Ohio University’s online PMHNP program ranked #1 for 2025

Ohio University’s Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program has earned the distinction of being ranked #1 for 2025 by Nurse Practitioner Online, a leading resource for aspiring nurse practitioners.

“We’re honored that our Online PMHNP program is recognized as the top choice for advancing careers in psychiatric care,” said John McCarthy, Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Professions. “The need for highly qualified behavioral and mental health specialists is frequently expressed to me, and I’m proud of our response with psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners.”

What is Ohio University’s online PMHNP program?

Ohio University’s accredited Online PMHNP program offers both a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Post-Master's Certificate, designed for nurses who want to specialize in psychiatric and mental health care. The program combines rigorous coursework, 750 hours of hands-on clinical experience, and flexible scheduling, enabling nurses to gain essential skills in mental health assessment, diagnostic reasoning, psychopharmacology, and therapy. Graduates are fully prepared for the national certification exam and may pursue roles in outpatient clinics, private practices, psychiatric hospitals, and more.

Why Nurse Practitioner Online ranked Ohio University’s program #1

Nurse Practitioner Online’s methodology evaluates several factors that contributed to Ohio University’s top ranking for its Online PMHNP program.

Flexibility and affordability

Ohio University’s program is tailored for working professionals. With asynchronous courses and a part-time schedule, students can complete coursework on their own schedule while balancing work and family responsibilities. The program’s affordable tuition makes it a top choice for nurses specializing in psychiatric care.

Clinical experience and program outcomes

The program includes 500 hours of supervised clinical practice, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience in diverse mental health settings. This prepares graduates to meet the real-world challenges of psychiatric care. Ohio University’s program emphasizes evidence-based practices and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing graduates for roles in outpatient clinics, private practices, hospitals, and more.

Supportive faculty and resources

Experienced faculty, including PMHNP Program Track Director Dr. Kim Miller-Wenning, play a vital role in the program's success by overseeing the curriculum and supporting each student’s progress. “The success of this program is due in very large part to Dr. Miller-Wenning,” said McCarthy. Faculty members are dedicated to supporting students throughout their educational journey, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges of advanced practice psychiatric care. In addition, Ohio University offers comprehensive resources, including virtual office hours, peer collaboration, and career services, all designed to ensure student success.

Why choose Ohio University for your PMHNP education?

At Ohio University, we have a long tradition of designing online programs that cater to the needs of working professionals. Our commitment to maintaining high academic standards and prioritizing student success is reflected in the quality of our nursing programs. By combining rigorous coursework with flexible scheduling, we ensure that our students receive the best education possible while balancing their professional and personal responsibilities.

Our College of Health Sciences and Professions is widely recognized as a leader in healthcare education. The PMHNP program benefits from extensive resources that include virtual office hours, opportunities for peer collaboration, and access to career services, all designed to support our students every step of the way.

Ready to advance your career in psychiatric care?

Start your journey toward becoming a certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner today. Learn more about Ohio University’s Online PMHNP program and how it can help you achieve your professional goals. Apply now to take the next step in your career.