Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Nevada (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
PMHNP programs in Nevada are for people like you who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in the field of mental health. As a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner in the Silver State, you’ll be able to work across a wide range of practice settings, including private practices, psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, and telehealth platforms. Since Nevada is a full-practice state for nurse practitioners, you may even be able to open up your own private practice! In the Silver State, the average salary for PMHNPs is $163,690 annually, and job openings for PMHNPs are expected to go up by 51 percent in the coming decade. Learn more by reading this guide to the best PMHNP programs in Nevada.
FOLLOWING ARE THE BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN NEVADA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in Nevada.)
1. University of Nevada-Las Vegas - Las Vegas
Programs Offered: MSN and Advanced Graduate Certificate
MSN Program Details: Are you considering a career as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and searching for the best PMHNP programs in Nevada? If so, I suggest considering the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. At UNLV, registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing can earn a Master of Science in Nursing and specialize in the PMHNP concentration.
The program admits students in the fall annually and takes four semesters to complete on a full-time basis. A part-time option is also available. Various teaching modalities are utilized in the program, including online classes, in-person simulations, and face-to-face clinical practicums. Mandatory on-campus sessions occur periodically throughout the program. Campus visits include orientation, skills labs, Interprofessional Education Workshops, and Scholarly Project events.
The MSN Psychiatric Mental Health NP program features a 46-credit curriculum comprised of MSN core and PMHNP courses and clinicals. You will study in classes, including Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan, Diagnostic Reasoning & Clinical Decision-Making for the APRN, Advanced Practice Nurse Business & Roles, and Family Theory & Health Promotion.
Clinical practicums begin in the first semester of the program and continue until graduation. In this program, you will complete a minimum of 585 clinical hours. The UNLV School of Nursing has partnerships with several clinical sites and preceptors in the greater Las Vegas Metro. If you live out-of-state, the school will partner with you to identify prospective preceptors and clinical practice sites in your local community.
MSN Admission Requirements: The MSN PMHNP program at UNLV is available to registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited nursing program. Candidates must have a current, unrestricted RN license in Nevada or the state where clinicals will be completed. Applicants are required to complete a UNLV Graduate College application and submit supplemental documentation.
In addition to your application, you are required to provide official transcripts for all previous colleges and professional schools you have attended, three letters of recommendation from former instructors or employers, a curriculum vitae or resume, a Statement of Professional Goals, and a copy of your nursing license. Candidates must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher for the last two years of undergraduate coursework and at least one year of clinical work experience as a registered nurse.
Advanced Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you are a registered nurse with a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing and you want to add the PMHNP specialty, the Advanced Graduate Certificate program at UNLV is a great option. This program prepares you with the knowledge and skills needed to become an advanced practice nurse in psychiatric mental health. The program features exclusively online coursework, making it an excellent option for working professionals.
The Advanced Graduate Certificate program offers two pathways: the AGC in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner for the FNP and the AGC in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Students who are currently licensed Family Nurse Practitioners begin the program in the spring and take three semesters to graduate. Non-FNP students begin in the fall and take four semesters to complete the program. The program features web-based coursework and occasional visits to campus. FNP students in the PMHNP program complete 20 credits, and non-FNP students complete 28 credits. Both options require at least 540 clinical hours.
Advanced Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the Advanced Graduate Certificate program at UNLV must have a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program. After completing an application for admission, applicants must provide three letters of recommendation, a Professional Goals Statement, a current resume or CV, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools they have attended.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse and nurse educator, I understand how important it is to find a nursing program with a good record of success. When I talk to prospective students searching for a school or program, I recommend looking for schools that are highly ranked by reputable sources. For example, the University of Nevada-Las Vegas is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in the Best Nursing Schools: Master’s category of its 2024 rankings. U.S. News & World Report is known for providing trusting rankings and in-depth reviews on colleges and programs using several indicators of excellence.• Graduates of the PMHNP program at the University of Nevada- Las Vegas have a consistent record of excellent performance on national certification examinations. The high pass rates on these exams indicate the program provides a strong program designed to prepare students for the role of a PMHNP.
• At UNLV, you will have an academic advisor who serves as your mentor throughout your time in the PMHNP program. Your advisor will provide guidance, support, and access to resources to help promote your success.
• Socioeconomic factors are a major contributing factor related to mental health issues like depression and anxiety and often lead to individuals not seeking help. At the University of Nevada- Las Vegas, part of your training will include the Poverty Simulation. This simulated learning experience is designed to give you insight into the struggles that low-income families face. I love the idea of this experience because it is used as an empathy building tool, and empathy is crucial to the success of a Psychiatric Mental Health NP.
2. University of Nevada - Reno
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate
MSN Program Details: If you are a registered nurse searching for a PMHNP program in Nevada, the University of Nevada has a few options worth considering. One pathway the school offers is the Master of Science in Nursing PMHNP program. The program admits students twice each year in the spring and fall semesters.
In this post-bachelor’s MSN program, you will learn methods to provide strategic, interdisciplinary, patient-centered psychiatric care to individuals, groups, and populations. The MSN PMHNP program requires the completion of at least 48 credits. In this program, you will complete 720 practicum hours. While the school has several clinical affiliate partners, students may collaborate with faculty to identify clinical sites and preceptors.
MSN Admission Requirements: Eligible applicants for the MSN PMHNP program at the University of Nevada will possess a baccalaureate degree with an upper-division major in nursing from a CCNE- or NLNAC-accredited program or an associate degree in nursing and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree with two years of clinical nursing experience.
Candidates are required to provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended and have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0. Additional documentation to be submitted includes verification of a current, unencumbered RN license, a Statement of Intent, an admission essay, three professional letters of recommendation, and proof of completion of a graduate-level applied statistics course. An admission interview may also be required.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health NP program is an excellent choice for registered nurses who wish to earn a terminal nursing degree and become a PMHNP. The program is available with both part-time and full-time enrollment options. Part-time students take an average of four-and-a-half to five years to complete the program, and full-time students take three years.
The program is a 76-credit pathway. The curriculum features classes, including Mental Health Assessment Across the Lifespan, Mental Health Diagnosis & Management of Children & Adolescents, Advanced Ambulatory Pharmacology, and Populations & Aggregate Health Issues. There are 720 specialty-specific practicum hours and 240 DNP Project and Residency practicum hours included in the curriculum.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: The post-baccalaureate DNP program is available to candidates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing earned at a CCNE- or NLNAC-accredited nursing program. Applicants must have a current, unencumbered RN license in the United States and be eligible to practice as a Registered Nurse in Nevada. To be considered, you must provide three letters of recommendation, a current resume, a Statement of Intent, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended. An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is required. Additionally, transcripts should reflect the completion of coursework in Statistics, Growth & Development (across the lifespan), Basic Research, and Health Assessment. Some candidates will be asked to interview with program faculty.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: The University of Nevada also offers a Post-Master’s Certificate program for master’s-prepared registered nurses who wish to add the PMHNP specialty to their professional credentials. The program has two tracks: a Non-APRN track and a track for current APRNs.
Current Advanced Practice Registered Nurses complete 23 credits, and non-APRNs complete 38-39 credits to earn the certificate. The curriculum features classes, including Assessment & Management in Primary Mental Health Settings, Advanced Pharmacology for Mental Health, and Advanced Mental Health Therapies: Individuals & Groups. All students in the Post-Master’s Certificate program complete 500 clinical practicum hours.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: Prospective students desiring admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate program should possess a Master of Science in Nursing degree from a CCNE- or NLN-accredited nursing program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Candidates must complete a Graduate School application and provide a resume or CV, a Letter of Intent, and three letters of recommendation. An interview with the program faculty may be required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At the University of Nevada- Reno, graduate nursing students, like those in the PMHNP program, have opportunities to participate in graduate assistantships. The assistantships include benefits like a monthly stipend and fee waivers for graduate-level coursework, which can ease the financial burden of earning your degree.• The UNR School of Nursing has provided quality nursing education for over 60 years. The school’s proven track record of preparing successful students for advanced practice nursing roles is one of many reasons it is a great choice of where to pursue a PMHNP program in Nevada.
• The School of Nursing’s faculty boasts hundreds of years of combined experience in professional health care and nursing education. Their broad range of clinical experiences and personal insight will prepare you for success in the program and your career after graduation.
• Graduates of the University of Nevada PMHNP program have excellent job placement rates following completion of the program. According to the school, nearly all students who respond to post-graduation surveys report being employed as a Psychiatric Mental Health NP within three to six months of completing the program. Some students receive offers of employment while still enrolled and contingent upon graduation and passing their national certification exams.
HOW MUCH DO PMHNP GRADUATES MAKE IN NEVADA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN NEVADA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $57.90 |
| Weekly | $2,316 |
| Monthly | $10,040 |
| Annual | $120,430 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN NEVADA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $57.90 | $2,316 | $10,040 | $120,430 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $65.51 | $2,620 | $11,360 | $136,260 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $77.33 | $3,093 | $13,400 | $160,850 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $86.12 | $3,445 | $14,930 | $179,130 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $102.91 | $4,117 | $17,840 | $214,060 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PMHNP SALARY IN NEVADA?
| Hourly | $78.70 |
| Weekly | $3,148 |
| Monthly | $13,640 |
| Annual | $163,690 |
HOW MUCH DO PMHNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF NEVADA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Carson City | $81.90 | $3,276 | $14,200 | $170,350 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise | $79.38 | $3,175 | $13,760 | $165,110 |
| Reno | $77.67 | $3,107 | $13,460 | $161,560 |
PMHNP SALARY IN NEVADA VS. OTHER SALARIES
PMHNP SALARY IN NEVADA VS. PMHNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Nevada PMHNP Annual Salary | Average National PMHNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $163,690 | $141,470 | +$22,220 | +15.71% |
PMHNP SALARY IN NEVADA VS. PMHNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $177,860 | -$14,170 | -7.97% |
| Nevada | $163,690 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Washington | $160,090 | +$3,600 | +2.25% |
| New Jersey | $159,680 | +$4,010 | +2.51% |
| Oregon | $159,590 | +$4,100 | +2.57% |
| Massachusetts | $158,560 | +$5,130 | +3.24% |
| New York | $157,260 | +$6,430 | +4.09% |
| Connecticut | $150,820 | +$12,870 | +8.53% |
| New Mexico | $150,590 | +$13,100 | +8.70% |
| Minnesota | $148,650 | +$15,040 | +10.12% |
| District of Columbia | $148,470 | +$15,220 | +10.25% |
| Rhode Island | $146,940 | +$16,750 | +11.40% |
| Hawaii | $146,010 | +$17,680 | +12.11% |
| Arizona | $145,950 | +$17,740 | +12.15% |
| Delaware | $144,350 | +$19,340 | +13.40% |
| Iowa | $144,040 | +$19,650 | +13.64% |
| New Hampshire | $143,950 | +$19,740 | +13.71% |
| Texas | $143,140 | +$20,550 | +14.36% |
| Wisconsin | $141,290 | +$22,400 | +15.85% |
| Maryland | $140,920 | +$22,770 | +16.16% |
| Utah | $140,730 | +$22,960 | +16.31% |
| North Dakota | $140,670 | +$23,020 | +16.36% |
| Pennsylvania | $140,320 | +$23,370 | +16.65% |
| Illinois | $139,720 | +$23,970 | +17.16% |
| Alaska | $138,920 | +$24,770 | +17.83% |
| Vermont | $138,840 | +$24,850 | +17.90% |
| Montana | $137,230 | +$26,460 | +19.28% |
| Idaho | $137,130 | +$26,560 | +19.37% |
| Oklahoma | $136,890 | +$26,800 | +19.58% |
| Wyoming | $136,040 | +$27,650 | +20.32% |
| Indiana | $135,780 | +$27,910 | +20.56% |
| Maine | $135,360 | +$28,330 | +20.93% |
| Ohio | $135,280 | +$28,410 | +21.00% |
| Colorado | $134,310 | +$29,380 | +21.87% |
| Nebraska | $133,970 | +$29,720 | +22.18% |
| North Carolina | $133,870 | +$29,820 | +22.28% |
| Georgia | $133,390 | +$30,300 | +22.72% |
| South Dakota | $133,200 | +$30,490 | +22.89% |
| Virginia | $133,080 | +$30,610 | +23.00% |
| Michigan | $132,870 | +$30,820 | +23.20% |
| Florida | $131,800 | +$31,890 | +24.20% |
| Kansas | $131,320 | +$32,370 | +24.65% |
| Louisiana | $130,660 | +$33,030 | +25.28% |
| Mississippi | $129,360 | +$34,330 | +26.54% |
| South Carolina | $128,750 | +$34,940 | +27.14% |
| Missouri | $128,470 | +$35,220 | +27.41% |
| West Virginia | $124,910 | +$38,780 | +31.05% |
| Arkansas | $124,870 | +$38,820 | +31.09% |
| Kentucky | $121,520 | +$42,170 | +34.70% |
| Alabama | $121,130 | +$42,560 | +35.14% |
| Tennessee | $114,200 | +$49,490 | +43.34% |
PMHNP SALARY IN NEVADA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN NEVADA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $163,690 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $99,320 | +$64,370 | +64.81% |
| Registered Nurse | $97,700 | +$65,990 | +67.54% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $66,580 | +$97,110 | +145.85% |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,420 | +$120,270 | +276.99% |
PMHNP SALARY IN NEVADA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN NEVADA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $163,690 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $154,800 | +$8,890 | +5.74% |
| Dentist | $144,420 | +$19,270 | +13.34% |
| Pharmacist | $131,820 | +$31,870 | +24.18% |
| Optometrist | $122,610 | +$41,080 | +33.50% |
| Physical Therapist | $111,460 | +$52,230 | +46.86% |
| Chiropractor | $107,920 | +$55,770 | +51.68% |
| Occupational Therapist | $107,070 | +$56,620 | +52.88% |
| Veterinarian | $104,830 | +$58,860 | +56.15% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $100,620 | +$63,070 | +62.68% |
| Radiation Therapist | $90,980 | +$72,710 | +79.92% |
| Dental Hygienist | $90,320 | +$73,370 | +81.23% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits PMHNP Programs In Nevada?
| 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 Nevada?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Hour In Nevada?
| $78.70 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Week In Nevada?
| $3,148 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Month In Nevada?
| $13,640 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Year In Nevada?
| $163,690 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For PMHNPs In Nevada?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +51.09% |
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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