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Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialty track at the Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston provides you with the advanced training to work with individuals, groups, and families across the lifespan in a variety of professional settings. When you graduate, you will be eligible to take the PMHNP certification examination offered by the American Nurse Credentialing Center.

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Top DNP program in Texas

Cizik School of Nursing offers the #1 DNP program in Texas, according to 2025 edition of U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools. Learn more about how UTHealth Houston leads the state in nursing education and research.

 
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track at a Glance

Our flexible, hybrid PMHNP specialty track is designed for working nurses. Through online courses and clinical rotations, you will connect with faculty and classmates. Upon completion, you can apply to take the national certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Once certified, you can then apply for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license in Texas.

    • Admit Terms: Spring and Fall
    • Average Completion: Ten semesters
    • Credit Requirements: 79 hours for BSN to DNP; 29-30 hours for post-graduate
    • Educational Mode: Online and on-campus courses
      Enrollment Level: Degree plan includes a mix of full- and part-time semesters.
    • Estimated Tuition: Among the lowest in the state
    • Admission Requirements

High First-time Pass Rates 

100%

In 2024, all Cizik School of Nursing students graduating on the psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner track passed the ANCC’s national certification exam on their first attempt.

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Affordable Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Education

Our high-quality BSN to PhD PMHNP track is among the most affordable in Texas. You can also apply for merit- and need-based PMHNP scholarships and HRSA traineeships through Cizik School of Nursing to help you financially as you advance your education.

Estimated Tuition and
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UTHealth Houston
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Financial support for nurse practitioner students

Cizik School of Nursing awards 25 traineeships annually to students on the family nurse practitioner, psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner, and adult/gerontology primary care tracks who are interested in working in rural or urban underserved areas. Students may apply beginning in their first semester. Learn more about the HRSA-funded AT LAST program.

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Real-world Clinical Opportunities

Because we offer one of the most accessible PMHNP specialty tracks in Texas, you can complete your clinical requirements in the globally renowned Texas Medical Center or where you live. Our curriculum strongly emphasizes psychotherapeutic techniques and psychopharmacotherapy. So whether you complete your clinical hours in the UTHealth Houston John S. Dunn Behavioral Sciences Center or at other inpatient and outpatient facilities around the state, the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track of our DNP program will prepare you to be a skilled and confident practitioner.

Meet student Emily Clavell-Head

Emily Clavell-Head, BSN, RN, was drawn to Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston by its reputation and chose Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track for a personal reason.

Dedicated Faculty

Thanks to small and engaging classes, you will be able to work closely with faculty mentors who bring their years of professional and teaching experience into the classroom to help you strengthen the skills to succeed as a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. 

Dr. Latarsha Cheatham in Sim Lab

Two doctor of nursing practice graduates at commencement.

Nurse Practitioner Pathways

Wherever you are on your nursing journey, Cizik School of Nursing can help you become a leader in advanced practice nursing. Get the details on options for students entering with a BSN or a graduate degree.

Career Pathways as a PMHNP

Cizik School of Nursing advanced practice degree graduates are eligible to take national certification exams and eligible for licensure as an advanced practice nurse in Texas.

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Our PMHNP specialty track will prepare you to work in a wide variety of health care and other professional settings, including:

  • Mental health clinics
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Emergency departments
  • Correctional settings
  • Psychiatric hospitals
  • Inpatient mental health facilities
  • State mental health departments
  • Private practice settings
  • Substance abuse and recovery programs
  • Child and adolescent assessment centers

Making her mark on health care policy

PMHNP student Aastha Krebs, MBA-CHM, BSN, RN, is passionate about expanding Medicare coverage for in-patient psychiatric services, so she took her proposal to Washington, D.C.

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Get Started toward Becoming a PMHNP

Apply to the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston. We look forward to helping you every step of the way.

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Need Help?

Our enrollment coaches can help you navigate the application process.

Call 713-500-2145, or email [email protected].

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Your Home for Lifelong Learning

Once you have become a nurse practitioner, Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston will be here to help you maintain your certification and hone your skills through continuing professional development courses and webinars.