Nursing is a very appealing career option right now, as there are a number of job openings available in the field and this number is only expected to grow. If you are thinking about becoming a nurse, you will probably want to choose a specialization. While some ?nurses choose to opt for pediatrics or surgical specializations, there are others who would rather specialize in mental health. Generally, psychiatric nursing takes the longest amount of time If you are interested in becoming a psychiatric nurse, here is what you need to do. 1. Get accepted into a nursing program at a college of your choice. It is best to begin with an Associate’s Degree in nursing. Then, you can work your way up to a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in nursing. Generally, it is recommended for you to earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s if you want to become a psychiatric nurse, although it is possible to do so with an RN Associate’s Degree, which is offered at some colleges. If you are still in high school, it is important to keep in mind that you will need to earn a high school diploma or a GED to even be considered into one of these programs. Even more importantly, you will also need to keep your grades up when you are in high school to ensure that your grade point average (GPA) is high enough for you to be admitted. 2. Consider earning a minor or dual degree in psychology. While it is not necessary for you to earn a minor or a dual degree in psychology, it can be very useful if you are planning to become a psychiatric nurse. Not only will it show potential employers that you have an understanding of psychology, but it will allow you to learn more about the field. This can be very useful if you are planning to become a psychiatric nurse. Keep in mind that there are currently diplomas in psychiatric nursing which are offered in both the United States and Canada, which may be useful to you.