Rivier University Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program ranks #5 in nation

Rivier University’s graduate program for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners has been ranked #5 in the nation and #1 in the Northeast in Nurse Practitioner Online’s Best Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs evaluation. The published rankings provide a timely reminder of U.S. mental health provider shortages amid the escalating need for services in recent years.

“This distinction speaks directly to the quality of a Rivier education, the nursing program and faculty, and the graduates that dedicate their lives to serving others,” says Sister Paula Marie Buley, IHM, Rivier’s President. “Demand is high for qualified mental health practitioners, and Rivier has grant funds available for those who choose to pursue their degree at the University. We hope this news helps to raise awareness of the workforce need and the opportunities available.”

Nurse Practitioner Online’s rankings were calculated with a proprietary points system utilizing information obtained from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), and several other sources. Qualifying colleges and universities were scored and ranked based on the diversity of their nurse practitioner programs, accreditation status, faculty experience/tenure, tuition and fees, size of each institution’s nursing department, acceptance rates, and student completion rates.

Rivier University offers a Master of Science (MSN) in Nursing for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners as well as a graduate certificate for nurses who have already completed their MSN. The program is offered in a low-residency format with all coursework completed online and three weekends on campus. Multiple entry paths enable registered nurses at all education levels to enter the program. The University also offers $10,000 – $25,000 grants to students enrolling in this program through a $1.8 million grant received from the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration.

“Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are unique in their care of both the body and the mind,” says Dr. Paula Williams, Dean of the Division of Nursing and Health Professionals. “Our graduate students develop the advanced clinical skills and the soft skills required to provide quality care to those in need. Rivier’s outstanding faculty and resources provide an exceptional educational experience for our students, and the online and low-residency format offers maximum flexibility for working nurses.”

This academic honor complements Rivier’s ranking as the #1 Private Nursing School in New Hampshire and a Top 100 U.S. Nursing School by Nursing Schools Almanac. Additional programs have been highlighted by other organizations. In 2020, Rivier’s online RN to BSN program was ranked #1 in New Hampshire by RegisteredNursing.org, and their online MBA in Healthcare Administration earned a ranking in the top ten programs across the country in the 2021 EduMed education survey of 7,700 institutions.

Rivier offers more than 70 programs from the associate to doctoral degree level in nursing, public health, business, biology, biotechnology, education, computer science, cybersecurity management, and a variety of other in-demand fields. For information on Rivier University and its academic programs, visit rivier.edu. Prospective students should contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@rivier.edu or (603) 897-8507 to learn more.