Best Online Psych NP Programs in California
If you want to expand your clinical skills and enhance your earning potential, an online psych PMHNP program in California is a great choice. Read on to learn about this growing and vital field.
If you’re an experienced RN in California, you’ve likely considered the many ways you can advance your career including by securing your nurse practitioner (NP) certification. Whether you have a BSN or an advanced nursing degree, you know that completing an online psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) program in California can open career doors, enhance your pay, and help address the state’s growing mental health crisis.
Online PMHNP programs in California uniquely position you to gain access to a growing field and high wages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, California’s NP job market is projected to grow by nearly 56% by 2030. Moreover, NPs in the state earn about $24,000 more than RNs. If these numbers have piqued your interest, you’ve come to the right place.
Throughout this page, we spotlight three standout programs, dive into the attributes of online PMHNP programs in California, and detail the various pathways to securing your certification. We’ll also take a close look at NP employment and salary data throughout the Golden State to help you feel confident in your decision. Read on to learn more about this field and determine if it’s truly right for you.
Featured Online Psych NP Programs in California
Finding the right online PMHNP programs in California is essential as you work toward certification. In the section below, we spotlight three standout programs that combine quality instruction with the flexibility that working students need. Read on to jumpstart your program search today.
Chamberlain University
Established in 1889, Chamberlain University is a private, for-profit institution that focuses on delivering quality healthcare education and training. Among the school’s standout programs is an online PMHNP program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This 100% online program is a practical choice for busy RNs interested in expanding clinical skills and career options.
Throughout this online NP program, students complete a blend of online courses and in-person clinical experiences. Required courses cover topics such as advanced pathophysiology, psychopharmacology for the PMHNP, psychiatric assessment for the PMHNP, and a degree-culminating capstone practicum. Students complete 625 clinical hours before graduation.
Applicants to this online NP program must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA for full admission. Prospective students need a bachelor’s degree or higher with an unrestricted RN license. Applicants also must complete a background check before admission.
UC Davis
With a history dating back to 1905, the University of California, Davis, is a public institution that serves more than 40,000 students. Among the school’s standout programs is an online PMHNP certificate program that students can complete in just 12 months.
PMHNP certificate students must enroll full-time and complete the majority of coursework online through both synchronous and asynchronous delivery. Course requirements include psychopharmacology across the lifespan, clinical reasoning and psychopathology, PMHNP clinical decision-making, and a clinical residency each semester.
Prospective students must meet UC Davis requirements for graduate admission and hold an active and unrestricted RN license. Alongside a completed application, students must include three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a current resume.
West Coast University
Founded in Los Angeles in 1909, West Coast University is a private, for-profit institution that is home to multiple healthcare-oriented programs. Among the school’s nursing programs is a PMHNP program that allows students to choose between online and on-campus classes.
Online learners can complete this 158-credit program in as few as 32 months. Coursework varies from foundational NP classes to specialized PMHNP coursework. Core classes include topics such as ethics in healthcare, theoretical foundations of nursing practice, and principles of leadership for healthcare organizations. Before graduation, students gain extensive hands-on clinical training at approved healthcare sites.
Prospective students must meet all admission requirements and hold a BSN from an accredited institution. Applicants must also hold a 3.0 cumulative GPA and an unrestricted RN license. PMHNP students are required to have a minimum of six months of clinical experience before beginning this program.
Qualities of a Top Online Psychiatric NP Program in California
When determining which online PMHNP programs in California could be right for you, it’s vital to thoroughly account for their quality, but also how well they align with your academic, clinical, and professional goals. Read on as we highlight two characteristics of programs designed to help you meet Californians’ unique needs.
Focus on Diversity and Cultural Competence
Owing to the state’s diverse population and geography, standout online PMHNP programs in California prioritize cultural competence and diversity. As a result, some of the state’s best programs utilize a curriculum that focuses on the unique needs of patients from varying cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Online psychiatric NP graduates not only boast the clinical skills to provide competent care but also lean on culturally sensitive training that allows them to spot potential biases while communicating compassionately with patients from various backgrounds.
Integration of Holistic Care
California has a strong focus on holistic health and wellness practices. As a result, it’s common for the best online PMHNP programs in California to cover how emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual wellness can influence patient care. While courses vary among programs, it’s not uncommon for California psych NP programs to lean on both traditional NP topics and alternative therapies such as nutrition and naturopathic remedies.
Degree Paths to Becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
It’s worth examining the various pathways toward psychiatric nurse practitioner certification. From advanced certificates to master’s degrees and degree-completion programs, be sure to find a program that aligns with your academic background, professional experience, and career goals. Read on to see how you can become a psychiatric nurse practitioner through online PMHNP programs in California.
Master’s
One common pathway to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner in California is completing a master’s program. Typically requiring a BSN for admission, these programs provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes both foundational theory and extensive clinical experiences.
Coursework varies among programs, but common classes include topics such as psychopharmacology, advanced physiology, healthcare informatics, and professional roles for the NP. Before graduation, you’ll complete hundreds of hours of clinical work at an approved healthcare site.
Advanced Certificate
For working RNs already holding a master’s or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree, completing an advanced certificate is a way to develop additional skills and secure your psychiatric nurse practitioner certification. Because you’ve already completed extensive nursing training, some programs only take about 12 months, including the one at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Like other nursing programs, you’ll complete theoretical coursework in the virtual classroom while gaining hands-on clinical experience at approved clinical sites. Standard classes include psychopharmacology across the lifespan, psychotherapeutic interventions, and clinical reasoning and psychopathology.
Post-BS to DNP
Alongside a master’s and advanced certificate, a post-bachelor’s to DNP program offers a clear pathway toward the highest nursing degree. Standout programs provide a seamless transition from your bachelor’s in nursing degree to a doctoral nursing degree.
Throughout these programs, you’ll complete advanced nursing coursework while developing the research, clinical, and leadership skills elemental to this degree. As you work through this terminal degree, clinical experiences offer hands-on opportunities to prepare you for advanced practice roles. Common courses include research for advanced nursing practice, psychiatric-mental health theory, and human diversity and psychosocial issues in healthcare.
A Closer Look at California PMHNP Career & Earning Potential
After you’ve successfully acquired psychiatric nurse practitioner certification, take just as much care choosing where you work as you did with choosing your certification program. Beyond simply choosing an individual employer, choosing a California city in which to work can heavily impact your earning potential. Across the board, the median salary for psychiatric nurse practitioners in the state is just over $164,000, though earners in the 10th percentile make less than $90,000 per year and earners in the 90th percentile make more than $225,000 per year. The highest median salaries can be found in the areas surrounding Napa, San Jose, and San Francisco, while the lowest median salaries are found around Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Stockton.
The good news in all of this, though, no matter where you choose to work? California is experiencing an above-average increase in job growth for psychiatric nurse practitioners, with a growth rate of nearly 59%, compared to the national average of 44.5%. You can learn more in the tables below.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| California | 21,500 | 34,100 | 12,600 | 58.60% | 2,500 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $86,190 | $164,050 | $227,310 |
| Bakersfield, CA | $111,760 | $154,210 | $186,130 |
| Chico, CA | $123,560 | $155,580 | $181,740 |
| El Centro, CA | $118,440 | $163,370 | $199,990 |
| Fresno, CA | $95,990 | $154,700 | $200,580 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | $102,480 | $141,580 | $175,670 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $103,550 | $165,860 | $227,310 |
| Madera, CA | $47,200 | $147,310 | $181,210 |
| Merced, CA | $93,750 | $140,270 | $179,140 |
| Modesto, CA | $48,610 | $162,930 | $205,760 |
| Napa, CA | $137,260 | $210,010 | $210,050 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $77,580 | $139,310 | $186,840 |
| Redding, CA | $109,000 | $154,580 | $170,780 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $76,120 | $154,210 | $195,580 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade, CA | $79,430 | $166,370 | $222,910 |
| Salinas, CA | $125,740 | $164,010 | $200,930 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | $48,950 | $156,500 | $204,540 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $93,260 | $199,670 | $239,000+ |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $88,480 | $209,690 | $239,000+ |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA | $116,780 | $153,490 | $194,550 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $49,920 | $146,820 | $205,390 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $49,180 | $134,780 | $179,170 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $93,800 | $155,780 | $219,980 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $82,080 | $139,590 | $185,580 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | $123,040 | $171,440 | $239,000+ |
| Visalia-Porterville, CA | $126,420 | $147,520 | $195,350 |
| Yuba City, CA | $107,640 | $158,010 | $211,410 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Answering Your Questions About Online Psych NP Programs in California
If you’re considering whether an online psych NP program in California suits you, you likely still have a few questions. That’s where we come in. Read on as we address some of our readers’ most pressing concerns.
Are there accelerated psychiatric nurse practitioner programs?
Because psychiatric nurse practitioner programs are typically earmarked for working RNs, it’s common for these programs to be offered as accelerated options — especially online programs. Whether you’re completing an advanced certificate or BSN to DNP program, your classes may be online but your clinicals will be in person.
How do I become a psychiatric nurse practitioner in California?
There are multiple pathways to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner and many options for online PMHNP programs in California. To secure your PMHNP certification, students complete an advanced certificate, master’s, or DNP program. Students fulfill both coursework and clinical requirements before securing their certification through the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Is it possible to become a PMHNP without a bachelor’s degree?
While you do complete bachelor’s in nursing–level work in your journey toward PMHNP certification, you don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s degree to get started. RN to MSN and RN to DNP programs allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree requirements as part of a broader academic experience. Terminal DNP and advanced certificate programs require students to hold a bachelor’s degree.
What is the shortest PMHNP program in California?
Your timeline to PMHNP certification varies based on multiple factors, including program structure, status as a full-time or part-time student, and clinical requirements. Additionally, enrolling in an accelerated program allows you to graduate more quickly. When seeking out the right online PMHNP programs in California, be sure to find a program that aligns with your scheduling needs.
Who accredits online PMHNP programs in California?
Online PMHNP programs are not only certified by the California Board of Registered Nursing but also are accredited by groups such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Accreditation can have a direct impact on both your academic experience and professional certification, so ensure that all online PMHNP programs in California that you consider are accredited.
