Now Enrolling: UNE Online’s New Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs

As communities across the country face a growing need for skilled mental health professionals, UNE Online is proud to launch two new programs designed to meet these needs: a Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and a Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) PMHNP. Our online PMHNP programs prepare registered nurses to step into the role of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. You’ll learn how to provide holistic, evidence-based care to individuals, families, and communities.

Whether you’re a BSN-prepared nurse ready to pursue your first graduate degree, or an experienced MSN or DNP-prepared nurse seeking to specialize, UNE Online’s PMHNP programs meet you where you are in your nursing journey.

Two PMHNP Pathways, One Mission

UNE Online’s PMHNP programs were created with flexibility and support in mind. Coursework is fully online, with a single two-day campus immersion experience to build hands-on skills and assess clinical readiness. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty mentors, and personalized guidance from application through graduation.

• Master of Science in Nursing PMHNP: Designed for BSN-prepared nurses ready to earn their first advanced degree.
  Credits: 46
  Time to Completion: As little as 2 years
  Clinical Hours: 780
• Post-Master’s Certificate PMHNP: Designed for nurses with a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing who want to specialize in psychiatric care.
  Credits: 28
  Time to Completion: As little as 2 years
  Clinical Hours: 780

In both the MSN PMHNP and PMC PMHNP pathways, you’ll gain the skills to:

• Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments
• Diagnose psychiatric conditions
• Develop and manage evidence-based treatment plans
• Work across a variety of settings—from rural clinics to telehealth platforms

Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) national certification exams and are prepared to address the mental health provider shortage with clinical excellence and compassion. 

Real-World Preparation, Real Community Impact

Courses are grounded in neuroscience and delivered by expert faculty with active clinical backgrounds in mental health care. You’ll explore psychopathology, psychopharmacology, therapeutic modalities, and interprofessional collaboration. Clinical rotations, secured in partnership with UNE’s clinical placement team, prepare you to thrive in diverse settings, including hospitals, schools, correctional facilities, and community-based care.

“Our students learn to see the brain, the person, and the system together. The program is built on neuroscience and evidence, with space for humanity, presence, and the deeper dimensions of care.”“Pete O’Donnell, Program Director/Associate Clinical Professor

 Strong Demand, Rewarding Career Outlook

UNE Online’s PMHNP program graduates are entering one of the fastest-growing nurse practitioner roles. According to Lightcast, jobs for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are projected to grow by 25.85% from 2022 to 2027. Salaries range from $145,000 to $265,000 depending on practice setting and location.

Why Choose UNE Online?

• Best Online PMHNP Programs: UNE Online is known for high-quality, flexible graduate programs tailored to working professionals.
  
  
• Supportive Learning Environment: You’ll receive one-on-one mentorship and faculty advising from day one.
  
  
• Rooted in Maine, Ready for Anywhere: As Maine’s leading health university, UNE is dedicated to workforce development across the state and beyond.

Scholarships for PMHNP Students Committed to Maine

UNE Online offers two exclusive scholarships for our PMHNP programs for students committed to working in Maine after graduation: 

• Glickman Lauder Scholarship – Up to $15,000 for students who commit to serving rural Maine.
  
  
• Betterment Scholarship – $5,000 annually for students who plan to practice in the state of Maine.
  

To learn more about eligibility, reach out to our admissions team at onlineadmissions@une.edu.

Application Materials for PMHNP

We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications for our PMHNP Programs. We find that 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 students’ previous academic coursework and application materials.

For both the certificate and master’s programs, students will need to provide:

• Copy of nursing degree transcripts (bachelor’s transcripts for the MS and master’s transcripts for the certificate program)
• Copy of RN license without restrictions
• a resume/CV
• Essay addressing the following questions: 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?

Students should also have some background in psychiatric nursing, either through coursework in undergraduate studies or practical experience in the field.  

Apply Today

Now’s the time to take the next step in your nursing career. If you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of others and in the future of mental health care, UNE Online is ready for you.

Apply Now or contact us at onlineadmissions@une.edu or (207) 602-3698.