Best institutions to study Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing
A program that prepares registered nurses to promote mental health and provide nursing care to patients with mental, emotional or behavioral disorders, in mental institutions or other settings.
179 U.S. institutions graduated 5,358 Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.3810, a specialization of Registered Nursing (CIP 51.38), and leads most directly to the Registered Nurses occupation (BLS SOC 29-1141).
About Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing programs
A program that prepares registered nurses to promote mental health and provide nursing care to patients with mental, emotional or behavioral disorders, in mental institutions or other settings. Includes instruction in psychopathology, behavioral health, counseling and intervention strategies, psychoeducation, mental health assessment and dual diagnosis, stabilization and management of psychotic illness, psychiatric care and rehabilitation, substance abuse, and crisis intervention.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing program prepares registered nurses to support mental health and provide care for patients with mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders. This program is ideal for those interested in working in various settings, including mental health institutions, where they can make a significant impact on patient well-being.
Students in this program gain essential skills in critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication. Coursework typically covers topics such as psychopathology, behavioral health, crisis intervention, and mental health assessment, equipping graduates to address the complex needs of individuals with mental health challenges.
Credentials awarded
What Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree2,513 graduates / yr · 78 institutions47%
- Post-master's certificate2,265 graduates / yr · 122 institutions42%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate332 graduates / yr · 30 institutions6.2%
- Doctor's degree - professional practice203 graduates / yr · 24 institutions3.8%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship45 graduates / yr · 8 institutions0.8%
Graduates over time
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 338 |
| 2013 | 372 |
| 2014 | 451 |
| 2015 | 369 |
| 2016 | 508 |
| 2017 | 613 |
| 2018 | 765 |
| 2019 | 1,265 |
| 2020 | 1,806 |
| 2021 | 2,284 |
| 2022 | 2,893 |
| 2023 | 3,261 |
| 2024 | 4,378 |
| 2025 | 5,358 |
Top 50 institutions for Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chamberlain University - Illinois Addison, ILPrivate for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 749 | 42% | $29,024 | $83,188 |
| 2 | Purdue University Global West Lafayette, INPublicMaster'sMaster's | 477 | 50% | — | $78,468 |
| 3 | Walden University Minneapolis, MNPrivate for-profitMaster's | 454 | — | — | $88,877 |
| 4 | Herzing University - Madison Madison, WIPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 312 | 28% | $20,965 | $75,774 |
| 5 | Frontier Nursing University Versailles, KYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 280 | — | — | — |
| 6 | Maryville University of Saint Louis Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 198 | 66% | $24,921 | $69,116 |
| 7 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OHPublicMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 150 | 75% | — | $71,105 |
| 8 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.Doctoral | 150 | 65% | $28,911 | $71,918 |
| 9 | Spring Arbor University Spring Arbor, MIPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 102 | 64% | $19,806 | $77,680 |
| 10 | University of Massachusetts Global Aliso Viejo, CAPublicDoctoral (prof.)Master's | 79 | 43% | — | — |
| 11 | Pace University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 76 | 60% | $29,994 | $107,433 |
| 12 | Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 68 | 30% | $28,376 | — |
| 13 | Vanderbilt University Nashville, TNPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 65 | 94% | $14,854 | — |
| 14 | The University of Texas at Tyler Tyler, TXPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 59 | 54% | — | $73,963 |
| 15 | CUNY Hunter College New York, NYPublicMaster'sMaster's | 57 | 57% | — | $103,692 |
| 16 | Duke University Durham, NCPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 52 | 97% | $16,260 | $77,288 |
| 17 | Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions Provo, UTPrivate for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 51 | — | — | — |
| 18 | Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global Marion, INPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 49 | 35% | $18,316 | $73,557 |
| 19 | Molloy University Rockville Centre, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral | 46 | 70% | $25,812 | $105,747 |
| 20 | Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 45 | 62% | $35,358 | $80,034 |
| 21 | Wayne State University Detroit, MIPublicMaster'sDoctoral (prof.)Master's | 44 | 58% | — | $74,793 |
| 22 | Western University of Health Sciences Pomona, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 43 | — | — | — |
| 23 | D'Youville University Buffalo, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 43 | 67% | $18,846 | $75,587 |
| 24 | Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MDPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 41 | 94% | $11,888 | — |
| 25 | Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UTPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 40 | 46% | $11,580 | $85,861 |
| 26 | University of Miami Coral Gables, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 34 | 84% | $26,589 | $75,036 |
| 27 | Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NYPublicMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 34 | 76% | — | $94,853 |
| 28 | University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 34 | 97% | $22,055 | $80,943 |
| 29 | La Salle University Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 32 | 57% | $21,997 | $84,400 |
| 30 | University of California - Davis Davis, CAPublicPost-degree cert. | 30 | 86% | — | — |
| 31 | Florida International University Miami, FLPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 28 | 74% | — | $78,671 |
| 32 | George Washington University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral | 27 | 84% | $29,789 | $79,221 |
| 33 | Graceland University - Lamoni Lamoni, IAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 26 | 42% | $16,430 | $66,955 |
| 34 | New York University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 26 | 88% | $29,023 | $111,360 |
| 35 | MGH Institute of Health Professions Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 25 | — | — | $81,868 |
| 36 | University of South Carolina - Columbia Columbia, SCPublicMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 25 | 79% | — | $73,872 |
| 37 | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Lubbock, TXPublicMaster'sMaster's | 25 | — | — | $77,083 |
| 38 | Husson University Bangor, MEPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 25 | 59% | $18,839 | $73,758 |
| 39 | St. John Fisher University Rochester, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 24 | 74% | $25,213 | $73,333 |
| 40 | Indiana University - Indianapolis Indianapolis, INPublicMaster'sMaster's | 23 | 54% | — | $68,136 |
| 41 | University of New Hampshire - Main Campus Durham, NHPublicMaster'sMaster's | 23 | 76% | — | $77,271 |
| 42 | Seton Hall University South Orange, NJPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 23 | 69% | $27,376 | $91,908 |
| 43 | Norwich University Northfield, VTPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 22 | 60% | $23,982 | $74,283 |
| 44 | Hawaii Pacific University Honolulu, HIPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 21 | 35% | $30,299 | $75,892 |
| 45 | Saginaw Valley State University University Center, MIPublicMaster's | 21 | 48% | — | $76,244 |
| 46 | Adelphi University Garden City, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 21 | 67% | $27,326 | $102,136 |
| 47 | Mount Carmel College of Nursing Columbus, OHPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 21 | 54% | $12,526 | $69,969 |
| 48 | Fairfield University Fairfield, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 20 | 84% | $36,845 | $91,418 |
| 49 | University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MSPublicMaster's | 19 | 49% | — | $70,068 |
| 50 | King University Bristol, TNPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 19 | 48% | $23,546 | $68,012 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Registered Nursing field (CIP 51.38) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 47 states & territories
Where Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing graduates come from. Each state links to all Registered Nursing programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-1141, Registered Nurses, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing program can pursue careers as Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, or Nursing Instructors. The job outlook for this field is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 4.9% and approximately 189,100 annual openings. The median wage for registered nurses is $93,600, typically requiring a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.3810
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Registered Nursesprimary SOC 29-1141 | $97,550 | +4.9% About as fast as average | ~189,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Nurse Practitioners SOC 29-1171 | $132,300 | +40.1% Much faster than average | ~29,500 | Master's degree |
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1072 | $80,250 | +16.8% Much faster than average | ~8,600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
Tools and technology used
Other Registered Nursing specializations
The 22 other 6-digit CIP codes under Registered Nursing (CIP 51.38).
- Registered Nursing/CIP 51.3801
Registered Nurse 263,325 graduates / yr2,067 institutions - Family Practice Nurse/CIP 51.3805
Nursing 14,703 graduates / yr293 institutions - Nursing PracticeCIP 51.38189,384 graduates / yr322 institutions
- Nursing AdministrationCIP 51.38027,804 graduates / yr198 institutions
- Nursing ScienceCIP 51.38084,605 graduates / yr148 institutions
- Registered NursingCIP 51.38993,940 graduates / yr99 institutions
- Nurse AnesthetistCIP 51.38042,183 graduates / yr72 institutions
- Adult Health Nurse/CIP 51.3803
Nursing 2,125 graduates / yr75 institutions - Public Health/CIP 51.3811
Community Nurse/ Nursing 934 graduates / yr21 institutions - Geriatric Nurse/CIP 51.3821
Nursing 680 graduates / yr43 institutions - Clinical Nurse LeaderCIP 51.3820588 graduates / yr24 institutions
- Nurse Midwife/CIP 51.3807
Nursing Midwifery 530 graduates / yr22 institutions - Critical Care NursingCIP 51.3814505 graduates / yr39 institutions
- Pediatric Nurse/CIP 51.3809
Nursing 389 graduates / yr36 institutions - Women's Health Nurse/CIP 51.3822
Nursing 350 graduates / yr15 institutions - Perioperative/CIP 51.3812
Operating Room and Surgical Nurse/ Nursing 150 graduates / yr10 institutions - Maternal/CIP 51.3806
Child Health and Neonatal Nurse/ Nursing 149 graduates / yr14 institutions - Clinical Nurse SpecialistCIP 51.3813135 graduates / yr22 institutions
- Emergency Room/CIP 51.3816
Trauma Nursing partial data83 graduates / yr9 institutions - Forensic NursingCIP 51.3824partial data26 graduates / yr4 institutions
- Occupational and Environmental Health NursingCIP 51.3815partial data21 graduates / yr3 institutions
- Palliative Care NursingCIP 51.3819partial data19 graduates / yr3 institutions
Common questions
What is the focus of the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse program?+
The program focuses on promoting mental health and providing nursing care to patients with mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, communication, and knowledge of psychology and behavioral health.
What are the career opportunities after graduation?+
Graduates can work as Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, or Nursing Instructors, among other roles.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.9% and around 189,100 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing?+
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing is CIP 51.3810 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Registered Nursing (CIP 51.38). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares registered nurses to promote mental health and provide nursing care to patients with mental, emotional or behavioral disorders, in mental institutions or other settings. Includes instruction in psychopathology, behavioral health, counseling and intervention strategies, psychoeducation, mental health assessment and dual diagnosis, stabilization and management of psychotic illness, psychiatric care and rehabilitation, substance abuse, and crisis intervention.
How many institutions offer Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing programs?+
179 U.S. institutions reported Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 47 states & territories, awarding 5,358 credentials in the year. That is 1.7% of all Registered Nursing graduates.
How much do Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Registered Nurses occupation, which Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing most directly leads to, pays a median of $97,550 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Registered Nursing field report median earnings of $74,307 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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