Psychiatric Nurse

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), nearly one in five US adults suffers from some form of mental illness. The degree of illness can vary from mild to moderate to severe, with most people being in the mild to moderate range. However, those who suffer from severe mental illness may need specialized care in a mental health care treatment facility.

Psychiatric nurses are registered nurses with the skills, training, and education to help individuals, groups, and families needing mental health care treatment. Nurses in this specialization can help develop and implement plans that will help clients achieve a more grounded and centered mental state. This job requires a high degree of empathy and understanding, strong boundaries, and the ability to enforce rules.

To become a psychiatric nurse, one must first earn a general nursing degree. This can be either an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN), although a BSN offers more employment opportunities and is preferred by employers. 

Upon completing a nursing program, aspiring psychiatric nurses can find entry-level work in the field or can complete a residency program to gain more skills. Psychiatric nurses can go on to complete a master’s of science in nursing (MSN) to become psychiatric nurse practitioners, which is a more independent role where they can diagnose and treat patients. 

Licensure as a registered nurse is required for psychiatric nurses, but certification is optional. The most common certification is the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Psychiatric nurses work anywhere patients receive mental healthcare, including hospitals, group homes, inpatient centers, and outpatient treatment facilities. Demand for nurses is currently high, with an expected 6 percent growth in jobs in this field nationally between 2022 and 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024).

Keep reading to learn more about this specialization in nursing, including education programs, salary ranges, and job duties.

Nurses who wish to work in psychiatry must complete an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN). These general nursing education programs can prepare nurses for entry-level work in this field. Nurses who wish to specialize further can complete a master’s of science in nursing in order to become psychiatric nurse practitioners.

Admissions to nursing programs are relatively competitive. Most programs require that candidates complete prerequisite coursework in biology, anatomy, math, and chemistry and have a minimum GPA from that coursework. 

Depending on the program, other admission requirements can include a background check, drudge screening, and even already having completed a degree such as an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Accreditation is a voluntary step universities and colleges undergo to verify that their program has met a high-quality standard in faculty, facilities, curriculum, and student outcomes. 

It is essential that nursing students verify that their desired program has been accredited by the  Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the two accreditation boards for nursing programs. Most states require that candidates for a registered nursing license have completed an accredited program, as this guarantees a minimum quality of education.

Oregon Health and Science University – School of Nursing

Oregon Health and Science University School of Nursing offers a three-year bachelor’s in nursing degree. Students can complete this degree at one of five campuses across the state of Oregon. This unique format allows for improved utilization of clinical facilities and faculty expertise across the state. This program is ranked number seven in the nation by US News & World Report. 

To be eligible for admission, students must have completed a year of college, or 30 semester-credits (45 quarter-credits). These credits must include prerequisite coursework in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, human development, algebra, and nutrition. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA and complete an in-person interview to assess their suitability for the program. 

• Location: Portland, Ashland, Monmouth, Klamath Falls, and La Grande, OR
• Duration: Three years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Duke University – School of Nursing

Students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing can complete the 16-month accelerated bachelor’s of science in nursing at Duke University’s School of Nursing. This is a full-time campus-based program that is extremely rigorous. Students should not plan on working while completing this program. This program focuses on health, wellness, disease prevention, leadership, and evidence-based practices. 

In total, students will complete 58 credit hours to earn this degree and nearly 800 hours of clinical experience. All students will gain hands-on skills in the Center for Nursing Discovery, which is the only accredited healthcare simulation facility in North Carolina. Students can also earn up to nine credits towards a master of science in nursing program, should they so choose. 

• Location: Durham, NC
• Duration: 16 months
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Laredo College

The associate’s degree in nursing at Laredo College is one of the top programs in the country. Students who have no prior experience in this field can choose to complete a two-year program, or they can complete the transition program if they are already Licensed Vocational Nurses. 

Both programs will require students to complete general education classes in composition, psychology, and math, as well as nursing, pharmacology, anatomy, and mental health courses.

Admissions are competitive, and students must complete prerequisite coursework before applying. To be considered for admission, all candidates must have at least a 2.5 GPA, up-to-date immunizations, and a clean background check. Applicants must also take a standardized pre-admission nursing entrance exam (ATI TEAS) to determine proficiency in English, reading, math, and science. Tests taken for other nursing programs will not be accepted. 

• Location: Laredo, TX
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN))

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Residency)

Vanderbilt University Medical Center offers a one-year paid nurse residency program in behavioral health to help recently graduated nurses gain experience and specialized training in psychiatry. 

This program consists of full-time work with classes and seminars. Candidates will be interviewed two to three times to determine if they are a good fit. Applicants must have less than six months of nursing experience to apply for this program. While this program is only a year long, nurses are strongly encouraged to commit to an additional year of working at Vanderbilt post-residency.

To be eligible to apply for this program, candidates must complete nursing school and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. There are two start dates each year: July and October. 

• Location: Nashville, TN
• Duration: One year 
• Accreditation: American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation in Practice Transition Programs

Durham VA Health  (Residency)

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Residency Program at the Durham VA Health Care System, supported by the Office for Academic Affiliations (OAA) and in partnership with Duke University School of Nursing, offers an innovative 12-month post-graduate training experience. This program is designed to transition novice PMHNPs to competent practitioners specializing in veterans’ mental health care needs. Residents will gain extensive experience managing complex mental health conditions, develop critical thinking and diagnostic skills, and enhance their leadership abilities.

The curriculum includes 80 percent clinical rotations and 20 percent didactic sessions, complemented by a self-reflective portfolio and a quality-improvement project. Residents receive a competitive stipend, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to work with esteemed faculty from both Durham VA and Duke University. Applications open annually on October 31st, a year before the program’s September start date.

• Location: Durham, NC
• Duration: One year
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Wilkes University

Wilkes University offers an online MSN, RN-to-MSN, or post-master’s certificate program for aspiring psychiatric-mental health NPs. The MSN program features 500 clinical hours and 15 courses, such as advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, diagnostic reasoning for NPs, advanced health assessment, and health perspectives of culturally diverse, rural, and underserved populations.

Notably, this program continually has higher-than-average passing rates on national board exams.

• Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA
• Duration: Varies based on the program
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Husson University

Registered nurses who wish to provide more independent psychiatric care for patients can complete an online master’s of science in nursing at Husson University to become psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). While this advanced degree isn’t necessary to be a psychiatric nurse, being a nurse practitioner is an advanced role that will allow nurses to diagnose and treat patients. 

In this program, nurses will learn how to assess mental health concerns and determine any necessary treatments or pharmaceuticals. Graduates of this program have a 95 percent passage rate on the national certification exam for psychiatric nurse practitioner. 

• Location: Bangor, ME
• Duration: 24 to 30 months
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Western Governors University

Western Governors University offers a pre-licensure hybrid bachelor’s of science in nursing degree. Students must attend in-person labs and clinicals and be based in  Florida, Indiana, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, or Utah. The didactic coursework is all offered online so students can complete their studies when it is convenient for them. 

This program has an innovative competency-based model, where students are measured on their skills rather than time in the program or test scores. Tuition is based on six months, and students can complete as many classes as they can during that period for one low price. Most students complete this degree in two-and-a-half years with an average of 30 hours per week of studies, assessments, labs, and clinical rotations.

• Location: Florida, Indiana, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, or Utah
• Duration: 2.5 years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA)

The APNA offers online continuing education classes for psychiatric nurses. These classes vary in length and can help nurses gain new skills and stay up to date with the latest best practices. 

These hours can be used to meet the eligibility for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC) exam, or they can be used to help maintain certification or licensure. While most of the courses are in psychiatric care, some of them may fall under pharmacology or other specialties. While some courses have a cost associated with them, many courses are also available for free. 

• Location: Falls Church, VA
• Duration: Varies
• Accreditation: American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation

Rasmussen University Nursing School

Students who live near one of the 19 Rasmussen University campuses in five states can complete a hybrid associate’s degree in nursing in as little as 18 months. If a student is already a licensed professional nurse, then the program can be completed in as little as 12 months. 

Most of the didactic coursework in this program can be completed online with on-campus simulation labs and in-person clinical experiences. Skills students will learn include patient care, clinical decision-making, professional confidence, and critical thinking. In total, students must complete 102 credit hours over 25 courses to earn this degree.  

• Location: 19 campuses in five states
• Duration: 18 months
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

American Nurses Association (ANA)

To sit for the ANA’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC) exam, candidates must have 2,000 hours of work experience and 30 hours of continuing education in psychiatric–mental health nursing. 

One place where nurses can complete some continuing education is through the ANA’s online learning portal. In fact, the PMH-BC online exam review course, which can help prepare nurses for this exam, provides 16.4 contact-hours. In the exam review course, nurses will gain study tips, understand the exam content, and be better prepared for the exam. 

• Location: Silver Spring, MA
• Duration: Varies
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

It takes anywhere from 18 months to four years to become a psychiatric nurse. The variation in timelines is due to the type of program completed. Bachelor’s programs take longer than an associate’s degree. Once nursing school is complete, nurses can go directly into psychiatry. However, it takes at least 2,000 hours of work experience in this field to achieve a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC).

Step 1: Graduate from High School or Complete a GED (Four Years)

Completing high school or earning a GED is required to pursue a career in nursing, as it is required for most nursing programs. Aspiring psychiatric nurses should focus on science and math classes to prepare them for additional studies. 

Step 2: Complete a Nursing Program (18 Months to Four Years)

Psychiatric nurses must complete a nursing program. These can be an associate’s degree in nursing or a bachelor’s of science in nursing. While it is possible to work in this field with an associate’s, a bachelor’s is highly recommended and preferred by most employers.  

Step 3: Pass NCLEX-RN (Timelines Vary)

After completing a nursing program, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse exam to obtain licensure. Passing this exam demonstrates a high level of knowledge and skill in nursing. 

Step 4: Apply for State Licensure (Timelines Varies)

In order to care for patients, psychiatric nurses need to be licensed by their state’s nursing board. Requirements can vary by state, but most include passing the NCLEX-RN exam, completing a nursing program, and passing a background check, 

Step 5: Complete Additional Education or Gain Work Experience (Timelines Vary)

Nurses can enter the field of psychiatry directly after obtaining licensure. However, additional education and work experience can be beneficial when applying for more lucrative positions or seeking advancement. Also, work experience is required to obtain certification.  

Step 6: Earn Certification as a Psychiatric Nurse (Timelines Vary)

Once a psychiatric nurse has completed 2,000 hours of work experience in this field, they can be eligible to sit for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC). More information on this certification can be found below.

Psychiatric nurses work anywhere mental health services are provided. This can include hospitals, inpatient centers, outpatient treatment facilities, group homes, and rehabilitation agencies. Employers can include government agencies as well as private or non-profit companies. 

Job duties will vary based on the place of employment, and the population served. Typical responsibilities will include:

• Assessing patients’ conditions
• Taking vital signs and monitoring patients
• Assisting physicians with examinations or treatments
• Administering medications per physician orders
• Transcribing physician notes and reviewing charts
• Maintaining meticulous records
• Ensuring there are no harmful or triggering things in a patient’s environment
• Educating families and patients about their conditions
• Restraining or consoling patients in crisis

All psychiatric nurses must be licensed registered nurses in the state where they practice. Licenses are issued by each state’s nursing board. Requirements will vary by state, but most include:

• Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
• Completing a nursing program
• Passing a background check
• Having a clear drug screening

Certification is not required for psychiatric nurses. However, this voluntary step demonstrates to employers that a candidate has proficiency in this field, as well as verified work experience and education. The primary certification nurses in this field earn is the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. To be eligible, nurses must have:

• Two years of work experience as a nurse
• A current unencumbered registered nursing license
• 2,000 document hours of working in psychiatric nursing in the past three years
• 30 hours of continuing education in psychiatric nursing in the past three years

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023) estimates that the 3,175,390 nurses in the US earn $94,480 per year on average. Presently, the BLS doesn’t monitor salaries for specialties. The percentiles for all RN wages are:

• 10th percentile: $63,720
• 25th percentile: $75,990
• 50th  percentile (median): $86,070
• 75th percentile: $104,670
• 90th percentile: $132,680

Here are some alternatives to a career as a psychiatric nurse: 

Become an Oncology Nurse

Oncology nurses have additional training and education to work with cancer patients. They may work in physician offices, treatment centers, or hospitals, providing care at all stages of cancer treatment, from the initial diagnosis to end-of-life care. 

• Typical Education: Associate’s or bachelor’s
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC)

Become a Nurse Educator

Nurses who teach other nurses are called nurse educators. Not only do nurse educators have a high level of competency in patient care, but they also have the passion and skills to share that with aspiring nurses. Nurse educators can work in nursing education programs where they teach classes and labs, or they can work in clinics and hospitals where they supervise hands-on learning. 

• Typical Education: Master’s degree
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: National League for Nursing.

Become a Nurse Practitioner

Nurses who complete a master’s of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) can become nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioners can work independently in many states and can specialize in various fields or populations such as oncology, pediatrics, or emergency medicine. 

• Typical Education: Master’s of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP)
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

Kimmy Gustafson

Writer

At HealthcareDegree.com, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth and insightful articles since 2019, aiding prospective students to navigate the complexities of choosing the right healthcare degree. Her recent work includes topics such as the ethics of gene editing and physician assistant’s fight for autonomy.

Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.

Rachel Drummond, MEd

Writer

Rachel Drummond has written about integrating contemplative movement practices such as yoga into healthcare professions since 2019, promoting the idea that mental and physical well-being are critical components of effective patient care and self-care in the high-stress world of healthcare.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.