Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Montana (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
PMHNP programs in Montana will prepare you to tackle one of the Big Sky State’s most pressing healthcare issues—a serious shortage of mental health providers and a burgeoning rate of suicide, opioid, and alcohol abuse. As a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, you’ll find employment in hospitals, outpatient clinics, community health centers, and physicians’ practices. You may even be able to deliver mental health services remotely using telehealth platforms! Your employment opportunities will soar by 51 percent over the next 10 years, and you’ll command an average salary of $137,230 a year. Take the first step on what could be a new career path by reading through the guide below to the best PMHNP programs in Montana.
FOLLOWING ARE THE BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN MONTANA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in Montana.)
1. Montana State University - Bozeman
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are searching for the best PMHNP programs in Montana, you need to look no further than Montana State University! The university offers two pathways to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, one of which is the BSN-to-DNP.
The post-bachelor’s DNP program admits students annually in the fall semester. You may choose a full-time three-year or part-time four-year course of study. All graduate courses are offered in a distance delivery format, combining synchronous and asynchronous learning modalities. Synchronous intensive classes are scheduled at your instructor’s discretion and meet via video conference monthly. Asynchronous classes allow you to participate in group discussions, complete modules and assignments, and take quizzes at your convenience by a published due date. Travel to campus is limited, usually no more than once per year. Campus visits for DNP students typically include in-person orientation and clinical skills weeks.
The BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program requires 82 credits. The curriculum is designed to prepare you to provide holistic, individualized, person-centered care. In classes like Ethics, Law, & Policy for Advocacy in Healthcare and Vulnerability & Healthcare in Diverse Communities, you will learn to create and implement culturally competent care that is evidence-based, ethical, psychologically safe, and secure. DNP students complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. 270 practicum hours will be spent completing your DNP Project.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: The BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program at Montana State University is available to eligible candidates physically located in Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, and Alaska. To be considered for admission, you must hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited upper-division nursing program that included precepted clinical practice in diverse nursing settings, including nursing management and leadership. Candidates are required to have a current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in the state where clinical practicums will be completed. Successful completion of undergraduate courses in statistics and research is also required.
To initiate the application process, you must first create an account through the MSU graduate application portal. In addition to completing an online application, you will be asked to submit three personal essays, three professional references, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended. Candidates with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for all college-level coursework are preferred.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: Are you an advanced practice registered nurse with a national certification in a nursing specialty other than psychiatric mental health? Have you considered adding the psychiatric nurse practitioner certification to your professional role? If so, the Post-Graduate Certificate PMHNP program in Montana at MSU could be the perfect option to help you achieve your goal!
The Post-Graduate Certificate program admits students once per year in the summer semester and can be completed in six semesters. Courses are offered in a distance learning format utilizing both synchronous and asynchronous scheduling. Video conferencing is used to supplement didactic instruction. Visits to campus may be required for some coursework and skills labs and are scheduled well in advance.
The program is a 34-credit pathway. The curriculum plan is designed to help you integrate the knowledge and skills gained from your previous nursing degree and experience to develop a foundation for assessing, diagnosing, and treating psychiatric conditions. You will study Psychiatric Case Formulation, Advanced Psychopharmacology, and Psychotherapeutic Modalities.
The PMHNP Post-Graduate Certificate program includes 750 hours of direct patient care. Your clinical practicums will prepare you to conduct psychiatric assessments and develop and implement therapeutic modalities for individuals, groups, and families to manage mental health and psychiatric disorders, including using evidence-based interventions and psychopharmacology.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program at Montana State University, you must possess a Graduate APRN nursing degree and a current, unrestricted RN and APRN license, and show proof of completion of undergraduate courses in research and statistics.
All applications are processed through the Montana State University application portal. Candidates are required to provide three professional references, official transcripts from all colleges or universities where coursework was completed (even if a degree was not earned), and answer three personal essay prompts. An undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• In my experience as a nurse educator, I have found that simulated learning experiences are invaluable. They provide opportunities for students to practice patient care scenarios in a safe, controlled environment while preparing for clinicals and later role transition. At MSU, your campus visits will include learning opportunities in state-of-the-art simulation labs. The labs feature multiple classrooms, simulation research and laboratory spaces, high-fidelity manikins, and video equipment.• The Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing at MSU offers graduate nursing students, like those in the PMHNP programs, opportunities to participate in study abroad programs! The Tanzania study abroad experience awards clinical credit to DNP students. Some of the activities in the study abroad program include providing health education and support to families in rural villages and providing collaborative interdisciplinary care to individuals and families.
• In 1999, Montana State University established the Caring for Our Own Program (CO-OP). This student support program was designed to increase the enrollment of American Indian nursing students and build a strong pool of Alaska Native and American Indian nurses in practice, leadership, and management to serve Indian Communities. CO-OP is instrumental in promoting cultural competence in nursing, which is essential to providing quality nursing care.
• Graduates of the PMHNP programs in Montana at MSU have excellent records of success. The school reports most graduates pass their national certification exams on the first attempt, which indicates a strong program designed to prepare students for success.
HOW MUCH DO PMHNP GRADUATES MAKE IN MONTANA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN MONTANA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $48.54 |
| Weekly | $1,942 |
| Monthly | $8,410 |
| Annual | $100,960 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN MONTANA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $48.54 | $1,942 | $8,410 | $100,960 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $54.92 | $2,197 | $9,520 | $114,240 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $64.83 | $2,593 | $11,240 | $134,850 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $72.20 | $2,888 | $12,510 | $150,170 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $86.28 | $3,451 | $14,960 | $179,460 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PMHNP SALARY IN MONTANA?
| Hourly | $65.98 |
| Weekly | $2,639 |
| Monthly | $11,440 |
| Annual | $137,230 |
HOW MUCH DO PMHNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF MONTANA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Billings | $67.65 | $2,706 | $11,730 | $140,710 |
| Great Falls | $63.39 | $2,536 | $10,990 | $131,860 |
| Missoula | $63.44 | $2,538 | $11,000 | $131,950 |
PMHNP SALARY IN MONTANA VS. OTHER SALARIES
PMHNP SALARY IN MONTANA VS. PMHNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Montana PMHNP Annual Salary | Average National PMHNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $137,230 | $141,470 | -$4,240 | -3.00% |
PMHNP SALARY IN MONTANA VS. PMHNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $177,860 | -$40,630 | -22.84% |
| Nevada | $163,690 | -$26,460 | -16.16% |
| Washington | $160,090 | -$22,860 | -14.28% |
| New Jersey | $159,680 | -$22,450 | -14.06% |
| Oregon | $159,590 | -$22,360 | -14.01% |
| Massachusetts | $158,560 | -$21,330 | -13.45% |
| New York | $157,260 | -$20,030 | -12.74% |
| Connecticut | $150,820 | -$13,590 | -9.01% |
| New Mexico | $150,590 | -$13,360 | -8.87% |
| Minnesota | $148,650 | -$11,420 | -7.68% |
| District of Columbia | $148,470 | -$11,240 | -7.57% |
| Rhode Island | $146,940 | -$9,710 | -6.61% |
| Hawaii | $146,010 | -$8,780 | -6.01% |
| Arizona | $145,950 | -$8,720 | -5.97% |
| Delaware | $144,350 | -$7,120 | -4.93% |
| Iowa | $144,040 | -$6,810 | -4.73% |
| New Hampshire | $143,950 | -$6,720 | -4.67% |
| Texas | $143,140 | -$5,910 | -4.13% |
| Wisconsin | $141,290 | -$4,060 | -2.87% |
| Maryland | $140,920 | -$3,690 | -2.62% |
| Utah | $140,730 | -$3,500 | -2.49% |
| North Dakota | $140,670 | -$3,440 | -2.45% |
| Pennsylvania | $140,320 | -$3,090 | -2.20% |
| Illinois | $139,720 | -$2,490 | -1.78% |
| Alaska | $138,920 | -$1,690 | -1.22% |
| Vermont | $138,840 | -$1,610 | -1.16% |
| Montana | $137,230 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Idaho | $137,130 | +$100 | +0.07% |
| Oklahoma | $136,890 | +$340 | +0.25% |
| Wyoming | $136,040 | +$1,190 | +0.87% |
| Indiana | $135,780 | +$1,450 | +1.07% |
| Maine | $135,360 | +$1,870 | +1.38% |
| Ohio | $135,280 | +$1,950 | +1.44% |
| Colorado | $134,310 | +$2,920 | +2.17% |
| Nebraska | $133,970 | +$3,260 | +2.43% |
| North Carolina | $133,870 | +$3,360 | +2.51% |
| Georgia | $133,390 | +$3,840 | +2.88% |
| South Dakota | $133,200 | +$4,030 | +3.03% |
| Virginia | $133,080 | +$4,150 | +3.12% |
| Michigan | $132,870 | +$4,360 | +3.28% |
| Florida | $131,800 | +$5,430 | +4.12% |
| Kansas | $131,320 | +$5,910 | +4.50% |
| Louisiana | $130,660 | +$6,570 | +5.03% |
| Mississippi | $129,360 | +$7,870 | +6.08% |
| South Carolina | $128,750 | +$8,480 | +6.59% |
| Missouri | $128,470 | +$8,760 | +6.82% |
| West Virginia | $124,910 | +$12,320 | +9.86% |
| Arkansas | $124,870 | +$12,360 | +9.90% |
| Kentucky | $121,520 | +$15,710 | +12.93% |
| Alabama | $121,130 | +$16,100 | +13.29% |
| Tennessee | $114,200 | +$23,030 | +20.17% |
PMHNP SALARY IN MONTANA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN MONTANA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $256,460 | -$119,230 | -46.49% |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $137,230 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $85,120 | +$52,110 | +61.22% |
| Registered Nurse | $82,950 | +$54,280 | +65.44% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $55,450 | +$81,780 | +147.48% |
| Nursing Assistant | $40,800 | +$96,430 | +236.35% |
PMHNP SALARY IN MONTANA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN MONTANA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $204,410 | -$67,180 | -32.87% |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $137,230 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $132,450 | +$4,780 | +3.61% |
| Pharmacist | $131,260 | +$5,970 | +4.55% |
| Optometrist | $123,890 | +$13,340 | +10.77% |
| Radiation Therapist | $114,210 | +$23,020 | +20.16% |
| Veterinarian | $94,070 | +$43,160 | +45.88% |
| Dental Hygienist | $88,990 | +$48,240 | +54.21% |
| Audiologist | $88,310 | +$48,920 | +55.40% |
| Occupational Therapist | $87,380 | +$49,850 | +57.05% |
| Physical Therapist | $85,550 | +$51,680 | +60.41% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $81,970 | +$55,260 | +67.41% |
| Chiropractor | $77,170 | +$60,060 | +77.83% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits PMHNP Programs In Montana?
| 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 Montana?
| 1 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Hour In Montana?
| $65.98 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Week In Montana?
| $2,639 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Month In Montana?
| $11,440 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Year In Montana?
| $137,230 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For PMHNPs In Montana?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +51.14% |
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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