Can I do mental health nursing with a psychology degree?

Yes, a psychology degree is a great foundation for mental health nursing, but you must complete an accredited nursing program (like an accelerated BSN) and pass the NCLEX to become a Registered Nurse (RN) before specializing, as the psychology background provides valuable behavioral understanding but not direct nursing training. After becoming an RN, you can work in mental health and pursue advanced degrees to become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

Can you become a psych nurse with a psychology degree?

Can I Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a Psychology Degree? A background in psychology could be helpful as a PMHNP, but a psychology degree alone is not enough. You must have an advanced nursing degree and be a registered nurse.

What degree do you need to be a nurse at a mental hospital?

To be included on California's list of psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners qualified for direct reimbursement by insurance companies, you will need to earn a minimum of a master's degree in psychiatric/mental health nursing.

Can you be a mental health practitioner with a psychology degree?

You could do a degree in psychology or health and social care subjects then apply for a place on a postgraduate training course. After your degree, you'll need to get a job in healthcare while you complete Improving Access to Psychological Therapy training approved by the British Psychological Society.

Is psychology a good major for nursing?

5. Psychology: A degree in psychology can be helpful for aspiring nurses who want to focus on mental health nursing or who want to develop their understanding of human behavior and emotions.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner vs Clinical Psychologist | Similarities, Differences, and Salary

Who makes more money, psychologists or nurses?

Clinical Psychologist vs. RN Salary

As of May 2020, clinical psychologists earned an average salary of ​$89,290​ per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average annual salary for nurses was ​$80,010​, as of May 2020.

What should I major in if I want to be a nurse?

To become a nurse, you should major in Nursing (BSN or ADN), but related majors like Biology, Health Sciences, Psychology, or Liberal Sciences can also work for prerequisites, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) being the preferred degree for more opportunities, though an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is also a path. The best choice depends on your career goals, with the BSN offering broader career growth and higher employer preference. 

Can you do mental health nursing with a psychology degree?

You might be able to join the second year of a nursing degree if you already have a degree in: a health-related subject. psychology. life sciences.

What can I do with a psychology degree?

A psychology degree opens doors to careers in human resources, marketing, social services, education, and healthcare, leveraging skills in human behavior, data analysis, and counseling, with options ranging from UX design and market research (Bachelor's level) to becoming a clinical psychologist, therapist, or I/O psychologist (with graduate study). The versatile degree prepares you for roles like case manager, counselor, HR specialist, market analyst, UX researcher, or social worker, focusing on understanding people in various settings.
 

What education is needed for mental health?

Psychologist (PsyD): These individuals are trained in psychotherapy as well as psychological assessment. The Clinical Psychology Doctorate program at APU is APA-accredited and meets the requirements for licensure in the state of California as a psychologist.

What qualifications do you need for mental health nursing?

You can find a mental health nursing courses at the bottom of this page. Typically you'll need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, possibly in English language or literature and a science subject, plus two A levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications, such as a T level or BTEC for an undergraduate degree.

Do psych nurses get paid more?

The average salary for a Psychiatric Nurse is $42.23 per hour. This is 5% higher than the nursing US average of $40.02. Last updated on January 4, 2026. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

How to make $200,000 as an NP?

To earn $200k as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), focus on high-paying specialties (Dermatology, Surgery, Psychiatry, Anesthesia), work in lucrative settings (rural, private practice, specialized clinics), optimize compensation with productivity bonuses or private practice ownership, and leverage side hustles like consulting, telehealth, or IV therapy, often combining experience with strategic shifts and advanced roles. 

Can I switch my major from psychology to nursing?

If you have an associate degree in psychology, you can usually transfer into a BSN program. If you have a bachelor's degree in psychology, you generally have two options: a second bachelor's program, also called an accelerated BSN, or an entry-to-nursing master's program.

What can I do after a psychology degree?

After a psychology degree, you can pursue roles in human resources, marketing, social work, law enforcement, and education, or continue to graduate school for advanced clinical or research careers as a therapist, counselor, or psychologist. Your degree provides versatile skills in understanding behavior, useful for jobs like Market Research Analyst, HR Specialist, Case Manager, or UX Designer, even outside traditional mental health settings.
 

Which major is harder, nursing or psychology?

Many students wonder, is nursing school harder than psychology? Nursing programs tend to be more physically and emotionally demanding due to the intensity of clinical responsibilities. Psychology involves mastering complex theories and research methodologies, which can challenge different academic skills.

What jobs pay well with a psychology degree?

9 Highest Paying Psychology Jobs

• Neuropsychologist. Neuropsychologists specialize in the relationship between the physical brain and behavior. ...
• Health Psychologist. ...
• Industrial-Organizational Psychologist. ...
• Clinical Psychologist. ...
• General/Experimental Psychology. ...
• Engineering Psychologist. ...
• School Psychologist. ...
• Forensic Psychologist.

What certifications can I get with a bachelor's in psych?

With a bachelor's in psychology, you can get certifications in high-demand areas like Mental Health First Aid, Psychological First Aid (PFA), and Substance Abuse Counseling (CADC), plus specialized skills in Behavior Analysis (RBT), Life Coaching, Grief Counseling, and Crisis Intervention, enhancing your resume for roles in behavioral health, social services, and human resources by adding practical, job-ready skills. 

Is a degree in psychology worth it?

Yes, a psychology degree is worth it if you have clear career goals, as it offers strong foundational skills for various fields (HR, research, social work) and is a great launchpad for advanced degrees (therapy, medicine, law), but it's less lucrative for high-paying roles without further education like a master's or doctorate. It provides valuable self-awareness and people-skills for any job, but expect lower starting salaries with only a bachelor's degree unless you pivot to other industries, say Reddit users. 

What is the best combination with a psychology degree?

10 Degrees to Combine with Psychology for a Rewarding Career

1. Law. If you have an interest in both psychology and law, there are infinite pathways to use the two in a career. ...
2. Business. ...
3. Nursing. ...
4. Information Technology. ...
5. Education. ...
6. Criminal Justice. ...
7. Public Health. ...
8. Communications.

What major is best for nursing?

The best major for nursing is often a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), the direct path, but for those pursuing other undergraduate degrees, majors like Biology, Health Science, Psychology, or Kinesiology are excellent because they cover many nursing prerequisites (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology) and build foundational knowledge for patient care, mental health, and human movement, respectively, making the transition to a nursing program smoother. 

How does one become a mental health nurse?

To become a fully qualified mental health nurse, you will need to complete postgraduate study at a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master's degree level. A graduate certificate is the lowest level of postgraduate study available which is useful for nurses who are simply looking to upskill.

Can an RN make $200,000?

Yes, a Registered Nurse (RN) can make $200,000 or more, especially through travel nursing, high-demand specialties (ICU, OR, ER), working in high-cost-of-living areas, taking extensive overtime, and pursuing advanced roles like Nurse Practitioner (NP) or leadership positions, though it's often a combination of these factors rather than a standard salary for most RNs. Factors like location, experience, and specialization are crucial, with travel nurses in high demand often reaching this income, while experienced NPs in niche areas or C-suite roles can also achieve it. 

What is a 2 year nursing degree called?

An associate's degree in nursing is most commonly called an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), but can also be known as an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS), all preparing graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) after about two years of study, usually at a community college. 

Do nurses make $100,000 a year?

Yes, many nurses, especially experienced ones, specialists, or those in high-cost states, can and do earn over $100,000 a year, though the national average for Registered Nurses (RNs) is slightly below that, around $98,000-$99,000, with roles like Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) earning much more. High demand, advanced degrees (BSN, MSN), certifications, and working in states like California or Washington significantly boost earning potential.