2 Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Arizona (Online & Campus) – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

As a graduate of one of the PMHNP programs in Arizona, you will be able to provide primary care services to one of the most fragile and vulnerable populations in the Grand Canyon State. You’ll understand how to provide diagnostic services, treatment, and other types of care to those struggling with mental health issues. The demand for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners in the Grand Canyon State is expected to double within the next decade PMHNPs earn high salaries, too: $129,170 a year on average. You can get started on this dynamic career track by looking through the 2 best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Arizona for 2025.


FOLLOWING ARE THE 2 PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN ARIZONA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025


1. Arizona State University - Phoenix


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Graduate Certificate

About the School: Do you care about the rise in mental health issues in the Grand Canyon State? Do you want to make a difference in the grappling lives of mental health patients? If yes, then you are cut out for a career as a mental health nurse practitioner. Arizona State University which offers some of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Arizona can be a great place to start your journey. Here, depending on your educational background, you can enroll either in the BSN to DNP or the graduate certificate program.

The college offers excellent research opportunities where PMHNP students can engage with faculty and mentors in meaningful research activities. The learning that thus happens enriches you and helps you develop vital skills in critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Asides from this, the faculty are experts in the field, providing you with the professional tools to succeed academically as well as professionally.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you aspire to gain clinical skills at the highest level, then through this BSN to DNP, you can scale up your nursing career to the leadership level. This psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Arizona prepares you to care for mental health patients across the lifespan. The coursework comprises 85 credits and includes 1127 hours of clinical practice. Whether you prefer the convenience of online classes or desire the personalized interaction of in-person classes, this program offers hybrid coursework combining online and on-campus sessions.

The coursework is divided into five main components, including the required core, PMHNP-specific courses, DNP core, culminating experience, and the DNP project. You will take classes in the principles of evidence-based care, healthcare outcome management, systems thinking in a complex healthcare environment, and innovation leadership. Further, you will study advanced neuropsychology, mental health assessment, psychopharmacology, and mental health promotion. At the end of it, you will gain proficiency in the management of complex and chronic mental health disorders in patients across the lifespan.


BSN-to-DNP Program Length: The full-time BSN-to-DNP program spans nine semesters.

BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Further, because this PMHNP program in Arizona is designed for nurses, it is vital that you carry an active RN license.

Graduate Certificate Program Details: Enrolling in this graduate certificate program is a great idea if you are keen on obtaining specialized skills in psychiatric mental health. While the credits required for graduation are tailored based on the courses you’ve previously completed, you must complete a minimum of 28 credits. Also, you must complete 585 hours of clinical practice. The coursework is offered in person at the Downtown Phoenix campus.


Graduate Certificate Program Length: The length of the program will depend on the exact number of credits you require for graduation. In case if you enter as an APRN with an MSN, you will be able to complete the program much faster compared to someone who enrolls only with an MSN.

Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for this graduate certificate program, you must be a licensed registered nurse with an accredited MSN. Now, if you are already certified in an advanced practice nursing field, then you must hold an active APRN license. Additionally, you are required to submit your official transcripts, a resume, a personal goal statement, and reference letters.

Interesting Highlights For Potential Arizona State University PMHNP Students

• The college has earned a high ranking from the U.S. News & World Report for innovation and excellence in education. This means if you complete your PMHNP training here, you can be assured of receiving an excellent education and exploring innovative research ideas.

• The school fosters global education and provides PMHNP students with several opportunities of participating in global learning experiences through service learning, study abroad programs, and internships.

• While the school provides clinical placements within Maricopa County in Arizona, should you decide to complete the clinical experiences within your home community, you must arrange for your own clinical placement and preceptor, that is, with the approval of the faculty. The college encourages students to explore experiences in underserved and rural areas, so if provided an opportunity, it is preferred that you choose such a site for your clinical practicum.


2. University of Arizona - Tucson


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate

About the School: If you are ready to take the next step in your nursing career, then you must give mental health nursing a thought. There has never been a better time than now to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. If you are keen on graduating from one of the reputable PMHNP programs in Arizona, then the University of Arizona’s PMHNP training can be a befitting choice.

Here, you have two PNHNP programs, a BSN to DNP, and a post-graduate certificate. Regardless of the program you enroll in, you will be mentored for professional as well as personal success. Emphasizing clinical expertise, the college ensures every PMHNP student is equipped with the professional skills to improve mental health across diverse patient populations.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: This BSN-to-DNP program offers rigorous training through a well-rounded curriculum. The program requires completing 67 credits and 720 clinical hours. With a focus on mental health, the program helps you understand the mind-body connection. As a mental health practitioner, you will be prepared to examine, evaluate and treat several mental health disorders in patients across the lifespan.

Offered in the hybrid format, you will progress through this PMHNP program in Arizona as part of a cohort of 30 students. The courses are offered sequentially, gradually building your knowledge in psychiatric mental health nursing. In the first year, you will strengthen your base in evidence-based practice, advanced physiology & pathophysiology, health policy & economics, pharmacotherapeutics, and evaluation methods for safety & quality improvement.

In the second year of the program, you will learn about psychopharmacology, health assessment, healthcare informatics, and organizational leadership & finance in health systems. The program also trains you in pediatric pharmacotherapeutics, behavioral health therapy, and interprofessional collaboration in healthcare.

Upon completion of the coursework, you will gain proficiency in advanced psychiatric mental health nursing in the care of children, adolescents, and younger & older adults.


BSN-to-DNP Program Length: Most students complete the full-time track within 2.5 years by taking 3 to 5 courses per semester. Alternatively, you can complete this psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Arizona part-time within 3.5 years, taking 2 to 3 courses each semester.

BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: An ideal candidate for the BSN-to-DNP program would be a registered nurse with an accredited BSN. Besides, the college requires applicants to have an active RN license and a GPA of at least 3.0. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must be prepared to submit a professional reference, transcripts, and a resume.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: This certificate program is a great option if you want to expand your advanced nursing practice in psychiatric mental healthcare. By completing 32 credits and 720 clinical hours, you will gain skills in advanced family psychiatric mental health nursing. In addition to the didactic courses, you will also complete a clinical residency and virtual and in-person clinical immersions.


Post-Graduate Certificate Program Length: This certificate program takes one year and three months to complete.

Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Whether you are an NP, CRNA, CNS, or CNM, to qualify for this post-graduate certificate program, you must have an active RN and APRN license in the U.S. Additionally, you must have an MSN or higher with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Interesting Highlights For Potential University of Arizona PMHNP Students

• The BSN to DNP PMHNP program at the University of Arizona entails attending two immersions that are held virtually, once every year. In addition, you are required to do three on-campus immersions to hone clinical skills.

• To facilitate clinical training near your home, the college makes every effort in providing clinical placements within your geographical location, However, in case of unavailability, you may have to commute to sites outside your home community.

• Although electives are not required for graduation, should you intend to complete a course to reach your career goals, you can take an additional course in an area of your interest.



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