Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Nebraska (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Nebraska needs its psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners! Rising rates of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and other psychiatric and behavioral conditions have caused the demand for mental health services to rise throughout the Cornhusker State; in fact, within the next decade, there will be 36 percent more jobs for PMHNPs than there are today. Graduates of PMHNP programs in Nebraska play a vital role in assessing, diagnosing, treating, and managing Nebraskans affected by mental health disorders and can count on earning a median salary of $133,970 annually. If you’re an RN fascinated by the human mind, this could be the professional track for you. Find out more by reading this list of the best PMHNP programs in Nebraska.
FOLLOWING ARE THE BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN NEBRASKA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in Nebraska.)
1. University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-graduate Certificate
MSN Program Details: Are you a Registered Nurse considering becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and searching for a PMHNP program in Nebraska? If so, the University of Nebraska Medical Center has a few options that may interest you. One pathway the school offers is the MSN program with a PMHNP concentration. The program admits students annually in the fall. You may choose a three- or four-year plan of study based on your needs and academic goals.
The MSN program features a 50-credit curriculum. You will take classes, including Neuroscience Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing, Counseling Models & Therapy, Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing Management: Child & Adolescent, and Transformational Leadership & Complex Systems. The program includes a minimum of 600 clinical hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: Registered nurses with a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nursing program accredited by the ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA are eligible to apply for admission to the MSN program at The University of Nebraska Medical Center. Candidates must first complete an application for admission through NursingCAS. Additional required documentation includes three letters of recommendation, a curriculum vitae or professional resume, a Personal Statement, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 is preferred. However, on some occasions, candidates whose GPA is less than the minimum and who meet additional qualifications may be considered for admission.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a bachelor's-prepared RN ready to earn the highest clinical nursing degree and become a Psychiatric Mental Health NP, the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center could be the program for you. The program admits students annually in the fall semester and is designed to be completed in four years.
This post-baccalaureate DNP program is a 68-credit pathway. Your program begins with advanced coursework in subjects like Biostatistics & Epidemiology in Nursing Practice, Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced-Level Nursing, and Advanced Assessment & Clinical Reasoning Across the Lifespan. You will then transition to specialty and DNP courses and complete 1,000 clinical hours and a DNP Scholarly Project.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, applicants must have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a school of nursing accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and have a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the United States. One year of psychiatric nursing experience as an RN is required.
Applications for admission are submitted through NursingCAS. Applicants are required to submit a resume or CV, a Personal Statement, and three professional references. Additionally, official transcripts should reflect an undergraduate nursing grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you are an RN with a master’s or doctorate in nursing, you can continue advancing your career by earning a PMHNP Post-Graduate Certificate at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The program admits students in the fall annually and takes an average of three semesters to complete, depending on whether you pursue the certificate part-time or full-time.
To earn the Post-Graduate certificate, students follow the specialty curriculum courses and clinical guidelines as outlined in the MSN PMHNP program’s curriculum. A GAP analysis of your master’s or doctoral nursing transcripts will determine which credits may be applied toward the Post-Graduate certificate. 500 clinical hours relevant to the psychiatric specialty are required. You will collaborate with program faculty to identify clinical sites and preceptors close to your home.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program at the University of Nevada Medical Center, you must hold a master’s or doctorate in nursing from an accredited school of nursing. Candidates are asked to provide a current resume or CV, a Personal Statement, a sample of written work, and three professional references. Applications for admission are completed through NursingCAS.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The University of Nebraska Medical Center is recognized by U.S. News & World Report for outstanding nursing education. The school is ranked in both the Best Nursing Schools: Master’s and Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice categories of the U.S. News rankings.• The University of Nebraska Medical Center has a history of nursing education dating back to 1917 when the first 13 nursing students were admitted into the School of Nursing. The program endured several hardships, surviving the Great Depression, and continues to provide some of the best nursing programs in the country.
• At the University of Nebraska Medical Center, you will learn from nursing faculty who are pioneers in distance learning nursing education. Many faculty remain engaged in active practice in the college’s nurse-managed health centers and other clinical settings. Other faculty are active in research endeavors.
2. Creighton University - Omaha
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner) and Post-Graduate Certificate (Psychiatric-Mental Health Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner)
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Creighton University is home to one of the best online PMHNP programs in Nebraska. The program is designed to prepare you with the necessary skills to provide high-quality, patient-centered, and compassionate care to patients of all ages across the lifespan in need of psychiatric mental health care services. Part-time and full-time enrollment options are available. While coursework is offered online, some trips to campus are required to complete orientation and skills intensives.
The BSN-to-DNP curriculum includes coursework in three major areas: core courses, role/support courses, and advanced specialty nursing courses. You will begin the program by mastering core content such as statistics, research process and utilization, and data analysis. Then, you will move on to classes, including Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan & Diagnostics and Advanced Pathophysiology. The program is a 73-credit pathway that includes 1,200 specialty-focused and DNP practicum hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Prospective students desiring admission to the BSN-to-DNP program must have a BSN from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited college or university, an active, unrestricted RN license with eligibility to practice in Nebraska, and at least 2,000 hours of direct patient care nursing experience in psychiatrics.
Candidates must complete an online application and provide a Personal Statement, three letters of recommendation, a resume or curriculum vitae, and official transcripts from all educational institutions attended. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you have already earned a graduate degree in nursing and have set new goals to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, the Post-Graduate Certificate program at Creighton University is an excellent option.
The program is presented with a 21-credit curriculum. However, course requirements may be adjusted based on your previous graduate coursework. Verification of your previous coursework will be performed via a GAP analysis, after which a final plan of study will be developed based on your individual needs. 775 clinical practicum hours are included in the curriculum.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program at Creighton University, candidates must have a Master of Science in Nursing earned from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited college or university, an active, unencumbered RN license, and APRN-NP license. Applicants are required to provide official transcripts from all educational institutions attended, reflecting a college GPA of 3.0 or higher. Also, three letters of recommendation, a resume or curriculum vitae, and a Personal Statement are required. A personal interview with the program faculty may be requested. Interviews are conducted in person or virtually.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, one of the main things I suggest potential students consider when searching for a nursing program or school is student success rates. Look for programs with high national certification exam pass rates for their graduates. For example, the University of Nebraska Medical Center reports nearly 100% of graduates for the past five years have passed their national certification exams on the first attempt!• Although students in the PMHNP programs at UNMC can complete clinicals near home, that does not mean you are left alone. The school offers clinical placement assistance, and clinical advisors work with you to ensure you find appropriate sites and qualified preceptors so you have the best clinical experiences to prepare you for the role of a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
• At Creighton University, you will have continuous support for the PMHNP program. All students are assigned an academic advisor who acts as a go-to for help and guidance. Clinical coordinators, faculty, and other staff all serve as mentors and are available to assist you and promote your success in the program and beyond!
3. Clarkson College - Omaha
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate
MSN Program Details: If earning a Master’s degree in nursing and becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health NP is your goal, Clarkson College has a program worth considering! With flexible course scheduling, 100% online theory coursework, and clinical practicums in or near your hometown, the program makes it easy to pursue your degree while maintaining a healthy work/life/school balance. One campus visit is required during the program.
This MSN PMHNP program in Nebraska requires the completion of 51 credits. The curriculum consists of 19 core course credits and 32 major course credits. You will study Pharmacology for Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioners, Complex Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Concepts, Nursing Law & Ethics, and Advanced Pathophysiology. The program includes a minimum of 500 clinical hours. Program faculty collaborate with you to help identify appropriate clinical sites and preceptors.
MSN Admission Requirements: Eligible candidates for the MSN program at Clarkson College will hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or NLN CNEA-accredited nursing program and have an unencumbered RN license in the state where clinicals will occur. Candidates are required to complete a Graduate Nursing packet and must submit a Scholarly Essay, official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended, a current resume or CV, and a graduate application for admission. A cumulative college GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Bachelor’s-prepared registered nurses ready to earn a clinical doctorate and become a Psychiatric Mental Health NP can achieve that goal through the BSN-to-DNP program at Clarkson College. The BSN-to-DNP program is designed to prepare you with the advanced knowledge and clinical skills you need to perform in the advanced practice role of a psychiatric care provider and become certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The program is available with part-time and full-time options, allowing you to choose a pathway that is best suited to your needs.
While coursework is delivered online, you are required to attend an on-campus clinical course during at least one weekend of the program. The BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program is a 73-credit pathway. In addition to rich course content, you will complete at least 1,000 hours of clinical patient care in various clinical settings. Clinical practicum experiences are designed to prepare you to provide psychiatric care to patients across the lifespan requiring psychiatric healthcare services. Identifying and securing clinical sites and preceptors is a collaborative process between you and clinical faculty.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at Clarkson College must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and a current, unencumbered RN license in the United States, its territories, or its protectorates. The RN license must be effective in the state where clinical practicums or residency experiences will occur. Applicants are required to submit an application for admission, complete a graduate nursing packet, and provide a Scholarly Essay, current resume or CV, a copy of current RN license, and copies of all post-secondary transcripts reflecting a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you are a registered nurse with a master’s or doctoral degree and you wish to add the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner specialty to your professional profile, the Post-Graduate Certificate program at Clarkson College is a great program to consider. The program offers an online curriculum and clinical practicums in or near your home community, which makes it an excellent choice for working professionals.
The Post-Graduate Certificate program features a 35-semester-credit curriculum. However, an individual plan of study will be developed based on a review of your previous transcripts. Students who have already taken the Three P’s may have their plans adjusted to reflect fewer required credits. All students in the Post-Graduate Certificate program complete a minimum of 500 clinical practicum hours.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program, you must have a minimum of a Master’s degree in nursing. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted RN license and a current APRN license, if applicable. All Candidates are required to submit a graduate nursing packet, a Scholarly Essay, a curriculum vitae or professional resume, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended demonstrating a college GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Clarkson College is highly ranked among colleges offering graduate nursing programs, which is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a PMHNP program. The school has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 100 Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.• According to results from student satisfaction surveys at Clarkson College, current and former students of the nursing department report high satisfaction rates. Some of the factors that students/graduates rated include faculty engagement, clinical placements, certification exam preparation, and program affordability. Among those who returned surveys, most stated they would recommend the school to others.
• Graduates of the PMHNP program at Clarkson College have excellent job placement rates. Most graduates report securing employment within six months of the program’s completion and obtaining national certification. Job placement rates are a factor I believe all prospective students should consider when choosing a school, as they often indicate how well students are prepared to transition practice. Often, employers know the caliber of students that programs produce, and many make employment offers while students are still enrolled.
HOW MUCH DO PMHNP GRADUATES MAKE IN NEBRASKA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN NEBRASKA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $47.38 |
| Weekly | $1,895 |
| Monthly | $8,210 |
| Annual | $98,560 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN NEBRASKA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $47.38 | $1,895 | $8,210 | $98,560 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $53.62 | $2,145 | $9,290 | $111,520 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $63.29 | $2,532 | $10,970 | $131,640 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $70.49 | $2,819 | $12,220 | $146,610 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $84.23 | $3,369 | $14,600 | $175,200 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PMHNP SALARY IN NEBRASKA?
| Hourly | $64.41 |
| Weekly | $2,576 |
| Monthly | $11,160 |
| Annual | $133,970 |
HOW MUCH DO PMHNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF NEBRASKA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Grand Island | $62.90 | $2,516 | $10,900 | $130,830 |
| Lincoln | $64.09 | $2,563 | $11,110 | $133,300 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs | $63.94 | $2,558 | $11,080 | $133,000 |
PMHNP SALARY IN NEBRASKA VS. OTHER SALARIES
PMHNP SALARY IN NEBRASKA VS. PMHNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Nebraska PMHNP Annual Salary | Average National PMHNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $133,970 | $141,470 | -$7,500 | -5.30% |
PMHNP SALARY IN NEBRASKA VS. PMHNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $177,860 | -$43,890 | -24.68% |
| Nevada | $163,690 | -$29,720 | -18.16% |
| Washington | $160,090 | -$26,120 | -16.32% |
| New Jersey | $159,680 | -$25,710 | -16.10% |
| Oregon | $159,590 | -$25,620 | -16.05% |
| Massachusetts | $158,560 | -$24,590 | -15.51% |
| New York | $157,260 | -$23,290 | -14.81% |
| Connecticut | $150,820 | -$16,850 | -11.17% |
| New Mexico | $150,590 | -$16,620 | -11.04% |
| Minnesota | $148,650 | -$14,680 | -9.88% |
| District of Columbia | $148,470 | -$14,500 | -9.77% |
| Rhode Island | $146,940 | -$12,970 | -8.83% |
| Hawaii | $146,010 | -$12,040 | -8.25% |
| Arizona | $145,950 | -$11,980 | -8.21% |
| Delaware | $144,350 | -$10,380 | -7.19% |
| Iowa | $144,040 | -$10,070 | -6.99% |
| New Hampshire | $143,950 | -$9,980 | -6.93% |
| Texas | $143,140 | -$9,170 | -6.41% |
| Wisconsin | $141,290 | -$7,320 | -5.18% |
| Maryland | $140,920 | -$6,950 | -4.93% |
| Utah | $140,730 | -$6,760 | -4.80% |
| North Dakota | $140,670 | -$6,700 | -4.76% |
| Pennsylvania | $140,320 | -$6,350 | -4.53% |
| Illinois | $139,720 | -$5,750 | -4.12% |
| Alaska | $138,920 | -$4,950 | -3.56% |
| Vermont | $138,840 | -$4,870 | -3.51% |
| Montana | $137,230 | -$3,260 | -2.38% |
| Idaho | $137,130 | -$3,160 | -2.30% |
| Oklahoma | $136,890 | -$2,920 | -2.13% |
| Wyoming | $136,040 | -$2,070 | -1.52% |
| Indiana | $135,780 | -$1,810 | -1.33% |
| Maine | $135,360 | -$1,390 | -1.03% |
| Ohio | $135,280 | -$1,310 | -0.97% |
| Colorado | $134,310 | -$340 | -0.25% |
| Nebraska | $133,970 | $0 | 0.00% |
| North Carolina | $133,870 | +$100 | +0.07% |
| Georgia | $133,390 | +$580 | +0.43% |
| South Dakota | $133,200 | +$770 | +0.58% |
| Virginia | $133,080 | +$890 | +0.67% |
| Michigan | $132,870 | +$1,100 | +0.83% |
| Florida | $131,800 | +$2,170 | +1.65% |
| Kansas | $131,320 | +$2,650 | +2.02% |
| Louisiana | $130,660 | +$3,310 | +2.53% |
| Mississippi | $129,360 | +$4,610 | +3.56% |
| South Carolina | $128,750 | +$5,220 | +4.05% |
| Missouri | $128,470 | +$5,500 | +4.28% |
| West Virginia | $124,910 | +$9,060 | +7.25% |
| Arkansas | $124,870 | +$9,100 | +7.29% |
| Kentucky | $121,520 | +$12,450 | +10.25% |
| Alabama | $121,130 | +$12,840 | +10.60% |
| Tennessee | $114,200 | +$19,770 | +17.31% |
PMHNP SALARY IN NEBRASKA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN NEBRASKA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $212,860 | -$78,890 | -37.06% |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $133,970 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $79,780 | +$54,190 | +67.92% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $78,220 | +$55,750 | +71.27% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $56,120 | +$77,850 | +138.72% |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,470 | +$95,500 | +248.25% |
PMHNP SALARY IN NEBRASKA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN NEBRASKA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $204,980 | -$71,010 | -34.64% |
| Dentist | $167,990 | -$34,020 | -20.25% |
| Radiation Therapist | $136,510 | -$2,540 | -1.86% |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $133,970 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Pharmacist | $130,120 | +$3,850 | +2.96% |
| Physician Assistant | $126,330 | +$7,640 | +6.05% |
| Optometrist | $118,120 | +$15,850 | +13.42% |
| Veterinarian | $95,040 | +$38,930 | +40.96% |
| Audiologist | $91,530 | +$42,440 | +46.37% |
| Physical Therapist | $90,870 | +$43,100 | +47.43% |
| Occupational Therapist | $87,710 | +$46,260 | +52.74% |
| Dental Hygienist | $82,660 | +$51,310 | +62.07% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $80,080 | +$53,890 | +67.30% |
| Chiropractor | $72,260 | +$61,710 | +85.40% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits PMHNP Programs In Nebraska?
| 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 Nebraska?
| 3 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Hour In Nebraska?
| $64.41 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Week In Nebraska?
| $2,576 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Month In Nebraska?
| $11,160 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Year In Nebraska?
| $133,970 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For PMHNPs In Nebraska?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +35.75% |
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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