Top PMHNP Programs in California

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are specialty nurse practitioners who treat mental health disorders. You can join this rewarding and lucrative career in California by attending one of 17 excellent accredited programs. This guide explores the 4 best PMHNP programs in California, including accreditation, tuition, and more.  

How to Become a PMHNP in California

You can become a psychiatric nurse practitioner in California by completing the following steps:

1. Attend an accredited BSN program
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN
3. Gain relevant experience, typically in psychiatric nursing
4. Get accepted at an accredited PMHNP program
5. Complete 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours through the program–the California Board of Nursing notes that these hours may be completed within two years of the program or may be split up before or after as well. 
6. Graduates of accredited programs are eligible to apply to the California Board of Registered Nursing for certification as a nurse practitioner,
7. Next, apply  to take the psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner exam administered by the American Nursing Credentialing Center
8. Upon passing, you will earn your Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

If you already have an NP degree, you can attend a post-graduate PMHNP certificate program instead of earning a separate degree.

Top PMHNP Programs in California

The best PMHNP programs are organized based on our ranking methodology, which considers tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation. We also evaluate programs based on the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard.

California PMHNP Program Admission Requirements 

Admission requirements to California PMHNP programs vary depending on the school and degree path. General admission requirements for all PMHNP programs include the following:

• A BSN from an accredited program
• A BSN GPA of at least 3.0
• Unencumbered RN license
• A basic statistics grade of 2.0 or better
• One year of relevant bedside nursing experience
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• Personal statement
• CV/Resume
• Official application and fee
• Personal interview
• GRE scores, if applicable
• TOEFL score, if applicable

How Hard Are PMHNP Programs in California?

PMHNP programs, in California or elsewhere, are challenging and require a significant amount of time and money. Students should expect to devote at least two to three years toward earnings their degree. Coursework may be difficult and often involves a lot of time to prepare, study, and complete clinicals. 

Full-time PMHNP students won't have enough time for another job, and their family and social time may become more restricted. Considering these factors will help you understand whether a PMHNP program in California is right for your nursing career.

How Long Are PMHNP Programs in California?

The length of a PMHNP program depends on the degree. Most students can earn an MSN in just two years, while DNP programs will take at least three years. 

Some schools also offer part-time options, allowing students up to six years to complete all requirements.  Part-time attendance is ideal for students who must work while attending the program or those with family obligations.

No matter the length, you can expect a California PMHNP program to first consist of in-person or online instructional coursework. Clinicals correspond directly with the classwork, and students generally complete them toward the end of the program.

What to Expect Working as a PMHNP in California

PMHNP Salary in California

The average annual salary for a PMHNP in California is $139,264 or $67 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter.

Career Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the career outlook for NPs is excellent. From 2023 to 2033, the BLS predicts employment for NPs will grow by 40%, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Additionally, healthaffairs.org states that 96% of the counties in the country are suffering from a mental health professional shortage. With the ongoing rise of mental health disorders in the United States, which have severely increased since the pandemic, the demand for PMHNPs will only grow.

Where Can You Work? PMHNP Jobs in California

PMHNPs can work in a variety of locations throughout California. These include: 

• Academia
• Community Mental Health Centers (urban and rural)
• Consulting with businesses and communities
• Correctional Facilities
• Domestic Violence Shelters
• Government Agency
• Home Health Agencies
• Hospitals
• In-patient Psychiatric Facilities
• Primary Healthcare Clinics
• Private Psychiatric Practices
• Psychopharmacology Clinic
• Psychiatric Consult Services
• Public health agencies
• Residential Substance Abuse Facilities
• Schools
• State Psychiatric Facilities
• Student Health Clinics
• Urban Nurse-Managed Clinic
• Veterans Administration Psychiatric Facilities

Next Steps for Becoming a PMHNP in California

Becoming a PMHP is rewarding because you can make a significant difference in your patients' lives. 

The first step to becoming a PMHNP in California is finding a program that suits your needs. The programs on this list are all excellent options. To choose one, you should consider several factors. Ask yourself:

• Do I want an MSN or a DNP degree?
• Will I attend full or part-time?
• Do I need online options?
• What is my tuition budget?
• Am I eligible for financial aid?
• Is the program nearby, or am I willing to relocate?
• Do I meet the admissions requirements? Can I complete them by the application deadline?

If you have more questions, try contacting the program representative. Talking to a point of contact can help your application become noticed while addressing your concerns.

Depending on the program, you may also have to acquire a preceptor and clinical site. If your school doesn’t assign these, you should begin the search early, as the process can take time. It's also helpful to choose your school based on what possible job opportunities you may want after completing the program. For example, some schools may offer clinical opportunities in areas you hope to gain experience in or connections to help you secure a position post-graduation. 

FAQs 

•  How many PMHNP Schools are in California?

  • There are currently seventeen PMHNP programs in California.

• How much does PMHNP school cost in California?

  • Nurse practitioner programs, including PMHNP schools in California, range in price from $21,000 to $96,000 for tuition.

• How many PMHNPs are in California?

  • While there isn’t a count of exactly how many PMHNPs are in California, the BLS reports that there are 20,980 nurse practitioners in California.