11 Best Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs in Ohio

Whether you're a practicing nurse seeking to advance your career or generally curious about the role of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs), you've come to the right place. Discover the best PMHNP programs in Ohio as we explore their nuances, costs, salary expectations, and more.

What Is a PMHNP Program in Ohio?

PMHNP programs in Ohio prepare nurses to provide a wide range of mental health services to patients and communities. Offered as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or Post Graduate Certificate, PMHNP curriculums typically include both coursework and clinical training, focusing on the diagnosis and management of psychiatric disorders and mental health issues across different populations.

Graduates are prepared to offer comprehensive psychiatric care, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health conditions. They can work in various settings, such as hospitals, mental health clinics, private practices, and community health centers.

Ohio PMHNP Coursework

While specific courses may vary by program, typical PMHNP coursework includes:

• Advanced Pathophysiology: Understanding the biological and physiological basis of disease processes.
• Advanced Pharmacology: Focused on the pharmacological treatment of psychiatric disorders, including medication management strategies.
• Advanced Health Assessment: Skills for comprehensive physical and psychosocial assessments, including diagnostic reasoning.
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: Foundations of mental health nursing practice, including therapeutic communication and intervention strategies.
• Neuroscience for Mental Health Professionals: Covers the neurobiological underpinnings of mental health conditions.
• Psychotherapy Techniques: Training in various psychotherapeutic modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and others.
• Psychopharmacology: In-depth study of psychotropic medications, their use, side effects, and monitoring.
• Mental Health Policy and Advocacy: Understanding the legal, ethical, and policy issues affecting mental health care delivery.
• Population-Based Mental Health Care: Strategies for addressing mental health needs in diverse populations and settings.

Ohio PMHNP Clinical Training

Clinical training in a PMHNP program provides hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions under the supervision of experienced practitioners. Key components often include:

• Adult Psychiatric Care: Clinical experience focusing on the mental health care of adults, including older adults.
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Care: Experience in diagnosing and treating mental health issues in children and adolescents.
• Substance Use Disorder Treatment: Clinical rotations in settings that provide care for individuals with substance use disorders.
• Community Mental Health: Training in community-based settings, focusing on outreach, prevention, and treatment of mental health conditions in the community.
• Emergency Psychiatric Services: Experience in acute care settings, such as emergency departments or crisis intervention centers, dealing with urgent mental health issues.
• Psychotherapy Practicum: Hands-on practice in psychotherapeutic techniques with individuals, groups, or families.

Best PMHNP Programs in Ohio - Online & On-Campus

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most with the addition of graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

1. The Ohio State University

The PMHNP program at The Ohio State University College of Nursing prepares graduates to provide mental health, addiction, and comorbid mental health services in various settings, including primary care, schools, and communities. The program equips nurses to care for children, adolescents, and adults across the lifespan. Key courses include Neuroscience Principles and Concepts, Advanced Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Advanced Practice Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing (I, II, III), and Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan.

Program Structure:

• Program Pathways: Includes a Traditional Master of Science, Post-Master's Study, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, and a Graduate Entry Master of Science for non-nurses.
• Clinical Training: Students must complete 600 clinical hours during their final year.
• Skills and Competencies: Graduates will be able to promote mental health and primary behavioral health care, apply theory and research in practice, design behavioral health care strategies, utilize leadership skills, adapt to healthcare changes, and contribute to the profession's advancement.
• Location and Flexibility: The central location of Ohio State University and the class schedules accommodate both part-time and full-time students, with the specialty also being available through distance learning.
• Reputation and Networking: The program benefits from active, collaborative relationships with community-based mental health programs and the university's teaching hospitals, offering access to cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

2. Ohio University

Ohio University offers an online MSN PMHNP program that focuses on providing advanced nursing care to individuals with mental health needs. The program emphasizes the development of skills necessary for mental health care, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, with a strong foundation in evidence-based practice.

Program Highlights:

• Duration and Credits: The program spans 6 semesters and requires 40 credit hours to complete.
• Clinical Experience: Students engage in 750 hours of clinical experience, obtaining hands-on training in various community-based agencies and programs.
• Cost: For Ohio residents, the cost per credit is $633.
• Flexibility: The program offers an online learning format with asynchronous courses, allowing for part-time scheduling and the ability to maintain work and personal commitments.
• Faculty Expertise: Students learn from experienced healthcare professionals actively engaged in research and scholarly activities.

3. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers a post-master's certificate program for PMHNP. This program is designed for primary or acute care nurse practitioners/clinical nurse specialists or nurses with a master's degree and one year of clinical practice experience. It aims to enhance skills in psychiatric care, including therapy, prescribing psychiatric medications, and clinical management for patients with mental illness and chronic medical comorbidities.

Program Highlights:

• Full-time program duration: 1.5 years
• Location: East Campus, University of Cincinnati

Program Goals:

• To prepare advanced practice nurses to integrate advanced psychiatric skills, including therapy, prescribing psychiatric medications, and clinical management.
• To treat underserved patients with mental illness and chronic medical comorbidities.
• To equip psychiatric CNSs or NPs specializing in adult or child care with the knowledge and skills to treat persons across the lifespan.

4. Case Western Reserve University

The Family Systems PMHNP program at Case Western Reserve University's Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing prepares graduates to serve in a broad range of psychiatric and mental health care settings. The program emphasizes treating a diverse patient population across all ages with psychiatric mental health and substance use/abuse needs.

Program Highlights:

• Requires 45 credit hours of coursework.
• Includes 720 hours of clinical experience.
• The program includes intensive courses, NP core classes, and web-based classes, along with on-campus sessions.
• Designed to accommodate both full-time and part-time students, offering flexibility in how the program is completed.

5. Kent State University

Kent State University's PMHNP master's concentration prepares students to provide advanced psychiatric nursing care to individuals, families, and groups across the lifespan. The program aims to address the shortage of qualified mental health professionals and offers holistic care training to students for mental illnesses and addiction management.

Program Highlights:

• Flexible Learning Options: The program offers full- and part-time customizable academic plans, with classes delivered 100% online using advanced instructional technology.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Focuses on mental health assessment, diagnostic reasoning, prescribing and medication management, and advanced therapeutic modalities including individual, group, and family psychotherapy.
• Expert Faculty: Students receive mentorship and advising from nationally certified advanced practice nurses and researchers with extensive experience.
• Networking Opportunities: The program facilitates networking and mentoring for students and graduates to enhance their professional development and career prospects.

6. University of Toledo

The University of Toledo's MSN PMHNP educates students to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health needs of patients. This program enables students to provide therapy, prescribe medications, conduct physical and psychosocial assessments, and evaluate treatment effectiveness.

Program Highlights:

• Program Length and Credits: The program requires 56 credits to complete, with the length varying based on whether the student is part-time or full-time.
• Online Learning with In-Person Experiences: All courses are delivered online, complemented by in-person labs and clinical experiences.
• Flexible Learning Options: Offers full-time and part-time degree programs to accommodate the varying needs of students.
• Experienced Faculty: Most faculty members are practicing nurse practitioners, providing students with insights into current clinical practices.
• Advanced Facilities: Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities on the Health Science Campus, including the Learning Resource Center and Interprofessional Immersive Simulation Center.

7. The University of Akron

The University of Akron's Family PMHNP track within the MSN program aims to prepare students with advanced nursing skills to provide quality care to diverse populations. The program focuses on using scientific theories and research to implement advanced nursing roles, ensuring competency according to national standards.

Program Highlights:

• Expected Outcomes: Graduates are expected to apply scientific theories and research, demonstrate competency in advanced nursing roles, and use knowledge of legal, ethical, fiscal, and policy issues to impact care delivery.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and the use of information technologies to enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
• Admission Requirements: Candidates must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited program, a minimum GPA, relevant professional references, a personal essay, an unrestricted RN license in Ohio, and relevant RN experience.

8. Ursuline College

Ursuline College's MSN PMHNP equips students with the skills needed to assess, diagnose, and treat mental illness across different age groups. The program emphasizes healing interactions, understanding of psychotropic drugs, and the professional roles of advanced practice nurses.

Program Highlights:

• Curriculum Focus: Emphasis on assessment and diagnosis of mental illness, use of psychotropic medications, and therapeutic communication.
• Admission Requirements: Includes a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited institution, a 3.0 GPA, three professional recommendations, a personal essay, an unencumbered Ohio RN license, and relevant work experience.
• Program Flexibility: Offers start dates in fall and Spring semesters for master's courses, with post-master's classes starting every semester, accommodating both new and continuing students.

9. Walsh University

Walsh University's MSN PMHNP program addresses the growing demand for mental health services and professionals. It prepares students to function similarly to psychiatrists, enabling them to diagnose mental health disorders, provide treatment, prescribe medication, and address physical conditions alongside mental health issues.

Program Highlights:

• Scope of Practice: PMHNPs at Walsh can diagnose mental health disorders, provide various psychosocial treatments, prescribe medications, and treat physical conditions related to psychiatric issues.
• Interdisciplinary Experience: The program offers online courses through the Byers School of Nursing and the Counseling and Human Development program, promoting a comprehensive learning experience.
• Focus Areas: Emphasizes primary care delivery systems, prevention activities, pharmacology and management of psychiatric patients, crisis care, and substance use disorders.

10. Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). This two-year, full-time program prepares advanced practice registered nurses to deliver mental health care in various settings, focusing on the development of clinical competencies for treating acute, episodic, and chronic mental health disorders across the lifespan.

Program Highlights:

• Duration and Format: A two-year, full-time program with 100% online coursework, enabling students to balance education with other responsibilities.
• Clinical Placement Support: The program includes 780 clinical hours, with placement support provided to find opportunities close to the student's community.
• Experienced Faculty: Taught by tenure-track professors actively involved in research and professional initiatives, offering students a rich learning experience.

11. Mount Carmel College of Nursing

The Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers a Master of Science Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Program designed for individuals with a Bachelor's degree in nursing. This program prepares advanced registered nurses to care for patients across the psychiatric-mental health spectrum, encompassing both counseling and psychopharmaceutical management.

Program Features:

• Target Audience: Novice and experienced registered nurses seeking to specialize in psychiatric-mental health.
• Curriculum: Includes 43 credit hours and 500 direct clinical hours, focusing on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health needs.

Admission Criteria:

• Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Completed undergraduate courses in statistics and research.
• One year of recent clinical experience recommended.
• Other requirements include a video interview, goal statement, resume or CV, and two recommendation letters.

Prerequisites & Requirements of PMHNP Programs in Ohio

PMHNP programs in Ohio come with prerequisites and requirements, ensuring candidates are adequately equipped for the rigors of education and practice.

Ohio PMHNP Prerequisites

Before enrolling in a PMHNP program in Ohio, prospective students must typically meet the following prerequisites:

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN): Most PMHNP programs require applicants to have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution.
• Registered Nurse (RN) License: Applicants must hold a current, unrestricted RN license to practice in Ohio.
• Clinical Experience: Some programs require applicants to have a certain amount of clinical experience, often one to two years, preferably in psychiatric or mental health settings.
• Minimum GPA: A minimum GPA, often around 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, in undergraduate coursework is usually required.
• Prerequisite Courses: Certain prerequisite courses may be required, such as statistics, health assessment, and pathophysiology, depending on the program.
• Letters of Recommendation: Most programs require two to three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
• Personal Statement: A personal statement or essay explaining the applicant's interest in psychiatric mental health nursing and career goals may be required.
• GRE Scores: Some programs may require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, though this is becoming less common.

Ohio PMHNP Requirements

To complete a PMHNP program and become certified in Ohio, students must fulfill the following requirements:

• Graduate Degree: Complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a specialization in Psychiatric Mental Health.
• Accredited Program: The program must be accredited by a recognized nursing accreditation body.
• Clinical Hours: Complete a minimum number of supervised clinical hours in psychiatric mental health settings. The exact number can vary by program but is typically around 500 hours for MSN programs and more for DNP programs.
• Coursework: Complete coursework covering psychiatric and mental health nursing theory, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy techniques, and mental health assessment.
• Certification Exam: After completing the educational requirements, graduates must pass the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC) exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
• State Licensure: Apply for and obtain a Certificate of Authority (COA) as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with a PMHNP specialty from the Ohio Board of Nursing. This includes passing a criminal background check.

Salary Expectations of PMHNP Programs in Ohio

According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for NPs across the U.S. is $124,680 or $59.94 hourly. In Ohio, NPs earn slightly below average with a yearly salary of $122,870.

Top Paying State for NPs:

• California:$158,130
• New Jersey:$143,250
• Massachusetts:$138,700
• Oregon:$136,250
• Nevada:$136,230

While BLS does not specify between different types of NP specialties, ZipRecruiter reports that PMHNP salary ranges between $96,000 to $140,000 depending on the state of practice, and Glassdoor reports that PMHNP salary ranges between $85,000 to $190,000 with a median salary of $126,805. 

Are PMHNP Programs Worth It in Ohio?

Deciding whether a PMHNP programs is worth it requires considering its various advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of PMHNP Programs in Ohio

1. High Demand for Mental Health Services: There's a growing demand for mental health services nationwide, including Ohio. PMHNPs play a crucial role in filling this gap, especially in underserved areas. This demand can lead to job security and numerous employment opportunities.
2. Competitive Salaries: PMHNPs are among the highest-paid nurse practitioners. The specialization in mental health, combined with the demand for these professionals, often leads to competitive salaries and benefits.
3. Flexibility in Practice Settings: Graduates can work in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, mental health clinics, and telehealth services. This variety allows for flexibility in choosing a work environment that matches personal and professional preferences.
4. Opportunity to Make a Difference: Working as a PMHNP provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on patients' lives by improving their mental health and overall well-being. It can be a highly rewarding career for those passionate about mental health care.
5. Advanced Practice Role: Completing a PMHNP program allows nurses to advance their practice, perform comprehensive assessments, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans. This advanced role comes with greater autonomy and the ability to make critical decisions in patient care.

Cons of PMHNP Programs in Ohio

1. Cost of Education: Advanced nursing programs can be expensive. The cost of tuition, books, and other fees, along with the potential need to reduce working hours while studying, can be a significant financial burden.
2. Intensive Study and Training: PMHNP programs are rigorous and require a significant time commitment. Balancing coursework, clinical hours, and personal responsibilities can be challenging.
3. Emotional Toll: Working in mental health can be emotionally draining. PMHNPs often work with patients experiencing severe mental health crises, which can impact the practitioner's mental and emotional well-being.
4. Licensing and Certification Requirements: After completing a PMHNP program, graduates must pass a certification exam and meet state licensing requirements. This process can be time-consuming and requires ongoing education to maintain certification and licensure.
5. Scope of Practice Limitations: The scope of practice for PMHNPs can vary significantly from one state to another. In some areas, PMHNPs may have full practice authority, while in others, they may need to work under the supervision of a psychiatrist or other medical doctor, which can limit autonomy.

Ultimately, whether a PMHNP program in Ohio is worth it depends on your career goals, financial situation, and values placed on the pros and cons. However, if increased salary expectations, a greater impact on patient care, and more flexibility in practice are important to you, then a PMHNP program is certainly worth it.

Importance of Picking an Accredited PMHNP Program in Ohio

Attending an accredited PMHNP program in Ohio is crucial for several reasons:

• Quality of Education: Accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous educational standards. This guarantees a comprehensive and up-to-date curriculum that covers all necessary aspects of psychiatric and mental health nursing, preparing students with the knowledge and skills required in this specialized field.
• Eligibility for Certification and Licensure: Graduating from an accredited PMHNP program is often a prerequisite for taking the national certification exams required to practice as a PMHNP. Most state boards of nursing also require completion of an accredited program for licensure. Without this, graduates may not be eligible to practice.
• Professional Credibility: An accredited program is recognized for its quality and rigor, enhancing a graduate's professional credibility. Employers often prefer or exclusively hire nurse practitioners who have graduated from accredited programs, as it assures them of the practitioner's competent educational background.
• Career Opportunities: Accredited programs are well-regarded in the healthcare community, opening up more job opportunities. Many healthcare facilities and organizations give preference to candidates from accredited programs due to their proven educational standards.
• Access to Federal Financial Aid: Students in accredited programs are typically eligible for federal financial aid, which can be crucial in funding their education. This is particularly important given the significant investment required for advanced nursing education.

While researching programs it's important to check if they're accredited by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I complete my clinical practice in an outpatient setting if I enroll in a PMHNP program in Ohio?

Many PMHNP programs in Ohio offer the flexibility to complete clinical practice hours in various settings, including outpatient clinics. This allows students to gain experience in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in a less acute environment than hospitals, which is crucial for those interested in community mental health or private practice.

Q: Are there PMHNP programs in Ohio that offer both full-time and part-time enrollment options?

PMHNP programs in Ohio typically provide both full-time and part-time enrollment options to accommodate the diverse needs of their students. Full-time enrollment is ideal for students who wish to complete their degree more quickly and can dedicate most of their time to their studies, while part-time enrollment is suited for working professionals or those with significant personal commitments.

Q: How do PMHNP programs in Ohio incorporate evidence-based practice into their curriculum?

PMHNP programs in Ohio emphasize evidence-based practice throughout their curriculum, particularly in clinical courses. Students learn to integrate the latest research findings into their clinical decision-making process. This approach ensures that the care provided to patients with mental health disorders is grounded in the most current and effective treatment modalities.

Q: What are the differences in tuition for in-state versus out-of-state students in PMHNP programs in Ohio?

PMHNP programs in Ohio charge lower tuition rates for in-state students compared to out-of-state students. This difference is due to state subsidies provided to public universities, which are intended to benefit residents of the state. However, some programs may offer scholarships, grants, or other financial aid options that can help mitigate the cost difference for out-of-state students.

Q: Can students in PMHNP programs in Ohio gain experience in primary care settings, given the focus on mental health disorders?

While PMHNP programs are specialized in mental health, students may have opportunities to gain experience in primary care settings, especially when those settings include integrated mental health services. This experience is valuable as it allows future PMHNPs to understand the interplay between mental health disorders and other medical conditions, promoting a holistic approach to patient care. Additionally, understanding primary care is essential for evidence-based practice, as PMHNPs often work collaboratively with primary care providers to manage patients' overall health.