Online Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

100% Online Degree

Earn Your Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Degree at Maine’s Leading Health University

We offer two distinct educational paths to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)—each designed to meet you where you are in your nursing career. 

Our Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is ideal if you’re a BSN-prepared nurse looking to earn your first graduate degree and specialize in psychiatric mental health.

Our Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) is designed for nurses who already hold a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing and want to add a PMHNP specialization to their credentials.

Our online PMHNP programs equip health care professionals with the skills to make a lasting impact in communities facing mental health challenges. Our career-ready, state-of-the-art, evidence-based curriculum ensures you’ll be prepared to conduct thorough mental health assessments, make accurate diagnoses, create evidence-based treatment plans, safely manage complex mental health situations, and provide care to individuals, families and communities across their lifespan.

Both PMHNP programs require the completion of clinical rotation hours to prepare you for the certification exams of your choosing, either the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). As mental health professionals face increasing demand, you’ll graduate ready to provide compassionate care across inpatient settings, urban clinics, rural centers, or telehealth programs, helping to improve mental health care access where it’s needed most.

Program Highlights:

  • Total Credits: 
    • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Master of Science in Nursing Program: 46
    • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post Master’s Certificate Program: 28
  • Rotation Hours: 780 for both Master’s and Post Master’s
  • Time to Completion: As little as two years for both Master’s and Post Master’s
  • Course Length: 14 week sessions
  • Intake: Fall or Spring
  • Delivery: 100% online course work with a single two-day campus immersion experience

The University of New England’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) programs will equip you to make a meaningful impact as part of a growing community of mental health professionals addressing one of the nation’s most pressing healthcare needs.

Take the next step in your career and apply today.

APPLY NOW

Request More Information

Why Choose the UNE's Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Degree?

Fully Online

Fully Online

Course work will be fully online with a single two-day campus immersion experience to assess entry level competence and professionalism—ideal for working RNs.

Make a Difference

Make a Difference

As you progress through the curriculum, you’ll gain the skills to make a meaningful difference—helping to address the nationwide shortage of mental health professionals and meet a growing need in communities across the country.

Supportive

Supportive

With guidance and support from dedicated faculty, you’ll follow a thoughtfully designed curriculum that prepares you for a rewarding career in a variety of settings—from nursing education and pediatric care to roles within the criminal justice system. Each student will be paired with a dedicated faculty mentor who will provide academic guidance throughout the program.

Projected Job Growth

Projected Job Growth

The U.S. faces a growing shortage of psychiatric providers—PMHNPs are in demand. PMHNP jobs are projected to grow at a rate of 25.85% from 2022-2027.

Career Paths for PMHNP Graduates

The employment outlook for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners is robust throughout New England and the country with positions available in diverse environments. Graduates are prepared to practice in a wide range of settings from hospitals, community and primary care clinics, and corrections and educational facilities.

The demand for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) continues to rise, with Lightcast projecting a 25.85% job growth rate from 2022 to 2027—and even higher in rural areas.

Salaries for PMHNPs vary widely, typically ranging from $145,000 to $265,000 annually. Compensation depends on factors such as inpatient vs. outpatient settings, as well as employment within public (Federal/State), private, or non-profit healthcare organizations.

Nationally certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) are in high demand across a wide range of healthcare settings.

PMHNP Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the online PMHNP program, the student will be able to:

  1. Synthesize Knowledge: Draw from nursing and other relevant disciplines to inform and enhance high-quality, person-centered nursing practice, education, and research.
  2. Advance Continuous Quality Improvement: Implement strategies that cultivate cultures of patient safety, promote workplace well-being, and improve the overall effectiveness of healthcare systems. 
  3. Apply a Systematic and Scientific Approach: Use evidence-based methods to solve practice-related challenges across a variety of clinical environments.
  4. Utilize Information and Communication Technologies: Leverage digital tools to provide care, coordinate healthcare services, and analyze data for better patient, population, and system-level outcomes.
  5. Engage in Advocacy and Policy Development: Influence policy and advocate for changes that ensure equitable health outcomes, control healthcare costs, and support the advancement of the nursing profession.
  6. Demonstrate Interprofessional Communication and Collaborative Leadership: Exhibit strong communication and leadership skills to promote teamwork and achieve positive outcomes in clinical practice.
  7. Analyze Influential Factors in Care: Evaluate the social, cultural, economic, legal, ethical, and political elements that shape person-centered and population-focused healthcare.
  8. Appraise Professional Responsibilities and Ethics: Reflect on and uphold the ethical principles and professional responsibilities fundamental to advanced nursing practice.

Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Leadership

Slide
Headshot of Pete ODonnell

“As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I’ve seen how deeply people are affected by gaps in mental health care—and how much difference a well-prepared provider can make. That’s why I’m so excited about this program. We’re giving students the tools they need to understand the brain, the whole person, and the system they’re working in. The courses are grounded in neuroscience- linking brain function, pharmacology, and behavior—with clinical practice, but they also leave room for the human side of care. It’s the kind of training that empowers clinicians to show up fully for their patients—clinically sharp and deeply present.”

—Pete ODonnell, Program Director/Associate Clinical Professor
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Slide
Headshot of Dana Law-Ham

“I am very excited about engaging with this very important program! The mental health field of providers is extremely sparse and our communities need more providers that offer these precious services. As a family nurse practitioner, I am acutely aware of the lack of resources and feel that this program will be the answer! I look forward to guiding students on a journey into pharmacology that provides not only a review of foundational pharmacological concepts and medications but does so in the context of a new role - that of a prescribing provider!”

—Dana M. Law-Ham, Ph.D., RN, FNP-BC, CNE, Clinical Professor

PMHNP Admissions

At UNE Online, we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications. Our PMHNP Programs draw applicants from diverse backgrounds and a rich variety of academic experiences. Successful students have natural perseverance, an inclination to take on new challenges and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities. We review applicants in a comprehensive manner, taking into consideration their previous academic coursework and application materials.

Admission Requirements:

Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) 

Completion of the following:

  • Bachelor’s of Nursing required
    • Copy of nursing transcript that shows at least a 3.0 GPA for 2+ years professional nursing work experience OR a 3.2 GPA for less than 2 years of professional nursing work experience
  • A background in psychiatric nursing, either through coursework in undergraduate studies or practical experience in the field
  • Upload active RN license without restrictions
  • Resume/CV
  • Goal Statement/Essay addressing: What inspired you to pursue graduate study in your chosen field? What strengths or assets will support your success in this program and future profession? What areas of personal or professional growth do you hope to address and achieve through this program?

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post Master’s Certificate

Completion of the following:

  • Master’s in Nursing required
    • Copy of nursing transcript that shows at least a 3.0 GPA and 2+ years professional nursing work experience OR a 3.2 GPA for less than 2 years of professional nursing work experience
  • A background in psychiatric nursing, either through coursework shown on transcripts or practical experience in the field
  • Upload active RN license without restrictions
  • Resume/CV
  • Goal Statement/Essay addressing: What inspired you to pursue graduate study in your chosen field? What strengths or assets will support your success in this program and future profession? What areas of personal or professional growth do you hope to address and achieve through this program?

For additional information or if you need assistance with the application process, please contact our Admissions Team at onlineadmissions@une.edu or 866-894-9371.

    APPLY NOW

    PMHNP Curriculum

    Beginning in either the Fall or Spring semesters, you will attain your 46 credits or 28 credits through online education and 780 clinical rotation hours. The Master’s and Post Master’s also require a two day campus immersion that will utilize state-of-the-art simulation/virtual reality and standardized patient facilities housed in the new Harold and Bibby Alfond Center for Health Sciences on the Portland Campus for the Health Sciences in Maine.

    Please note: Post Master’s Certificate (PMC) students are only required to complete the role-specific and clinical practicum components of the program.

    PMHNP Clinical Rotation Hours Process

    Clinical Placement Process for PMHNP Students:

    UNE PMHNP Clinical Team supports students in securing their clinical placements with the active involvement of our PMHNP team. Here’s how it works:

    1. Initial Research: Students will begin by researching potential clinical sites and preceptors for their rotations.

    2. Advising Call: Students will have a call with the PMHNP team to discuss possible preceptors and receive guidance on selecting the most suitable sites.

    3. Site Identification and Coordination: The UNE PMHNP team will actively collaborate with students to identify and secure clinical sites. This includes initiating discussions with clinical sites to ensure alignment with program requirements and student needs.

    4. Documentation Submission: Students will submit all required documentation to finalize their placement, typically 9 months before the rotation begins.

    The UNE PMHNP team will be closely involved in each step to support students in securing a placement that aligns with their clinical goals.

    If you are having trouble identifying a site and preceptor, our dedicated program director partners with you to secure your site and preceptor. Please reach out to Program Director Pete ODonnell for questions about clinical rotation hour placement at podonnell2@une.edu

    PMHNP Tuition and Fees

    Tuition for the University of New England Online Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Post Master’s Certificate is competitive among other schools at $989/credit.* Because all of our courses are delivered 100% online, you will not incur the cost of regularly traveling to campus or relocating to complete your degree. 

    Two-Day PMHNP Pre-Clinical Campus Immersion

    Before you begin your clinical rotation hours, students are required to attend a two-day in-person immersion experience. This immersion provides a valuable opportunity for deep learning, community building, and hands-on experience. 

    We understand that circumstances may arise. If a student is unable to attend in person, our PNHMP team will work with you to arrange a virtual option that ensures you can still fully participate. 

    Please reach out to our advising team at onlineadmissions@une.edu or 866-894-9371 to discuss potential costs and coverage associated with the Pre-Clinical Campus Immersion. 

    Scholarships

    UNE Online is proud to offer two scholarships for our PMHNP Programs for students committing to working in Maine after graduation. 

    The Glickman Lauder Scholarship is offered to students committed to working in rural Maine. This scholarship includes $2,500 per semester over 6 or 5 semesters. The total amount received ranges from $12,500 or $15,000 depending on enrollment in the Master’s or Post Master’s. This scholarship is offered to three students annually.

    The Betterment Scholarship is offered to students committed to working in Maine. This scholarship includes $5,000 for each year they are in the program. It is offered to two students annually.

    Scholarship Application Process

    Applicants need to answer the following questions to be considered for the scholarships. 

    1. Explain your motivation and decision in Explain your motivation and decision in becoming a PMHNP in Maine.
    2. How do you plan to make an impact on the workforce shortage while also thinking about the outcomes of those most impacted by mental health disparities?
    3. Where do you see yourself practicing as a PMHNP once you have completed the program?
    4. Explain how you would inspire the next generation of nurses (UG UNE students) to think about mental health nursing or PMHNP as a career path?

    Reach out to our Enrollment Team at onlineadmissions@une.edu or 866-894-9371 for more information on available scholarships.

    Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

    Cost per
    Credit: $989

    # of credits: 46

    Typical Cost for Program:
    $45,494

    Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC)

    Cost per
    Credit: $989

    # of credits: 28

    Typical Cost for Program:
    $27,692

    *Note: Tuition is subject to change. Listed tuition does not include the cost of fees, books, or additional credits that may be required, etc. Contact student Financial Services to learn more.

    Application Fee (non-refundable)
    FREE
    General Services Fee (per semester, non-refundable for matriculated students)
    $415
    Tuition (per credit hour)
    $989
    Program Fee (per semester)
    $750
    Malpractice Insurance Fee
    $45
    Health Insurance Fee (per year)
    $5,854

    Accreditation

    When choosing an institution of higher education, you want to be sure your investment will hold value upon completion. We are proud to hold NECHE (New England Commission on Higher Education) accreditation at the University of New England and for our graduate programs. NECHE Accreditation ensures a high level of academic quality and public accountability for the education being provided.

    Accreditation Image

    Our PMHNP programs are a candidate for accreditation by The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), which is the accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers in nursing. 

    Please contact Program Director Pete ODonnell for questions about accreditation at podonnell2@une.edu.

    Accreditation Image

    Faculty

    The University of New England’s School of Nursing faculty and staff are dedicated leaders in psychiatric nursing, committed to inspiring the next generation through their active engagement and respected expertise in the field.

    Student Support & Resources

    The College of Professional Studies (CPS) has a robust support team. Each student has access, from the time of application, to specialists who are actively engaged and knowledgeable about the program’s curricula and about specific courses and programs of study. Qualified faculty and/or staff facilitate student progress, and there are multiple opportunities to identify and support those who may experience difficulty in progressing through courses or completing other degree requirements.

    FAQ

    Both the Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program and the PMHNP Post Master’s Certificate can be completed in as little as two years.

    Yes. University of New England is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE). To learn more, please see https://www.une.edu/provost/accreditation/.
    Our PMHNP programs are a candidate for accreditation by The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), which is the accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers in nursing.

    Please contact Program Director Pete ODonnell for questions about accreditation at podonnell2@une.edu.

    The program coursework is offered 100% online with a single two-day campus immersion experience. When you graduate, you will be included in our on-campus Commencement ceremony!

    Students are required to attend the two day in-person immersion experience. This immersion provides a valuable opportunity for deep learning, community building, and hands-on experience. 

    We understand that circumstances may arise. If a student is unable to attend in person, our PNHMP team will work with you to arrange a virtual option that ensures you can still fully participate. 

    Please reach out to our advising team at onlineadmissions@une.edu or 866-894-9371 to discuss potential costs and coverage associated with the Pre-Clinical Campus Immersion. 

    Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to three, 3-credit courses (maximum nine semester credits) into the program. Transfer credit requests will be reviewed by the admissions committee for approval.

    Students need to submit official copies of nursing degree transcripts as part of their application (Copies of applicants’ BSN is required for the Master’s and MSN is required for the Post Master’s).
    Transcripts must show at least a 3.0 GPA for 2+ years professional nursing work experience OR at least a 3.2 GPA for less than 2 years of professional nursing work experience.

    No. Students must have professional nursing work experience Post-BSN to apply to the Master’s of PMHNP program.

    The Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program is designed to educate students with an earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree who aspire to the role of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). 

    The PMHNP Post Master’s Certificate is designed for nurses who already hold a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing and want to add a PMHNP specialization to their credentials.