Best Online PMHNP Programs in California for 2026

Compare costs, formats, and outcomes for California's top psychiatric mental health NP programs

Most important takeaways…

  • California PMHNP programs ranked here all use hybrid formats combining online coursework with required on-site clinical hours.
  • Most programs require around 500 clinical hours, making the clinical placement process the biggest timeline factor.
  • Post-master's certificate students can finish in as few as two years, while BSN-to-DNP pathways often take four.
  • Median California PMHNP earnings exceed 165,000 dollars, allowing most graduates to recoup tuition within two to three years.

California added more than 1,200 PMHNP licenses between 2023 and 2025, yet psychiatric provider shortages persist across both rural counties and urban safety-net systems. Demand continues to outpace supply as Medi-Cal expands mental health coverage and telehealth platforms recruit California-credentialed providers at scale.

The programs ranked below blend online coursework with periodic on-campus or regional clinical intensives, a format that dominates psychiatric nurse practitioner education in California. Each school was scored on a composite metric that weights institutional graduation rates, post-completion earnings, graduate debt burden, and online delivery infrastructure. Fully asynchronous programs remain rare in psychiatric specialties because clinical supervision requires real-time coordination with preceptors and rotation sites.

California accepts graduates of out-of-state accredited programs for PMHNP licensure, which means you are not limited to CSU or UC campuses if a national program offers better clinical placement support or lower net cost. Nurses pursuing a DNP PMHNP program may find competitive options outside the state as well. The calculus shifts when you compare a 22,000-dollar CSU tuition bill against a 65,000-dollar private online master's with identical clinical hour requirements and no guaranteed advantage in pass rates or earnings.

Top Online PMHNP Programs in California: 2026 Rankings

We evaluated every online and hybrid PMHNP program available to California students, scoring each on a composite of institutional graduation rates, graduate debt levels, post-completion earnings, and online delivery quality. All eight programs below use a hybrid format that pairs online coursework with clinical placements or immersion sessions across California, so you can keep working while you advance your career.

Factors considered
  • Institutional graduation rates
  • Graduate debt at completion
  • Post-completion earnings data
  • Online delivery quality
  • Clinical placement accessibility
Data sources
UN

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · $10,000 – $15,000/yr

Best for: Licensed APRNs seeking a fast-track certificate

UC Davis anchors the first multicampus PMHNP postgraduate certificate in California, coordinating admissions and curriculum across the UC system to address the state's psychiatric provider shortage. Its 12-month hybrid graduate certificate pairs virtual classroom sessions with clinical placements statewide, and a case-based, interprofessional curriculum that prepares graduates for ANCC board certification. With an institution-wide graduation rate of 85.7% and median graduate debt of $13,000, UC Davis combines research-university rigor with a fast-track pathway built for licensed APRNs.

  • UC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Hybrid
    University of California-Davis
    • 12-month hybrid graduate certificate (48 units)
    • Full-time enrollment across four consecutive quarters
    • Virtual classes with three annual immersion sessions
    • Clinical placements coordinated across California
    • Prepares for ANCC PMHNP board certification exam
    • Open to NPs, CNSs, CNMs, and CRNAs
    • Collaborative initiative with UCLA, UCI, and UCSF
    Visit Website
UN

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · $13,000/yr (net price)

Best for: Nurses near top-tier academic medical centers

UCLA serves as a key Southern California clinical training and teaching site within the UC multicampus PMHNP certificate, giving students access to one of the nation's top academic medical centers. The program emphasizes cultural inclusiveness, interprofessional education, and technology-enhanced learning, all while maintaining UCLA's signature academic intensity. An institution-wide graduation rate of 92.6%, the highest on this list, reflects the broader university's commitment to student success.

  • UC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Hybrid
    University of California-Los Angeles
    • 12-month hybrid format with 48 total units
    • Virtual Wednesday sessions, some evening and weekend hours
    • Three immersion sessions across summer, fall, and winter
    • 16 to 24 hours of supervised clinical training per week
    • Centralized admissions through the UC system
    • Curriculum mapped to California BRN requirements
    • Emphasis on cultural inclusiveness and leadership
    Visit Website
UN

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · $14,000/yr (net price)

Best for: Southern California nurses wanting local clinicals

UC Irvine participates as a collaborating campus in the UC multicampus PMHNP initiative, extending clinical training options into Orange County and surrounding areas. The regional clinical training model means many students complete supervised hours close to home, a practical advantage for working nurses in Southern California. With a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an 86.9% institution-wide graduation rate, UCI provides strong academic support within the shared UC certificate framework.

  • UC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Hybrid
    University of California-Irvine
    • 12-month, four-quarter hybrid graduate certificate
    • 48 units with virtual and in-person components
    • Regional clinical placements across Southern California
    • Prepares for ANCC PMHNP board certification
    • Three annual immersion sessions included
    • 16 to 24 weekly hours of clinical training
    • First multicampus PMHNP program in the state
    Visit Website
CA

California State University-Stanislaus

Turlock, CA · ~$6,000/yr (est.)

Stanislaus State offers a post-graduate Psychiatric APRN certificate designed specifically for master's-prepared nurses who want to add psychiatric mental health expertise. Based in the Central Valley, the program serves a region with some of California's most acute behavioral health workforce needs, particularly in rural and agricultural communities. In-state tuition of roughly $9,766 and a net price of about $6,067 make it one of the most affordable options on this list.

  • Post Graduate Psychiatric APRN Certificate — Hybrid
    California State University-Stanislaus
    • Hybrid format blending online and campus sessions
    • Requires MSN degree and active California RN license
    • Coursework covers psychotherapy, neuroscience, psychopharmacology
    • One year of prior nursing experience required
    • Clinical reasoning and treatment planning focus
    • Background check, drug screening, and CPR certification needed
    • Designed to expand access in underserved Central Valley
    Visit Website
CA

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · $7,000 – $20,000/yr

Cal State Long Beach delivers a BSN-to-DNP with a Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Life Span concentration, making it the only doctoral-level entry on this list. The CCNE-accredited program spans three years of full-time study and requires 1,000 clinical hours plus a doctoral project aimed at improving patient care. Its location in the heart of metropolitan Los Angeles provides rich clinical partnerships with diverse, urban health systems.

  • Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Life Span — Hybrid
    California State University-Long Beach
    • BSN-to-DNP hybrid program, 72 total credit hours
    • Three-year, full-time cohort-based structure
    • 1,000 supervised clinical hours required
    • Doctoral project focused on improving patient outcomes
    • CCNE accredited with five concentration options
    • Prepares for national PMHNP certification exam
    • Electives include Medical Spanish for cultural competence
    • Admission requires interview, essay, and three references
    Visit Website
CA

California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, CA · $10,000/yr (net price)

CSU San Marcos offers two PMHNP pathways: a part-time hybrid MSN with a PMHNP concentration and a BSN-to-DNP track. Both are designed for working RNs and feature cohort-based learning with clinical placements coordinated in North San Diego County and surrounding communities. A Military Friendly Gold Award and acceptance of military benefits make CSUSM especially well suited for the large veteran and active-duty population in Southern California.

  • Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
    California State University-San Marcos
    • Part-time hybrid MSN program (52 units)
    • Designed for working RNs with a BSN
    • Total estimated cost approximately $36,348
    • Clinical placements prioritized near student home communities
    • Leads to ANCC exam eligibility and California NP licensure
    • Cohort-based learning with small class sizes
    Visit Website
  • BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
    California State University-San Marcos
    • CCNE-accredited hybrid DNP program (79 credit hours)
    • Completed in eight semesters, roughly three years
    • 1,000 clinical hours with placement coordinator support
    • DNP Scholarly Project serves as capstone
    • Classes meet one day per week
    • Military benefits accepted, Military Friendly Gold Award
    • Fall start with one admission cycle per year
    Visit Website
CA

California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA · ~$7,000/yr (est.)

Fresno State's one-year Certificate of Advanced Study targets primary care nurse practitioners who want to add psychiatric competence, a valuable credential as California expands integrated behavioral health across community clinics. The CCNE-accredited hybrid program combines online coursework with clinical experiences serving patients of all ages. In-state tuition near $8,865 and a net price around $7,000 position it among the most budget-friendly PMHNP certificates in the state.

  • Certificate of Advanced Study for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
    California State University-Fresno
    • One-year post-master's hybrid certificate
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Prepares primary care NPs for psychiatric practice
    • Serves patients across all life stages
    • Supports integrated behavioral health in California clinics
    • Designed for Central Valley and rural workforce needs
    • Requires master's in nursing and active RN licensure
    Visit Website
TO

Touro University California

Vallejo, CA · $20,000 – $25,000/yr

Touro University California is a private, nonprofit institution in Vallejo offering a PMHNP post-master's certificate that is 90% online with brief on-campus intensives spread over 20 to 22 months. Clinical rotations span diverse California settings, including community mental health centers, addiction programs, emergency and street medicine, and telemedicine simulation labs. A remarkably low 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio and median graduate debt of $12,500 reflect the school's focus on close mentorship and manageable borrowing.

  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Hybrid
    Touro University California
    • 90% online with 10% on-campus intensives
    • 20 to 22 month, five-semester structure
    • 750 total clinical hours across diverse settings
    • Fall or spring start dates available
    • Includes telemedicine simulation and telehealth training
    • Prepares for California NP licensure and national certification
    • Prerequisite courses available for those who need them
    • Badges and specialty certifications offered
    Visit Website

How These PMHNP Rankings Were Built

Every PMHNP ranking list on the internet looks authoritative until you ask one question: how did you actually pick these schools? Most listicles offer no real answer. They curate programs based on brand recognition, paid placements, or vague notions of prestige. This list does something different.

The Data Sources Behind the List

The rankings on nursepractitioneronline.com draw exclusively on two federal datasets: the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and IPEDS (the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System). These are the same sources researchers and policy analysts use to compare institutional outcomes at scale. No student review platforms, no U.S. News rankings, and no advertiser relationships factor into the scoring.

What Gets Measured

Each school in contention is evaluated on a composite of four baseline quality metrics:

  • Graduation rate: The share of students who complete their program, measured at the institutional level. This is an honest signal of whether a school supports students through to the finish line.
  • Graduate earnings: Median earnings for graduates, reflecting what a degree from that institution tends to produce in the labor market.
  • Student debt: Typical borrowing among graduates, which matters enormously when you are already carrying RN-level loans.
  • Net price: What students actually pay after grants and scholarships are applied, calculated as a sector-conditional average rather than a sticker price.

Schools that deliver their program primarily online receive an additional boost in the composite score, because online delivery is a genuine practical advantage for working California nurses who cannot relocate or step away from full-time clinical roles. The same data-driven approach guides our best online MSN nurse practitioner programs rankings, so the methodology stays consistent across specialties.

Where Honesty Matters

Two caveats are worth naming directly. Graduation rates in this ranking reflect institution-wide completion data, not PMHNP program-specific figures, because program-level completion data is not publicly reported at the federal level for most schools. Net price is similarly a sector-level average across comparable institutions, not a figure pulled from each school's PMHNP program page. These are real limitations, and pretending otherwise would undermine the trust you deserve.

What this methodology gives you is a transparent, reproducible starting point grounded in verified public data, rather than a ranked list that exists mainly to generate affiliate clicks.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Programs with synchronous requirements can conflict with night or weekend shifts. Fully asynchronous coursework gives you flexibility, but some programs mix both, so knowing your schedule constraints upfront narrows your choices fast.

Many online PMHNP programs require students to arrange their own preceptors, which takes time and local professional connections. If your network in psychiatric settings is limited, a program with placement support could be the deciding factor.

If you already hold an MSN in another NP specialty, a post-master's certificate can cut your timeline significantly. Pursuing a full degree when a certificate suffices adds cost and years without adding licensure advantage.

California has specific PMHNP licensure requirements, and not all online programs are approved for California residents. Confirming state authorization before enrolling protects your ability to sit for the board exam and practice here.

Online vs. Hybrid PMHNP Programs: What California Students Should Expect

California-based nurses often face a choice between fully online PMHNP programs and hybrid formats that blend distance learning with periodic on-campus sessions. Understanding the structural differences across six key dimensions (coursework delivery, campus visits, clinical logistics, time-zone flexibility, technology requirements, and peer interaction) helps you match your work schedule and learning style to the right program.

Coursework Delivery: Synchronous vs. Asynchronous

Fully online programs typically deliver coursework asynchronously, letting you complete lectures and assignments on your own schedule. Hybrid programs, by contrast, often incorporate synchronous elements during on-campus intensives or scheduled virtual sessions. UC's Multi-Campus PMHNP Post-Master's Certificate uses hybrid immersion weekends1, while Western University of Health Sciences structures its Post-Master's PMHNP around hybrid intensives2. West Coast University's MSN-PMHNP also includes online intensives3. If you work rotating shifts or nights, asynchronous access is often non-negotiable; if you value real-time faculty interaction and scheduled accountability, hybrid intensives may suit you better. For a broader look at nationally ranked options, see our guide to online MSN PMHNP programs.

Campus Visit Frequency and Logistics

Hybrid programs serving California students generally require two to four on-campus visits per semester, scheduled as weekend intensives or week-long immersions. UC's multi-campus model rotates immersion sites across its three participating schools (Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles), potentially reducing travel for Southern California or Central Valley nurses.1 Western University and West Coast University follow similar intensive formats. Samuel Merritt University's MSN-PMHNP is campus-based and does not offer fully online or hybrid delivery.4 If you live outside major metro areas or juggle family commitments, verify travel costs and weekend coverage before committing to a hybrid track.

Clinical Placement: Who Secures Your Hours?

Clinical placement logistics vary sharply. Many fully online programs expect students to identify and secure their own preceptors in California, a process that can take weeks or months depending on local availability of psychiatry preceptors. Hybrid programs sometimes offer placement assistance or pre-arranged networks, especially if the school operates clinical partnerships in California. Out-of-state online programs rarely place students in California directly, though some maintain informal preceptor databases. Confirm placement support early: it is the single most consequential operational detail for working nurses.

Time-Zone Flexibility for Out-of-State Programs

California students enrolling in East Coast or Midwest programs should verify time-zone policies. Synchronous sessions scheduled at 6 p.m. Eastern translate to 3 p.m. Pacific, conflicting with day-shift work. Fully asynchronous programs eliminate this friction, but live clinical seminars, case conferences, or exam windows may still land during your work hours. Ask admissions whether recorded sessions or Pacific-friendly sections exist.

Technology Requirements and Peer Interaction

All online and hybrid PMHNP programs require high-speed internet, a webcam, and access to proctoring software for exams. Some programs use virtual simulation platforms for psychiatric assessment training. Peer interaction is lighter in fully online formats unless schools structure cohort-based discussion boards or small-group projects; hybrid intensives naturally build stronger peer networks during on-campus sessions. If professional networking and mentorship matter to your learning, hybrid formats offer clearer pathways.

PMHNP Program Costs and Financial Aid in California

Tuition for online and hybrid PMHNP programs in California varies dramatically depending on whether you attend a public CSU, a University of California campus, or a private institution. The table below is sorted by the lowest institution-wide average net price to help you identify the cheapest online PMHNP programs in California. Keep in mind that the net price figures shown are institution-wide averages reflecting aid awarded to all undergraduates, not PMHNP-specific quotes, so your actual graduate-level costs may differ. Contact each school's financial aid office for a personalized estimate. The spread between in-state and out-of-state tuition is significant at public universities. At CSU schools, out-of-state students can expect to pay roughly $10,000 more per year than California residents. At UC campuses, that gap widens to approximately $15,000 per year. Private universities such as Vanguard University, National University, and California Baptist University charge the same tuition regardless of residency, which can be an advantage if you live outside California but want to attend a California-based program. To offset these costs, several financial aid avenues are worth exploring. The HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program covers tuition, fees, and provides a monthly stipend for full-time APRN students (including PMHNP students) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and demonstrate financial need; recipients commit to two years of service upon graduation. The HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program helps licensed PMHNPs pay off qualifying nursing education loans in exchange for two to three years of service at a Critical Shortage Facility. California also offers loan repayment through programs like CalHealthCares, which targets physicians and dentists but sits alongside other state initiatives supporting mental and behavioral health providers. Additionally, many hospitals and health systems offer employer tuition reimbursement, so check with your current employer before borrowing.

SchoolIn-State TuitionOut-of-State TuitionAvg. Net Price (Institution-Wide)Median Graduate DebtDegree Level
CSU Stanislaus$9,766$19,846$6,067$13,540Post-Master's Certificate
CSU Fresno$8,865$18,945$7,000$14,505Post-Master's Certificate
CSU San Marcos$9,606$19,686$10,229$17,350Master's (MSN)
CSU Long Beach$8,898$18,978$10,440$14,289DNP
UCLA$14,476$29,578$12,548$14,000Post-Master's Certificate
UC Irvine$14,827$29,929$14,251$15,000Post-Master's Certificate
UC Davis$15,141$30,243$14,741$13,000Post-Master's Certificate
Vanguard University$16,853$16,853$21,241$22,000Post-Master's Certificate
National University$16,416$16,416$22,878$25,000Post-Master's Certificate
California Baptist University$15,562$15,562$26,285$26,063Master's (MSN)

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online PMHNP Program in California?

How long it takes to earn your PMHNP credential in California depends on the pathway you choose and whether you study full-time or part-time. Across all routes, clinical hour requirements are the single biggest timeline variable. Most programs require 500 to 700 direct patient contact hours for PMHNP certification eligibility, and scheduling those rotations around a working nurse's life can stretch or compress your completion date more than any other factor.

Comparison of four PMHNP pathways showing timelines from 15 months to 4 years, credit totals, and required clinical hours as of 2026

PMHNP Pathways: BSN-to-MSN, Post-Master's Certificate, and DNP Options

Three main pathways lead to PMHNP certification in California: the BSN-to-MSN for nurses without a graduate degree, the post-master's certificate for licensed nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists adding a psychiatric specialty, and the BSN-to-DNP for nurses targeting a terminal practice doctorate. Each route aligns with a different stage in your career and requires distinct prerequisites, but all must culminate in a program accredited by CCNE or ACEN to qualify you for the ANCC PMHNP certification exam.

BSN-to-MSN: The Traditional Entry Point

The BSN-to-MSN is designed for registered nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and want to enter advanced practice for the first time as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Programs typically require 38 to 48 credits, 500 to 750 clinical hours, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. California State University San Marcos, for example, offers a 38-credit MSN PMHNP track1, while Vanguard University offers a 28-credit, 18-month MSN with 750 clinical hours.2 BSN-to-MSN students complete core NP coursework (advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and assessment) alongside psychiatric-specialty courses, making this the longest pathway in terms of total hours but also the most foundational.

Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate: Adding a Specialty

If you already hold an MSN and are licensed as a family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology NP, or clinical nurse specialist, a post-master's PMHNP certificate allows you to add psychiatric mental health to your scope of practice without repeating core graduate coursework. West Coast University requires a 3.0 GPA, one year of work experience, and an MSN for its post-master's certificate.3 UC Irvine offers a 12-month hybrid postgraduate PMHNP certificate4, while Western Governors University5 and California State University San Marcos1 also offer post-master's certificate tracks. Prerequisites typically include an active NP or CNS license and evidence of completion of the core "three Ps" (pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment) at the graduate level. This pathway is the fastest route to PMHNP certification for nurses already in advanced practice.

BSN-to-DNP: Targeting the Terminal Degree

The BSN-to-DNP pathway appeals to nurses who want to enter advanced practice while earning the terminal degree in one continuous program. Before applying, review the typical DNP prerequisites to make sure you meet eligibility requirements. These programs bundle MSN-level clinical training with DNP-level coursework in leadership, evidence-based practice, and systems improvement. They typically span three to four years and require 60 to 75 credits. Though the terminal degree does not change your initial scope of practice as a PMHNP, it positions you for leadership, academic, or policy roles later in your career.

RN-to-MSN Bridges

Some California online programs offer RN-to-MSN bridge pathways for nurses without a BSN, though these are less common in PMHNP specialty programs. If you hold an associate degree in nursing, confirm whether your target program offers a bridge or requires you to complete a BSN first.

Accreditation: The Gate to Certification

Regardless of pathway, your program must be accredited by CCNE or ACEN to qualify you for the ANCC PMHNP certification exam. Every program listed in the research context carries CCNE accreditation, which meets the eligibility threshold. Do not enroll in an unaccredited program, even if it is cheaper or faster. No accreditation means no certification, no licensure, and no return on your tuition investment.

California PMHNP Licensure: From Program Completion to Practice

Finishing your PMHNP program is a major milestone, but there are several more steps before you can practice in California. The good news: the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) accepts graduates of accredited out-of-state online programs, provided you earn national certification. Here is the step-by-step path from graduation to independent practice.

Five-step California PMHNP licensure process from program graduation through ANCC exam, BRN certification, furnishing number, and optional DEA registration

What PMHNPs Earn in California, and Whether the Investment Pays Off

California is now the highest-paying state in the country for nurse practitioners, and the gap between what a PMHNP earns here versus the national average has only widened as behavioral health demand outpaces supply. For nurses weighing the cost of an online PMHNP program, that earnings premium is the single most important variable in the ROI equation.

What the Wage Data Says

Nurse practitioners in California earned a mean annual wage of $176,760 in 2025, or roughly $84.98 per hour.1 Pay varies sharply by metro area, and the Bay Area sits well above the rest of the state:

  • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara: $231,560 median
  • San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward: $219,080 median (top 10% above $273,000)
  • Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade: $172,010 median
  • San Diego-Carlsbad: $163,860 median
  • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim: $161,470 median (top 10% above $216,000)

Even at the 10th percentile, NPs in Los Angeles still clear $119,950, and San Francisco's entry-level NPs start above $153,000.2 For PMHNPs specifically, specialty demand typically pushes wages toward the upper end of these ranges.

Running the Payback Math

Using reported median debt figures from California PMHNP programs in our rankings, the debt-to-earnings picture is favorable across the board. Samuel Merritt graduates carry a median program debt of about $20,825, USF graduates around $23,000, and UCLA's certificate graduates roughly $14,000. Even at West Coast University, where median debt runs higher at around $32,946, a first-year PMHNP salary in any major California metro covers the full debt load with room to spare.

Put another way: a Los Angeles PMHNP earning the metro median of $161,470 could pay off the typical California program debt in well under six months of gross earnings. That payback ratio is among the strongest in graduate healthcare education.

Why Demand Isn't Slowing

California is projected to have only about 50% of the psychiatrists it needs by 2028, leaving a shortfall of roughly 1,400 prescribers.1 PMHNPs are the workforce filling that gap. With full practice authority for nurse practitioners expanding under AB 890 and behavioral health funding flowing through Medi-Cal expansions, hiring pressure on psychiatric NPs continues to climb. For most working RNs, the question isn't whether the degree pays off in California; it's how quickly.

More Online PMHNP Programs Available to California Students

In addition to the programs highlighted in our rankings, California students have access to numerous other online and hybrid PMHNP programs. Below is a directory of additional options, organized by region.

Bay Area

University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA · Hybrid
This hybrid program combines in-person teaching weekends with distance learning, designed for master's or doctoral-prepared nurses. It can be completed in one year with year-round classes and 500 clinical hours.
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN), DNP
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Samuel Merritt University Oakland, CA · Online
This online program offers flexible study options with 3, 4, or 6 semester tracks for nurses holding a master's degree.
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
University of California-San Francisco San Francisco, CA · Hybrid
This 12-month hybrid program prepares advanced practice nurses to care for psychiatric patients across all ages, with online courses and three immersion sessions.
  • UC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
  • BSN Entry to DNP, Advanced Nursing Focus (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)

Greater Los Angeles

West Coast University-Orange County Anaheim, CA · Online
This online MSN program features flexible coursework with two on-site intensives and prepares nurses for mental health care across the lifespan.
  • MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP)
Vanguard University of Southern California Costa Mesa, CA · Online
This 18-month online certificate prepares nurses for advanced mental health care, requiring a California RN license and MSN or DNP degree.
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid
This hybrid 47-credit program takes 20 months and prepares nurses to serve underserved populations, with clinical experiences at major hospitals.
  • Post Master’s Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
West Coast University-Center for Graduate Studies Los Angeles, CA · Online
This online MSN program offers flexible 8-week courses with two on-site intensives and prepares graduates for ANCC certification.
  • MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP)
Western University of Health Sciences Pomona, CA · Hybrid
This hybrid DNP program combines online coursework with annual on-campus intensives, preparing nurses for advanced practice in mental health.
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Inland Empire

California Baptist University Riverside, CA · Hybrid
This hybrid program prepares nurses for comprehensive mental healthcare across the lifespan, emphasizing biopsychosocial assessment and psychotherapy.
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CA · Hybrid
This hybrid DNP program balances online learning with on-campus intensives, preparing nurses for holistic mental health services.
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
University of Phoenix-California Ontario, CA · Online
This online MSN program focuses on neuropsychiatric disorders, psychotherapeutic interventions, and pharmacological management, with a five-day on-campus residency.
  • Master of Science in Nursing/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

San Diego Area

National University San Diego, CA · Online
This online post-graduate certificate prepares nurses with an MSN or higher for primary mental health care across the lifespan, with 540 practicum hours.
  • Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
  • Master of Science in Nursing–Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan)
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences San Marcos, CA · Online
This online MSN with PMHNP concentration is designed for working professionals, featuring a virtual clinical intensive and extensive practicum hours.
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)

Recent Articles