Top 10 Online FNP to PMHNP Certificate Programs for 2026
Post-master’s certificate programs are a popular way for nurse practitioners (NPs) to expand their clinical knowledge and career options. While family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are the most common type of NP, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are the least common, making the FNP-to-PMHNP pathway an appealing specialization choice.
To help you compare options, Nurse.org compiled a list of the top FNP to PMHNP certificate programs online. Read on to learn key details about these programs, including accreditation, tuition, program length, and contact information.
Popular Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN-NP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Arkansas State University offers flexible nursing programs ranging from BSN pathways to advanced MSN and DNP degrees designed to support career growth at every stage. With strong online options and a focus on real-world leadership and practice, A-State prepares nurses to thrive in today’s evolving healthcare environment.
ACEN
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
What Are FNP to PMHNP Certificate Programs?
FNP to PMHNP certificate programs are designed for family nurse practitioners (FNPs) who want to expand their scope of practice into psychiatric mental health care. These post-graduate programs build on your existing advanced practice education and focus specifically on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.
Instead of earning a new degree, you’ll complete a specialized certificate that prepares you to sit for the PMHNP certification exam and practice in mental health settings.
These programs are typically shorter than full degree pathways because they focus only on psychiatric-specific training.
Nurse.org’s Top 10 Online FNP to PMHNP Certificate Programs
Our ranking criteria are based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation, and we use the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard.
| School | Tuition | Program Length | Accreditation |
| Johns Hopkins University | $1,995 per credit hour | 3 semesters | CCNE |
| George Washington University | $1,630 per credit hour | 2 years | CCNE |
| Texas A&M University | $787.89 - $1,314.40 total | 5 semesters | CCNE |
| Drexel University | $1,169 per quarter credit | 2 years | CCNE |
| University of Virginia | $17,366 - $28,367 total | 12 months | CCNE |
| Georgetown University | $2,652 per credit hour | 4 semesters | CCNE |
| Liberty University | $850 per credit hour | 12 months | CCNE |
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | $825 per credit hour | 5 semesters | CCNE |
| Hawai’i Pacific University | $30,159 total | 14 months | CCNE |
| SUNY Polytechnic Institute | $471 - $565 per credit hour | 2 years | CCNE |
Why We Picked This School
While the post-master’s PMHNP certificate program at JHU is part-time, students should expect to complete a minimum of 30 hours of schoolwork per week for each of the three semesters. The program, even as part-time, is extremely intense, so students need to adequately prepare.
Program Highlights
- No. 1 best Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program nationwide
- No. 2 Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program nationwide
- Named no. 3 best nursing school worldwide by QS World University in 2024
Requirements
- Graduate nursing degree from an accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Goal statement
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Completion of at least 500 clinical hours in the NP role and population
- Current resume/CV
- Current unencumbered NP licensure and certification
- One year of nurse practitioner experience by the start of the program
- Faculty interview
- Community service and professional commitment
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Early Decision: November 1st
- Priority: January 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (410) 955-4766
- Email Address: jhuson@jhu.edu
Why We Picked This School
GWU Nursing is a top-ranked nursing institution. Graduates from its PMHNP certificate program have a nearly 100% pass rate on the certification exam. While most students complete everything online, except the in-person clinicals, the campus features a world-class simulation center.
Program Highlights
- Current APRNs can complete clinical requirements in their own communities
- Virtual orientation provides knowledge and tools to set students up for success
- All students must complete a virtual clinical learning and skills intensive before starting in-person clinicals
Requirements
- MSN from a regionally accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Graduate-level Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Advanced Health Assessment prerequisites
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Statement of purpose
- Current resume/CV
Program Information
- Application Deadline
- Priority: December 1st
- Final: May 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (202) 994-7901
- Email Address: nursing@gwu.edu
Popular Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN-NP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Arkansas State University offers flexible nursing programs ranging from BSN pathways to advanced MSN and DNP degrees designed to support career growth at every stage. With strong online options and a focus on real-world leadership and practice, A-State prepares nurses to thrive in today’s evolving healthcare environment.
ACEN
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Why We Picked This School
Students must have a Texas nursing license to be eligible for the FNP to PMHNP program online at Texas A&M. Those interested in this program must relocate before starting clinicals. While the university delivers course instruction asynchronously online, it requires students to attend in-person clinicals.
Program Highlights
- Redesignated as a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence in Nursing Education in 2025
- 100% pass rate on the national NP board certification examination
- Connections with over 400+ clinical sites throughout Texas
Requirements
- Graduate nursing degree from an accredited program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Elementary Statistics, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Physical Assessment, and Advanced Pathophysiology with “B” grade or higher
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Timed verbal responses and written assessments
- Completed admission application
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- Resident: $787.89 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $1,314.40 per credit hour
- Application Deadline
- Priority: January 15th
- Rolling: June 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (979) 436-0110
- Email Address: nursingadmissions@tamu.edu
2 years | 34 quarter credits
Why We Picked This School
Drexel University offers an FNP to PMHNP certificate program online, taught by the same experienced and board-certified faculty who teach the brick-and-mortar nursing programs. Students complete the program via synchronous online lectures and participation in mandatory on-campus and virtual intensives.
Program Highlights
- 100% certification board pass rate
- Named 45th Best Online Graduate Nursing Program by U.S. News & World Report
- Named 12th Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report
Requirements
- MSN or DNP from an accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum 1 year of psychiatric nursing experience
- Completed admission application
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Current resume/CV
Program Information
- Application Deadline: August 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (800) 2-DREXEL
- Email Address: CNHPGraduateDivision@drexel.edu
$17,366 - $28,367 total
Why We Picked This School
UVA offers one of the fastest and most affordable PMHNP certification programs. Designed with working professionals in mind, the program holds live online classes once a week. Students only have to come to campus once a month for hands-on learning activities.
Program Highlights
- Ranked among the top 3% of American graduate nursing MSN programs
- Guaranteed admission for UVA School of Nursing alumni
- Active APRNs may satisfy clinical rotation hours in their home communities
Requirements
- Completed admission application
- Active state license and certification as an APRN
- Graduate nursing degree from an accredited program
- Completed advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology
- Active Virginia or compact nursing license
- Current resume/CV
- Interview
- Personal statement
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Three letters of recommendation
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- In-state: $17,366 total
- Out-of-state: $28,367 total
- Application Deadline: January 5th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (434) 924-0141
- Email Address: nursing-admissions@virginia.edu
Why We Picked This School
Georgetown’s nursing school has been educating nursing students for over 120 years and producing some of the best in the field. Students attend didactic courses online, and the curriculum uses Jesuit values to shape the future of health care through compassionate care, knowledge, policy, and leadership.
Program Highlights
- Only open to nurses in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland due to state licensing restrictions
- Two on-campus clinical intensive programs with workshops and simulated, standardized patients
- Students participate in intensives at the state-of-the-art O’Neill Family Foundation Clinical Simulation Center
Requirements
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Minimum 3.0 science GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Completed a college-level three-credit course in statistics with a grade of C or better
- Current resume/CV
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Graduate-level Health Assessment, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology prerequisites
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
Program Information
- Application Deadline: June 1st
- Contact Info:
- Email Address: PMHNP-PGC@georgetown.edu
Why We Picked This School
The PMHNP certificate program at Liberty has three annual start dates. The program also caps student enrollment to ensure appropriate practicum placement and student success.
Program Highlights
- Three convenient start dates (fall, spring, summer)
- Credits from the PMHNP certificate program can be applied to a DNP degree
- Courses are generally 8 weeks, but there are a handful of 16-week courses
Requirements
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Active APRN license and professional certification
- American Heart Association BLS Certification
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- BSN and a graduate nursing degree from an accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- One professional recommendation
- Writing sample
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (800) 424-9595
- Email Address: DNP@Liberty.edu
Why We Picked This School
UMass Amherst has one of the only PMHNP certificate programs that accepts non-APRNs. Students with a non-APRN MSN degree must complete additional clinical hours to earn this certificate. Current FNPs looking to transition to a PMHNP will complete 560 in-person clinical hours. Unfortunately, the program currently cannot accept students seeking a clinical certification who reside in Alabama, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, or Washington.
Program Highlights
- #30 Best online Master’s in Nursing programs, ranked by U.S. News & World Report
- #26 Best nursing college in the nation, ranked by U.S. News & World Report
- Students have full access to and support of all the same amenities as those who attend the brick-and-mortar programs
Requirements
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- APRN MSN degree from an accredited program
- Three letters of recommendation
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Current resume/CV
- Personal statement
Program Information
- Application Deadline: October 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (413) 545-9755
- Email Address: gabelard@umass.edu
9. Hawai’i Pacific University
Why We Picked This School
HPU offers one of the shortest online PMHNP certificate programs because of its generous transfer policy. The program accepts up to 12 eligible credits from another college into this program.
Not only do students attend classes entirely online, but the program is also mobile-friendly. So, students can attend classes and submit coursework on the go with their smartphones. Regardless of the online delivery, they can still access the many benefits of HPU.
Program Highlights
- A dedicated clinical support team to ensure all students have appropriate clinical placement
Requirements
- APRN MSN degree from an accredited program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Personal statement
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
Program Information
- Application Deadline: December 5th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (866) 525-2280
- Email Address: admissions@online.hpu.edu
$471 - $565 per credit hour
Why We Picked This School
This entirely online certificate program does require students to complete 640 clinical hours with an approved preceptor. Despite classes being online, students can attend “live” classes while an instructor leads the class, similar to in-person. The faculty that teaches online courses is the same faculty that students learn from on campus.
Program Highlights
- Live virtual classes provide online students with the same personalized attention as in-person classes
- The faculty that teaches online classes is the same faculty that students learn from on campus.
Requirements
- FNP MSN degree from an accredited program
- Active, unencumbered New York RN license
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in graduate nursing program
- Minimum of one year of recent work experience in the APRN role
- Three letters of recommendation
- Provide evidence of completing the following non-credit coursework: Child Abuse Identification, Infection Control, and Prescription Writing
- Face-to-face personal interview
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Essay
- Current resume/CV
Program Information
- Tuition:
- Resident: $471 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $565 per credit hour
- Application Deadline
- Fall: March 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (315) 792-7262
- Email Address: graduate@sunypoly.edu
Popular Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Programs
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN-NP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Arkansas State University offers flexible nursing programs ranging from BSN pathways to advanced MSN and DNP degrees designed to support career growth at every stage. With strong online options and a focus on real-world leadership and practice, A-State prepares nurses to thrive in today’s evolving healthcare environment.
ACEN
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Who Are FNP to PMHNP Programs Right For?
FNP to PMHNP certificate programs are ideal for:
- Board-certified FNPs who want to transition into mental health
- Nurse practitioners looking to address the growing demand for psychiatric providers
- Providers interested in expanding into telehealth or integrated care settings
What to Expect in an Online FNP to PMHNP Certificate Program
These programs focus on the psychiatric and mental health aspect of provider care. Students complete didactic coursework entirely online, and in-person clinicals are focused on the care of patients suffering from mental health disorders and illnesses.
Through an FNP to PMHNP certificate program, you’ll develop skills to:
- Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations
- Diagnose mental health and substance use disorders
- Prescribe and manage psychiatric medications
- Provide psychotherapy and patient-centered care across the lifespan
Most programs also include clinical hours in psychiatric settings, allowing you to gain hands-on experience before certification.
Overall, these programs offer a streamlined path for FNPs to transition into one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand nurse practitioner specialties.
FAQs
Additional Resources
- Best Online PMHNP Programs
- Shortest Online PMHNP Certificate Programs
- Top Dual FNP/PMHNP Programs
- Top One-Year Online PMHNP Programs
