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Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing equips registered nurses with advanced clinical expertise to deliver specialized care for individuals experiencing mental, emotional, and behavioral health challenges. This program emphasizes holistic, evidence-based practice in diverse environments, from psychiatric hospitals to community health centers, with a focus on recovery, resilience, and long-term well-being.

  • Psychopathology: In-depth study of the origins, symptoms, and progression of mental health disorders across the lifespan.
  • Behavioral Health: Exploration of psychological and behavioral factors influencing mental wellness and illness, including patterns of thought and action.
  • Counseling and Intervention Strategies: Training in therapeutic communication and structured approaches to support patient change and improve functioning.
  • Psychoeducation: Development of skills to empower patients and families with knowledge about mental health conditions and treatment options.
  • Mental Health Assessment: Mastery of clinical tools and techniques to evaluate psychological status, risk factors, and treatment needs.
  • Dual Diagnosis: Focus on identifying and managing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously.
  • Stabilization and Management of Psychotic Illness: Clinical protocols for addressing acute episodes of psychosis and maintaining patient safety and stability.
  • Psychiatric Care and Rehabilitation: Strategies for restoring function and quality of life through long-term recovery-oriented treatment planning.
  • Substance Abuse: Understanding the physiological and psychological aspects of addiction, prevention, and treatment integration.
  • Crisis Intervention: Preparation to respond effectively to mental health emergencies with de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed care.

Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Graduate Trends (2010-2024)

4,379
Total Graduates (2023-2024)
163
Universities & Colleges
3
Career Pathways
Career & Salary Outlook Schools Offering This Program Related Programs

Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Career Pathways & Salary Outlook

The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing degrees, including Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses and Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 3,663,650 professionals.

National Average Salaries

Occupation Median Salary Salary Range Total Employment Hourly Rate
Nurse Practitioners 29-1171 $129,210 $97,960 - $169,950 307,390 $62.12
Registered Nurses 29-1141 $93,600 $66,030 - $135,320 3,282,010 $45.00
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1072 $79,940 $47,950 - $130,040 74,250 N/A

Salary Comparison

Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Salary Map by State

Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $85,040 in Arkansas to $135,317 in California—a 59% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Oregon, and Hawaii. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 3,663,650 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.

Average Salary Range:

Top Universities for Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing by Graduate Enrollment

Below are the top 100 institutions offering Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing is found at Walden University (360 graduates), Purdue University Global (349 graduates), Chamberlain University, Illinois (337 graduates), Herzing University, Madison (286 graduates), and Frontier Nursing University (FNU) (280 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 4,152 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.

College Name Award Levels Graduates Admissions Location Control Website
Walden University
Post-Master's
 360 N/A Minneapolis, Minnesota Private waldenu.edu
Purdue University Global
Master's
Post-Master's
 349 N/A West Lafayette, Indiana Public purdueglobal.edu
Chamberlain University
Master's
Post-Master's
 337 SAT: 770-850
ACT: 14-17 		Addison, Illinois Private chamberlain.edu
Herzing University
Master's
Post-Master's
 286 N/A Madison, Wisconsin Private herzing.edu
Frontier Nursing University (FNU)
Master's
Post-Master's
 280 N/A Versailles, Kentucky Private frontier.edu
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Master's
Post-Master's
 262 N/A Saint Louis, Missouri Private maryville.edu
University of Cincinnati (UC)
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
 134 SAT: 1150-1360
ACT: 24-29 		Cincinnati, Ohio Public uc.edu
Liberty University
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (R)
 128 N/A Lynchburg, Virginia Private liberty.edu
University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global)
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
 91 N/A Irvine, California Public umassglobal.edu
CUNY Hunter College
Master's
Post-Master's
 70 SAT: 1210-1470 New York, New York Public hunter.cuny.edu
Pace University
Master's
Post-Master's
 66 SAT: 1130-1328
ACT: 24-29 		New York, New York Private pace.edu
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU)
Master's
Post-Master's
 64 N/A Los Angeles, California Private cdrewu.edu
Vanderbilt University (VU)
Master's
Post-Master's
 60 SAT: 1510-1560
ACT: 34-35 		Nashville, Tennessee Private vanderbilt.edu
George Washington University (GW)
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
 47 SAT: 1350-1500
ACT: 31-34 		Washington, District of Columbia Private gwu.edu
Spring Arbor University (SAU)
Master's
Post-Master's
 47 SAT: 935-1165
ACT: 17-25 		Spring Arbor, Michigan Private arbor.edu
The University of Texas
Postbac Cert.
Master's
 46 SAT: 1010-1220
ACT: 19-25 		Tyler, Texas Public uttyler.edu
Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
Post-Master's
 43 SAT: 1530-1580
ACT: 34-35 		Baltimore, Maryland Private jhu.edu
Duke University
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
 43 SAT: 1510-1570
ACT: 34-35 		Durham, North Carolina Private duke.edu
Molloy College
Master's
Post-Master's
 41 SAT: 1080-1310
ACT: 24-29 		Rockville Centre, New York Private molloy.edu
La Salle University
Master's
Post-Master's
 38 N/A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Private lasalle.edu
Indiana Wesleyan University
Master's
Post-Master's
 35 N/A Marion, Indiana Private indwes.edu
Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU)
Post-Master's
 33 N/A Pomona, California Private westernu.edu
D'Youville University
Master's
Post-Master's
 33 SAT: 885-1190 Buffalo, New York Private dyu.edu
New York University (NYU)
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
 33 SAT: 1480-1570
ACT: 33-35 		New York, New York Private nyu.edu
Washburn University (WU)
Post-Master's
 32 N/A Topeka, Kansas Public washburn.edu
SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly)
Postbac Cert.
 31 SAT: 1150-1330
ACT: 24-27 		Utica, New York Public sunypoly.edu
Stony Brook University (SBU)
Master's
Post-Master's
 30 SAT: 1320-1490
ACT: 28-33 		Stony Brook, New York Public stonybrook.edu
University of Miami (UM)
Post-Master's
 29 SAT: 1330-1470
ACT: 30-33 		Coral Gables, Florida Private miami.edu
Russell Sage College
Master's
Post-Master's
 29 N/A Troy, New York Private sage.edu
University of South Carolina (USC)
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
 29 SAT: 1180-1380
ACT: 26-32 		Columbia, South Carolina Public sc.edu
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU)
Master's
Post-Master's
 29 N/A Provo, Utah Private rm.edu
Florida International University (FIU)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
 28 SAT: 1060-1250
ACT: 20-26 		Miami, Florida Public fiu.edu
Husson University
Master's
Post-Master's
 28 SAT: 1000-1220 Bangor, Maine Private husson.edu
Wayne State University (WSU)
Master's
Doctorate (P)
 26 SAT: 1040-1260
ACT: 21-28 		Detroit, Michigan Public wayne.edu
Upstate Medical University
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
 26 N/A Syracuse, New York Public upstate.edu
Norwich University
Post-Master's
 26 SAT: 1060-1320
ACT: 20-27 		Northfield, Vermont Private norwich.edu
Indiana University (IU Indianapolis)
Master's
Post-Master's
 25 SAT: 1040-1230
ACT: 21-28 		Indianapolis, Indiana Public indianapolis.iu.edu
Graceland University
Master's
Post-Master's
 24 N/A Lamoni, Iowa Private graceland.edu
University of Pennsylvania (Penn)
Master's
 24 SAT: 1500-1570
ACT: 34-35 		Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Private upenn.edu
Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU)
Post-Master's
 23 SAT: 940-1160
ACT: 19-25 		University Center, Michigan Public svsu.edu
MGH Institute of Health Professions (MGH IHP)
Master's
Post-Master's
 22 N/A Boston, Massachusetts Private mghihp.edu
University of Rochester
Master's
Post-Master's
 22 SAT: 1400-1540
ACT: 31-34 		Rochester, New York Private rochester.edu
Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN)
Master's
Post-Master's
 22 ACT: 17-21 Columbus, Ohio Private mccn.edu
Clarkson College
Master's
Post-Master's
 21 N/A Omaha, Nebraska Private clarksoncollege.edu
Mount Saint Mary College (MSMC)
Master's
Post-Master's
 21 SAT: 1090-1255 Newburgh, New York Private msmc.edu
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC)
Master's
Post-Master's
 20 N/A Lubbock, Texas Public ttuhsc.edu
University of St Francis (USF)
Post-Master's
 19 SAT: 900-1170
ACT: 20-25 		Joliet, Illinois Private stfrancis.edu
Adelphi University
Master's
Post-Master's
 19 SAT: 1140-1310
ACT: 24-30 		Garden City, New York Private adelphi.edu
East Tennessee State University (ETSU)
Postbac Cert.
 19 SAT: 950-1170
ACT: 19-26 		Johnson City, Tennessee Public etsu.edu
University of Massachusetts
Post-Master's
 18 SAT: 1300-1480
ACT: 29-33 		Amherst, Massachusetts Public umass.edu
King University
Master's
Post-Master's
 18 N/A Bristol, Tennessee Private king.edu
Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
Postbac Cert.
 17 SAT: 1040-1210
ACT: 20-26 		Boca Raton, Florida Public fau.edu
Jacksonville University (JU)
Master's
Post-Master's
 17 SAT: 1110-1260
ACT: 24-28 		Jacksonville, Florida Private ju.edu
Ursuline College
Post-Master's
 17 SAT: 960-1200
ACT: 21-25 		Pepper Pike, Ohio Private ursuline.edu
Duquesne University
Master's
Post-Master's
 17 SAT: 1160-1350
ACT: 26-31 		Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Private duq.edu
Alverno College
Master's
Post-Master's
 17 N/A Milwaukee, Wisconsin Private alverno.edu
Lincoln Memorial University (LMU)
Master's
Post-Master's
 16 SAT: 1006-1220
ACT: 19-24 		Harrogate, Tennessee Private lmunet.edu
Samford University
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (P)
 15 SAT: 1070-1260
ACT: 23-29 		Birmingham, Alabama Private samford.edu
University of New Hampshire (UNH)
Post-Master's
 15 SAT: 1120-1320
ACT: 26-31 		Durham, New Hampshire Public unh.edu
Post University
Master's
 14 N/A Waterbury, Connecticut Private post.edu
Western Kentucky University (WKU)
Post-Master's
 14 SAT: 820-1010
ACT: 16-20 		Bowling Green, Kentucky Public wku.edu
University at Buffalo (UB)
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
 14 SAT: 1210-1380
ACT: 27-32 		Buffalo, New York Public buffalo.edu
University of Toledo (UToledo)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (P)
 14 SAT: 1050-1300
ACT: 22-28 		Toledo, Ohio Public utoledo.edu
Seattle University (Seattle U)
Doctorate (P)
 14 SAT: 1130-1350
ACT: 23-30 		Seattle, Washington Private seattleu.edu
University of San Francisco (USF)
Doctorate (P)
 13 SAT: 1210-1390
ACT: 26-31 		San Francisco, California Private usfca.edu
University of Southern Indiana (USI)
Master's
Post-Master's
 13 SAT: 1020-1220
ACT: 22-28 		Evansville, Indiana Public usi.edu
Allen College
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
 13 N/A Waterloo, Iowa Private allencollege.edu
University of Southern Mississippi (USM)
Post-Master's
 13 ACT: 19-27 Hattiesburg, Mississippi Public usm.edu
New Mexico State University (NMSU)
Post-Master's
 13 SAT: 885-1110
ACT: 17-24 		Las Cruces, New Mexico Public nmsu.edu
Hofstra University
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
 13 SAT: 1210-1380
ACT: 27-31 		Hempstead, New York Private hofstra.edu
Texas State University (TXST)
Postbac Cert.
Master's
 13 SAT: 980-1190
ACT: 19-26 		San Marcos, Texas Public txst.edu
Fairfield University
Master's
Doctorate (P)
 12 SAT: 1240-1380
ACT: 29-32 		Fairfield, Connecticut Private fairfield.edu
University of Iowa
Doctorate (R)
 12 SAT: 1130-1320
ACT: 22-28 		Iowa City, Iowa Public uiowa.edu
University of Massachusetts
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
 12 SAT: 1040-1260
ACT: 22-27 		North Dartmouth, Massachusetts Public umassd.edu
Rivier University
Post-Master's
 12 N/A Nashua, New Hampshire Private rivier.edu
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)
Doctorate (P)
 12 N/A Portland, Oregon Public ohsu.edu
George Mason University
Postbac Cert.
 12 SAT: 1140-1340
ACT: 25-30 		Fairfax, Virginia Public www2.gmu.edu
Winona State University (WSU)
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (P)
 11 SAT: 980-1250
ACT: 19-25 		Winona, Minnesota Public winona.edu
Southern Adventist University
Master's
Post-Master's
 11 SAT: 970-1270
ACT: 18-26 		Collegedale, Tennessee Private southern.edu
Regis University
Master's
Post-Master's
 10 N/A Denver, Colorado Private regis.edu
Nova Southeastern University (NSU)
Post-Master's
 10 SAT: 1050-1310
ACT: 21-28 		Fort Lauderdale, Florida Private nova.edu
McNeese State University
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
 10 SAT: 810-1120
ACT: 18-24 		Lake Charles, Louisiana Public mcneese.edu
Cox College
Master's
Post-Master's
 10 N/A Springfield, Missouri Private coxcollege.edu
The University of Texas (UTEP)
Postbac Cert.
 10 SAT: 870-1090
ACT: 17-23 		El Paso, Texas Public utep.edu
Dewey University
Master's
 10 N/A Hato Rey, Puerto Rico Private dewey.edu
Loma Linda University (LLU)
Doctorate (R)
 9 N/A Loma Linda, California Private llu.edu
University of Saint Joseph (USJ)
Post-Master's
 9 SAT: 960-1250 West Hartford, Connecticut Private usj.edu
Hawaii Pacific University (HPU)
Post-Master's
 9 SAT: 1068-1280
ACT: 21-29 		Honolulu, Hawaii Private hpu.edu
Texas Christian University (TCU)
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
 9 SAT: 1150-1375
ACT: 26-31 		Fort Worth, Texas Private tcu.edu
Creighton University
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
 8 SAT: 1210-1400
ACT: 24-30 		Omaha, Nebraska Private creighton.edu
Seton Hall University (SHU)
Master's
 8 SAT: 1220-1400
ACT: 27-31 		South Orange, New Jersey Private shu.edu
St. John Fisher University
Master's
Post-Master's
 8 SAT: 1120-1280
ACT: 24-29 		Rochester, New York Private sjf.edu
Mount Marty University (MMU)
Master's
Post-Master's
 8 ACT: 19-24 Yankton, South Dakota Private mountmarty.edu
Union University
Master's
Post-Master's
 8 SAT: 1030-1340
ACT: 22-29 		Jackson, Tennessee Private uu.edu
Radford University
Postbac Cert.
 8 SAT: 950-1170
ACT: 19-26 		Radford, Virginia Public radford.edu
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM)
Post-Master's
 8 ACT: 18-24 Milwaukee, Wisconsin Public uwm.edu
Lewis University
Post-Master's
 7 SAT: 990-1220
ACT: 22-26 		Romeoville, Illinois Private lewisu.edu
University of Southern Maine (USM)
Master's
Post-Master's
 7 SAT: 995-1280
ACT: 23-26 		Portland, Maine Public usm.maine.edu
University of Michigan
Post-Master's
 7 SAT: 950-1210
ACT: 17-29 		Flint, Michigan Public umflint.edu
Gardner-Webb University (GWU)
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
 7 SAT: 1040-1260
ACT: 20-26 		Boiling Springs, North Carolina Private gardner-webb.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing programs

How much can I earn with a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing degree?

Salaries for Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing graduates vary by role and location. Nurse Practitioners earn a median of $129,210 annually, while Registered Nurses earn around $93,600. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $135,317 compared to $85,040 in Arkansas. Approximately 3,663,650 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.

Which universities have the largest Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing programs?

Currently 163 accredited institutions offer Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Walden University (360 graduates), Purdue University Global (349 graduates), and Chamberlain University, Illinois (337 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.

Is enrollment in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing growing or declining?

Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 260 in 2010 to 4,379 in 2023-24. This represents a 1,584% increase overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.

What career paths are available with a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing degree?

This degree prepares you for roles such as Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, and Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 3,663,650 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.

Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

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