Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
O*NET 29-1141.02 · SOC 29-1141
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse is a solid career choice. Median pay is $98k a year with +5.6% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 180,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Prescribe psychiatric medications and monitor patients for side effects.
- →Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments and diagnostic evaluations.
- →Provide psychotherapy to individuals with serious mental health disorders.
- →Coordinate care with psychiatrists, social workers, and primary care providers.
- →Manage medication adjustments for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Education & How to Get In
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses is projected to grow 5.6% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·40% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·31% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse make?
The median Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse earns $98k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse jobs?
Our model puts Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse at 16 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 40% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 31% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 5.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 180,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse?
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become an Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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