Introduction to the Online PMHNP Program

The Simmons University online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program is designed for registered nurses (RNs) with a bachelor's degree who aspire to become psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). This coeducational program is tailored to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose and treat patients with psychiatric disorders and mental health conditions.

Program Overview

• The program is available on a full-time track (6 terms) or a part-time track (8 terms).
• Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certification exam to become a PMHNP-BC.
• The program requires 49 credits, 1 immersion, and a minimum of 756 clinical hours.
• Students learn to conduct mental health assessments, diagnose, provide brief individual, group, and family therapy, make psychopharmacological recommendations, prescribe medications, and recommend additional interventions.

Admission Criteria

• To qualify for admission, students must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and a current and unrestricted RN license.
• Admission is conducted on a rolling basis, with three start dates throughout the year: January, May, and September.
• The final deadline for the September 2026 cohort is July 14, 2026.

Curriculum

Psychiatric Mental Health Curriculum

The program's curriculum focuses on psychiatric mental health diagnosis and treatment, including substance misuse and addiction. Students develop knowledge and skills in:

• Conducting mental health assessments
• Diagnosing psychiatric disorders
• Providing brief individual, group, and family therapy
• Making psychopharmacological recommendations
• Prescribing medications
• Recommending non-pharmacological interventions

Course Sequence

The program consists of 49 credits, with a combination of online courses and immersive clinical experiences. Students can complete the program in as few as 24 months on a full-time schedule or 32 months on a part-time schedule.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program

Simmons University also offers an online post-graduate certificate program in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner for current Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). This program requires 27 credits and 756 clinical hours, and can be completed in as few as 16 months (full-time) or 20 months (part-time).

Accreditation

The nursing programs at Simmons University, including the MSN and post-graduate certificate programs, are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The university is also accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the PMHNP program are prepared to work in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, hospitals, and private practice. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, only 6.5% of all nurse practitioners are PMHNPs, indicating a high demand for professionals in this field. The annual mean wage for NPs at psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals is $141,260, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Degree Overview:

The Simmons online MSN – PMHNP program is designed for registered nurses (RNs) who hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The program aims to prepare students to meet the critical need for mental health providers by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to provide compassionate, patient-centered mental health care across the lifespan.

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Objectives:

• Prepare students to provide compassionate, patient-centered mental health care across the lifespan.
• Develop knowledge and skills in psychiatric mental health diagnosis and treatment.
• Conduct mental health assessments, diagnose, provide brief individual, group, and family therapy, make psychopharmacological recommendations, prescribe medications, and recommend additional interventions to improve patients' mental health and overall quality of life.
• Focus on a holistic approach to patient care, considering individual experiences, family situation, and community as important factors in mental health.
• Prepare students to help patients and families manage and overcome addiction.
• Explore psychiatric issues through a health equity and social justice lens.
• Develop leadership skills in the mental health field.

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Teaching:

• The program utilizes a combination of live, online class sessions and self-paced coursework.
• Students work closely with faculty who are experts in the field.
• The program provides hands-on clinical experience in or near the student's community.

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Careers:

• The PMHNP program prepares students for a career path as an advanced practice mental health care provider.
• Graduates are eligible to sit for the ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certification exam to become a PMHNP-BC™.
• Upon certification, graduates are eligible to pursue licensure in the state of their choice, although some states may have additional licensure requirements.
• Potential career settings include community mental health centers, hospitals, and private practice.

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Other:

• The program has a focus on substance misuse and addiction.
• The program explores psychiatric issues through a health equity and social justice lens.
• The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program track has been approved by CCNE as part of the Master’s program.
• The program is offered in partnership with 2U.
• The program has been offered online for nearly a decade.
• The program has a supportive community of nursing professionals dedicated to helping students grow as caring and confident nurse leaders.
• The program provides ongoing guidance and advice from expert Simmons faculty and dedicated staff.

Simmons University

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Overview:

Simmons University is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is known for its focus on women's leadership and its commitment to social justice. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including online options, and is recognized for its real-world learning opportunities and integrated career advising.

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Services Offered:

Simmons University provides a variety of services to its students, including:

Academic Advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Campus Dining:

A variety of dining options on campus.

Community Engagement:

Opportunities for students to engage in social justice initiatives and community service.

Student Support & Resources:

A range of resources to support student success, including academic support, counseling, and health services.

Library:

Access to a comprehensive library with extensive resources.

Athletics:

A variety of athletic programs and opportunities for students to participate in sports.

Events:

A calendar of events and activities for students to participate in.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Simmons University offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can expect:

A small college feel:

A close-knit campus community with a focus on student support and engagement.

A dynamic city location:

Located in the heart of Boston, students have access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Real-world learning opportunities:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

A commitment to inclusivity:

A welcoming and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Real-world learning:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

Integrated career advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Accelerated graduate programs:

Shorten the time to a graduate degree with accelerated undergraduate to graduate programs.

Location in Boston:

Access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Commitment to social justice:

A focus on women's leadership and social justice initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Simmons University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate programs:

A variety of majors and minors in fields such as business, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Graduate programs:

Master's and doctoral programs in fields such as business, education, health sciences, law, and social work.

Online programs:

A range of online undergraduate and graduate programs for adult learners.

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Other:

Simmons University has been recognized with the 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose, which acknowledges its commitment to leadership and the collective public good. The university also has a strong alumni network and offers a variety of resources for alumni to stay connected.