Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Idaho (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
In Idaho, the demand for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners is rising so fast that in 10 years, the demand for these highly trained APRNs' services will even be 60 percent higher than it is today. Why? Because Idaho is grappling with a significant mental health crisis that’s resulted in high rates of depression, substance abuse, and suicide. PMHNP programs in Idaho will teach you how to provide healthcare services to patients struggling with behavioral and mental issues. You’ll find employment in practice settings that range from hospitals and clinics to substance abuse centers and community mental health agencies, making $137,130 a year on average. Peruse our list of the best PMHNP programs in Idaho for more details.
FOLLOWING ARE THE BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN IDAHO (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in Idaho.)
1. Idaho State University - Pocatello
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and FNP-to-PMHNP Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree and a dream of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Idaho State University has an excellent BSN-to-DNP program that can help you achieve that goal! At ISU, you can choose to enroll as a part-time or full-time student and earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in three or four years. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until a cohort is filled, with new students beginning in the fall semester. Full-time students have an expected completion time of seven semesters, including one summer session.
While coursework is delivered online, campus visits for new student orientation and Health Assessment intensives are required at designated times during the program. This post-bachelor’s Doctor of Nursing Practice PMHNP program in Idaho features a rigorous 80-credit curriculum. In this program, you will take classes, including Neurobiology of Mental Disorders, Psychotherapy for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nurses, and Statistical Analysis in Evidence-Based Practice.
All DNP students are required to complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. The DNP Coordinator will collaborate with you to secure clinical sites and identify qualified preceptors. Once legal agreements are in order, you may collaborate with the preceptor at your site to schedule your clinical hours based on your preceptor's schedule and needs.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates desiring admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at Idaho State must be graduates of a BSN program accredited by the CCNE or another nationally recognized accrediting body for nursing education. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher calculated on the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework from the BSN program is required. Additionally, you need to provide three professional references, a professional resume or curriculum vitae, a three-to-four-page essay, and copies of transcripts from any college or university you have attended.
FNP-to-PMHNP Certificate Program Details: Family Nurse Practitioners desiring to extend their licensure and scope of practice to include a Psychiatric Mental Health NP certification can pursue the FNP-to-PMHNP Certificate Program at Idaho State University. This PMHNP program in Idaho offers an excellent opportunity for practicing Family Nurse Practitioners to integrate evidence-based psychiatric and mental health care into individual, family, and community health services. The program is a four-semester pathway that admits students in the fall semester annually.
In the FNP-to-PMHNP Certificate Program, you will complete 23 credits. Your curriculum plan includes courses such as Mental Health of Clients Across the Lifespan, Psychopharmacology, and Neurobiology of Mental Disorders. Additionally, the program incorporates 528 hours of clinical practicum. Your clinical experiences will involve family, pediatric, adult, and geriatric mental health care and psychotherapy rotations.
FNP-to-PMHNP Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for the FNP-to-PMHNP Certificate Program, candidates must hold national certification and license as a Family Nurse Practitioner and have at least two years of direct care experience in the FNP role. Applicants must have a minimum Master’s degree in Nursing and are required to provide official transcripts for all degrees. Your FNP program transcript should reflect a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale.
Additional documentation to be submitted includes a professional vitae or resume through the ISU Graduate School application system, three professional references attesting to the applicant’s clinical competence, and a professional essay.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• One of the things I recommend potential students consider when choosing a nursing school or program is whether the program has good reviews from present and past students. According to student surveys and reviews, most students rate their experience at the Idaho State University School of Nursing as “Very Good” or “Excellent.”• Suppose you want to earn a doctorate in nursing or a graduate certificate and become a Psychiatric Mental Health NP, but the cost of going to school is holding you back. In that case, financial aid advisors at Idaho State University may be able to help! In addition to helping you apply for federally funded loans and other programs, advisors can provide information about several nursing scholarships for which you may be eligible. For example, the School of Nursing awards over $100,000 in scholarships annually. Other scholarships offered by Travel Nursing and CampusRN are also available.
• Another important factor to consider when choosing a PMHNP program in Idaho is how well students perform on national certification examinations. Certification exam pass rates are important because these tests assess the knowledge and practice competencies required to provide safe, high-quality healthcare services. Graduates of the Idaho State University PMHNP program consistently perform above the national average on national certification exams, which is a great indication that the program meets the standards needed to prepare you for practice.
• At Idaho State University, you will learn from experienced advanced practice nurses who are dedicated to your success. Doctorally prepared Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners with real-world experience and insight will guide you as you learn what it takes to provide high-quality, compassionate care to patients across the lifespan requiring mental health services.
HOW MUCH DO PMHNP GRADUATES MAKE IN IDAHO?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN IDAHO EXPECT?
| Hourly | $48.50 |
| Weekly | $1,940 |
| Monthly | $8,410 |
| Annual | $100,890 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN IDAHO EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $48.50 | $1,940 | $8,410 | $100,890 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $54.88 | $2,195 | $9,510 | $114,150 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $64.78 | $2,591 | $11,230 | $134,750 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $72.14 | $2,886 | $12,510 | $150,060 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $86.22 | $3,449 | $14,940 | $179,330 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PMHNP SALARY IN IDAHO?
| Hourly | $65.93 |
| Weekly | $2,637 |
| Monthly | $11,430 |
| Annual | $137,130 |
HOW MUCH DO PMHNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF IDAHO?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Boise City | $67.09 | $2,684 | $11,630 | $139,550 |
| Coeur d'Alene | $66.50 | $2,660 | $11,530 | $138,310 |
| Idaho Falls | $59.03 | $2,361 | $10,230 | $122,790 |
| Lewiston | $66.33 | $2,653 | $11,500 | $137,970 |
| Pocatello | $61.71 | $2,468 | $10,700 | $128,350 |
| Twin Falls | $64.63 | $2,585 | $11,200 | $134,430 |
PMHNP SALARY IN IDAHO VS. OTHER SALARIES
PMHNP SALARY IN IDAHO VS. PMHNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Idaho PMHNP Annual Salary | Average National PMHNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $137,130 | $141,470 | -$4,340 | -3.07% |
PMHNP SALARY IN IDAHO VS. PMHNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $177,860 | -$40,730 | -22.90% |
| Nevada | $163,690 | -$26,560 | -16.23% |
| Washington | $160,090 | -$22,960 | -14.34% |
| New Jersey | $159,680 | -$22,550 | -14.12% |
| Oregon | $159,590 | -$22,460 | -14.07% |
| Massachusetts | $158,560 | -$21,430 | -13.52% |
| New York | $157,260 | -$20,130 | -12.80% |
| Connecticut | $150,820 | -$13,690 | -9.08% |
| New Mexico | $150,590 | -$13,460 | -8.94% |
| Minnesota | $148,650 | -$11,520 | -7.75% |
| District of Columbia | $148,470 | -$11,340 | -7.64% |
| Rhode Island | $146,940 | -$9,810 | -6.68% |
| Hawaii | $146,010 | -$8,880 | -6.08% |
| Arizona | $145,950 | -$8,820 | -6.04% |
| Delaware | $144,350 | -$7,220 | -5.00% |
| Iowa | $144,040 | -$6,910 | -4.80% |
| New Hampshire | $143,950 | -$6,820 | -4.74% |
| Texas | $143,140 | -$6,010 | -4.20% |
| Wisconsin | $141,290 | -$4,160 | -2.94% |
| Maryland | $140,920 | -$3,790 | -2.69% |
| Utah | $140,730 | -$3,600 | -2.56% |
| North Dakota | $140,670 | -$3,540 | -2.52% |
| Pennsylvania | $140,320 | -$3,190 | -2.27% |
| Illinois | $139,720 | -$2,590 | -1.85% |
| Alaska | $138,920 | -$1,790 | -1.29% |
| Vermont | $138,840 | -$1,710 | -1.23% |
| Montana | $137,230 | -$100 | -0.07% |
| Idaho | $137,130 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Oklahoma | $136,890 | +$240 | +0.18% |
| Wyoming | $136,040 | +$1,090 | +0.80% |
| Indiana | $135,780 | +$1,350 | +0.99% |
| Maine | $135,360 | +$1,770 | +1.31% |
| Ohio | $135,280 | +$1,850 | +1.37% |
| Colorado | $134,310 | +$2,820 | +2.10% |
| Nebraska | $133,970 | +$3,160 | +2.36% |
| North Carolina | $133,870 | +$3,260 | +2.44% |
| Georgia | $133,390 | +$3,740 | +2.80% |
| South Dakota | $133,200 | +$3,930 | +2.95% |
| Virginia | $133,080 | +$4,050 | +3.04% |
| Michigan | $132,870 | +$4,260 | +3.21% |
| Florida | $131,800 | +$5,330 | +4.04% |
| Kansas | $131,320 | +$5,810 | +4.42% |
| Louisiana | $130,660 | +$6,470 | +4.95% |
| Mississippi | $129,360 | +$7,770 | +6.01% |
| South Carolina | $128,750 | +$8,380 | +6.51% |
| Missouri | $128,470 | +$8,660 | +6.74% |
| West Virginia | $124,910 | +$12,220 | +9.78% |
| Arkansas | $124,870 | +$12,260 | +9.82% |
| Kentucky | $121,520 | +$15,610 | +12.85% |
| Alabama | $121,130 | +$16,000 | +13.21% |
| Tennessee | $114,200 | +$22,930 | +20.08% |
PMHNP SALARY IN IDAHO VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN IDAHO
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $178,600 | -$41,470 | -23.22% |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $137,130 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $83,090 | +$54,040 | +65.04% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $79,810 | +$57,320 | +71.82% |
| Nurse Midwife | $78,530 | +$58,600 | +74.62% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $54,600 | +$82,530 | +151.15% |
| Nursing Assistant | $37,270 | +$99,860 | +267.94% |
PMHNP SALARY IN IDAHO VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN IDAHO
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $171,880 | -$34,750 | -20.22% |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $137,130 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Pharmacist | $129,140 | +$7,990 | +6.19% |
| Veterinarian | $122,590 | +$14,540 | +11.86% |
| Podiatrist | $115,070 | +$22,060 | +19.17% |
| Physician Assistant | $113,870 | +$23,260 | +20.43% |
| Optometrist | $104,020 | +$33,110 | +31.83% |
| Radiation Therapist | $103,190 | +$33,940 | +32.89% |
| Physical Therapist | $92,400 | +$44,730 | +48.41% |
| Audiologist | $89,630 | +$47,500 | +53.00% |
| Occupational Therapist | $89,550 | +$47,580 | +53.13% |
| Dental Hygienist | $84,390 | +$52,740 | +62.50% |
| Chiropractor | $75,220 | +$61,910 | +82.31% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $73,890 | +$63,240 | +85.59% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits PMHNP Programs In Idaho?
| 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 Idaho?
| 1 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Hour In Idaho?
| $65.93 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Week In Idaho?
| $2,637 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Month In Idaho?
| $11,430 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Year In Idaho?
| $137,130 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For PMHNPs In Idaho?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +60.00% |
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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