Top Online BSN to PMHNP Programs for 2026
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are advanced practice nurses who treat mental health illnesses and disorders. They assess, diagnose, and provide treatment plans for patients who have mental illness, disorders, or substance abuse problems.
Transitioning from an RN to a PMHNP requires at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. To help you choose the best online BSN to PMHNP program for you, we've ranked the top ten schools for 2026.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers BSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Save up to 30%* on tuition with the RN-to-BSN Tuition Advantage Grant (*see Chamberlain website for details).
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
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 bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) offers a three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. With 23 nursing school campuses across 14 states, AZCN provides convenient scheduling with general education night classes and in-person, online, and blended nursing courses. New BSN sessions start about every 8 weeks, giving you flexibility when beginning your nursing degree. Our program features small class sizes and NCLEX-RN exam preparation built-in. You’ll experience hands-on clinical practice, advanced simulation labs, and personalized support, to prepare you for your nursing career.
CCNE, ABHES
Hybrid
RN Not Required
Enrollment: 23 Campuses in 14 States (AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, MI, MO, NV, OH, SC, TX, UT, VA, WI)
Nurse.org’s Top 10 Online BSN to PMHNP 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 |
| Duke University | $2,250 per credit hour | 2 years | CCNE |
| Vanderbilt University | $2,057 per credit hour | 4 semesters | CCNE |
| Ohio State University | $48,410 - $ 114,910 total | 2 - 5 years | CCNE |
| University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill | $292.46 - $1,798 per credit hour | 2 - 3 years | CCNE |
| Yale University | $2,071 per credit hour | 3 years | CCNE |
| Gonzaga University | $1,170 per credit hour | 3 years | CCNE |
| Rush University | $1,436 per credit hour | 2 - 4 years | CCNE |
| University of New Hampshire | $800 -$880 per credit hour | 30 months | CCNE |
| Northeastern University | $1,035 per credit hour | 2 years | CCNE |
| Regis College | $1,025 per credit hour | 26 - 38 months | ACEN |
Why We Picked This School
Ranked as the nation's #1 BSN to PMHNP online program by U.S. News & World Report, Duke offers students the chance to learn from leaders in the profession. Its innovative hybrid model allows students to attend synchronous and asynchronous online courses and complete required in-person clinical experiences. In total, the program encompasses 49 credit hours and 560 clinical hours.
Program Highlights
- #1 PMHNP program according to U.S. News & World Report
- Clinical partnerships with over 2,000 locations worldwide
- Hybrid coursework, with both synchronous and asynchronous delivery
Requirements
- C grade or higher in General Statistics or Introductory Statistics
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Current resume/CV
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
Program Information
- Application Deadline: December 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (877) 415-3853
- Email Address: SONAdmissions@dm.duke.edu
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers BSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Save up to 30%* on tuition with the RN-to-BSN Tuition Advantage Grant (*see Chamberlain website for details).
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
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 bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) offers a three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. With 23 nursing school campuses across 14 states, AZCN provides convenient scheduling with general education night classes and in-person, online, and blended nursing courses. New BSN sessions start about every 8 weeks, giving you flexibility when beginning your nursing degree. Our program features small class sizes and NCLEX-RN exam preparation built-in. You’ll experience hands-on clinical practice, advanced simulation labs, and personalized support, to prepare you for your nursing career.
CCNE, ABHES
Hybrid
RN Not Required
Enrollment: 23 Campuses in 14 States (AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, MI, MO, NV, OH, SC, TX, UT, VA, WI)
4 semesters | 46 credit hours and 560 clinical hours
Why We Picked This School
Vanderbilt's top-ranked BSN to PMHNP program online offers several pathways to students. Depending on their educational background and goals, they may select a full-time MSN, part-time MSN, PMHNP certificate, or an online BSN to DNP PMHNP program. The program is best suited for motivated, self-directed learners who can master complex information quickly.
Program Highlights
- #2 PMHNP program according to U.S. News & World Report
- One to three on-campus learning blocks every semester
- Requires 46 credit hours and 560 clinical hours, which full-time students can complete in 3-4 semesters
Requirements
- Non-refundable $75 application fee
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Three letters of recommendation
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Academic history
- Prerequisite courses, including statistics
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
Program Information
- Application Deadline: October 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (615) 322-3800
- Email Address: VUSN-Admissions@vanderbilt.edu
Why We Picked This School
OSU offers the most completion options for students interested in earning a degree as a PMHNP. They can select from a traditional MSN, post-master’s certificate, BSN-DNP, or BSN-PhD program.
Program Highlights
- 600 clinical hours during the final year of study
- Top-ranked PMHNP and MSN program according to U.S. News & World Report
- Also available as a direct-entry PMHNP program via the second-degree Graduate Entry Master of Science program for non-nursing bachelor's holders
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Current resume/CV
- Three letters of recommendation
- Recorded online video interview
- Purpose and goals statement
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Completed supplemental application
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- MSN
- Resident: $48,410 total
- Nonresident: $114,910 total
- BSN-to-DNP
- Resident: $78,617.80 total
- Nonresident: $80,617.80 total
- MSN
- Application Deadline:
- Round 1: October 16th
- Round 2: March 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (614) 292-4041
- Email Address: nursing@osu.edu
Why We Picked This School
Designed for working professionals, the online graduate program at UNC offers flexibility, full faculty support, and personalized clinical placements to ensure learning. Students must attend on-campus immersion experiences prior to the start of the in-person required clinicals. Program pathways include a PMHNP certificate, a DNP, and a BSN to MSN psychiatric nurse practitioner online program.
Program Highlights
- #4 MSN program nationwide, according to U.S. News & World Report
- #3 DNP program nationwide, according to U.S. News & World Report
- Follows the Carolina Core, consisting of 11 tenets that follow rigorous review of national recommendations
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license in NC or a compact state
- Minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- C grade or higher in undergraduate statistics course
- Minimum one year of relevant clinical experience
- Current resume/CV
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- Resident: $292.46 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $1,798 per credit hour
- Application Deadline:
- Priority: November 11th
- Final: February 10th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (919) 966-4260
- Email Address: nursing@unc.edu
Why We Picked This School
Yale specifically built its online BSN to PMHNP program with an innovative curriculum taught by world-class faculty. The three-year program consists of small cohorts and a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized instruction.
Program Highlights
- Program limited cohorts to 30 students for optimal learning experiences
- Online interactive classes held in real-time by Yale faculty
- Three required on-campus immersions
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Current resume/CV
- Three letters of recommendation
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Personal statement
- Interview
Program Information
- Application Deadline: December 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (203) 432-4771
- Email Address: ysn.admissionsonline@yale.edu
Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
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
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
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
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MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
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MSN - Family NP
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MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
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MSN - Health Informatics
-
MSN - Nursing Education
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MSN - Public Health Nursing
-
MSN - Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
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MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
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MBA & MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
Why We Picked This School
At Gonzaga, students will complete 47 credits and 660 clinical hours over the course of 9 semesters. Students must attend five on-campus immersions throughout the course of the program.
Program Highlights
- Students taught with the Jesuit Value of Cura Personalis - educating the whole person, mind, body, and spirit
- Students attend five on-campus immersions in Spokane, WA, throughout the program
- Gonzaga graduates have a higher-than-average passing score on national certification exams
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Current resume/CV
Program Information
- Application Deadline: February 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (509) 313-6227
- Email Address: heilman@gonzaga.edu
Why We Picked This School
A top-ranked program, students learn from clinical leaders in psychiatric nursing who are all active practitioners. At the end of Rush's online BSN to DNP PMHNP program, students must present a DNP project. They may complete this presentation online or on campus.
Program Highlights
- Faculty are all active practitioners at Rush University Medical Center
- Part-time only program designed for working professionals
- One day, on-campus orientation in September - recommended but not required
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Personal essay questions
- Three professional letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Personal interviews with faculty
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Preferred: October 20th
- Final: December 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (312) 942-6986
- Email Address: elizabeth_m_miranda@rush.edu
Why We Picked This School
The University of New Hampshire's BSN to PMHNP online program offers a hybrid experience. It aligns required on-campus and immersive experiences with online didactic coursework. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the ANCC board certification exam for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Across the Lifespan (PMHNP-BC).
Program Highlights
- Three intensives (one virtual and two on-campus) throughout the program
- Students complete a minimum of 750 in-person clinical hours
- Combines synchronous, asynchronous, low-fidelity, and high-fidelity simulations
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Personal statement
- Minimum one year of relevant registered nursing experience
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- Resident: $800 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $880 per credit hour
- Application Deadline:
- Recommended: April 1st
- Final: August 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (855) 250-6699
- Email Address: unh.online@unh.edu
$1,035 per credit hour
Why We Picked This School
Northeastern University offers one of the top PMHNP programs in Boston, with students learning from top practitioners. The program focuses on the biopsychosocial framework, including the etiology of psychiatric and mental health disorders and illness.
Program Highlights
- Students attend two weekend-long on-campus intensives
- Part-time and full-time options
- MSN and certificate pathways are available
Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum one year of full-time psychiatric nursing experience
- Letter of intent
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Successful completion of a statistics course within five years of entering the program
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Fall: August 1st
- Spring: November 17th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (617) 373-3323
10. Regis College
$1,025 per credit hour
Why We Picked This School
With its fully flexible schedule, students may attend this 100% online BSN to PMHNP program part-time or full-time. Regis also accepts transfer credits into the PMHNP program, which is rare for advanced practice programs.
Program Highlights
- 92% NP pass rate on national certification exam
- The Business Journals ranked Regis among the top 25 fastest-growing colleges
- Master’s Programs Guide ranked Regis #16 in the 50 Best Online Master of Science in Nursing Programs list
Requirements
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- College-level statistics course
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale preferred
- Completed admission application
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Current resume/CV
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
Program Information
- Application Deadline: December 8th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (866) 411-2159
- Email Address: admissions@online.regiscollege.edu
What to Expect in an Online BSN to PMHNP Program
Online BSN to PMHNP programs are designed specifically for students interested in working as nurse practitioners. Students complete didactic courses online via synchronous or asynchronous learning. Every PMHNP program requires a specific number of in-person clinical hours with a preceptor.
FAQs
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