Smiling student of the online MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at a desk with a patient.
Online MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Build Mental Health Nursing Skills and Prepare for Certification

Online MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

6
Semesters
$584
Ohio Resident, Cost Per Credit
40
Credit Hours

Provide Advanced Psychiatric Care

Ohio University's online MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program helps you acquire the skills to provide advanced nursing care to those with mental health needs. As you study best practices in mental health care, you'll have the opportunity for supervised clinical experiences in various agencies and programs, primarily community-based.

Upon graduation, you'll be prepared to sit for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Program Benefits

  • 100% online coursework (with limited on-campus intensives)
  • 750 hours of clinical experience
  • CCNE-accredited
  • #12 in Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs1
  • 15% scholarship available for eligible programs
  • Transfer up to nine credits
  • No GRE/GMAT required
  • Ranked #1 for 2025 by Nurse Practitioner Online2

FAQs

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Provide Comprehensive, Primary Mental Health Care

With your online MSN and PMHNP certification, you can become a psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner or pursue employment in outpatient mental health clinics, psychiatric emergency services, private practices, hospitals and more. You can also utilize your skills as a consultant or educator. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses made a median wage of $81,220 in 2022.3

Career Outlook

Promising Nursing Careers in Psychiatric Mental Health

  • Psychiatric Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)

    $132,521

    average base salary per year4

  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    $127,607

    average base salary per year5

  • Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN)

    $80,600

    average base salary per year6

Explore the Assessment, Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Mental Health

15-week Classes | 11 Courses

Ohio University's online MSN-PMHNP degree helps you develop skills in mental health assessment, diagnostic reasoning, psychopharmacology and advanced therapeutic modalities such as individual, group and family psychotherapy. Eligible graduates may sit for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam (PMHNP).

Online MSN-PMHNP Course Highlights:

  • NRSE 6846 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum I
  • NRSE 6847 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum II
  • NRSE 6848 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum III

View Complete Curriculum

Applying to the Online MSN-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program

Transfer up to 9 eligible credits | No GRE/GMAT required

The Ohio University Graduate College manages the application process for all Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs. The online MSN-PMHNP track admits students each fall and spring.

Next Start - Fall 2026:

  • Application Deadline: 07/06/26
  • Classes Begin: 08/24/26

To apply to OHIO's online degree, you will need:

  • Online application: Apply Now
  • Awarded Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 calculated across all undergraduate transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation. A minimum of two must be from individuals prepared at or above the master's level. At least one must be from an APRN or RN.
  • Resume or CV
  • Proof of residence and evidence of valid, unrestricted RN licensure. View a list of approved states
  • A web-based admission interview with faculty
  • English proficiency: Please review information about Ohio University's minimum English Language Proficiency requirements for graduate study.
  • Evidence of the equivalent of two years of full-time experience working as an RN within the past five years
  • Pre-clinical requirements:
    • Specified health status/clinical requirements (i.e., immunization status, BLS certification) per the current Graduate Handbook
    • Federal and state background checks free from disqualifying offenses
    • Evidence of malpractice insurance

View Application Process

Tuition and Aid Details

$23,360 (Resident) | $584 Per Credit (Resident) | Scholarships Available

Ohio University's online PMHNP program offers a Top 50 nursing education1 at an affordable price. You will develop the knowledge and skills to provide advanced nursing practice to patients and families with mental health needs.

Listed tuition is for estimating purposes only and is subject to change.

Tuition Details

  • Accreditation

    The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Ohio University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

  • Online Learning at OHIO

    Ohio University has a long tradition of offering online programs specifically designed for the modality and created for working professionals. Our online students complete engaging, comprehensive coursework that combines the academic excellence and experience-based learning of a traditional program with all the flexibility and convenience of online study.

    Designed by and for working nurses, students typically take two asynchronous courses per semester. Students work directly with faculty, who provide instruction, direction, and feedback to build upon the student's prior knowledge and develop their skills in advanced practice.

What You'll Learn

Students in Ohio University's CCNE-accredited online MSN-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepare to provide primary mental health care that involves continuous and comprehensive services. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam (PMHNP).

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  1. Synthesize knowledge from nursing and other disciplines as a basis for clinical judgment, clinical reasoning and innovative evidence-based education and practice.
  2. Incorporate evidence-based practice in the delivery of person-centered care to enhance health outcomes and improve health systems.
  3. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to select and apply principles of population health and advocacy strategies that optimize health outcomes for individuals, families, communities and populations.
  4. Integrate and evaluate evidence-based practice to inform and promote advanced clinical practice.
  5. Analyze and apply quality improvement strategies to create a culture of safe, professional nursing practice that optimizes health and protects all.
  6. Apply leadership skills as a member of the interprofessional team to optimize the health of individuals, families and populations within complex health care environments.
  7. Apply evidence-based, innovative strategies based on organizational and systems policies to enhance value, access, quality and cost-effectiveness within complex health care delivery systems.
  8. Integrate information technology systems to drive decision-making, health care change and interdisciplinary communication in complex health care delivery systems.
  9. Integrate the role of the advanced practice nurse by utilizing effective professional communication and presence to promote person-centered care.
  10. Contribute to an environment that promotes self-care, personal health, well-being and professional development in a culture of accountability and collaboration.

Learn From Leading Experts

Faculty who teach the online MSN-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program are current health care professionals who are involved in numerous research and scholarly activities, including publications, presentations and grants.

As a student, you'll benefit from:

  • Faculty who are connected to the nursing field and its innovations
  • Collaborations between faculty and students
  • Mentorship and individual support throughout the program

Faculty Spotlight

Kimberlee Miller-Wenning,

RN, CS, DNP, FNP, ANP, PMHNP, Assistant Professor


Kimberlee Miller-Wenning, RN, CS, DNP, FNP, ANP, PMHNP, is an assistant professor of instruction at Ohio University's College of Health Sciences and Professions.


Read More About Dr. Kimberlee Miller-Wenning

Kimberlee Miller-Wenning

Related Programs

  • Online Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

    Make a lasting impact on mental health care with our Online Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate. Master how to assess, diagnose and treat patients with mental and emotional health needs.­

    Online Post-Grad PMHNP Cert

  • MSN AG-ACNP

    Gain the skills needed tp provide care in acute and complex care settings with our Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Excel in your nursing career with a curriculum that combines didactic and practice-based courses.­

    MSN - AGACNP

  • Online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

    Prepare to provide comprehensive care to patients at every stage of life with our Online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Gain the advanced practice skills to develop, implement and evaluate treatment plans with our CCNE-accredited program.­

    MSN - FNP

Answers to Common Questions

Find answers to common questions about the online program. For information not covered here, our expert admissions team is available to provide additional details and guidance.

Get More Answers

If I graduate from the program, will I be licensed in my state as an APRN?

The AG-ACNP, FNP, and PMHNP degree and certificate programs at Ohio University are intended to prepare students for advanced practice nursing and national certification in those areas. State Boards of Nursing set individual standards for licensure in their state. It is highly recommended that students who seek admission to Nursing programs at Ohio University contact their home state’s Board of Nursing to verify that the desired program and its graduates will meet the eligibility criteria for approval for those credentials. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing has contact information for Boards of Nursing on their site, located here: www.ncsbn.org.

What certification exams do students take? What is your first-time pass rate?

Our programs are intended to provide students with the opportunity to acquire the educational eligibility to meet standards for APRN certification or other professional distinctions through examination. A list of examinations and their credentialing bodies are below:

Certification Exams and Credentialing Bodies

The graduate nursing programs at Ohio University are intended to provide students with the opportunity to acquire the educational eligibility to meet standards for advanced practice certification or other professional distinction through examination. For the best information regarding eligibility and standards for these examinations, please visit the website for the credentialing bodies below.

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGACNP-BC)
  • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): www.nursingworld.org/ancc

Family Nurse Practitioner

  • Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-BC)
  • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): www.nursingworld.org/ancc
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (NP-C)
  • American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP): www.aanpcert.org

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC)
  • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): www.nursingworld.org/ancc

Nurse Educator

  • Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)
  • National League of Nursing (NLN): www.nln.org

Nurse Leader

  • Eligibility is dependent upon experience criteria in addition to education.
  • Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP)
  • American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL): www.aonl.org
  • Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)
How long is the program?

This program is 40 credit hours and takes up to 2 years to complete.

How many hours do I take per semester? Is this a full-time program?

This is not a full time program. Students typically take one Pre-requisite class per semester. Once they begin clinical courses they will take one clinical course per semester.

Is the program completely online?

The programs combine online education and in-person education. Students take their courses through an online- format and are only expected on campus for the required On-Campus Intensives. Software applications utilized in nursing classes will work on either PCs or MACs. Office 365 Pro Plus is required and is now available at no charge to Ohio University students.

What are On-Campus Intensives?
There are two On-Campus Intensives (OCI) associated with this program. OCIs are brief visits to a campus that may be required for specific instruction and assessment. These OCIs typically occur at the beginning, middle, and end of your program. The schedule and details will be provided at Orientation and on the Graduate Nursing Knowledge Center.
The On-Campus Clinical Skills Workshop associated with the first and final clinical courses in our APRN programs are 1-2 day on-campus visits to receive track-specific instruction, coaching and assessment to prepare for the advanced practice role.

Sources

  1. U.S. News & World Report. 2026 Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs. Retrieved March 9, 2026, from https://www.usnews.com/.
  2. Ohio University's Online PMHNP Program Ranked #1 for 2025." Ohio University News, 19 Nov. 2024, www.ohio.edu/news/2024/11/ohio-universitys-online-pmhnp-program-ranked-1-2025.
  3. O*NET OnLine. Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses 29-1141.02. U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved Sept. 1, 2023, from https://www.onetonline.org/.
  4. Payscale. Average Psychiatric Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner Salary. Retrieved March 12, 2026, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Psychiatric_Advanced_Registered_Nurse_Practitioner_(ARNP)/Salary.
  5. Payscale. Average Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Salary. Retrieved March 12, 2026, from
    https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Psychiatric_Nurse_Practitioner_(NP)/Salary.
  6. Payscale. Average Registered Psychiatric Nurse Salary. Retrieved March 12, 2026, from
    https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Registered_Psychiatric_Nurse_(RPN)/Hourly_Rate.
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