10 Cheapest Online PMHNP Certificate Programs

11 Min Read Published July 15, 2024
10 Cheapest Online PMHNP Certificate Programs

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate programs are designed for individuals with a nurse practitioner degree in another specialty who want to become PMHNPs. With dozens of available programs, finding one that suits your needs can be challenging. If price is a major factor in your program selection, we've got you covered with this list of the cheapest online PMHNP certificate programs for 2025. 

Popular Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Learn in-depth practices in how to provide comprehensive psychiatric mental health care at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Grow your skills in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of a variety of psychiatric mental health disorders across the lifespan of patients.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Walden University

Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Wilkes University

Whether you are beginning your career, looking to change your career or desire an advanced degree, Wilkes University Passan School of Nursing is the place for you. With a more than 40-year history of educating nurses, our school has a strong commitment to the professional practice of nursing. Faculty and staff are dedicated and resourceful providing students with personalized attention.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

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What Are PMHNP Certificate Programs?

PMHNP certificate programs are ideal for individuals with an APRN/NP degree in another specialty. Students will take approximately 20-30 credit hours of didactic coursework plus roughly 500 hours of clinical practicum. Upon completion, students become eligible to sit for national certification as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner

Certificate programs are excellent for practicing NPs interested in transitioning to psychiatric-mental healthcare. Consider a family nurse practitioner (FNP) who has already completed their MSN. If they would rather work in psychiatric nursing, they can choose a PMHNP certificate program instead of another MSN.

Top 10 Cheapest Online PMHNP Certificate Programs

Tuition
$420 per credit hour
Program Length
12 months
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

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.

  • Application Deadline: 
    • September Start: September 18th
    • December Start:  December 4th
  • Contact Information: 
    • Phone: (844) 787-3834
  • Website*
Tuition
$13,250 per year
Program Length
1.5 years
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

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.

  • Application Deadline: Rolling
  • Contact Information: 
    • Phone Number: (866) 225-5948
  • Website*

3. Rowan University

Tuition
$827 per credit hour
Program Length
9 courses and 750 clinical hours
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

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.

  • Application Deadline: Rolling
  • Contact Information: 
    • Phone Number: (856) 256-4747
  • Website

Popular Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Learn in-depth practices in how to provide comprehensive psychiatric mental health care at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Grow your skills in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of a variety of psychiatric mental health disorders across the lifespan of patients.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Walden University

Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Wilkes University

Whether you are beginning your career, looking to change your career or desire an advanced degree, Wilkes University Passan School of Nursing is the place for you. With a more than 40-year history of educating nurses, our school has a strong commitment to the professional practice of nursing. Faculty and staff are dedicated and resourceful providing students with personalized attention.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Tuition
$729 per credit hour
Program Length
12 months
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

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.

5. New Mexico State University

Tuition
 $444.40 per credit hour
Program Length
12 months
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

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.

  • Application Deadline: 
    • Priority: January 15th
    • Final: March 15th
  • Contact Information: 
  • Website

6. Anderson University

Tuition
$780 per credit hour
Program Length
4 semesters
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

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.

7. Georgia College

Tuition
$787 per credit hour
Program Length
2 years 
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

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.

  • Application Deadline: September 15th
  • Contact Information: 
  • Website

8. Eastern Kentucky University

Tuition
$703 per credit hour
Program Length
25-34 credit hours 
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

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.

9. Norwich University

Tuition
$825 per credit hour
Program Length
18 credit hours 
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

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.

10. University of St. Francis

Tuition
$799 per credit hour
Program Length
31-43 credit hours 
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Yes

 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.

    What to Expect in a PMHNP Certificate Program

    Since most PMHNP certificate students continue working while they study, they must know what to expect from the program. Understanding the curriculum will help you appropriately manage their expectations and time.

    Online PMHNP certificate programs are for nurse practitioners who want to expand their knowledge and career. Only a few programs allow students with a non-NP MNS degree to enroll. 

    Additionally, if your MSN is in education or administration, you may need to attend additional courses, making the program longer.

    Admission Requirements

    Admission standards will vary amongst the online PMHNP certificate programs. However, some basic admission requirements include the following:

    • An active, unencumbered RN license
    • Active NP certification
    • MSN degree
    • Letter(s) of recommendation
    • Resume/CV
    • Interview
    • Statement of Intent
    • Application

    Classes & Coursework

    Online certificate programs offer didactic coursework entirely online from the comfort of your home. All PMHNP programs require in-person clinicals with a certified preceptor at an approved clinical site. Some programs assist in securing clinical placement, while others require the student to do the work. 

    Most programs will only require Pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment if you have a non-APRN MSN degree. You can consult an academic advisor to determine if you need those classes for the PMHNP certificate.

    General coursework includes:

    • Advanced Pharmacology
    • Advanced Pathophysiology
    • Advanced Health Assessment
    • Research
    • Ethics
    • Leadership
    • Telemedicine
    • Pharmacotherapeutics
    • Health Policy and Legal Implications
    • Health Informatics
    • Common Psychiatric and Mental Health Problems of Adults
    • Psychiatric and Mental Health Problems in Children
    • Psychiatric and Mental Health Problems in Special Populations

    How to Choose an Online PMHNP Certificate Program

    With countless online PMHNP certificate programs available, selecting the right one for you can easily become overwhelming. The most important factor to consider is whether the program is accredited. Attending a non-accredited program will not qualify you for board certification or practice as a PMHNP.

    In addition to finding the cheapest online PMHNP certificate programs, you may consider the following factors when making your selection:

    • Private vs. public institution
    • In-state vs. out-of-state (tuition) 
    • Number of credit hours required
    • In-person requirements
    • Student-to-faculty ratio

    Popular Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs

    Sponsored
    Purdue Global

    Learn in-depth practices in how to provide comprehensive psychiatric mental health care at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Grow your skills in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of a variety of psychiatric mental health disorders across the lifespan of patients.

    Accreditation
    CCNE
    Location
    Online
    Prerequisite
    RN Required

    Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

    Walden University

    Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.

    Accreditation
    CCNE
    Location
    Online
    Prerequisite
    RN Required

    Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

    Western Governors University

    WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

    Accreditation
    CCNE
    Location
    Online
    Prerequisite
    RN Required

    Enrollment: Nationwide

    Wilkes University

    Whether you are beginning your career, looking to change your career or desire an advanced degree, Wilkes University Passan School of Nursing is the place for you. With a more than 40-year history of educating nurses, our school has a strong commitment to the professional practice of nursing. Faculty and staff are dedicated and resourceful providing students with personalized attention.

    Accreditation
    CCNE
    Location
    Online
    Prerequisite
    RN Required

    Enrollment: Nationwide

     

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    Kathleen Gaines
    MSN, RN, BA, CBC
    Kathleen Gaines
    News and Education Editor

    Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

    Education:
    MSN Nursing Education - Loyola University New Orleans
    BSN - Villanova University
    BA- University  of Mary Washington

    Expertise:
    Pediatric Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, Nursing Education, Women’s Health, Intensive Care, Nurse Journalism, Cardiac Nursing 

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