What Can You Do With a PMHNP MSN Degree in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What jobs can I get with a PMHNP MSN degree?

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) can help graduates pursue rewarding careers. These include the following occupations:

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): PMHNPs provide comprehensive mental health care, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders. They  work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
• Postsecondary Nursing Instructor: Nursing educators mentor future nurses in colleges or universities. They tap into their psychiatric nursing education and clinical training to prepare students for mental health care roles.
• Psychiatric Nurse Consultant: Consultants offer expert advice to healthcare organizations, hospitals, and community programs. They provide tips and strategies on best practices, policy development, and strategies for improving psychiatric care delivery and patient outcomes.

Many aspiring professionals choose accelerated online MSN PMHNP programs to gain these opportunities more quickly and efficiently.

How much can I earn with a PMHNP MSN degree?

In May 2024, nurse practitioners (NPs) in the US had a median annual wage of $129,210. The figure, which includes the psychiatric nurse practitioner salary figure, is higher than the $93,600 median annual wage of registered nurses across the country in the same period. Notably, it is significantly higher than the $49,500 median annual wage of all US occupations (US BLS, 2025).

During the same period, the highest 10% of nurse practitioners in terms of wages earned more than $169,950, while the lowest 10% earned below $98,520. Moreover, the following employers are the highest-paying industries for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners in the US in May 2024 (US BLS, 2025):

• Hospitals (State, Local, and Private): $137,790
• Outpatient Care Centers: $137,640
• Educational Services (State, Local, and Private): $132,070
• Offices of Physicians: $129,820
• Offices of Other Health Practitioners: $117,780

How can a PMHNP MSN degree help increase my income potential?

Nurse practitioners (NPs) can earn considerable salaries due to years of work experience, advanced education and training, as well as licensure and certifications. As mentioned in the previous section, registered nurses (RNs) had a median annual wage of $93,600 in May 2024, while NPs had $129,210 (US BLS, 2025).

Data from the US Census Bureau (2023) support the contribution of advanced degrees to higher income. The bureau found that in 2022, 25- to 34-year-old Americans who worked full time and had earned master’s or more advanced degrees had median wages ($80,200) that were 20% higher than those with only bachelor’s degrees ($66,600).

Which industries have a demand for professionals with a PMHNP MSN degree?

In 2023, 292,500 nurse practitioners (NPs), including psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), worked in the US. The following professional settings employed the largest shares of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and NPs across the country (US BLS, 2025):

• Offices of Physicians (49%): NPs collaborate with physicians to assess, diagnose, and manage patient care. They often handle routine check-ups and follow-up appointments.
• Hospitals (State, Local, & Private) (25%): PMHNPs deliver acute psychiatric care, manage crises, and prescribe medications. They also coordinate treatment with multidisciplinary teams for patients in inpatient or emergency settings.
• Outpatient Care Centers (8%): PMHNPs provide therapy, medication management, and long-term treatment plans for individuals with chronic or recurring psychiatric conditions.
• Offices of Other Health Practitioners (4%): PMHNPs work with specialists, such as psychologists, social workers, and therapists, to deliver collaborative, holistic mental health services.
• Educational Services (State, Local, & Private) (3%): PMHNPs may serve as nursing educators, clinical supervisors, or researchers in academic institutions. Nurses interested in expanding their educational credentials can explore best online special education graduate certificate programs to combine healthcare expertise with specialized education skills.

The chart below provides a visualization of the US industries that employed the largest shares of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners in 2023, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

What skills learned in PMHNP MSN degree programs are essential for career advancement?

PMHNP MSN degree programs provide advanced skills that not only enhance patient care but also support long-term career growth. Nurses seeking further specialization may also consider an online post-master’s certificate in women’s health NP to expand their expertise into women’s health while building on their existing graduate-level training.

• Psychotherapy: PMHNPs are trained in various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral and supportive therapy. These approaches enable them to provide individualized treatment that addresses emotional, behavioral, and psychological needs.
• Psychopathology: Students gain in-depth knowledge of mental health disorders, their causes, symptoms, and progression. They become skilled at identifying conditions accurately and design effective, evidence-based treatment plans.
• Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning: PMHNP MSN degree programs emphasize comprehensive patient evaluations, combining physical, psychological, and social factors. This skill equips PMHNPs to make accurate diagnoses and create holistic care strategies.

What certifications can I pursue with a PMHNP MSN degree?

PMHNPs can enhance their expertise and career prospects by pursuing specialized certifications. These credentials validate your advanced skills and can expand your career opportunities:

ANCC’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC™)

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers the PMHNP-BC™ credential, which requires applicants to pass a competency-based certification examination covering the fundamental clinical knowledge and skills of the PMHNP.

AANPCB’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) offers the PMHNP credential. The certification also requires applicants to pass an entry-level competency-based examination, which covers psychiatric mental health topics across the life span.

ANCC’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC™)

The ANCC also offers the PMH-BC™ credential, which assesses the foundational clinical knowledge and skills of registered nurses (RNs) specializing in psychiatric mental health. The certification is valid for 5 years.

What is the job outlook for PMHNPs?

Generally, the US has been experiencing a nurse shortage over recent decades. Many nurses have left and may leave the field due to career shifts or retirement. The situation leaves aspiring nurses with abundant career opportunities. For those considering advanced practice roles, understanding the adult gerontology primary care DNP salary can help evaluate the financial benefits of pursuing this path.

From 2023 to 2033, employment for nurse practitioners (NPs) in the US is expected to increase by 46%, which is significantly faster than the average job growth rate for all occupations in the country during the same period. Employment levels for NPs has been forecasted to grow from 292,500 in 2023 to 427,900 in 2033 (US BLS, 2025).

Besides the considerably high job growth rate for NPs, the following nursing professionals also have a positive job outlook that is faster than the average rate for all US occupations in the same period (US BLS, 2025):

• Nurse Anesthetists: 10%
• Nurse Midwives: 7%
• Registered Nurses: 6%

Moreover, as of December 31, 2024, the country has a total of 7,718 primary care health professional shortage area (HPSA) designations. Primary-care providers include physicians, physician assistants, and NPs. The figure translates to only 47.23% of the country’s need for primary-care professionals being met.

Considering these employment data, PMHNPs can rest assured that there are plenty of opportunities waiting for them in the healthcare industry.

What continuing-education options are best for PMHNPs?

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) aiming to advance their expertise and broaden their career opportunities can pursue several continuing-education options. These include the following:

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): A DNP builds on MSN-level training by focusing on clinical leadership, evidence-based practice, and healthcare policy. It prepares PMHNPs for roles in administration, education, or advanced clinical practice.
• Doctor of Medicine (MD): PMHNPs seeking to transition into physician roles can pursue an MD. For those curious about broader pharmaceutical and clinical practice opportunities, exploring what can you do with a doctorate in pharmacy degree highlights the variety of advanced careers available in medication management, clinical research, and pharmacy leadership.
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): Similar to the MD, the DO pathway emphasizes a holistic, patient-centered approach. It gives PMHNPs opportunities to expand into full-spectrum medical care while maintaining focus on physical and psychological health.

What are the alternative career paths available to graduates of PMHNP MSN degree programs?

Graduates of PMHNP MSN degree programs have versatile skills that can lead to alternative career paths beyond traditional psychiatric practice. Some potential options include the following:

• Nurse Anesthetists: With additional training, PMHNP graduates may pursue anesthesia. Nurse anesthetists provide pain management and critical support during surgical procedures.
• Nurse Midwives: PMHNP graduates interested in women’s health can become nurse midwives. These advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) offer prenatal, birthing, and postpartum care while supporting maternal mental health. Some may pursue the shortest online graduate certificate program in nurse midwifery to build their background in the field.
• Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: PMHNPs can shift into counseling roles, guiding individuals through recovery and coping strategies for addiction and behavioral health challenges.
• Rehabilitation Counselors: PMHNPs may work with patients facing disabilities or trauma. They help patients achieve independence and manage associated mental health conditions.
• Physicians and Surgeons: With further education, PMHNPs may transition into medical school. They will be able to expand their scope to diagnose and treat complex medical and psychiatric conditions as licensed physicians.

Some may also consider the shortest online MSN forensic nursing programs to specialize in blending mental health expertise with legal and investigative fields.

The chart below provides a visualization of the 2024 median annual wages of alternative career paths available to graduates of PMHNP MSN degree programs, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

What alternative degrees can I take up instead of a PMHNP MSN degree?

Nurses seeking advanced education but considering alternatives to a PMHNP MSN degree program have several degree options that can lead to fulfilling career paths. These include the following specializations:

• Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP): This degree prepares nurses to provide comprehensive primary care across all ages. It focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, and chronic disease management in various settings.
• Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Anesthesia: Nurses who want to specialize in anesthesia care can pursue this degree. It equips them to administer anesthesia, manage pain, and monitor patients during surgical or medical procedures.
• Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Midwifery: This degree trains nurses to provide advanced reproductive and maternal care. This includes prenatal, labor, delivery, and postpartum support. They also promote overall women’s health.

Some nurses may also explore the shortest MSN MBA dual degree online programs to combine clinical expertise with business leadership skills.

Here’s What PMHNP MSN Degree Holders Say About Their Careers

Other Things You Should Know about Getting a PMHNP MSN Degree

Is PMHNP a master’s degree or a doctorate degree?

PMHNP is a role that is usually earned through a master’s degree program, such as an MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). The specialization can also be pursued at the doctoral level.

What is the highest salary for a PMHNP?

High-earning PMHNPs in the US can earn as much as $230,068 annually, as of August 18, 2025 (Indeed, 2025). In May 2024, the highest 10% of nurse practitioners in terms of wages earned more than $169,950 (US BLS, 2025).  

What is the shortest post-master’s certificate program in PMHNP?

The shortest post-master’s certificate programs in PMHNP usually take about 1 year to complete. The program length depends on the academic institution, the student’s prior coursework, and the student’s enrollment status.

Is MSN harder than BSN?

An MSN is generally harder than a BSN because it involves advanced coursework, clinical training, and specialized knowledge. It may require more time, critical thinking, and a higher level of academic performance.