Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (RN) and Post Graduate Psychiatric Certificate Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
PMHNP Master of Science in Nursing for non-nurses
Transform your career and make a profound impact on mental health with Simmons University's Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program.
If you hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, this program is for you. You will learn the skills and knowledge to become a compassionate Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. Pursue a meaningful nursing career improving mental health care and outcomes in a diverse, global community.
Why enroll in the Direct Entry PMHNP (MSN) Program?
The Direct Entry Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) MSN is offered through Simmons' prestigious School of Nursing, based in Boston. You will graduate with the skills and knowledge to provide compassionate and comprehensive mental health care.
The Direct Entry PMHNP MSN program offers a comprehensive and rigorous education that includes:
- Foundational Nursing Education: Begin by acquiring essential nursing skills and becoming eligible for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
- Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Education: Dive into specialized education focused on psychiatric-mental health care, learning to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across the lifespan.
- Clinical Excellence: Gain hands-on clinical experience through clinical rotations in diverse psychiatric settings, developing critical thinking, clinical judgment, and therapeutic skills.
- Leadership and Advocacy: Explore leadership, health care policy, and ethics to prepare for roles influencing behavioral health care systems and advocate for patient-centered care.
- Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Engage in research activities and learn to apply evidence-based practices to enhance mental health care delivery.
What can you do as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN)?
Graduates of the Direct Entry MSN PMHNP program are well-prepared to take on impactful leadership and nursing roles in the mental health field. Career opportunities include:
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Evaluate, diagnose, and manage the mental health needs of individuals across the lifespan. Provide therapeutic interventions and prescribe medications to support patients with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Additionally, perform comprehensive physical and psychosocial assessments, deliver emergency psychiatric care, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment plans to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Health Care Leadership: Assume leadership positions within mental health organizations, shaping policies and practices to improve health care delivery.
- Educator: Teach and mentor the next generation of psychiatric-mental health nurses, nurse practitioners, and health care professionals in academic or clinical settings.
- Researcher: Contribute to advancing psychiatric-mental health nursing through research and evidence-based practice initiatives.
- Policy Advocate: Advocate for mental health policies promoting access to care, reducing stigma, and addressing public health challenges.
Embark on an exciting and transformative career through the Direct Entry MSN PMHNP program at Simmons. Become a highly qualified and compassionate mental health care professional, ready to lead and innovate in the field of psychiatric-mental health advanced practice nursing.
Nursing Program Highlights
90%
Simmons Graduates have a NCLEX Pass Rate Above 90%
A 90% pass rate is well above the national average for RN candidates, which is in the low 80% range.
850+
Clinical Training Sites
Boston-based students have access to more than 850 clinical training sites, including world-class hospitals like Massachusetts General, Brigham and Women’s, Boston Children’s, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
7
Clinical Rotations
Through the pre-licensure program of study you will complete rotations in medical/surgical nursing, complex care, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatric nursing, and community health on your way to earning your MSN and becoming an RN.
>17K
Affiliated Placement Sites
Simmons has over 17,000 affiliated post-licensure clinical placement sites in 48 states.
1492
Clinical Hours
You will complete over 1492 total clinical hours over the course of the Direct Entry FNP and PMHNP program.
Nursing Faculty
The faculty at Simmons University School of Nursing are a dynamic blend of practicing nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse leaders, and nurse researchers, all committed to guiding you through the ever-evolving landscape of health care. Their real-world clinical experience, leadership expertise, and innovative research ensure that your education is both grounded in current practice and inspired by future possibilities.
Meet our Nursing Faculty and Staff
Spotlight on Nursing Students and Alums
School of Nursing Students Train to Work with Children with Developmental Disorders
Simmons School of Nursing students Rachel Takes ’24MSN and Elizabeth Strager ’19 ’21MSN, FNP- C, ’25DNP were recruited into the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program (LEND Boston) at Boston Children's Hospital’s Institute for Community Inclusion.
Kimberly Noonan ’18DNP Selected as 2023 Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing
On October 7, 2023, Kimberly Noonan ’18DNP was inducted as a Fellow within the American Academy of Nursing. A Chief Nurse Practitioner at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Dr. Noonan is committed to supporting Nurse Practitioners and advancing oncology nursing.
Samantha Sochan ’19 Discovers New Career in Non-Traditional Nursing Jobs
Samantha Sochan '19 shares her journey from bedside nursing to nursing educator.