Deliver expert care in the field of psychiatric mental health nursing
Mercer’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) track prepares registered nurses for advanced practice roles that address the growing demand for mental health services across the lifespan. Nurse practitioners in this specialty possess the advanced knowledge and clinical expertise needed to promote mental health, prevent psychiatric disorders, and manage behavioral and emotional conditions affecting individuals and families.
Among mental health nurse practitioner programs, Mercer’s MSN offers a uniquely supportive experience. You will build meaningful connections with peers and experienced faculty—many of whom are current advanced practitioners. Faculty members will guide your academic journey and assist in securing clinical placements that align with your goals. While Mercer faculty oversee all placements, students are encouraged to take an active role by identifying potential preceptors through professional networks such as colleagues, community contacts, or members of professional organizations. All preceptors must meet program qualifications, which are shared with students in advance.
A student completing the PMHNP track will be prepared to sit for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification examination offered by both the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).
Your Mercer MSN PMHNP experience
The MSN PMHNP track is offered in a blended combination of online synchronous coursework and in-person labs and clinical experiences. Students can choose to complete the program in a full-time or a part-time status.
Learn through hands-on experience
During your studies in the MSN program, you will complete a minimum of 780 clinical practice hours. Gain hands-on field experience as you apply the skills and techniques you have learned, preparing you to excel in your psychiatric mental health nursing career.
Explore MSN PMHNP courses
The MSN PMHNP offers comprehensive coursework focused on health promotion, disease prevention, and management of psychiatric, mental health, and behavioral disorders of individuals and families. Students follow a structured sequence of courses that integrates classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience.
View course descriptions for the PMHNP track.
View program requirements for the PMHNP track.
Advance your psychiatric mental health nursing career
Earning your MSN is the next step toward pursuing an advanced practice role in the field of psychiatric mental health nursing. Mercer graduates can pursue a variety of roles in a psychiatric-mental health advanced practice setting.
Learn more about our PMHNP track
Ready to take the next step?
Apply to the MSN program today, or contact the Office of Admissions at 678.547.6700 or nursingadmissions@mercer.edu for more information.
Meet Our Professors
Faculty in Mercer’s MSN program bring extensive nursing experience and specialized expertise in psychiatric-mental health advanced practice. They work closely with students and provide personalized guidance and support throughout their journey to becoming a PMHNP.
Professional Licensure
All of Mercer’s programs that lead to licensure are designed to meet the educational requirements of regulatory authorities in the State of Georgia. If you intend to seek licensure or certification outside of Georgia, please review Mercer’s professional licensure disclosure for more information.
Ready to make a difference as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner?
Take the next step and apply to the MSN program today, or contact the Office of Admissions at 678.547.6700 or nursingadmissions@mercer.edu for more information.