Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Oklahoma (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Oklahoma is a full-practice state for nurse practitioners, meaning that psychiatric-mental health NPs can assess, diagnose, treat, and manage psychiatric conditions without a physician’s supervision. Graduates of PMHNP programs in Oklahoma play such a vital role in providing comprehensive mental health services to residents of the Sooner State that the number of jobs available to them is expected to increase by 39 percent in just a single decade. The annual median salary for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners in Oklahoma is $136,890. If you’re an RN interested in how the human mind works, read the guide below to the 2 best PMHNP programs in Oklahoma to see if this specialty might be a good fit for you.
FOLLOWING ARE THE BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN OKLAHOMA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in Oklahoma.)
1. Oklahoma City University - Oklahoma City
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Advanced Practice Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Are you a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree with the goal of achieving a doctorate in nursing? Do you have plans to specialize as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner? If so, Oklahoma City University has an excellent program designed for students just like you! The BSN-to-DNP program is one of the best PMHNP programs in Oklahoma.
The program follows a four-year, full-time plan of study. Coursework for this PMHNP program is delivered in a variety of formats, including synchronous and asynchronous online or mixed classes and in-person learning sessions on campus. Students typically spend one class day per week on campus.
The BSN-to-DNP program is a 68-credit pathway. In this program, you will take classes, including Advanced Psychopharmacology, Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health for Advanced Practice, Translational Research & Evidence-Based Practice, and Transcultural & Global Health Care.
The DNP degree requires earning a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical practicum hours. Students enrolled in the BSN-to-DNP track will complete 780 hours within clinical courses. The remaining hours will be accrued through the completion of the DNP project and some didactic courses.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates interested in the BSN-to-DNP program at Oklahoma City University must have a minimum Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program, an active, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse, and at least one year of professional nursing experience or the equivalent. Begin the process by completing an Online Graduate Application. Applicants are asked to submit a Statement of Purpose, a current resume, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from each institution previously attended with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Additionally, candidates must show proof of having completed BSN-level health assessment and statistics courses.
Advanced Practice Certificate Program Details: Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who want to obtain education and certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner can choose the Advanced Practice Certificate program at Oklahoma City University. The program admits students in the summer and takes three semesters to complete.
The 23-credit curriculum includes courses in Advanced Psychopharmacology and Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health for Advanced Practice, as well as three clinical courses, which are complemented by clinical practicums. As a student in the Advanced Practice Certificate program, you will complete a minimum of 700 clinical hours. The school has clinical partnerships with various healthcare facilities and providers, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers, where you will complete a broad range of psychiatric mental health clinical experiences.
Advanced Practice Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Advanced Practice Certificate program at Oklahoma City University, you must have a current active APRN license in Oklahoma as a Pediatric, Adult, or Acute Care Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or other APRN role with national certification. Applicants are required to have a Master of Science in Nursing degree with a graduate grade point average of 3.25 or higher and show proof of completing graduate-level coursework in Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Advanced Pathophysiology. Documents to be submitted for review include a current curriculum vitae or professional resume, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts from all colleges or universities you attended, and a personal essay describing how the Post-Master’s NP Specialty certificate will help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At Oklahoma City University, you can take advantage of summer or semester-long study-abroad opportunities. The school is passionate about removing barriers to education and healthcare by providing affordable, quality opportunities for students. As a graduate nursing student, you can study abroad and impact the health of patients in underserved areas. These experiences open doors for you to gain educational, cultural, and global exchange competencies, which are crucial in the role of a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.• The OCU Kramer School of Nursing is led by faculty who are experienced nurses and nurse practitioners. Most faculty hold doctoral degrees and are Certified Nurse Educators. Their years of experience and expert insight will serve as a guide as you prepare to take on the new role of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
• As a student in the PMHNP program at Oklahoma City University, you will be assigned an academic advisor who will mentor you throughout the program. Your advisor will work with you to ensure you have an appropriate study plan in place and that you are meeting academic goals in a timely manner. Their goal is to help you succeed!
• The PMHNP programs at OCU have excellent retention and graduation rates. This is an important factor to consider when choosing a program, as it indicates that students are satisfied with the school and program and are meeting the academic standards set by the school to earn the degree.
• At Oklahoma City University, the Advanced Practice Clinical Liaison will assist in identifying appropriate clinical placement sites and preceptors. The Liaison is dedicated to ensuring you have a wide range of clinical experiences relevant to the PMHNP role.
2. University of Oklahoma - Oklahoma City
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The University of Oklahoma offers another post-baccalaureate to DNP option for nurses searching for pathways to become Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. This PMHNP program in Oklahoma offers a part-time four-year option and a full-time three-year option, allowing you to choose a schedule that fits with your current lifestyle and needs. The program admits students once per year in the summer semester.
The post-bachelor’s DNP PMHNP program follows a 76-semester credit curriculum. Many classes in the BSN-to-DNP program are offered online. However, some campus visits are required, which consist of learning opportunities such as labs with clinical skills and physical assessments, objective structured clinical exams, and standardized patient visits. The program includes 1,024 clinical hours. All clinicals must be completed in the state of Oklahoma. Program faculty collaborate with you to secure clinical placement assignments and identify preceptors.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Admission to the BSN-to-DNP program requires completion of a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited nursing program. Candidates must have a current license to practice as a registered nurse in Oklahoma or hold a compact license. In addition to completing an admissions application, applicants are required to submit a Personal Statement, a resume, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. Transcripts should show a 3.0 or better GPA for the last 60 credit hours of coursework and completion of an undergraduate Nursing Research and an undergraduate or graduate Statistics course, each with a grade of "C" or higher.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you are a registered nurse with a master’s degree searching for a PMHNP pathway, the Post-Graduate Certificate program at the University of Oklahoma is an option worth considering. The Post-Graduate Certificate program can be completed in two years if you enroll full-time or three years if you pursue the certificate on a part-time basis.
The program is presented with a combination of online and campus-based learning and in-person clinical practicums. You must complete 36 semester credit hours and 624 clinical hours to earn the certificate.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Candidates desiring admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited nursing school and a current license to practice as a registered nurse in Oklahoma or a compact state. Applicants are required to provide a Personal Statement, three letters of reference, a professional resume, and official college/university transcripts. Transcripts should reflect a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 hours of coursework and show completion of an undergraduate or graduate-level Statistics course and an undergraduate Nursing Research course, each with a grade of at least “C.”
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Students in the PMHNP program at the University of Oklahoma benefit from the school’s broad range of clinical partnerships. The dedicated Clinical Placement Coordinator will work with you to ensure placement in top medical facilities, including OU Health Sciences Center, OU Medicine, and other OUHSC clinical partners. You will have clinical experiences in inpatient, outpatient, and community mental health settings.• Graduates of the PMHNP program at the University of Oklahoma have an excellent record of success when taking national certification exams. According to the school, nearly all graduates pass the exam on their first attempt. National certification examination pass rates are a good factor to consider when choosing a school, as they indicate how well a program prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the role of a PMHNP.
• All students at the University of Oklahoma are automatically considered for scholarships. The School of Nursing has several scholarships available to graduate nursing students, like those enrolled in the PMHNP program. A financial aid advisor can work with you to ensure you have the appropriate information and apply on time!
• Graduates of the University of Oklahoma PMHNP program report great job placement rates. Among those who respond to post-graduation surveys, most report being employed in the role of a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner within six months of graduating from the program and passing their national certification exam. In some cases, students receive offers of employment while in school, contingent upon completing the program and becoming certified!
HOW MUCH DO PMHNP GRADUATES MAKE IN OKLAHOMA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN OKLAHOMA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $48.42 |
| Weekly | $1,937 |
| Monthly | $8,390 |
| Annual | $100,710 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN OKLAHOMA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $48.42 | $1,937 | $8,390 | $100,710 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $54.78 | $2,191 | $9,500 | $113,950 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $64.67 | $2,587 | $11,210 | $134,510 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $72.02 | $2,881 | $12,480 | $149,800 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $86.06 | $3,443 | $14,920 | $179,010 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PMHNP SALARY IN OKLAHOMA?
| Hourly | $65.81 |
| Weekly | $2,633 |
| Monthly | $11,410 |
| Annual | $136,890 |
HOW MUCH DO PMHNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF OKLAHOMA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Lawton | $66.23 | $2,649 | $11,480 | $137,750 |
| Oklahoma City | $64.77 | $2,591 | $11,230 | $134,730 |
| Tulsa | $67.77 | $2,711 | $11,750 | $140,960 |
PMHNP SALARY IN OKLAHOMA VS. OTHER SALARIES
PMHNP SALARY IN OKLAHOMA VS. PMHNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Oklahoma PMHNP Annual Salary | Average National PMHNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $136,890 | $141,470 | -$4,580 | -3.24% |
PMHNP SALARY IN OKLAHOMA VS. PMHNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $177,860 | -$40,970 | -23.03% |
| Nevada | $163,690 | -$26,800 | -16.37% |
| Washington | $160,090 | -$23,200 | -14.49% |
| New Jersey | $159,680 | -$22,790 | -14.27% |
| Oregon | $159,590 | -$22,700 | -14.22% |
| Massachusetts | $158,560 | -$21,670 | -13.67% |
| New York | $157,260 | -$20,370 | -12.95% |
| Connecticut | $150,820 | -$13,930 | -9.24% |
| New Mexico | $150,590 | -$13,700 | -9.10% |
| Minnesota | $148,650 | -$11,760 | -7.91% |
| District of Columbia | $148,470 | -$11,580 | -7.80% |
| Rhode Island | $146,940 | -$10,050 | -6.84% |
| Hawaii | $146,010 | -$9,120 | -6.25% |
| Arizona | $145,950 | -$9,060 | -6.21% |
| Delaware | $144,350 | -$7,460 | -5.17% |
| Iowa | $144,040 | -$7,150 | -4.96% |
| New Hampshire | $143,950 | -$7,060 | -4.90% |
| Texas | $143,140 | -$6,250 | -4.37% |
| Wisconsin | $141,290 | -$4,400 | -3.11% |
| Maryland | $140,920 | -$4,030 | -2.86% |
| Utah | $140,730 | -$3,840 | -2.73% |
| North Dakota | $140,670 | -$3,780 | -2.69% |
| Pennsylvania | $140,320 | -$3,430 | -2.44% |
| Illinois | $139,720 | -$2,830 | -2.03% |
| Alaska | $138,920 | -$2,030 | -1.46% |
| Vermont | $138,840 | -$1,950 | -1.40% |
| Montana | $137,230 | -$340 | -0.25% |
| Idaho | $137,130 | -$240 | -0.18% |
| Oklahoma | $136,890 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Wyoming | $136,040 | +$850 | +0.62% |
| Indiana | $135,780 | +$1,110 | +0.82% |
| Maine | $135,360 | +$1,530 | +1.13% |
| Ohio | $135,280 | +$1,610 | +1.19% |
| Colorado | $134,310 | +$2,580 | +1.92% |
| Nebraska | $133,970 | +$2,920 | +2.18% |
| North Carolina | $133,870 | +$3,020 | +2.26% |
| Georgia | $133,390 | +$3,500 | +2.62% |
| South Dakota | $133,200 | +$3,690 | +2.77% |
| Virginia | $133,080 | +$3,810 | +2.86% |
| Michigan | $132,870 | +$4,020 | +3.03% |
| Florida | $131,800 | +$5,090 | +3.86% |
| Kansas | $131,320 | +$5,570 | +4.24% |
| Louisiana | $130,660 | +$6,230 | +4.77% |
| Mississippi | $129,360 | +$7,530 | +5.82% |
| South Carolina | $128,750 | +$8,140 | +6.32% |
| Missouri | $128,470 | +$8,420 | +6.55% |
| West Virginia | $124,910 | +$11,980 | +9.59% |
| Arkansas | $124,870 | +$12,020 | +9.63% |
| Kentucky | $121,520 | +$15,370 | +12.65% |
| Alabama | $121,130 | +$15,760 | +13.01% |
| Tennessee | $114,200 | +$22,690 | +19.87% |
PMHNP SALARY IN OKLAHOMA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN OKLAHOMA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $208,410 | -$71,520 | -34.32% |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $136,890 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $82,110 | +$54,780 | +66.72% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $65,490 | +$71,400 | +109.02% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $51,880 | +$85,010 | +163.86% |
| Nursing Assistant | $33,090 | +$103,800 | +313.69% |
PMHNP SALARY IN OKLAHOMA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN OKLAHOMA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $208,450 | -$71,560 | -34.33% |
| Podiatrist | $193,660 | -$56,770 | -29.31% |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $136,890 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Pharmacist | $125,710 | +$11,180 | +8.89% |
| Physician Assistant | $124,120 | +$12,770 | +10.29% |
| Veterinarian | $118,110 | +$18,780 | +15.90% |
| Optometrist | $105,720 | +$31,170 | +29.48% |
| Chiropractor | $103,330 | +$33,560 | +32.48% |
| Occupational Therapist | $97,850 | +$39,040 | +39.90% |
| Physical Therapist | $95,450 | +$41,440 | +43.42% |
| Dental Hygienist | $91,280 | +$45,610 | +49.97% |
| Radiation Therapist | $86,540 | +$50,350 | +58.18% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $82,280 | +$54,610 | +66.37% |
| Audiologist | $77,030 | +$59,860 | +77.71% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits PMHNP Programs In Oklahoma?
| 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 Oklahoma?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Hour In Oklahoma?
| $65.81 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Week In Oklahoma?
| $2,633 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Month In Oklahoma?
| $11,410 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Year In Oklahoma?
| $136,890 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For PMHNPs In Oklahoma?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +38.61% |
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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