5 Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Minnesota (Online & Campus) – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Are you a Minnesota RN who’s interested in setting a new career course? Are you the type of person who reaches out when others are in emotional, mental, or behavioral distress? Then, becoming a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner could be an ideal professional option. Graduates of PMHNP programs in Minnesota earn $136,350, and they seldom lack employment opportunities since demand for their services is so high. As a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, you’ll have the opportunity to specialize if you choose by working with adolescents, adults, or seniors with mental health diagnoses or by working with patients with specific conditions such as trauma, substance abuse, or PTSD.

Get started today with the guide below to the 5 best PMHNP programs in Minnesota.


FOLLOWING ARE THE 5 BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN MINNESOTA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 5 best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in Minnesota.)


1. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis


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

About University of Minnesota: University of Minnesota, a leading nursing school, offers one of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Minnesota. The school offers two PMHNP options, a BSN-to-DNP and a post-graduate certificate.


BSN-to-DNP Program Details: University of Minnesota’s BSN-to-DNP is an on-campus program that takes three years to complete. The program mainly includes core and specialty courses. The program comprises a total of 78 credits and at least 1,000 hours of clinical practice. Some of the topics covered include advanced human physiology, pharmacology, advanced human pathophysiology, nursing research & evidence-based practice, quality improvement, health policy leadership, and holistic health assessment. Students also take classes in nursing informatics and complementary & alternative medicine. This PMHNP program in Minnesota also covers the psychiatric mental health care of individuals & families across the lifespan.


BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To qualify for this BSN-to-DNP program, you must foremost have a BSN with an active and unencumbered RN license. Also, your GPA must be at least 3.0. To submit your application, you must include your transcripts, resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The post-graduate certificate program either expands on your current advanced nursing practice or prepares you for a career as an APRN. The certificate is tailored to suit your academic needs, and the exact graduation requirements are based on a gap analysis of your previous transcripts. The program mainly focuses on psychiatric mental healthcare of individuals of all age groups.


Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for the University of Minnesota’s certificate, you must have a master's or doctoral degree in nursing. The program also requires applicants to have an active RN license. Besides, applicants must complete courses in advanced physiology, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, and advanced physical assessment.

Why Choose University of Minnesota PMHNP Program

• University of Minnesota’s DNP is ranked among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• University of Minnesota is one of the top recipients of funding from the NIH. The school’s active engagement in innovative research allows PMHNP students to explore plenty of learning opportunities where they enhance critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills.
• The University of Minnesota PMHNP graduates have consistently performed well on the PMHNP certification exam, having 100% of them pass the exam on the first attempt.


2. The College of St. Scholastica - Duluth


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

About The College of St. Scholastica: If you want to obtain your PMHNP training from one of the best online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Minnesota, then the College of St. Scholastica offers two excellent PMHNP programs, a BSN-to-DNP, and a postgraduate certificate. The school is known for offering transformative education and the excellent social mobility of its students.


BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The College of St. Scholastica’s BSN-to-DNP-PMHNP program requires completion of 79 to 83 credits. The program offers hybrid coursework and takes three to four years to complete, depending on whether you enroll full-time or part-time. The program covers topics such as health assessment, epidemiology & population health, pathophysiology, pharmacology, evidence-based practice, biostatistics, and healthcare informatics. Additionally, students attend classes in healthcare policy, ethics & law, quality improvement, and leadership in healthcare. The PMHNP-related courses prepare you for the advanced mental healthcare management of individuals & families across the lifespan. Also included in the curriculum are 1,020 hours of clinical practice.


BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To apply for this BSN-to-DNP program, you must have an undergraduate degree in nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This PMHNP program also requires applicants to possess an RN license. To qualify for admission, you must have some previous work experience in psychiatric nursing care. To apply, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts, an essay, and a resume.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The PMHNP certificate program, leading to the PMHNP certification is an excellent option for graduate nurses who are passionate about psychiatric mental health care. As such, the program requires 38 credits, however, the exact credit requirements are based on a review of your previous transcripts. Most students complete the certificate program within two years of full-time study. The coursework includes topics such as psychopharmacology, the theoretical foundations of advanced psychiatric mental health, and the management of psychiatric disorders. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the PMHNP certification exam.


Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: The PMHNP certificate is open to graduate nurses who have a graduate degree in nursing. Also, an active and unencumbered RN license is required in your state of practice. To complete the application process, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts, a resume, and letters of recommendation.

Why Choose The College of St. Scholastica PMHNP Program

• The College of St. Scholastica nursing school is one the highly-ranked nursing schools in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• The College of St. Scholastica’s PMHNP programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are expert educators and practitioners.
• The College of St. Scholastica’s PMHNP programs are more affordable than most other online PMHNP programs in Minnesota.


3. Winona State University-Rochester - Rochester


Programs Offered: DNP (BSN-to-DNP & MSN-to-DNP) and Post-Graduate Certificate

About Winona State University-Rochester: Whether you have a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, or a doctoral degree in nursing, Winona State University-Rochester’s PMHNP programs allow flexible entry points to accommodate the needs of PMHNP students. So, based on where you are in your journey of becoming a psychiatric mental health practitioner, you can enroll either in the BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, or post-graduate certificate program.


BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP-PMHNP program is designed to take your nursing career to the highest level of clinical expertise. The program comprises a total of 74 credits and 1,260 clinical hours. This psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Minnesota spans six semesters and three summer sessions. The coursework is comprehensive, covering core and PMHNP-related topics. Some of the topics covered include statistical methods, health policy & quality healthcare, nursing informatics, organizational & systems leadership, evidence-based practice, applied biostatistics, and epidemiological approaches to population health. The PMHNP-related courses emphasize psychopharmacology, neurobiology, psychiatric assessment, and psychiatric mental healthcare management.


BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: The admission requirements for Winona State’s BSN-to-DNP program mainly include an accredited BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. Also, to be considered for admission, applicants must possess a current and active RN license. Your application must include your official transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

MSN-to-DNP Program Details: Winona State’s MSN-to-DNP-PMHNP builds on your master’s degree in nursing, preparing you to play influential roles in advanced practice nursing. The program includes 54 credits and leads to a doctorate and PMHNP certification. Also, completion of at least 1,000 hours of clinical practice is required. The coursework mainly comprises APRN & doctoral core and PMHNP-related courses. If you enter this program as a master's prepared APRN then you’ll require completing only 43 credits.


MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To qualify for this MSN-to-DNP-PMHNP program, you must have an accredited MSN with a GPA of 3.0. Also, an active and unencumbered RN license is required. Additionally, for APRNs, an active APRN license is required. Other requirements include submission of transcripts, a resume, and letters of recommendation.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: Whether you have a master's or doctoral degree, this certificate is an excellent choice for graduate nurses seeking to enter the psychiatric mental health workforce. By completing as few as 24 credits and 600 clinical hours, the program prepares you to sit for the PMHNP certification exam. You can complete this psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Minnesota within just three semesters and two summer sessions.


Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To apply for Winona State’s post-graduate certificate, you must have a graduate nursing degree with courses completed such as nursing research, statistics, organizational systems leadership, and nursing information management. Applicants must also have a current RN license and preferably at least one year of clinical work experience. The application requires the submission of transcripts, two professional references, a resume, and a goal statement.

Why Choose Winona State University-Rochester PMHNP Program

• Winona State University-Rochester PMHNP programs offer a competitive tuition cost. Also, students can apply for scholarships and financial aid opportunities to further bring down the cost of their education.
• Winona State University-Rochester PMHNP graduates are highly desired by healthcare employers throughout the state. Almost 98% of them find employment soon after graduation.
• Winona State University-Rochester is ranked among the best public universities in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.


4. St. Catherine University - St. Paul


Programs Offered: Post-Graduate Second Certificate

About St. Catherine University: For advanced practice nurses keen on obtaining their PMHNP training from a faith-based school, Catherine University is a terrific option. Guided by Catholic traditions, the school prepares compassionate practitioners who provide holistic mental health care. The school offers a high-quality post-graduate certificate program that prepares graduates for psychiatric mental health advanced nursing practice.


Post-Graduate Second Certificate Program Details: One of the sought-after psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Minnesota, St. Catherine University’s certificate program is designed for APRNs who desire the fine blend of online and on-campus learning. Starting in the fall, the program can be completed within as little as one year. The coursework comprises 21 credits and emphasizes holistic nursing care and social justice.

In the first semester of the program, students attend four classes, including clinical psychopharmacology, neurobiology & psychopathologic disorders, and psychotherapeutic interventions. In the second semester, you’ll gain an understanding of topics such as the business of providing care to patients and holistic interventions for patients. The third semester mainly entails attending classes in assessment, diagnosis & EBP management, and psychotherapeutic interventions across the lifespan. Additionally, during the summer session, you understand the role of a PMHNP and complete your third clinical.


Post-Graduate Second Certificate Admission Requirements: For admission into this post-graduate certificate, you must have a BSN and an MSN or a DNP with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program also requires applicants to have an unencumbered RN & APRN license. Applicants must also have at least one year of advanced practice nursing experience. In addition, pre-requisite courses such as advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology must be completed with a minimum grade of B.

Why Choose St. Catherine University PMHNP Program

• St. Catherine University’s PMHNP program offers several financial aid and scholarship opportunities. The program also offers employer-partner discounts to students working at partner healthcare organizations.
• St. Catherine University’s PMHNP program offers a close-knit environment to promote personal connection and meaningful interactions between faculty and peers.


5. Walden University - Minneapolis


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

About Walden University: Walden University’s PMHNP programs offer a supportive learning environment to help students reach their academic and career goals. Walden offers four PMHNP options, an MSN, a BSN-to-DNP, an MSN-to-DNP, and a post-master's certificate, so you can choose the PMHNP program that is right for you.


MSN Program Details: Walden’s MSN-PMHNP program is designed for registered nurses who want to enter the field of advanced practice nursing. The program comprises 53 to 63 quarter credits and includes core courses and PMHNP-related courses. The program starts with classes in policy & advocacy, transforming nursing & healthcare through technology, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional organizational & systems leadership. In addition, the PMHNP-related courses teach you pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and psychiatric mental health care for individuals across the lifespan. Upon completing this psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Minnesota, you’ll earn an MSN and be prepared to take the PMHNP certification exam.


MSN Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission, you must have an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, an active and unencumbered RN license is required. To apply, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts, recommendation letters, a personal statement, and a resume.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Another one of the psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Minnesota, Walden’s BSN-to-DNP-PMHNP program prepares you for the highest level of psychiatric mental nursing practice. The program comprises 95 quarter credits in foundation courses, essential courses, core courses, specialization courses, doctoral courses, and a DNP project.


BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: The BSN-to-DNP-PMHNP program is open to registered nurses who have a BSN. The program also requires applicants to submit an online application along with transcripts, a resume, and a personal goal statement.

MSN-to-DNP Program Details: Walden’s MSN-to-DNP-PMHNP program consists of 85 quarter credits. The program covers doctoral-level topics such as the theoretical & scientific foundations of nursing, research for evidence-based practice, leading organizations for quality improvement, evidence-based practice, epidemiology & population health, and healthcare policy & analysis. In addition, students also complete the PMHNP-related courses, after which they earn a DNP and are prepared to take the PMHNP certification exam.


MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: This MSN-to-DNP-PMHNP program accepts applications from registered nurses who have an MSN. Similar to the BSN-to-DNP-PMHNP program’s admission process, the submission of documents is also required.

Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: Walden’s post-master’s certificate is a perfect stepping stone to a rewarding career as a PMHNP. The exact credit requirements for this program are based on a gap analysis of your previous transcripts. However, around 43 quarter credits may be required. The certificate coursework mainly covers advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, psychopathology, and psychiatric mental health care across the lifespan.


Post-Master's Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for Walden’s post-master’s certificate, you must have at least a master’s degree in nursing with a GPA of at least 3.0. Also, you must have an active RN license in your practice state. Program graduates are fully prepared to work in a variety of work settings such as mental health clinics, correctional facilities, community health centers, and substance abuse facilities, to name a few.

Why Choose Walden University PMHNP Program

• Walden University’s PMHNP program offers a student-centric learning environment, where students are supported throughout the program.
• Walden University’s PMHNP program offers well-rounded training, preparing graduates with a holistic approach to patient care.
• Walden University’s PMHNP graduates become part of a thriving alumni network of more than 36,500 graduates working across the globe.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



HOW MUCH DO PMHNP GRADUATES MAKE IN MINNESOTA?


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


Hourly$49.15
Weekly$1,966
Monthly$8,520
Annual$102,230
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


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


Level of Experience Hourly Weekly Monthly Annual
Entry-Level $49.15 $1,966 $8,520 $102,230
1-4 Years of Experience $52.51 $2,100 $9,100 $109,220
5-9 Years of Experience $61.55 $2,462 $10,670 $128,020
10-19 Years of Experience $65.38 $2,615 $11,330 $135,980
20 Years or More Experience $72.88 $2,915 $12,630 $151,580
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PMHNP SALARY IN MINNESOTA?


Hourly$61.62
Weekly$2,465
Monthly$10,680
Annual$128,160
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


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


Metro Hourly Monthly Annual
Duluth $69.73 $12,090 $145,040
Mankato-North Mankato $63.35 $10,980 $131,760
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington $61.72 $10,700 $128,380
Rochester $61.03 $10,580 $126,940
St. Cloud $58.63 $10,160 $121,960
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)



PMHNP SALARY IN MINNESOTA VS. OTHER SALARIES


PMHNP SALARY IN MINNESOTA VS. PMHNP SALARY IN THE NATION


Average Minnesota
PMHNP Annual Salary
Average National PMHNP
Annual Salary
Difference
Number %
$128,160$124,680+$3,480+2.79%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


PMHNP SALARY IN MINNESOTA VS. PMHNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES


State Average
Annual Salary
Difference
Number %
California $158,130 -$29,970 -18.95%
New Jersey $143,250 -$15,090 -10.53%
New York $141,470 -$13,310 -9.41%
Massachusetts $138,700 -$10,540 -7.60%
Oregon $136,250 -$8,090 -5.94%
Nevada $136,230 -$8,070 -5.92%
Washington $135,590 -$7,430 -5.48%
Connecticut $131,490 -$3,330 -2.53%
District of Columbia $131,270 -$3,110 -2.37%
New Mexico $129,560 -$1,400 -1.08%
Hawaii $128,310 -$150 -0.12%
Iowa $128,180 -$20 -0.02%
Minnesota $128,160 $0 0.00%
New Hampshire $125,780 +$2,380 +1.89%
Rhode Island $125,250 +$2,910 +2.32%
Texas $124,660 +$3,500 +2.81%
Illinois $122,310 +$5,850 +4.78%
Oklahoma $121,740 +$6,420 +5.27%
Indiana $121,730 +$6,430 +5.28%
Arizona $121,410 +$6,750 +5.56%
Wisconsin $121,210 +$6,950 +5.73%
Delaware $120,570 +$7,590 +6.30%
Pennsylvania $120,550 +$7,610 +6.31%
Montana $119,960 +$8,200 +6.84%
Maryland $119,650 +$8,510 +7.11%
Nebraska $118,970 +$9,190 +7.72%
Maine $118,300 +$9,860 +8.33%
Louisiana $118,210 +$9,950 +8.42%
Idaho $117,720 +$10,440 +8.87%
Ohio $117,440 +$10,720 +9.13%
Mississippi $117,260 +$10,900 +9.30%
Virginia $116,980 +$11,180 +9.56%
Vermont $116,610 +$11,550 +9.90%
Colorado $116,440 +$11,720 +10.07%
Alaska $116,390 +$11,770 +10.11%
South Dakota $115,610 +$12,550 +10.86%
Utah $115,610 +$12,550 +10.86%
Georgia $115,440 +$12,720 +11.02%
Wyoming $115,230 +$12,930 +11.22%
North Carolina $114,450 +$13,710 +11.98%
North Dakota $113,940 +$14,220 +12.48%
Michigan $113,780 +$14,380 +12.64%
Missouri $113,180 +$14,980 +13.24%
Kansas $111,670 +$16,490 +14.77%
Florida $110,310 +$17,850 +16.18%
Kentucky $109,290 +$18,870 +17.27%
South Carolina $109,130 +$19,030 +17.44%
Arkansas $107,110 +$21,050 +19.65%
West Virginia $106,790 +$21,370 +20.01%
Alabama $106,610 +$21,550 +20.21%
Tennessee $99,330 +$28,830 +29.02%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


PMHNP SALARY IN MINNESOTA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN MINNESOTA


Type of Nurse Average
Annual Salary
Difference
Number %
Nurse Anesthetist $222,540 -$94,380 -42.41%
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner $128,160 $0 0.00%
Nurse Midwife $116,780 +$11,380 +9.74%
Registered Nurse $88,860 +$39,300 +44.23%
Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary $77,040 +$51,120 +66.36%
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse $54,870 +$73,290 +133.57%
Nursing Assistant $42,480 +$85,680 +201.69%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


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


Job Title Average
Annual Salary
Difference
Number %
Physician $305,150 -$176,990 -58.00%
Podiatrist $220,200 -$92,040 -41.80%
Dentist $191,090 -$62,930 -32.93%
Optometrist $142,050 -$13,890 -9.78%
Pharmacist $136,950 -$8,790 -6.42%
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner $128,160 $0 0.00%
Physician Assistant $125,680 +$2,480 +1.97%
Veterinarian $115,310 +$12,850 +11.14%
Audiologist $94,660 +$33,500 +35.39%
Physical Therapist $89,130 +$39,030 +43.79%
Chiropractor $85,180 +$42,980 +50.46%
Speech-Language Pathologist $81,990 +$46,170 +56.31%
Occupational Therapist $81,840 +$46,320 +56.60%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED


1. WHO ACCREDITS PMHNP PROGRAMS IN MINNESOTA?


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 MINNESOTA?


5


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


$61.62


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


$2,465


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


$10,680


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


$128,160


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


10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030)
+45.74%
(Source: Careeronestop.org)



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