Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) — Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS)

School of Nursing

Location: Online
Start Term: Fall, Spring, Summer

Build on your master’s degree in nursing to become a certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

Complement Your Training as a Nurse with Mental Health Expertise

We offer this part-time, two-year program entirely online, allowing you the flexibility to continue working as you study. Coursework is augmented by clinical opportunities within your community. Through this integrated experience, you’ll gain a firm foundation in the diagnosis and management of dementia, depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric problems and build your knowledge of pharmacological agents. When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to sit for the Family Nurse/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification examination given by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Start the program in the fall, spring, or summer.

Your 24-Month Journey

Our program provides a robust foundation of mental health knowledge with a focus on the importance of compassionate care.

First-Year Experience

  • study advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and learn to perform an advanced health assessment
  • learn the role of an advanced practice nurse

Second-Year Experience

  • gain an understanding of counseling-theory and techniques through coursework and clinical experience
  • train as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner for a total of 450 hours

Review the program curriculum.

Get a Closer Look at the MCPHS Nursing Program

MCPHS Nursing Program

Nursing is a Rewarding, High-Demand Career

As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, you will make a measurable difference in people’s lives—and build a career with lifelong job security.

$120,680 median salary

for nurse practitioners (U.S. News & World Report’s Best Healthcare Jobs ranking, 2023)

The MCPHS online experience

Explore the strategies and resources that enable you to access MCPHS’ world-class healthcare education online.

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Nurse practitioner ranked #1

U.S. News & World Report ranks nurse practitioner #1 of The Best Healthcare Jobs, 2023

Jennifer Onwuka

Alum Pursues Advanced Nursing Degree to Meet Mental Health Needs of Her Community

Jennifer Onwuka is becoming a nurse practitioner focusing on mental health so she can independently provide one-on-one care to those in her community who need her help.

Other Nursing Programs at MCPHS

Bachelor of Science in Nursing — Accelerated

Full-time 32-month program on our Boston campus.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing — Postbaccalaureate

Full-time 16-month program on our Boston, Worcester, and Manchester campuses.

Family Nurse Practitioner — Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies

Two-year, part-time program conducted online.

Family Nurse Practitioner — RN to MSN Bridge Program

Six-semester, part-time program conducted online.

Family Nurse Practitioner — Master of Science in Nursing

24-month, part-time program conducted online.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) — Master of Science in Nursing

24-month, part-time program conducted online.

Doctor of Nursing Practice — DNP

Part-time program conducted online.