Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Hawaii (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Thinking about enrolling in one of the PMHNP programs in Hawaii? It’s a great career choice! As a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner in the Aloha State, your salary will average $146,010 annually. Since PMHNPs are in short supply throughout Hawaii, hiring managers will prioritize your resume. Many PMHNP programs in the Aloha State are taught online, enabling you to balance academic commitments with your job and family obligations. Once you graduate, you’ll have a nursing specialty that will let you work with patients of all ages and walks of life in a variety of practice settings. Learn more about how becoming a psychiatric-mental health NP can benefit you in the guide below to the best PMHNP programs in Hawaii.
FOLLOWING ARE THE BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN HAWAII (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in Hawaii.)
1. University of Hawaii at Manoa - Honolulu
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a registered nurse looking for a PMHNP program in Hawaii, the University of Hawaii at Manoa is a great place to start. At UHM, you can complete a post-bachelor’s doctoral degree specializing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in just three years or eight semesters. The BSN-to-DNP program features a hybrid learning format. New cohorts are admitted annually in the fall semester.
74 credits are required to complete the BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program. The curriculum is designed to prepare you with advanced clinical practice knowledge and skills focused on providing holistic psychiatric care to clients across the lifespan. In this program, you will study advanced nursing care, including individual, family, and group psychotherapy, care coordination, crisis intervention, and psychotropic medication management.
The program includes 810 supervised clinical practicum hours in various healthcare settings. Additionally, you will complete 225 supervised hours through the completion of a DNP Scholarly Project. You will have a broad range of clinical opportunities in settings including inpatient, outpatient, and community health settings. Clinical practicum experiences will include opportunities to provide care to patients of all ages across their lifespan in need of psychiatric mental health services.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: The BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa utilizes a rolling admissions process, which means you can apply anytime. However, due to limitations on cohort size, early application is recommended to ensure admission in the next available cohort. The school uses a two-step application process. You must apply to the UH Manoa Graduate Division and through the Nursing Centralized Application Service.
Candidates for this PMHNP program must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited college or university and a current, unrestricted RN license in the United States. If you are not yet licensed, you must show evidence of passing the NCLEX-RN and have a current RN license by the end of the first semester of the program to remain enrolled. Additionally, you are required to provide one transcript for each post-secondary school you have attended and have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a current Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who wants to advance your career by earning a DNP and becoming certified as a PMHNP, the MSN-to-DNP program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa could be the perfect program to help you achieve that goal. The program is full-time and can be completed in eight semesters. Admission is in the fall annually.
The MSN-to-DNP program features a 62-credit curriculum. You will take classes, including Psychobiology of Mental Health, Individual Psychotherapy for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, Health Policy & Economics, and Principles of Evidence-Based Practice for Advanced Nursing.
1,035 total clinical hours are included in the curriculum. However, post-master’s students may be eligible to receive credit for some clinical hours completed in their master’s nursing program. The number of clinical hours for which you receive credit is at the discretion of the Program Director after reviewing course syllabi and clinical completion documentation.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN-to-DNP program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, you must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited institution, an unencumbered RN license, and an active, unrestricted APRN license. Two applications are required: one through NursingCAS and the other through the UH Manoa Graduate Division.
Candidates are asked to provide official transcripts from all post-secondary schools and show proof of successful completion of APRN-level courses: Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Physical & Health Assessment, and Advanced Pathophysiology. A minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 is also required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The University of Hawaii at Manoa is home to the UH Translational Health Science Simulation Center. The Center is an 8,000-square-foot state-of-the-art simulation facility designed in collaboration with some of Hawaii's major healthcare systems and providers. The Center offers realistic learning opportunities and features mid and high-fidelity manikins, simulated ambulatory treatment settings, and standard examination rooms.• You will participate in Interprofessional Education (IPE) opportunities at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Interprofessional education is essential for improving student outcomes. Through this approach to education, you will learn to effectively collaborate with students from two or more professions to provide patient-centered care in an effective manner.
• The UH-M School of Nursing is dedicated to reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes of underserved populations. You will learn from professors who are actively involved in research and clinical preceptors who promote measures to address and reduce disparities, prevent burnout, and educate patients, families, and communities.
2. Chaminade University of Honolulu - Honolulu
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Doctoral Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Are you an RN with a bachelor’s degree ready to make a big career move and become a doctorally-prepared Psychiatric Mental Health NP? If so, the BSN-to-DNP program at Chaminade University of Honolulu is a program worth considering. This post-bachelor’s pathway is one of the best PMHNP programs in Hawaii. The program offers two start dates per year, one in the fall and one in the spring.
The BSN-to-DNP program features 100% online coursework complemented by yearly multi-day campus-based immersion experiences. The rich 66-credit curriculum includes classes like Complex & Chronic Problems in Psychiatric & Mental Healthcare, Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan, Psychotherapeutic Treatment Modalities, and Advanced Concepts in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. Students in this post-bachelor’s DNP program complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. The Clinical Placement Team will collaborate with you to match you with appropriate clinical sites and preceptors to ensure you have adequate experiences relevant to the PMHNP specialty.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates desiring admission to the BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program at Chaminade University must have earned a BSN from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited School of Nursing. You must be a licensed Registered Nurse by the end of the first DNP term. All applicants are required to provide a professional resume or curriculum vitae, two letters of professional recommendation, a Personal Statement, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools they have attended. There is no minimum GPA requirement.
Post-Doctoral Certificate Program Details: Chaminade University offers an opportunity for doctorally-prepared Advanced Practice RNs to broaden their scope of practice and become certified as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners through the Post-Doctoral Certificate program. The program is a 12-month pathway that begins in the fall annually.
With coursework that is delivered entirely online, the Post-Doctoral Certificate program is an excellent option for working professionals. The program requires the completion of 18 credit hours. The curriculum includes clinical courses and practicums designed to teach you to integrate nursing science with the knowledge from ethics, psychosocial, biosocial, analytical, and organizational sciences so you can provide patient-centered mental healthcare to patients across the lifespan. 560 hours of direct patient care clinicals are integrated into the curriculum.
Post-Doctoral Certificate Admission Requirements: Admission requirements for the Post-Doctoral Certificate program at Chaminade University include the following. Candidates must have a doctoral degree in nursing, have a current, unencumbered APRN license, and be nationally certified as a nurse practitioner in a specialty other than psychiatric mental health. When applying, you will be asked to provide a Personal Statement describing why you want to pursue the Post-Doctoral Certificate, two letters of professional recommendation, and college transcripts from any college or university you have attended. An interview with program faculty, either in-person or via web/zoom, is also required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Chaminade University of Honolulu is highly ranked. The school is recognized by U.S. News & World Report in several categories, including Best Colleges: Regional Universities West, Best Colleges: Best Value Schools, and Best Colleges: Social Mobility.• The Chaminade University PMHNP program integrates Marianist Educational Values. These core values help students develop not only academically and professionally but also on personal and individual levels and become ready to lead in holistic psychiatric care.
• The PMHNP programs in Hawaii at Chaminade University have excellent student retention and completion rates. Additionally, graduates of the program have outstanding success rates on national certification exams. Each of these factors suggests a solid program.
3. Hawaii Pacific University - Honolulu
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate
MSN Program Details: The Master of Science in Nursing PMHNP program at Hawaii Pacific University offers a convenient, flexible format designed for busy professionals. The program is available with the option of pursuing the degree via completely online coursework, or you can choose to complete the first year of your studies in person before transitioning to online coursework for the remainder of the program. The program is designed to be completed in six to seven semesters.
The MSN PMHNP program is a 45-credit pathway. You will begin the program by completing 18 credits of core MSN coursework in classes, including Advanced Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Nursing Research. Then, you will advance to specialty coursework and begin clinicals, earning the remaining 27 credits and completing 630 clinical hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: Admission to the MSN program at HPU is contingent upon the following. Applicants must have a BSN from an accredited university and possess a current RN license in the United States. In addition to submitting an application and application fee, candidates are required to provide two letters of recommendation, a CV or resume, a Statement of Purpose, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Your transcripts should reflect the completion of an undergraduate statistics course. Additionally, candidates with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher are preferred.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program with the Psychiatric Mental Health NP concentration at Hawaii Pacific University is an excellent option for bachelor’s prepared nurses who want to earn a doctoral degree and become a PMHNP. Full-time students can complete the program in 34 months, and part-time students take an average of 44 months. The program offers multiple start dates per year, making it easier to begin studies at a time that is most convenient for you.
This post-bachelor’s PMHNP program in Hawaii requires students to complete 75 credits. The curriculum includes core nursing courses, PMHNP specialty courses, and DNP core courses. Some of the classes you will take include Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice, Advanced Pharmacology, and Informatics & Technology for Advanced Practice.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at Hawaii Pacific University, you must have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution. Candidates are required to submit two professional letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, a Goals Statement, and official college transcripts reflecting a preferred grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Hawaii Pacific University so offers a Post-Master’s Certificate option for registered nurses who wish to pursue the PMHNP certification. The program offers three start dates per year in the fall, spring, and summer and takes four semesters to complete.
The Post-Master’s Certificate program features a 27-credit plan of study with classes delivered entirely online. The curriculum includes the study of Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan, three clinical courses, and three clinical practicums. You will complete 630 clinical hours.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: Eligible candidates for the Post-Master’s Certificate program at HPU have a Master of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited university, a current U.S. registered nurse license, and an NP license. Applicants must provide two letters of recommendation, a Statement of Purpose, and all college/university transcripts. Transcripts should show proof of the completion of an undergraduate statistics course, and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is preferred.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The PMHNP program at Hawaii Pacific University boasts outstanding graduate success rates. The school reports 100% first-time pass rates on national certification exams. Additionally, graduates have excellent job placement rates, with most stating they have secured employment as a PMHNP within six months of graduating from the program.• At Hawaii Pacific University, you will learn from supportive, engaged faculty who are nurse practitioners in active practice. Their dedication to the profession, clinical practice, and nursing education means you can feel confident they will bring valuable insight and knowledge, preparing you to transition and become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner!
• Hawaii Pacific University has a Clinical Placement Team that works with you to identify and secure clinical sites and preceptors. Placements are based on factors including agency and preceptor availability, faculty preferences, course requirements, and student needs.
HOW MUCH DO PMHNP GRADUATES MAKE IN HAWAII?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN HAWAII EXPECT?
| Hourly | $51.64 |
| Weekly | $2,066 |
| Monthly | $8,950 |
| Annual | $107,420 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN HAWAII EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $51.64 | $2,066 | $8,950 | $107,420 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $58.43 | $2,337 | $10,130 | $121,540 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $68.98 | $2,759 | $11,960 | $143,480 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $76.82 | $3,073 | $13,320 | $159,780 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $91.80 | $3,672 | $15,910 | $190,940 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PMHNP SALARY IN HAWAII?
| Hourly | $70.20 |
| Weekly | $2,808 |
| Monthly | $12,170 |
| Annual | $146,010 |
HOW MUCH DO PMHNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF HAWAII?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina | $68.95 | $2,758 | $11,950 | $143,410 |
| Urban Honolulu | $70.28 | $2,811 | $12,180 | $146,180 |
PMHNP SALARY IN HAWAII VS. OTHER SALARIES
PMHNP SALARY IN HAWAII VS. PMHNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Hawaii PMHNP Annual Salary | Average National PMHNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $146,010 | $141,470 | +$4,540 | +3.21% |
PMHNP SALARY IN HAWAII VS. PMHNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $177,860 | -$31,850 | -17.91% |
| Nevada | $163,690 | -$17,680 | -10.80% |
| Washington | $160,090 | -$14,080 | -8.80% |
| New Jersey | $159,680 | -$13,670 | -8.56% |
| Oregon | $159,590 | -$13,580 | -8.51% |
| Massachusetts | $158,560 | -$12,550 | -7.91% |
| New York | $157,260 | -$11,250 | -7.15% |
| Connecticut | $150,820 | -$4,810 | -3.19% |
| New Mexico | $150,590 | -$4,580 | -3.04% |
| Minnesota | $148,650 | -$2,640 | -1.78% |
| District of Columbia | $148,470 | -$2,460 | -1.66% |
| Rhode Island | $146,940 | -$930 | -0.63% |
| Hawaii | $146,010 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Arizona | $145,950 | +$60 | +0.04% |
| Delaware | $144,350 | +$1,660 | +1.15% |
| Iowa | $144,040 | +$1,970 | +1.37% |
| New Hampshire | $143,950 | +$2,060 | +1.43% |
| Texas | $143,140 | +$2,870 | +2.01% |
| Wisconsin | $141,290 | +$4,720 | +3.34% |
| Maryland | $140,920 | +$5,090 | +3.61% |
| Utah | $140,730 | +$5,280 | +3.75% |
| North Dakota | $140,670 | +$5,340 | +3.80% |
| Pennsylvania | $140,320 | +$5,690 | +4.06% |
| Illinois | $139,720 | +$6,290 | +4.50% |
| Alaska | $138,920 | +$7,090 | +5.10% |
| Vermont | $138,840 | +$7,170 | +5.16% |
| Montana | $137,230 | +$8,780 | +6.40% |
| Idaho | $137,130 | +$8,880 | +6.48% |
| Oklahoma | $136,890 | +$9,120 | +6.66% |
| Wyoming | $136,040 | +$9,970 | +7.33% |
| Indiana | $135,780 | +$10,230 | +7.53% |
| Maine | $135,360 | +$10,650 | +7.87% |
| Ohio | $135,280 | +$10,730 | +7.93% |
| Colorado | $134,310 | +$11,700 | +8.71% |
| Nebraska | $133,970 | +$12,040 | +8.99% |
| North Carolina | $133,870 | +$12,140 | +9.07% |
| Georgia | $133,390 | +$12,620 | +9.46% |
| South Dakota | $133,200 | +$12,810 | +9.62% |
| Virginia | $133,080 | +$12,930 | +9.72% |
| Michigan | $132,870 | +$13,140 | +9.89% |
| Florida | $131,800 | +$14,210 | +10.78% |
| Kansas | $131,320 | +$14,690 | +11.19% |
| Louisiana | $130,660 | +$15,350 | +11.75% |
| Mississippi | $129,360 | +$16,650 | +12.87% |
| South Carolina | $128,750 | +$17,260 | +13.41% |
| Missouri | $128,470 | +$17,540 | +13.65% |
| West Virginia | $124,910 | +$21,100 | +16.89% |
| Arkansas | $124,870 | +$21,140 | +16.93% |
| Kentucky | $121,520 | +$24,490 | +20.15% |
| Alabama | $121,130 | +$24,880 | +20.54% |
| Tennessee | $114,200 | +$31,810 | +27.85% |
PMHNP SALARY IN HAWAII VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN HAWAII
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Midwife | $161,820 | -$15,810 | -9.77% |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $146,010 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $119,710 | +$26,300 | +21.97% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $97,990 | +$48,020 | +49.01% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $62,020 | +$83,990 | +135.42% |
| Nursing Assistant | $44,990 | +$101,020 | +224.54% |
PMHNP SALARY IN HAWAII VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN HAWAII
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $220,700 | -$74,690 | -33.84% |
| Veterinarian | $157,770 | -$11,760 | -7.45% |
| Dentist | $154,860 | -$8,850 | -5.71% |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $146,010 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Optometrist | $143,970 | +$2,040 | +1.42% |
| Pharmacist | $138,390 | +$7,620 | +5.51% |
| Physician Assistant | $130,300 | +$15,710 | +12.06% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $106,790 | +$39,220 | +36.73% |
| Physical Therapist | $103,010 | +$43,000 | +41.74% |
| Occupational Therapist | $99,490 | +$46,520 | +46.76% |
| Chiropractor | $95,610 | +$50,400 | +52.71% |
| Dental Hygienist | $91,070 | +$54,940 | +60.33% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits PMHNP Programs In Hawaii?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited PMHNP Schools Are There In Hawaii?
| 3 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Hour In Hawaii?
| $70.20 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Week In Hawaii?
| $2,808 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Month In Hawaii?
| $12,170 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Year In Hawaii?
| $146,010 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For PMHNPs In Hawaii?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| N/A |
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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