Online MSN PMHNP Program

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Become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to Treat Individuals Anywhere in the World

The U.S. is facing a growing mental health crisis — and qualified psychiatric nurse practitioners are more essential than ever.

Earn your Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP) from Hawai'i Pacific University in a CCNE-accredited format. Our online psychiatric nurse practitioner program prepares you to lead in the evolving field of mental health care.

Designed for working RNs, our program prepares you to deliver compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to diverse populations across the lifespan. With flexible scheduling and personalized clinical placement support, you can advance your career in one of the fastest-growing nurse practitioner specialties.

CALENDAR

Length: 28 months

Total Credits: 48 credits

Application Deadline:
Summer
April 11, 2025

Upcoming Start Date:
Summer
May 5, 2025

Pre-qualify

Program at a Glance

Online Coursework

100% online coursework with mobile-friendly delivery

Small classes with accessible faculty who care about your success and well-being

Cert exam

Prepare to pass ANCC certification exams on your first attempt

class size

Dedicated student support from first contact through graduation

Few as 28 months

Earn your MSN-PMHNP in as few as 28 months

student transfer

Transfer up to 12 credits

Why Choose HPU’s Online PMHNP Program?

Behavioral Health-Focused Faculty

Learn from practicing PMHNPs, psychiatric nurses, and mental health clinicians who bring real-world experience into the classroom.

Holistic, Trauma-Informed Approach

Build the skills to provide culturally competent, patient-centered care for individuals and families with complex psychiatric needs.

Integrated Clinical Placement Support

Receive hands-on guidance to secure local psychiatric-focused practicum placements, including outpatient and inpatient settings.

Flexible Online Format

Complete coursework from anywhere while balancing work and clinicals in a part-time, asynchronous model.

Mental Health Leadership Development

Prepare to lead behavioral health teams, influence care delivery, and advocate for underserved populations.

Certification Preparation

Graduate ready to sit for ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certification.

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American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)

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CCNE

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice at Hawai‘i Pacific University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

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National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties

Member of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF)

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WASC

Accredited by the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC/WSCUC)

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National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements

Participant in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) to offer distance education in member states

MSN-PMHNP Curriculum Overview

The 48-credit curriculum blends foundational nursing theory with advanced psychiatric coursework and clinical practicum experiences.

Delivered in a flexible, part-time format, it equips you with advanced clinical skills and confidence for psychiatric-mental health care across settings.

Core MSN Courses

  • Introduction to Advanced Practice Roles
  • Advanced Nursing Research
  • Advanced Pathophysiology
  • Advanced Pharmacology
  • Advanced Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
  • Development and Implementation of Health Care Policy

PMHNP Specialization Courses

These advanced courses are designed to build your knowledge of psychiatric care, psychopharmacology, and therapeutic interventions across diverse mental health settings.

Courses include:

  • Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (3 courses)
  • Pharmacology Across the Lifespan
  • Practicum (3 courses)
  • Project Proposal Paper

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) board certification exam.

Clinical Placement Support

HPU provides personalized clinical placement support to help you secure approved psychiatric-focused practicum sites in your local community. Our dedicated placement team works with each student to ensure access to diverse mental health settings that align with program requirements.

Examples of clinical settings include:

  • Community mental health centers
  • Behavioral health clinics
  • Inpatient psychiatric units
  • Telepsychiatry and integrated care models
View Full Curriculum

MSN-PMHNP Career Outcomes

What Does a PMHNP Do?

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) assess, diagnose, and treat patients with mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and psychotic disorders. PMHNPs:

  • Conduct psychiatric evaluations and develop treatment plans
  • Prescribe medications and manage psychopharmacological therapies
  • Provide psychotherapy and mental health counseling
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary care teams in outpatient, inpatient, and telehealth settings

Where Do PMHNPs Work?

Common practice settings include:

  • Outpatient psychiatric clinics
  • Inpatient psychiatric hospitals
  • Substance use recovery centers
  • Primary care and integrated health teams
  • Telehealth and virtual care platforms

Job Outlook

  • Median NP Salary: $129,480 (BLS)
  • NP Job Growth: 40% projected increase from 2023–2033
Explore PMHNP Careers

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited university
  • 3.0 GPA from undergraduate degree preferred
  • U.S. unencumbered state RN license
  • Undergraduate statistics course is required

To complete your application, you’ll need:

  • Application and application fee
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • Statement of purpose
Start Your Application

Tuition & Financial Aid

HPU’s online MSN program is designed to be affordable, flexible, and accessible for working nurses advancing into APRN roles.

  • $1,065 per credit
  • Program length and total cost vary by specialization
  • Eligible for federal financial aid and scholarships
  • Employer-sponsored tuition assistance welcome
  • Special tuition benefits available for active-duty military and veterans
View Full Tuition & Fees Info

FAQs: MSN-PMHNP