Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) assess, diagnose, and treat the mental health needs of patients of all ages. They can act as therapists, prescribe certain medications, or work in facilities supporting the mental health needs of patients.
Ohio is one of the larger states in the US, and its demand for credentialed mental health providers continues to grow. With 16+ accredited PMHNP programs in Ohio, aspiring psychiatric nurse practitioners have a wide range of options to choose from. Ohio also has strong demand for other NP specialties across the state. Many PMHNP’s can work both within the state’s mental health system as well as in hospital settings.
Many of the Ohio-based programs below offer online coursework with in-person clinicals, but on-campus options are also available. If you are also considering related specialties, explore Ohio AGNP, FNP, and WHNP programs.
Quick Facts: PMHNP Programs in Ohio
- Number of CCNE-Accredited PMHNP Programs: 16+
- Average NP Salary in Ohio: $121,250 per year (BLS, May 2024); PMHNPs typically earn 5–15% above the NP average
- National Median NP Salary: $129,210 per year (BLS, May 2024); PMHNP averages range from $130,000–$155,000 nationally
- Job Growth Outlook (2024–2034): 35%, much faster than average (BLS)
- Required Education: Master’s degree (MSN) minimum
- Certification: ANCC PMHNP-BC
- Practice Authority in Ohio: Reduced practice (Standard Care Arrangement with physician required)
2026 Updates
- Otterbein University’s graduate nursing programs, including PMHNP, transferred to Antioch University in January 2026. Otterbein now focuses exclusively on its undergraduate BSN program.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 35% job growth for nurse practitioners between 2024 and 2034, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations in healthcare.
- Ohio State University’s BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program was ranked #5 nationally by U.S. News & World Report in 2025.
- Tuition rates have been updated across several programs, including Cleveland State University ($636.70/credit for residents) and Xavier University ($722/credit).
- Updated salary data reflects the May 2024 BLS release, with Ohio NPs earning an average of $121,250 per year. PMHNP-specific salary context has been added, as psychiatric NPs typically earn above the general NP average.
Case Western Reserve
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Online/On-Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 45
Clinical Hours: 720
Tuition: Between $1,091 and $2,248 per credit
Program Overview:
The Family Systems Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Case Western takes four semesters to complete for full-time students or three years part-time. The flexible coursework includes intensive and NP core classes that meet on campus, and other courses are available online or in an intensive format on campus. This program also requires 720 clinical hours and has clinical partnerships with Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth Medical Center, and numerous neighborhood and community practices.
Cleveland State University
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 48
Clinical Hours: 780
Tuition: $636.70 per credit for residents
Program Overview:
This fully online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program from Cleveland State University can be completed in two years for students attending full-time. It prepares students to provide mental health services to clients of all ages, from assessment to diagnosis and treatment to prescribing and managing psychotropic medication.
Franklin University
- Columbus, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 42
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $670 per credit
Program Overview:
The Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Franklin University features 100% online coursework. Clinical hours are built into the coursework so students can apply what they’re learning as they’re learning it. Students are responsible for finding their own clinical sites, but faculty will help get site and preceptor approval and complete all necessary paperwork. Franklin is known for serving working professionals and career changers, offering flexible scheduling and multiple start dates throughout the year. The program’s emphasis on integrated clinical experience helps students build confidence in real-world psychiatric-mental health settings.
Kent State University
- Kent, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 34
Clinical Hours: 600+
Tuition: $612.62 per credit (Ohio residents); $622.62 (non-residents)
Program Overview:
The PMHNP concentration at Kent State University is offered through the College of Nursing as part of the MSN program. The 34-credit curriculum is delivered 100% online and covers advanced mental health assessment, psychopharmacology, individual and family psychotherapy, and consultation. Students complete four practicum courses spanning the full scope of psychiatric NP practice. Kent State is CCNE-accredited and holds designation as an NLN Center of Excellence. A post-master’s certificate option is also available for nurses who already hold an MSN.
Miami University
- Oxford, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: ~45 (estimated)
Clinical Hours: 630 (estimated)
Tuition: $795 per credit
Program Overview:
The PMHNP program at Miami University launched its inaugural MSN cohort in Fall 2022. Coursework is delivered 100% online with a mid-program on-campus immersion component. The curriculum covers psychopharmacology, therapeutic communication, evidence-based psychotherapy modalities, and integrated behavioral health care across the lifespan. The program can be completed in less than two years. Miami University’s MSN program is CCNE-accredited. Contact Miami University at nsginfo@MiamiOH.edu or (513) 529-0298 for the most current credit hour and clinical hour requirements.
Mount Carmel College of Nursing
- Lancaster, Ohio
- Online/On-campus
Modality: Online/On-campus
Credit Hours: 43
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $779 per credit
Program Overview:
Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers a Psychiatric-Mental Health Practitioner program admits cohorts to begin in the fall and spring semesters. The program takes 18 months, and students take up to two classes at a time. Classes are offered online, but students have to go to campus for immersions for one to two days starting during the third semester. Direct clinical hours also begin during the third semester. This program requires 500 clinical hours total, with a minimum of 30 adult psychiatric encounters, 15 pediatric encounters, 25 geriatric encounters, and 25 direct clinical hours related to clinical rotations.
Ohio State University
- Columbus, Ohio
- Online/On-campus
Modality: Online/On-campus
Credit Hours: 62 (MSN); 88 (BSN-to-DNP)
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $722.50 per credit
Program Overview:
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track at Ohio State prepares students to provide clients of all ages with support for mental health, comorbidities, and addiction in both in-patient and out-patient settings. The number of credits varies depending on which specific path the student takes; for example, the traditional MSN degree can be completed in fewer credits than the BSN to DNP option in the specialty. All students complete 600 clinical hours in the final year. The traditional MSN program, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, and Post-Master’s study can be completed online. Students in the Graduate Entry MS for non-nurses must complete the program on campus.
Ohio University
- Athens, Ohio
- Online/On-campus
Modality: Online/On-campus
Credit Hours: 40
Clinical Hours: 750
Tuition: $668 per credit for residents, $687 for non-residents
Program Overview:
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Ohio University is 40 credits and can be completed in as little as six semesters. Classes are online, but students are expected to be on campus a few times throughout the program for intensives designed to prepare them for their clinicals. This program can be completed either full- or part-time, and students have up to six years to complete it.
Antioch University (formerly Otterbein)
- Yellow Springs, Ohio (Online)
- Online
Antioch University assumed Otterbein University’s graduate nursing programs in January 2026. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares BSN-prepared registered nurses to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across the lifespan. Coursework is fully online, and students complete clinical experiences in their local communities. Graduates are eligible to sit for the ANCC PMHNP-BC certification exam. Note: This program is pursuing initial CCNE accreditation. Contact Antioch University for current credit hour, clinical hour, and tuition information.
Credit Hours: 66
Clinical Hours: 580
Tuition: $650 to $1,300 per credit
Program Overview:
The Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Otterbein University begins in the summer semester every year. Classes are online, and students arrange approved clinical experiences in their locations. This program has an optional doctorate component, and the university offers a variety of tracks to complete the program: BSN to MSN in two years and a DNP in one year, BSN to MSN in three years and a DNP in one year, and BSN to MSN in three years.
University of Akron
- Akron, Ohio
- On-campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 26, plus 14 nursing core credits
Clinical Hours: not available
Tuition: $462.50 per credit for Ohio residents; $782.50 per credit for non-residents
Program Overview:
The Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track at the University of Akron prepares students to provide primary mental health care to families and individuals of all ages. Graduates are qualified to diagnose and manage a range of mental health disorders, manage medications, and provide psychotherapeutic interventions. The program is CCNE-accredited and follows a cohort model, fostering collaborative learning among students. Faculty bring extensive clinical experience in community mental health and substance use disorders, areas of high demand across northeast Ohio.
University of Cincinnati
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 77–82 (BSN-to-DNP)
Clinical Hours: Not available
Tuition: $8,359 per semester for residents, $8,509 per semester for non-residents
Program Overview:
Coursework for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Cincinnati is completed online. The program takes three years, and students graduate with a DNP. Graduates can work in various settings, from schools to acute care environments to prisons to private practice, and provide therapy and medication management. As one of Ohio’s largest public research universities, UC brings significant faculty expertise in psychiatric nursing research to the program. The DNP curriculum includes an evidence-based practice project that contributes to advancing psychiatric-mental health care delivery.
University of Toledo
- Toledo, Ohio
- Online/On-campus
Modality: Online/On-campus
Credit Hours: 56
Clinical Hours: 780
Tuition: $840.40 per credit for residents; $1,323.29 for non-residents
Program Overview:
The University of Toledo’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers an MSN and a DNP program. Students complete 780 clinical hours throughout the program to get the hands-on experience they need to practice confidently after graduation. All of the classes for this program are online, but labs and clinicals are completed in person. The dual MSN and DNP pathways give students flexibility to choose the degree level that best fits their career goals. With 780 required clinical hours, graduates gain extensive hands-on experience across diverse psychiatric settings in the greater Toledo region.
Ursuline College
- Pepper Pike, Ohio
- Online/On-campus
Modality: Online/On-campus
Credit Hours: 42
Clinical Hours: Not available
Tuition: $1,274 per credit
Program Overview:
Ursuline College’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program can be completed in seven full-time or ten part-time semesters. This program prepares students to assess and diagnose mental illness in children, adolescents, and adults. Coursework focuses on effective communication when initiating treatment, understanding psychotropic drugs and their interactions, and the roles and responsibilities of this critical role.
Xavier University
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 49
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $722 per credit
Program Overview:
The Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Xavier University offers online classes that prepare students to support mental health by collaborating with patients, their families, and their care teams. This program has 49 credits total, 19 credits of core education, 28 credits of clinical courses (600 clinical hours total), and a two-credit scholarly project. Xavier University is a Jesuit Catholic institution that emphasizes service and community engagement along with academics.
Walsh University
- North Canton, Ohio
- Online/On-campus
Modality: Online/On-campus
Credit Hours: 48
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $775 per credit
Program Overview:
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Walsh University is designed to be flexible. It offers 100% online coursework and only one synchronous online and one on-campus experience. The program prepares students to provide behavioral and mental health care to individuals, groups, and families in various settings. Walsh University also offers a BSN to DNP program for those wishing to further their education.
Wright State University
- Dayton, Ohio
- Online/On-campus
Modality: Online/On-campus
Credit Hours: 46
Clinical Hours: Not available
Tuition: $660 per credit for residents; $1,125 for non-residents
Program Overview:
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse concentration at Wright State University includes 24 credits of graduate nursing coursework and 22 credits specific to the work of a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. All courses are offered online, but there are some times when students are required to be on campus. For example, students must attend a two-day physical assessment course in person, and each practicum has a required on-campus component every Tuesday.
PMHNP Program Comparison Table
The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of all 16 PMHNP programs in Ohio, including modality, credit hours, clinical requirements, and tuition.
| Program | Modality | Credits | Clinical Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case Western Reserve | Online/On-Campus | 45 | 720 | $1,091–$2,248 /cr |
| Cleveland State University | Online | 48 | 780 | $636.70 /cr (res.) |
| Franklin University | Online | 42 | 600 | $670 /cr |
| Kent State University | Online | 34 | 600+ | $612.62 /cr (OH res.); $622.62 (non-res.) |
| Miami University | Online | ~45 (estimated) | 630 (estimated) | $795 /cr |
| Mount Carmel College | Online/On-campus | 43 | 500 | $779 /cr |
| Ohio State University | Online/On-campus | 62 (MSN); 88 (BSN-to-DNP) | 600 | $722.50 /cr |
| Ohio University | Online/On-campus | 40 | 750 | $668 /cr (res.), $687 for non-residents |
| Antioch (formerly Otterbein) | N/A | 66 | 580 | $650 to $1,300 /cr |
| University of Akron | On-campus | 26, plus 14 nursing core credits | not available | $462.50 /cr for Ohio residents; $782.50 per credit for non-residents |
| University of Cincinnati | Online | 77–82 (BSN-to-DNP) | Not available | $8,359 per semester for residents, $8,509 per semester for non-residents |
| University of Toledo | Online/On-campus | 56 | 780 | $840.40 /cr (res.); $1,323.29 for non-residents |
| Ursuline College | Online/On-campus | 42 | Not available | $1,274 /cr |
| Xavier University | Online | 49 | 600 | $722 /cr |
| Walsh University | Online/On-campus | 48 | 600 | $775 /cr |
| Wright State University | Online/On-campus | 46 | Not available | $660 /cr (res.); $1,125 for non-residents |
Online PMHNP Programs in Ohio
Many of Ohio’s PMHNP programs offer fully online or hybrid formats, making it possible to earn your degree while continuing to work. Programs like Cleveland State University, Franklin University, Xavier University, and the University of Cincinnati offer 100% online coursework, with students completing clinical rotations in their local areas.
Other programs, including Case Western Reserve, Ohio State, and the University of Toledo, use a hybrid model that combines online classes with periodic on-campus requirements such as lab intensives, physical assessment courses, or orientation sessions. For students who prefer a more traditional learning experience, a few programs offer on-campus options alongside their online tracks.
Regardless of format, all PMHNP programs require hands-on clinical experience. Most Ohio programs expect students to arrange their own clinical placements with faculty approval, though some have established partnerships with clinical sites throughout the state.
How to Become a PMHNP in Ohio
Becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in Ohio requires several steps, starting with the right education and ending with state licensure. The PMHNP programs in Ohio listed above provide the graduate-level training needed to enter this growing field. Ohio classifies nurse practitioners under “Reduced Practice” authority, which means PMHNPs must practice under a Standard Care Arrangement (SCA) with a collaborating physician.
Step 1: Earn Your BSN and RN License
Before entering a PMHNP program, you need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an active registered nurse license. Most Ohio PMHNP programs require at least a year of clinical nursing experience, though some accept new BSN graduates into direct-entry tracks.
Step 2: Complete a PMHNP Graduate Program
Enroll in a CCNE-accredited MSN or DNP program with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialization. Ohio offers 16+ PMHNP programs, many of which can be completed online. Graduate programs include core coursework in advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology — a minimum of 45 contact hours in pharmacology is required, with at least 36 hours from the same provider. Programs also require a minimum of 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours.
Step 3: Pass the ANCC PMHNP-BC Certification Exam
After completing your program, sit for the ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certification exam. This is the standard certification recognized by the Ohio Board of Nursing for PMHNP practice.
Step 4: Apply for Your Ohio Certificate of Authority
Submit an application to the Ohio Board of Nursing for a Certificate of Authority to practice as an APRN. The application fee is $153.50. You’ll need to provide proof of your graduate education, national certification, and active RN license.
Step 5: Establish a Standard Care Arrangement (SCA)
Ohio requires all nurse practitioners to practice under a Standard Care Arrangement with a collaborating physician. The SCA outlines the services the NP can provide and includes a schedule for patient chart reviews. The collaborating physician can be in psychiatry, pediatrics, or primary care/family practice, and a single physician can supervise up to five NPs for the prescriptive component of the arrangement.
Prescriptive Authority for PMHNPs in Ohio
Ohio grants nurse practitioners prescriptive authority under their Standard Care Arrangement. PMHNPs can prescribe Schedule III through Schedule V controlled substances, which covers many of the medications used in psychiatric care. Schedule II prescribing is limited to patients with a terminal illness.
To maintain prescriptive authority, Ohio requires 45 contact hours of advanced pharmacology education and a 2-hour Ohio-specific laws course covering drugs and prescriptive rules. These requirements must be completed within five years of initial application and maintained through continuing education.
Continuing Education Requirements
Ohio APRNs must complete continuing education to maintain their license. The requirements include 24 hours of CE per APRN renewal cycle, in addition to the 24 hours required for the underlying RN license. At least 12 of the 24 APRN hours must be in advanced pharmacology. The Ohio Board of Nursing accepts CE from ANCC-accredited providers.
PMHNP Salary in Ohio
The BLS groups PMHNPs under the broader nurse practitioner category (SOC 29-1171), which reports a mean annual wage of $121,250 in Ohio and a national median of $129,210 as of May 2024. However, psychiatric mental health is consistently one of the higher-compensated NP specialties. Salary aggregators such as ZipRecruiter and Indeed place the national PMHNP average between $130,000 and $155,000 per year, with Ohio PMHNPs typically earning $120,000–$140,000 depending on experience, practice setting, and whether the role involves prescriptive authority.
Several factors push PMHNP compensation above the general NP average. Private practice PMHNPs who carry their own patient panels and bill independently often earn significantly more than those in salaried hospital roles. Telehealth has also expanded earning potential, allowing Ohio-based PMHNPs to serve patients across state lines under interstate compact agreements. The BLS projects 35% growth for NPs between 2024 and 2034, with psychiatric mental health cited as one of the highest-demand specialties due to the nationwide shortage of mental health providers.
Ohio’s demand for PMHNPs is particularly strong. The state has numerous mental health professional shortage areas, especially in rural Appalachian counties, where PMHNPs are often the primary prescribers for psychiatric medications. Ohio’s lower cost of living also means a PMHNP salary in the $120,000–$140,000 range carries higher purchasing power than comparable salaries in coastal states where PMHNP pay may be nominally higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a PMHNP in Ohio with an online degree?
Yes. Many Ohio PMHNP programs are offered fully online, including programs at Cleveland State University, Franklin University, Xavier University, and the University of Cincinnati. All programs require in-person clinical hours, which students typically complete in their local communities.
How long does it take to become a PMHNP in Ohio?
Most PMHNP programs in Ohio take two to three years of full-time study at the MSN level. BSN-to-DNP programs typically take three to four years. Post-master’s certificate programs for nurses who already hold an MSN can be completed in as little as one to two years.
Does Ohio require physician collaboration for PMHNPs?
Yes. Ohio requires all nurse practitioners to practice under a Standard Care Arrangement (SCA) with a collaborating physician. The SCA specifies the services the PMHNP can provide and establishes a schedule for patient chart reviews.
Can PMHNPs prescribe controlled substances in Ohio?
PMHNPs with an active Standard Care Arrangement can prescribe Schedule III through V controlled substances. Schedule II prescribing is limited to patients with a terminal illness. All prescriptive authority requires 45 contact hours of advanced pharmacology education and a 2-hour Ohio laws CE course.
What certification do I need to practice as a PMHNP in Ohio?
Ohio requires the ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) certification. You must pass this exam after completing a CCNE-accredited graduate program.
What is the difference between a PMHNP and a psychiatric nurse?
A PMHNP is an advanced practice registered nurse with a master’s or doctoral degree who can independently assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and provide psychotherapy. A psychiatric nurse (RN) provides direct patient care under a physician’s direction and cannot independently diagnose, prescribe, or develop treatment plans.
Resources
- Ohio Board of Nursing — Licensure applications, CE requirements, and practice regulations
- ANCC PMHNP-BC Certification — National certification for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners
- CCNE Accredited Programs Directory — Verify program accreditation status
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Nurse Practitioners — Salary data, job outlook, and employment statistics
- Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services — State mental health resources and workforce information