Enroll in the Herzing MSN-PMHNP program to go from BSN to PMHNP
| Accreditation | CCNE accredited,1 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission |
|---|---|
| Transfer credit | Up to 9 approved credit hours |
| Format | 100% online coursework |
| Clinicals | 540 clinical hours across the lifespan; we pledge your clinical placement |
| Immersion Exp. | 180-hour, 16-week immersion experience to prepare for your first job |
| Pathways | Graduate with an MSN and become qualified for our online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program; or choose a BSN to DNP-PMHNP program |
| Dual credit | Earn dual credit towards a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
| QuickPaths | Transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University |
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Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online graduate nursing programs in 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.
Career-focused curriculum
Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.
Flexible schedule
We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.
Virtual services
Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.
Lifelong support
We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.
Rolling admissions
No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.
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.
Your Clinical Placement is Our Pledge
We understand securing clinical placement as part of an MSN degree 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.
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).
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.
| Program | Months 2 | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) | 24 | 48 |
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.
Required Specialty Courses
All courses, 24.00 semester credit hours, are required.
Clinical Proficiency Exam and Policy Courses
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 642, NU 664 or NU 671, depending on the program of study. NSG 0600 - Clinical Proficiency Course Semester Credit Hours: 0.00 NSG 0600R - Clinical Proficiency Remediation Course (if needed) Semester Credit Hours: 0.00
Tution & Cost
Tuition & Cost
The cost of tuition for the MSN-PMHNP program is $755 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.
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.
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.
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.
Waived Enrollment Fee
Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.
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.
- The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis estimates the demand for psychiatric nurse practitioners will grow 18% from 2016-2030.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of all nurse practitioners to increase 45% from 2022-2032, much faster than the average across all U.S. occupations.
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, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). You may also consider applying for a BSN to DNP-PMHNP program as an alternative if your ultimate goal is to earn a DNP.
We also offer many post master's certificate options for nurses seeking additional education for their next career move, including specializations in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nursing Education, Nursing Leadership and Administration, and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP).
Waived Enrollment Fee
Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.
Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Didn't find the answer to your question? Send us an inquiry and we will be happy to answer all your questions!
Here’s a selection of the most common types of nurse practitioners:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Each specialty has its own unique requirements in terms of job experience and certification.
With Herzing University you are never alone. It’s our goal to provide all students an affordable, career-driven education. Financial aid options include:
- Loan options – Federal & private
- Scholarships & grants
- VA / military benefits
- Other sources of financial aid
You can find an estimate for tuition and expenses by using the Herzing University tuition wizard.
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.
There is a significant difference between being a medical/surgical nurse and a psychiatric nurse. General nursing in a medical or surgical role is based primarily on physical illness, while psychiatric nursing is based on mental illness. As a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, your role will be much more verbal than hands-on.
Daily tasks include new patient evaluations and follow-up appointments, reviewing patient charts and lab results, monitoring and documenting medication, adjusting patient care strategies, responding promptly to patient questions and concerns, and working with additional healthcare staff to deliver the best possible psychiatric care.
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).
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.
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.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners earn an average salary of $128,490 per year ($61.78 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.
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.
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.*
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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.
The Student Experience at Herzing
Future students, remember to be passionate, stay curious and never give up. That's the path to success!
Kalena Wainwright
Nursing Student | Online CampusEven at 44 with a family, I managed full-time school, clinicals, and weekend work, and emerged successfully!
Jami Van Brocklin
Nursing Student | Online CampusIf you’re considering returning to school, you should do it.
Jamie Goldberg
Nursing Student | Brookfield/Milwaukee CampusThis program helped me achieve my goal of becoming a PMHNP quickly.
Jennifer Buhl
Nursing Student | Online CampusUltimately, my goal with this degree was to address the lack of mental health providers for veterans.
Brian Johnson
Nursing StudentI chose Herzing because I wanted to help and be an advocate for those in need.
Kate Scanlan
Nursing Student | Online CampusAccreditation
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.
* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / 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.
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