4 Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Colorado (Online & Campus) – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Colorado needs more psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners! Statistics show that Colorado has some of the highest prevalence of mental illness and lowest access to care in the nation, and PMHNPs are front-line providers of the types of comprehensive services that can benefit one of the Centennial State’s most vulnerable populations. Graduates of PMHNP programs in Colorado can look forward to earning $123,880 a year, and demand for their services is high. As a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, you’ll find employment opportunities in psychiatric hospitals, addiction clinics, community agencies, and many other healthcare facilities throughout the state. So, what are you waiting for? The list below of the 4 best PMHNP programs in Colorado is an excellent way to start the next phase of your registered nursing career.


FOLLOWING ARE THE 4 BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN COLORADO (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025


(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 4 best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in Colorado.)


1. Colorado State University Pueblo - Pueblo


Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate

About Colorado State University Pueblo: Colorado State University-Pueblo offers some of the best online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Colorado. Here, students have three PMHNP options, an MSN, a BSN-to-DNP, and a post-master’s certificate. The school offers a supportive learning environment to help its diverse student population reach their academic and professional goals. Established in 1964, the nursing school has played a significant role in contributing to Colorado’s nursing workforce.


MSN Program Details: Colorado State University Pueblo’s MSN program is grounded in evidence-based knowledge to prepare competent PMHNs who are fully prepared to offer mental health care to diverse patient populations. The program trains you to use ethical decision-making and interprofessional collaboration to provide better health outcomes for individuals and families suffering from mental health conditions. Upon completion of the program, you’ll earn an MSN and be prepared to sit for the PMHNP certification exam.


MSN Coursework: The MSN-PMHNP coursework comprises 55 credits and a total of 585 clinical hours. The coursework covers topics such as advanced practice theory, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, research & evidence-based practice, and advanced assessment. In addition, the coursework also includes courses in health promotion, healthcare informatics, psychiatric assessment & evaluation, and healthcare ethics, law & policy. Students can also take optional courses in nursing education, should they desire to teach in the future.

MSN Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission into the MSN-PMHNP program, you must foremost have an accredited BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. Also, this PMHNP program in Colorado requires applicants to possess an active RN license.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a registered nurse who wants to become a clinical expert, then Colorado State University Pueblo’s BSN-to-DNP program is an excellent choice. The program seamlessly takes you from a BSN-prepared registered nurse to a doctorally qualified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. The program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online and on-campus classes. While most students complete this program within four years, if you prefer a slower pace, you can take a maximum of six years to finish.


BSN-to-DNP Coursework: Colorado State University Pueblo’s BSN-to-DNP-PMHNP coursework is comprehensive, combining rigorous didactic courses with diverse clinical experiences. The coursework comprises a total of 86 credits and includes 1125 hours of clinical practice. While 585 clinical hours are in the PMHNP specialty, the remaining 540 hours are DNP practicum hours. In addition to the MSN and PMHNP courses, the program also includes doctoral courses. Some of the topics covered include theoretical mental health models, psychopharmacology, organizational & systems leadership, health promotion healthcare informatics, and epidemiology.

BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: This BSN-to-DNP-PMHNP program is open to registered nurses who have a BSN and an active RN license. Also, applicants must have completed pre-requisite courses such as statistics, microbiology, and chemistry.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: This post-masters certificate program builds on your graduate nursing education and expands your knowledge in psychiatric mental health care. Upon completion of this program, you’ll be eligible to sit for the PMHNP certification exam.


Post-Master’s Certificate Coursework: The PMHNP coursework consists of a minimum of 16 credits. The courses mainly focus on psychiatric mental health care of individuals & families across the lifespan. The exact credit requirements are based on a gap analysis of your previous transcripts.

Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: For admission into this post-master’s certificate, you must have an accredited MSN with a GPA of 3.0. Besides, to apply, you must be prepared to submit three letters of recommendation, a letter of intent, and a curriculum vitae. The program also requires applicants to submit a copy of their active and unencumbered RN license.

Why Choose Colorado State University Pueblo PMHNP Program

• Colorado State University Pueblo’s graduate nursing programs are highly ranked by the U.S. News & World Report. So, regardless of the PMHNP program you choose, you can expect high-quality psychiatric mental health training.
• Colorado State University-Pueblo PMHNP programs offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help reduce the cost of your education.


2. University of Colorado - Aurora


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

About University of Colorado: University of Colorado offers transformative education to its diverse student population who feel at home, no matter from which background they come. The school’s faculty is top-class and stays invested in the success of their students. With three PMHNP options, the school offers some of the most sought-after psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Colorado.


MSN Program Details: The MSN-PMHP program at the University of Colorado, is offered in the hybrid format. The program is designed to produce leaders in health care. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and prepares graduates for ethical and culturally sensitive patient care. Most students complete this MSN-PMHNP program within as little as 2.5 years.


MSN Coursework: The MSN-PMHNP coursework is rigorous & challenging and comprises 52 credits. Students are also required to complete 630 hours of clinical training. The MSN-PMHNP coursework covers key topics such as advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, policy & politics of health, evidence-based practice, advanced assessment, neurobiology, and psychopharmacology. This PMHNP program in Colorado also includes the diagnosis & management of children, adolescents, and older adults suffering from psychiatric & mental health conditions.

MSN Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission, applicants must have a BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. The program also requires an active and unencumbered RN license. To complete the application, you are required to submit an application fee, an essay, a resume, three letters of reference, and your transcripts.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a registered nurse, interested in earning an MSN and a DNP, then this BSN-to-DNP-PMHNP program is an excellent choice. The program equips you with the highest level of clinical skills to influence change in healthcare delivery. Graduates obtain proficiency in evaluating clinical outcomes, managing healthcare needs, and transforming healthcare systems. The program can be completed within four years.


BSN-to-DNP Coursework: This BSN-to-DNP-PMHNP program is a 78-credit coursework that includes 1170 hours of clinical practice. The coursework is rigorous and covers several key areas of advanced practice nursing, including pathophysiology, pharmacology, psychotherapy, health promotion, research methods, innovative leadership, epidemiology, advanced assessment, neurobiology, and psychopharmacology.

BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for the University of Colorado’s BSN-to-DNP program, you must have an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, a current and active RN license is required. The admission requirements also include the submission of an essay, three letters of reference, and all your transcripts.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The post-graduate certificate program is perfect for graduate nurses who want to expand their scope of practice. The program builds on your education and experience as an advanced practice nurse and makes you an expert in psychiatric mental health care. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the PMHNP certification exam.


Post-Graduate Certificate Coursework: The post-graduate certificate requires the completion of 29 credits and 630 clinical hours. The coursework mainly focuses on behavioral health, psychotherapy, and the diagnosis, and management of psychiatric mental health for individuals & families across the lifespan.

Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To qualify for the post-graduate certificate program, you must have a graduate nursing degree and an APRN license. The program also requires the submission of documents, such as transcripts, a resume, and three letters of reference.

Why Choose University of Colorado PMHNP Program

• The University of Colorado’s PMHNP programs boast an excellent first-time pass rate on the PMHNP certification exam.
• University of Colorado PMHNP program graduates are sought-after by healthcare employers. Graduates report finding suitable placements soon after graduation.
• University of Colorado’s PMHNP programs are offered in the cohort format, allowing students to form strong connections with their peers.
• University of Colorado’s PMHNP students who live in the Denver metropolitan area are provided with clinical placements.


3. University of Colorado at Colorado Springs - Colorado Springs


Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate

About University of Colorado at Colorado Springs: If you are passionate about behavioral health, then the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs offers two excellent online PMHNP programs in Colorado that prepare you for a fulfilling career as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. The school offers two options, an MSN and a post-graduate certificate, so regardless of where you are in your nursing journey, you have a PMHNP program that is just right for you.


MSN Program Details: The University of Colorado’s MSN-PMHNP is offered entirely online, with only a few in-person sessions required for intensives. The program is based on evidence-based practices and focuses on ethical, culturally sensitive mental healthcare. Graduates obtain their PMHNP certification, after which they are prepared to work in a variety of professional settings such as senior clinics, primary care clinics, behavioral health care settings, and internal medicine.


MSN Coursework: The MSN-PMHNP coursework consists of 47 credits. Combining didactic courses with clinical training, the program starts with MSN core courses, after which students complete the PMHNP-related courses. The MSN core courses cover topics such as the philosophical foundations in nursing practice, research & knowledge translation, clinical pharmacotherapeutics, advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, and research analysis & application. In addition, the PMHNP-related courses emphasize mental health assessment and psychiatric diagnosis & management for PMHNPs.

MSN Admission Requirements: The MSN-PMHNP program accepts applications from baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses. To qualify, your GPA must be at least 3.0. Besides, you must be prepared to submit your resume, three letters of recommendation, and your transcripts.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: The University of Colorado at Colorado’s certificate program advances your nursing career into psychiatric mental care which is one of the highly in-demand fields of advanced practice nursing. The program builds on your past nursing education and empowers you to care for mentally ill patients. The program is offered entirely online to accommodate the needs of working nurses. Also, students can complete clinical experiences within their geographical location.


Post-Master’s Certificate Coursework: The PMHNP certificate coursework comprises 25 credits and mainly focuses on the psychiatric mental health care of individuals & families across the lifespan. The coursework includes courses in mental health assessment, adult psychiatric diagnosis, geriatric psychiatric diagnosis, and child & adolescent psychiatric diagnosis and management.

Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: This psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Colorado is open to applicants who have either an MSN or DNP. The program follows a rolling admission process, so it is preferred that you apply early.

Why Choose University of Colorado at Colorado Springs PMHNP Program

• University of Colorado at Colorado Springs has more than 100 years of experience in training high-skilled healthcare professionals.
• University of Colorado at Colorado Springs employs an accomplished faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized scholars. Moreover, because the school provides an intimate learning environment, PMHNP students can make the most of the mentorship.


4. Regis University - Denver


Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate

About Regis University: Regis University’s PMHNP programs are counted among the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Colorado. Being a Jesuit Catholic University, the school offers a transformative education to its PMHNP students who come from varied cultures and backgrounds. With three PMHNP options, students can enroll either in its MSN, BSN-to-DNP, or post-master's certificate program.


MSN Program Details: Regis University’s MSN blends online classes with on-campus learning. The program spans two years or six semesters, during which the clinical experiences begin in the fourth semester. Graduates are prepared to care for the whole person, tending to a patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Upon graduation, students earn an MSN and are prepared to sit for the PMHNP certification exam.


MSN Coursework: The MSN coursework comprises 48 credits. The coursework includes core MSN, PMHNP-related, and clinical training. The coursework covers topics such as advanced health assessment, advanced physiology, advanced pharmacology, healthcare policy & and issues in practice. This PMHNP program in Colorado also includes classes in research for evidence-based practice, professional integration, and ethics of nurse leaders.

MSN Admission Requirements: The MSN-PMHNP program is designed for registered nurses who have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The minimum GPA required to qualify for admission is 2.75. Also, applicants must have BLS certification. Besides it is preferred that applicants have at least two years of RN experience in community or behavioral health.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are keen on earning an MSN and DNP degree, then Regis University’s BSN-to-DNP program can help you earn both these graduate degrees in one program. Offered in a blended format, the program confers an MSN, and a DNP and makes graduates eligible for the PMHNP certification. Most students complete this program within three to four years.


BSN-to-DNP Coursework: The BSN-to-DNP coursework comprises 74-79 credits and includes 1000 clinical hours. The coursework requires you to attend classes in advanced physiology, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, healthcare policy & issues, applied statistics, informatics, epidemiology, health promotion, health policy analysis & development, and dynamics of organizations, systems designs, and evaluation.

BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: This BSN-to-DNP-PMHNP program accepts applications from BSN-prepared registered nurses who have a GPA of at least 3.0. The admission process requires applicants to submit their current resume, a two-page essay, official transcripts, and three recommendation letters.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: This post-master’s certificate program prepares graduates for the assessment, diagnosis, planning, and treatment of patients across their lifespan. The program leads to the PMHNP certification.


Post-Master’s Certificate Coursework: Post-master’s certificate coursework requires the completion of 26 to 36 credits, depending on your previous nursing degree. The coursework mainly includes courses in psychiatric mental healthcare management for individuals & families across the lifespan.

Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: If you are interested in this certificate program, then you must foremost have an accredited master's degree with a GPA of 3.0. In addition, submission of official transcripts, a current resume, a personal statement, and three recommendations.

Why Choose Regis University PMHNP Program

• Regis University’s PMHNP program has been training excellent quality nursing professionals since 1948.
• Regis University nursing school is counted among the best nursing schools in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• Regis University’s PMHNP program is taught by expert faculty members who have years of practice experience.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



HOW MUCH DO PMHNP GRADUATES MAKE IN COLORADO?


WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN COLORADO EXPECT?


Hourly$40.90
Weekly$1,636
Monthly$7,090
Annual$85,080
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN COLORADO EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?


Level of Experience Hourly Weekly Monthly Annual
Entry-Level $40.90 $1,636 $7,090 $85,080
1-4 Years of Experience $48.91 $1,957 $8,480 $101,740
5-9 Years of Experience $57.01 $2,281 $9,880 $118,590
10-19 Years of Experience $62.30 $2,492 $10,800 $129,580
20 Years or More Experience $68.88 $2,755 $11,940 $143,280
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PMHNP SALARY IN COLORADO?


Hourly$55.98
Weekly$2,239
Monthly$9,700
Annual$116,440
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


HOW MUCH DO PMHNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF COLORADO?


Metro Hourly Monthly Annual
Boulder $58.81 $10,190 $122,320
Colorado Springs $54.90 $9,520 $114,190
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood $57.06 $9,890 $118,690
Fort Collins $56.21 $9,740 $116,920
Grand Junction $53.47 $9,270 $111,220
Greeley $45.12 $7,820 $93,840
Pueblo $54.66 $9,470 $113,690
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)



PMHNP SALARY IN COLORADO VS. OTHER SALARIES


PMHNP SALARY IN COLORADO VS. PMHNP SALARY IN THE NATION


Average Colorado
PMHNP Annual Salary
Average National PMHNP
Annual Salary
Difference
Number %
$116,440$124,680-$8,240-6.61%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


PMHNP SALARY IN COLORADO VS. PMHNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES


State Average
Annual Salary
Difference
Number %
California $158,130 -$41,690 -26.36%
New Jersey $143,250 -$26,810 -18.72%
New York $141,470 -$25,030 -17.69%
Massachusetts $138,700 -$22,260 -16.05%
Oregon $136,250 -$19,810 -14.54%
Nevada $136,230 -$19,790 -14.53%
Washington $135,590 -$19,150 -14.12%
Connecticut $131,490 -$15,050 -11.45%
District of Columbia $131,270 -$14,830 -11.30%
New Mexico $129,560 -$13,120 -10.13%
Hawaii $128,310 -$11,870 -9.25%
Iowa $128,180 -$11,740 -9.16%
Minnesota $128,160 -$11,720 -9.14%
New Hampshire $125,780 -$9,340 -7.43%
Rhode Island $125,250 -$8,810 -7.03%
Texas $124,660 -$8,220 -6.59%
Illinois $122,310 -$5,870 -4.80%
Oklahoma $121,740 -$5,300 -4.35%
Indiana $121,730 -$5,290 -4.35%
Arizona $121,410 -$4,970 -4.09%
Wisconsin $121,210 -$4,770 -3.94%
Delaware $120,570 -$4,130 -3.43%
Pennsylvania $120,550 -$4,110 -3.41%
Montana $119,960 -$3,520 -2.93%
Maryland $119,650 -$3,210 -2.68%
Nebraska $118,970 -$2,530 -2.13%
Maine $118,300 -$1,860 -1.57%
Louisiana $118,210 -$1,770 -1.50%
Idaho $117,720 -$1,280 -1.09%
Ohio $117,440 -$1,000 -0.85%
Mississippi $117,260 -$820 -0.70%
Virginia $116,980 -$540 -0.46%
Vermont $116,610 -$170 -0.15%
Colorado $116,440 $0 0.00%
Alaska $116,390 +$50 +0.04%
South Dakota $115,610 +$830 +0.72%
Utah $115,610 +$830 +0.72%
Georgia $115,440 +$1,000 +0.87%
Wyoming $115,230 +$1,210 +1.05%
North Carolina $114,450 +$1,990 +1.74%
North Dakota $113,940 +$2,500 +2.19%
Michigan $113,780 +$2,660 +2.34%
Missouri $113,180 +$3,260 +2.88%
Kansas $111,670 +$4,770 +4.27%
Florida $110,310 +$6,130 +5.56%
Kentucky $109,290 +$7,150 +6.54%
South Carolina $109,130 +$7,310 +6.70%
Arkansas $107,110 +$9,330 +8.71%
West Virginia $106,790 +$9,650 +9.04%
Alabama $106,610 +$9,830 +9.22%
Tennessee $99,330 +$17,110 +17.23%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


PMHNP SALARY IN COLORADO VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN COLORADO


Type of Nurse Average
Annual Salary
Difference
Number %
Nurse Anesthetist $185,860 -$69,420 -37.35%
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner $116,440 $0 0.00%
Nurse Midwife $113,950 +$2,490 +2.19%
Registered Nurse $86,590 +$29,850 +34.47%
Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary $78,480 +$37,960 +48.37%
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse $60,310 +$56,130 +93.07%
Nursing Assistant $39,050 +$77,390 +198.18%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


PMHNP SALARY IN COLORADO VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN COLORADO


Job Title Average
Annual Salary
Difference
Number %
Physician $319,370 -$202,930 -63.54%
Dentist $153,700 -$37,260 -24.24%
Podiatrist $153,130 -$36,690 -23.96%
Optometrist $137,290 -$20,850 -15.19%
Pharmacist $131,740 -$15,300 -11.61%
Physician Assistant $122,330 -$5,890 -4.81%
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner $116,440 $0 0.00%
Veterinarian $103,700 +$12,740 +12.29%
Speech-Language Pathologist $101,230 +$15,210 +15.03%
Occupational Therapist $97,720 +$18,720 +19.16%
Audiologist $96,550 +$19,890 +20.60%
Physical Therapist $96,170 +$20,270 +21.08%
Chiropractor $82,610 +$33,830 +40.95%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED


1. WHO ACCREDITS PMHNP PROGRAMS IN COLORADO?


S.No.Accrediting Agency
1Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
2Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)


2. HOW MANY ACCREDITED PMHNP SCHOOLS ARE THERE IN COLORADO?


4


3. ON AVERAGE, HOW MUCH DOES A PSYCHIATRIC NP MAKE PER HOUR IN COLORADO?


$55.98


4. ON AVERAGE, HOW MUCH DOES A PSYCHIATRIC NP MAKE PER WEEK IN COLORADO?


$2,239


5. ON AVERAGE, HOW MUCH DOES A PSYCHIATRIC NP MAKE PER MONTH IN COLORADO?


$9,700


6. ON AVERAGE, HOW MUCH DOES A PSYCHIATRIC NP MAKE PER YEAR IN COLORADO?



$116,440


7. WHAT IS THE JOB OUTLOOK FOR PMHNPS IN COLORADO?


10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030)
+43.00%
(Source: Careeronestop.org)