MSN: Psychiatric & Mental Health Degree Programs & Career
Psychiatric-mental health nurses (PMHNs) treat patients of all ages with mood and personality disorders, which can include bipolar disorder, dementia, depression, and schizophrenia, to name a few examples. More so than most other types of nursing, psychiatric-mental health nursing requires the development of a therapeutic relationship between the caregiver and patient. Psychiatric and mental health nurses have expertise in being able to empathize, provide support, and demonstrate respect for the patient. While this type of nursing can be administered by an LPN/LVN or RN, obtaining a master’s degree in nursing and becoming an advanced practice registered nurse allows one to practice independently, offer direct care in a variety of settings, and prescribe medicine.
How to Become a PMHN
To become a psychiatric-mental health nurse, students typically complete the following steps:
- Complete an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing program
- Earn a Registered Nurse Certification
- Meet the professional experience conditions
- Enroll and complete an MSN degree with a concentration in psychiatric-mental health nursing
- Obtain PMHN certification and proper licensure (requirements vary by state)
PMHN Salary and Career Information
The expected salary, career growth, and work environment for a PMHN might include:
- Expected Salary Range: $70,052 – $107,071, according to Payscale.com’s most recent report
- Job Prospects: Very good to excellent
- Job Setting: Private practices, psychiatric and mental health treatment centers, hospitals, public health organizations, educational institutions, home health care agencies
PMHN Qualifications
To become a PMHN, students are typically required to meet the following job qualifications:
- Hold a current and active RN license
- Have a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in psychiatric mental health nursing
- Obtain at least 30 hours of continuing education in psychiatric mental health nursing
PMHN Job Description
A PMHN is typically responsible for the following job duties:
- Perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that includes evaluation of mental status, self-harm behavior, substance use, health behaviors, trauma, and developmental and social history
- Conduct individual, family, or group psychotherapy sessions and participate in crisis intervention activities
- Collect data from multiple sources using assessment techniques and order diagnostic tests that are clinically appropriate for the patient
- Develop a plan of care to address patients’ unique conditions and prescribe proper medication (prescriptive authority varies by state)
- Provide educational and therapeutic support to patients on how best to manage symptoms and potential adverse effects of treatment options
MSN Degrees for Aspiring Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurses
There are no MSN Psychiatric & Mental Health Care programs currently available.
Top Masters in Nursing Schools
A master’s degree in nursing can be the first step to becoming a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or clinical nurse leader (CNL). Several accredited online MSN programs are listed below. Fill out any school’s form to quickly receive additional information and application materials.
|
Georgetown University – Georgetown University has been educating nurses and helping improve healthcare since 1903. The programs are designed to help the next generation of nursing leaders with majors available in: Family Nurse Practitioner and Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. |
|
Capella University – This masters in nursing program is designed specifically for nurses who wish to enter the teaching profession as nurse educators. With practical applications and engaging assignments, student can accomplish the assets required to be successful in leadership and educational positions with in the nursing industry. The Nurse Educator degree curriculum is centered around the industry’s best practices and standards and is constantly updated to reflect the latest developments. |
|
Kaplan University – Kaplan University offers a number of RN to MSN degrees for those seeking career advancement. Each program allows students to focus their curriculum on their particular career interest. In addition to the general program, specializations are also offered in informatics and health education. |
|
Sacred Heart University – Sacred Heart University offers accredited BSN to MSN and RN to MSN programs that prepare students for leadership or specialized positions, including clinical nurse leadership (RN to MSN option), nursing education (RN to MSN option), and patient care services administration (RN to MSN option). |
|
American Sentinel University – American Sentinel University offers a wide variety of accredited online masters in nursing degrees, each with a specific focus designed to teach MSN students the exact skills they need for their particular career focus. By specializing in Management and Organizational Leadership, Infection Prevention, Case Management, or Nurse Informatics through online courses as opposed to campus programs, students can complete assignments at a time and place that is convenient. |
|
University of Phoenix – University of Phoenix offers a number of online master’s in nursing programs. Their general MSN degree program gives students a well-rounded master’s in nursing education, while more specific degrees are available in health administration, health education, and nursing informatics. |
|
Drexel University – The Masters in Nursing Leadership program from Drexel is designed for students who want to take leadership positions in the health community, and involves leadership training and learning the skills needed to manage other nurses. Drexel University provides an affordable option through online courses which can cut down on many of the cost associated with on-ground programs. DU offers a Masters of Science in Nurse Leadership. |
|
Grand Canyon University – Grand Canyon University’s online masters in nursing programs focus on becoming a leader and an educator respectively. These accredited degrees are offered via a fully online curriculum. The Masters in Nursing Leadership prepares RNs for roles as leaders in a variety healthcare settings; the Masters in Nursing Education prepares RNs for teaching positions within the nursing profession. |
|
Gonzaga University – Gonzaga University offers a wide range of Masters in Nursing degrees, allowing students to fulfill high level roles and leadership roles in Nursing. These MSN degrees, whose options include nursing education (MSN), nursing education (RN to MSN) and health systems leadership, can be completed at a relatively fast pace and provide more convenience to students with busy or inconsistent schedules. |
|
Benedictine University – Benedictine University offers a fully online masters in nursing degree. This accredited program includes focuses on leadership, education, administration, global healthcare among other topics. With this versatile degree, students can choose from several opportunities as they present themselves. BU has campus and online courses available for their MSN program. The online course can be completed at a pace that is comfortable to you. |
