Master's

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Advance your nursing career with Pitt's hybrid MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration, combining online coursework, campus immersions, and 780 clinical hours with national placement support.

In-Person Experience

In-person projects or clinicals at non-campus sites required to complete your program.

New Program

New program launched by Pitt within the last year.

On-Campus Immersion

Students are required to visit the Pitt campus to conduct hands-on classwork with faculty supervision.

Next Application Date

August 1 for Fall Term

Credits

57

Pacing

Full-Time

Format

Hybrid

Type of Program

Master's

Advance Your Expertise in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Pitt Nursing’s hybrid Master of Science in Nursing with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) concentration prepares registered nurses to provide mental health assessment, diagnosis, therapy, and medication management across all ages in settings such as private practice, hospitals, telehealth, and community agencies. Delivered through fully online coursework combined with three on-campus immersions, the 57-credit program spans six terms (about two years) and includes 780 clinical hours, exceeding state and national minimums, with school-managed clinical placement support near students’ home communities. Advanced specialty training spans substance use, pediatrics, sleep medicine, neurobiology, and trauma-informed practice, addressing critical mental health workforce shortages in the highest-paid NP subspecialty.

Eligibility

BSN degree and current RN licensure required. No prior NP experience required.

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On-Campus

Experience

Some on-campus attendance required. Three on-campus immersions are held at the end of designated semesters (Spring Year 1, Spring Year 2, and Summer Year 2).

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Licensure

Pathways

Includes a comprehensive exam requirement and prepares graduates for national Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certification eligibility and APRN licensure.

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Important Application Dates 

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner has one application cycle per year.  You can start the program in fall (August).

Application deadline

August 1

Class start

Fall Term

What to Expect in Your Classes 

This program offers 37 total courses, totaling 57 credits. All coursework is delivered in a hybrid format, giving you the flexibility to study from anywhere. Classes run for about 15 weeks, allowing you to complete the program in two years across six terms. Students will study full-time.

  • Total Courses 37
  • Credit Hours 57
  • Format Hybrid
  • Class Lengths About 15 weeks
  • Time to Completion 2 years
  • Pace Options Full-Time

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Plan Your Education With Confidence in Cost 

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner current tuition rates are listed for in-state and out-of-state students. To support students in financing their education, the University of Pittsburgh offers a range of financial aid options and payment plans, making it easier to manage tuition costs while completing your studies.

2026-27 tuition rates are pending approval by the Board of Trustees, expected in July 2026.

View additional fees and estimated expenses