PMHNPs are also trained to contribute to care quality improvement, policy development, and healthcare reform, 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 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) in order 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-to0-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 2022 from 1,008 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, taken from the 2021-2022 or 2022-2023 school years as published by each school.
Most Affordable Online PMHNP in 2023
Check out the 15 most affordable online PMHNP programs by the total cost of in-state tuition in 2023. For this listing, both resident and non-resident tuition are included 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: $289.17 (residents) / $1,019.67 (non-residents) / credit + fees
- Number of credits: 47 credits
- Total cost: $13,590.99 / $47,924.49 + 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: $286.03/credit + fees (residents)
- 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: $314 (residents) / $471 (non-residents) /credit + fees
- Number of credits: 48 credits
- Total cost: $15,072 / $22,608 + fees
4) Southeastern Louisiana University Online MSN to DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
Southeastern Louisiana University offers a CCNE-accredited online MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice with PMHNP specialization (MSN to DNP-PMHNP) to residents of Louisiana. This program requires attendance at two campus visits, and clinicals are completed locally in LA.
Applicants must hold an MSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA and an unencumbered RN license in LA, with at least one year of clinical work experience, and meet prerequisites such as Advanced Health Assessment, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacotherapeutics. The MSN to DNP-PMHNP program begins in the summer and can be completed in three years full-time, with part-time plans offered. PMHNP specialty courses focus on psychopharmacology for advanced practice, psychiatric-mental health nursing, and advanced diagnostics, with 1,020 clinical hours included.
- Cost per credit: $286.03/credit + fees (residents)
- Number of credits: 59 credits
- Total cost: $16,875.77 + fees
5) Husson University Online MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
Husson University offers a CCNE-accredited online MSN-PMHNP program with two one-week summer immersions in Bangor, Maine. All other coursework is online, with clinical completed locally to the student in approved states. The online MSN-PMHNP program may not meet state licensure requirements in some states, so out-of-state students should verify their state requirements before applying. Start dates land in the fall, and the program can be completed in about two years, including summers.
The MSN-PMHNP program focuses on delivering high-quality mental health services at an affordable cost, especially to low-income and underserved populations. Students complete 540 clinical hours through three practicum experiences covering patients across the lifespan.
Core courses cover socio-cultural perceptions of addiction and population health, advanced pharmacotherapeutics, organizational strategies and analysis, evidence-based practice, healthcare IT, and public health policy.
- Cost per credit: $338 (residents) / $682 (non-residents) /credit + fees
- Number of credits: 51 credits
- Total cost: $17,238 / $34,782 + 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 and up to four, two-day campus visits. Campus immersions occur at the Clinical Simulation Center in Evansville, Indiana, designed to mimic a hospital setting where students can practice patient assessments, analyze lab results, create care plans, practice decision-making skills, and collaborate with faculty and peers.
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 with practicums, including 665 clinical hours. The USI online MSN-PMHNP program is CCNE-accredited.
- Cost per credit: $419.06/credit + fees (residents and non-residents)
- Number of credits: 44 credits
- Total cost: $18,438.64 +fees
7) 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 have a passion for 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: $379 (residents) / $628 (non-residents) /credit + fees
- Number of credits: 49 credits
- Total cost: $18,571 / $30,772 + fees
8) 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 values such as 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: $457 (residents) / $734 (non-residents) /credit + fees
- Number of credits: 42 credits
- Total cost: $19,194 / $30,828 + fees
9) 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: $412.13/credit + fees (residents)
- Number of credits: 51 credits
- Total cost: $21,018.63 + fees
10) Southeastern Louisiana University Online BSN to DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
Southeastern Louisiana University also offers a CCNE-accredited online BSN to DNP-PMHNP program to residents of LA, with two campus visits and local clinicals. Completion of 1,140 clinical hours is required. Through this program, students can complete the MSN requirements and opt out, earning their MSN-PMHNP at this point, or continue to earn their DNP.
Applicants must hold a BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA and an unrestricted RN license in LA, with at least one year of clinical work experience. The BSN to DNP-PMHNP program begins in the summer and can be completed in three years on a full-time basis or longer with part-time enrollment. PMHNP program courses focus on ethics, healthcare policy, organizational and systems leadership, healthcare informatics, evidence-based nursing practice, diagnostic reasoning, pharmacotherapeutics, epidemiology, and preventive healthcare. Specialty courses cover psychiatric-mental health nursing, psychopharmacology for APRNs, and advanced diagnostics.
- Cost per credit: $286.03/credit + fees (residents)
- Number of credits: 76 credits
- Total cost: $21,738.28 + fees
11) Ohio University Online Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
Ohio University, located 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 500 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 14-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: $574 (residents) / $593 (non-residents) /credit + fees
- Number of credits: 38 credits
- Total cost: $21,812 / $25,300 + fees
12) University of Nevada Reno (UNR) Online BSN to DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
The University of Nevada Reno also offers a CCNE-accredited online BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice PMHNP program with online coursework, local clinical practicums, and a three to five-day campus immersion the first week of summer before clinicals. The BSN to DNP program allows BSN-prepared nurses to earn their DNP while seamlessly completing the MSN-PMHNP courses. The program can be completed in eight semesters full-time or 11 semesters part-time.
The BSN to DNP-PMHNP focuses on the MSN concepts, plus PMHNP specialty courses such as mental health assessment, advanced mental health therapies, diagnosis and management of patients in PMH settings, and working with patients across the lifespan. DNP-focused courses may cover concepts such as scientific inquiry, advanced ambulatory pharmacology; healthcare policy, social justice, healthcare IT systems, the economics of healthcare delivery, healthcare organizational management, translational evidence for the DNP, and outcomes management in nursing.
- Cost per credit: $314 (residents) / $471 (non-residents) /credit + fees
- Number of credits: 72 credits
- Total cost: $22,608 / $33,912 + fees
13) 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 semesters to complete full-time. Students choose either a scholarly project or a thesis pathway.
This MSN degree is also 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: $480//credit + fees (residents)
- Number of credits: 48 credits
- Total cost: $23,040 + fees
14) 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 come to the Virginia Beach campus in Norfolk, VA, once per semester for approximately five campus visits. Additionally, clinical practicum experiences are completed locally by the student. 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: $571 (residents) / $595 (non-residents) /credit + fees
- Number of credits: 42 credits
- Total cost: $23,982 / $24,990 + fees
15) 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, April, June, August, and October, and the program can be completed in 20 to 22 months. Those with a non-nursing bachelor’s 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: $550/credit (residents and non-residents)
- Number of credits: 46 credits
- Total cost: $25,300 + fees
Most Affordable Out-Of-State Online PMHNP Programs in 2023
Following is a listing of the 15 most affordable out-of-state online PMHNP programs in 2023 by total cost. This list only includes out-of-state tuition data.is included.
1) The University of Southern Indiana (USI) Online MSN – PMHNP
- Cost per credit: $419.06/credit + fees
- Number of credits: 44 credits
- Total cost: $18,438.64 + fees
2) Ohio University Online MSN-PMHNP
- Cost per credit: $593/credit + fees
- Number of credits: 38 credits
- Total cost: $22,534 + fees
3) University of Nevada Reno Online MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
- Cost per credit: $471/credit + fees
- Number of credits: 48 credits
- Total cost: $22,608 + fees
4) Old Dominion University Online Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
- Cost per credit: $595/credit + fees
- Number of credits: 42 credits + fees
- Total cost: $24,990 + fees
5) Northern Kentucky University Online MSN-PMHNP Program
- Cost per credit: $550/credit + fees
- Number of credits: 46 credits
- Total cost: $25,300 + fees
6) University of South Alabama Online MSN-PMHNP Program
- Cost per credit: $594/credit + fees
- Number of credits: 45 credits
- Total cost: $26,730 + fees
7) University of Missouri Online MSN-PMHNP Program
- Cost per credit: $662.40/credit + fees
- Number of credits: 43 credits
- Total cost: $28,483.20 + fees
8) Georgia Southern University Online BSN to DNP PMHNP Program
- Cost per credit: $389/credit + fees
- Number of credits: 77 credits
- Total cost: $29,953 + fees
9) University of Missouri – Kansas City Online MSN-PMHNP Program
- Cost per credit: $653.50/credit + fees
- Number of credits: 46 credits
- Total cost: $30,061 + fees
10) Briar Cliff University Online MSN-PMHNP Program
- Cost per credit: $585/credit + fees
- Number of credits: 52 credits
- Total cost: $30,420 + fees
11) New Mexico State University Online BSN to DNP PMHNP Program
- Cost per credit: $444.40/credit + fees
- Number of credits: 69 credits
- Total cost: $30,663.60 + fees
12) The University of Alabama – Birmingham Online MSN-PMHNP Program
- Cost per credit: $682/credit + fees
- Number of credits: 45 credits
- Total cost: $30,690 + fees
13) Texas Tech University Online MSN-PMHNP Program
- Cost per credit: $628/credit + fees
- Number of credits: 49 credits
- Total cost: $30,772 + fees
14) Chamberlain University Online MSN-PMHNP Program
- Cost per credit: $659/credit + fees
- Number of credits: 47 credits
- Total cost: $30,973 + fees
15) Purdue Global Online MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Cost per credit: $420 /credit + fees
- Number of credits: 78 credits
- Total cost: $32,760 + 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 be able 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 costs.
Sara Navratil
WriterSara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She owns Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information about online NP programs. When not working, she likes to read, exercise, and spend time with her family and cats.