Beyond the skills and knowledge you’ll gain from your MSN program, you can take advantage of no-cost test prep after graduation. Practice tests, expert Q&As, and more will have you feeling confident and ready for the ANCC and AANP PMHNP certification board exam.
SUPPORT FOR YOUR PRACTICUM
With Practicum Pledge® our dedicated Field Placement Team helps you navigate the process and ensure a successful placement.1
PRACTICAL LEARNING SCENARIOS
Apply your new skills and build your confidence through supervised clinical experiences and virtual Walden Grand Rounds.
ADVANCE YOUR CLINICAL SKILLS
Our virtual skills lab, featuring videos, assessments, and faculty support, helps you prepare for your practicum.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Walden’s online MSN-PMHNP program is designed to meet you where you are in your career path. 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.
Featured MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Courses
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Walden’s online MSN-PMHNP program is designed to meet you where you are in your career path. Choose the RN to MSN track if you are a registered nurse (RN) entering the MSN program with a hospital diploma or an associate degree in nursing.
Featured MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Courses
This course introduces students to the online learning environment and the professional role of the baccalaureate prepared nurse. Course content assists students in recognizing and reinforcing the role of nurses as well-equipped, ethical, empathetic, and well-informed leaders capable of effecting change at various levels. Students will be inspired to reflect on both the future of nursing and practice as change agents.
This course introduces the concepts of evidence-based practice and research principles in nursing. The foundational elements of the research process and understanding of ethical research principles are explored. The concepts are applied to demonstrate their impact on providing safe, quality, patient care in a variety of healthcare settings.
This course addresses the baccalaureate prepared nurse’s role in advancing population health. Students will focus on strategies to reduce health inequities, identify social determinants of health, improve health promotion, and disease prevention for culturally diverse, vulnerable populations; thereby improving the health of local, national, and global communities. Students consider the role of nursing in strengthening population health through effective collaboration across healthcare settings.
This course will explore established and emerging principles of safety and quality improvement science. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how quality is measured, tracked, and improved in healthcare. The objective of this course is to empower the nursing professional to use knowledge and skills in the science of quality improvement and improve clinical outcomes for patients and their families.
The Capstone course provides students an opportunity to apply previously learned knowledge and skills with their baccalaureate education in the identification and implementation of a scholarly nursing project. Students will complete 100 hours in a clinical practice setting and develop an evidence-based, patient-centered nursing project focused on a health care environment of their choosing. This course will culminate with a presentation of their project to peers and others in the practice and academic community.
BSN to DNP/PhD in Nursing
If you are a registered nurse (RN) and have earned your bachelor’s in nursing degree, you can use these tracks to get started on your doctoral nursing degree.
Admissions
You’ll work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from finding the right program to funding your education.
Streamlined Admissions Process
Pursuing an online MSN degree with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is a big step, which is why we’ve streamlined the admissions process. Start your program with:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No essay or SAT/ACT requirement
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.
Tuition Breakdown
Looking for ways to fund your Master of Science in Nursing online degree? Walden offers partner organization savings, military tuition reductions, transfer of credits, and scholarships.
Lower your tuition with:
Experience-based credits
Tuition reductions
Scholarship savings
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 63 quarter credit hours | $785 per quarter hour | $49,455 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $185 | $1,480 |
| Clinical Course Fee | 4 courses (PRAC) | $160 | $640 |
$51,575* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,280 | ||
*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 $1,800 to $2,500; this includes a mandatory clinical skills resource required during NURS/DNRS 6512 at a cost of $299. 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.
† Represents BSN-MSN track, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 26 RN Foundational quarter credit hours | $430 per quarter hour | $11,180 |
| 63 MSN quarter credits | $775 per quarter hour | $48,825 | |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $180 | $1,980 |
| Clinical Course Fee | 4 courses (PRAC) | $160 | $640 |
$62,625* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,200 | ||
Effective 2/23/26
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 26 RN Foundational quarter credit hours | $435 per quarter hour | $11,310 |
| 63 MSN quarter credits | $785 per quarter hour | $49,455 | |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $185 | $2,035 |
| Clinical Course Fee | 4 courses (PRAC) | $160 | $640 |
$63,440* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,280 | ||
*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 40 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 $1,800 to $2,500; this includes a mandatory clinical skills resource required during NURS/DNRS 6512 at a cost of $299. 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.
†Represents RN-MSN track, minimum time to completion, and Believe and Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary.
Personalized Practicum Support
After you register for the Walden University Practicum Pledge® (along with other requirements), if you can’t identify a site and preceptor, our dedicated Field Placement Team partners with you to secure your site and preceptor to help you find a match. This enhanced support gives you added confidence as you start your online MSN program.
Career Opportunities
As demand for mental health services in the U.S. soars, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners are helping to fill the critical gaps in care.1
Nurse Practitioner
NPs specializing in mental health treat individuals with mental health or substance use disorders.
Expected growth: 45%1
Estimated annual wage: $94,530–$140,6101
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the (include applicable program) program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th - 75th percentile.
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.
Meet Your Academic Team
Walden has a dedicated team of leaders, educators, and mentors committed to guiding and inspiring you along your MSN online program journey.
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MSN PMHNP Program FAQ
A psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is a nurse practitioner specially licensed and trained for applications in the psychiatric mental health field of medicine. These highly trained professionals—all of whom have earned at least a Master of Science in Nursing—serve communities around the U.S., bringing psychiatric care to those in need.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners may provide psychotherapy and other mental health interventions, depending on training, employer requirements, and state scopeofpractice regulations.
Numerous healthcare providers and other types of employers seek psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners. Those who hold an MSN with a PMHNP specialization can work at:
- Inpatient or outpatient psychiatric practices
- Private psychiatric practices
- Mental health clinics
- Correctional facilities
- Residential substance abuse facilities
- Inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment programs
- Domestic violence shelters
- Community mental health centers
- Public and private schools
- General hospitals
Aside from the core MSN course curriculum, you will take a number of courses designed specifically for mental health nurses. Examples might include:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
- Psychotherapy With Multiple Modalities
- Psychopharmacologic Approaches to Treatment of Psychopathology
Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner is a great profession for anyone who wants to make a difference in people’s lives. But how do you know if you’re cut out for it? Aside from having an MSN degree with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, there are some qualities it takes to be successful. These include:
- Patience: To succeed as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you must have the ability to be patient and supportive as you build trust with your patients and help them navigate what can be a long, gradual healing process.
- Emotional intelligence: Well-developed emotional intelligence can help you foster deeper connections with your patients and facilitate communication.
- Respectfulness: While you don’t have to change your personal beliefs, being a psychiatric nurse practitioner means honoring the dignity and lived experiences of individuals from all walks of life.
- Resilience: To thrive as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, resilience is an essential skill. The ability to manage high levels of stress and rebound from setbacks help PMHNPs prevent burnout and compassion fatigue.
- A love of learning: Psychiatric medicine is always evolving. To keep up, you have to read journals, attend conferences, and always be on the lookout for new information that pertains to psychiatry and mental health therapy.
With our Practicum Pledge®, you will benefit from our large network of field sites and preceptors and an additional dedicated Field Placement Team that partners with you to identify a site and preceptor. If you’re unable to identify your own nursing practicum site and preceptor after several attempts, we’ll assist in finding you a suitable match (along with additional requirements).
Walden University is recognized as the No. 1 educator among MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health NP programs in the U.S. Additionally, Walden is the leading provider of post-baccalaureate DNP PMHNP programs. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialization distinguishes itself through several features:
- Flexibility: Working nurses can access the didactic coursework online and study on their schedule.
- Faculty expertise: All didactic nursing faculty members hold doctorates.
- Practicum Pledge®: This initiative offers dedicated support for securing practicum sites and preceptors.
- Virtual Skills Lab: The program includes a virtual skills lab with faculty guidance and video training to prepare students for practicum.
- Walden Grand Rounds: Students can participate in virtual meetings to analyze real-life clinical patient scenarios.
- NP Exam Prep: Students receive no-cost test preparation resources for the ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification board exam.
Yes, the university's MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
CCNE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a national accrediting agency. In 2020, the MSN program at Walden University received a 10-year accreditation reaffirmation through Dec. 31, 2030.
Graduates of the MSN program with a specialization in PMHNP are academically prepared to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification board exam.