How to become an advanced practice psychiatric nurse
People in this job assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families who have mental health or substance use disorders, or who may be at risk of developing them.
At a glance
United States| Median annual pay | $97,550 Median pay for Registered Nurses, BLS, May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Pay range | $68,940 to $137,470 Median pay for Registered Nurses, BLS, May 2025 |
| Job outlook | +5.6% by 2035 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
Data from BLS OEWS, May 2025 and BLS Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035.
Advanced practice psychiatric nurse salary
United States$97,550 median annual pay
Half of the people in this job earn more than the median and half earn less. Pay varies with location, industry and experience.
Median pay for Registered Nurses, BLS, May 2025.
What an advanced practice psychiatric nurse does
People in this job assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families who have mental health or substance use disorders, or who may be at risk of developing them. They use therapeutic activities, including prescribing medication as state regulations allow and providing psychotherapy.
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Assess patients' mental and physical status based on symptoms and complaints.
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Teach patients and families about conditions, preventive care, medications, and treatment plans.
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Record patient histories, exam results, diagnoses, treatment plans, prescriptions, and outcomes.
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Diagnose psychiatric disorders and mental health conditions.
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Prescribe psychotropic medications within state rules and collaborative practice agreements.
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Monitor patients' medication use and results.
Skills
Workplace
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Science
- Mathematics
Certification path
Start with an entry exam, then add more as your role grows.
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Entry
For people just starting out.
Advanced practice psychiatric nurse FAQ
Do you need a degree to become an advanced practice psychiatric nurse?
BLS lists "Bachelor's degree" as the typical entry education (BLS Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035).
Which certification should you get first?
Many people start with an entry certification such as ATI TEAS or National Council Licensure Examination - NCLEX-RN before moving to more specialized exams.
What does an advanced practice psychiatric nurse do?
Typical duties include: Assess patients' mental and physical status based on symptoms and complaints; Teach patients and families about conditions, preventive care, medications, and treatment plans; Record patient histories, exam results, diagnoses, treatment plans, prescriptions, and outcomes.
Start preparing for your first certification
ATI TEAS is the entry step on this path.
Sources
- BLS OEWS, May 2025bls.gov
- BLS Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035bls.gov
- O*NET 31.0 Databaseonetcenter.org
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