Online PMHNP Programs
Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
3 PMHNP Pathways:
Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Psychiatric/Mental Health NP
15 courses / 7 terms / 2.3 years
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
Get a program guide for more information about curriculum, program features, financial aid, application assistance & more.
Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Psychiatric/Mental Health NP
18 courses / 9 terms / 3 years
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
Get a program guide for more information about curriculum, program features, financial aid, application assistance & more.
Online Post-Graduate/APRN Certificate - Psychiatric/Mental Health NP
11 courses / 5 terms / Complete in as little as 12 months*
Admission Requirements:
- MSN, DNP or BSN-DNP degree with a 3.0 GPA
- Unencumbered RN license
- Resume
Get a program guide for more information about curriculum, program features, financial aid, application assistance & more.
*Based on transfer credit review
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.
Next Intake: Jan 2026
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
2025-26 Military Friendly® School
VIQTORY
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.
Nurses Evolve Here
Wilkes is a small non-profit university that gives you big opportunities, and that's just as true on its virtual campus. 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.
The Princeton Review — Best Northeastern College
U.S. News & World Report — Top Ranked University for 16 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
Washington Monthly – Top Ranked Institution in Northeast Pennsylvania
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
*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)
