PMHNPs are also trained to contribute to care quality improvement, policy development, and healthcare reform, as well as collaborate with other healthcare providers to create a care plan for patient mental health and promote mental health awareness and wellness in schools, hospitals, and community settings.
Psychiatric-mental health patients may include children, teens, and adults in a mental health crisis, children in abusive families, older adults suffering from dementia and other age-related mental health issues, soldiers and law enforcement personnel suffering from job stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), people with anxiety and depression, and others with opioid, drug, alcohol, and other substance abuse or habit addictions.
PMHNPs need a graduate degree and must earn certification by taking the PMHNP certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to practice psychiatric-mental health services. Available graduate degree pathways for nurse practitioners may include:
- MSN-PMHNP Bridge Program: Also called RN-MSN, RN-MSN Bridge, or RN-BSN-MSN, this type of program is designed for nurses who have earned an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or an RN license with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
- MSN-PMHNP: Also called BSN-to-MSN, this type of graduate program is designed for graduates of bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs.
- BSN to DNP-PMHNP and MSN to DNP PMHNP: Doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs may be offered to applicants with a BSN or MSN and include courses to prepare graduates for psychiatric-mental health practice.
- Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate: Designed for MSN graduates who may or may not have earned an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specialization and want to move into psychiatric-mental health practice.
To help nurses find affordable PMHNP master’s, doctoral, and post-master’s certificate programs, HealthcareDegree.com has compiled a list of the 15 most affordable online psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner programs, both by in-state and out-of-state tuition prices.
These rankings are based on tuition data HealthcareDegree.com collected from its sister site NPSchools.com in late 2024 from over 1,000 online nurse practitioner programs. Each list is ordered according to the lowest in-state or out-of-state tuition prices. Tuition information is as current as possible, the latest published by each school at the outset of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Most Affordable Online PMHNP Programs in 2025
| Featured PMHNP Programs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wilkes University | MSN - Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (RN to MS Option) | Visit Website |
| Wilkes University | MSN - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Visit Website |
| Wilkes University | Post-Graduate Cert - Psychiatric-Mental Health NP | Visit Website |
| Rasmussen University - Online | MSN - Psychiatric-Mental Health NP | Visit Website |
| Purdue Global | MSN - Psychiatric-Mental Health NP | Visit Website |
| Walden University | MSN - Psychiatric-Mental Health NP | Visit Website |
| Ohio University | MSN - Psychiatric-Mental Health NP | Visit Website |
| Ohio University | Post-Graduate Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Certificate | Visit Website |
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Check out the 15 most affordable online PMHNP programs by the total cost of in-state tuition in 2025. For this listing, both resident and non-resident tuition are listed when applicable. Some programs do not accept out-of-state students.
1) East Carolina University Online MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
East Carolina University (ECU) offers a CCNE-accredited online MSN-PMHNP program with eight in-person intensives at the Greenville, NC campus. Each campus visit spans two days once per semester. Applicants must have at least one year of clinical work experience, and preference is given to those with at least one year of psychiatric-mental health clinical nursing experience and who plan to work directly with mental health patients upon graduation. The full-time completion plan spans three years, while the part-time plan takes about four years to complete. The MSN-PMHNP program begins in the fall only.
The ECE College of Nursing is designated as a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence, and the PMHNP program focuses on student success and academic excellence. As the need is so great for mental health providers in North Carolina, ECU is not accepting out-of-state applications.
Specialty PMHNP courses focus on human physiology and pathophysiology, neuroscience, psychopharmacology, PMHNP role development, psychotherapeutic interventions, and disease management. Populations covered include individuals, couples, families, groups, children, and special populations.
- Cost per credit: Residents ($289.55 per credit + fees); non-residents ($1,020.05 per credit + fees)
- Number of credits: 47 credits
- Total cost: $13,608.85 / $47,942.35 + fees
2) Southeastern Louisiana University Online MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
Southeastern Louisiana University offers a CCNE-accredited online MSN-PMHNP program with no campus visits and local clinical preceptorships to residents of Louisiana. The MSN is offered through an Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing (ICMSN), including three other Louisiana universities. ICMSN is founded on the core values of diversity, lifelong learning, accountability, caring, collaboration, practice, and leadership.
Applicants must have a BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA and an unencumbered RN license in LA, with at least one year of clinical work experience. The MSN-PMHNP program can be completed in about two years, with full-time and part-time plans offered. The program begins in the fall, spring, and summer, and students have the option of a scholarly project or a thesis to complete the program. PMHNP specialty courses focus on psychiatric-mental health nursing and diagnostics, and psychopharmacology for advanced practice, with 600 clinical hours included.
- Cost per credit: Residents ($286.03 per credit + fees)
- Number of credits: 48 credits
- Total cost: $13,729.44 + fees
3) University of Nevada Reno (UNR) Online MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
The University of Nevada Reno (UNR) offers a CCNE-accredited online MSN-PMHNP program with one three to five-day immersion during the first week of the summer before clinicals begin. The immersion offers relationship-building opportunities, hands-on nursing skills, and knowledge practice, opportunities to work with Standardized Patients, and live lectures. All other coursework is online, with clinicals completed locally in approved states.
The PMHNP program can be completed in five semesters full-time or eight semesters part-time, with a fall start date. Specialty courses cover children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients, focusing on mental health assessments, advanced therapies, individual and group therapy, and mental health diagnosis and management. The program may not meet MSN-PMHNP requirements in several states; therefore, students outside of Nevada should check with their state and UNR for enrollment and completion eligibility.
- Cost per credit: Residents ($344.25 per credit + fees); non-residents ($723 per credit + fees)
- Number of credits: 48 credits
- Total cost: $16,524 / $34,704 + fees
4) Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University (ASU), located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, offers nursing professionals an ACEN-accredited online MSN degree program with a PMHNP specialization. Students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective, comprehensive, patient-centered care that ultimately leads to improved health outcomes for individual patients and populations. PMHNP students complete a total of 47.5 credit-hours. Their curriculum consists of four core courses (11 credit-hours), three support courses (nine credit-hours), and 14 advanced practice courses (27.5 credit-hours). Advanced practice courses include a course on psychotherapy for clinical practice, another on advanced psychopharmacology, and a series of seminar and practicum courses.
Though the ASU MSN curriculum is offered online, students must complete their practicum/clinical experiences in person. ASU’s use of a learning model that emphasizes online learning allows students to benefit from its nursing practitioner programs both within Arkansas and throughout the United States.
- Cost per credit: Residents and non-residents ($370 per credit + fees)
- Number of credits: 47.5 credits
- Total cost: $17,575 + fees
5) Texas Tech University Online MSN-PMHNP Program
Texas Tech University (TTU) offers an online MSN-PMHNP program with fully online coursework and six campus visits in Lubbock, Texas. These include orientation and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs). Other hands-on experience is gained by completing 576 clinical hours through local clinical preceptorships. Start dates land in the fall and spring, and students can follow a six-semester full-time path or a nine-semester part-time path. PMHNP applicants complete a telephone interview by invitation and must be passionate about helping patients with mental health disorders.
Specialty PMHNP courses cover various topics such as APRN research, pharmacotherapeutics for APRNs, telehealth and rural service delivery, interprofessional collaboration, neuroscience and epigenetics, psychotherapeutic modalities for individuals, families, and groups, and patient diagnostics and management. Populations include children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients. The MSN-PMHNP program through Texas Tech University is CCNE-accredited. TTU does not accept students from Arizona, California, Louisiana, New York, Oregon, and Washington.
- Cost per credit: Residents ($388.19 per credit + fees); non-residents ($629.76 per credit + fees)
- Number of credits: 49 credits
- Total cost: $19,021.31 / $30,858.24 + fees
6) University of Southern Indiana Online MSN-PMHNP Program
The University of Southern Indiana (USI) offers an online MSN with a psychiatric-mental health NP specialization. This program is an entirely online program.
The PMHNP MSN program can be completed in about three years on a part-time basis, with fall, spring, and summer start dates, and is open to applicants in 33 states. Focus courses include advanced psychopharmacology and three PMHNP care of families courses, including 655 clinical hours. The USI online MSN-PMHNP program is CCNE-accredited.
- Cost per credit: Residents ($446.94 per credit + fees); non-residents ($496.94 per credit + fees)
- Number of credits: 44 credits
- Total cost: $19,665.36 / $21,865.36 + fees
7) Austin Peay State University Online MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Program
Austin Peay State University (APSU) offers an online MSN-PMHNP program with two campus intensives in Clarksville, Tennessee, one virtual skills intensive, online coursework, and local clinicals. Applicants are not currently accepted from New York. The APSU School of Nursing promotes innovation, collaboration, quality patient care and safety, caring, ethical decision-making and effective clinical reasoning, professionalism and competent leadership, global awareness, and patient advocacy.
The program begins in the summer or spring and is offered both part-time and full-time. At two courses per semester, students can complete the program in about two years, or take fewer courses for an eight-semester part-time plan. PMHNP students complete courses in ethics, quality, and safety, clinical reasoning, scientific inquiry, healthcare policy focusing on prevention and population health, and advanced psychiatric care and practicum experiences. The APSU online PMHNP program is CCNE-accredited.
- Cost per credit: Residents ($488 per credit + fees); non-residents ($776 per credit + fees)
- Number of credits: 42 credits
- Total cost: $20,496 / $32,592 + fees
8) Nicholls State University Online MSN-PMHNP Program
Nicholls State University offers a CCNE-accredited online MSN-PMHNP program to residents of Louisiana, with fully online coursework and local preceptorships. As part of the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing (ICMSN) with other universities, Nicholls State offers an affordable and convenient online degree option. The 600 clinical hours are logged through the Typhon Nurse Practitioner Student Tracking System (Typhon NPST).
Core courses focus on generating evidence for advanced nursing practice, applied statistics, health assessment and diagnostic reasoning, pharmacotherapeutics, business, leadership, and health policy, and PMHNP diagnostics, care, and psychopharmacology for psychiatric disorders. The online MSN-PMHNP program begins in January, March, June, August, and October and can be completed in about two years, taking two to three courses per semester, including summers.
- Cost per credit: Residents ($412.13 per credit + fees)
- Number of credits: 51 credits
- Total cost: $21,018.63 + fees
9) SUNY Stonybrook University
SUNY Stonybrook University offers an online 45-credit hour MSN-PMHNP degree program designed to prepare nurses to work as expert providers of health care to patients with psychiatric or psychosocial issues in multiple healthcare settings. The primary duties of a PMHNP are to promote, maintain, supervise, and restore mental health.
Within their role, a PMHNP may ultimately function as an educator, leader, consultant, advocate, and/or change agent. RNs who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree are also eligible to apply. Such applicants must submit a clinical practice portfolio. This portfolio is evaluated against the competencies of baccalaureate-level prepared nurses to determine if the applicant is qualified to embark upon graduate study. Applicants who have been offered conditional acceptance and receive an affirmative (positive) response to a review of their portfolio will be offered admission.
The curriculum comprises core, research, pharmacology, health assessment, pathophysiology and clinical practicum coursework. The Office of Clinical Placements facilitates student clinical placements through collaboration with faculty. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the MSN program. Upon graduation, students are prepared to sit for the
PMHNP exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
- Cost per credit: Residents ($471 per credit + fees); non-residents ($565 per credit + fees)
- Number of credits: 45 credits
- Total cost: $21,195 / $25,425 + fees
10) The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Online MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) offers an online CCNE-accredited MSN-PMHNP program to residents of LA, with no campus visits. As preceptorship slots are limited, the program is competitive and gives preference to full-time students. The UL Lafayette MSN-PMHNP begins in the fall and spring and takes five to six semesters to complete full-time. Students choose either a scholarly project or a thesis pathway.
This MSN degree is offered through the consortium of ICMSN Louisiana universities. Prospective students may apply through any of the four institutions; however, tuition may differ between universities. Core courses may focus on applied statistics, health assessment and diagnostic reasoning, population-based care, pharmacotherapeutics for APRNs, leadership and health policy, and pathophysiology. PMHNP specialty courses focus on mental health diagnostics, psychopharmacology for psychiatric disorders, and PMHNP practice and preceptorships.
- Cost per credit: Residents ($480 per credit + fees)
- Number of credits: 48 credits
- Total cost: $23,040 + fees
11) Old Dominion University Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
Old Dominion University (ODU) offers a CCNE-accredited online master of science in nursing with a psychiatric-mental health NP specialization that allows ‘applicants with a BSN’ or ‘RNs with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree’ to apply.
Students visit the Virginia Beach campus in Norfolk, VA, once per semester for approximately five campus visits. Additionally, the student completes clinical practicum experiences locally. The MSN-PMHNP is solely offered full-time and begins in the fall only. It is designed to be completed in two years.
Key courses cover healthcare disparities, epidemiology, pathophysiology, service to vulnerable populations, evidence-based research and decision-making, psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, neurobiology, ethical concerns, psychiatric disorder management, telehealth, and business practice. ODU delivers online nursing classes in a combination synchronous/asynchronous instructional model. Synchronous class times typically occur on Thursdays. Applicants should have at least one year of nursing work experience, and the GRE is required for applicants with less than a 3.5 cumulative GPA.
- Cost per credit: Residents ($620 per credit + fees); non-residents ($642 per credit + fees)
- Number of credits: 40 credits
- Total cost: $24,800 / $25,680 + fees
12) Ohio University Online Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
Ohio University, in Athens, OH, offers a CCNE-accredited online master of science in nursing psychiatric-mental health NP program with two campus intensives and local preceptorships, including 750 clinical hours. The curriculum combines evidence-based practice with advanced nursing theory and concepts.
Designed for practicing nurses, the MSN-PMHNP program teaches students to address the unique challenges of the mental health field, positively affect the lives of individuals, groups, and families in psychiatric-mental health practice, and care for patients across the lifespan.
The PMHNP program can be completed in six semesters by taking two courses per 15-week term. The program begins in the summer term, and applicants must hold a BSN from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA and an unencumbered RN license in one of the 28 approved states.
- Cost per credit: Residents ($633 per credit + fees); non-residents ($652 per credit + fees)
- Number of credits: 40 credits
- Total cost: $25,320 / $26,080 + fees
13) Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis MSN-PMHNP Program
IUPUI, a one-of-a-kind partnership between Indiana University and Purdue University, offers an online master of science in nursing program in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (lifespan). Most courses in this program are offered online or in a hybrid-distance format, making them accessible to students throughout the state. Clinical/practicum experiences can be completed by students in their home community within Indiana and are arranged cooperatively by faculty and students.
The psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner–lifespan track prepares students for the diagnosis, assessment, prevention, and clinical management of mental illness across the lifespan. Admission to this track will be offered in both spring and fall 2024.
The program comprises 42 credits, including courses such as nursing theory; nursing research methods; advanced pharmacology across the lifespan; neuro-psychopharmacology; measurement and data analysis; leadership for advanced nursing practice; substance use/abuse and co-morbid disorders across the lifespan; and measurement and data analysis.
- Cost per credit: Residents ($625 per credit + fees)
- Number of credits: 42 credits
- Total cost: $26,250 + fees
14) McNeese State University
McNeese State University offers a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited master’s degree in nursing with a PMHNP concentration. This fully online program features a curriculum aligned with the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master in Science of Nursing (ICMSN). The program prepares students to practice evidence-based care on behalf of various patient populations. McNeese is proud to note that its student certification rates for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners have been 100 percent in recent years.
The McNeese MSN-PMHNP program has several appealing features. Students complete a significant amount of precepted clinical experience. Such real-world experience helps students develop the skills and confidence necessary to succeed post-graduation. In addition, McNeese’s on-campus clinical simulation labs feature high-fidelity mannequins representative of the full human lifespan, skill trainers, and procedure labs. These resources further enhance student learning. Finally, the McNeese’s graduate nursing program is part of Louisiana’s Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science Nursing. Membership in this consortium helps MSN students network with other Consortium partner schools such as Southeastern Louisiana University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Nicholls State University. These networking resources can prove critical to students’ entry into the workforce post-graduation.
- Cost per credit: Residents ($555.58 per credit + fees)
- Number of credits: 48 credits
- Total cost: $26,667.84 + fees
15) University of South Alabama
The University of South Alabama offers an MSN program with a PMHNP concentration. Registered nurses and those who already hold a BSN are eligible to apply. Upon graduation, students are prepared to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Certification Exam for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan). Upon passing the exam, nurses will hold the PMHNP-BC credential. Graduates are well prepared to work with children, adolescents, and adults and may work in various settings, including ambulatory care, acute care, long-term care, and community health facilities.
Students who enter the program as a BSN-MSN student must complete a total of 45 credit.hours. The curriculum consists of support, MSN core, and MSN specialty courses.
- Cost per credit: Residents ($594 per credit + fees)
- Number of credits: 45 credits
- Total cost: $26,730 + fees
Most Affordable Out-Of-State Online PMHNP Programs in 2025
Following is a listing of the 15 most affordable out-of-state online PMHNP programs in 2025 by total cost. This list only includes out-of-state tuition data.
1) Arkansas State University
As noted in the in-state ranking above, Arkansas State University (ASU) offers nursing professionals an ACEN-accredited online MSN degree program with a PMHNP specialization at an affordable in-state tuition rate. This MSN program is also very affordable for out-of-state students as evidenced by its top ranking in this listing.
The MSN curriculum prepares students with advanced clinical judgment and other skills necessary to create and implement effective care responsive to individual patient needs. Particular topics highlighted in the curriculum include recovery, trauma, relationship issues, and cognitive and behavioral changes. Though the ASU MSN curriculum is offered online, students must complete their practicum/clinical experiences in person. Out-of-state students benefit from a clinical placement located convenient to their local community.
- Cost per credit (out-of-state): $370 per credit + fees
- Number of credits: 47.5 credits
- Total cost: $17,575 + fees
2) The University of Southern Indiana (USI) Online MSN – PMHNP
The University of Southern Indiana (USI) offers an online MSN with a psychiatric-mental health NP specialization. This program is an entirely online program.
The PMHNP MSN program can be completed in about three years on a part-time basis, with fall, spring, and summer start dates, and is open to applicants in 33 states. Focus courses include advanced psychopharmacology and three PMHNP care of families courses, including 655 clinical hours. The USI online MSN-PMHNP program is CCNE-accredited.
- Cost per credit (out-of-state): $496.94 per credit + fees
- Number of credits: 44 credits
- Total cost: $21,865.36 + fees
3) SUNY Stonybrook
SUNY Stonybrook University offers an online 45-credit hour MSN-PMHNP degree program designed to prepare nurses to become advanced practice nurses skilled in applying their expertise to the care of patients with psychiatric or psychosocial issues.
The curriculum comprises core, research, pharmacology, health assessment, pathophysiology and clinical practicum coursework. The Office of Clinical Placements facilitates student clinical placements through collaboration with faculty. Upon graduation students are prepared to sit for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
- Cost per credit (out-of-state): $565 per credit + fees
- Number of credits: 45 credits
- Total cost: $25,425 + fees
4) Old Dominion University Online Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
Old Dominion University (ODU) offers a CCNE-accredited online master of science in nursing with a psychiatric-mental health NP specialization that allows applicants with a BSN or RNs with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to apply. Students come to the Virginia Beach campus in Norfolk, VA, once per semester for approximately five campus visits. Additionally, the student completes clinical practicum experiences locally. The MSN-PMHNP is solely offered full-time and begins in the fall only. It is designed to be completed in two years.
Key courses cover healthcare disparities, epidemiology, pathophysiology, service to vulnerable populations, evidence-based research and decision-making, psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, neurobiology, ethical concerns, psychiatric disorder management, telehealth, and business practice. ODU delivers online nursing classes in a combination synchronous/asynchronous instructional model. Synchronous class times typically occur on Thursdays. Applicants should have at least one year of nursing work experience, and the GRE is required for applicants with less than a 3.5 cumulative GPA.
- Cost per credit (out-of-state): $642 per credit + fees
- Number of credits: 40 credits
- Total cost: $25,680 + fees
5) Ohio University Online MSN-PMHNP
Ohio University in Athens, OH offers a CCNE-accredited online master of science in nursing psychiatric-mental health NP program with two campus intensives and local preceptorships, including 750 clinical hours. The curriculum combines evidence-based practice with advanced nursing theory and concepts.
Designed for practicing nurses, the MSN-PMHNP program teaches students to address the unique challenges of the mental health field, positively affect the lives of individuals, groups, and families in psychiatric-mental health practice, and care for patients across the lifespan.
The PMHNP program can be completed in six semesters by taking two courses per 15-week term. The program begins in the summer term, and applicants must hold a BSN from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA and an unencumbered RN license in one of the 28 approved states.
- Cost per credit (out-of-state): $652 per credit + fees
- Number of credits: 40 credits
- Total cost: $26,080 + fees
6) University of South Alabama Online MSN-PMHNP Program
The University of South Alabama offers an online master of science nursing program specializing in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner preparing graduates to provide psychiatric-mental healthcare to those in need of psychiatric services. All students in this online specialty must attend one mandatory virtual Clinical Skills Intensive (CSI) during the fall term.
This 45-credit program includes courses such as advanced nursing assessment; physio-pathological basis of advanced nursing; introduction to psychiatric-mental health; health promotion/disease prevention & issues for psychiatric-mental health; organizational & systems leadership; healthcare policy and finance; evidence-based practice & informatics for professional nurses; scientific underpinnings of advanced nursing practice; and evidence-based practice and quality improvement in healthcare.
- Cost per credit (out-of-state): $594 per credit + fees
- Number of credits: 45 credits
- Total cost: $26,730 + fees
7) University of Missouri Online MSN-PMHNP Program
University of Missouri’s Sinclair School of Nursing offers an online master of science program in nursing with an emphasis on psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. This program is offered in a blended format and students may complete all courses online but an on-campus visit is required once per year. Part-time students are most likely to complete the program in three years.
Helping students enhance their careers in psychiatric and mental health, this program comprises 43 credits and includes 720 clinical hours. The curriculum includes courses such as scientific foundations for health sciences; advanced nursing roles and professional communication; practice inquiry; advanced pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics; diagnostics and psychopharmacology for mental health nurses; brief individual and family psychotherapy; mental health nursing interventions for families; and pediatric mental health assessment and treatment.
- Cost per credit (out-of-state): $630 per credit + fees
- Number of credits: 43 credits
- Total cost: $27,090 + fees
8) Northern Kentucky University Online MSN-PMHNP Program
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) offers a fully online MSN-PMHNP program with no campus visits and local clinical practicums. Courses last seven weeks each, with start dates in January, March, May, June, August, and October, and the program can be completed in 20 to 22 months. Those with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees are welcome to apply and must complete two additional courses. NKU seeks to offer private higher education at a lower cost than most public institutions and create personal relationships with faculty who know students by name.
Topics covered include analysis and application of health data in advanced nursing practice, healthcare policy and economics, nursing research, clinical pharmacology and intervention, psychopathopharmacology, PMHNP assessment and diagnosis, patient management, and psychiatric-mental health nursing and practice. The PMHNP program is CCNE-accredited, and NKU is located in Highland Heights, Kentucky.
- Cost per credit (out-of-state): $578 per credit + fees
- Number of credits: 47 credits
- Total cost: $27,166 + fees
9) Franklin University
Franklin University, a private university in Columbus, Ohio, offers many academic programs for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers. Franklin University is noteworthy due to the range of education options that can assist nursing professionals in advancing their careers. For example, students may also choose to obtain a micro-credential in a skill set that will further enhance their marketability in the labor market.
All MSN degree program students must complete five core courses totaling 15 credits. These courses are role of the master’s prepared nurse, advanced pathophysiology, advanced physical assessment, advanced pharmacology, and evidence-based practice and quality improvement. Students of the PMHNP specialization complete a 42-credit program featuring courses focused on topics including, but not limited to, neurobiology and psychopharmacology, psychotherapy and differential diagnosis for individuals, groups and families, a three-course practicum series, and a capstone course.
- Cost per credit (out-of-state): $670 per credit + fees
- Number of credits: 42 credits
- Total cost: $28,140 + fees
10) King University
King University offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program featuring four concentration options. The MSN program is designed for practicing nurses who have busy schedules. The PMHNP track is a five-semester program designed to prepare students with the advanced nursing practice skills necessary to successfully work on behalf of various patient populations within multiple care settings. Graduates are well prepared to take the PMHNP certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
The fully online PMHNP curriculum consists of advanced practice nurse core, advanced practice specialty core, and advanced nursing clinical/specialization courses. Students also have the chance to take part in a major service-learning project. Students may complete such a project in a setting such as a health clinic, school, and community mental health services provider. To graduate, students also complete a minimum of 600 clinical practicum hours. Students complete clinical training with the guidance of a faculty member and a community-based, faculty-approved preceptor.
- Cost per credit (out-of-state): $605 per credit + fees
- Number of credits: 48 credits
- Total cost: $29,040 + fees
11) Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University’s MSN-PMHNP program trains students to become advanced practice registered nurses who will offer care in various mental healthcare provider settings. The program has a strong community focus and also offers students clinical placement assistance. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as two years. CSU’s MSN-PMHNP degree program is open to applicants from 16 states. Prospective students should visit the school website to verify if they live in an eligible state.
The fully online MSN-PMHNP program requires the completion of 48 credit hours and 780 clinical hours in a placement in the student’s local community. Students complete a core set of courses as well as PMHNP-specific coursework. PMHNP coursework includes topics such as psychiatric-mental health assessment, neuropsychopharmacology, care of the adult individual client, and care of the family as a client.
- Cost per credit (out-of-state): $615.25 per credit + fees
- Number of credits: 48 credits
- Total cost: $29,532 + fees
12) Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Online MSN-PMHNP Program
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers an online CCNE-accredited master of science in nursing program with a concentration in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Students in this NP track must complete a mandatory on-campus skills session. This mandatory session will account for 24 hours of clinical time.
Made up of 48 credits, the program includes courses such as the advanced practice nurse as provider; nursing informatics; organizational and systems leadership; population health & interprofessional collaboration; advanced pharmacology; advanced pathophysiology; and advanced health assessment.
To enroll, students must have earned a BSN from an accredited institution and hold an active, unrestricted RN license.
- Cost per credit (out-of-state): $704 per credit + fees
- Number of credits: 42 credits
- Total cost: $29,568 + fees
13) St. Thomas University Online MSN-PMHNP Program
St. Thomas University offers an online CCNE-accredited master of science program in nursing with a specialization in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. With six starts per year, this program can be completed online and requires as few as 18 months. The program’s curriculum integrates health policy, psychopathology, clinical pharmacology, and advanced health assessment.
By completing 500 clinical hours, students will graduate ready to work with increased autonomy as mental health nurse practitioners. Applicants to the program must possess an unencumbered RN license, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing school with a 3.0 GPA, and submit transcripts from all institutions previously attended.
Comprising 50 credits, the program includes courses such as psychopharmacology; psychopathology; psychiatric management; role to transition to advanced practice nursing; philosophical & theoretical basis of nursing; advanced pathophysiology; advanced health assessment; diversity in advanced health practice; influencing health policy; and advanced clinical pharmacology.
- Cost per credit (out-of-state): $605 per credit + fees
- Number of credits: 50 credits
- Total cost: $30,250 + fees
14) Georgia Southern University Online Post-BSN to DNP Program
Georgia Southern University’s School of Nursing offers a post-bachelor of science in nursing to doctor of nursing practice (post-BSN-DNP) program with a master of science in nursing (MSN) exit option. Both synchronous and asynchronous formats are used for courses in this program. The PMHNP track prepares graduates to provide pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies to meet the mental health needs of families and individuals across their lifespans. While this program is online, there will be two to three in-person learning days each semester.
Students in this program will have the option to opt out after the final PMH course and receive their MSN degree to be eligible to sit for their national certification exam. However, they will still have four years to return and complete the remaining DNP courses for the DNP Degree.
This 77-credit Post-BSN to DNP program includes courses such as psychodynamics of health; epidemiology; health policy concerns in delivery systems; pathophysiology & differential diagnosis; mental health care of individuals and families with substance abuse; complex health care of special populations clinical; and vulnerable populations.
- Cost per credit (out-of-state): $399 per credit + fees
- Number of credits: 77 credits
- Total cost: $30,723 + fees
15) Texas Tech University Online MSN-PMHNP Program
Texas Tech University (TTU) offers an online MSN-PMHNP program with fully online coursework and six campus visits in Lubbock, Texas. These include orientation and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs). Other hands-on experience is gained by completing 576 clinical hours through local clinical preceptorships. Start dates land in the fall and spring, and students can follow a six-semester full-time or nine-semester part-time path. PMHNP applicants complete a telephone interview by invitation and must be passionate about helping patients with mental health disorders.
Specialty PMHNP courses cover various topics such as APRN research, pharmacotherapeutics for APRNs, telehealth and rural service delivery, interprofessional collaboration, neuroscience and epigenetics, psychotherapeutic modalities for individuals, families, and groups, and patient diagnostics and management. Populations include children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients. The MSN-PMHNP program through Texas Tech University is CCNE-accredited. TTU does not accept Arizona, California, Louisiana, New York, Oregon, and Washington students.
- Cost per credit (out-of-state): $629.76 per credit + fees
- Number of credits: 49 credits
- Total cost: $30,858.24 + fees
Find an Affordable Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
These online PMHNP programs ranked by affordability can open up opportunities you might have yet to consider to earn a graduate degree or certificate and move into the world of psychiatric-mental health nursing. They are designed for working nurses to continue working while earning an affordable graduate education.
These online PMHNP programs offer affordable tuition and flexible online learning modes, and the BSN to MSN programs can be completed in two to three years on a part-time basis. Those attending full-time can complete the programs more quickly. Note that DNP programs take about four years to complete part-time. With the tremendous need for nurse practitioners, these PMHNP programs can provide a viable and necessary career pathway without the heavy burden of more expensive tuition.
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues.