Top PMHNP Programs in Oregon

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are specialty nurse practitioners who treat mental health disorders. You can join this rewarding and lucrative career in Oregon by attending the state’s one excellent accredited program. This guide explores this PMHNP program, including accreditation, tuition, and more.  

How to Become a PMHNP in Oregon

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

1. Attend an accredited BSN program
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN
3. Gain relevant experience as an RN
4. Apply to an accredited PMHNP program
5. Graduate from an accredited PMHNP program
6. Become board-certified by sitting for an exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
7. Get a job as a PMHNP

If you already have an NP degree, you can attend a post-graduate PMHNP certificate program instead of earning a separate degree. Some schools also allow direct entry for RNs with a Bachelor's in Nursing or a non-related field into a Master's or Doctoral PMHNP program. If you have an NP in a different speciality, you may also be able to attend a program to earn an advanced certificate in psychiatric mental health nursing. 

Top PMHNP Program in Oregon

The best PMHNP program in Oregon is actually the only  one offered. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t an excellent program! We dive into tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation. We also evaluate the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard.

Oregon PMHNP Program Admission Requirements 

Admission requirements to the Oregon PMHNP program will typically include the following but could vary year to year:

• 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 Oregon?

PMHNP programs, in Oregon 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 Oregon is right for your nursing career.

How Long Are PMHNP Programs in Oregon?

The length of a PMHNP program depends on the degree. Since OHSU’s program is a DNP, it will take at least three years of full-time work.

You can expect an Oregon 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 Oregon

PMHNP Salary in Oregon

The average annual salary for a PMHNP in Oregon 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. Over the next decade, the BLS predicts employment for NPs will grow by 40% (Much faster than average).

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 Oregon

PMHNPs can work in a variety of locations throughout Oregon. 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 Oregon

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

The first step to becoming a PMHNP in Oregon 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?
• Do I need to locate my own preceptor for any required clinical training?
• 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.

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 Oregon?

  • There is currently one PMHNP program in Oregon.

• How much does PMHNP school cost in Oregon?

  • Oregon’s PMHNP program ranges in price from $79,000-$103,000 for tuition.

• How many PMHNPs are in Oregon?

  • While there isn’t a count of exactly how many PMHNPs are in Oregon, the BLS reports that there are 2,430 nurse practitioners in Oregon.