- Overview
- Specializations
- Online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Program
- Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program (PMHNP)
- Online Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program (WHNP)
- Online Adult Gerontology – Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) Program
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Program Details
- Careers
- Curriculum
- Admission Requirements
- University Details
- Faculty
- FAQs
- Resources
- Tuition and Fees
Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program (PMHNP)
Overview
At Regis College, we believe in promoting holistic care. For patients and families, that includes mental wellness. That’s why we offer an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialization.
With an increasing demand for mental health services and a growing shortage of mental health care providers, the need for skilled PMHNPs has never been greater. Our online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is designed to help the next wave of nurse practitioners (NPs) master the skills and mindset needed to aid patients seeking mental health care.
What can you do with a psychiatric mental health nursing degree?
Where do psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners work?
Calendar
Credits: 42-66
Courses: 19
Duration: 26-38 months
Application Deadline:
December 8, 2025
Upcoming Start Date:
January 5, 2026
Why Choose Regis for Your Online MSN PMHNP Program?





Benefits of an Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
Our online PMHNP program offers students the flexibility to fit coursework around their busy schedules and earn their degree in three years or less. The program also prepares students to enter a field filled with opportunities due to growing demand for mental health care.
Students in the program can realize these advantages alongside the primary benefit of the degree — to help people struggling with mental health develop strategies to improve their well-being.







What Can You Do with an Online PMHNP Program Degree?
As the stigma around mental health care has diminished in recent years, more people, including military veterans, are pursuing mental health treatment and understanding the benefits of mental wellness. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners help patients and their families in a variety of ways, including:
- Helping patients regain or improve their coping abilities
- Assisting patients with self-care activities
- Consulting with medical and mental health professionals as part of a treatment team
- Educating patients and families about mental health conditions
- Connecting patients with available resources and services
- Assessing patient condition, monitoring progress, and administering treatment plans and medication
While psychiatric mental health care is a specialized area of nurse practitioner practice, you may choose to further specialize your career beyond the PMHNP title by focusing on specific disorders or patient populations upon graduation. Some of your options include:
- Children and Adolescents
- Geriatric
- Eating Disorders
- Consultation/Liaison
- Forensics
- Correctional Facilities
Where Do Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners Work?
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner online program prepares RNs for an in-demand field that requires a robust, specialized skill set and a high level of emotional intelligence. PMHNPs can fill a variety of roles, including psychiatric primary care providers, psychotherapists, consultants, and educators. They can also work in a wide range of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Privately owned clinics
- Outpatient facilities
- Long-term care centers
- Mental health facilities
- Home health services
- Community health organizations
- Education
What Is the Typical Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Salary?
Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Job Outlook
Approximately 20% of the U.S. population experiences a mental illness each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and 1 in 25 Americans lives with a serious mental illness. Yet more than 160 million people live in an area with a shortage of mental health providers, according to the latest data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
This gap between supply and demand creates opportunities for the next generation of advanced practice nurses, including psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 46% job growth for nurse practitioners between 2021 and 2031.
The online MSN is a virtual extension of our highly regarded on-campus program, one of the largest nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts. The Regis School of Nursing was the first in New England to be designated a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nursing.
At Regis, we work directly with active nursing professionals, which means our PMHNP program incorporates insider perspective on the leadership qualities the field demands to help you build those skills. With our MSN, you can develop important leadership qualities such as critical thinking, professional and interpersonal communication, effective decision-making, patience, and more.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Careers
Give patients the specialized treatment and guidance they need throughout their journey to mental wellness.
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners play a significant role in the modern health care system. A 2019 study by the American Association of Psychiatric Nurses reported that only 20% of children and adolescents, and 44% of adults, are able to receive the care they need to address their mental health and substance abuse issues. With statistics such as these, the role that psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) play in helping people improve their mental health has never been more critical.
As a PMHNP, you’ll intersect with the roles of psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists, providing patient care to those with mental and psychiatric health issues, as well as substance abuse issues. PMHNPs also work with the families of their patients and educate communities to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health.
PMHNPs are in demand

PMHNP responsibilities include:
- Diagnose and treat common acute psychiatric problems, illnesses, and crises
- Psychopharmacologic management in collaboration with psychiatrist
- Provide individual, group, and family psychotherapy
- Coordinate and integrate multidisciplinary services for clients with complex psychiatric problems
- Monitor common health care problems and refer for specialized medical treatment as needed
- Work with clients and their families in anticipation of developmental milestones, life cycle events
- Perform or recommend age-appropriate screening procedures
- Promote wellness-oriented self-care
Common practice settings include:
- Behavioral health/addictions clinics
- Psychiatric mental health facilities
- Private NP practices
- Hospitals
- Universities
- Assisted living facilities
- Recovery services
- Military care
- Telemedicine services
- Public health facilities
Did You Know?*
- On average, full-time NPs certified in psychiatric mental health reported that they see approximately 15 patients per day.
- The top clinical focus areas for PMHNPs are psychiatry/psychology and behavioral health/addiction.
- The top practice settings for NPs certified in psychiatric mental health are behavioral health/addictions clinics, psychiatric mental health facilities and private NP practices.
*AANP
Ready for Your Next Step?
Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program Curriculum
We’re here to support you. With several avenues for student support, no GRE requirements, and a flexible learning environment, we’re breaking down barriers that often prevent bright minds from reaching their full potential in advanced practice.
Our inclusive approach to psychiatric mental health nursing practice starts with three entry points:
- Associate Degree in Nursing to MSN
- Non-Nursing Bachelor’s to MSN
- Primary Care of the Psychiatric Mental Health Client
Experience an Expertly Crafted Curriculum Taught by Our Supportive Faculty.
Associate Degree in Nursing to MSN
- Associate Degree in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution and accredited program
- Must complete a college-level statistics course prior to the start of classes
- Active unencumbered RN license
- General education courses may be required, depending on your prior undergraduate coursework
Non-Nursing Bachelor’s to MSN
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
- Must complete a college-level statistics course prior to the start of classes
- Active unencumbered RN license
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required.
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license required.
- General education courses are not required due to prior bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing to MSN
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution and accredited program
- Must complete a college-level statistics course prior to the start of classes
- Active unencumbered RN license
Core MSN Courses Include:
Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP)
Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program Admission Requirements
Registered Nurse with Associate Degree Entry or Registered Nurse with Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Entry:
- An Associate Degree in Nursing or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA preferred
- Active unencumbered RN license
- Complete 15 bridge credit hours with a B or better
- Must complete a college-level statistics course prior to the start of classes
- For RNs with an Associate Degree in Nursing, general education courses may be required, depending on your prior undergraduate coursework
Registered Nurse with Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Entry:
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited institution and accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA preferred
- Active unencumbered RN license
- Must complete a college-level statistics course prior to the start of classes
Online PMHNP Program Application Requirements
You can begin your application process today. To get started you will need to submit the following:
- Application form
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Proof of active unencumbered RN license
- Current resume
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
About Regis

Meet Our Faculty

Megan Hawk, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Frequently Asked Questions
Regis is a leading Catholic university in Greater Boston that has been preparing students for success in an evolving, global world since 1927. Our distinguished and personable faculty prepare nurses with a values-based education integrated with cutting-edge technology and industry-focused curriculum in a wide variety of high-demand and niche specializations.
With a focus on holistic patient-centered care, our online MSN program incorporates insider perspectives on the leadership qualities the field demands to help you build the skills you’ll need to positively affect the field.
NPs have greater control over their professional practice and patient outcomes and may benefit from competitive salary earnings. Many NPs practice independently in some states with prescriptive authority and are being granted more autonomy nationwide.
Additionally, the health care industry is facing a nationwide shortage of physicians and a rising need for primary care, particularly during the pandemic. Preparing to become an NP helps nurses hone their skills to deliver the best patient care and outcomes in an industry that continually emphasizes the need to attain ongoing and advanced education.
The program allows three points of entry, providing flexibility to our students:
- RN with Associate Degree (ADN to MSN)
- RN with Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Degree (Bachelor’s to MSN)
- RN with Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN to MSN)
Depending on your entry point, you may complete your online MSN degree in as few as:
36 months – RN with Associate Degree (ADN to MSN)
36 months – RN with Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Degree (Bachelor’s to MSN)
28 months – RN with Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN to MSN)
*Final curriculum will be decided on individual basis, including potential transfer credits
Depending on your entry point and chosen specialization, the number of credits earned through the online MSN degree may vary:
RN with Associate Degree (ADN to MSN): 61 credits/PMHNP 64 credits
RN with Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Degree (Bachelor’s to MSN): 61 credits/PMHNP 64 credits
RN with Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN to MSN): 46 credits/PMHNP 49 credits
Cost Per Credit Hour:
- $1025 per credit hour
Application fee: $75
More information about online graduate nursing program tuition and fees, financial aid, payment options, etc., can be found here.
Yes. You may be eligible to transfer up to 9 graduate credits from a regionally accredited institution and accredited program. Three credits each, final grade of a B- or better. Have more questions? Speak with an admissions advisor to learn more.
*Conditions may apply
The online MSN student will typically complete between 664 and 724 hours of clinical practice, depending on your entry point.
Students have an option to space out clinical hours over 2-4 semesters, with approval from the program director.
Regis is proud to offer a 10% tuition discount on fully online programs for employees, members, and spouses of employees of our partner organizations.*
Regis College aims to help military, veterans, and their families to further their education. This is why we offer a 15% tuition discount to all active and reserve military, veterans, and military spouses for our online programs.
We’re also pleased to offer 15% off tuition on online programs to all federal government employees, and their spouses, working in any federal department.
A 10% Alumni discount is available to anyone who has graduated from Regis with a degree, excluding those who only received a certificate from Regis.
Two levels of graduate assistantships are offered at Regis, giving students the unique experience of gaining valuable professional skills while benefiting from financial aid opportunities.**
*Some exceptions apply. The Regis partnership discount cannot be combined with any other discount or scholarship offered by Regis.
**Graduate Assistantships are available to graduate students who are enrolled in a minimum of six credits within their graduate program and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Resources
How to Become a Mental Health Nurse
Discover how to become a mental health nurse, and learn how earning an advanced nursing degree can give you the skills to make a big impact in care delivery.
What is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner?
Discover what a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is and how to become one by earning an advanced education, such as a post-master’s certificate.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Salary, Career Outlook & More
Explore how earning an online post-master’s certificate in nursing can help you advance your nursing career and earn a psychiatric nurse practitioner salary.
What Does a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Do?
What does a psychiatric nurse practitioner do? They use their in-depth knowledge of mental health issues to work with patients and families and help them cope with disorders and promote mental well-being.
What Is the Importance of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing?
EBP enables nurses to make data-backed solutions that incorporate clinical expertise and current research into the decision-making process.
BSN or MSN: Which Is Right for Me?
The nursing discipline features a full range of educational options, including baccalaureate, graduate, and terminal degrees.
Tuition and Fees
$1025
Per credit hour
$100-$300
Estimated cost of textbooks per course
Ways to Save on Your Online PMHNP Program Tuition

Regis partner employees can receive a discount on their tuition. Find out if your employer is a partner.

Federal government employees as well as active and reserve military and veterans are eligible for a 15% discount on tuition.

Regis alumni who have received a previous degree from Regis are eligible for a 10% discount on tuition.

We are here to support you through the process.

Earn financial aid helping fellow students while also gaining valuable professional skills. Get more details.
Related Programs

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Adult Gerontology – Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Online BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice
