Specialization is a valuable opportunity for skilled nurses to pursue the area of nursing practice that they’re most passionate about. While the career paths of PMHNPs vs. FNPs differ, many of the degree steps can be similar, requiring the pursuit of advanced degrees, certifications and board licensure. For nurses who are passionate about battling mental health crisis across the country, taking the time to learn how to become a mental health nurse practitioner can be inspiring. With an advanced education providing nurses with practical knowledge and skills to pass along to their patients, PMHNPs are able to make mental healthcare more accessible, helping their communities foster support programs and cultivate an atmosphere that encourages individuals to invest in their mental health and wellness.

Steps to Becoming a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

With the opportunity for skilled PMHNPs to address both the rising rates of mental health disorders and the shortage of primary care professionals, the level of experience and education required to rise to the challenge also rises. Becoming a mental health nurse practitioner begins with qualifying as a registered nurse, which normally requires obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an associate degree as well as completing a certification. Future nursing leaders must then pursue an advanced degree program, such as an MSN or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Whether becoming a PMHNP or an FNP, it’s during this advanced degree phase that nurses are able to specialize. For PMHNPs, this entails focusing on mental healthcare and treatment, delving into how to assess, diagnose, treat and create a care plan to manage mental health illnesses and disorders. By completing an advanced degree program, nurse practitioners are able to prepare themselves for the examinations and assessments required to achieve board certification. These certifications can vary by state and specialization, requiring nurses to prove that they’ve met the clinical knowledge and practical skill standards of their field.

Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Qualifications

Different nursing specialties are governed by their own assessment board. The process of becoming a mental health nurse practitioner concludes with seeking board certification and completing the licensure criteria set out by the state boards of nursing and the requirements of each state. PMHNPs can expect to face the board exam from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) before beginning their careers. The exam may cover topics including the following:

• Psychotherapy care and theories
• Scientific knowledge and foundation
• Ethical and legal foundation
• Analysis, diagnosis, and treatment
• Advanced practice skill requirements

Obtaining the board certification to become a qualified PMHNP, functions as a professional benchmark, proving that graduates are equipped to provide independent, comprehensive, focused patient care.

PMHNP Salary and Job Outlook

The demand for qualified mental health practitioners is on the rise across the country. While factors such as level of education, work experience, and job location can impact the average PMHNP salary, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) reported an approximate median annual salary of $137,000 in 2020, accounting for base salary, productivity bonuses, and incentive payments. Additionally, for the period 2021 to 2031, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted an incredible 46% growth of employment opportunities for nurse practitioners, significantly higher than the national average for all occupations. This increase reflects many factors, including the replacement of workers who are transferring to different occupations or who are retiring, as well as the demand for skilled nurses to address the shortage of both doctors and nurses.