4 Step Guide on How to Become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PHMNP) 

The need for healthcare professionals in the mental health field has never been greater. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that “22.8% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2021 (57.8 million people),” while “5.5% of U.S. adults experienced serious mental illness in 2021 (14.1 million people).”  

If you are a nurse interested in expanding your scope of practice and contributing to the well-being of your community, becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) could be an ideal career choice. Sacred Heart University offers degree and certificate options for becoming a PMHNP. BSN-prepared nurses can pursue the comprehensive online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) PMHNP program, which equips them with the knowledge and skills to succeed in this growing field. Students with only an RN can enroll in the online Registered Nurse (RN) to MSN program and choose the PMHNP specialization. The online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate program is ideal for nurses with an MSN but who want to specialize in this field. 

With the growing demand for mental health services, the job outlook for PMHNPs is promising. As more individuals seek care for mental health conditions, the need for highly trained providers continues to rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that nurse practitioner positions, including PMHNPs, are expected to grow by 40% from 2023-2033, much faster than the average of all other occupations. These expanding opportunities make the PMHNP career path an attractive choice for nurses seeking job security and advancement opportunities. 

What Is a PMHNP?  

PMHNPs are licensed nurses who specialize in mental healthcare, helping individuals navigate complex psychiatric conditions, such as depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders and substance use disorders. According to the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), PMHNPS receive graduate-level preparation in “research, systems, and direct patient care to provide psychiatric evaluations and treatment, including psychopharmacological interventions and individual, family and group therapy, as well as primary, secondary and tertiary levels of prevention across the lifespan.” PMHNPs also deliver psychotherapy, often considered “the first line treatment” for specific disorders and populations, such as children and adolescents, per the APNA. Some patients prefer psychotherapy, and psychotherapeutic approaches have been shown to improve their attitudes toward treatment. 

PMHNPs are a crucial part of the nursing workforce needed to meet expanding mental health needs. They can work in various settings, including hospitals, community mental health centers, and private practices, in autonomous and collaborative roles with other providers. 

Steps to Becoming a PMHNP 

Becoming a PMHNP requires dedication and specific training. Nurses aiming to pursue this specialization must complete the following four key steps: 

1. Enroll in a PMHNP program: The first step is to pursue a PMHNP degree or certificate program, such as those offered online by Sacred Heart University. The online MSN PMHNP program prepares students in clinical practice, psychopharmacology and holistic patient care, providing the knowledge needed to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Those who already have an MSN or DNP degree but want to pursue the PMHNP specialty can enroll in the online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate program. Whether you hold an RN, BSN, MSN or DNP, Sacred Heart University offers program options for nurses interested in the psychiatric mental health specialty. 

2. Complete required clinical hours: As part of your PMHNP program, you must complete clinical hours. These hands-on hours allow you to work with patients under supervision, applying what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. PMHNP programs typically include 500 to 700 clinical hours. Sacred Heart University’s online MSN PMHNP program requires 540 hours of practicum experience, which students earn across the following three PMHNP specialization courses, each providing 180 hours of supervised experience: 

• PMHNP I: Role Development of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner focuses on care across the lifespan with an emphasis on late adolescence through adulthood and common behavioral health disorders adults face.  

• PMHNP II: The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner’s Role with Children and their Families focuses on the care of pediatric and adolescent patients and treating age-specific disorders.  

• PMHNP III: Advanced Role Development of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Complex Systems emphasizes the care of individuals in complex systems regardless of age, including older adults, families and couples. 

3. Pass the PMHNP exam: After completing the program, you must pass the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam. Offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), this exam tests knowledge of various topics, including psychopharmacology, patient assessment and the management of psychiatric conditions. 

4. Apply for state certification: Once you’ve passed the certification exam, the final step is to apply for state-specific licensure. Each state has its own requirements, so you must consult your state’s nursing board for specific guidelines to ensure you meet all necessary criteria to practice as a PMHNP. The Connecticut State Department of Public Health offers a resource outlining the education requirements for licensure in Connecticut, while Vivian Health provides an overview of applying for certification in each state.  

Salary and Career Opportunities as a PMHNP 

PMHNPs enjoy competitive salaries, with many earning six figures or more. According to BLS, the median annual pay for NPs, including those in psychiatric mental health, is $132,050, while RNs earn a median annual wage of $93,600. Per ZipRecruiter, PMHNPs earn $139,486, slightly more than the average of all NPs. The gap of over $45,000 between PMHNP and RN annual earnings highlights the value of becoming an NP and specializing in psychiatric mental health. 

This salary, combined with the flexibility and fulfillment from working in mental health, makes becoming a PMHNP an appealing option for many nurses. Furthermore, with the increasing focus on mental healthcare, PMHNPs can work in diverse and evolving fields, including telehealth, which continues to expand due to the ongoing demand for remote healthcare options. 

Start the Journey to Becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner With Sacred Heart University 

Becoming a PMHNP is an excellent career choice for nurses who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals struggling with mental health issues. The journey includes completing a PMHNP degree, an MSN with a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Specialization or certificate program, gaining clinical experience, passing the certification exam and obtaining state-specific licensure.  

With a strong job outlook and attractive salaries, PMHNPs can enjoy long-term career growth and satisfaction. Sacred Heart University’s online MSN PMHNP program is a great place to start, offering a comprehensive curriculum that prepares graduates to excel in various healthcare settings, providing compassionate and effective care to those who need it most. 

Learn more about Sacred Heart University’s online MSN PMHNP program.