Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in New Mexico (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Are you an RN in New Mexico who’s concerned about the state’s mental health crisis? As a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, you’ll be able to do something about it. There’s a tremendous shortage of trained professionals qualified to deal with the mental health fallout from the state’s high poverty, suicide, and substance addiction rates. PMHNP programs in New Mexico will teach you how to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage residents impacted by depression, anxiety, and other behavioral and mental health disorders. As a PMHNP, you’ll make $150,590 annually, and demand for your services will rise by an astounding 65 percent in just 10 years. There’s lots more information in this guide to the best PMHNP programs in New Mexico.
FOLLOWING ARE THE BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN NEW MEXICO (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in New Mexico.)
1. University of New Mexico - Albuquerque
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Are you a bachelor’s-prepared registered nurse ready to take on a leadership role in psychiatric health care? Have you considered earning a graduate degree and becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner? If so, the University of New Mexico has a program that I believe is worth considering.
The program, one of the best PMHNP programs in New Mexico, is designed to be completed in eight consecutive terms, taking less than three years. The hybrid learning format combines online and in-person classes with on-site simulations and clinical experiences. The curriculum consists of 69 total credits and includes 300 project/thinking hours and 100 lab hours. Also, post-bachelor's DNP students complete at least 1,000 clinical practice hours. In this program, you will study in classes, including Psychotherapy & behavior Change, Neurobiology & Psychopharmacology, and Psychiatric Diagnostic Reasoning.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Admission to the BSN-to-DNP program is contingent upon meeting the following requirements. Candidates must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree earned at an accredited college or university, a current RN license, and one year of work experience as a registered nurse or in a closely related field.
Applicants are required to submit an application and official transcripts from all colleges or universities they have attended to the UNM Graduate Admissions office. Documentation to be submitted includes a completed NursingCAS application, three letters of recommendation, a current resume or CV, and answers to three essay questions. Applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are preferred. However, candidates with a grade point average less than 3.0 will be considered on an individual basis and will be asked to provide a statement explaining their GPA.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you already have a graduate degree in nursing and you now want to specialize as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, the Post-Graduate Certificate program at the University of New Mexico is a great option! The program features a hybrid learning format of synchronous online classes and hands-on teaching, simulation, and clinical experiences.
The PMHNP Concentration Coordinator performs a GAP analysis of your master’s and/or doctoral nursing courses and determines an individualized plan of study. All students in the Post-Graduate Certificate program complete at least 15 graduate credit hours. The program also includes 750 clinical hours.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Candidates desiring admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program at the University of New Mexico must have a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from a nursing program accredited by the CCNE or NLN. Although applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are preferred, if your cumulative grade point average is less than 3.0, you may be considered on an individual basis. Applicants are required to submit transcripts from all post-secondary schools they have attended, three letters of recommendation, three essay responses, a current resume or curriculum vitae, a copy of their current New Mexico RN license, and a copy of an APRN license or specialty certification, if applicable. Required documentation and completed applications are to be submitted through NursingCAS.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At the University of New Mexico, you will learn from PMHNP program faculty, who are leaders in research and clinical practice. Each faculty member brings years of experience and personal insight to the classroom and clinicals. Their dedication to the program and the healthcare profession will be instrumental in guiding you as you prepare to begin a new role as a Psychiatric Mental Health NP.• As a nurse educator, I believe simulated learning experiences are vital to nursing education. At the University of New Mexico, you will have opportunities to practice skills in the school’s high-tech Simulation Center. Your simulated learning experiences consist of at least 100 lab hours and a low faculty-student ratio, making it easier to have individualized attention.
• At UNM, the Office of Clinical Affairs team will locate and secure clinical placements for you. The school has partnerships with several sites and dedicated preceptors throughout New Mexico. Clinical Affairs staff make efforts to collaborate with students based on needs and preferences.
• One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a PMHNP program in New Mexico is student success rates. I recommend prospective students research programs to find out about graduation rates, national certification pass rates, and job placement rates, as each of these are strong indicators of a program's quality. For instance, the PMHNP program at the University of New Mexico reports that graduates have a 100% certification exam pass rate and that most graduates find a PMHNP job within six months of graduation.
2. New Mexico State University - Las Cruces
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post Graduate APRN Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: New Mexico State University offers another excellent BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program in New Mexico. The program, which is designed to be completed in three years on a full-time basis, admits students annually in the fall.
This post-baccalaureate PMHNP program features a distance education format that includes online coursework, an on-campus orientation, a one-week campus-based intensive before the third year, and clinical practicums in your hometown. The 74-credit curriculum includes classes such as Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice, Advanced Pathophysiology for Clinical Practice, PMHNP Across the Lifespan, and Integrated Care for Diverse Populations. 1,088 clinical hours are incorporated into the curriculum.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: The BSN-to-DNP program at New Mexico State University is available to applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program and a minimum nursing grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Candidates must complete a DNP program application through the NMSU Graduate School. Additionally, a copy of your current, unencumbered RN license, a current resume or CV, transcripts from nursing programs/degrees, a Letter of Intent, and the names and contact information for three references from clinical colleagues are required.
Post Graduate APRN Certificate Program Details: If you are a master’s- or doctorally-prepared Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who wants to become a Psychiatric Mental Health NP, the Post-Graduate APRN Certificate program at NMSU can help you accomplish that goal. The program admits students in the fall each year and takes three semesters to complete.
This Post-Graduate APRN Certificate program features a distance-learning format that combines synchronous and asynchronous course offerings. The curriculum consists of 18 credits and includes a minimum of 500 clinical hours, which are required for national certification.
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Graduate APRN Certificate program, you must possess an active and current APRN license and certification as a Nurse Practitioner, CNM, CRNA, or CNS. Candidates are required to have a master’s degree or doctoral degree in nursing with a minimum nursing GPA of 3.0. In addition to completing an online application, you must upload a current CV or resume, a copy of your nurse practitioner or other APRN certification, transcripts from all nursing programs, a Letter of Intent, and contact information for three references.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At New Mexico State University, you will learn from experienced Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners and other nursing faculty dedicated to your success. Program faculty come from diverse clinical backgrounds and bring expertise and insight from several areas, including child and adolescent mental health, addiction and substance use disorders, and chronic mental illnesses.• Substance abuse is a serious issue impacting populations worldwide, and as a PMHNP, you will be instrumental in helping clients address and overcome these problems. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at NMSU integrates competencies for diagnosing, treating, and preventing opioid and other substance use disorders throughout its rich curriculum. As part of the program, you will have the opportunity to work with clients undergoing medication-assisted treatment and other evidence-based therapies aimed at substance use recovery.
• Clinical practicums are a required component of your PMHNP program. As a student at New Mexico State University, you will have the opportunity to complete your clinical requirements in settings close to your home. Although you may secure sites and preceptors for your clinicals, course faculty will be there to guide and support you.
• You can usually tell a lot about a school or program by checking out student satisfaction surveys or reports. In fact, when I talk with prospective students, I encourage them to find out what others are saying about a program. Schools with good retention and graduation rates, high student satisfaction scores, and good national certification exam and job placement rates are typically excellent choices. New Mexico State University's PMHNP program checks all those boxes, making it the perfect place to earn your degree or Post-Graduate APRN Certificate!
HOW MUCH DO PMHNP GRADUATES MAKE IN NEW MEXICO?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN NEW MEXICO EXPECT?
| Hourly | $53.26 |
| Weekly | $2,131 |
| Monthly | $9,230 |
| Annual | $110,790 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN NEW MEXICO EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $53.26 | $2,131 | $9,230 | $110,790 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $60.27 | $2,411 | $10,450 | $125,360 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $71.14 | $2,846 | $12,330 | $147,980 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $79.23 | $3,169 | $13,730 | $164,790 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $94.68 | $3,787 | $16,410 | $196,930 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PMHNP SALARY IN NEW MEXICO?
| Hourly | $72.40 |
| Weekly | $2,896 |
| Monthly | $12,550 |
| Annual | $150,590 |
HOW MUCH DO PMHNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF NEW MEXICO?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Albuquerque | $71.83 | $2,873 | $12,450 | $149,400 |
| Farmington | $67.68 | $2,707 | $11,730 | $140,780 |
| Las Cruces | $64.61 | $2,584 | $11,200 | $134,390 |
| Santa Fe | $71.02 | $2,841 | $12,310 | $147,720 |
PMHNP SALARY IN NEW MEXICO VS. OTHER SALARIES
PMHNP SALARY IN NEW MEXICO VS. PMHNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average New Mexico PMHNP Annual Salary | Average National PMHNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $150,590 | $141,470 | +$9,120 | +6.45% |
PMHNP SALARY IN NEW MEXICO VS. PMHNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $177,860 | -$27,270 | -15.33% |
| Nevada | $163,690 | -$13,100 | -8.00% |
| Washington | $160,090 | -$9,500 | -5.93% |
| New Jersey | $159,680 | -$9,090 | -5.69% |
| Oregon | $159,590 | -$9,000 | -5.64% |
| Massachusetts | $158,560 | -$7,970 | -5.03% |
| New York | $157,260 | -$6,670 | -4.24% |
| Connecticut | $150,820 | -$230 | -0.15% |
| New Mexico | $150,590 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Minnesota | $148,650 | +$1,940 | +1.31% |
| District of Columbia | $148,470 | +$2,120 | +1.43% |
| Rhode Island | $146,940 | +$3,650 | +2.48% |
| Hawaii | $146,010 | +$4,580 | +3.14% |
| Arizona | $145,950 | +$4,640 | +3.18% |
| Delaware | $144,350 | +$6,240 | +4.32% |
| Iowa | $144,040 | +$6,550 | +4.55% |
| New Hampshire | $143,950 | +$6,640 | +4.61% |
| Texas | $143,140 | +$7,450 | +5.20% |
| Wisconsin | $141,290 | +$9,300 | +6.58% |
| Maryland | $140,920 | +$9,670 | +6.86% |
| Utah | $140,730 | +$9,860 | +7.01% |
| North Dakota | $140,670 | +$9,920 | +7.05% |
| Pennsylvania | $140,320 | +$10,270 | +7.32% |
| Illinois | $139,720 | +$10,870 | +7.78% |
| Alaska | $138,920 | +$11,670 | +8.40% |
| Vermont | $138,840 | +$11,750 | +8.46% |
| Montana | $137,230 | +$13,360 | +9.74% |
| Idaho | $137,130 | +$13,460 | +9.82% |
| Oklahoma | $136,890 | +$13,700 | +10.01% |
| Wyoming | $136,040 | +$14,550 | +10.70% |
| Indiana | $135,780 | +$14,810 | +10.91% |
| Maine | $135,360 | +$15,230 | +11.25% |
| Ohio | $135,280 | +$15,310 | +11.32% |
| Colorado | $134,310 | +$16,280 | +12.12% |
| Nebraska | $133,970 | +$16,620 | +12.41% |
| North Carolina | $133,870 | +$16,720 | +12.49% |
| Georgia | $133,390 | +$17,200 | +12.89% |
| South Dakota | $133,200 | +$17,390 | +13.06% |
| Virginia | $133,080 | +$17,510 | +13.16% |
| Michigan | $132,870 | +$17,720 | +13.34% |
| Florida | $131,800 | +$18,790 | +14.26% |
| Kansas | $131,320 | +$19,270 | +14.67% |
| Louisiana | $130,660 | +$19,930 | +15.25% |
| Mississippi | $129,360 | +$21,230 | +16.41% |
| South Carolina | $128,750 | +$21,840 | +16.96% |
| Missouri | $128,470 | +$22,120 | +17.22% |
| West Virginia | $124,910 | +$25,680 | +20.56% |
| Arkansas | $124,870 | +$25,720 | +20.60% |
| Kentucky | $121,520 | +$29,070 | +23.92% |
| Alabama | $121,130 | +$29,460 | +24.32% |
| Tennessee | $114,200 | +$36,390 | +31.87% |
PMHNP SALARY IN NEW MEXICO VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN NEW MEXICO
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $212,950 | -$62,360 | -29.28% |
| Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | $150,590 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $116,780 | +$33,810 | +28.95% |
| Registered Nurse | $92,140 | +$58,450 | +63.44% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $72,850 | +$77,740 | +106.71% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $56,130 | +$94,460 | +168.29% |
| Nursing Assistant | $37,030 | +$113,560 | +306.67% |
PMHNP SALARY IN NEW MEXICO VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN NEW MEXICO
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $190,530 | -$39,940 | -20.96% |
| Podiatrist | $152,490 | -$1,900 | -1.25% |
| Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | $150,590 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Optometrist | $146,280 | +$4,310 | +2.95% |
| Physician Assistant | $133,140 | +$17,450 | +13.11% |
| Pharmacist | $131,420 | +$19,170 | +14.59% |
| Veterinarian | $121,430 | +$29,160 | +24.01% |
| Occupational Therapist | $100,740 | +$49,850 | +49.48% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $100,470 | +$50,120 | +49.89% |
| Physical Therapist | $98,290 | +$52,300 | +53.21% |
| Dental Hygienist | $92,100 | +$58,490 | +63.51% |
| Audiologist | $81,880 | +$68,710 | +83.92% |
| Chiropractor | $76,840 | +$73,750 | +95.98% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits PMHNP Programs In New Mexico?
| 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 New Mexico?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Hour In New Mexico?
| $72.40 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Week In New Mexico?
| $2,896 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Month In New Mexico?
| $12,550 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Year In New Mexico?
| $150,590 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For PMHNPs In New Mexico?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +64.78% |
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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