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Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Prepare to transform lives and shape the future of mental healthcare.

 

In our PMHNP role specialty, you’ll learn to provide a full range of specialized mental health and psychiatric care—assessing, diagnosing, prescribing medications and delivering therapy for individuals across the lifespan. Our online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs prepare you to become an advanced practice nurse with focused training in mental health treatment, case management, policy research, education and advocacy.

Realize your vision of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate (FNP and PMHNP role specialties) programs at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

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BUILT-IN FLEXIBILITY

Choose from six start dates (including midterm starts).1 Work with your advisor to create a plan for decelerated or accelerated study. Participate in one virtual, hands-on clinical intensive.  

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ONLINE + HANDS-ON LEARNING

Guided by expert faculty, participate in simulated real-world clinical scenarios with your peers and receive personalized feedback and support. Fine-tune your skills through one required virtual clinical intensive. 

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ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT

Thrive in a supportive learning environment through practicum support, tutoring, expert mentorship, writing assistance and more.  

Ready to make a lasting impact in mental health?

 

PMHNP-focused programs and certificates

The PMHNP role specialty within the MSN and PG-C programs prepare you to practice as a skilled psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, while the DNP-PMHNP prepares you to lead, innovate and transform mental health care at the highest level. As a PMHNP, you may work in: 

 

Schools

Private practices

Public health facilities

Outpatient clinics

Hospitals 

CHOOSE

the best path for you

No matter where you are in your career, we have a program designed to help you realize your vision of becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate (PG-C) students at USAHS may enroll in these online PMHNP programs. 

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Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Role Specialty

Online coursework + one required virtual clinical intensive

 

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) 

 

RN to MSN 

  • 11 trimesters (3.7 years)2

     

  • 64 credit hours + 754 practicum contact hours 

BSN to MSN

  • 9 trimesters (3 years), although acceleration options are available2

     

  • 55 credit hours + 754 practicum contact hours 

 

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

 

BSN to DNP  

  • 12 trimesters (4 years)2

     

  • 77 credit hours + 1,334 practicum contact hours 

 

Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates (PG-C)

 

 

APRN-Entry  

  • 5 trimesters (1.7 years)2

     

  • 28 credit hours + 754 practicum contact hours 

 

Non-APRN-Entry   

  • 6 trimesters (2 years)2

     

  • 37 credit hours + 754 practicum contact hours 

 

Specialize as an PMHNP and elevate your career.

 

The future is bright 

MEET THE DEMAND FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS

 
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40% Growth Rate 

Predicted from 2023-2033, with 141,200 new jobs added

$132,050 Salary 

Median annual pay in 2024 

Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners," Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified April 2025: www.bls.gov/ooh

 

This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific data and represents national median annual wages, not starting pay for recent grads. Conditions in your area may vary. USAHS does not guarantee salary levels.

 
 
 
 

Student Testimonials

FROM TOMORROW'S LEADERS

 

WE SET THE NEXT STANDARD IN HEALTH SCIENCES EDUCATION

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is a graduate institution that offers degree programs in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, healthcare education, as well as continuing education programs.

 

Founded in 1979, USAHS has locations in San Marcos, California; St. Augustine, Florida; Miami, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Dallas, Texas. 

 

USAHS is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001, www.wscuc.org.

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San Marcos, CA  | St. Augustine, FL | Miami, FL |  Austin, TX  | Dallas, TX

Smiling healthcare professionals, a woman in a lab coat and a man in scrubs, walking forward, suggesting progress in a family nurse practitioner career.
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1 Three start dates are available for most programs. Start dates differ by program and campus combination. 

 

2Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, traditional versus accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors.

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