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.
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 4 best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in Colorado.)
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.
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.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
Why Choose Regis University PMHNP Program
• Regis University’s PMHNP program has been training excellent quality nursing professionals since 1948.Hourly | $40.90 |
Weekly | $1,636 |
Monthly | $7,090 |
Annual | $85,080 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
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) |
Hourly | $55.98 |
Weekly | $2,239 |
Monthly | $9,700 |
Annual | $116,440 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
4 |
$55.98 |
$2,239 |
$9,700 |
$116,440 |
10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
+43.00% |
(Source: Careeronestop.org) |