Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
Make a Lasting Impact and Advance Your Career
At Samuel Merritt University, we understand that mental health is at the forefront of global healthcare needs. Our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program is designed to empower nursing professionals like you to become leaders in this critical field. Whether you’re looking to expand your current expertise or pivot into mental health care, our three program track options offer the flexibility and comprehensive curriculum you need to succeed.
Specialized Tracks
Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Become a leader in mental health care with our MSN-PMHNP program. Designed for RNs with a bachelor’s degree, this program equips you with advanced skills to address complex mental health needs and deliver compassionate, patient-centered care across all ages and settings. Prepare for diverse opportunities in clinical practice, leadership, education, and policy advocacy.
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Our DNP-PMHNP program empowers bachelor’s and master’s-prepared RNs to lead in mental health care. As a DNP student, you’ll gain advanced skills to advocate for policy changes, implement evidence-based practices, and lead teams across diverse settings—like hospitals, clinics, private practices, and even in teaching roles—driving systemic improvements in mental health.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
This certificate program is for nurses with a non-clinical master’s degree or a different specialty who want to advance in mental health care. Designed to fit students’ schedules, it allows for study while working. Graduates are eligible for the ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner exam.
Master's Program coming in Fall 2025
Why Select SMU’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs?
Flexible Online Format
Designed for working nurses, this online program balances work and study with a comprehensive psychiatric curriculum that prepares you for a career in mental health care.
Expert Faculty
Learn from experienced professionals who are leaders in psychiatric mental health nursing, bringing real-world insights into the virtual classroom.
Top-Ranked for Success
Studying at SMU sets you up for success, with 86% of employers favoring our graduates and ranking us as the #1 university in California for post-grad jobs.
Prerequisites
| PMHNP CERTIFICATE | DNP-PMH |
|---|---|
| MSN degree from a CCNE-accredited program | BSN or MSN degree from a CCNE-accredited program |
| Active, unencumbered California RN license | BSN degree GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale |
| One year of full-time RN experience | Active, unencumbered California RN license |
| Psychiatric nursing experience preferred but not required | One year of full-time RN experience |
| Two letters of reference, including one from a supervisor or instructor | Psychiatric nursing experience preferred but not required |
| Two letters of reference, including one from a supervisor or instructor |
Quick Facts
Format
DNP-PMHNP
PMHNP Certificate
Accreditations
WSCUC, CCNE
Duration
DNP-PMHNP
PMHNP Certificate
Need More Information?
Schedule your one-on-one session for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practitioner programs. We will answer all your questions and provide information about the curriculum and future career opportunities.
Our Campuses
Samuel Merritt University offers undergraduate, graduate,
doctoral, and nursing certificate programs at three
campuses in Northern California and online.
Oakland
3100 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, California 94609
800.607.6377
Sacramento
2710 N. Gateway Oaks Dr.
Suite 360
Sacramento, California 95833
800.607.6377
Fresno
1791 E. Fir Ave.
Fresno, California 93720
800.607.6377
San Francisco Peninsula
1720 South Amphlett Blvd.
Suite 300
San Mateo, California 94402
800.607.6377
Our Campuses
Samuel Merritt University offers undergraduate, graduate,
doctoral, and nursing certificate programs at three
campuses in Northern California and online.
Oakland
3100 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, California 94609
800.607.6377
Sacramento
2710 N. Gateway Oaks Dr.
Suite 360
Sacramento, California 95833
800.607.6377
Fresno
1791 E. Fir Ave.
Fresno, California 93720
800.607.6377
San Francisco Peninsula
1720 South Amphlett Blvd.
Suite 300
San Mateo, California 94402
800.607.6377
