Scholarships for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

A psychiatric nurse practitioner (PNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides mental healthcare services similar to those of a psychiatrist. They can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and provide psychotherapy. As the demand for quality mental healthcare grows in the US, there is also a rising need for more PNPs. Scholarships can help nursing students financially achieve this career goal. This article will outline some of the top schools in the US that offer scholarships specifically for psychiatric nurse practitioner programs and the steps to apply.

Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins is consistently ranked as one of the top nursing schools in the country. Their PNP program is a 27-month full-time master’s level program that provides over 1,000 hours of clinical training. Johns Hopkins offers a limited number of scholarships through their School of Nursing each year for students enrolled in graduate nursing programs. Scholarship awards typically range from $5,000 to full tuition remission and are based on merit as well as financial need. The priority deadline to apply is February 1st. Students must submit an online scholarship application, letters of recommendation, resume, and personal statement for consideration.

University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing offers a 29-month full-time DNP program for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. They offer annual scholarships specifically for PMHNP students through the Linda Cronenwett Scholarship Fund. Awards are between $2,000-$10,000 and are need-based. The application deadline is typically in early March and requires FAFSA information, letters of recommendation, and a 1000-word essay on career goals. Penn also allows students to apply externally for scholarships through the American Nurses Foundation and other organizations.

Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt’s PMHNP program is 29 months long and fully online. They offer the Jane Harp Mather and Carl W. Gottschalk Memorial Scholarship Fund which provides $5,000 annual awards to 3 DNP students specializing as PMHNPs or other mental health-focused programs each year. The priority scholarship deadline is January 15th and the application involves an essay, resume, and letters of support. Vanderbilt is known for its competitive program and financial aid options help make it accessible.

University of Washington
The University of Washington School of Nursing offers a 29-month PMHNP degree and is ranked highly for psychiatric programs. They have endowed scholarship funds providing $1,000-$5,000 specifically for students in their PMHNP program each year. The deadline is typically in early March. Applicants submit a personal statement, references, and financial information. UW also participates in the Indian Health Service Scholarship Program which provides full funding for American Indian/Alaska Native students pursuing careers as PMHNPs and other providers.

Ohio State University
At Ohio State, PNP students can earn their master’s degree in 27 months. The College of Nursing has general scholarship opportunities for graduate nursing students through an online application process typically in early March as well as specialty scholarship funds. The Dr. Earla White Scholarship Fund, for example, offers $5,000 specifically for PMHNP students each year. Applicants submit letters of reference addressing their qualifications as a psychiatric nurse. Ohio State also participates in the NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program for pmhnp students willing to work in underserved communities.

Duke University
Duke is ranked highly for its psychiatric nursing specialties. Their 32-month PMHNP master’s program provides over 1,000 clinical placement hours. Scholarship opportunities through the School of Nursing include the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship which awards $12,500 annually to a female graduate nursing student. The general Spring Scholarship application typically due in February asks for references, personal statement, and financial details. As a highly competitive program, scholarships can help offset the costs of attending this top-ranked school.

Acquiring Scholarships
The APRN specialization of psychiatric nurse practitioner remains in high demand as access to mental healthcare increases nationwide. Scholarships provide a path to help financially achieve this career goal through graduate nursing education. Key steps include researching schools that specifically offer awards applicable to PMHNP study, meeting early deadlines in January through March typically, and having a strong application that highlights your academic merit, clinical experience, career aspirations, and financial situation or belonging to special interest groups. Competitively, awards from individual schools and national nursing organizations can offset significant costs for students passionate about gaining the skills and knowledge to practice as advanced practice psychiatric providers in the future.

All the best!