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Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

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Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.

Median salary

$93,600

Typical range

$66k – $135k

Job outlook

+5% (faster than average)

AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: Master's degree

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How to qualify

License required

Cost to qualify

$6,300–$80,650

Time to qualify

2.2 yr

Renewal

$75/yr

  1. 1

    Nursing degree (ADN or BSN)

    Degree

    2-year associate or 4-year bachelor's in nursing from an accredited program.

    $6,000–$80,000 · 2 years source

  2. 2

    NCLEX-RN exam

    Exam

    National licensing exam for registered nurses.

    $200–$350 · 1 months source

  3. 3

    State RN license

    License

    Apply to your state board of nursing after passing the NCLEX.

    $100–$300 · 1 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Which occupations require a license and in which states: CareerOneStop License Finder (U.S. DOL). Costs/hours are curated estimates that vary by state and change — see each step's official source.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

    Entry / Junior

    $66,030

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

    Established

    $93,600

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

    Senior

    $114,460

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Assess patients' mental and physical status, based on the presenting symptoms and complaints.
  • •Diagnose psychiatric disorders and mental health conditions.
  • •Document patients' medical and psychological histories, physical assessment results, diagnoses, treatment plans, prescriptions, or outcomes.
  • •Educate patients and family members about mental health and medical conditions, preventive health measures, medications, or treatment plans.
  • •Write prescriptions for psychotropic medications as allowed by state regulations and collaborative practice agreements.

Fields of study

Any field

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