How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?

How many years does it take to become a PMHNP?

Becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner can take six years or longer depending on your educational background, whether you attend classes full time or part time, and what type of degree your school offers (either MSN or DNP). MSN programs may require prospective students to have completed two years of nursing work experience before accepting them, which could extend the timeline to become a PMHNP.

What is the fastest way to become a PMHNP?

The most common pathway to becoming a PMHNP is to first obtain a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and then an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) which usually takes about six years from start to finish. Online, direct-entry, and other accelerated nurse practitioner programs may reduce the time needed to obtain the PMHNP concentration MSN degree. Nurse Practitioners already practicing in another specialty may complete advanced certification in psychiatric mental health and further specialize as a PMHNP after passing licensing exams.

Is it worth it to become a PMHNP?

This can vary greatly depending on the individual. For you to consider this role you should have some goals set up for yourself and think about if this were something you would like to do as a career. Do you like to help people? Can you listen to difficult experiences and still maintain a work/life balance? Does Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology interest you? Psychiatric nurse practitioners work in a variety of settings, schedules vary greatly, and part-time, online, teaching, and many more opportunities exist in this career.