Top PMHNP Programs in Texas

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

How to Become a PMHNP in Texas

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

1. Attend an accredited BSN program
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN
3. Gain relevant experience
4. Earn specialty nursing certification
5. Graduate from an accredited PMHNP program
6. Become board-certified 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.

Top PMHNP Programs in Texas

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.

Texas PMHNP Program Admission Requirements 

Admission requirements to Texas 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 Texas?

PMHNP programs, in Texas or elsewhere, are challenging and require a significant amount of time and money. Coursework is intense and often involves a lot of time to prepare, study, and complete clinicals. 

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

How Long Are PMHNP Programs in Texas?

The length of a PMHNP program depends on the degree. Most students can earn an MSN in just two years, while DNP programs take three to four 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 Texas PMHNP program to first consist of in-person or online didactic 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 Texas

PMHNP Salary in Texas

The average annual salary for a PMHNP in Texas is $119,301 or $57 an hour, acording 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, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners estimates that just only 52,025 or 6.5% of NPs are certified in psychiatric mental health. With the ongoing rise of mental health disorders in the United states, the demand for PMHNPs will only grow.

Where can you work? PMHNP Jobs in Texas

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

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

The first step for becoming a PMHNP in Texas 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? Am I willing to relocate?
• Do I meet the admission 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.

FAQs 

• How many PMHNP Schools are in Texas?
  • There are currently seven PMHNP programs in Texas.
• How much does PMHNP school cost in Texas?
  • Nurse practitioner programs, including PMHNP schools in Texas, range in price from $15,000 to $40,000.
• How many PMHNPs are in Texas?
  • While there isn’t a count of how many PMHNPs are in Texas, the BLS reports that there are 18,820 nurse practitioners in Texas.