5 Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Utah (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Are you a Utah-based RN fascinated with how the human brain functions? Consider becoming a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner! Graduates of PMHNP programs in Utah learn how to diagnose, treat, and manage mental health conditions, which prepares them to work in many different practice settings, such as medical centers, psychiatric hospitals, and community agencies. Because PMHNPs are so highly valued in the Beehive State, they earn $140,730 annually on average. Demand for their services is steadily increasing, and in 10 years, it will be 60 percent higher than it is today. Learn more about this dynamic career track by reading through the list below of the 5 best PMHNP programs in Utah.
FOLLOWING ARE THE 5 BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN UTAH (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 5 best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in Utah.)
1. University of Utah - Salt Lake City
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-APRN Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a registered nurse who loves psychiatric care and is ready to make a big career move, becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is an awesome choice. One way to accomplish that goal is through a PMHNP program, like the one offered at the University of Utah. At the University of Utah, you can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a PMHNP focus and prepare to provide high-quality psychiatric mental health services to patients with confidence.
The BSN-to-DNP program is one of the best PMHNP programs in Utah. You can complete the program in three years, including two summer semesters. The program admits new students in the fall of each year. DNP students engage in a distance learning format that combines synchronous and asynchronous classes, on-campus visits, and clinical practicums in their home communities.
The post-bachelor’s DNP program features an 86-credit curriculum. You will study in dynamic classes, including Biobehavioral Foundations of Mental Illness & Diagnostic Testing in Psychiatric NP, The Art & Science of Healing in Relationships, and Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics Across the Lifespan. A minimum of 1,000 clinical hours are required to earn the DNP degree. Clinical hours include direct and indirect patient care, as well as leadership hours. You may assist in identifying your clinical sites and preceptors, but they must be approved by your Specialty Track Director and Specialty Track faculty, who will direct all clinical practicums.
Post-APRN Graduate Certificate Program Details: The Post-Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Graduate Certificate program is designed for certified APRNs who wish to extend their specialty to include the PMHNP certification. Not all courses are offered each semester. Therefore, the program can take four to six semesters to complete, depending on when you begin.
While the program has distance-learning features, including synchronous and asynchronous course offerings, it is not entirely online. Some campus visits and in-person clinical practicums are required. The program of study for Post-APRN students is individualized and variable based on a GAP analysis of previous transcripts and identification of courses and clinicals needed to meet competencies for the PMHNP concentration.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The University of Utah offers a unique opportunity for PMHNP program graduates who wish to serve the Veteran population. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Residency Program is a collaborative effort between the UU College of Nursing and Salt Lake City Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The 12-month PMHNP Residency Training is designed to provide opportunities to work closely with experienced physicians, social workers, psychologists, pharmacists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and support staff working within Veteran populations.• The University of Utah offers access to several grant and scholarship options that can help reduce the cost of earning your degree. Financial aid advisors are available to work with you to find graduate funding opportunities.
• The University of Utah College of Nursing offers a Global Learning Program that provides opportunities for students to engage in study abroad experiences. The Global Learning Program provides opportunities for students to engage in study abroad experiences, collaborate with cross-cultural community groups, attend global health speaker series, complete collaborative online transcultural education, and earn an interprofessional Global Health Certificate through the Department of Family & Preventive Medicine.
2. Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions - Provo
Programs Offered: MSN (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Dual Family Nurse Practitioner & Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) and Post-Master’s Certificate (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Dual Family Nurse Practitioner & Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
MSN Program Details: Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is home to another excellent PMHNP program in Utah. The program is designed with working nurses in mind, featuring 100% online content and clinicals with a local preceptor in your home community. You can complete the program in as few as five semesters. New classes are admitted three times yearly in the summer, fall, and winter semesters.
The MSN PMHNP program is a 27-credit pathway. In addition to studying Psychotherapy Across the Lifespan and Psychopharmacology, you will take PMHNP clinical courses with corresponding clinical practicums. The program includes a minimum of 540 clinical hours.
The school also offers an MSN pathway with the option for dual certification in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialties. This program features a 77-credit curriculum combining coursework and clinicals for both concentrations. This dual degree pathway takes two years to complete and includes online coursework as well as periodic campus visits. Each student in the MSN FNP/PMHNP program completes 1,080 clinical hours, 540 hours relevant to each specialty of the dual degree.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: If you have a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing and wish to expand your practice by becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health NP or by pursuing dual roles as an FNP and PMHNP, Rocky Mountain University has a Post-Master’s Certificate program that is a great option!
The dual FNP/PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate is a five-semester pathway that requires the completion of 57 credits. In this program, you will complete 1,080 clinical hours (540 FNP hours and 540 PMHNP hours).
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• One of the things I love about nursing is that there is no limit to what you can learn and do. Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions embraces the concept of lifelong learning by offering strategic partnerships with other higher education institutions and professional nursing associations. These partnerships are designed to enhance opportunities for students and alums in several ways, such as simplifying credit transfers, offering preferred acceptance pathways, and creating tuition savings plans, which result in great opportunities for nurses like you to pursue additional degrees and achieve academic and professional goals.• At Rocky Mountain University, your education does not have to end with earning an MSN. Graduates of the MSN PMHNP program can seamlessly transition to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program and earn the highest clinical nursing degree!
• At Rocky Mountain University, you will learn from doctoral-prepared practitioners with years of experience in psychiatric mental health care. Faculty bring expert knowledge, skills, and insight that will prepare you to transition to your new role as a PMHNP with confidence.
3. Weber State University - Ogden
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a bachelor’s-prepared RN with aspirations of earning a nursing doctorate and becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Weber State University has a BSN-to-DNP program that can get you there! This post-baccalaureate program, a top PMHNP program in Utah, features a hybrid format that combines online, face-to-face, and laboratory learning opportunities.
The program features a rich 75-credit curriculum. In this pathway, you will study Substance Abuse & Addiction Disorder Therapy, Mental Health Assessment, Diagnostic Reasoning, & Treatment, Psychotherapeutic Modalities, and Advanced Psychopathophysiology. The BSN-to-DNP program requires the completion of 1,000 total DNP practicum hours. A minimum of 750 practicum hours involve direct patient care, while the remaining hours are earned through the completion of a DNP Scholarly Project.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At Weber State University, you will learn from faculty with a broad range of experience in mental healthcare delivery, nursing practice, and systems approaches to healthcare. Their combined years of clinical experience and nursing education mean they can provide valuable, first-hand insight into the role of psychiatric healthcare, offering the guidance and support you need to prepare you for a new role as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.• Graduates of the Weber State University PMHNP program consistently score above average on national certification exams. This record of success speaks well of the program’s quality, as it indicates you will be well prepared with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a PMHNP.
• Weber State University reports high student retention and graduation rates for its PMHNP program. Additionally, graduates have excellent national certification exam pass rates and job placement rates!
4. Nightingale College - Salt Lake City
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Program Details: The MSN Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program at Nightingale College is designed for registered nurses who already hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The program admits students twice yearly in the spring and fall and can be completed in six semesters or two years.
The MSN PMHNP program utilizes a distance format to deliver online didactic instruction. The 55-semester-credit curriculum consists of core, integrative core, and specialty courses. In this program, you will study Advanced PMHNP Care Across the Lifespan, Health Informatics for Advanced Practice Nurses, Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan, and Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Across the Lifespan.
This MSN pathway also includes 810 integrative clinical hours. Clinical hours are completed with faculty oversight at affiliated clinical partner sites. You will work directly with practicing clinicians to provide psychiatric care to patients of all ages in various psychiatric and mental health settings.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Nightingale College believes all students should have the opportunity to earn a degree without the added worry of overwhelming financial strain. The college has financial aid advisors who will work with you to identify resources for financial aid, including internal and external scholarships, which could significantly offset the cost of your program, allowing you to focus on your studies.• Students who pursue the PMHNP program at Nightingale College have excellent support from faculty and staff. From academic advisors and clinical placement coordinators to experienced preceptors and mentors, you will have access to guidance and resources designed to help promote your success through every step of the program.
• Nightingale College reports that 100% of the graduates of its PMHNP program have passed the national certification exam for PMHNPs for the last five years in a row! This record of success is outstanding and a good indication that the education you will receive at the school is high-quality.
5. Western Governors University - Salt Lake City
Programs Offered: BSN-to-MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate
BSN-to-MSN Program Details: In its quest to help fill the critical need for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, Western Governors University has developed an outstanding PMHNP program in Utah. The program is available to currently working bachelor’s-prepared registered nurses with at least one year of clinical experience in nursing. The program has varying start dates based on space availability and the number of qualified applicants.
The MSN PMHNP program takes two and a half years to complete and features a curriculum with primarily online coursework and in-person clinicals in your home community. The curriculum consists of 17 courses, including MSN core, nurse practitioner core, and psychiatric nurse practitioner specialty online courses. You will study in classes such as The Assessment & Diagnostic Process of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Practice, Psychopharmacology for Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Practice, and Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Children and Adolescents Across Care Settings. Additionally, you will complete clinical internship courses that have a total of 650 direct patient care clinical hours.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: If you are a registered nurse with a master's degree and want to become a Psychiatric NP, you can pursue the Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate at Western Governor's University. The program offers a blended learning format with most coursework delivered online and direct patient care clinicals occurring in your hometown.
The program is designed to be completed in 1.5 years. However, your prior experience and education may help you move through the program more quickly. By using pre-assessments, your Program Mentor will develop a profile and personalized Degree Plan for you. For most students, the curriculum consists of 27 credits, including nine credits of three clinical internships totaling 650 clinical hours.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, I encourage prospective students to look for programs that offer extensive student engagement in hands-on patient care. One thing I like about the PMHNP programs in Utah at WGU is that they include highly hands-on, consolidated internships with opportunities to provide patient care in diverse settings. Your clinicals are arranged in collaboration with program faculty and precepted by practicing mental health clinicians in facilities where you will provide care to patients of all ages.• Online learning is appealing to many prospective students, especially those who wish to continue working while pursuing a degree. One factor of concern to potential students considering this type of program is whether they will have enough support. At Western Governor’s University, you will have support from dedicated faculty and preceptors, an assigned program mentor, and other staff who are committed to your success in the program and your career following graduation.
• Graduates of the PMHNP programs at Western Governors University have excellent job placement rates. Job placement is an important factor to consider when choosing a program, as it typically indicates what employers think of a school/program and how well students are prepared for their roles. Employers prefer candidates from schools with a reputation for producing highly qualified practitioners because they can feel confident that they are hiring individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, effective care and promote positive patient and organizational outcomes.
HOW MUCH DO PMHNP GRADUATES MAKE IN UTAH?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN UTAH EXPECT?
| Hourly | $49.77 |
| Weekly | $1,991 |
| Monthly | $8,630 |
| Annual | $103,530 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF PMHNP PROGRAMS IN UTAH EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $49.77 | $1,991 | $8,630 | $103,530 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $56.32 | $2,253 | $9,760 | $117,150 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $66.49 | $2,659 | $11,520 | $138,290 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $74.04 | $2,962 | $12,830 | $154,000 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $88.48 | $3,539 | $15,340 | $184,040 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PMHNP SALARY IN UTAH?
| Hourly | $67.66 |
| Weekly | $2,706 |
| Monthly | $11,730 |
| Annual | $140,730 |
HOW MUCH DO PMHNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF UTAH?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Logan | $56.09 | $2,243 | $9,720 | $116,660 |
| Ogden-Clearfield | $66.58 | $2,663 | $11,540 | $138,490 |
| Provo-Orem | $66.27 | $2,651 | $11,490 | $137,850 |
| St. George | $65.98 | $2,639 | $11,440 | $137,240 |
| Salt Lake City | $69.75 | $2,790 | $12,090 | $145,080 |
PMHNP SALARY IN UTAH VS. OTHER SALARIES
PMHNP SALARY IN UTAH VS. PMHNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Utah PMHNP Annual Salary | Average National PMHNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $140,730 | $141,470 | -$740 | -0.52% |
PMHNP SALARY IN UTAH VS. PMHNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $177,860 | -$37,130 | -20.88% |
| Nevada | $163,690 | -$22,960 | -14.03% |
| Washington | $160,090 | -$19,360 | -12.09% |
| New Jersey | $159,680 | -$18,950 | -11.87% |
| Oregon | $159,590 | -$18,860 | -11.82% |
| Massachusetts | $158,560 | -$17,830 | -11.24% |
| New York | $157,260 | -$16,530 | -10.51% |
| Connecticut | $150,820 | -$10,090 | -6.69% |
| New Mexico | $150,590 | -$9,860 | -6.55% |
| Minnesota | $148,650 | -$7,920 | -5.33% |
| District of Columbia | $148,470 | -$7,740 | -5.21% |
| Rhode Island | $146,940 | -$6,210 | -4.23% |
| Hawaii | $146,010 | -$5,280 | -3.62% |
| Arizona | $145,950 | -$5,220 | -3.58% |
| Delaware | $144,350 | -$3,620 | -2.51% |
| Iowa | $144,040 | -$3,310 | -2.30% |
| New Hampshire | $143,950 | -$3,220 | -2.24% |
| Texas | $143,140 | -$2,410 | -1.68% |
| Wisconsin | $141,290 | -$560 | -0.40% |
| Maryland | $140,920 | -$190 | -0.13% |
| Utah | $140,730 | $0 | 0.00% |
| North Dakota | $140,670 | +$60 | +0.04% |
| Pennsylvania | $140,320 | +$410 | +0.29% |
| Illinois | $139,720 | +$1,010 | +0.72% |
| Alaska | $138,920 | +$1,810 | +1.30% |
| Vermont | $138,840 | +$1,890 | +1.36% |
| Montana | $137,230 | +$3,500 | +2.55% |
| Idaho | $137,130 | +$3,600 | +2.63% |
| Oklahoma | $136,890 | +$3,840 | +2.81% |
| Wyoming | $136,040 | +$4,690 | +3.45% |
| Indiana | $135,780 | +$4,950 | +3.65% |
| Maine | $135,360 | +$5,370 | +3.97% |
| Ohio | $135,280 | +$5,450 | +4.03% |
| Colorado | $134,310 | +$6,420 | +4.78% |
| Nebraska | $133,970 | +$6,760 | +5.05% |
| North Carolina | $133,870 | +$6,860 | +5.12% |
| Georgia | $133,390 | +$7,340 | +5.50% |
| South Dakota | $133,200 | +$7,530 | +5.65% |
| Virginia | $133,080 | +$7,650 | +5.75% |
| Michigan | $132,870 | +$7,860 | +5.92% |
| Florida | $131,800 | +$8,930 | +6.78% |
| Kansas | $131,320 | +$9,410 | +7.17% |
| Louisiana | $130,660 | +$10,070 | +7.71% |
| Mississippi | $129,360 | +$11,370 | +8.79% |
| South Carolina | $128,750 | +$11,980 | +9.30% |
| Missouri | $128,470 | +$12,260 | +9.54% |
| West Virginia | $124,910 | +$15,820 | +12.67% |
| Arkansas | $124,870 | +$15,860 | +12.70% |
| Kentucky | $121,520 | +$19,210 | +15.81% |
| Alabama | $121,130 | +$19,600 | +16.18% |
| Tennessee | $114,200 | +$26,530 | +23.23% |
PMHNP SALARY IN UTAH VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN UTAH
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $140,730 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $133,930 | +$6,800 | +5.08% |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $125,890 | +$14,840 | +11.79% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $92,580 | +$48,150 | +52.01% |
| Registered Nurse | $83,100 | +$57,630 | +69.35% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $57,430 | +$83,300 | +145.05% |
| Nursing Assistant | $37,630 | +$103,100 | +273.98% |
PMHNP SALARY IN UTAH VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN UTAH
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $147,530 | -$6,800 | -4.61% |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $140,730 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Dentist | $139,970 | +$760 | +0.54% |
| Optometrist | $139,280 | +$1,450 | +1.04% |
| Pharmacist | $130,770 | +$9,960 | +7.62% |
| Veterinarian | $128,940 | +$11,790 | +9.14% |
| Physician Assistant | $126,460 | +$14,270 | +11.28% |
| Radiation Therapist | $103,970 | +$36,760 | +35.36% |
| Physical Therapist | $96,860 | +$43,870 | +45.29% |
| Audiologist | $86,380 | +$54,350 | +62.92% |
| Occupational Therapist | $85,750 | +$54,980 | +64.12% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $83,650 | +$57,080 | +68.24% |
| Dental Hygienist | $78,910 | +$61,820 | +78.34% |
| Chiropractor | $76,220 | +$64,510 | +84.64% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits PMHNP Programs In Utah?
| 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 Utah?
| 5 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Hour In Utah?
| $67.66 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Week In Utah?
| $2,706 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Month In Utah?
| $11,730 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Psychiatric NP Make Per Year In Utah?
| $140,730 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For PMHNPs In Utah?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +60.33% |
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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