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Master's Degree

MSN-PMHNP Online Program
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Calendar

CLASSES START
May 6th

24 Mo.

Program Length

48

Credits

Online

Format

540 Hrs

Clinicals

Master's Degree

MSN-PMHNP Online Program
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Enroll in the Herzing MSN-PMHNP program to go from BSN to PMHNP

AccreditationCCNE accredited,Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Transfer creditUp to 9 approved credit hours
Format100% online coursework
Clinicals540 clinical hours across the lifespan; we pledge your clinical placement
Immersion Exp.180-hour, 16-week immersion experience to prepare for your first job
Get started6 start dates per year - with no wait list!
QuickPathsTransfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University
Psych NP with MSN Degree Reviewing Patient Chart
US News Best Graduate Nursing Programs 2024

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online graduate nursing programs in 2024

MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
US News Best Graduate Nursing Programs 2024

Overview: Online MSN-PMHNP Program

The MSN-PMHNP degree (BSN to PMHNP) is a 48-credit graduate program which prepares you for a career as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. The degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in advanced psychopharmacology and health promotion, counseling and psychotherapy, clinical decision-making, and much more.

SVG
Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

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Flexible schedule

We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

SVG
Virtual services

Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

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Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

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Rolling admissions

No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Classes Start May 6th

Learn More Today

Clinicals

Every experience counts.

Herzing University integrates an “Every Experience Counts” experiential learning approach in the 540-hour clinical component of our PMHNP program. We believe the best preparation for an advanced practice role is real, prescriptive learning through every day experience.

Earn clinical credit hours for unique nursing experiences—either direct patient care in your community or telemedicine/virtual care. Examples of potentially eligible activities include:

  • Grief counseling for patients and families in hospice
  • Assistance with group therapy in a mental health institution
  • Providing mental health education to inmates in a correctional facility
  • Interviewing patients in a crisis stabilization unit
  • Assessment of psychiatric patients in the emergency room

If you discover an opportunity to further develop your skills as a PMHNP you may apply for credit towards your total clinical hours.

Build your career foundation from a variety of instructive and rewarding nursing experiences. Our program makes it possible.

MSN Clinical Placement Pledge Herzing Badge

Your clinical placement is our pledge.

We understand securing clinical placement as part of a PMHNP program is one of the biggest concerns students face. At Herzing, we offer guidance and support through our step-by-step Clinical Guidance Process to ensure you can get the clinical practice experiences you need.

As a Herzing student, we’ll encourage you to find your own preceptor and clinical sites as there are many benefits to doing so. However, we provide extensive support should you find difficulty along the way. With Herzing, you are never on your own.

Because of our strong relationships with healthcare providers across the U.S. and our comprehensive Clinical Guidance Process, we are confident in our ability to help you find clinical placement. So much so that if you are unable to find a clinical site on your own, we pledge to step in and help you secure clinical placement.*

* Subject to terms and conditions outlined in the enrollment documents.

Classes Start May 6th

Waived Enrollment Fee
Curriculum

Psychiatric Mental Health NP program classes & curriculum details

Herzing’s online graduate degree program provides students with the knowledge, skills and expertise to apply for certification as a PMHNP. The curriculum includes core MSN courses, specialty courses and hands-on clinical courses. Upon graduation you’ll be qualified for the Board Certified PMHNP (PMHNP-BC) exam from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The ability to connect with patients virtually to provide remote care is becoming increasingly important. Herzing’s curriculum provides instruction in the principles of telehealth, including the use of appropriate technology, provisions for coding and reimbursement, and the legal and ethical implications of remote patient encounters.

All classes are delivered online with 540 total hours of clinical experience, featuring a 180-hour immersion experience to help you prepare for your first job as a PMHNP.

ProgramMonthsiCredits
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)2448

i. Average number of months for students to complete program

Required Core Courses

All courses, 15.00 semester credit hours, are required.

Required Direct Care Courses

All courses, 9.00 semester credit hours, are required.

*Students in the PMHNP program must take NU 610 and NU 671 in the same semester.

Required Specialty Courses

All courses, 24.00 semester credit hours, are required.

Clinical Proficiency Exam

The following courses are 0.00 semester credit hours associated with the policy outlined above. Students are required to take as co-requisite courses along with NU 611, NU 664, or NU 671, depending on the program of study. NSG 0600 - Clinical Proficiency Exam Semester Credit Hours: 0.00 NSG 0600R - Clinical Proficiency Remediation Course (if needed) Semester Credit Hours: 0.00

Tuition & Cost

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the MSN-PMHNP program is $735 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

Find my estimate

 Scholarships & Financial Aid

You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants—including our Nurses Circle of Achievement scholarship, which offers up to 10% tuition reduction.

Find scholarships and grants 

 Military/Veteran Discounts

Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.

VA/Military benefits 

Requirements

PMHNP program enrollment requirements

Enrollment prerequisites for the Herzing University MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program include:

  • You must live in a state where Herzing University is authorized to offer the MSN-PMHNP program
  • Hold a current, active and unrestricted license as a registered nurse (RN) in the same state in which you live (Note: Holding a multi-state, compact state license and being a resident in a compact license state will be deemed to have met this requirement)
  • Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited university or college with an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Eligible states for enrollment: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District Of Columbia.

Careers

Advance your career into a rewarding NP specialty

Begin walking a new fulfilling career path and join a true profession of the heart. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, your job will be to help patients with mental illness become whole again.

PMHNPs have the expertise to diagnose and treat common psychological illnesses and disorders within their scope of practice, including anxiety, depression, insomnia and dementia.

  • Focus on mental health, including hands-on physical care
  • Perform psychological consulting (psychotherapy)
  • Prescribe medication and monitor its effects
  • Educate patients or clients on a variety of coping skills
  • Work in private practice, hospitals, community clinics, and more
  • Approach patient care like a detective, using all information at your disposal to solve complex psychological issues

Job outlook

 

Multiple sources suggest the demand for PMHNPs will be on the rise in the near future.

Now is an excellent time to begin working towards joining a specialty poised for growth.

How can I advance my career? The hallmark of an excellent healthcare provider is their continuing education. After earning your master’s degree you may consider earning further postgraduate credentials. We also offer many post master's certificate options for nurses seeking additional education for their next career move, including Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)Nursing Education, Nursing Leadership and Administration, and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Both of those common types of nurse practitioner specialties are highly rewarding and represent a big step forward for a registered nurse looking to advance their career.

  • Choose Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) if…you want to be a true psychiatric/mental health specialist, and enjoy giving a voice to patients who are too often misunderstood. An excellent pathway for nurses who have gained practical experience behavioral health or worked in a community mental health facility and want to continue in the psychiatric field.
  • Choose Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) if…you want to specialize in the broader field of family practice across the lifespan and prefer a hands-on approach to patient care. You may pursue many different specialties in neonatal (NICU), pediatric or geriatric care. As an FNP you’ll have a strong educational foundation to pursue your unique career path in family practice. Learn more about the Herzing University MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner program.

Learn more about the biggest differences between FNP vs. PMHNP.

A PMHNP is a type of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who holds expertise in behavioral health and wellness. Their role is to assess, diagnose and treat patients exhibiting psychiatric or addictive disorders. A PMHNP’s job description and scope of practice can include:

  • Provide psychological counseling (psychotherapy)
  • Prescribe medication and monitor its effects
  • Collaborate with additional health professionals: doctors/physicians, nurses, administrators and other healthcare staff
  • Conduct research to improve the delivery of mental healthcare
  • Educate and consult nurses and other mental health professionals
  • Order and interpret diagnostic tests

Whole health begins with mental health—including all ages and demographics across the lifespan. As a nurse practitioner within the mental health specialty, you will have the opportunity to continue your education and focus your experience in many different types of care, including pediatric, geriatric/adult, women’s health, public health and much more.

Where do they work? PMHNPs may work in many different healthcare environments, including hospitals, private practices, mental health centers, primary care offices or governmental institutions.

There is a difference between being licensed and certified. Becoming a certified PMHNP shows employers you are capable of patient care in a psychiatric setting. Licensure determines if you are legally allowed to practice in your state of residence. Employers may require board certification before hiring a PMHNP even if practicing without certification is legally permissible.

Each state has their own requirements for licensure. You will need to find the requirements from your state’s board of nursing.

We strongly recommend getting certified after graduating with your degree. You’ll be in the best position to find a great job and follow your career path in nursing.

We offer multiple options for current nurses of all types, including pathways for ASN/ADN, BSN, and MSN degree holders.

View our available online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs.

While registered nurses with an ADN or BSN may pursue roles related to mental health and gain professional experience there, working as a nurse practitioner represents the next level of clinical knowledge and education.

To become a board certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, you will need to earn at least a master’s degree from an accredited PMHNP program. View all of eligibility requirements from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners earn an average salary of $124,680 per year ($59.94 per hour).*

NPs specializing in psychiatry/mental health may increase their earning potential by becoming board certified, gaining valuable experience and continuing their education.

Learn more about how much NPs can make, including a state-by-state breakdown and estimates across several unique healthcare facilities.

Yes!

The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis estimates the demand for psychiatric nurse practitioners will rise 18% from 2016-2030.

In regard to all nurse practitioners, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 45% increase in employment from 2022-2032, much faster than the average across all U.S. occupations.*

The role of a PMHNP can overlap with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other healthcare professionals who routinely perform psychotherapy. However, the total scope of practice for each role is different and varies by state requirements.

Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners hold a master’s degree or doctorate in nursing, while a psychiatrist is a physician who went to medical school and completed a residency program specializing in psychiatry.

PMNHPs can do many things a psychiatrist does, including psychotherapy, prescribing medications, developing and managing treatment plans and educating patients and their families.

Psychiatrists are typically able to treat more complex types of disorders, but PMNHPs may treat many common disorders like anxiety, depression, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Schizophrenia, substance abuse/addiction, and much more.

With Herzing University you are never alone. It’s our goal to provide all students an affordable, career-driven education. Financial aid options include:

You can find an estimate for tuition and expenses by using the Herzing University tuition wizard.

Here’s a selection of the most common types of nurse practitioners:

Note: Herzing does not offer a track in Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP).

Each specialty has its own unique requirements in terms of job experience and certification.

Locations

Program Finder

MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs

Showing 1 program for the Online campus

On Campus| Online

To learn more about this program, click the Request Info button to the right.

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Choose your NP pathway

Choose your NP pathway

Considering all of your options for nurse practitioner specialties?

Herzing University offers multiple nurse practitioner programs for current nurses holding an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree in nursing.

Our goal is to help you walk your career path no matter where you are, or where you want to go.

Explore Herzing NP programs

Accreditation

Accreditation & Disclosures

1. The master's degree program in nursing at Herzing University - Madison is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin.

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

Request Information
Ready to get started?

Contact us to request more information

Herzing Tuition Wizard

When do you want to start classes?

The program has an automatic transfer of credits, and allows you to transfer up to additional credits.

  Transfer Credits

The program allows you to transfer up to credits.

  Transfer Credits

The program allows you to transfer up to credit hours.

  Transfer Credit Hours
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online Campus
Tuition
Cost per Credit$735.00
Base Tuition$35,280.00
Savings from Transfer Credits (9 x $735.00 )(-$6,615.00)
Estimated Tuition Cost*$28,665.00
Fees
One-time Program Fee$0.00
Per-semester Program Fee$750.00
Per-semester Learner Resource Fee$530.00
Estimated Total Fee*$7,680.00
Total Semesters 1
RequiredNeeded
66
Total Credits
RequiredNeeded
4839
Estimated Cost 2
Base CostYour Cost
$42,960.00$36,345.00
Estimated Savings*
$6,615.00

Available Scholarships & Loan Options

Who Can Apply

Recipients and the amounts of the scholarships vary.

Requirements

Scholarship recipients, amounts, and terms and conditions are determined by Herzing University and its donors and are subject to change. An endowment is an amount of money (fund) that is given to the University with a stipulation that the funds are invested to earn annual interest rather than spent immediately. Students and alumni can learn more through the following channels: email give@herzing.edu, call (262) 735-6189, or visit https://www.herzing.edu/make-donation-herzing-university.

Who Can Apply

Any student in a degree-seeking program that makes on-time, out of pocket payments toward tuition and fee expenses.

Requirements

The amount of the payments made that exceed the amount of excess loan funding received will be used to calculate total award. Eligible students must make on-time payments, according to a predetermined payment plan. Restrictions may vary.

  • Matching percentage is based on student’s EFC at the time of application.
  • Student’s with a Pell eligible EFC will receive a 100% match
  • Students will non-Pell eligible EFC will receive 50% match
  • Students who do no complete the FAFSA will automatically qualify for the 50% match.
Who Can Apply

Available to applicants in any program that demonstrate a financial need, who are unable to cover cost of attendance with alternative resources

Requirements

Must show financial need and are unable to cover cost of attendance with alternative resources

Who Can Apply

Available to Herzing graduates who have re-enrolled in a higher-level degree

Requirements

Alumni may qualify as many times as they re-enroll in a higher-level degree

Who Can Apply
  • ASN or BSN: Must have completed the TEAS Assessment Score of 78+ or Kaplan Test Score of 66+.
  • MSN: must have a 3.8+ GPA upon entering the program.
Requirements
  • Applicants in the ASN and BSN, must maintain a 3.0 GPA while enrolled.
  • Applicants in the MSN program must maintain a 3.8 GPA.
Who Can Apply

Employees of a business participating in the Herzing Partnerships Program

Requirements
  • Documentation showing proof of employment is required
  • Recipients must be packaged at direct cost (receiving financial aid for tuition and fees only)

Questions?

Reach out to a member of the Financial Aid team at the Online campus:

Financial Aid Team
(866) 508-0748
fa@herzing.edu

1 

Actual semesters to complete are dependent upon university approved transfer credits and program mapping.

2 

Estimated program length, estimated number of semesters, and estimated program shown above are standard by program for each student based on: a student taking a full-time course load each semester, the student not having any transfer credits (from previous Herzing experiences or from other post-secondary institutions), and successful completion of each course.

Current tuition rates for all programs are effective through the Summer 2024 semester.