Is Becoming a PMHNP Worth it – (Pros VS. Cons)

Written By: Brooke Schmidt, RN, BSN

Do you like learning about human behavior, mental health, and mental illness? Are you a registered nurse considering earning a graduate degree? If you answered yes to these questions, you may find a career as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is an excellent option.

Maybe you have thought of pursuing a career in psychiatric care but wonder, “Is becoming a PMHNP worth it?” You may have other questions, like whether you will make enough money, what your work schedule will be like, or if finding a job will be easy. In this article, I will share 25 reasons why becoming a PMHNP is worth it and also 7 reasons why it may not be the right career for you. I will also review some key details about PMHNP programs, including the different degree types, how long the programs take, estimated costs, earning potential, and job opportunities. When you finish reading, you will have enough information to decide if becoming a PMHNP is worth it.

WHAT IS A PMHNP?

A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice nurse who specializes in psychiatric and mental health conditions. PMHNPs are licensed and board certified to provide care to patients and do so using various modalities to assess, diagnose, and provide continuing care to patients with various mental health conditions. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners hold either a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice and may specialize in treating specific patient populations, such as pediatrics, adolescents, or geriatrics.

WHAT TYPES OF DEGREE OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO BECOME A PMHNP?

There are two main degree levels for becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. The minimum degree you need is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). You may also choose to pursue a terminal degree and become a Doctor of Nursing Practice specializing as a PMHNP. Some programs include RN-to-MSN, BSN-to-MSN, and BSN-to-DNP degrees. Some schools offer direct-entry master's and doctoral nursing programs. These programs are available to prospective students who hold an associate or bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field desiring to transition their career paths and becoming graduate-prepared registered nurses.

HOW LONG DOES A PMHNP DEGREE TAKE?

The amount of time it will take you to earn your PMHNP degree depends on a few factors. Based on your previous degree, clinical experience, desired degree type, and part or full-time status, it can take anywhere from one and a half to seven years.

For example, the DNP program at Rush University takes two years to complete full-time or three and a half years part-time. The BSN-to-DNP program at Duke University takes around three and a half years. The MSN PMHNP degree at The Ohio State University can be earned in two years full-time or three years part-time.

HOW MUCH DOES A PMHNP DEGREE COST?

As the length of a degree varies, the cost of your PMHNP degree program can be different based on the degree you wish to pursue. A BSN-to-MSN program can cost anywhere from $18,000 to $185,000. A BSN-to-DNP can cost from $26,000 to $250,000, and an MSN-to-DNP degree usually costs between $17,000 to $170,000. Degree costs vary by the school as well. Some schools charge a flat rate for all students, and others charge tuition based on whether a student lives in-state or out-of-state.

For example, an MSN PMHNP degree from Stony Brook University will cost $21,195 for residents and $43,335 for non-residents. The BSN-to-DNP program through Duke University will cost an estimated $146,816, regardless of your state residence.

WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR A PMHNP DEGREE?

Although the admission requirements for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner programs vary from one school to another, most schools have similar general admission criteria. The following is a list of general admission requirements for accredited PMHNP programs. Make sure you take a closer look at each school you are interested in as the requirements can vary slightly.

• Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in nursing (Some programs accept associate degrees in nursing)
• An active and unrestricted nursing license
• A minimum GPA of 3.0
• Completion of required prerequisite courses (usually undergraduate statistics)
• Provide official transcripts from any college or University you have attended
• A written statement (this is usually called a statement of purpose or goals statement)
• Recommendation letters or professional references
• GRE score if required
• TOEFL score for international applicants

WHY BECOMING A PMHNP IS WORTH IT? – THE PROS

(The following are the 25 reasons why becoming a PMHNP is worth it in 2024.)

REASON #1: You can help expand access to mental healthcare services.

One of the most in-demand fields in healthcare is mental health care. Although in years past, there were a lot of stigmas attached to mental health and mental illness, which caused many people to shy away from seeking help, that trend is changing. A recent and major contributing factor to the need for mental health providers is the COVID-19 pandemic and the emotional toll it took on people of all ages. When you become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, you can help bridge the gap between mental health care and the people needing services, which is one of the top reasons why becoming a PMHNP is worth it.

REASON #2: You will have increased earning potential.

An obvious reason that makes becoming a PMHNP worth it is your earning potential. The average annual salary for associate and bachelor’s-prepared registered nurses is $74,120 and $80,320, respectively. PMHNPs earn an average annual salary of $115,136. Your increased salary will allow you to contribute more to your retirement savings and have fewer financial concerns. Any degree that provides you with higher income potential is a good idea and will benefit you in the short and long term.

REASON #3: You can make a positive impact on others.

Another one of the biggest reasons why becoming a PMHNP is worth it is that you can positively impact others’ lives. Mental health services are a critical component of well-being. The care you provide as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner can impact clients, helping relieve the suffering they experience caused by mental health issues.

REASON #4: You can provide individualized care to clients in need.

Another great thing about becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is that you can work one on one with clients. Whether you work in your own private practice or in a group practice, you can build your business by providing individualized care for clients in need. The personal touch of individualized care is instrumental in building trusting relationships between you and your patients.

REASON #5: You will combine nursing skills with mental health services for a unique approach to patient care.

Becoming a PMHNP is worth it if you want to deliver mental health care services in a unique way. Nurses by nature are focused on the whole patient and consider all aspects of their lives and health to determine what impacts them and develop effective care plans. Your ability to combine nursing skills with your knowledge of mental health and illness allows you to bring a different approach to care than what other psychiatric providers offer. This approach allows you to provide holistic care in ways that promote more positive patient outcomes.

REASON #6: You will have more opportunities to be a leader in your field.

One of the best ways to become a leader in the nursing field is by earning an advanced degree. MSN and DNP PMHNPs can influence change and have the extra knowledge and training required to guide and mentor other nurses and health care providers. Being a leader also sets you up for management or administrative roles where you can have a bigger influence and potentially make more money as well.

REASON #7: You will have options for remote work.

A PMHNP degree is worth it if you want to find a remote work option. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners working in remote settings may work in telehealth services, care management, as a legal nurse consultant or medical writer, among many other options. In this day and age, telehealth services are quite popular and even preferred by some patients. Patients find it easier to access services as it removes barriers faced by some people such as transportation and having to travel long distances to see doctors. You can also remotely provide case management or utilization review for large insurance companies or healthcare systems. If remote work is a priority for you, the PMHNP degree is worth it.

REASON #8: You can be a consultant.

If you want to work for yourself but still make a meaningful impact, you can consider becoming a consultant. You can use your PMHNP degree to offer consults for individuals, companies, or communal living settings. You can review medications, and treatment plans, and even advise on how to optimize the way mental healthcare services are delivered. People will see the value in your expertise and value the information and suggestions you can provide. If being a consultant and helping others achieve better outcomes sounds exciting to you, then you may feel becoming a PMHNP is worth it.

REASON #9: You can be an advocate for minority populations.

Another one of the top reasons why becoming a PMHNP is worth it is that you can become an advocate for mental health equality among minority populations. Throughout history, minorities have struggled to have access to quality health care, including mental health services. By working as a PMHNP you can work in underserved, minority communities to ensure adequate mental healthcare services to everyone.

REASON #10: You can work to reduce the mental health stigma placed on individuals and communities.

For years, there have been negative stigmas surrounding mental health conditions and those who seek treatment services. This stigma is more pronounced among certain communities and can be a barrier to patients accessing care. You can help to reduce the stigma by promoting mental health services in a way that normalizes them and encourages people to seek treatment. Addressing individual and community concerns around mental health care can increase the likelihood that people seek help before they are in a crisis, and you can be instrumental in making sure that happens.

REASON #11: You can work with patients of all ages.

One of the great things about becoming a PMHNP is that you can choose to focus your practice within a specific patient population or age group. If you enjoy working with children or teens, you could work as a pediatric psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. If caring for older adults interests you more, you could become a geriatric psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Some PMHNPs work in general psychiatry and care for patients of all ages. Having the flexibility to care for people across the lifespan increases your career opportunities and allows you to make a greater impact on the populations you are passionate about.

REASON #12: You will be an essential part of the interdisciplinary team.

If you like working with other healthcare professionals, you will find there are many roles where you can function as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner within an interdisciplinary team. Your knowledge of mental health and illness and how mental wellness impacts physical wellness help provide insight for teams using a holistic approach to patient care.

REASON #13: You can use your degree and experience to perform research.

Graduate programs, like MSN and DNP psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner programs, require a research component. You may work with a faculty member on a current research project or participate in private research. When you become a PMHNP, you can take your knowledge about mental health and experience with research and get involved in other research opportunities. If working in mental health-related research is something you want, becoming a PMHNP is worth it!

REASON #14: You can become an educator.

If you enjoy teaching others, you can do so by becoming a PMHNP. To teach nursing, you need a master’s or doctorate in nursing, which is one of the biggest reasons why becoming a PMHNP is worth it. Becoming a nurse educator means you can be instrumental in teaching high-quality, well-prepared nurses. With the current shortage of nursing faculty, there is a good outlook for job availability. If you are passionate about education and want to help prepare nursing students for their careers, you can’t go wrong earning a PMHNP degree.

REASON #15: You can work to develop and implement policies relevant to psychiatric care.

Another one of the top reasons why becoming a PMHNP is worth it is you can work to develop and implement policies. This is important work as it drives the future of mental health care. You can use your PMHNP degree to analyze and interpret data and find ways to provide better evidence-based care. Being at the forefront of change can be exciting and an alternative to more traditional practice settings.

REASON #16: You will build meaningful patient relationships.

If you strive to work in mental health and want to build meaningful long-term relationships with patients, then becoming a PMHNP is worth it. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, you can work in many different settings and achieve this goal. As nurses, we often only meet patients for a short time, but as a PMHNP, you will likely care for patients on a more long-term basis, allowing you to get to know them and build trusting, meaningful patient/practitioner relationships.

REASON #17: You can diagnose and treat common and complex mental health disorders.

To diagnose and treat clients, you must have an advanced degree, license, and certification, and becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is an excellent way to accomplish that. Your knowledge and skills and the ability to diagnose and order treatment help ensure patients have access to the essential psychiatric care they need. Becoming a PMHNP is worth it if you want to be able to diagnose and treat mental health disorders.

REASON #18: There are many settings where you may choose to work.

Another of the biggest reasons why becoming a PMHNP is worth it is you can choose the type of setting where you want to work. You may choose to work in a private or group practice, offering one-on-one counseling to clients. Some psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners work in inpatient psychiatric units, hospitals, and inpatient or outpatient addiction centers or rehabilitation centers.

REASON #19: You can integrate other modalities into your practice.

Becoming a PMHNP is worth it if you want to have more flexibility and control over how you deliver services. As a PMHNP, you can choose to become certified in other treatment modalities such as EMDR or acupuncture. Utilizing additional care options allows you to provide more specialized treatment to meet your client’s individual needs, which can improve patient outcomes.

REASON #20: You can have a predictable schedule.

Another excellent benefit of earning a degree as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is there are excellent job opportunities with desirable schedules. While there are jobs for PMHNPs that do not have predictable schedules, many do. Many PMHNPs work in clinic settings or rehab facilities offering services during typical office hours. This benefit is especially appealing to practitioners who have children or family responsibilities.

REASON #21: You can use your knowledge and skills to volunteer or work with international agencies.

International relief and support agencies are always looking for qualified healthcare professionals to volunteer or work for them. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner you can help in two ways, by providing quality mental health services and nursing care. If you aspire to work or volunteer on an international level, you may find becoming a PMHNP is worth it.

REASON #22: There is excellent potential for long-term job security for PMHNPs.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts overall employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, including psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, will grow by 40% between 2021 and 2031. A few factors contribute to the potential for a good job outlook for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. First, as nurse practitioners in the baby boomer age group reach retirement age, there is a need for new practitioners to fill the roles they leave vacant. Second, as society becomes more aware of the impact that mental health and wellness have on one's physical health and wellness, the stigma that was formerly attached to mental health issues decreases, causing more people to seek mental health care services. This means your chances of finding a good job with long-term prospects are favorable.

REASON #23: You can work in nontraditional settings.

Another great thing about being a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is you are not limited to an office setting. PMHNPs often work in nontraditional settings providing care to diverse patient populations. For example, you may become involved in programs focused on troubled or at-risk youth, summer camps, or programs providing care to clients with chronic or terminal illnesses. Another nontraditional role is the role of a bereavement counselor. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner providing bereavement services, you could work with clients dealing with loss or trauma. If you want to think outside the box and think a nontraditional role is something you want to consider, a PMHNP degree is worth it!

REASON #24: You can prescribe medication.

One of the most significant limitations nurses face is that they cannot diagnose and prescribe medications to treat patients. If this is a frustration you have and you feel limited in your capacity to help people, becoming a PMHNP is worth it. Earning your advanced practice degree either at the MSN or DNP level will allow you to prescribe medications (after passing applicable exams) and have a bigger impact on patient outcomes. You will no longer have to wait for other providers to make decisions as you can make them yourself.

REASON #25: You can become board certified.

Being board certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner will set you apart from other providers, showing you have the qualifications and experience to treat all levels of psychiatric and mental disorders. Becoming a PMHNP is worth it even without being board-certified, but it can help you progress your career and garner higher wages.

WHY BECOMING A PMHNP MAY NOT BE WORTH IT FOR YOU? – THE CONS

(Now that we have discussed the 25 reasons why becoming a PMHNP is worth it, I want to share a few reasons why you could feel becoming a PMHNP may not be worth it.)

REASON #1: Some psychiatric nurse practitioner jobs come with high-stress levels.

Working in mental health exposes you to a lot of people experiencing traumatic events, personal crises, and dealing with complex mental health disorders. Even with the best training and support, you will deal with high-stress levels. Finding ways to cope with this is not easy and may make this degree not worth it for you. If you have a hard time dealing with high stress, you may decide becoming a PMHNP is not worth it.

REASON #2: Some PMHNP jobs require long hours.

While many psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners have jobs where they work regular daytime hours, there is always a chance that you will need to take on-call shifts. Providing on-call mental health services can lead to working long hours. If you prefer a job with typical office hours, no nights, weekends, or on-call requirements, you may feel a PMHNP degree is not worth it.

REASON #3: Many psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners deal with a heavy patient load.

With the increased demand for mental health services, practitioners are often faced with dealing with heavy patient loads. As a PMHNP, you may feel you deal with endless assessments or feel like you do not have enough time to give the individualized attention to patients you would prefer to give.

REASON #4: You may work with violent or aggressive patients.

Unfortunately, dealing with violent or aggressive patients is a hazard in most nursing roles. Working in mental health increases the chances of encounters with patients who are violent or aggressive. If you feel uncomfortable dealing with people who are unable or unwilling to control their behavior, anger, or aggression, you may feel that becoming a PMHNP is not worth it.

REASON #5: Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are often faced with ethical dilemmas.

Whether you provide care for a client with different beliefs than yours, decide when to report possible abuse or neglect, or make decisions to refer patients for involuntary hospitalization, as a PMHNP, there is no doubt you will experience situations that feel like ethical dilemmas. If dealing with ethical dilemmas brings you unmanageable stress, becoming a PMHNP may not be the best career option for you.

REASON #6: Some PMHNP programs can be expensive.

If you are considering becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, planning for the cost of the program is essential. Programs can cost as little as $18,000. However, they can also cost more than $250,000. Even online options can be costly. If you are limited in the amount you can spend to earn a degree and do not secure financial assistance, becoming a PMHNP may not be worth it to you.

REASON #7: Earning your degree can take at least two to four years.

Depending on your current degree level and whether you want to earn a master's or doctorate, you could spend as few as two to four years or longer to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Although the long-term advantages of earning the degree make the time investment worthwhile, if you cannot commit enough time to the program, earning a PMHNP degree may not be worth it for you.

WHAT ARE THE 3 MAIN REASONS BEHIND THE DEMAND FOR PMHNP DEGREE HOLDERS?

The demand for PMHNPs continues to grow and is not expected to slow down anytime soon. The following are the three main reasons contributing to the need for qualified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners.

1. Shortage of mental health professionals:

As is the case for most healthcare fields, there is a nationwide shortage of trained mental health professionals. This is due to many factors but is largely driven by the number of practitioners who are now reaching retirement age.

2. A growing number of people diagnosed with mental health conditions:

In recent years the number of people diagnosed with mental health conditions has increased. One of the reasons is that practitioners are becoming more aware and skilled at diagnosing these conditions. There has also been an increase in patients suffering from social isolation and related conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other world events.

3. Increased awareness of the importance of mental health services:

As the internet and media have become more prevalent in our lives, we all are more aware of the negative impacts of untreated mental illness. This knowledge has created a greater awareness of the importance of mental health services and early intervention for people struggling emotionally. This drives demand for mental health services and PMHNP degree holders.

WHAT IS THE STARTING SALARY FOR NEW PMHNP DEGREE HOLDERS?

New psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners earn great incomes. The starting salary, on average, for new PMHNP degree holders is $37.26 per hour, which will add up to $1,491 per week, $6,460 per month. This pay is equivalent to $77,510 per year.

Hourly	$37.26
Weekly	$1,491
Monthly	$6,460
Annual	$77,510
(Source: Payscale.com)

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE SALARY FOR EXPERIENCED PMHNP DEGREE HOLDERS?

The average salary for PMHNP degree holders is $115,136 per year. This pay is equal to $9,590 per month, $2,214 per week, and $55.35 per hour.

Hourly	$55.35
Weekly	$2,214
Monthly	$9,590
Annual	$115,136
(Source: Payscale.com)

IS THE COST OF A PMHNP DEGREE WORTH THE RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)?

Almost all nursing degrees are worth the return on investment. Advanced practice nurse degrees can have an even quicker return due to the higher salaries they provide. PMHNP degree holders are capable of earning more money than BSN-prepared nurses, and due to the high demand for mental health practitioners, they can also make more than other MSN degree holders. In my opinion, the cost of a PMHNP degree is well worth the positive return on investment you can see in a short amount of time. You can also decrease the amount of time it takes you to see this ROI by using scholarships to lower your tuition cost or looking for jobs in higher-paying locations.

WHAT ARE THE 3 BEST JOBS YOU CAN GET WITH A PMHNP DEGREE?

There are several great job options for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. Three of the best jobs PMHNP can get include the following.

1. Mental Health Provider:

The obvious career choice for PMHNP degree holders is being a mental health provider who delivers direct patient care on an individual basis. This can include diagnosis, treating, and providing ongoing care for patients of all ages. These services can be provided in private clinics, through large health systems, or even for your own practice.

2. Substance Abuse and Addiction Practitioner:

You can choose to work for a substance abuse and addiction center which can either be inpatient or outpatient. You will work with patients to overcome their challenges and help build a better path forward. This can be a very taxing but also very rewarding job.

3. Corrections or Criminal Justice Mental Health Provider:

As a PMHNP, you can work as a mental health care provider within the corrections or criminal justice system. You can provide diagnoses and treatments for inmates, help develop plans to reduce the risk of inmates becoming repeat offenders, offer insight to judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys and other people involved in criminal proceedings.

BONUS! 3 TIPS TO MAKE MORE MONEY WITH A PMHNP DEGREE

With any degree and career field, one of the most frequently asked questions is, how can I make more money? Luckily, in nursing and especially with advanced degrees there are ways to increase your pay. The following list offers three tips to make more money as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

1. Work in a high-demand area:

The amount of money you can make can vary significantly depending on the geographical area where you live and work. If you are flexible and open to moving, you can make more money by choosing a higher-paying city or state.

2. Become a travel nurse:

Travel nursing is not just for RNs in traditional bedside hospital roles. Travel opportunities are available for all degree types, including PMHNP. Travel nursing positions come with higher pay and the added benefit that if you do not like the job in most cases it will only last for a few months. If it turns out that you love the job, you can always apply and use your current experience as leverage to negotiate a higher salary.

3. Find unique nontraditional opportunities:

Employers often offer monetary incentives for unique or harder-to-fill jobs. For a PMHNP these can be options such as working in a tribal clinic, working for the government, or running a mental health clinic in a rural area providing care to underserved populations. Working in nontraditional roles can even come with the added perk of receiving loan forgiveness or flexible student loan repayment options.

SO, IS BECOMING A PMHNP WORTH YOUR TIME AND MONEY – MY FINAL THOUGHTS

Throughout this article, we looked at 25 reasons why becoming a PMHNP is worth it and also 7 reasons why it may not be the right career for you. I believe that earning any advanced practice nursing degree and becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner has many benefits. When you consider the advantages, disadvantages, earning potential, and long-term job outlook, the answer to the question, “Is becoming a PMHNP worth your time and money” is easily, yes!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED

1. What Is The Best Age To Pursue A PMHNP Degree?

There is no right or wrong age to pursue your PMHNP degree. Some people feel it is easier to pursue an advanced degree when you are younger and before you escape "school mentality." On the other hand, some people believe older students are more emotionally prepared to handle the stress that comes with graduate-level studies. Only you can answer what age is the best for you to pursue a degree as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

2. How Hard Is It To Get Into A PMHNP Degree Program?

Admission to the best PMHNP degree programs can be competitive. However, if you meet the admissions requirements and have a strong academic record, you can increase your chances of admission.

3. Do I Need Work Experience To Get Into A PMHNP Degree Program?

Each school determines the admission criteria for their programs, including whether you need work experience and how much. Most graduate nursing programs, like PMHNP degree programs prefer applicants with at least one year of relevant work experience. Be sure to verify the requirements for each school that interests you before applying.

4. What Is The Minimum GPA To Get Into A PMHNP Degree Program?

Most PMHNP degree programs require applicants to have a minimum college GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

5. Are Online PMHNP Degree Programs Worth It?

Yes! Online PMHNP programs offer an excellent opportunity for prospective students who may otherwise be unable to go to school to earn a degree and become a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

6. Are Scholarships And Grants Available For PMHNP Degree Programs?

Yes, there are many scholarships and grants available for PMHNP degree programs. In addition to university and private scholarships and grants, you may qualify for federal grants.

7. Is It Hard To Complete A PMHNP Degree?

A PMHNP degree is an advanced practice nursing degree, and as such, can be challenging. However, with good planning, time management, and commitment to your studies, you can succeed!

8. Can PMHNP Students Have A Life?

Absolutely! With careful planning and good time management skills, PMHNP students can still have a life.

9. Can I Work Part-Time And Successfully Complete The PMHNP Degree Program?

It is possible to work part-time and complete a PMHNP program. It is up to you whether to take on a full-time or part-time school schedule while working. Carefully consider your personal and school responsibilities to make the decision that is best for you.

10. Can I Work Full-Time And Successfully Complete The PMHNP Degree Program?

Some students work full-time while completing a PMHNP degree program. It is important that you consider the level of difficulty associated with the program before deciding. If you must work full-time, you may feel a part-time school schedule is the best option.

11. Do Students Fail In PMHNP Degree Programs?

Unfortunately, yes, some students in PMHNP degree programs fail. Although some students fail, it is important to realize that someone else's success or failure does not predict your likelihood of success.

12. Will I Ever Regret Getting A PMHNP Degree?

According to most research and surveys, most PMHNP degree holders are happy with their career choice. With this in mind, it is unlikely that you will regret earning the degree. One of the great things about earning this degree is, if you later decide you prefer a different career, many of your skills and credits are transferrable.

13. How Much Does A PMHNP Graduate Make Per Hour?

The average hourly pay for PMHNP graduates is $55.35.

$55.35

13. How Much Does A PMHNP Graduate Make Per Year?

PMHNP graduates earn an average of $115,136 per year.

$115,136

14. Will PMHNP Graduates Be Paid Less In The Future?

There is no reason to assume PMHNP graduates will be paid less in the future. In fact, with the growing demand for PMHNP graduates, it is more likely you will be paid more.

15. Are All PMHNPs Successful In Their Careers?

In general, most PMHNPs are successful in their careers. However, your success will depend on what jobs you choose and how hard you work.

16. Are PMHNPs Happy With Their Jobs?

Being a PMHNP has its pros and cons, but most data reports PMHNPs are happy with their jobs.

17. Can A PMHNP Become Rich?

PMHNPs who manage their money well, invest wisely, and save for retirement may become rich. Keep in mind, being "rich" has different meanings for different people. Wealth is measured in several ways, including more than financial gain.

18. What Are Some Of The Best PMHNP Degree Alternatives?

You can earn a mental health certification in addition to your RN license which requires clinical experience, self-study, and passing an exam. Other advanced degree options could include a family nurse practitioner (FNP) or you could choose a direct-entry program to earn your master’s in social work.