Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, California’s mental health crisis has grown even more acute, but as a graduate of one of the PMHNP programs in California, you’ll be prepared to help tackle it. California’s psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners provide a wide range of mental health services. In California, they earn $168,230 a year on average, and employment opportunities are expected to surge 55 percent over the next decade. Many of the Golden State’s PMHNP programs are offered online so that you won’t have to give up your current job to go back to school. Keep reading to learn about the 11 best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in California for 2024.
FOLLOWING ARE THE 11 BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN CALIFORNIA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2024
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 11 best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in California.)
1.University of California San Francisco, San Francisco
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate
If you’re looking for the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in California, San Francisco is a great city from which to start. By enrolling in one of UCSF’s PMHNP programs, you are not only attending one of America’s oldest public universities in the country but also one of the best, as it ranks among the US News & World Report’s top universities. Here, you can take the MSN or Post-Master’s Certificate track to further your career in becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner in California.
MSN Program Details: If you hold a BA in nursing or are a Registered Nurse already, the MSN degree is a good choice. This two-year program requires a minimum GPA of 3.0. You will also need to have taken and passed a college-level Statistics class within five years of entering the program. A valid RN license for the state of California is required, as you will be completing direct patient care during your time of study. For this PMHNP degree specifically, no relevant experience is required, though they prefer candidates with at least one year’s experience. This program is two years long, including a summer quarter for the first year of study.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: This program is available as a one-year certificate or a two-year certificate. A one-year certificate is a good option for those interested in online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in California with a shorter timeline. This certificate program for a total of 31 credits, works together in conjunction with the nursing schools from UC Davis and UCLA. This is a newer program that has the goal of preparing 300 students to become mental health practitioners in California by 2025. The two-year certificate program is a better option for those who are not Nurse practitioners but who have a master’s in nursing that is not clinical, as it includes 500 hours of clinical work. If you choose to apply to these certificate programs, you are exempt from the Statistics requirement.
2.University of San Diego, San Diego
Programs Offered: BSN to DNP
The University of San Diego is a part of the well-known University of California system. Academic excellence, innovative learning, and a dedicated faculty are some of the reasons for this program to be counted among the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in California.
BSN to DNP Program Details: To qualify for this program, you will need a current RN license that is valid in the state of California, a minimum GPA of 3.0 earned during your BSN degree, and at least one year of acute-care experience as an RN. They also require that you have taken and passed a basic Statistics course. The admissions process for this program requests three professional or academic references, and completion of an interview. With 83 credit hours, if you enroll full-time, you can complete this program in three years; whereas part-time takes between four and five years to complete. This is a campus-based program, and perhaps not so suitable, especially if you are interested in online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in California.
3.Cal State LA, Los Angeles
Programs Offered: MSN and Post Master's Certificate
Cal State LA consistently ranks nationally as one of the top PMHNP programs. For the past two decades, since 2000, this program has held a spot in the top ten best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in California. Its city-based location allows for more accessibility if you are planning on commuting to classes with public transportation. This is a public university that ranks ninth in Top Public Schools and eleventh in Best Value Schools. If you are still in the process of completing your undergraduate coursework or applying for your California RN license, the college allows you to begin the application process, provided you successfully complete the process by the time you begin your program.
MSN Program Details: This is a two-year PMHNP in California, made up of 44 credits and 540 hours of clinical experience. When you register for this program, you will have to choose between a Thesis/Project-based completion or a Comprehensive Exam. The thesis/project path requires you to have a minimum GPA of 3.5, a two-faculty-member committee, and to have received an A in the class NURS 5900. Conversely, for the exam track, you will take the comprehensive exam once you have completed all of your coursework in your final term of study.
Post Master's Certificate Program Details: If you already have your MSN degree, this post master’s certificate has a total of 23 credits and 540 clinical hours to be completed in one year. If you are a current, practicing NP, you may be able to use previously completed clinical hours towards your final count, depending on the decision of your advisor or the faculty. To be eligible for this program, you will need to have completed your first-year prerequisites at the advanced tier. If you have not yet done so, this program will take two years to complete instead of one year.
4.University of San Francisco, San Francisco
Programs Offered: DNP and Post-Doctoral Certificate
This PMHNP program in California offers both a DNP and a Post-Doctoral Certificate track. These two program tracks are offered in a hybrid format so that you can take classes both in-person and online. The hybrid design is ideal for those looking to pursue higher education as a PMHNP while also working. This format combined with the high ranking of this university makes this an excellent choice for those interested in pursuing their education from one of the best hybrid psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in California.
DNP Program Details: This hybrid program includes Teaching Weekends with an in-person schedule of 8 AM to 9 PM on Fridays and 8 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays. These teaching weekends allow you to access in-person study and experience for part of your program while keeping the rest of your weeks more flexible with online study so that you can work or pursue other avenues. As part of this program, you will be required to complete approximately 1200 supervised clinical hours. The graduation requirement for this program post an MSN includes 54 units. The coursework and hours you complete here will make you eligible for the AACN Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice. If you only have a bachelor’s degree, this program will take four years to complete. If you have already completed your MSN, it will take three years instead.
Post-Doctoral Certificate Program Details: This online psychiatric nurse practitioner program in California can be completed in one year, and its classes are offered year-round with starts in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. You will need between 35 and 38 credits to graduate. This program also encompasses Teaching Weekends with the same hours as those listed above and distance learning outside of those days. You will complete at least 500 hours of direct patient care while being supervised throughout your course of study. To apply, you will need to have completed your DNP degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, one recommendation from an academic source, and a valid RN license.
5.California State University Long Beach, Long Beach
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master's Certificate
California State University Long Beach is widely regarded to be the best nursing degree program in California and the second-best program in the country. If you are interested in the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in California, this university is a great place to start when you are considering your options. This university offers both an MSN and a Post Master’s Certificate as pathways to becoming a PMHNP.
MSN Program Details: This Master of Science in Nursing helps you become a psychiatric nurse practitioner in California through both theory-based and clinical courses. To be eligible for this degree program, you will need a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an RN license valid in the state of California, and a GPA of over 3.0. You will also need to have completed a Statistics course, a Physical Assessment course that included clinical practice, and a graduate Pathophysiology course. If you do not have a BSN, you will also need to have completed an upper-level course in community health nursing. This is a program made up of between 30 and 48 credits, and you will need a GPA of 3.0 or higher to successfully graduate.
Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: To be eligible for this certificate program, you will need to have completed an MS degree in Nursing and already be a certified Nurse Practitioner. You will also need to have completed courses at the advanced level in Physical Assessment, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology. This program is made up of between 18 and 21 credits and requires a GPA of 3.0 in order to graduate.
6.California State University-San Marcos, San Marcos
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master's Certificate
Among the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in California is the program found at California State University-San Marcos. This school’s offerings for a PMHNP program in California include an MSN and a Post-Master’s Certificate, both designed to suit the individual needs of different students.
MSN Program Details: Created for those wishing to complete their MSN on a part-time schedule, this program was made for Registered Nurses desiring to work and study at the same time. With this schedule, you can advance your career and practice medicine concurrently, building towards your future goal of becoming a PMHNP in California. This fall-start program is designed as a cohort degree, enabling students to benefit from peer-to-peer support, small class sizes, guaranteed completion time, and placement in the courses you need to graduate. This program was designed to be finished within a two and a half year period completed on a part-time schedule, with around 42 credits and 500 clinical hours.
Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: Made up of 38 units, this certificate program is designed to be completed on a part-time basis over the course of a five-semester period, so that you can study and work or focus on your family life, as needed. To apply, you will need an RN license valid in California, two references- one academic, one professional- as well as a grade of a minimum grade of C in the following courses: Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Pharmacology.
7.California State University, Fresno
Programs Offered: Post-Graduate APRN Certificate
In Fresno, a city known for its metropolitan feel in a small-town atmosphere, you can find California State University’s PMHNP program that stays consistently in the rankings of best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in California for its commitment to excellence. Because it first began as a teacher’s college, it has held onto its high standards for professors and staff members.
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program Details: This one-year PMHNP program in California is designed for those who have already earned their MSN degree. At California State University, the nursing school is within the College of Health and Human Services department. This program requires two separate applications to be completed: one graduate student application and one to the School of Nursing. A written essay and three letters of recommendation are required for the application process. This program only begins in the fall semester. The application fee for this school is $140 if you are a United States resident. There are ten full-time faculty members in this program, and class sizes are kept small and personal to provide more individualized attention.
8.Azusa Pacific University, Azusa
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master's Certificate
Azusa Pacific University is consistently recognized as one of the top nursing colleges in the nation by leading American online publications. Among the many psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in California, this one stands out for its reputation and diverse learning experiences. Azusa University has made a name for itself for its unique campus atmosphere and eye-catching outdoors.
MSN Program Details: This 54-56 credit hour program applies theory and clinical work in its courses and is designed to make you eligible for the advanced practice certification for the state of California by taking the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner National Certification Examination. Students are admitted two times a year for this program.
Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: This non-degree course credit track was created for those already holding an MSN degree. Part-time study is an option in this program, as are summer courses for a more flexible study schedule. A 43-credit program, you will need to have completed these courses before applying: Health Assessment at the graduate and undergraduate levels, Nursing Leadership, Pathophysiology, Statistics, Nursing Research, and Community Health Nursing. You will additionally need a valid RN license and a written statement, along with two professional or academic references. Generally, students complete this program within a year to two years.
9.Brandman University, Irvine
Programs Offered: BSN to DNP, Post-Masters to DNP, and Post-Doctoral Certificate
If you’re interested in online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in California, Brandman University has a long history of high-ranking, successful online programs. Consistently ranked among the top online programs, this program offers a high level of student satisfaction as well as the diversity of hybrid learning. Located in Irvine, this school has offered online learning for more than 20 years. It has focused on veteran and military partnerships since it was founded, so if you have ever served, this could be the school for you! Brandman offers three separate tracks to becoming a PMHNP in California.
BSN to DNP Program Details: This hybrid program utilizes online lectures paired with in-person immersion days, where you will travel to the Irvine campus for exercises, practice, and active demonstrations. You can earn your degree as a Nurse Practitioner in 36 months, with around 88 credits, if you study full-time, and upon completion will become eligible for the certification exam for the American Nurse Credentialing Center.
Post-Masters to DNP Program Details: With this PMHNP program in California, you can complete your DNP within 20 months. It offers a hybrid format, with lectures you can access online paired with in-person activities and demonstrations on campus in Irvine. To qualify, you will need valid RN and APRN licenses in the state in which you will be completing your clinical project residency hours, an accredited MSN degree, and additionally, to complete an interview with the director of the program. This program comprises around 33 credits.
Post-Doctoral Certificate Program Details: If you already have a nursing doctorate and are searching for psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in California, this may be the program for you. With a six-month completion timeline for 27 credits, this hybrid program offers virtual and in-person sessions paired with practice in health centers, clinics, or hospitals in your preferred location. You’ll need to be certified as either an APRN or a CN with a valid APRN license in your current specialty and an RN license for the state where you will be completing your clinical practice hours.
10.Loma Linda University, Loma Linda
Programs Offered: BSN to DNP
Loma Linda University hosts one of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in California. This is a Seventh-Day Adventist school, and so it does integrate faith-based teachings as well, into its nursing education. The university emphasizes mission-based learning, offering community and global outreach opportunities to its students.
BSN to DNP Program Details: To qualify for this program, you will need a GPA of 3.0 both in your nursing courses and in your degrees as a whole- both undergraduate and graduate. You will need to be an active RN in the state of California and to have completed your BSN from an accredited program. Additionally, the application requires three recommendations from professors or a current professional supervisor and to complete an interview with the School of Nursing faculty. For this application, you are not allowed to opt-out at the MS level. This school also offers distance-based learning, though it’s restricted to certain states. You can check and see if your state is eligible for distance learning through LLU. This PMHNP program in California offers distance learning that takes three years and nine months to complete if you study full-time to complete a total of 78-semester units. If you prefer, you can also opt for the part-time schedule and pace the program as per your convenience. This school promises clinical site options available to all of its students.
11.National University, La Jolla
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate
Of the well-known psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in California, National University in La Jolla stands out for its high-quality online and on-campus programs. This university is the area’s largest private nonprofit university. To become a PMHNP, you can either opt for the MSN or the post-graduate certificate track, depending on your educational background.
MSN Program Details: This PMHNP program in California meets online monthly with limited requirements to attend events on campus. Designed to be completed in a period of between 12 and 18 months, each of its courses lasts 12 weeks. To graduate, you will need to complete around 49.5 credits. You will need to maintain a GPA of 3.0 cumulatively and a B average in your core and specialty courses in order to proceed with the program.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: With four-week class sessions, this program is a non-degree, graduate-level that offers a PMHNP Certificate of Completion once you have completed your period of study. The credit requirements for graduation are based on a gap analysis, based on your previously completed coursework. You will need to have an MSN or doctorate in nursing with a valid RN license active in your state of residence. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required, though if you have a GPA of 2.5 to 2.99, the admissions committee will consider your application on a case-by-case basis. You will also need to have one year of clinical, professional nursing practice. Three professional recommendations are needed, preferably from people with either a graduate or a doctoral degree.
Best PMHNP Programs in Other States
