Top RN to Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs

A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, also known as a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), is an advanced nursing role that requires a master’s of science in nursing (MSN) or doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) degree.  

Most RN to psychiatric NP programs require a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) to enroll. However, some PMHNP programs also have a track for associate's degree in nursing (ADN)-trained nurses.

If you are a registered nurse who wants to advance your career with advanced-level learning, work with psychiatric patients, and earn more money, an RN to psychiatric NP program may be an excellent pathway for you!

Top 10 RN to Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs

Choosing a nurse practitioner program is a huge decision that requires careful consideration. Fortunately, Nurse.org put a list together of some of the best RN to psychiatric NP programs.

Our ranking system considers essential factors, such as accreditation, graduation rates, and student-faculty ratios. 

1. Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN

According to U.S. News and World Report, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is ranked as the #2 psychiatric-mental health program in the country. The university is also home to one of the country’s first psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner specialties.

Vanderbilt’s psychiatric NP program graduates earn a doctorate in nursing (DNP). Students have low faculty-to-student ratios, mentoring, and personalized attention during their program. Graduates score well above the national average on certification exams. 

• Application Deadline: Oct 15th

• Tuition: $1,883/credit hour

• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

• Contact Phone Number: (615) 322-4400

• Email Information: VUSN-Admissions@vanderbilt.edu

• Online Options Available: modified distance learning

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2. University of California, San Francisco, CA

The University of California, San Francisco's program offers BSN-trained nurses an opportunity to earn an MSN and practice as a PMHNP. In addition, the university provides PMHNP pathways for those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, an MSN without an NP foundation, and other advanced-practice RNs who wish to earn state certification in psychiatric mental health.

The university also recently partnered with UC Davis and UCLA school of nursing to launch new remote-access training to help prepare 300 psychiatric mental health NPs over five years. 

• Application Deadline: Feb 1st

• Tuition: $60,482

• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

• Contact Phone Number: (415) 476-1435

• Email Information: nursingadmissionssupport@ucsf.edu

• Online Options Available: hybrid

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 3. University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

The University of Pennsylvania's psychiatric-mental health NP program aims to provide RNs with an advanced practice nursing degree to provide mental health treatment to a wide spectrum of patients across the lifespan.

This MSN program is flexible; full-time students can typically complete coursework in 14 months. Part-time students may take from two to five years, depending on how quickly they complete their studies. Program cost depends on how many course units you take each semester.

• Application Deadline: Rolling Admission

• Tuition: $54,008 (full-time)

• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

• Contact Phone Number: (215) 898-4271

• Email Information: admissions@nursing.upenn.edu

• Online Options Available: No

4. New York University, New York, NY

New York University’s psychiatric-mental health NP program graduates earn an MSN degree.  All practicums are arranged by faculty, and licensed clinicians supervise students at various diverse practicum sites. 

• Application Deadline: 

  • Dec 1 (for Spring start)

  • Feb 15 (for summer start)

  • Jun 15 (for fall start)

• Tuition: about $31,000 per semester

• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

• Contact Phone Number: (212) 998-5300

• Email Information: nursing.admissions@nyu.edu

• Online Options Available: No

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5. University of Washington, Seattle, WA

The PMHNP track at the University of Washington specializes in ongoing psychiatric and mental health care across the lifespan. Graduates earn a DNP. This three-year program offers a hybrid learning format in year one and clinical placements in years two and three.

• Application Deadline: Jan 15th (for the following autumn)

• Tuition: 

  • Resident: $10,212 per quarter

  • Non-resident: $14,565 per quarter

• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

• Contact Phone Number: (206) 543-8736

• Email Information: asknursing@uw.edu

• Online Options Available: No

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6. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

The Ohio State University offers two psychiatric mental health NP program tracks for a BSN-trained nurse to earn an MSN or a DNP.

• Traditional Master of Science

• BSN to DNP 

The university also offers distance learning and on-campus program options.

• Application Deadline: Oct 31st

• Tuition: 

  • Resident: $58,090 -$78,580 depending on degree type (full program)

  • Non-resident: $137,893 - $158,983 depending on degree type (full program)

• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

• Contact Phone Number: (614) 292-4041

• Email Information: nursing@osu.edu

• Online Options Available: Yes

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7. Duke University, Durham, NC

Duke University offers an MSN program for nurses who want to become PMHNPs.  The university website reports that their program focuses on delivering psychiatric mental health and advanced practice nursing to all ages, especially those in underserved and rural areas. 

• Application Deadline: December 1st (for the following fall)

• Tuition: Approx $12,896 per semester

• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

• Contact Phone Number: (919) 684-3786

• Email Information:  SONAdmissions@dm.duke.edu

• Online Options Available:  No

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8. University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

The University of Cincinnati offers an online DNP track for students who want to become PMHNPs.  Before starting the program, applicants must have at least one year of working as an RN and excellent assessment skills. The university also offers a part-time option for nurses who want to continue developing their skills and working during their program.

• Application Deadline: May 1

• Tuition: 

  • In-state: $14,902 per year (full-time)

  • Non-resident: $14,902 per year (full-time)

• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

• Contact Phone Number: (513) 558-3600

• Email Information:  nursingbearcats@uc.edu

• Online Options Available: Yes

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9. University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD

The University of Maryland School of Nursing’s psychiatric nursing program began in 1955.  The PMHNP program is blended with face-to-face and online coursework and offers flexible scheduling with 3-, 4-, and 5- year study plans. Graduates earn a DNP.

• Application Deadline: March 1st

• Tuition: 

  • In State: $856.00/credit

  • Out of State: $1,519.00/credit

• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

• Contact Phone Number: (410) 706-6109

• Email Information: admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu

• Online Options Available: This is a hybrid program

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10. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC

The University of North Carolina offers a BSN-DNP for nurses who want to become PMHNPs. The program takes about three years to complete if attending full-time. The university encourages students to complete their clinical hours in their own communities depending on their learning objectives and interests.

• Application Deadline: November 21st

• Tuition: 

  • In-state: $9,667 per semester (full-time)

  • In-state: $5,329 per semester (part-time)

  • Out-of-state: $18,530 per semester (full-time)

  • Out-of-State: $9,761 per semester (part-time)

• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

• Contact Phone Number: (919) 966-4260

• Email Information: nursing@unc.edu

• Online Options Available: No

FAQs About RN to Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs

 

• What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

  • A psychiatric nurse practitioner is a specific type of nurse practitioner who works with patients across the lifespan to help them with psychiatric and mental health issues. Nurses who want to practice as nurse practitioners must return to school and earn an MSN or DNP.

• Is becoming a psychiatric NP worth it?

  • If you want to advance your nursing practice, work autonomously in the mental health field, and earn significantly more money than you do as a registered nurse, then becoming a psych NP is worth it. 

• Who makes more money, FNP or PMHNP?

  • PMHNPs are one of the highest-paid nurse practitioner specialties. According to Indeed, the average psychiatric nurse practitioner earns $140,146 annually. ZipRecruiter reports that as of October 2022, the national average salary for Family Nurse Practitioners is $111,541. Income varies based on your years of experience, where you work, and the state and city where you live.

• Where do PMHNPs get paid the most?

  • According to Indeed, New York is the highest-paying state for psych NPs where they earn a median annual income of $162,565.

• Is the PMHNP market oversaturated?

  • Psych NP oversaturation may occur in some areas, but there may also be shortages in others. It largely depends on where you live and the type of healthcare facility. If you are considering becoming a psych NP, it is wise to be open to moving to alternative states or cities to increase your chances of getting your first job. 

 

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