How to Become a Psychiatric Nurse
Psychiatric nurses (also known as psychiatric mental health nurses, or PMHNs) care for patients who require psychiatric care, such as those with bipolar disorder, depression, or eating disorders. To become a psychiatric nurse, the steps include education, testing, and licensing, after which psychiatric nurses can pursue employment. Below, we’ll detail the steps to follow, how long it takes to become a psychiatric nurse, and where to start.
Become a Psychiatric Nurse in 6 Steps
Psychiatric nursing education provides the knowledge needed to treat patients with mental health illnesses. State licensing is required to practice as a psychiatric nurse, and specialty certifications highlight experts in this field.
2
Pass the NCLEX-RN Licensing Examination
Prospective psychiatric nurses can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in any state, and its results apply nationwide. Once a passing grade is confirmed, RNs may apply for a state license.
3
Acquire a State License
Each state has different license application requirements, and psychiatric nurses applying for a registered nursing license can find their state’s application process at the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
4
Apply for Psychiatric Nursing Jobs
Once a new RN has a valid license, they may apply for psychiatric nursing jobs in the state of their licensure, and many psychiatric nurse employers are willing to hire new graduates. If a psychiatric nurse wishes to work in a new state, they must apply for a license in that state. However, some states have a “compact” agreement in which one state’s license may be used in other states.
5
Earn Psychiatric Nurse Specialty Certification
Once a psychiatric nurse has gained some experience in this field, they may apply for further certification beyond their degree and license. The American Nurses Credentialing Center and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board offer specialty certifications for psychiatric RNs and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), which can be earned by passing an exam.
Schooling Requirements for Psychiatric Nurses
Psychiatric nurses can practice with a few different levels of education, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an Associate Degree in Nursing. However, general healthcare hiring trends favor nurses with a bachelor’s degree. A survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing found that over 70% of healthcare employers want new nursing hires to hold a BSN, and in 2023, the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey reported that number rose above 70%. Psychiatric nurses who wish to become psychiatric nurse practitioners can do so by earning a higher degree like an MSN, and DNPs can work as clinicians or in higher leadership positions.
Associate Degree in Nursing
An Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN, is the quickest option to become a psychiatric nurse with no previous university education. ADN degrees can take 18 months to two years to complete and may require some prerequisites before an application can be accepted.
Time to Complete
18 months to 2 years
Clinical Hours
190 to 900*
Pros
- Earn a PHN degree in less than two years
- Less competitive than a BSN
- Lower cost than a BSN
Cons
- May limit job opportunities compared to a BSN
- Must obtain a BSN before pursuing an advanced practice nursing degree
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Central New Mexico Community College, Teaching and Learning in Nursing
Psychiatric nurses with an ADN may receive lower pay and may not have their first choice of positions compared to a psychiatric nurse with a BSN. However, the nursing shortage ensures a large pool of work for nurses with ADNs.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing gives future nurses a more well-rounded education experience than an ADN. Typically done over four years, the BSN curriculum covers the basics of nursing care and how the body works, but also teaches more specialized critical thinking skills.
Clinical Hours
160 to 750*
Pros
- More likely to pass NCLEX on the first attempt (82.32% with a BSN vs. 77.91% with an ADN)
- Easier to find work in highly specialized environments like gerontology or neonatology
- Higher salary than an ADN
Cons
- Takes longer to complete
- More competitive than an ADN
- More expensive than an ADN
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Forbes Advisor, Teaching and Learning in Nursing, National Council of State Boards of Nursing
A BSN prepares future psychiatric nurses to handle a high level of care. Where an ADN focuses on quickly preparing future nurses for clinical situations, a BSN adds higher-level concepts like evidence-based practice, community health nursing, statistics used in research, nursing management and leadership, health informatics and analysis, healthcare ethics, and nutrition.
Master of Science in Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing, or MSN, can be earned in two years, but many students continue to work throughout the program, which increases time to completion.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the highest level of education a nurse can achieve. This program takes longer than an MSN but may offer higher salaries and more opportunities.
Psychiatric Nurse Licensing
Once a new nursing graduate has earned their degree, they must apply for licensure. Psychiatric nurses must apply for a registered nurse license to practice. To become a licensed and practicing nurse in any state, all nursing graduates must pass the state licensing exam (the NCLEX-RN) and apply for a state license.
NCLEX-RN
The National Council Licensure Examination–RN (NCLEX-RN) is a computer-based exam with 85 to 150 questions. The exam takes anywhere from an hour to a maximum of five hours. Questions fall into four basic categories:
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Psychosocial Integrity
4. Physiological Integrity
Once completed, the state board of nursing sends test results within six weeks, usually by email. In the time leading up to the NCLEX-RN, it’s important for graduates to study practice questions to ensure a passing grade and many students take NCLEX prep courses to increase their likelihood of success.
Registered Nurse State License Application and Renewal
Each state in the U.S. has a unique registered nurse licensing application process. The state board of nursing will want to see proof of an NCLEX passing result and a diploma from an accredited nursing program. Most states require criminal background checks and fingerprinting, and some may want to see university transcripts.
After initial licensure, RNs must renew their license every two years in most states. Each state has varying requirements on continuing education and other documentation needed for renewal. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers a wealth of information on registered nurse licensing requirements by state.
Specialty Certification
Psychiatric nursing is a specialized field, and certification demonstrates deep knowledge and skills in this specialty. The American Nurses Credentialing Center offers the following certification for RNs and APRNs:
The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board offers the Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS) certification for pediatric psychiatric nurse practitioners. For APRNs, these certifications serve as board examinations so they may practice in their field. For RNs, the PMH-BC offers an elite designation of expertise in the psychiatric specialty.
Where Psychiatric Nurses Work
Psychiatric nurses work in a wide range of workplaces. They may care for patients admitted to a medical hospital unit or in a unit specifically designated for psychiatric patients. In the community, PMHNs may work with patients in outpatient clinics, public health centers, schools, or even in patient’s homes. Correctional facilities also employ psychiatric nurses to treat inmates with mental health illnesses.
FAQs: How to Become a Psychiatric Nurse
1. What education is needed to become a psychiatric nurse?
Psychiatric nurses must graduate with a nursing degree from an accredited college or university. They can pursue a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After some bedside experience, they may pursue advanced degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), but these are not required to practice as a psychiatric nurse.
2. How many years does it take to become a psychiatric nurse?
The time it takes to become a psychiatric nurse depends on which degree they pursue, but may take anywhere from two to four years for an undergraduate degree.
3. What are the steps to become a psychiatric nurse?
To become a psychiatric nurse, aspiring nurses must apply to and graduate from an accredited nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for and receive a nursing license in their state. After these steps, they may apply for psychiatric nurse positions and pursue specialty certification and higher education.
4. How much do psychiatric nurses make an hour?
Psychiatric nurses make a similar wage to any other registered nurse. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs earn an average of No Record Found per hour, which equals about No Record Found annually. Nurses with an advanced degree will be able to earn more.
