25 Best Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)Programs
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) certified as PMHNP are critical in the delivery of treatment for patients with a mental disorder. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nurse practitioner jobs, in general, are expected to grow at an astonishing 26% between 2018-2028. In 2018, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners reported over 220,000 nurse practitioners to work in mental health directly. Salaries range from $80,670-$182,750, with a median salary of $113,930 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Jobs may be found in outpatient clinics, hospitals, private practices, and local, state, and federal agencies.
Methodology
Best Medical Degrees reviewed online/blended and accredited PMHNP degree programs. We examined programs based on:
1) accreditation by CCNE or ACNE, 2) program length, 3) program ranking by U.S. News and World Report, 4) estimated tuition (only) costs, and 5) overall school graduation rates ( National Center for Education Statistics) and National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) pass rates.
Note: Curriculum and tuition charges are subject to change by the school without notice.
1. University of South Carolina
Here' a PMHNP online program that can be completed in 8 semesters. U.S. News and World Report rank this one of its top 10 "Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs." The program concentrates on neuroscientific principles of psychopharmacology, behavior, psychotherapy, etc. There are required on-campus immersions for clinical courses. You'll need a minimum of one-year nursing experience, a BSN, as well as an unencumbered nursing license as part of the admission process.
Program Length: 47 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $26,931NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%Overall Graduation Rate: 77%
2. Duke University
Duke University's School of Nursing has a blended MSN MHNP program, which is ranked #6 in the "Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs" by U.S. News and World Report. You'll need a BSN degree for admission, and admission doesn't require GRE scores. It's recommended, although not required, to have one year of nursing experience before applying. On-campus intensives will be required as well as a clinical practicum. You'll be able to earn certification in telepsychiatry by the end of the program and have the option of obtaining a veteran's health care program certificate if you wish.
Program Length: 49 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $22,056NCLEX Pass Rate: 99%Overall Graduation Rate: 96%
3. Frontier Nursing University
The MSN PMHNP degree at Frontier Nursing University is offered online and allows for fulltime or part-time attendance for working nurses. U.S. News and World Report consider this one of the top 50 "Online Graduate Nursing Programs." Clinical experiences are completed in your home community, and academic courses are online. You'll study core courses in epidemiology and biostatistics, advanced physical assessment, evidence-based practice, as well as advanced pharmacology. Specialty courses cover studies in psychiatric-mental health care of individuals and groups, psychotherapy foundations, and others. Frontier Nursing University requires you have a BSN, have one-year nursing experience, and have an active and unencumbered nursing license.
Program Length: 64 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $38,440NCLEX Pass Rate: 94%Overall Graduation Rate: Not Reported
4. Gonzaga University
Located in Spokane, Washington, Gonzaga Universityhas a blended Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree. Courses are offered online, but there are five, on-campus immersions with this degree. It's estimated you can complete this degree in nine semesters. You'll take core MSN courses before the PMHNP core and specialty courses. U.S. News and World Report rank Gonzaga's MSN program as one of the top 100 of its "Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs." The program requires you to have a BSN, an unencumbered nursing license, and may be required to participate in a Skype interview. You should be aware this online program is approved for a limited number of states which are listed on the school website.
Program Length: 47 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $47,940NCLEX Pass Rate: 94%Overall Graduation Rate: 86%
5. University of Rochester
The University of Rochester has an online Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree, which is offered completely online (except for brief on-campus intensives). The program requires 616 clinical hours in addition to specialty course work. Studies involve advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, psychopharmacology, as well as psychotherapy. U.S. News and World Report rank this nursing school in the top 40 of its "Best Nursing Schools: Master's" programs. If you live in the Finger Lakes region of New York, you may want to check into the school's 50% Finger Lakes Regional Scholarship program.
Program Length: 54 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $84,348NCLEX Pass Rate: 97.16%Overall Graduation Rate: 86%
6. Ohio State University
Ohio State University's College of Nursing rightfully brags on its online nursing presence. Rated #2 in U.S. News and World Report's "Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs," OSU has an online MSN with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty. You'll need an active nursing license as well as a BSN to accompany other admission documents. You'll want to verify that this program is authorized to admit students from your state.
Program Length: UnspecifiedEstimated Tuition Cost: $38,900 (FT); $52,515 (PT)NCLEX Pass Rate: 93%Overall Graduation Rate: 84%
7. Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University ranks #15 in "Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs" by U.S. News and World Report. The online/hybrid PMHNP program does require on-site visits to the NY campus. You need at least one year of nursing experience, a BSN, current nursing license as part of the admission requirements. Once admitted, you'll need to provide proof of personal malpractice insurance. With approval from the program, you can complete your clinical experience in your home community.
Program Length: 45 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $21,195 (Resident); $25,425 (Non-Resident)NCLEX Pass Rate: 97.4%Overall Graduation Rate: 74%
8. University of Missouri Kansas City
This hybrid PMHNP degree is part of the University of Missouri Kansas City, ranks in the top 20 of U.S. News and World Report's "Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs." The curriculum includes an on-campus residency each semester, as well as 660 hours in a clinical experience. The School of Nursing has a 4-tier tuition structure for Missouri, Kansas, and "Heartland" states and out-of-state tuition.
Program Length: 46 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $13,570 (Resident); $37,904 (Non-Resident)NCLEX Pass Rate: 94%Overall Graduation Rate: 73%
9. Maryville University
Offering one of U.S. News and World Report's "Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs," Maryville University has a 100% online MSN degree with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration. You'll conduct your clinicals in your local community. Coursework covers advanced assessment, pathophysiology, psychopharmacology, etc. Among other requirements, you'll need a BSN and an unencumbered U.S. nursing license.
Program Length: 45 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $36,585NCLEX Pass Rate: 92-96%Overall Graduation Rate: 72%
10. East Carolina University
The PMHNP degree at East Carolina University may be a good choice if you're a North Carolina resident. Due to a critical NC shortage of mental health providers, the school isn't accepting out of state students at this time. Courses are offered online, but there is a required two-day intensive study at the Greenville, NC campus each semester. U.S. News and World Report rank this program in the top 100 of its "Best Nursing Schools: Master's" and in the top 50 of its "Best Online Graduate Nursing" programs. You'll need to provide proof of a BSN, non-restricted NC nursing license, GRE scores, as well as one-year of nursing experience for admission. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of courses and includes clinical practicums.
Program Length: 43 Credit HoursEstimated Program Cost: $16,082NCLEX Pass Rate: 96%Overall Graduation Rate: 65%
11. Georgia College & State University
The MSN program at Georgia College & State Universityranks in the top 100 of U.S. News and World Report's "Best Nursing Schools: Master's" degree. The PMHNP program is online but does require some visits to the school's Milledgeville, GA campus, including a week-long immersion at the start of the program. The MSN-PMHNP coursework offers advanced nursing studies as well as the PMHNP concentration. The practicum must take place in Georgia under a program approved supervisor.
Program Length: 39 Credit HoursEstimated Program Cost: $14,547NCLEX Pass Rate: 85%Overall Graduation Rate: 64%
12. Wilkes University
Wilkes University is located in Wilkes-Barr, Pennsylvania, and has an online PMHNP. You will need to participate in a short, on-campus residency when enrolled in the Advanced Health Assessment class. The clinical practicum is completed in your home area. Among admission requirements are at least one-year clinical experience, an unencumbered nursing license, along with an undergraduate degree. Classes include studies in psychopharmacology, advanced practice in psychiatric/mental health nursing, nursing research, etc.
Program Length: 42 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $30,576NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.12%Overall Graduation Rate: 60%
13. Anderson University
Located in Anderson, South Carolina, the PMHNP program at Anderson University is a hybrid program offered through AU's Online Graduate Programs. U.S. News and World Report rate the school's graduate nursing program in the top 50 of "Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs." Admission requires a BSN, an unencumbered nursing license, and CPR Certification among the requirements. You can complete the program in four semesters with fulltime attendance and completion of 500 clinical hours. Mostly online, you will need to attend on-campus 2-3 days in the middle of the semester.
Program Length: 49 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $32,585NCLEX Pass Rate: 98%Overall Graduation Rate: 59%
14. University of Alabama Birmingham
This is a blended/hybrid PMHNP program that can be completed in two years. You'll need a BSN, an unencumbered nursing license, along with base admission requirements for this program. U.S. News and World Report rank UAB at "#18 Best Nursing Schools: Master's" programs. The online coursework makes up the first year of study. The second-year requires clinical experiences. The school recommends you check with your state's licensing board to determine if this program qualifies for licensure.
Program Length: 45 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $29,520NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.7%Overall Graduation Rate: 58%
15. University of North Dakota
This online PMHNP program has online coursework that includes individual, family, and group therapies. A minimum of 600 clinical hours is expected in addition to coursework. Clinical practicums are arranged as close to your home community as possible. Each year of study, you'll be required to attend a one-week intensive on the Grand Forks campus. A current, unencumbered nursing license, BSN, and one-year nursing experience are part of the admission requirements.
Program Length: 49 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $37,485NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%Overall Graduation Rate: 55%
16. University of New Mexico
The University of Mexico's College of Nursing is one of U.S. News and World Report's "Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs," and now provides a blended Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree. Core MSN courses are online, and APRN courses are a mixture of online and on-campus experiences. Admission is open to those with a BSN and a current New Mexico nursing license (or eligibility), one-year clinical experience as a registered nurse. An interview is also required with this particular concentration.
Program Length: 48 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $29,184 (Resident); $61,824 (Non-Resident)NCLEX Pass Rate: 87.27%Overall Graduation Rate: 50%
17. University of Southern Indiana
U.S. News and World Report rank this program #30 in "Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs." Admission requires a BSN (with a minimum of 3.0 GPA) and an unencumbered nursing license. Coursework is online, but you will be expected to attend the two-day orientation at the Evansville campus. Additionally, campus immersions for specific courses are required. You'll study evidence-based practice concepts, healthcare informatics, advanced health assessment, and psychopharmacology as part of the coursework.
Program Length: 44 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $17,248NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%Overall Graduation Rate: 47%
18. Indiana University Purdue University
This school offers a distance accessible MSN PMHNP degree. Coursework includes nursing theory, advanced psychopathology, pharmacology, substance abuse, and neuro-psychopharmacology, along with an advanced clinical practice experience. Admission applications are accepted once a year in the Fall, and you'll need a BSN, active and unrestricted nursing license, etc. Graduate nursing programs at IUPU rank in the top 25 U.S. News and World Report's "Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs" as well as in the top 50 "Best Nursing Schools: Master's."
Program Length: 42 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $17,136 (Resident); $46,896 (Non-ResidentNCLEX Pass Rate: 93.1%Overall Graduation Rate: 47%
19. Eastern Kentucky University
This is another U.S. News and World Report's "Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs." The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program at Eastern Kentucky University is offered 100% online, with no campus visits required. EKU's curriculum provides an evidence-based approach for the advanced practice nurse, and the school cites a high, first time, exam pass rates. EKU requires you have a BSN, a minimum of one-year nursing experience, and an unencumbered nursing license along with other admission documents. Up to 12 credit hours of transfer credit is possible with this program. You'll want to check that your state qualifies you for admission to this program (information on approved states is on the website.)
Program Length: 46 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $30,452NCLEX Pass Rate: 92%Overall Graduation Rate: 47%
20. Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University, in Bowling Green, offers a hybrid MSN PMHNP program. WKU's nursing school is recognized as a U.S. News and World Report's "Best Nursing Schools: Master's." Coursework involves studies in nursing theories, advanced health assessment, nursing research, and diagnostic and management of disorders of the life span, etc. You'll also complete an internship and clinical experience. You need a BSN, have an unrestricted nursing license, and have minimum one-year nursing experience in psychiatric mental health.
Program Length: 43 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $30,401NCLEX Pass Rate: 99%Overall Graduation Rate: 45%
21. East Tennessee State University
The graduate nursing program at ETSU ranks at #103 of U.S. News and World Report's list of "Best Nursing Schools: Graduate" in 2019. This PMHNP program is offered completely online but may require some visits to the Johnson City campus in addition to 500 clinical hours. You'll study advanced individual, family, and group therapy, advanced health assessment, clinical psychopharmacology, etc. Along with the school's admission requirements, students are asked to provide proof of an unencumbered nursing license and your bachelor's degree (not necessarily in nursing). The school encourages you to verify that this degree satisfies your state's licensing requirements before application.
Program Length: 48 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $20,256 (Resident); $27,504 (Non-Resident)
Overall Graduation Rate: 45%
22. University of South Alabama
The University of South Alabama offers an online Psychiatric (Family) Nurse Practitioner degree. Along with a BSN, you must be currently registered nurse with no restrictions and have two years of nursing experience to be considered for admission. This program is ranked as one of U.S. News and World Report as a "Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs." Although online, you'll be required to attend a three-day orientation session on the Mobile campus. Clinical skills workshops will be part of the three-day program. The program will prepare you to work with children, adolescents, and adults.
Program Length: 45 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $26,730Overall Graduation Rate: 44%
23. University of Nevada Las Vegas
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, has an online MSN degree with a PMHNP concentration. Prospective students are required to have an unrestricted nursing license, a BSN, and have at least one year of clinical nursing experience. Core MSN courses include studies in health assessment, informatics, nursing theory, and research, etc. Specialty courses diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision making, neuroscientific principles, psychopharmacology, and clinical experience. The program isn't available in all states, so you'll want to check that your state is accepted. U.S. News and World Report list this as one of its top 50 "Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs."
Program Length: 46 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $13,201 (Resident); $27,600 (Non-Resident)NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.88%Overall Graduation Rate: 43%
24. Northern Kentucky University
The online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Northern Kentucky University is designed for working nurses. Northern Kentucky University has one of U.S. News and World Report's "Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs." You'll study core advanced nursing courses in health assessment, psychopharmacology, pathophysiology, theory, research, etc. In addition to general graduate admission requirements, you'll need to provide information on your nursing license, verification of 1,000, or more hours of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse.
Program Length: 46 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $30,370ANCC Pass Rate: 88.9%Overall Graduation Rate: 42%
25. Southeastern Louisiana University
Ranked as one of U.S. News and World Report's "Best Nursing Schools: Master's," Southeastern Louisiana University has an online MSN PMHNP program that may be a good pick if you live in Louisiana. The program requires that the 600 clinical hours be practiced in Louisiana. You'll need to submit GRE scores and have a valid, unencumbered Louisiana nursing license. You'll study advanced nursing theories, health assessment, psychotherapy for APRNs, pathophysiology, and psychopharmacology, etc.
Program Length: 48 Credit HoursEstimated Tuition Cost: $13,728NCLEX Pass Rate: 94.33%Overall Graduation Rate: 40%