorders
• Treat all age groups
• Flexible for working professionals

Seton Hall University's online Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (P.M.H.N.P.) program prepares advanced nursing professionals to address critical mental health needs. The comprehensive 49-credit curriculum equips students to diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders across patient lifespans, from adjustment issues to complex conditions like schizophrenia. With 600 clinical hours and ANCC certification preparation, graduates emerge as collaborative leaders addressing the significant mental health professional shortage. Competitive applicants must hold a B.S.N., pass NCLEX, and have one year of direct patient care experience.

• Online Master's Program in NJ
• 49 Credit Comprehensive Curriculum
• 600 Clinical Training Hours
• ANCC Certification Preparation
• Mental Health Practitioner Shortage
• 3-4 Year Completion Timeline
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Flexible Online Coursework
• Values-Based Learning Approach
• Mentorship and Career Support

Seton Hall University's online Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (P.M.H.N.P.) program equips students with the skills to assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. This 49-credit program blends online coursework with 600 clinical hours, preparing graduates for licensure and ANCC board certification. With a focus on ethical decision-making and critical thinking, students learn to address both simple and complex mental health issues. New Jersey ranks as a top-paying state for nurse practitioners, offering promising career opportunities in various settings. Admission requires a B.S.N., NCLEX passing, and one year of direct patient care experience.

• 49-credit online program.
• 600 clinical hours required.
• Prepares for ANCC certification.
• B.S.N. and NCLEX required.
• One year patient care needed.
• Focus on ethical decision-making.
• New Jersey top-paying for NPs.
• Diverse career settings available.
• Online coursework flexibility.
• 3-4 years completion time.

The Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program (PMHNP) at The University of Texas at Austin is a 49-credit hour hybrid program designed for aspiring nurses to provide advanced psychiatric-mental health care. This program prepares graduates for differential diagnosis, management of psychiatric disorders, and the use of psychotherapeutic interventions. With a focus on health promotion and illness prevention, graduates are equipped to work in various healthcare settings. The program meets national curriculum guidelines and prepares students for ANCC certification. Admission requires a BSN or equivalent, a current RN license, and a 3.0 GPA. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and leadership in mental health care.

• 49-credit hour program.
• Hybrid learning format.
• Prepares for ANCC certification.
• Focus on psychiatric-mental health.
• Emphasizes health promotion.
• Requires current RN license.
• 3.0 GPA for admission.
• Evidence-based practice focus.
• Interprofessional collaboration.
• Leadership in mental health care.

Eastern Kentucky University's online Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to meet critical mental health needs across diverse care settings. The rigorous 49-credit curriculum equips students to diagnose, treat, and manage mental health conditions with a remarkable 98.6% first-attempt certification exam pass rate. With an affordable online tuition of $703 per credit hour and free textbooks, students can advance their nursing career flexibly. The program offers convenient 8-week terms, multiple start dates, and no campus visits required, making it an accessible pathway for working professionals seeking to expand their clinical expertise.

• Online 49-credit MSN program
• $703 per credit hour
• Free textbooks for students
• 98.6% certification exam pass rate
• No campus visits required
• Multiple start dates annually
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Requires active RN license
• Minimum one year RN experience
• Top 50 online graduate nursing program

Eastern Kentucky University's Master of Science in Nursing with a Rural Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to address critical mental health needs in rural communities. The comprehensive program equips nurses with specialized skills in psychiatric care, focusing on underserved populations. Students develop advanced clinical competencies through intensive coursework and extensive practicum experiences, learning to provide comprehensive mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Admission requires a BSN, unencumbered RN license, 3.0 GPA, and one year of nursing experience. The rigorous curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical training, positioning graduates as essential healthcare providers in rural settings.

• Online graduate nursing program
• Rural psychiatric mental health focus
• 49 total credit hours
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
• Comprehensive clinical practicum
• Advanced practice nurse preparation
• Unencumbered RN license needed
• Eight-course concentration sequence
• Oral comprehensive exam required