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
Length: 28-36 months
Total Credits: 49-64
Application Deadlines:
Spring: 11/21/2023
Summer: 3/26/2024
Upcoming Start Dates:
Spring: 1/2/2024
Summer: 4/29/2024
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?
Graduates entering the field as PMHNPs have the potential for substantial earning power. According to Payscale, the median annual salary for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners as of March 2023 was $115,700.
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.
Why Choose Regis for Your Online MSN PMHNP Program?
100% online, flexible learning environment
Complete in as few as 28-36 months
Qualify to sit for ANCC certification
At 92%, our NP exam pass rates exceed national average*
Transfer credits accepted
*Based on Regis online and on-campus NP exam pass rates
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.
Master’s Programs Guide ranked Regis #16 in 50 Best Online Master of Science in Nursing Programs.
Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Regis College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
Designated as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing 2008-2020
Ranked among the Top 25 Fastest-Growing Colleges by The Business Journals
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
Ways to Save on Your Online PMHNP Program Tuition
Employee Discounts
Regis partner employees can receive a discount on their tuition. Find out if your employer is a partner.
Federal & Military Discounts
Federal government employees as well as active and reserve military and veterans are eligible for a 15% discount on tuition. Find out more.
Alumni Discounts
Regis alumni who have received a previous degree from Regis are eligible for a 10% discount on tuition. Speak to an advisor for more information.
Financial Aid
We are here to support you through the process. Speak to an advisor to learn more.
Graduate Assistantship
Earn financial aid helping fellow students while also gaining valuable professional skills. Get more details.
Regis discounts cannot be combined with any other discount or scholarship offered by Regis. Some exceptions may apply.
Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program Admission Requirements
To be eligible for this program, students must meet the following qualifications:
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
Meet our Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program Faculty
Kelly Carlson, Ph.D., PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, CNE
PMHNP - Program Director
View Full Bio of Kelly Carlson, Ph.D., PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, CNE
Megan Hawk, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Senior Lecturer, PMHNP Online Program
View Full Bio of Megan Hawk, MSN, PMHNP-BC
About Regis
As a leader in education, Regis is dedicated to offering programs with a holistic view of health care that are designed for the future of the field. Through cutting-edge coursework, industry-active faculty members, and an array of majors and graduate programs, Regis has been able to positively impact the educational community, health care landscape, and personal lives of students nationwide.
“In recent years, Regis has become a powerhouse in professional and graduate education in nursing and health sciences. As a result, our university has become increasingly visible locally, nationally, and internationally.”
Dr. Antoinette Hays RN, Ph.D.
President
When you choose Regis, you join a closely knit community with big university benefits. As a Regis student, you have the opportunity to build a solid health care foundation, lasting professional connections, and the specialized expertise you need to expand your skills and perspective. Prepare to enter in-demand fields such as nursing and health administration confidently with an education of the highest standard.
