Online PMHNP Program Careers and Outcomes
- 55% of U.S. counties have no practicing psychiatrists
- $137,000 median annual salary
AREAS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE:
- Independent practices
- Behavioral health clinics
- Residential treatment centers
- Mental health centers
Between 2020 and 2030, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects nurse practitioners employment to grow 52%, well over the national average. You will have exceptional opportunities as a PMHNP. With a nationwide shortage of psychiatric and mental health practitioners, organizations are seeking NPs in this discipline. PMHNPs are equipped to serve and answer the call.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners work in a variety of environments, including:
- Independent practices
- Behavioral health clinics
- Residential treatment centers
- Mental health centers
Along with appealing job opportunities, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners also enjoy far above average compensation, with median wages of $137,000. This compares to median wages of $73,300 for registered nurses in 2019.
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A PMHNP Nurse Fills a Substantial Demand for Mental Health Care
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, or PMHNPs, are highly specialized advanced practice registered nurses who work autonomously or in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to deliver mental and behavioral care to patients. An online PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate program covers a curriculum that prepares a qualified nurse to take the PMHNP National Certification exam. PMHNP nurses care for individuals, families and groups throughout their lifespan, providing treatment for a range of mental, behavioral and substance abuse issues in independent practices, behavioral health centers, residential treatment centers and other healthcare environments.
A PMHNP nurse who graduates from an online MSN program, DNP program or PMHNP Certificate program is increasingly being called upon to fill the gap in mental health care. Current statistics show that 55% of U.S. counties have no practicing psychiatrists and only 4.7% of NPs specialize in psychiatric/mental health. Due to this substantial shortage of mental health practitioners, a PMHNP nurse is well positioned to help fill the mental health care gap.
With a focus on mental and behavioral health as well as health care policy and organizational management, Walsh University’s PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate online program can help you prepare to become a confident psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, ready to make a difference in the lives of patients and entire communities.