List of online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs

No. 1 in Master of Science in Nursing graduates in the U.S.¹

Care for the mental and emotional well-being of patients of all ages with an MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) degree from Walden. Play a bigger role in raising awareness of societal issues around mental illness and become a catalyst for social change.

A pioneer in this specialization, Walden offers one of the first online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in the country.2 Online PMHNP-MSN programs academically prepare nurses to deliver a full spectrum of care to patients with psychiatric disorders, organic brain disorders, and substance abuse issues.

As a graduate of this CCNE-accredited online psychiatric nurse practitioner MSN program, you’ll be academically prepared to sit for the national psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner certification exam.

Why Choose Walden?

Work with children and adults

Learn how to assess, diagnose, counsel, and prescribe medications while treating patients with compassion and dignity.

National Certification Preparation

Academically prepare to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam.

Learn from Experienced NPs

Learn from certified, practicing nurse practitioners who work in clinical settings on a weekly basis. 100% of our didactic faculty hold doctoral degrees.

Dedicated Student Support

For working nurses like you, we blend personal support with self-help tools and resources you can access anytime.

We are here to help you find your nursing practicum.

Learn more

Program Savings

Receive up to a $5,000 Walden Care & Compassion Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on November 28, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.

Get Started Now

Program Details

Learning Tracks

We have a path to success for every level in your nursing career.

Choose the BSN to MSN track if you are a registered nurse (RN) and have already earned your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Curriculum

Degree Completion Requirements

63 quarter credits
- Core courses (23 cr.)
- Specialization courses (40 cr. includes the required 640 practicum hours)

Start dates are offered each quarter so you can begin your program when it is convenient for you. Enrollment in this nurse practitioner specialization is currently open to new students.

This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.

Courses

Show Course Descriptions

Course Code	Title	Credits
	Core Courses
NURS 6002/6003	Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing Show In this course students are introduced to Walden University and online learning. Students explore strategies for the successful participation in an online curriculum. Students also will receive a foundation for academic and professional success as scholar-practitioners and social change agents. Course assignments introduce students to resources that support success, development of graduate-level writing skills and use of APA Style, academic integrity, and the creation of a professional development plan based on each student’s chosen specialization. Additionally, information and requirements for the MSN Practicum are introduced.	3 cr.
NURS 6050	Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health Show In today's rapidly changing healthcare delivery system, decisions made within the political arena impact the future of health delivery systems, healthcare professionals, and the populations they serve. In this course, students examine the policy process and its impact on healthcare delivery, cost, quality, and access. Students examine the importance of getting healthcare issues on federal and state agenda, investigate governmental response through legislation and regulation, and identify where they can advocate for positive outcomes in program/policy design, implementation, and evaluation. Global health issues are examined for their relevance and impact on the development of the nurse advocate. Through discussions, reflection, case studies, and the application of professional communications techniques as political tactics to influence policy outcomes, students demonstrate integration of policy decision-making into professional nurse practice for the benefit of individuals and populations. Prerequisites MSN Nurse Practitioner Specializations NURS 6002N or NURS 6003N MSN Other Specializations NURS 6002 or NURS 6003	(5 cr.)
NURS 6051	Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology Show Nursing informatics is essential to the provision of effective and efficient care. This course examines nursing informatics as a nursing competency and a nursing specialty. Students examine the role of the nurse informaticist in current practices related to the collection, access, and use of health information and knowledge, as well as the implementation of clinical systems. Through this course, students gain an understanding of how informatics is used to improve advanced nursing practice and healthcare outcomes across organizations, public health, and consumer health settings. Prerequisites MSN Nurse Practitioner Specializations NURS 6002N or NURS 6003N MSN Other Specializations NURS 6002 or NURS 6003	(5 cr.)
NURS 6052	Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice Show Nurses base practice on sound and tested evidence to ensure the safety, high quality, and cost-effectiveness of patient care. This course provides students the opportunity to gain a better understanding of evidence-based practice (EBP) and how it interacts and aligns with research and quality improvement. Students will examine how to use databases to discover evidence and how to apply their knowledge of research methodologies to critically appraise literature. They will also examine opportunities to strengthen their synthesis and integration skills to determine whether a change in practice is needed, based on a body of evidence. Through exploration of implementation, evaluation, and dissemination strategies, students will explore the intricacies of leading and mentoring change within an organization to enhance nursing practice. Prerequisites MSN Nurse Practitioner Specializations NURS 6002N or NURS 6003N MSN Other Specializations NURS 6002 or NURS 6003	(5 cr.)
NURS 6053	Interprofessional Organizational and Systems Leadership Show Students in this course will develop leadership skills to transform nursing and adapt organizations in response to the turbulent healthcare environment. They will develop and apply theory-based leadership competencies to create the organizational cultures needed to achieve quality patient outcomes. Students will also explore evidence-based strategies to create healthy work environments that empower nurses and build collaborative interprofessional teams. Prerequisites MSN Nurse Practitioner Specializations NURS 6002N or NURS 6003N MSN Other Specializations NURS 6002 or NURS 6003	(5 cr.)
	Specialization Courses
NURS 6501	Advanced Pathophysiology Show Advanced practice nurses must be equipped with an in-depth understanding of pathophysiological disease processes across the lifespan. In this course, students focus on understanding the bio-physiological processes, the deviations from these processes, and an in-depth examination of the scientific concepts related to the biology of disease processes. Advanced practice nursing students build on their knowledge of normal organ systems functioning to help organ systems return to optimal homeostasis. Through knowledge of pathophysiological disease processes, students synthesize the information needed to develop appropriate treatment plans for patients across the life span. Students explore a variety of topics regarding organ system diseases. Prerequisites NURS 6002N or NURS 6003N	(5 cr.)
NURS 6521	Advanced Pharmacology Show A solid foundation in the concepts and principles of drug therapy across the lifespan is essential to the work of advanced practice nurses. This course applies the advanced principles of pharmacology, including pharmacogenomics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, by analysis of common drug classes prescribed by advanced practice nurses across the life span. Factors influencing successful therapy, such as effectiveness, safety, acceptability, cost, genetic/environmental influences, complementary regimens, and patient behaviors are considered. Through this course, students prepare to examine complex decisions in the management and treatment of selected acute and chronic diseases across the life span through pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic agents. Advanced practice nursing students will have a more in-depth understanding of drug legislation and regulation for prescribing drugs. Prerequisites NURS 6501	(5 cr.)
NURS 6512	Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning Show The physical and emotional well-being of patients and families can be complex and multifaceted. Advanced practice nurses need to have the knowledge and ability to provide safe, competent, and comprehensive physical health assessments. Students in this course focus on concepts and skills to assess patients across the lifespan. They learn to use diagnostic reasoning, advanced communication, and physical assessment skills to identify changes in health patterns. Students also will explore preventative health through risk evaluation of healthy individuals as a central theme of clinical practice in addition to the assessment of patients with acute and chronic health problems. The advanced skills of suturing, reading 12 Lead EKGs, and interpreting X-rays will be covered. Course assignments emphasize risk assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and evidence-based assessment across the lifespan. Prerequisites NURS 6521	(5 cr.)
NURS 6630	Psychopharmacologic Approaches to Treatment of Psychopathology Show At times, psychotherapy is not enough to alleviate the emotional difficulties that some patients face. To that end, psychopharmacologic approaches are needed. Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) must have a strong basis in psychopharmacology, extending from a prior education in pharmacology, to make appropriate medication choices for their patients. Learners in this course consider psychopharmacologic approaches to major behavioral health disorders including but not limited to major depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, as well as psychotic disorders. Learners explore key considerations associated with medication selection, monitoring efficacy, and long-term management. Prerequisites NURS 6501N NURS 6521N NURS 6512N	(5 cr.)
NRNP 6635	Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning Show Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) need to have the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive mental health evaluations in a safe and competent manner. In this course, students can learn how to use knowledge of psychopathology and diagnostic reasoning for health promotion and psychiatric assessment, and to develop differential diagnosis for patients with psychiatric and substance use disorders across the life span. Prerequisites NURS 6501 NURS 6512 NURS 6521 NURS 6052 NURS 6630	(3 cr.)
PRAC 6635	Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning Practicum Show Advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nurses need to have the knowledge and ability to provide safe, competent, and comprehensive mental health assessments to patients in mental health settings across the lifespan. Students in this course apply assessment skills to include psychiatric interviewing, history taking, and examination to gather patient data to inform diagnosis. They also apply knowledge of psychopathology and diagnostic reasoning in clinical settings for health promotion and psychiatric assessment, and to develop differential diagnosis for patients with psychiatric and substance use disorders across the lifespan. Students synthesize their knowledge from previous coursework and professional experiences to develop advanced communication and documentation skills. Prerequisites NURS 6501 NURS 6512 NURS 6521 NURS 6052 NURS 6630 Note: Students with catalog years before Spring 2018 must complete a minimum of 144 practicum hours. Students with catalog years beginning Spring 2018 must complete a minimum of 160 practicum hours. A minimum of 80 patients are required. Required hours cannot be completed sooner than 8 weeks.	(2 cr.)
NRNP 6645	Psychotherapy With Multiple Modalities Show Psychotherapy involves giving more than good advice. For the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) to be effective, deliberate approaches to therapy must be consistent with evidence-based practices. Learners in this course examine a variety of therapeutic techniques that can be used during psychotherapy sessions with individuals, families, and groups across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based applications of various therapeutic approaches for a wide range of psychiatric issues. Prerequisites NRNP 6635	(3 cr.)
PRAC 6645	Psychotherapy With Multiple Modalities Practicum Show Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner students in this course synthesize their knowledge from previous clinical courses and professional experiences related to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various mental health conditions for patients across the lifespan. Students gain clinical experience applying psychotherapy techniques in a mental healthcare setting. Prerequisites NRNP 6635 and PRAC 6635 Note: 160 practicum hours and a minimum of 80 patient encounters are required for this course. Practicum experiences must include interactions with all three modalities: individuals, groups, and families.	(2 cr.)
NRNP 6665	Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Care Across the Lifespan I Show Working from a lifespan approach, this course brings together diagnosis and treatment planning in psychiatry. Topics include psychiatric assessment, application of diagnostic criteria, diagnostic formulation, differential diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and appropriate labs and diagnostics. The learner will select a combination of psychotherapeutic modalities coupled with psychopharmacologic approaches to treat common psychiatric mental health conditions across the lifespan. Legal and ethical considerations for working with clients across the lifespan will be addressed. Students build confidence as they continue to transition from the role of registered nurse to that of advanced practice nurse. Prerequisites NRNP 6645	(3 cr.)
PRAC 6665	Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Care Across the Lifespan I Practicum Show This is the third of four practicum courses in the advanced practice psychiatric-mental health curriculum. Students will apply their knowledge of psychopathology, psychopharmacology, and psychiatric assessment to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health disorders in children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. The focus of this course is on advanced nursing practice in mental health settings. Prerequisites NRNP 6645 and PRAC 6645 Note: Students with catalog years before Spring 2018 must complete a minimum of 144 practicum hours; those with catalog years beginning Spring 2018 must complete a minimum of 160 practicum hours. A minimum of 80 patient encounters (40 children/adolescents and 40 adults/older adults) is required.	(2 cr.)
NRNP 6675	Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Care Across the Lifespan II Show Continuing from the lifespan approach, students in this final course for the psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) focus on clinical competence in mental health settings by building on content and skills from previous courses. Selection of assessment approaches for patients across the lifespan, as well as diﬀerential diagnosis, application of diagnostic criteria, appropriate diagnostic testing, and diagnostic case formulation will be undertaken. The learner will use both psychotherapeutic approaches coupled with psychopharmacologic approaches to treat common psychiatric mental health conditions. Classroom activities and case studies enable students to explore the salient nurse practitioner practice issues involved in the delivery of safe, competent, high-quality, and cost-effective care of patients in a dynamic healthcare system. The application of knowledge in the management of clients and collaboration among the advanced practice nurse and the patient, family, and interprofessional healthcare team are emphasized. This course is designed for nurse practitioner (NP) students to synthesize their knowledge and clinical skills to provide care to patients with complex health conditions. Prerequisites NRNP 6665	(3 cr.)
PRAC 6675	Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Care Across the Lifespan II Practicum Show This is the final of four practicum courses in the advanced practice psychiatric-mental health curriculum. Students will apply their knowledge of psychopathology, psychopharmacology, and psychiatric assessment to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health disorders in children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. The focus of this course is on advanced nursing practice in mental health settings. Prerequisites NRNP 6665 and PRAC 6665 Note: Students with catalog years before Spring 2018 must complete a minimum of 144 practicum hours; those with catalog years beginning Spring 2018 must complete a minimum of 160 practicum hours. A minimum of 80 patient encounters (40 children/adolescents and 40 adults/older adults) is required.	(2 cr.)
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Personalized Practicum Support

Practicums are vital to your learning experience. That’s why we offer Practicum Advantage™—an ensemble of resources, self-help tools, and staff who understand the challenges of completing the nursing practicum. This includes the Walden Practicum Pledge™, available for MSN-NP and DNP-NP specializations. Once you register, a dedicated Field Placement Team partners with you to secure a site and preceptor. If you can’t identify your site and preceptor (along with additional requirements*), we’ll help find you a match.

Admission Requirements

Program Admission Considerations (RN-MSN): Registered nurses who hold a hospital diploma, associate degree in nursing, or bachelor’s degree (other than BSN)

Program Admission Considerations (BSN-MSN): A bachelor's degree or higher

General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts

The Technical Standards Policy Form, a statement of understanding of the MSN NP practicum requirements.
Additional Walden admission criteria required. Contact an Enrollment Specialist for more details.
More information for international applicants.

Explore Real-Life Clinical Scenarios With Walden Grand Rounds

As a nurse practitioner student at Walden, you can take part in Walden Grand Rounds several times throughout the quarter. Meet virtually with faculty and classmates to review clinical patient scenarios that are focused on assessing, differentiating, and treating pathological conditions. This is a unique opportunity to connect what you’ve learned in class with real-life situations and challenges you’ll encounter in the field as an NP.

Tuition and Fees

Curriculum Component	Requirements	Cost	amount
Tuition	63 quarter credit hours	$726 per quarter hour	$45,738
Technology Fee	Per quarter	$165	$1,320
Clinical Course Fee	4 courses (PRAC)	$150	$600
			$47,658‡*

‡*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 30 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,000. Students may also incur additional costs related to practicum, including but not limited to costs of travel to their practicum site, practicum onboarding fees, per quarter practicum fees, and liability insurance costs.

Paying for Your Education

Our Enrollment Specialists can help you outline a plan and find resources for funding your education.

Learn more

Program Savings

Receive up to a $5,000 Walden Care & Compassion Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on November 28, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.

Get Started Now

Program Outcomes

Engage in Immersive Learning

Walden’s PMHNP specialization focuses not just on knowledge mastery, but also on helping you use that knowledge to positively impact the lives of individuals, families, and populations through holistic mental health services. Learn to interact with patients, perform mental health assessments, make diagnoses, and plan treatment—all through virtual simulations. Discover how to use research to develop, assess, and refine educational materials that best serve the healthcare audience in your community.

Walden MSN PMHNP practicum coordinators are available to assist you in meeting your practicum requirements and you can view this FAQ document for answers to some of the most common questions.

Career Impact

According to research gathered by SAMHSA in 2020, effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have included increased anxiety, depression, traumatic stress, and substance use across the United States. With suicide, depression, and substance abuse at crisis levels, there is a growing demand for qualified mental health services and improved patient access to effective treatment.3

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 52% from 2020 to 2030.4

Our psychiatric nurse practitioner MSN program features a challenging curriculum designed to help you be an impactful provider in an area of need. Let Walden help you become the nursing leader and change-maker you were meant to be.

Where PMHNPs Work

Mental health clinics
Correctional facilities
Inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facilities
Residential substance abuse facilities
Private psychiatric practices
Community mental health centers

Domestic violence shelters
Psychopharmacology clinics
Psychiatric consult services
State psychiatric facilities
Veterans Administration psychiatric facilities

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

MSN Career Outlook

Learn more about top industry sectors, most in-demand job skills and top job titles for MSN grads.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this specialization, graduates will be prepared to:

Synthesize organizational/systems leadership for cost-effective specialist nursing practice that contributes to high-quality healthcare delivery, advancement of the nursing profession, and social change.
Critique evidence-based literature drawing from diverse theoretical perspectives and pertinent research to guide decision making that demonstrates best practices for specialist nursing practice in a global society.
Integratively assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate cost-effective healthcare strategies that reduce health disparities by patient/population advocacy for access to specialist nursing care.
Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate using audience-specific oral, written, and information technology for professional delivery of specialist nursing care.

Evaluate health needs of diverse populations for necessary teaching/coaching functions based on specialist nursing knowledge to restore/promote health and prevent illness/injury.
Exhibit ongoing commitment to professional development and value of nursing theories/ethical principles (altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, social justice) in accordance with ethically responsible, legally accountable, specialist nursing practice.
Implement specialist nursing roles to promote quality improvement of patient-centered care in accordance with professional practice standards that transform health outcomes for diverse populations.

Resources

Meet Your Academic Team

Judi Kuric
Program Director
Dr. Kuric has more than 35 years of experience in nursing and advanced-practice nursing and more than 25 years of experience in nursing education. She is board certified as an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, and emergency nurse practitioner.
Ginny Moore
Academic Coordinator
Dr. Moore is the academic program coordinator of the MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. She is board certified as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) with over 26 years of clinical and administrative experience as a registered nurse. She has been a faculty member for nursing education since 2015.
Todd Dickson
Core Faculty
Dr. Dickson is board certified as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner, with more than 25 years in clinical practice and 10 years in teaching. His current clinical and research interests include working with people diagnosed with severe mental illness.

Testimonials

Walden’s staff has been so kind, supportive, and genuinely concerned with my progress through my classes, from the admission process all the way to graduation.
Stephanie Polperio Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) Completion Program graduate, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) student

One of the most rewarding aspects of pursuing my degree with Walden was connecting with other nurses and supporting each other for success.
Christi Siedlecki Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Graduate

My first instructor was understanding, helpful, and compassionate, which helped me transition into my Walden coursework with ease.
Ashley Nicole Williams Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) graduate

FAQ for MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Is the psych NP market oversaturated?

Some specialties are in higher demand than others which factors into market saturation. The job market for psych NPs is decidedly not saturated. If you're a specialized NP looking for a job in a small town, it may not take more than a few other similar local providers to make the job market feel full.

How long is the PMHNP program at Walden?

Required hours cannot be completed sooner than 8 weeks. (2 cr.) Psychotherapy involves giving more than good advice. For the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) to be effective, deliberate approaches to therapy must be consistent with evidence-based practices.

Do PMHNP make more than FNP?

The average hourly pay for the FNP is $46.22, while the PMHNP earns around $53 per hour. These numbers are a reflection of the national average for these two job fields. Things that will affect your hourly pay rate are what state you are working in, if you are in a specialty, and the setting in which you are working.