Master of Science in Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Two NPs discussing charts
Next Application Deadline:
March 1, 2026
Credit hours: 62
Next Term Start Date:
August 25, 2026

Application Deadline

Good news – the MS in Nursing application deadline will be extended to March 1, giving you extra time to apply for the Autumn 2026 term

Apply now

Overview

The Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner online from Ohio State program prepares registered nurses to deliver comprehensive mental health and addiction care across a wide range of clinical settings. Designed for flexibility, the program accommodates both full-time and part-time students and emphasizes the evidence-based knowledge and clinical skills essential for advanced psychiatric practice. Students complete a minimum of 600 precepted clinical hours, arranged near their location with approved mental health providers.

The curriculum meets national nurse practitioner education standards and integrates access to cutting-edge research, faculty expertise, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and are equipped to serve in hospitals, schools, community mental health agencies, and primary care environments. With a strong focus on leadership, clinical excellence, and behavioral health innovation, the program prepares nurses to make a meaningful impact in mental health care delivery.

Academic Calendar

We have two application windows for this program for Autumn 2026. The first application window, from August 1 – October 16, 2025, is for all specialties within the program. The second application window, which is open from February 1 – March 1, 2026, will accept applications for certain specialties that will be announced late-January 2026.

Academic Calendar

We have two application windows for this program for Autumn 2026. The first application window, from August 1 – October 16, 2025, is for all specialties within the program. The second application window, which is open from February 1 – March 1, 2026, will accept applications for certain specialties that will be announced late-January 2026.

Admission Criteria

Students must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an ACEN/CCNE/CNEA-accredited institution to be eligible to apply. Applicants must also have an active RN license and a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last degree earned relevant to the program of study.

Who We Are Looking For

Your application will receive a holistic review, meaning all aspects of who you are as an applicant will be considered including your academic preparedness, professional background, formative life experiences, and your unique strengths and attributes. The following list of applicant attributes and experiences is not all encompassing but is meant to help guide you in highlighting your strengths as you prepare your written application materials and recorded online interview.

  • Understanding of the advanced practice nurse role
  • Experience with your chosen population – Leadership, teamwork, and collaboration
  • Community engagement
  • Diversity of thought and experiences
  • Resilience, growth, critical thinking
  • Emotional intelligence, communication skills
  • Personal attributes like humility, professionalism, compassion
  • Commitment to the nursing profession

How to Apply

NC-SARA Participating Institution logo

The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).

SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.

California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.

The Application Process

Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.

Career Outlook

The Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Ohio State prepares graduates for a robust and growing field. As mental health needs continue to rise, there is increasing demand for The Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners who can provide specialized care and support. Graduates are well-positioned for roles in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, mental health clinics, and community health organizations. With their advanced skills in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are essential in improving patient outcomes and addressing mental health disparities. The program’s comprehensive training ensures graduates are ready to lead in the field and make a significant impact on mental health care.

Whether you’re looking to grow in your current career or make a career change altogether, Ohio State’s online programs can help you achieve your goals. Learn what the outlook is for your current or next career move using O*Net’s My Next Move tool.

Top Occupations by Median Income

National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.

Curriculum

Below is a curriculum sample for Ohio State’s online Master of Science in Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program.

Clinical coursework

Below is the clinical coursework for Ohio State’s online Master of Science in Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program.

Shannon Linder

Director, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty Track
Headshot of Shannon Linder, BSN-DNP faculty

Samantha Ault PhD, APRN-CNOP, PMHNP-BC

Assistant Clinical Professor
Headshot of Samantha Ault, BSN-DNP faculty

Brandy McKinney DNP, APRN-BC, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C

Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice
Headshot of Brandy McKinney, BSN-DNP faculty

Allison Brauch DNP, APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC, AGNP-BC, CARN-AP

Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice
NP Psychiatric Mental Health Professor

Amy Smith DNP, MSW, APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC

Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice
Amy Smith Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice

Morgan Wiggins DNP, APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC

Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice
Morgan Wiggins Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice

Testimonials

Learn how online learning has helped Ohio State students exceed in their personal and professional lives.

Tuition Fee Overview

Tuition Fees Fee Per Credit Hour Part-Time – Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) Full-Time – Total Cost Per Semester
Instructional Fee $972.50 $5,835.00 $7,780.00
General Fee $32.63 $195.78 $261.04
Program Fee $250.00 $1,500.00 $2,000.00
Nursing Distance Learning Fee $228.00 (per semester)
Distance Learning Fee $100.00 (per semester)
Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) $200.00 (per semester)

Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-time costs are total tuition costs per semester. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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