10 Cheapest Online PMHNP Certificate Programs

The post-masters PMHNP certificate program at Purdue prepares students for the ANCC examination after graduation. The program requires 12 completely online courses. At just $420 per credit hour, Purdue Global offers one of the cheapest psych NP programs in the nation.

Because of specific policies, the program cannot accept students from some US states and territories. Currently, residents of the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Louisiana, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Guam are not eligible for the program.

WGU is a primarily online university offering one of the cheapest PMHNP programs in the nation. The program is ideal for working professionals seeking to expand their knowledge to treat psychiatric patients. 

Students can complete the 11-course program in just 1.5 years, including clinical requirements. WGU also awards credits to students with previous education and work experience. 

Unfortunately, because of its clinical requirements, the school cannot offer this program to Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin residents.

Rowan University's PMHNP certificate program offers students access to one of the top nursing programs in the country at a fraction of the cost. To receive the certification, students complete nine courses and 750 clinical hours.

Students attend the program in a hybrid format and must complete at least four courses (two didactic and two clinical) at the Glassboro, NJ campus. While this might not be ideal for all students, it is an excellent option for those local to the program or willing to relocate.

Consistently ranked as one of the top universities by U.S. News, Wilkes University offers students the opportunity to earn a PMHNP certificate in 12 months. With three convenient start dates throughout the year, students can start at their convenience with increased flexibility. Additionally, Wilkes guarantees all clinical placements and takes the stress away from the student.

The PMHNP certificate program at NM State requires 18 credit hours and a minimum of 500 clinical hours. Despite these requirements, students can earn a PMHNP certificate at NM State in just one year.

The only downside to this low-cost, fast-paced program is that it only accepts students once per year for a fall start date. So, the program might not be great for those who need flexibility because of their work and life schedules.

Anderson University offers a post-MSN PMHNP program designed for students with an FNP degree. The program is 22 credits long, and students can complete it in four semesters.

This post-MSN PMHNP certificate program is distinct because it offers a path to becoming a PMHNP for non-APRN students. It incorporates the "3 Ps" (physical assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology) to allow those with an MSN, DNP, or Ph.D. in Nursing to become eligible for board certification.

Students can complete this 32-credit hour PMHNP certificate in just two years. The university will also create an individualized program of study for students with an APRN degree.

The online PMHNP certificate program at EKU offers students accelerated eight-week terms, personalized advising, and no campus visits. Students still must complete the mandatory in-person clinical component, but there are no other in-person requirements. Students also receive free textbooks, significantly reducing the program's overall cost.

Norwich University's post-MSN PMHNP program has four convenient start dates, perfect for students who want to start immediately. Students can also complete the 18-credit-hour program in 11 weeks, allowing them to become PMHNPs quickly. However, the program is highly competitive, accepting only 15 students per start date.

 This cheap PMHNP cert program accepts any student who meets the admissions criteria and holds an accredited MSN. The program incorporates 31-43 credits of advanced practice nursing study into its curriculum. Some classes PMHNP students at the University of St. Francis attend include Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Psychiatric NP Clinical Management I-III.