Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Master of Science program at Pennsylvania University is an intensive, full-time 15-month graduate education designed to prepare advanced practice nurses to meet the growing demand for comprehensive mental health care. This program equips students with the clinical expertise, therapeutic communication skills, and cultural competence necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. The curriculum integrates evidence-based pharmacological management, psychotherapeutic interventions, neuroscience foundations, and interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring a well-rounded approach to mental health care that is rooted in compassion, ethics, and scientific rigor.
Throughout the program, students engage in high-impact clinical experiences across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings. Faculty mentors, who are experts in psychiatric nursing, clinical psychology, and behavioral health policy, guide students in developing both clinical proficiency and leadership in mental health systems. The training also emphasizes trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and advocacy for mental health equity, particularly for underserved populations. Graduates of this program emerge with the skills to lead change in diverse psychiatric care environments and to improve the lives of individuals through empathetic, person-centered, and research-driven practice.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Degree Type: Master of Science
- Duration: 15 months
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 March 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Medicine
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations in Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health
- Neuroscience and Pathophysiology of Mental Illness
- Foundations of Psychopharmacology
- Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning
- Theoretical Foundations of Psychotherapy
Semester 2 – Therapeutic Practice and Integrated Care
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Group Interventions
- Mental Health Policy and Ethics
- Clinical Practicum I: Inpatient Psychiatric Settings
- Primary Care Integration in Psychiatric Nursing
Semester 3 – Specialization and Advanced Clinical Practice
- Substance Use Disorders and Dual Diagnosis
- Crisis Management and Trauma-Informed Care
- Clinical Practicum II: Outpatient and Community Psychiatry
- Capstone Project: Advanced Practice in Mental Health
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the PMHNP program are qualified to work as advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioners in a wide range of settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, primary care practices, and correctional facilities. They are licensed to provide diagnostic evaluations, prescribe medications, deliver psychotherapy, and coordinate care for individuals with psychiatric and behavioral health conditions. Many take on leadership roles in health systems or contribute to policy development focused on mental health access and equity. Others engage in research or education, helping train the next generation of psychiatric care providers. With mental health needs growing worldwide, graduates find themselves in high demand, equipped with both clinical skill and a deep commitment to transforming mental healthcare delivery.
Why Choose This Program
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Pennsylvania University is a compelling choice for students committed to advancing mental health care through clinical excellence, compassionate leadership, scientific knowledge, and inclusive practice. The program offers a thoughtfully structured curriculum that balances intensive clinical immersion with advanced coursework in psychopharmacology, therapy, and neuroscience. Students benefit from individualized mentorship, interdisciplinary exposure, and access to leading psychiatric institutions and research centers. Its accelerated 15-month format allows for focused learning without sacrificing depth or breadth. For those passionate about addressing mental illness, advocating for vulnerable populations, and leading change in behavioral health systems, this program delivers a powerful and career-defining foundation.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
