Receive information about the benefits of our programs, the courses you'll take, and what you need to apply.
As the population grows, hospitals and healthcare systems increasingly need psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) to assess and attend to the mental health needs of individuals, families, and groups. Now, learn to effect positive change in your community with an online PMHNP credential from Maryville University.
Choose from four paths — Master of Science in Nursing, Post-Master’s NP Certificate, Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice, or Doctor of Nursing Practice with Nurse Practitioner concentration — to fit your current needs and career goals. No matter which path you take, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to treat acute and chronic illnesses, helping people to manage their conditions and lead happier, healthier lives.
Get Curriculum Details
Access coursework 100% online, with no campus visits required
Apply with no GMAT, GRE, or statistics required.
Complete clinicals locally in your preferred setting
Enjoy no waiting list once you’re accepted
Dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are trained to help patients of all ages cope with difficult situations and mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. Providing psychiatric care can be challenging, but the reward is in the results. PMHNPs have the tools and knowledge to make powerful connections with their patients and see their improvements firsthand.
The nurse practitioner role is expanding rapidly. Today, 24 states allow nurse practitioners to prescribe, diagnose, and treat patients without any physician oversight. As a PMHNP, you can apply your skills in a variety of settings, from hospitals and psychiatric mental health facilities to senior care homes.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nurse practitioner roles to increase 52% between 2020 and 2030 — much faster than the average for all occupations (8%). As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, your ability to perform physical and psychodiagnostic evaluations can help you secure in-demand positions unavailable to other NPs.
Completing an online PMHNP program gives you the opportunity to advance your career while making a difference in the health and wellbeing of people who face mental health challenges.
In your role as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, you will:
The knowledge you gain from one of our online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) programs can prepare you to help people overcome mental health challenges in a wide range of settings, including:
For more information about PMHNP careers, see our blog post, “What Do Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Do?”
Psychiatric nurse practitioners earn higher annual salaries (roughly $112,000, according to PayScale.com) than NPs in most other specialties. In fact, a 2019 salary survey published by MedPage Today ranked the PMHNP salary as the second-highest of 21 nurse practitioner specialties, with anesthesiology being the only specialty with a higher salary.
Online Master of Science in Nursing — Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN PMHNP)
Apply your passion and knowledge to psychiatric care. Pursue an advanced degree with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration designed to help you bring mental wellness to patients at all stages of life.
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice Program — Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP PMHNP)
Are you ready to be an expert in the field? Pursue a direct path to more responsibility with our BSN to DNP program’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration.
Online Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
If you have your MSN and you’re now interested in specializing in psychiatric mental health, choose our post-master’s certificate. Focus your career on caring for individuals coping with mental health disorders.
Online Doctor of Nursing Practice with Nurse Practitioner Concentration — Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-NP PMHNP)
Upgrade your MSN to a DNP with a PMHNP concentration and you’ll have a terminal degree that helps bring you back into the clinical setting. Earning your PMHNP credential along with your DNP allows you to practice at the highest level and lead interdisciplinary teams.
The demand for psychiatric nurse practitioners is rising. With public awareness of mental illness increasing, a shortage of psychiatrists in the U.S., and an aging and growing population, the need for psychiatric experts is greater than ever. In fact, psychiatric nurse practitioner roles are projected to grow 26% by 2020, according to NurseJournal.org.
In 2014, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners estimated that psychiatric health NPs were only 3.2% of the total nurse practitioner population. This small population of NPs is well-compensated: On average, PMHNPs earn anywhere from $71,485 to $129,837, according to data compiled by PayScale.com. With a faster than average growth rate, limited competition, and high earning potential, qualified psychiatric NPs have advanced opportunities for growth.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people 65 and older in the United States is projected to double between 2018 and 2060. Psychiatric nurse practitioners are needed more than ever to prepare for an increase in aging-related mental health issues, including dementia. PMHNPs interested in improving outcomes in elderly care can help patients maintain the greatest possible degree of independence during hospitalization, after discharge, and in their home.
We’re a private, four-year institution ranked as one of America’s best colleges by both U.S. News & World Report and Forbes. We’re also proud to have been named to the Military Friendly Schools list. When you choose a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program at Maryville, you receive a flexible and highly regarded education with the convenience of 100% online coursework.
As a student at Maryville, you’ll:
Founded in 1872 — Top Ranked for Today
Proud to be recognized as one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report and Forbes.
The MSN, Post-Master’s NP Certificate, and DNP programs at Maryville University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
“I have great interactions with my fellow students. You get to know people. It feels like a small family. The faculty go the extra mile to make sure you’re successful. Go for it. You will have the support you need.”
— Kristina Coleman, Maryville Grad
We’ve asked Brandie Stiles, assistant professor of nursing and PMHNP program coordinator, for her thoughts on Maryville’s online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs. Here’s what she had to say:
At Maryville, we believe in active learning. We offer lectures, both recorded and live; personal contact with your clinical instructor; and engaging assignments that go beyond writing papers and posting on discussion boards.
Four curriculum models. One rewarding career specialty.
Online MSN PMHNP Concentration
Online Master of Science in Nursing — Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration (MSN PMHNP)
You can complete your online PMHNP in as few as 32 months. Begin your coursework the semester after you enroll with 3 entry points per year (January, May, and August).
MSN | Core Courses
| NURS 600 | Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
| NURS 601 | Evidence Based Practice in Nursing | 3 Credits |
| NURS 602 | Health Care Policy | 3 Credits |
| NURS 610 | Health Promotion/Disease Prevention | 3 Credits |
| NURS 603 | Professional Role Development: Advanced Practice Nurse | 3 Credits |
| NURS 619 | Leadership and Quality | 3 Credits |
| NURS 611 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
| NURS 612 | Advanced Health Assessment | 5 Credits |
For the PMHNP concentration coursework, contact an enrollment advisor.
Online BSN to DNP Program PMHNP Concentration
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice Program — Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration (BSN to DNP PMHNP)
You can complete your program in as few as 40 months and 100% online. You can begin your coursework the semester after you are accepted, in spring, summer, or fall.
MSN | Core Courses
| NURS 600 | Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
| NURS 601 | Evidence Based Practice in Nursing | 3 Credits |
| NURS 603 | Professional Role Development: Advanced Practice Nurse | 3 Credits |
| NURS 610 | Health Promotion/Disease Prevention | 3 Credits |
| NURS 611 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
| NURS 612 | Advanced Health Assessment | 5 Credits |
| NURS 700 | Principles of Epidemiology and Biostatistics | 3 Credits |
| NURS 701 | Foundations of Clinical Scholarship | 3 Credits |
| NURS 702 | Integrating and Synthesizing Research | 3 Credits |
| NURS 703 | Ethics For Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
| NURS 704 | Quality and Patient Safety in Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
| NURS 705 | Clinical Inquiry I | 3 Credits |
| NURS 706 | Clinical Inquiry II | 3 Credits |
| NURS 707 | Clinical Inquiry III | 3 Credits |
| NURS 708 | Organizational and Systems Leadership | 3 Credits |
| NURS 709 | Advanced Health Policy | 3 Credits |
For the PMHNP concentration coursework, contact an enrollment advisor.
Online DNP-NP Program PMHNP Concentration
Doctor of Nursing Practice Foundation Courses (15 credit hours)
| NURS 700 | Principles of Epidemiology and Biostatistics | 3 Credits |
| NURS 701 | Foundations of Clinical Scholarship | 3 Credits |
| NURS 702 | Integrating and Synthesizing Research | 3 Credits |
| NURS 709 | Advanced Health Policy | 3 Credits |
| NURS 710 | Graduate Statistics | 3 Credits |
Doctor of Nursing Practice Capstone Courses (18 credit hours)
| NURS 703 | Ethics For Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
| NURS 704 | Quality and Patient Safety in Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
| NURS 705 | Clinical Inquiry I | 3 Credits |
| NURS 706 | Clinical Inquiry II | 3 Credits |
| NURS 707 | Clinical Inquiry III | 3 Credits |
| NURS 708 | Organizational and Systems Leadership | 3 Credits |
Graduate Nursing Core Courses (6 credit hours)
| NURS 603 | Professional Role Development: Advanced Practice Nurse | 3 Credits |
| NURS 610 | Health Promotion/Disease Prevention | 3 Credits |
Nurse Practitioner Core Courses (11 credit hours)
| NURS 611 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
| NURS 612 | Advanced Health Assessment | 5 Credits |
| NURS 615 | Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics | 3 Credits |
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (21 credit hours)
| NURS 660 | Psychopharmacology and Advanced Mental Health | 3 Credits |
| NURS 661 | Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management I | 3 Credits |
| NURS 662 | Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management Practicum I | 3 Credits |
| NURS 663 | Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management II | 3 Credits |
| NURS 664 | Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management Practicum II | 3 Credits |
| NURS 665 | Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management III | 3 Credits |
| NURS 667 | Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management Practicum III | 3 Credits |
Online Post-Master's NP Certificate PMHNP Concentration
For the PMHNP concentration you will need:
| NURS 660 | Psychopharmacology and Advanced Mental Health | 3 Credits |
| NURS 661 | Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management I | 3 Credits |
| NURS 662 | Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management Practicum I | 3 Credits |
| NURS 663 | Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management II | 3 Credits |
| NURS 664 | Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management Practicum II | 3 Credits |
| NURS 665 | Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management III | 3 Credits |
| NURS 667 | Psychiatric Mental Health Diagnosis and Management Practicum III | 3 Credits |
To ensure the best possible educational experience for our students, we may update our curriculum to reflect emerging and changing employer and industry trends. Professional licensure and certification regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Students are encouraged to visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing for the state in which they intend to practice to verify specific licensure requirements which includes ensuring the program of interest meets the licensure requirements prior to enrolling. Students may visit the professional licensure page or reach out to our team of enrollment advisors for guidance.
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) provide holistic mental healthcare for patients of all ages, from childhood through end of life. These in-demand professionals diagnose conditions, develop healthcare plans, implement treatment, and evaluate the effectiveness and progress of treatment. A career in this field may be a good fit for you if you have a passion for supporting people through difficult situations and helping them overcome mental health challenges such as mood disorders, addictions, and more.
PMHNPs work in many varied settings, including:
Find out more about career prospects for PMHNPs.