Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Liberty University : MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (Online with required intensives)
West Coast University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online and Blended Formats)
Grand Canyon University : Master's Degree in Counseling (As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition.)
The Chicago School : M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online Programs. CACREP Accredited.)
National University : Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Accredited. No GRE. Scholarships Available)
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) : Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (100% Online, No GRE Required)
Colorado Christian University : Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online Curriculum (100% online, or hybrid format. )
Lamar University : Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (100% Online, Affordable Tuition, Study on Your Time)Several learning institutions offer online PMHNP programs, but there are specific qualifications you are required to have in order to be enrolled in such programs. These qualifications include a registered nurse (RN) license and a bachelor's degree from an accredited school. If you are enrolled in PMHNP programs, you will be equipped with advanced training ranging from assessment and diagnosis to treatment of mental health conditions.
With online PMHNP programs, you can study at your own pace and receive the same quality education as those who attend on-campus programs. However, in order to become a certified PMHNP and independent mental health provider, you will be required to take a certification program to validate your knowledge and skills in psychiatric mental health.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| Liberty University
MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
Our CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling degree online can help you become an ethical, well-trained mental health counselor with the knowledge, values, and skills you need to empower others to make positive changes in their lives. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| West Coast University
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
|
✔ Online
CACREP-aligned program |
Learn how to help people cope, heal, and thrive through our Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, which is available online and in a blended format. Earn your MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in as few as 29 months - that's less than 2.5 years! Competitive tuition with financial aid and scholarships available for those who qualify. Learn More |
| Grand Canyon University
Master's Degree in Counseling
HLC and NASAC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's degree emphases include: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders, Christian Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Trauma. Designed to meet the academic requirements of the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor credential, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition. Learn More |
| The Chicago School
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree Required. |
This online CMHC program prepares students for a career offering mental health services in a variety of settings; helping diverse clients through issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, stress, relationship difficulties, and suicidal impulses. Learn More |
| National University
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
WSCUC Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required |
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is focused on training highly skilled counselors to provide impactful and culturally sensitive mental health services in their communities. Learn More |
| Mid-America Christian University (MACU)
Master of Science (MS) in Counseling
Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
✔ Online
100% Online |
Expand your impact with an online counseling degree rooted in faith-based practice. Mid-America Christian University offers the largest Master of Science (MS) in Counseling program in Oklahoma, with emphasis areas in addiction and substance abuse, applied behavioral science, clinical mental health counseling, and marriage and family therapy. Explore the online MS in Counseling at MACU. Learn More |
| Colorado Christian University
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online Curriculum
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree |
Optional program emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and Substance Use Disorders. Learn More |
| Lamar University
Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
SACSCOC Accredited |
✔ Online
No GRE Required Minimum 3.25 Undergrad GPA |
This online degree program prepares you with knowledge, training and practical experience to guide persons coping with substance abuse, marriage, family, career and other emotional issues through difficulties by giving them tools and techniques to manage their lives and decisions. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (CACREP Accredited)
West Coast University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)
The Chicago School - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
National University - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (WSCUC Accredited)
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) - Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accredited)
Colorado Christian University - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Online Curriculum
Lamar University - Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (SACSCOC Accredited)
Online PMHNP Program Overview
The online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program is a nursing program that trains nurses to become more advanced and skilled as mental health providers. Online PMHNP programs cover several topics, including psychotherapy and diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. When you enroll in online PMHNP programs, you will be expected to complete the course, projects, and clinical practicums. This prepares you for what to do in the real-world nursing setting and how to go about it.
Online PMHNP proves convenient, especially for students who want to balance their education with other schedules, such as work commitments. Similar to an on-campus study, PMHNP programs can be delivered through interactive learning materials. You also engage with other students, contribute to group discussions, and complete assignments. Generally, online PMHNP programs take about 2 to 3 years to complete. Though when considering taking your online PMHNP programs, there are several factors you should consider. This includes the program’s cost, admission flexibility, and the university.
After completing PMHNP programs, graduates are eligible for a certification exam to a licensed PMHNP and provide psychiatric treatment to people suffering from mental health conditions. With these programs, you will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become a practical and effective mental health provider, helping to address the community’s need for mental health services.
What to Look for in an Online PMHNP Program
Looking for an online PMHNP program can be very easy since you need to search the internet for the university that offers such programs. However, getting the right school that offers quality PMHNP programs can be challenging. For this reason, there are several factors you should consider to ensure you get quality programs that meet the nursing profession and are recognized in the nursing community.
- Accreditation is an essential factor to consider when choosing an online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program. Several accrediting bodies, including the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), according to Nurse.org, evaluate nursing schools and programs to ensure quality and integrity in the nursing programs offered.
- Curriculum: Psychiatry is a vast field. Therefore, it should cover all the competencies of PMHNP practice, which includes psychotherapy, pharmacology, and assessment and diagnosis of mental health disorders.
- Faculty: For those considering enrolling for Psych np online programs at various institutions, look for a program and school with experienced and skilled faculty with vast knowledge of psychiatric mental health conditions.
- State Approval: Regardless of where you want to get started with your PMHNP program, ensure the programs are state approved by the state board of nursing.
- Technology: Since PMHNP programs are primarily offered online, technology comes in as a handy tool to consider. The technology used should provide an engaging and interactive learning experience.
Choosing the proper psych np online program is paramount and requires careful consideration. As an aspiring PHMNP, you should ensure the nursing school you are about to enroll for the programs is accredited and offers quality education for courses.
Accreditation of PMHNP Online Programs
Accreditation is a primary factor one should consider before applying for a PMHNP online program. Accreditation of online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner programs ensures students undertaking the courses receive a quality education that meets national standards and specific criteria.
Several accrediting bodies in the United States, including ACEN, CCNE, and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), constantly evaluate nursing schools and their programs. To ensure nursing schools provide quality education, the accrediting bodies evaluate the nursing school’s curriculum, faculty, student performances, and other psych np online programs competencies.
Generally, most states require graduates of PMHNP programs to have studied in an accredited school before being licensed to practice as a psychiatric mental health provider. Accreditation is important for one to obtain a license as a PMHNP. For this reason, students who attend accredited nursing schools meet the criteria for being licensed and practicing as PMHNPs.
Therefore, students must attend an accredited program to ensure they receive a high-quality education that meets national standards and prepares them as psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. Also, before you enroll in a nursing school, be sure the school accreditation status is such as to offer the programs.
Benefits of a PMHNP Online Degree
Online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner programs can offer several benefits to students undertaking the programs. Since the programs are conducted online, students who cannot attend campus studies find it suitable and convenient. These programs are flexible for students who have other commitments, such as work, and are trying to balance them with their education.
Regardless of geographical location, PMHNP online degree programs can be accessed at any location. These programs are convenient for students far away from on-campus learning. With an internet connection, they find it easy to pursue their education without having to commute daily for classes or relocate near their school.
Cost is another crucial factor when applying for PMHNP programs, whether for on-campus or online learning. Compared to on-campus learning, online psych np online programs are cheaper as they have lower costs associated with tuition fees and other learning materials. Students can access the learning materials online without buying them in bookstores.
In any school, student interaction and group work participation are crucial for students to become more engaged in what they are learning. Online PMHNP programs allow students to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and work together as a team. This also provides students with valuable opportunities for networking and learning from others.
What Does a PMHNP Do?
PMHNP graduates are trained to provide specialized care to patients with psychotic disorders. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners also work with other primary care providers to ensure patients receive quality treatment. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the role of a psychiatric mental health practitioner is to assess, diagnose and treat mental health conditions in affected patients.
- Mental health assessment: Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners provide comprehensive assessments. The PMHNPs diagnose a patient’s mental condition and develop a treatment that includes psychotherapy and medication management after clearly understanding the condition.
- Prescribe medications: Psychiatric disorders require health practitioners with vast knowledge of the conditions to prescribe treatment drugs. PMHNPs have certifications that permit them to prescribe medication for managing mental health conditions. Also, PMHNPs manage and monitor the side effects of medications to ensure the patients are safe on medication.
- Psychotherapy treatment: Psychotherapy is essential for patients with mental health conditions. This type of treatment can be used in conjunction with other treatment options. PMHNPs can provide both individual and group therapy which is effective at helping patients overcome mental health challenges and improve the patient’s well-being.
- Collaborate with other healthcare providers: Collaboration is an essential aspect of nursing. Collaborating with other PMHNPs can ensure patients receive quality care and also create a supportive environment where nurses can develop in their practice.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Salary and Job Outlook
Mental health is a big problem affecting millions of Americans. Data from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) showed that as of 2020, 52.9 million Americans were affected by mental illnesses. Mental health conditions include anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Also, a number of Americans struggle with substance abuse disorders. For this reason, there is a growing demand for mental health services across the country. This has been attributed to the increase in the aging population and the prevalence of mental health illnesses.
The job outlook is promising for future PMHNP graduates, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating the employment of nurse practitioners to grow by 52% from 2020 to 2030. Several factors, including location, experience, education, and the facility hiring for the position, will affect a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner’s salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary of a PMHNP is about $115,000.
How Much Does an Online Psych Nurse Practitioner (N.P.) Program Cost?
The cost of an online psych nurse practitioner program is an important factor that any aspiring psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner has to consider. The cost of an online PMHNP program varies from school to school, the location of the student, and the nursing school. The average cost of a PMHNP costs about $10000 to 30000. This can be even more depending on the course’s duration.
However, as an aspiring PMHNP student, several universities and colleges across the country offer these programs at an affordable fee. It’s also important to note that even though these programs are offered online, some practical exams will require you to be physically in the schools. This can make the students incur extra costs.
Since several nursing schools offer PMHNP programs, it would be best to research the programs and compare their costs, curriculum, and the schools’ accreditation to offer such courses. This will help you determine which program aligns with your goals and budget.
Admissions Requirements
Different schools have different requirements to enroll in a particular PMHNP program. Also, these requirements vary depending on the state of the student. However, standard admission requirements include the following:
- A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)
- Current and professional resume or CV
- Academic record transcripts
- Current, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license
- Application essay (roughly 3 to 4 pages)
- Three recommendation letters
- GPA of about 3.0
- Personal statement
- English language proficiency exam results (TOEFL or IELTS)
However, some PMHNP programs may require standardized test scores such as Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Though, it’s necessary to check with the program to verify their specific admission requirements.
Common Courses in PMHNP Online Program?
There are several courses in PMHNP online programs to consider. These programs can be suitable for those who want to become psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners or those who wish to continue their career growth. Online PHMNP programs equip students with the knowledge and skills required to practice as psychiatric nurse practitioners.
These programs include:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) PMHNP programs
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs:
- Post-masters PMHNP certificate
- R.N. to MSN PMHNP programs: This program offers bridging curricula for nurses with an unencumbered R.N. license in their state.
How Long Does It Take to Complete a PMHNP Online Program?
The duration of it will complete a PMHNP online program depends on several factors. This includes the type of program being undertaken, whether the enrollment is full-time or part-time, and experience. However, on average, it takes about 18 to 24 months to complete a PHMNP program enrolled full-time. If you have registered part-time, it can take about 24 to 32 months to complete the PMHNP program.
The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program includes coursework, projects, and clinical hours. It’s important to note that coursework can be completed online – learning materials are available online through the school platform to assist students with their studies. Clinical hours must be completed in person at a designated health care center. Though clinical hours usually vary, psych np online programs require 500 direct clinical practicum hours.
Certifications and Licensure
In the United States, PHMNP graduates must obtain certification and licensure from accrediting bodies to practice as psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner providers. This ensures the provider has been evaluated and assessed to have the training and knowledge to treat different mental health disorders.
Generally, certification is the process certifying bodies apply to assess healthcare providers’ expert knowledge and skills to practice psychiatry. In the U.S., certifying bodies like the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) ensure those who want to become certified as a PMHNP have to pass a certification exam.
Following certification, PHMNP graduates must obtain a license to practice as psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. In order to ensure PHMNPs meet the set standards and criteria for safe practice, licensure is a necessary regulatory process PHMNP graduates have to seek. Each state has a nursing board that allows PHMNP graduates to apply for a license to practice psychiatry. However, it’s important to note that every state has its requirements for licensure that PHMNPs have to meet. This includes education and an individual background check.
As a registered PHMNP, you can work in several settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, community health centers, and government agencies.
Scholarships for Psych Nurse Practitioner (NP) Students
Students pursuing a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner career can have major financial drawbacks. Some of the PHMNP programs can be very costly, especially for those who come from not well-to-do families. However, the good thing is that several scholarships and financial assistance programs are available throughout the country for PHMNP students. These scholarships help reduce students’ financial burdens during their education duration.
One way for a PHMNP student to get financial aid is by applying for federal and state grants. You can apply for an application for federal student aid, where you can get financial support to complete your course program. Fortunately, since these grants are based on an individual’s financial needs, repaying them is not necessarily necessary. Also, there are state-specific scholarships for nursing students, like the Alabama board of nursing graduate scholarship and the Arkansas nursing foundation scholarships.
College scholarships also offer financial support to students with financial problems, where they can apply for aid based on their needs. Students are assured of getting a quality education like those taking the programs on-campus.
Professional organizations like the American Association of Colleges of Nursing provide scholarships specifically for nursing students and PHMNPs.
Meta: Study at your own pace with online pmhnp programs training nurses as psychiatric nurse practitioners delivering quality health care in the mental health field.
Sources
Are You Considering a Career as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner? This source from AANP provides valuable information about what it takes to be a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Mental Illness. This resource from the National Institute of Mental Health provides statistics about mental illnesses in the United States. Also, links to other publications about mental disorders are included.
Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners. This resource from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides information about nurse practitioner job outlook, including statistical data and a facts sheet.
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. This source from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides information about psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners’ average annual pay, facts sheet, and statistical data.
Why Nursing School Accreditation Matters. This resource from Nurse.org provides accrediting bodies that evaluate the standards and quality of online PMHNP programs in nursing schools.
Sources
Are You Considering a Career as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner? This source from AANP provides valuable information about what it takes to be a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Mental Illness. This resource from the National Institute of Mental Health provides statistics about mental illnesses in the United States. Also, links to other publications about mental disorders are included.
Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners. This resource from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides information about nurse practitioner job outlook, including statistical data and a facts sheet.
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. This source from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides information about psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners’ average annual pay, facts sheet, and statistical data.
Why Nursing School Accreditation Matters. This resource from Nurse.org provides accrediting bodies that evaluate the standards and quality of online PMHNP programs in nursing schools.
List of Programs
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Liberty University 🗹 Online
West Coast University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
The Chicago School 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
National University 🗹 Online Courses Start Weekly
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) 🗹 Online
Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Lamar University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Butler University 🗹 Online
University of West Alabama 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of New Haven 🗹 Online
Rivier University 🗹 Online
Walsh University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
