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What is a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse?

A Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse is a discipline within nursing that focus on mental health and well-being of patients of all ages.  A Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse will be trained in a variety of psychiatric therapies to help diagnose and treat mental illness. Examples of common mental distress or mental illness include: depression, dementia, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychosis.

Psychiatric nurses and mental health nurses work with groups, individuals, families, and communities to assess their mental health.  A psychiatric nurse must deftly balance technical know-how with empathy and compassion to effectively connect with patients and caregivers.  Establishing a nursing diagnosis and implementing a comprehensive therapeutic plan of care is followed by the PMH nursing process to determine its efficacy.  On a high level, the roles of a psychiatric nurse include:

  • Educating Patients & Caregivers
  • Diagnosing Mental Health Conditions
  • Implementing a Plan of Care
  • Performing Psychotherapy
  • Consulting with other Mental Health Professionals
  • Acting as a Liaison for the Benefit of the Patient
  • Providing Medication as part of Psychopharmatherapy

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$68,450

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

45.85%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

2,751,000

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Degree

Yale University is a member of the Ivy League schools. It is an institution supported and led by the University Cabinet, which is composed of several colleges, vice-chancellors, administrative leaders, and senior academic leaders. 

With the help of its Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree, students will be prepared to care for patients with mental illnesses that need to reduce or reduce health risks, persistent and complex mental illnesses. The program includes an application of theories, holistic bio-psycho-social-spiritual-cultural and research evidence approach. The clinical experience and curriculum are in line with the psychiatric and mental health capabilities required by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioners (NONPF). 

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The long tradition of the University of Pennsylvania is to transform the knowledge taught in the classroom into socially driven behavior. In all its teaching-related endeavors, the school and its faculty work hand in hand to carry out its pragmatism, which is “well-done is better than well-said.” 

Students participating in the Mental Health Nursing Practitioners Program will learn about biopsychosocial diagnosis and evaluation and drug management, while deepening their knowledge and skills in psychotherapy. They will also learn about therapeutic approaches such as group and or family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, to mention a few. The program runs a three-semester clinical practice course that puts students in an environment where they can be exposed to different aspects of people with mental illness.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Duke University is a diversified community dedicated to principles, specifically, respect for everybody, excellence, and fairness. Pursuant to such principles, the university values diversity in its workplace as well as in its learning environment. 

Its Psychiatric and Mental Health Care Practitioners Program is dedicated to the development of essential knowledge and skills, and even provides advanced practical mental health care for children and elderly in rural areas. It has state-of-the-art and on-campus intensives simulation techniques to supplement the program crafted to equip students for patient management in all mental health and psychiatric care settings. It also has exactly the same procedures as postgraduate training.

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Consistent with the goal of cultivating informed citizens, University of Virginia students and faculty continue to pursue greater interests and break down barriers. Its schools and programs rank high on the national level. 

The Psychiatric Mental Healthcare Nurse Practitioner Program offers part-time and full-time options, and it takes two to three years to complete. Graduates of this program will be eligible for the PMHNP certification program managed by ANCC. The students are trained to promote and/or maintain health and to detect, treat and prevent chronic and acute mental illness.

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Vanderbilt University is a private higher education research institution with 10 prestigious colleges and schools. According to "US News and World Report", the university is among the top 15 universities. 

Through its Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing degree program, students can receive education and receive strict guidance on the overall care of individuals or families and people with chronic or acute mental health problems. They will also have advanced clinical judgment capabilities to assess and/or diagnose, design, implement or intervene, manage, or evaluate the overall treatment of psychotropic drugs. Other courses taught include crisis intervention.

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The premise of establishing Johns Hopkins University is to have a greater impact on public health through education. Today, the university is known for training scholars and research leaders.

Its psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program is a 17-credit post-master’s certificate. It gives students the ability to assess and treat drug use, mental health, and comorbidities at all ages. Upon completion of the program, the students will gain competencies in providing continuous care that combines prevention, promotion, treatment, recovery and maintenance.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The University of Michigan is committed to making the future brighter. It is a vibrant and a diverse community that is home to most of the world’s leaders.  The psychiatric and mental health nurse degree program it provides comes with the most advanced courses. It is a postgraduate certificate and requires at least 22 credits and a maximum of 25 credits. As a part of its admission requirements, students must be a license nurse to qualify.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Boston College is not just any other college. It is a teaching institution with a heart and a soul. It uses all its resources to help develop the young minds and hone talents to their fullest capacity.  With its degree in psychiatric & mental health nurse practitioner program, students can work in a wide range of work settings such as in-patient hospitals, outpatient community mental health clinics, private practice, forensic settings and emergency departments. While enrolled, they will learn about how to conduct an individual, group or family psychotherapy, diagnose psychiatric disorders, coordinate medications, provide consultation to primary care providers, and perform assessments and evaluation on psychiatry, among others. Most importantly, students will be prepared in helping people recover from distress and trauma.

Acceptance Rate

27.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

New York University is a known innovator when it comes to higher education. It is a respected and outstanding research university.  When it comes to psychiatric & mental health nursing major program, New York University has a master’s studies program. It provides students with the basic skills and knowledge to provide comprehensive psychiatric and mental health care to teenagers, adults, children and the elderly. After completing the course, students are eligible to take the certificate exam.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Rochester is a research institution of higher learning, with a reputation for breaking through boundaries and breaking through itself.   Its Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program is not only dedicated to providing mental health care for people of specific ages, but also for people of all ages in a variety of settings. Students in this course will be trained to develop expertise in diagnosis, assessment, psychopharmacology management, and psychotherapy. The aim is to manage mental health issues as well as psychiatric disorders.

Acceptance Rate

29.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The University of Miami inspires education and learning in a diverse community. This is a private research university with an annual budget of US$324 million from various sponsors.

The institution provides an adequate graduate certificate in psychiatric mental health nursing designed for MSN graduates with a desire to expand knowledge in a higher-level practice in psychiatric mental health nursing in all ages. Students can complete the course within one year. It focuses on examining issues related to mental health. 

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Students at Case Western Reserve University are motivated to discover and solve the problems that plague the world today. It is the leader of research universities, especially in the fields of arts and sciences, health sciences, engineering, management and law.

The mental health care of its family system focuses on helping children, youth, adults and even the elderly. The program enables the graduates to serve as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Its courses will prepare them to more effectively address substance use or abuse and other common mental health problems of mental illness.

Acceptance Rate

27.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

George Washington University is committed to continuing its mission to inspire students and convince them that receiving higher education can effectively affect the lives of many people in a positive way. As a leader in higher education, its team is committed to providing students with a strict and unique education.

In health sciences, it offers a Master of Science in Nursing, focusing on psychiatric mental health care practitioners, in which registered nurses can expand their services. The plan includes the provision of appropriate mental and psychiatric care services for individuals, groups or families. Its curriculum includes a combination of knowledge gained from nursing science, behavior change theory, neuroscience, learning theory, motivation theory, and a small amount of psychotherapy framework.

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Fairfield University is a private, Catholic and Jesuit educational institution. Its goals include the development of personality and social responsibility.  When it comes to nursing, the university offers master’s and doctorate degrees in psychiatric and mental health nursing. The master’s study prepares its students in assessing, diagnosing and providing for primary mental healthcare to all people. They can also gain expertise through their nursing practice doctors who specialize in the same field.

Acceptance Rate

57.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The University of Pittsburgh is a public research and education institution. It is a proud member of the Association of American Universities and has 63 research universities with doctoral degrees in North America.

It provides a Bachelor of Nursing Science degree program for the Doctor of Nursing Practice, and students can provide basic health care services for mental patients of all ages. Then, they can gain expertise through the university's DNP program. In the PMH program, students will learn courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, physical diagnosis, and management of acute, chronic and incidental health problems.

Acceptance Rate

56.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Charles R Drew University of Medical Science and Technology is a non-profit, private and community-funded learning higher education institution dedicated to promoting the health and equity of disadvantaged groups and social justice through clinical services and education.

The university is a well-known leader in the field of health gaps. When it comes to psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioners, it offers two programs: a master of science in nursing and a graduate certificate program. Both courses are aimed at advanced education for registered nurses. It focuses on meeting medical care needs, especially those of inappropriate communities.

Acceptance Rate

31.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Stony Brook University is a state university that provides advanced education. It is committed to making the future brighter through comprehensive and dynamic education.

It offers two programs for psychiatric and mental health programs: Master of Science and Advanced Certificate. In the former, students are prepared to maintain, promote, supervise and restore the mental health of patients, as well as determine health risks, assess and diagnose mental health problems. The latter provides students with the qualifications to apply for New York State certification and even the national certification of their major.

Acceptance Rate

44.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Purdue University is a state university founded in 1869. In fiscal year 2017, it received $418.3 million in research funding.  Its psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner program focuses on the advocacy of mental health and evidence-based assessment. Part of its course work is also to be able to determine the best treatment strategies for individuals and families of all ages. The program involves multidisciplinary research and requires 630 hours of instruction.

Acceptance Rate

59.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Since 1928, St. Louis University has been a well-known leader in nursing education in the United States. Its reputation precedes its name in innovation and even in undergraduate, post-graduate and post-master’s programs.

Its psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner is a postgraduate degree program. Currently, the university even offers online courses for this course. Its curriculum includes providing competence in implementing collaborative strategies to provide high-quality, ethical, efficient, safe and patient-centered care.

Acceptance Rate

58.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Massachusetts offers a comprehensive degree of undergraduate, professional and graduate programs. It is a public research university that oversees its research enterprise.

In college of nursing, it offers a master’s degree and a doctorate degree in psychiatric nursing and mental health nurse practitioner. In its master’s program, students would gain the foundation for obtaining professional certification as a PMHN practitioner. As far as its doctorate degree is concerned, the students have been trained, they are clinical experts who can provide health services to people with mental illness and mental health.

Acceptance Rate

63.8

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of Buffalo is a major, research-driven, state-funded learning institution. It is committed to academic excellence and innovation.

In its psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner program, the students can choose between full-time or part-time formats. Depending on the format selected, the completion timeline is 3 to 5 years. Its courses are registered with the New York State Department of Education, and courses can be conducted on-site and online for qualified nursing students.

Acceptance Rate

61.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

For more than 200 years, the University of South Carolina has been a pioneer in academic excellence. Its mission is to educate state residents through research, teaching, community involvement, and creative activities.

It offers psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner as a master’s degree in addition to a robust online program as an alternative learning modality for residents of other states that allow distance learning. Students in this course will be prepared for practice in different contexts.

Acceptance Rate

68.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Union University is a private religious educational institution affiliated with Southern Baptist Convention. It was founded in 1823 and is one of the oldest universities in the state.

The university offers two options for registered nurses from its school of nursing. They can study for a master of science in nursing or have a postgraduate certificate for psychiatric and mental health nursing practitioners. The latter program is designed for registered nurses with either a master’s or a doctoral degree, while the former is for those who wish to further their education after graduating from a Bachelor’s degree.

Acceptance Rate

52.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

St. John Fisher College is a private Catholic school that focuses on liberal arts. It not only provides academic education, but also cultivates the ability to analyze and solve problems.

Its graduate level nursing program offers a master’s study and post-graduate certification.  Two of the five options offered include primary care family nurse practitioners and mental health nurse practitioners. The curriculum for its master’s program is a combination of clinical and academic coursework.

Acceptance Rate

64.49

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Creighton University is a Catholic institution following the Jesuit tradition. It has established the values and traditions of the Catholic faith. There are two options for registered nurses at Creighton University.  They can choose a postgraduate certificate or doctorate degree for psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioners. Its doctorate is tailored for practice and practicality, while its certificate provides 21 credits.

Acceptance Rate

73.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

What is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?

A psychiatric nurse practitioner is a nursing professional that works in conjunction with a team of mental health professionals and psychiatrists. Psychiatric nurses work with patients suffering from chronic or acute mental health conditions. A sampling of psychiatric disorders include psycho-social, personality, psycho-sexual, and psychosomatic. A variety of mental health professionals work together as a unified team to help diagnose and treat functional and organic disorders.

What is a Pediatric Mental Health Nurse?

A pediatric mental health nurse is a specialist integrating pediatric nursing with psychology insights and mental health counseling. Pediatric mental health nurses are trained experts at mental health conditions, crisis intervention, therapies, and medications to help children and families cope with mental illness and mental distress. Other specialties for an APRN akin to pediatric mental health nursing include forensics, substance abuse, and gerontological according tothe APNA.

What Does a Psychiatric Nurse Do?

A psychiatric nurse works with families, groups, and individuals with psychiatric disorders or mental health problems. The process of assisting others starts with the cycle of assessing, diagnosing, and treating. Psychiatric nurses may have their own means of assessing and diagnosing to create a plan of care. Likewise, the creation of a treatment plan can include a full scope of therapeutic tools including psychotherapy and medication administration.

Common disorders a psychiatric nurse works with include: eating, anxiety, bipolar, OCT, PTSD, panic, postpartum, depression, seasonal affective disorder, hypersomnia, social anxiety, sex addiction, restless leg syndrome, pain, acute stress, kleptomania, pain, and antisocial personality.

A recent survey performed by the U.S. Department of Labor of psychiatric nurses and mental health nurses reveals a set of the most common job responsibilities for this profession. The top 8 job duties of a psychiatric nurse are to: All 24 displayed

  1. Distinguish between physiologically and psychologically based disorders and diagnose them appropriately
  2. Diagnose psychiatric disorders and mental health conditions
  3. Monitor a patients medication intake, usage, and results
  4. Develop nursing care plans
  5. Properly document the medical and psychological history of a patient along with pertinent physical changes, clinical diagnoses, treatment plans, prescriptions, and known outcomes
  6. Evaluate behavior over time to append diagnoses or treatment plans
  7. Manage self-care activities and the therapeutic environment
  8. Provide counseling and intervention as needed

Psychiatric Nurse Educational Requirements

In terms of educational requirements, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse degree holders will have typically studied the following:

The mental health nursing degrees are constructed to be comprehensive and challenging. The net result of such curriculum is a well-rounded, competent psychiatric nurse equipped to help with a variety of issues. A strong sense of self, exceptional analytical skills, attention to detail, and an unwavering focus on helping others is a great baseline for success.

How Do You Become a Psychiatric Nurse?

In order to become a psychiatric nurse or mental health nurse, you must first be a Registered Nurse. An RN can be obtained by earning a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BSN), Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN), LVN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, Second Degree BSN, LPN to BSN, or related nursing bridge program.

The psychiatric nurse track requires additional training in psychological therapies, counseling theories, crisis management, psychopharmacology, and managing challenging behaviors. The additional training can be obtained by students through clinical study, professional certification, continuing education, and elective courses. The combination of work experience and academic training provide a foundation for students to take the examination to earn certification as a mental health nurse or psychiatric nurse.

Beyond a psychiatric nurse is the psychiatric nurse practitioner which is a type of advanced practice nurse (APN). To become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you will need graduate-level training often found by earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) along with a period of supervised clinical practice.

At that time, you will be eligible for a child or adolescent psychiatric nurse practitioner certification offered through the ANCC. Psychiatric nurse practitioners are also known as clinical nurse specialists provide a full range of mental health counseling and monitor, assess, treat, and manage psychiatric disorders in an independent fashion.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychiatric Nurse?

The length of time it takes to become a mental health nurse practitioner depends on your work experience and prior academic resume.  If you have an RN with work experience as a psychiatric nurse, you can earn your MSN in about 2-years of full-time school work.  On the other hand, if you are looking to enter the nursing field with no experience then becoming a mental health nurse practitioner will take longer.

First, you will need to earn your RN through an accredited, state-approved program.  Once you have earned your RN from a college or university, you are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.  Upon successful completion of the NCLEX examination, you can apply for licensure through your state of residence and begin working as an RN.  After gaining valuable work experience in the field, you can apply for an MSN program or psychiatric certification to work towards becoming a mental health nurse practitioner.

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Employment Outlook for Mental Health Nurses

Job outlook for mental health nurses and psychiatric nurses is quite bright. To illustrate, the national average growth is forecast at six percent in the coming decade. However, mental health nurses are expected to see a solid 15% spike in jobs during that time. A fifteen percent increase in employment translates to 438,000 jobs created in the next ten years. Growth of this capacity will create substantial job opportunities and upward career mobility for well-qualified nurses. States employing the most mental health nurses are California, Texas, and New York.

Where Do Psychiatric Nurses Work?

Psychiatric nurses and mental health care nurses work in a number of different professional settings. The most common examples of work settings for a psychiatric nurse is a hospital, school, mental health facility, correctional facility, medical office, medical office, home health organization, medical clinic, and community organization. Additional job information can be found via national associations like the APNA, MHNA, and the ISPN.

Job Titles of Mental Health Nurses and Psychiatric Nurses

Mental health nurses and psychiatric nurses may be known by different titles in different organizations across the country. A list of commonly used titles for a psychiatric nurse can include the following:

  • Administrative Director, Behavioral Health Services
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (PMH Nurse)
  • Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
  • Coordinator of the Psychiatric Liaison Service
  • Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Advanced Practice Nurse Psychotherapist or APN Psychotherapist
  • Deputy Director of Clinical Specialty Services
  • Associate Chief Nurse
  • Associate Director of Nursing
  • Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist

Psychiatric Nurse Salary

Psych nurse salary and mental health nurse practitioner salary are well above the national average. In fact, both are nearly double the national average salary for all jobs combined. The median annual income of a psychiatric nurse is $68,450 which is equivalent to $32.91 per hour. As a point of reference, the top 10% of psychiatric nurse practitioners salary is $104,100 per year with the bottom ten percent earning $48,690 a year on average. The differences are accounted for by job responsibility, work ethic, leadership capabilities, work experience, and organization affiliation.

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