Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Rhode Island (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Are you looking for a challenging APRN specialty in Rhode Island that pays well and has abundant employment opportunities? Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners in the Ocean State make $146,940 a year and are so sought after that their available jobs are projected to increase by 45 percent within 10 years. PMHNP programs in Rhode Island teach RNs how to diagnose, treat, and manage patients affected by acute and chronic psychiatric and behavioral conditions.. You can even start your own practice because Rhode Island is a full-practice state for nurse practitioners! Learn more by reading our guide to the best PMHNP programs in Rhode Island.
FOLLOWING ARE THE BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN RHODE ISLAND (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in Rhode Island.)
1. University of Rhode Island - Kingston
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate
MSN Program Details: Are you a registered nurse ready to advance your career by becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner? If so, finding the right program is a must, and the University of Rhode Island has a program that is definitely worth considering!
This MSN PMHNP program in Rhode Island pathway is available with the option to enroll part-time or full-time, allowing you to complete the program in two-and-a-half or five years. New classes begin in the fall each year.
The program features a curriculum consisting of three components: didactic coursework, clinical practicums, and a comprehensive exam. Students are required to complete 47 semester credit hours to earn the degree. Some classes in the program include PMHNP: Psychiatric Assessment & Differential Diagnosis, Neuro-Psychopharmacology, Integrated Treatment of Adults and Older Adults, and Integrated Treatment for Children, Adolescents, & Families. All graduate nursing classes meet for campus-based instruction.
Clinical practicums are planned in collaboration with faculty. You will have opportunities to care for patients in hospitals, clinics, health maintenance organizations, rural and urban private offices, and community health centers. Preceptorship in the program is provided by Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists. The PMHNP program requires that students complete at least 750 clinical hours. However, most students complete more than 750 hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: Admission to the MSN Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program is competitive and based on a comprehensive review of several factors. Eligible candidates will have a baccalaureate degree in nursing earned from a program accredited by the AACN or NLN and have or be eligible for RN licensure in Rhode Island.
In addition to completing an application for admission, you must provide three letters of recommendation, a curriculum vita or resume, a Goals Statement, and transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended. Transcripts should show the completion of a basic Statistics course and a minimum 3.0 grade point average, although a GPA of 3.3 or higher is preferred.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: If you already hold a graduate degree in nursing and want to become a Psychiatric Mental Health NP, the Post-Master’s Certificate program at the University of Rhode Island is a good choice. The program admits students in the fall and spring annually. Coursework is delivered in an online format, and clinicals are completed in settings near your home region.
The PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate program features a 20-credit curriculum. However, adjustments may be made to your individual plan of study based on a GAP analysis of your previous degree transcript(s). For example, students who have not yet taken Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Physical/Health Assessment Skills Across the Lifespan, and Evidence-Based Strategies to Improve Health will be required to do so before matriculating into the program. All students in this pathway complete a minimum of 750 clinical hours.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate program, you must have a minimum master’s degree in nursing earned from an AACN- or NLN-accredited nursing program. Candidates should have a current RN license in Rhode Island or be eligible for licensure in the state. Although not required, experience as an APRN or RN in the psychiatric specialty is preferred. Applicants must submit a Goals Statement and official transcripts from all colleges or universities they have previously attended. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better and a graduate GPA of 3.3 or better is required.
Must-Know Highlights for Potential Students
• I always loved working with nursing students, especially when it was time to start their clinicals! As exciting as clinicals can be, it can also be stressful. Students faced with finding their own preceptors or clinical sites can become easily overwhelmed. At the University of Rhode Island, your clinical placements and credentialing are managed by the College of Nursing Clinical Placement Office. The office has a Clinical Coordinator, Experiential Education Specialist, and Graduate Program Clinical Placement Coordinator. Although you may identify sites and preceptors, you are not alone in the process, which can make things much easier as you move through your program.• One of the things I love about the nursing industry is that there are so many things to learn. The University of Rhode Island offers excellent opportunities to continue learning and further your degree. Graduates of the MSN program can transition to the MSN-to-DNP program after completing the program.
• Graduates of the PMHNP program at the University of Rhode Island consistently perform above state and national averages on national certification exams. High pass rates indicate the program is of good quality and designed to promote student success!
• The University of Rhode Island’s PMHNP program boasts a dynamic group of faculty with many years of combined experience. They bring individual insight and knowledge to the classroom and clinical along with a strong dedication to helping you succeed.
2. Salve Regina University - Newport
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate
MSN Program Details: If you want to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner but need a program with some flexibility, Salve Regina University could be the place for you. The university is home to one of the best online PMHNP programs in Rhode Island. At Salve Regina, you will learn from expert faculty with a broad range of experience and insight who are dedicated to your success in the program and your career following graduation.
The Master of Science in Nursing PMHNP program offers three start dates per year (fall, spring, and summer) and takes between 28 and 32 months to complete. The program features an online format that blends live and self-paced courses. Students are required to campus for a skills-based colloquium once reaching the clinical portion of the course sequence.
The MSN program with PMHNP specialization is a 51-credit pathway. You will study in classes, including Psychogenomics, Psychopharmacology Management & Counseling, Mental Health Across the Lifespan, and Advanced Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan. 750 clinical hours are included in the curriculum.
MSN Admission Requirements: Prospective students desiring admission to the MSN program at Salve Regina University must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and hold a current, unencumbered RN license. Candidates are required to submit a completed online application, official transcripts from each college or university previously attended, a Personal Statement, and a current resume. Additionally, proof of completion of a three-credit Statistics course with a grade of “C” or better is required. Some candidates are asked to interview with program faculty before a final offer of admission is extended.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Salve Regina University also offers a Post-Master’s Certificate program that is an excellent option if you already have an MSN and want to obtain PMHNP certification. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis and admits new classes in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
This Post-Master’s Certificate PMHNP program in Rhode Island is presented with both live and self-paced online courses that build upon your previous training and experience to prepare you for national certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. To earn the certificate, you must complete 30 credits of coursework and 750 clinical hours. Prior to beginning clinicals, you will attend a skills-based conference on campus.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: The Post-Master’s Certificate program is available to applicants who have achieved a Master of Science in Nursing and hold a current, unencumbered U.S. registered nurse license. Candidates must complete an online application and provide a current resume, two letters of professional recommendation, a Personal Statement, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. You may be asked to participate in an admission interview with program faculty, as well.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Salve Regina University’s PMHNP program has a high student retention and graduation rate. Additionally, students have excellent national certification exam pass rates and high job placement rates. Each of these is a good indicator of student satisfaction and program quality, making this a great place to earn your degree.• At Salve Regina University, your success is important. Once admitted to the PMHNP program, you will be assigned both a success coach and an academic advisor. These mentors will help support you with course selection and progression and guide you as you prepare to transition into your new role as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
• If you are a service member, veteran, or the dependent or spouse of one, you can enjoy veterans’ benefits, including Yellow Ribbon benefits, to help pay for your degree. Salve Regina University has been named a Military Friendly School, which is a designation reserved for the top 20% of schools nationwide that promote academic success for military service members, veterans, and their loved ones.
• The decision to become a PMHNP is one that you have probably spent a lot of time considering. One of the things you need to know when choosing a school is whether the faculty are experienced, dedicated, and available. I recommend checking out program pages and reading faculty profiles where you can find information about their academic and professional history. At Salve Regina University, you will learn from faculty who are experienced advanced practice nurses and subject-matter experts in the field of psychiatric nursing.
• Earning your master’s degree and becoming certified as a PMHNP does not have to be the stopping point for your education. At Salve Regina University, qualified graduates have the option to progress into the Doctor of Nursing Practice program and earn the highest clinical nursing degree.
HOW MUCH DO PMHNP GRADUATES MAKE IN RHODE ISLAND?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN RHODE ISLAND EXPECT?
| Hourly | $51.97 |
| Weekly | $2,079 |
| Monthly | $9,010 |
| Annual | $108,100 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN RHODE ISLAND EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $51.97 | $2,079 | $9,010 | $108,100 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $58.81 | $2,352 | $10,190 | $122,320 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $69.42 | $2,777 | $12,030 | $144,390 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $77.31 | $3,092 | $13,400 | $160,800 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $92.38 | $3,695 | $16,010 | $192,160 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PMHNP SALARY IN RHODE ISLAND?
| Hourly | $70.64 |
| Weekly | $2,826 |
| Monthly | $12,250 |
| Annual | $146,940 |
HOW MUCH DO PMHNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF RHODE ISLAND?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Providence-Warwick | $70.46 | $2,818 | $12,210 | $146,560 |
PMHNP SALARY IN RHODE ISLAND VS. OTHER SALARIES
PMHNP SALARY IN RHODE ISLAND VS. PMHNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Rhode Island PMHNP Annual Salary | Average National PMHNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $146,940 | $141,470 | +$5,470 | +3.87% |
PMHNP SALARY IN RHODE ISLAND VS. PMHNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $177,860 | -$30,920 | -17.38% |
| Nevada | $163,690 | -$16,750 | -10.23% |
| Washington | $160,090 | -$13,150 | -8.21% |
| New Jersey | $159,680 | -$12,740 | -7.98% |
| Oregon | $159,590 | -$12,650 | -7.93% |
| Massachusetts | $158,560 | -$11,620 | -7.33% |
| New York | $157,260 | -$10,320 | -6.56% |
| Connecticut | $150,820 | -$3,880 | -2.57% |
| New Mexico | $150,590 | -$3,650 | -2.42% |
| Minnesota | $148,650 | -$1,710 | -1.15% |
| District of Columbia | $148,470 | -$1,530 | -1.03% |
| Rhode Island | $146,940 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Hawaii | $146,010 | +$930 | +0.64% |
| Arizona | $145,950 | +$990 | +0.68% |
| Delaware | $144,350 | +$2,590 | +1.79% |
| Iowa | $144,040 | +$2,900 | +2.01% |
| New Hampshire | $143,950 | +$2,990 | +2.08% |
| Texas | $143,140 | +$3,800 | +2.65% |
| Wisconsin | $141,290 | +$5,650 | +4.00% |
| Maryland | $140,920 | +$6,020 | +4.27% |
| Utah | $140,730 | +$6,210 | +4.41% |
| North Dakota | $140,670 | +$6,270 | +4.46% |
| Pennsylvania | $140,320 | +$6,620 | +4.72% |
| Illinois | $139,720 | +$7,220 | +5.17% |
| Alaska | $138,920 | +$8,020 | +5.77% |
| Vermont | $138,840 | +$8,100 | +5.83% |
| Montana | $137,230 | +$9,710 | +7.08% |
| Idaho | $137,130 | +$9,810 | +7.15% |
| Oklahoma | $136,890 | +$10,050 | +7.34% |
| Wyoming | $136,040 | +$10,900 | +8.01% |
| Indiana | $135,780 | +$11,160 | +8.22% |
| Maine | $135,360 | +$11,580 | +8.55% |
| Ohio | $135,280 | +$11,660 | +8.62% |
| Colorado | $134,310 | +$12,630 | +9.40% |
| Nebraska | $133,970 | +$12,970 | +9.68% |
| North Carolina | $133,870 | +$13,070 | +9.76% |
| Georgia | $133,390 | +$13,550 | +10.16% |
| South Dakota | $133,200 | +$13,740 | +10.32% |
| Virginia | $133,080 | +$13,860 | +10.41% |
| Michigan | $132,870 | +$14,070 | +10.59% |
| Florida | $131,800 | +$15,140 | +11.49% |
| Kansas | $131,320 | +$15,620 | +11.89% |
| Louisiana | $130,660 | +$16,280 | +12.46% |
| Mississippi | $129,360 | +$17,580 | +13.59% |
| South Carolina | $128,750 | +$18,190 | +14.13% |
| Missouri | $128,470 | +$18,470 | +14.38% |
| West Virginia | $124,910 | +$22,030 | +17.64% |
| Arkansas | $124,870 | +$22,070 | +17.67% |
| Kentucky | $121,520 | +$25,420 | +20.92% |
| Alabama | $121,130 | +$25,810 | +21.31% |
| Tennessee | $114,200 | +$32,740 | +28.67% |
PMHNP SALARY IN RHODE ISLAND VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN RHODE ISLAND
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $146,940 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $125,820 | +$21,120 | +16.79% |
| Registered Nurse | $95,070 | +$51,870 | +54.56% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $82,820 | +$64,120 | +77.42% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $75,470 | +$71,470 | +94.70% |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,390 | +$103,550 | +238.65% |
PMHNP SALARY IN RHODE ISLAND VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN RHODE ISLAND
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $196,540 | -$49,600 | -25.24% |
| Podiatrist | $190,020 | -$43,080 | -22.67% |
| Veterinarian | $148,920 | -$1,980 | -1.33% |
| Optometrist | $146,950 | -$10 | -0.01% |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $146,940 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $131,460 | +$15,480 | +11.78% |
| Pharmacist | $113,110 | +$33,830 | +29.91% |
| Radiation Therapist | $104,230 | +$42,710 | +40.98% |
| Occupational Therapist | $95,660 | +$51,280 | +53.61% |
| Physical Therapist | $95,160 | +$51,780 | +54.41% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $91,310 | +$55,630 | +60.92% |
| Audiologist | $82,360 | +$64,580 | +78.41% |
| Dental Hygienist | $79,980 | +$66,960 | +83.72% |
| Chiropractor | $71,650 | +$75,290 | +105.08% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits PMHNP Programs In Rhode Island?
| 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 Rhode Island?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Hour In Rhode Island?
| $70.64 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Week In Rhode Island?
| $2,826 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Month In Rhode Island?
| $12,250 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Year In Rhode Island?
| $146,940 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For PMHNPs In Rhode Island?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +45.14% |
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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