Online Psychiatric NP Programs
Provide essential mental health care
The role of the PMHNP is to assess, diagnose and treat the mental health and substance abuse needs of patients across the life span, including children, adolescents, adults and the elderly. Yet, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, only 4.7% of the practicing 355,000 licensed NPs in the U.S. are certified in psychiatric/mental health — the need for more is critical.
Wilkes University offers three pathways for you to fill this need and increase your scope of practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP):
- Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) to MSN: graduate in 36 months
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): graduate in 28 months
- Post-Graduate/APRN Certificate: graduate in as little as 12 months*
Dedicated to student success for 80+ years
Wilkes University is a small non-profit university that gives you big opportunities—and that’s just as true of our virtual campus. For more than 80 years, Wilkes has been dedicated to the success of our students through academic excellence, educational access and return on investment.
High Quality,
Low Cost
Save nearly half on our competitive online MSN tuition without compromising quality.
Exceptional
Exam Rates
Graduate with confidence-Wilkes nurses achieve higher pass rates on ANCC certification exams.
Stress Less
About Clinicals
We provide top support, securing clinical sites at rates above the national average.
How do Wilkes nurses demonstrate excellence?
By translating their knowledge into success on certification exams—proving they are confident and competent when it matters most. The table below highlights certification pass rates for Wilkes nurses across NP tracks, consistently exceeding national averages in recent years.
| YEAR 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Program | Certification Pass Rate: All Takers | National Pass Rate |
| Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) | 95.4% | 90% |
| Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | 84% | *74% |
| Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) | 91.6% | 80% |
*AANP National Pass Rate 2022, most recent data available
Next Intake: Fall 2025
No entrance exams required
3.0 minimum undergrad GPA
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
CCNE
Top Ranked University for 16 Consecutive Years
U.S. News & World Report
Top 10% Ranked Institution Nationally
Brookings Institution
Military Friendly School Bronze Award, 2021
VIQTORY
What really drew me to Wilkes was the fact that they had a dedicated clinical placement team. It was a game-changer. Having to find my own preceptor and clinical placement site was an immense stressor, so knowing they would take care of that was one of the biggest perks that attracted me to Wilkes.
Craig Patton, Master of Science in Nursing
* Based on transfer credit review
** National Institute of Mental Health
The baccalaureate degree in nursing/master's degree in nursing/ Doctor of Nursing Practice and post-graduate/APRN certificate programs at Wilkes University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org)
