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.
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 5 best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in Minnesota.)
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.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.
Why Choose Walden University PMHNP Program
• Walden University’s PMHNP program offers a student-centric learning environment, where students are supported throughout the program.Hourly | $49.15 |
Weekly | $1,966 |
Monthly | $8,520 |
Annual | $102,230 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
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) |
Hourly | $61.62 |
Weekly | $2,465 |
Monthly | $10,680 |
Annual | $128,160 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
5 |
$61.62 |
$2,465 |
$10,680 |
$128,160 |
10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
+45.74% |
(Source: Careeronestop.org) |