Ready to take the next step?
A focus on diverse, rural and underserved communities
At FNU, we exemplify the caring behaviors we hope to bring to the wider healthcare system.
A Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice nurse that seeks to improve mental health care and the overall health status of communities. With a focus on lifetime care for individuals, PMHNPs are committed to promoting mental health through assessment, diagnosis and treatment of behavioral problems, mental disorders and comorbid conditions.
Read more in Top 4 Questions to Ask if You Are Considering Becoming a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
Specialty Track Overview
- Earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC).
- Complete your coursework online.
- Attend full- or part-time. FNU offers every course every term.
- After earning your MSN, you can continue on to complete a DNP at FNU.
- Enjoy two brief on-campus immersion experiences.
- Complete your clinical practicum in your home community.
- 675 clinical hours for the MSN plus an additional 360 hours for the DNP.
- View Program of Study.
Affordable
Affordable Tuition
Flexibility
100% Online Coursework
Supportive
Doctorally-prepared Faculty
Dedicated
Clinical Placement Services
Accredited
Top-ranked Programs
Frontier Nursing University offers a graduate Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty track that can be pursued full- or part-time while completing a Master of Science in Nursing or a Post-Graduate Certificate. After earning an MSN or certificate, you have the option to continue on to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at FNU.
With our distance education model, your home community serves as your classroom. FNU faculty are committed to being present and providing consistent support throughout the educational journey. Our flexible Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program allows you to complete courses online and complete a clinical practicum in your community.
"I was able to go to school at a pace that suited my family." - Gina Stephens, FNU Student
What Sets FNU Apart?
- A leader in distance education since 1989
- A focus on rural and underserved populations since 1939
- A national leader in DEI
- A culture of caring shared by the FNU community
- Flexible format offering every course every term to fit your life and career goals
- Two campus immersion experiences to build lifelong connections with other students and faculty
- Nearly 13,000 clinical sites and 16,000 preceptors nationwide
- Scholarship opportunities for students
Ready to Apply?
Exam Pass Rates
93% of our psychiatric-mental health care nurse practitioner students pass the national certification exam the first time.
A leader in distance education since 1989
Frontier Nursing University’s mission is built on more than 80 years of experience in graduate nursing and midwifery education. FNU implemented a distance education model in 1989, allowing us to reach students in all 50 states.
We began offering the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty track in 2017 to address mental health care needs in rural and underserved populations.
"Frontier has an indelible legacy of nurse practitioner education. As a PMHNP student at Frontier, you will develop lifelong relationships with faculty and staff that will support you throughout your professional journey. Our focus is on training competent and innovative practitioners that have a passion for serving their communities. Frontier is like no other, our mission is lived by both faculty and students. If you looking to build a legacy of service in your community, then Frontier is the place for you!”
- Jess Calohan, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Department Chair for the Department of Psychiatric-Mental Health
"Frontier has an indelible legacy of nurse practitioner education. As a PMHNP student at Frontier, you will develop lifelong relationships with faculty and staff that will support you throughout your professional journey. Our focus is on training competent and innovative practitioners that have a passion for serving their communities. Frontier is like no other, our mission is lived by both faculty and students. If you looking to build a legacy of service in your community, then Frontier is the place for you!”
- Jess Calohan, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Department Chair for the Department of Psychiatric-Mental Health
Frontier News

Personal Tragedy Inspires Holly Howell’s Commitment to Serve
Even as a child, FNU alumni Holly Howell, MSN, CNM, knew she wanted to be a nurse. It was a not-so-subtle nudge that pushed her in the right direction. “At a very young age, I have a very vivid … Read More...

National Academies of Practice Inducts Dr. Vicky Stone-Gale as a Distinguished 2022 Fellow
The National Academies of Practice (NAP) recently announced the election of Dr. Vicky Stone-Gale, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP, as a Distinguished 2022 Fellow. Class of 2022 Fellows were welcomed … Read More...

Get to Know FNU’s New Chief Advancement Officer Bobbi Silver
On the surface, it is natural to assume that the role of an advancement officer is to raise money. It is true that fundraising is central to the position, but at its core, it is really about … Read More...
Frontier News

Personal Tragedy Inspires Holly Howell’s Commitment to Serve
Even as a child, FNU alumni Holly Howell, MSN, … Read More...

National Academies of Practice Inducts Dr. Vicky Stone-Gale as a Distinguished 2022 Fellow
The National Academies of Practice (NAP) recently … Read More...

Get to Know FNU’s New Chief Advancement Officer Bobbi Silver
On the surface, it is natural to assume that the … Read More...