Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Become a Leader in Mental Health Care with the MSN – PMHNP Program

The University of Memphis Loewenberg College of Nursing offers a transformative path for registered nurses ready to take the next step in their careers. The Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN – PMHNP) program prepares you to deliver advanced mental health care to patients across the lifespan — from children and adolescents to adults and older adults.

Designed with flexibility in mind, this online-delivered MSN program empowers working nurses to gain clinical expertise while balancing professional and personal commitments. Best of all, students earn the same degree and diploma as on-campus graduates, with no distinction.

Flexible Online Coursework, Same UofM MSN Degree

The MSN – PMHNP program offers 100% online coursework, making it ideal for licensed RNs looking to specialize in psychiatric and mental health nursing while maintaining work-life balance. However, this is not a separate online degree — your diploma and credentials are the same as those earned by on-campus students at the University of Memphis.

In addition to didactic coursework, students complete four supervised clinical practicum courses in their local communities, gaining real-world experience under the guidance of qualified mental health preceptors.

Hands-On Clinical Training with On-Campus Intensives

While the program is delivered online, it includes required on-campus experiences as part of the nurse practitioner clinical courses. These structured sessions provide opportunities for:

• Advanced skills development

• Simulation-based learning

• Faculty-guided clinical preparation

Students will attend up to three on-campus intensives during the program, with each session lasting 1–3 days. All dates are announced at least six months in advance and can be found on the LCON website to help with long-term planning.

What You’ll Learn in the PMHNP Program

This specialized track focuses on mental health assessment, diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapyacross diverse patient populations. The PMHNP curriculum emphasizes:

• Evidence-based psychiatric care and treatment planning

• Population health strategies and advocacy for mental health access

• Advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making

• Leadership, health policy, and the use of informatics in psychiatric care

• Interprofessional collaboration for holistic mental health treatment

Through clinical practicum experiences in your area, you'll apply what you've learned to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, from anxiety and depression to severe psychiatric disorders.

PMHNP Career Outlook: High Demand, High Impact

The demand for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) is growing rapidly. Over 120 million Americans live in areas with a shortage of mental health providers, and more than 6,500 providers are needed to meet current demand, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration.

As a PMHNP, you'll be prepared to:

• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric assessments

• Diagnose mental health and substance use disorders

• Prescribe medications and provide psychotherapy

• Work in a range of care environments:

  • Hospitals

  • Community mental health centers

  • Psychiatric facilities

  • Private practices

  • Telehealth services

This program helps you turn your nursing experience into specialized, high-impact care in one of the most essential fields of modern healthcare.

Why Choose the University of Memphis MSN – PMHNP Program?

• 100% Online Coursework – Flexible learning for working nurses
• 46 Credit Hours – Includes four local clinical practicum experiences
• Same Degree as On-Campus Students – No distinction on diploma
• National Certification Ready – Prepares you for PMHNP-BC exam
• Holistic Mental Health Training – From prevention to complex care
• Led by Expert Faculty – From Tennessee’s top nursing educators
• CCNE & HLC Accredited – Meets the highest standards of nursing education

 

Who Should Apply?

The PMHNP program is ideal for:

• Registered Nurses (RNs) seeking advanced practice roles

• Nurses passionate about mental health care and advocacy

• Professionals looking to address the growing demand for psychiatric providers

• Those interested in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and leadership in mental health

Accreditation You Can Trust

• Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

• Fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

These accreditations ensure that your degree meets national quality and professional standards.

Take the Next Step Toward Becoming a PMHNP

Join a top-tier nursing program that advances your career while empowering you to meet the growing mental health needs of individuals and communities. The University of Memphis MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program gives you the knowledge, skills, and clinical training to become a leader in modern psychiatric care.

Start your journey today — transform your nursing career and make a lasting impact in mental health!

Apply Now