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Wilkes University MSN degree program focuses on advanced clinical skills, professionalism and evidence-based practice. Our integrated exam preparation courses provide dedicated study resources, leading to impressive pass rates and graduate success. You can choose from three concentrations to align with your career goals: psych/mental health, family and adult-gerontology primary care.

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Online MSN Programs

Get a Free Guide

Learn More About Tuition, Admission, Financial Assistance & More.
I have an associate degree in nursing (ADN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA
I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a 3.3 GPA
I have an MSN, DNP or BSN to DNP degree with a 3.0 GPA
I have an unencumbered RN license
I reside in Pennsylvania

Step 1 of 2

  • Current Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Complete

Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) — Nurse Practitioner


BSN holders can earn their MSN in as little as 2 years, while RNs with an ASN/ADN can graduate in 3 years or less.

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Built-In Placement Assistance
Stress Less About Clinicals
We offer our students clinical placement assistance, so you can focus on making the leap from nurse to nurse practitioner.
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Pass with Confidence
Exceptional Exam Rates
Graduate with confidence—Wilkes nurses achieve consistently higher board exam pass rates.
Image
App wavier
Nearly Half the Cost
Save big on tuition—our program costs nearly half as much as others without compromising quality.
Image
Icon
100% Virtual Classroom
Flexible online coursework to balance your commitments. No set login times or campus visits required.

NP Concentrations:


Specialize in one of three in-demand NP concentrations and deliver care to the patient populations you're most passionate about.

Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – PMHNP

Our Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track prepares you to complete comprehensive mental health assessments and perform individual, family and group psychotherapy. You will develop competence in prescribing and monitoring medications used in the treatment of disorders across the lifespan.

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or Associate degree in nursing (ADN)
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Unencumbered RN license
  • One year of clinical experience (by the start of the NP clinical courses)
  • Resume

Ready for the next step? Get a comprehensive program guide to learn more & connect with one of our dedicated admissions advisors.

Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – FNP

The online courses in our Family Nurse Practitioner track will teach you to analyze evidence-based practice to facilitate patient care for the health promotion, protection and disease prevention for patients of all ages in a variety of settings.

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or Associate degree in nursing (ADN)
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Unencumbered RN license
  • One year of clinical experience (by the start of the NP clinical courses)
  • Resume

Ready for the next step? Get a comprehensive program guide to learn more & connect with one of our dedicated admissions advisors.

Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – AGPCNP

Our Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track promotes quality outcomes to facilitate patient care for the health promotion, protection and disease prevention for adolescents, adults and older adults in a variety of settings.

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or Associate degree in nursing (ADN)
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Unencumbered RN license
  • One year of clinical experience (by the start of the NP clinical courses)
  • Resume

Ready for the next step? Get a comprehensive program guide to learn more & connect with one of our dedicated admissions advisors.

Provide essential mental health care


Nearly half of all Americans lack access to proper mental health care.* 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’s online MSN-PMHNP program offers a pathway for you to fill this need. The Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track prepares you to complete comprehensive mental health assessments and perform individual, family and group psychotherapy. You will develop competence in prescribing and monitoring medications used in the treatment of disorders across the lifespan. 

Get a Free Guide

Learn More About Tuition, Admission, Financial Assistance & More.
I have an associate degree in nursing (ADN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA
I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a 3.3 GPA
I have an MSN, DNP or BSN to DNP degree with a 3.0 GPA
I have an unencumbered RN license
I reside in Pennsylvania

Step 1 of 2

  • Current Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Complete
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Next Intake: Jan 2026

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No entrance exams required

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3.0 minimum undergrad GPA

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Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
CCNE

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Top Ranked University for 16 Consecutive Years
U.S. News & World Report

Image
Icon

Top 10% Ranked Institution Nationally
Brookings Institution

Image
Military friendly badge

2025-26 Military Friendly® School
VIQTORY 

Nurses Evolve Here


For more than 90 years, Wilkes has been dedicated to the success of our students through academic excellence, educational access and return on investment. Some of the nation’s leading publications and renowned organizations have recognized this commitment. We are constantly evolving to meet the needs of our nursing students, and that includes complimentary clinical placement support.

U.S. News & World Report — Top Ranked University for 20+ Consecutive Years, Ranked Nationally Since 2019

Brookings Institution — Top 10% Ranked Institution Nationally for Graduate Earnings

The Economist — Ranked 25th in the Nation for Economic Value

The Princeton Review — Best Northeastern College 

Washington Monthly – Top Ranked Institution in Northeast Pennsylvania

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Students

Clinical Placement Support


Wilkes’ dedicated clinical placement team works with you to offer a high-quality placement experience that meets University and national guidelines and prepares you for success in our psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner program.

Clinical placement services are built into the program's cost so you can focus on your coursework and the core competencies you need to succeed. We partner with you to:

  • Research and find a nearby site aligned with your interest in psychiatric and mental health. 
  • Secure a preceptor to mentor and support you.
  • Organize all necessary documents and clearance requirements before the start of your clinicals.
  • Monitor your schedule and placement hours to ensure compliance.
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Craig Patton

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

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Wilkes University logo

*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)

Online PMHNP Programs

Get a Free Guide

Learn More About Tuition, Admission, Financial Assistance & More.
I have an associate degree in nursing (ADN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA
I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a 3.3 GPA
I have an MSN, DNP or BSN to DNP degree with a 3.0 GPA
I have an unencumbered RN license
I reside in Pennsylvania

Step 1 of 2

  • Current Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Complete

Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner


Image
Built-In Placement Assistance
Stress Less About Clinicals
We provide top support, securing clinical sites at rates above the national average.
Image
Pass with Confidence
Exceptional Exam Rates
Graduate with confidence—Wilkes nurses achieve consistently higher board exam pass rates.
Image
App wavier
Nearly Half the Cost
Save big on tuition—our program costs nearly half as much as others without compromising quality.
Image
Icon
100% Virtual Classroom
Flexible online coursework to balance your commitments. No set login times or campus visits required.

PMHNP Pathways & Admission Requirements


The admission standards below represent the minimum eligibility requirements. Admission committee members reserve the right to request additional information from candidates for a more in-depth review of qualifications.

Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Psychiatric/Mental Health NP

  • 15 courses / 500 clinical hours
  • Complete in 2.3 years
  • $751 per credit
  • Fall, Spring and Summer intakes

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) with a 3.0 GPA
  • Unencumbered RN license
  • One year of clinical experience (by the start of the NP clinical courses)
  • Resume
  • No entrance exams required

Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Psychiatric/Mental Health NP

  • 18 courses / 500 clinical hours
  • Complete in 3 years
  • $751 per credit
  • Fall, Spring and Summer intakes

Admission Requirements:

  • Associate degree in nursing (ADN) with a 3.0 GPA
  • Unencumbered RN license
  • One year of clinical experience (by the start of the NP clinical courses)
  • Resume
  • No entrance exams required

Online Post-Graduate/APRN Certificate - Psychiatric/Mental Health NP

  • 11 courses / 500 clinical hours
  • Complete in as little as 12 months*
  • $751 per credit
  • Fall, Spring and Summer intakes

Admission Requirements:

  • MSN, DNP or BSN-DNP degree with a 3.0 GPA
  • Unencumbered RN license
  • Resume
  • No entrance exams required

*Based on transfer credit review

Get a Free Guide

Learn More About Tuition, Admission, Financial Assistance & More.
I have an associate degree in nursing (ADN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA
I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a 3.3 GPA
I have an MSN, DNP or BSN to DNP degree with a 3.0 GPA
I have an unencumbered RN license
I reside in Pennsylvania

Step 1 of 2

  • Current Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Complete
Image
Icon

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
CCNE

Image
Icon

Top Ranked University for 16 Consecutive Years
U.S. News & World Report

Image
Icon

Top 10% Ranked Institution Nationally
Brookings Institution

Image
Military friendly badge

2025-26 Military Friendly® School
VIQTORY 

Provide Essential Mental Health Care


Nearly half of all Americans lack access to proper mental health care.* 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’s online MSN-PMHNP program offers a pathway for you to fill this need. The Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track prepares you to complete comprehensive mental health assessments and perform individual, family and group psychotherapy. You will develop competence in prescribing and monitoring medications used in the treatment of disorders across the lifespan. 

Clinical Placement Support


Wilkes’ dedicated clinical placement team works with you to offer a high-quality placement experience that meets University and national guidelines and prepares you for success in our psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner program.

Clinical placement services are built into the program's cost so you can focus on your coursework and the core competencies you need to succeed. We partner with you to:

  • Research and find a nearby site aligned with your interest in psychiatric and mental health. 
  • Secure a preceptor to mentor and support you.
  • Organize all necessary documents and clearance requirements before the start of your clinicals.
  • Monitor your schedule and placement hours to ensure compliance.

Curriculum Sample


Get a program guide to see the full curriculum and course structure.

This course provides a foundation in the major systems of therapy for individuals and groups used in advanced psychiatric mental health nursing and other disciplines engaged in mental health practice. Focus will be on therapeutic modalities such as brief psychotherapy, group processes and practices, milieu therapy and crisis intervention as they relate to advanced nursing practice in mental health. (Prerequisites: NSG-550, NSG-552; Credits: 3)

Coursework focuses on the most frequently observed pathologies in psychiatry and mental health, the various conceptual models and theories related to the practice of psychiatric mental health nursing, and the most advanced clinical modalities congruent with the analysis of the best evidence. (Prerequisites: NSG-550, NSG-552; Credits: 3)

This foundational clinical course introduces students to advanced practice psychiatric nursing in a variety of mental health settings, including inpatient and outpatient environments. Students acquire skills in completing comprehensive mental health assessments. Students identify and apply concepts, theories, and principles to the practice of individual, family, and group psychotherapy, with emphasis on process dynamics. Considerations and challenges in providing psychotherapy to culturally diverse individuals, families, and groups are explored and discussed. Skills are gained in assessing psychopathological symptoms across the lifespan and in implementing planned interventions. Students integrate theory and practice of the advanced practice psychiatric nurse in a supervised clinical practicum. (Total: 250 practice hours; Prerequisites: NSG-550, NSG-552; Credits: 3)

This clinical course focuses on refining assessment, diagnosis, and pharmacological and psychosocial management of individuals of all ages with mental illness. Individual, family, and group psychotherapies are refined. Students gain skills in identifying individuals/populations at risk for mental illness and primary prevention in mental health. Mental health needs of culturally diverse, rural, and underserved populations are explored. Leadership and advocacy roles of the advanced practice psychiatric nurse as an agent of healthcare policy change are emphasized. Students integrate theory and practice of the advanced practice psychiatric nurse in a supervised clinical practicum. (Total: 250 practice hours; Prerequisites: NSG-550, NSG-552; Credits: 3)

This course is designed to assist the P.M.H. nurse practitioner in developing competencies in prescribing and monitoring psychopharmacological agents used in the treatment of common psychiatric/mental health disorders across the lifespan. In addition, this course will examine the effects of major classes of psychopharmacological agents on neurobiological function with a particular emphasis on the clinical management of target psychiatric symptoms. Drugs of abuse, side-effects, issues of polypharmacy, and the management of advanced practice prescriptive privileges will also be explored (Prerequisite: NSG 533; Credits: 3).

Nurses Evolve Here


Wilkes University's Passan School of Nursing offers a variety of convenient online programs for working nurses across the nation. Going back to school is a big decision, but Wilkes offers the mentoring and faculty support you need to succeed. For more than 90 years, Wilkes has been dedicated to the success of our students through academic excellence, educational access and return on investment. Some of the nation’s leading publications and renowned organizations have recognized this commitment. We are constantly evolving to meet the needs of our nursing students, and that includes complimentary clinical placement support.

U.S. News & World Report — Top Ranked University for 20+ Consecutive Years, Ranked Nationally Since 2019

Brookings Institution — Top 10% Ranked Institution Nationally for Graduate Earnings

The Economist — Ranked 25th in the Nation for Economic Value

The Princeton Review — Best Northeastern College 

Washington Monthly – Top Ranked Institution in Northeast Pennsylvania

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Students

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

Ready for the next step?


Submit your information to access a comprehensive digital program guide. One of our dedicated enrollment advisors will contact you shortly to discuss next steps and answer any questions you may have.

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Craig Patton

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

Image
Wilkes University logo

*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)

Online PMHNP Programs

Get a Free Guide

Learn More About Tuition, Admission, Financial Assistance & More.
I have an associate degree in nursing (ADN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA
I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a 3.3 GPA
I have an MSN, DNP or BSN to DNP degree with a 3.0 GPA
I have an unencumbered RN license
I reside in Pennsylvania

Step 1 of 2

  • Current Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Complete

Meet the Demand for Mental Health Care


More than 60 million Americans need access to mental health care—enough to meet the populations of California and Texas*. 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.

As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), you can be part of the solution while advancing your career through Wilkes University’s CCNE accredited online MSN program. BSN holders can earn their MSN-PMHNP degree in 2.3 years while RNs with an ADN/ASN can graduate in 3 years.

BSN to MSN-PMHNP: graduate in 2.3 years
ADN (RN) to MSN-PMHNP: graduate in 3 years
Post-Grad/APRN Cert: graduate in as little as 12 months**

Image
Icon
100% Virtual Classroom
Flexible online coursework to balance your commitments. No set login times or campus visits required.
Image
Built-In Placement Assistance
Built-In Placement Assistance
Get hands-on clinical experience near you, with dedicated placement support included at no extra cost.
Image
Icon
Unparalleled Support
Faculty mentorship, clinical placement team & dedicated student success advisor guiding you from day 1 through graduation.

At Wilkes You Will


Wilkes University is a small non-profit university that gives you big opportunities. For more than 90 years, Wilkes has been dedicated to the success of our students through academic excellence, educational access and return on investment.

Image
High Quality, Low Cost

High Quality,
Low Cost

At $751 per credit, tuition is lower than other online PMHNP programs without compromising quality.

Image
Icon

Exceptional
Exam Rates

Graduate with confidence-Wilkes nurses achieve higher pass rates on ANCC certification exams.

Image
Built-In Placement Assistance

Stress Less
About Clinicals

We provide top support, securing clinical sites at rates above the national average.

Get a Free Guide

Learn More About Tuition, Admission, Financial Assistance & More.
I have an associate degree in nursing (ADN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA
I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a 3.3 GPA
I have an MSN, DNP or BSN to DNP degree with a 3.0 GPA
I have an unencumbered RN license
I reside in Pennsylvania

Step 1 of 2

  • Current Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Complete
Image
Icon

Next Intake: Jan 2026

Image
Icon

No entrance exams required

Image
Icon

3.0 minimum undergrad GPA

Image
Icon

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
CCNE

Image
Icon

Top Ranked University for 16 Consecutive Years
U.S. News & World Report

Image
Icon

Top 10% Ranked Institution Nationally
Brookings Institution

Image
Military friendly badge

2025-26 Military Friendly® School
VIQTORY 

Image
Craig Patton

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

Image
Wilkes University logo

*Sources:

  • https://www.nami.org/support-education/publications-reports/public-policy-reports/the-doctor-is-out/
  • https://apnews.com/article/california-population-growth-2024-newsom-7be526b6e954eecf3fe6776c29a98efa
  • https://demographics.texas.gov/Projections/2024/

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)

Online MSN Programs

Get a Free Guide

Learn More About Tuition, Admission, Financial Assistance & More.
I have an associate degree in nursing (ADN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA
I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a 3.3 GPA
I have an MSN, DNP or BSN to DNP degree with a 3.0 GPA
I have an unencumbered RN license
I reside in Pennsylvania

Step 1 of 2

  • Current Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Complete

Provide greater continuity of care


Gain autonomy as a nurse practitioner (NP) by earning your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) online from Wilkes University. BSN holders can earn their MSN in as little as two years, while those with an ASN/ADN can graduate in three years or less.

Our program is designed with your future in mind, investing in the development of advanced clinical skills and evidence-based practices that empower you to deliver improved patient outcomes. With 100% online, asynchronous coursework, you can balance your studies with your professional and personal life. Clinical rotations provide the practical experience you need to excel, honing your skills with real-world patient care. To support your success, our integrated exam prep courses offer dedicated resources that contribute to consistently high pass rates on board-certification exams—well above the national average. Once you enroll, you’ll be paired with a dedicated Student Success Counselor who will guide you from day one through graduation, ensuring you have all the support and resources you need to excel.

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Find your niche
Choose From 3 High-Demand Concentrations
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
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100% Virtual Classroom
Fully online coursework to balance your commitments, no campus visits required.
Image
Built-In Placement Assistance
Built-In Placement Assistance
Benefit from dedicated placement support at no extra cost during each clinical rotation.
Image
Icon
Qualify for More Opportunities
NPs are in-demand and have higher earning potential.*

Recognized and respected in nursing


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.

Image
High Quality, Low Cost

High Quality,
Low Cost

Save nearly half on our competitive online MSN tuition without compromising quality.

Image
Icon

Exceptional
Exam Rates

Graduate with confidence-Wilkes nurses achieve higher pass rates on ANCC certification exams.

Image
Built-In Placement Assistance

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

Get a Free Guide

Learn More About Tuition, Admission, Financial Assistance & More.
I have an associate degree in nursing (ADN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA
I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a 3.3 GPA
I have an MSN, DNP or BSN to DNP degree with a 3.0 GPA
I have an unencumbered RN license
I reside in Pennsylvania

Step 1 of 2

  • Current Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Complete
Image
Icon

Apply Now for Next Intake

Image
Icon

No entrance exams required

Image
Icon

3.0 minimum undergrad GPA

Image
Icon

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
CCNE

Image
Icon

Top Ranked University for 16 Consecutive Years
U.S. News & World Report

Image
Icon

Top 10% Ranked Institution Nationally
Brookings Institution

Image
Military friendly badge

2025-26 Military Friendly® School
VIQTORY 

Image
Wilkes University logo

* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 

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)

Online Psychiatric NP Programs

Get a Free Guide

Learn More About Tuition, Admission, Financial Assistance & More.
I have an associate degree in nursing (ADN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA
I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a 3.0 GPA
I have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a 3.3 GPA
I have an MSN, DNP or BSN to DNP degree with a 3.0 GPA
I have an unencumbered RN license
I reside in Pennsylvania

Step 1 of 2

  • Current Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Complete

Provide essential mental health care


Nearly half of all Americans lack access to proper mental health care.* 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.

As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), you can be part of the solution while advancing your career through Wilkes University’s CCNE accredited online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Choose from three pathways:

  • BSN to MSN-PMHNP: graduate in 2.3 years
  • Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) to MSN-PMHNP: graduate in 3 years
  • Post-Graduate/APRN Certificate: graduate in as little as 12 months*
Image
Icon
100% Virtual Classroom
Flexible online coursework to balance your commitments. No set login times, no campus visits required.
Image
Icon
Built-In Placement Assistance
Get hands-on clinical experience near you, with dedicated placement support included at no extra cost.
Image
Icon
Unparalleled Support
Faculty mentorship, clinical placement team & dedicated student success advisor guiding you from day 1 through graduation.

Recognized and respected in nursing


Wilkes University is a small non-profit university that gives you big opportunities. For more than 90 years, Wilkes has been dedicated to the success of our students through academic excellence, educational access and return on investment.

CCNE* Accredited - Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
The Economist - 25th in the nation for economic value
U.S. News & World Report - Ranked for 20+ consecutive years. Current recognitions include #318 of National Universities, Top performer for social mobility
Brookings Institution - Ranked 14th overall in helping students improve their income after graduation
Washington Monthly - Ranked #285 of national universities
Niche - Current recognitions include Top 50% for Best Colleges in America, Top 25% of Colleges with the Best Professors in America

*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).

Image
High Quality, Low Cost

High Quality,
Low Cost

Save nearly half on our competitive online MSN tuition without compromising quality.

Image
Icon

Exceptional
Exam Rates

Graduate with confidence-Wilkes nurses achieve higher pass rates on ANCC certification exams.

Image
Built-In Placement Assistance

Stress Less
About Clinicals

We provide top support, securing clinical sites at rates above the national average.

Image
Craig Patton

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

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

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I have an associate degree in nursing (ADN) with a 3.0 GPA
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I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) with a 3.0 GPA
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I have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a 3.3 GPA
I have an MSN, DNP or BSN to DNP degree with a 3.0 GPA
I have an unencumbered RN license
I reside in Pennsylvania

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Next Intake: Fall 2025

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No entrance exams required

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3.0 minimum undergrad GPA

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Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
CCNE

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Top Ranked University for 16 Consecutive Years
U.S. News & World Report

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Top 10% Ranked Institution Nationally
Brookings Institution

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Military Friendly School Bronze Award, 2021
VIQTORY

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

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Elizabeth Swinny

“To get something out of your education, you have to put something in,”  says Elizabeth Swinny, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CCRN. A 2020 Wilkes grad, Swinny advises DNP students to be resilient and flexible to reach their goals. “Perseverance and resilience are mandatory.”

Elizabeth Swinny, DNP Graduate

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* 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)

What Can You Do With an MSN?

Explore what you can do with an MSN degree, and find out how advanced practice nurses and managers can impact patient care delivery in different ways.
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More About Wilkes

At Wilkes, we support and applaud lifelong learning. We are constantly changing, evolving and growing to meet the needs of our online student nurses. We look ahead to the degree programs, experiences and opportunities our students will need to succeed, and that includes complimentary nursing clinical placement services.

Our online nursing programs offer a variety of options for working nurses. Whether you're looking to advance your current role or broaden your career path and pursue a new specialty, Wilkes has a flexible program for you. Going back to school is a big decision. That's why we offer the mentoring and faculty member support of skilled nurse educators you need to succeed.

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Reach Out to an Enrollment Advisor

We’re here to talk about everything Wilkes, everything nursing and anything you need to make the right choice for your career. We'll even help with the application process. Call us or click the link below to start the conversation. We can’t wait! 

888-413-5633
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Out-of-State Students

Our online nursing degree programs prepare graduates to take the national board certification exam appropriate to their degree or chosen NP concentration. Please see our full list of state authorizations to determine whether our program fulfills requirements for licensure in your home state. Wilkes University will not be able to place any students who move to an unauthorized state before or during the program and this may impact your ability to continue with the program.

Primary State of Residence (PSOR)

Your PSOR is the state in which you declare as your primary residence for legal purposes. Sources used to verify your PSOR may include driver's license, federal income tax return, or voter registration. Only one state can be identified as the primary state of legal residence.

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