7 Best Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs in Tennessee

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 Tennessee as we explore their nuances, costs, salary expectations, and more.

What Is a PMHNP Program in Tennessee?

A PMHNP program in Tennessee is designed to prepare registered nurses (RNs) to provide advanced psychiatric care and mental health services to patients across the lifespan. These programs equip nurses with the skills and knowledge necessary to diagnose and treat mental health disorders, provide psychotherapy, and prescribe medications as needed.

PMHNP programs are offered at the graduate level, typically resulting in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or a Post Graduate Certificate. Graduates are eligible to seek certification as PMHNPs and can practice independently in various settings such as hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practices.

Tennessee PMHNP Coursework

Although varying by institution, common courses found in PMHNP programs are:

• Advanced Pharmacology: Focuses on the use of pharmacological treatments in mental health, including the study of psychotherapeutic drugs.
• Neuroscience for Mental Health Professionals: Examines the neurological basis of mental health conditions.
• Psychiatric Assessment and Diagnosis: Teaches students how to assess mental health symptoms and diagnose disorders using DSM-5 criteria.
• Psychotherapy Techniques: Covers various modalities of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, and group therapy.
• Mental Health Policy and Advocacy: Discusses mental health policy, law, and ethical issues related to practice.
• Care of Populations at Risk: Focuses on special populations such as children, the elderly, and those suffering from acute or chronic mental illness.

Tennessee PMHNP Clinical Training

Clinical training in PMHNP programs in Tennessee involves direct patient care under the supervision of experienced practitioners in a variety of settings. This training is critical as it allows students to apply their learned theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Key components of the clinical training include:

• Adult Psychiatric Clinical Practice: Provides hands-on experience in diagnosing and managing mental health conditions in adults.
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinical Practice: Focuses on the unique aspects of treating younger populations.
• Substance Use Disorder Clinical Practice: Offers experience in managing and treating addiction and substance use disorders.
• Geriatric Psychiatric Clinical Practice: Trains students in the care of elderly patients with mental health issues.
• Psychiatric Emergency Clinical Practice: Prepares students to handle acute psychiatric crises.

Best PMHNP Programs in Tennessee - 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. Vanderbilt University - Nashville

The PMHNP (Lifespan) program at Vanderbilt University offers a comprehensive training regimen for students seeking to address common, acute, or chronic mental health problems across all ages. Leveraging Vanderbilt University Medical Center's facilities, the program focuses on integrating biological, psychological, social, and spiritual elements into mental health care. Students are prepared through a combination of traditional classroom settings, simulated experiences, and clinical training. This approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared for a wide range of environments, including community mental health centers, correctional facilities, and private practices.

Program Highlights:

• Offers a rigorous curriculum that integrates various aspects of mental health care.
• Prepares students with skills in psychotropic medication management, psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and case management.
• Provides flexibility with a modified distance learning format that allows students to maintain employment while earning their degree.
• Located adjacent to one of the nation's top academic medical centers, enhancing clinical training and employment opportunities.
• Graduates perform well above the national average on certification exams, demonstrating the program's effectiveness.

2. University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center - Memphis

The PMHNP program at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center (UTHSC) in Memphis prepares graduates to independently diagnose and treat a wide variety of mental health conditions throughout the lifespan. The program offers a robust DNP pathway that includes coursework and supervised clinical experiences in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and integrated practice for managing both mental and physical health conditions. Graduates are eligible for the PMHNP certification examination, with various pathways available for those seeking initial certification or APRNs seeking to enhance their credentials.

Program Highlights:

• Designed to provide at least two different approaches to psychotherapy.
• In-depth coursework in psychopharmacology.
• Training prepares students to treat patients across the lifespan with both mental and physical health problems.
• Flexible pathways for both BSN and MSN graduates.

3. East Tennessee State University - Johnson City

The MSN program at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) offers a specialized concentration in PMHNP, among other areas. This program is designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills for nursing roles in various settings, with a strong focus on rural health and interprofessional experiences. The program is fully online, allowing flexibility for students. It includes opportunities for simulation experiences and clinical placements, which are contingent on regulatory approvals. The curriculum prepares students for advanced roles in nursing with a focus on psychiatric mental health, equipping them with the necessary skills to serve in diverse healthcare environments.

Program Highlights:

• Fully online program structure, offering flexibility for working professionals.
• Strong focus on rural health and interprofessional experiences.
• Includes simulation experiences to enhance practical learning.
• Prepares graduates for advanced roles in psychiatric mental health nursing.
• Offers part-time and full-time study plans to accommodate different student needs.

4. University of Tennessee - Knoxville

The PMHNP program at the University of Tennessee Knoxville equips students to become advanced practice nurses specializing in psychiatric mental health. The program builds on a core curriculum that integrates evidence-based practice supported by current research from mental health nursing and allied disciplines. Training encompasses a variety of treatment modalities, including psychopharmacological management, individual, group, and family interventions, crisis and time-limited therapies, as well as consultative and case management roles. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared for a diverse range of clinical settings and patient needs in mental health.

Program Highlights:

• Emphasizes evidence-based practices in psychiatric mental health.
• Covers both somatic and non-somatic treatment modalities.
• Offers training in psychopharmacology and various therapeutic interventions.
• Prepares students for diverse roles such as consulting and case management in mental health settings.

5. Middle Tennessee State University - Murfreesboro

The PMHNP program at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) provides comprehensive training for students aiming to specialize in psychiatric mental health across the lifespan. The program emphasizes a robust combination of academic and clinical experiences. Students are prepared to assess, diagnose, and manage psychiatric disorders and mental health problems through evidence-based methodologies and a deep understanding of the interrelated areas of nursing practice. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification as PMHNPs, equipped with skills in primary mental health care in diverse settings.

Program Highlights:

• Comprehensive focus on both primary and specialized mental health care.
• Prepares students for national certification as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.
• Emphasizes the synthesis and application of knowledge from nursing and related disciplines.
• Addresses specific competencies including organizational and leadership theories, self-reflection, safety science, and technology utilization in healthcare.
• Focuses on collaboration across professions to enhance care, improve outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs.

6. Union University - Jackson

The MSN program at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, offers a PMHNP track that is designed to provide nurses with the advanced skills needed to manage mental health disorders across the lifespan. This 16-month intensive program blends online learning with on-campus sessions across Jackson, Germantown, and Hendersonville campuses. The program is structured to admit new students annually for the fall semester, emphasizing a curriculum that equips graduates to handle acute mental health conditions effectively and promotes mental well-being in various settings.

Program Highlights:

• A blended program combining online and on-campus learning across multiple campuses.
• Intensive 16-month duration with a focus on preparing for national certification exams.
• The curriculum specifically targets the management of mental health disorders.
• Admissions are offered once per year with a fall semester start.
• The tuition rate is $712 per credit hour, with additional fees of approximately $35 per hour.

7. Tennessee Technological University - Cookeville

The PMHNP program at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville is offered as a DNP, designed to prepare RNs for advanced roles in mental health care. The curriculum includes in-depth training in medical and psychiatric diagnoses, physical and mental health assessments, and the development of comprehensive treatment plans that may include prescribing medications and psycho-pharmaceuticals.

Program Highlights:

• Offers a DNP degree with a specific focus on psychiatric and mental health care.
• Prepares students to handle complex mental health conditions through holistic treatment plans.
• Includes rigorous preparation for prescribing psycho-pharmaceuticals.
• Requires significant work experience as a prerequisite, ensuring students have practical background knowledge.
• Provides a strong foundation in both medical and psychiatric assessments.

Prerequisites & Requirements of PMHNP Programs in Tennessee

PMHNP programs in Tennessee come with specific prerequisites and requirements, ensuring candidates are prepared for the demands of advanced nursing education and practice.

Tennessee PMHNP Prerequisites

Prerequisites for PMHNP programs typically include:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Applicants must have a BSN from an accredited nursing program. Some programs might also accept a Bachelor's degree in a related field with additional nursing prerequisite courses.
• RN Licensure: Candidates must hold an active and unencumbered RN license in the state of Tennessee or be eligible for licensure in the state.
• Professional Experience: Many programs require applicants to have one or more years of clinical experience as a registered nurse, preferably in a psychiatric or mental health setting.
• Academic Performance: A minimum GPA, often around 3.0 or higher, is required for undergraduate and any postgraduate coursework.
• Statistics Course: A college-level statistics course is usually required, sometimes within the past five years, to ensure that students are prepared for the research components of the program.

Tennessee PMHNP Requirements

To complete a PMHNP program and become licensed to practice, students must fulfill the following requirements:

• Completion of All Coursework: Students must complete all required coursework with satisfactory grades, which typically means maintaining a minimum GPA.
• Clinical Hours: Completion of a specified number of clinical hours is required. This number varies by program but often involves several hundred hours of direct patient care under supervision.
• Capstone or Thesis Project: Many programs require a capstone or thesis project that demonstrates the application of learned principles to real-world psychiatric nursing.
• Certification Examination: Upon completion of the program, graduates must pass the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or an equivalent certifying body.
• State Licensure: After passing the certification exam, graduates must apply for licensure as a PMHNP in Tennessee, which involves meeting additional state-specific requirements.

Salary Expectations of PMHNP Programs in Tennessee

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 Michigan, NPs earn below average with a yearly salary of $103,720.

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 Tennessee?

Deciding whether a PMHNP program in Tennessee is worth it requires considering its various advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of PMHNP Programs in Tennessee

1. High Demand for Mental Health Services: Tennessee, like many states, has a significant need for mental health practitioners. PMHNPs can fill critical gaps in care, especially in rural and underserved areas.
2. Competitive Salaries: PMHNPs are highly compensated professionals due to their specialized skills and the high demand for mental health services. Their salaries are generally higher than those of registered nurses.
3. Autonomy in Practice: In many settings, PMHNPs have the authority to diagnose, treat, and prescribe independently, providing a high degree of professional autonomy.
4. Flexible Work Environments: PMHNPs can work in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, mental health clinics, and telehealth, offering flexible work hours and environments.
5. Personal Fulfillment: Working as a PMHNP offers immense personal satisfaction by making a significant impact on patients' lives, improving mental health, and contributing to a healthier community.

Cons of PMHNP Programs in Tennessee

1. High Educational and Training Requirements: The path to becoming a PMHNP involves rigorous educational and clinical training requirements, which can be demanding and time-consuming.
2. Cost of Education: PMHNP programs can be expensive, with costs including tuition, fees, and potentially lost income during schooling, which might be a barrier for some candidates.
3. Emotional Burnout: The nature of mental health work can be emotionally draining, leading to high rates of burnout among practitioners, especially those dealing with challenging patient populations.
4. Licensing and Certification: PMHNPs must navigate complex licensing and certification processes, which can be daunting and require ongoing education and recertification.
5. Regulatory Challenges: Depending on the state, PMHNPs may face restrictive practice regulations that can limit their scope of practice, affecting their ability to work independently.

Ultimately, whether a PMHNP program in Tennessee is worth it depends on your career goals, financial situation, and values placed on their pros and cons. However, if advanced practice nursing, a greater impact on patient care, and an increase in salary expectations are important to you, then a PMHNP program is certainly worth it.

Importance of Picking an Accredited PMHNP Program in Tennessee

Attending an accredited PMHNP program in Tennessee 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 out-of-state students enroll in Tennessee PMHNP programs, and are there different requirements for them compared to in-state students?

Out-of-state students can enroll in Tennessee PMHNP programs. Generally, the requirements are the same for both in-state and out-of-state students, including prerequisite courses and clinical experience. However, out-of-state students may need to pay higher tuition fees and should confirm their eligibility for licensure in their home state or the state where they intend to practice.

Q: Are there part-time PMHNP programs available in Tennessee, and how do they compare to full-time programs in terms of duration and workload?

PMHNP programs in Tennessee offer part-time options to accommodate working professionals. Part-time programs extend the duration of study compared to full-time programs, often taking 3-4 years to complete, as opposed to 2 years for full-time programs. The workload is distributed over a longer period, making it more manageable for those who continue to work while studying.

Q: How do online PMHNP programs in Tennessee incorporate clinical placements, and what support do students receive in securing these placements?

Online PMHNP programs in Tennessee typically work closely with students to arrange clinical placements that are geographically feasible and relevant to their area of focus. Schools often have partnerships with healthcare providers to facilitate these placements. Additionally, students usually receive support from a clinical coordinator or faculty member to help secure and approve their clinical sites and preceptors.

Q: What role do evidence-based practice and health assessments play in the PMHNP curriculum in Tennessee, and how are these competencies developed throughout the program?

Evidence-based practice and health assessments are integral to the PMHNP curriculum in Tennessee. These competencies are developed through coursework that includes extensive study of current research, as well as practical application in clinical settings. Students learn to conduct thorough health assessments and apply evidence-based interventions to treat mental health problems, ensuring their practices are up-to-date and effective.

Q: For prospective PMHNP students, what should be considered when choosing preceptors for their practicum, and how do these choices impact their training in mental health care and primary care?

Choosing the right preceptors is crucial for PMHNP students as it significantly impacts the quality of their practical training. Prospective students should look for preceptors with extensive experience in both mental health care and primary care settings, as this diversity can provide a more comprehensive learning experience. Preceptors should also be skilled in teaching and willing to actively engage in the student's educational process. Effective mentorship during the practicum helps students develop essential skills and competencies, preparing them for independent practice.