Top 10 Online DNP PMHNP Programs for 2026
Online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) programs allow students to earn a terminal Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) by completing didactic coursework online and in-person clinicals. To help you choose the right online DNP PMHNP program, Nurse.org has compiled and ranked the top ten programs, including tuition, program length, application deadline, and contact information.
Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
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.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, NP and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
At Ohio University, we provide aspiring and current nursing professionals programs and credentials that will help them launch their careers and advance toward leadership positions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, except AL, AZ, CO, DE, GA, IA, ID, KS, LA, MD, MN, ND, NE, NY, OK, OR, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, WA, and WY
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.
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Nurse.org’s Top 10 Online DNP 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 |
| Vanderbilt University | $2,057 per credit hour | 3 - 4 semesters | CCNE |
| Johns Hopkins University | $2,057 per credit hour | 3 years | CCNE |
| Rush University | $1,436 per credit hour | 2 - 4 years | CCNE |
| Ohio State University | $72,583 - $120,881.70 total | 3 - 4 years | CCNE |
| University of Scranton | $772 per credit hour | 3 years | CCNE |
| University of California - San Francisco | $94,339 - $106,584 total | 3 - 4 years | CCNE |
| Walden University | $69,225 total | 3 ¼ years | CCNE |
| Regis University | $1,275 per credit hour | 24 - 36 months | ACEN |
| Franklin University | $748 per credit hour | 3 years | CCNE |
| University of New Hampshire | $800 - $880 per credit hour | 4 years | CCNE |
Why We Picked This School
Vanderbilt ranks as the second-best program of its kind nationwide. Students can complete the online PMHNP DNP program in as few as three to four semesters. The program has limited in-person requirements, including one to three on-campus block sessions each semester lasting three to five days each.
Program Highlights
- U.S. News & World Report ranked #2 online PMHNP program nationwide
- Pioneer in teaching a holistic approach across a patient’s lifespan
- Employers seek out Vanderbilt’s highly employable graduates
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Statement of Purpose
- Response to the essay questions
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Completed admission application and $75 fee
- 1 year of relevant registered nursing experience
Program Information
- Application Deadline: October 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (615) 322-4400
- Email Address: VUSN-Admissions@vanderbilt.edu
Why We Picked This School
The Johns Hopkins nursing school is a world-renowned institution offering one of the best DNP PMHNP programs online. The DNP curriculum includes 76 credit hours, 1040 in-person clinical hours, and 160 DNP project practicum hours.
Program Highlights
- A consistently top-ranked nursing school globally
- Low 1:6 student-to-clinical instructor ratio, ensuring individualized learning
- DNP Scholarly Project demonstrates students' advanced competency to translate evidence into practice
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Three letters of recommendation
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Current resume/CV
- Goal statement
- 1 year of relevant registered nursing experience
Program Information
- Application Deadline
- Early: November 1st
- Priority: January 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (410) 955-4766
- Email Address: jhuson@jhu.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.
At Ohio University, we provide aspiring and current nursing professionals programs and credentials that will help them launch their careers and advance toward leadership positions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, except AL, AZ, CO, DE, GA, IA, ID, KS, LA, MD, MN, ND, NE, NY, OK, OR, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, WA, and WY
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
Why We Picked This School
Most of Rush University's online DNP PMHNP program is online. However, the school suggests students attend a one-day orientation to meet with faculty and their classmates.
Ranked among the top programs nationwide, the program, unfortunately, isn't available to everyone. Federal restrictions prevent students in Louisiana, Tennessee, and California from attending this program.
Program Highlights
- One day, on-campus orientation is highly recommended but not required
- Part-time program takes 2-4 years, depending on education and experience
- The #3 best DNP PMHNP program according to U.S. News & World Report
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Personal essay
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Personal interview with faculty
Program Information
- Application Deadline
- Preferred: October 20th
- Final: November 14th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (312) 942-6986
- Email Address: elizabeth_m_miranda@rush.edu
Why We Picked This School
OSU is one of the most recognized universities in the country, and the nursing program is nothing short of top-notch. The university employs a nationally recognized faculty to deliver the BSN to DNP curriculum. Throughout the program, students take online classes and complete a minimum of 600 in-person clinical hours.
Program Highlights
- #5 ranked DNP PMHNP program by U.S. News & World Report
- Program taught by a nationally recognized faculty
- #17 Nation’s Most Employable Grads according to Times Higher Education
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Completed admission application and $60 fee
- Three letters of recommendation
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Purpose and goals statement
- Current resume/CV
- Verification of hours form
- Recorded online video interview
- 2 years of relevant registered nursing experience
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- Resident:
- Full-time: $72,583 total
- Part-time: $117,881.70 total
- Non-Resident:
- Full-time: $73,983 total
- Part-time: $120,881.70 total
- Resident:
- Application Deadline: March 1st
- Contact Info:
- Email Address: nursing@osu.edu
$772 per credit hour
Why We Picked This School
PMHNP students can pursue an MSN, DNP, or post-master's PMHNP certificate at the University of Scranton. The program incorporates on-campus immersions with online classes and hands-on clinicals to optimize the learning experience.
Program Highlights
- Two intensive, immersive campus-based experiences
- Synchronous and asynchronous learning for didactic coursework
- Access to an alumni network with 51,000+ students in more than 20 countries
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Current resume/CV
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Completed online admission application
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- 1 year of relevant registered nursing experience
Program Information
- Application Deadline
- Fall: July 15th
- Spring: December 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (570) 941-7400
- Email Address: gradadmissions@scranton.edu
- Phone Number: (570) 941-7400
$94,339- $106,584
Why We Picked This School
UCSF’s PMPHNP program is 11 quarters and combines in-person clinical courses and online didactic coursework. Students must complete clinical rotations in the San Francisco area, which the university arranges.
Program Highlights
- Clinicals at top Bay area hospitals, including Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, UCSF Langley Porter Psychiatric Hospital and Clinics
- #5 ranked DNP PMHNP program according to U.S. News & World Report
- Taught by a nationally and internationally recognized expert nursing faculty
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal Essay
- Current resume/CV
- Goal statement
- Personal interview
- 2 years of relevant registered nursing experience
Program Information
- Tuition
- Resident: $94,339 (total tuition)
- Non-Resident: $106,584 (total tuition)
- Application Deadline: February 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (415) 476-1435
- Email Address: nursingadmissionssupport@ucsf.edu
3.25 years
Why We Picked This School
Walden is a primarily online university that offers students some unique benefits, including the practicum pledge and doctoral degree coach. Students are guaranteed success when enrolled in the PMHNP DNP program at Walden.
Program Highlights
- Practicum pledge guarantees a clinical preceptor and site
- Walden doctoral degree coach assigned to each student for academic support
- Virtual rounds allow students to discuss patient scenarios with faculty and classmates
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Letters of recommendation
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Completed online admission application
- 1 year of relevant registered nursing experience
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (855) 233-2505
Why We Picked This School
The first DNP program in the Boston area, Regis has fine-tuned their programs, allowing students to continue their education while working and limiting their on-campus and in-person requirements.
Program Highlights
- First DNP program in the Boston area
- Listed among The Business Journal's Top 25 Fastest-Growing Colleges
- Tuition discount for alumni, federal government employees, and military personnel
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Completed online admission application
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal goal statement
- Current resume/CV
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- 2 years of relevant registered nursing experience
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Fall: April 15th
- Spring: October 15th
- Summer: March 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (866) 411-2159
- Email Address: admissions@online.regiscollege.edu
Why We Picked This School
Franklin offers 100% online coursework that allows students to balance coursework and personal commitments. The program also incorporates a built-in practicum, allowing students to apply their new skills as they learn them.
Program Highlights
- Every student receives a minimum $2,000 scholarship
- Exceptionally low tuition for an accredited DNP program
- 98% of graduates would recommend Franklin to their family, friends, or colleagues
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Personal essay
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Current resume/CV
- 2 years of relevant registered nursing experience
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (614) 797-4700
- Email Address: admissions@franklin.edu
Why We Picked This School
Students gain plenty of hands-on experience as they complete at least 1,000 in-person clinical hours in this program. The online DNP PMHNP curriculum also culminates in a final DNP project that demonstrates students' advanced knowledge. While the program is online, the university encourages students to present their final project in person at the DNP scholarly symposium.
Program Highlights
- Low tuition regardless of state residency
- Small cohort sizes and dedicated faculty to ensure success
- Fall and spring term start dates with full and part-time attendance options
Requirements
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Three letters of recommendation
- Professional statement
- Current resume/CV
- Interview
- 2 years of relevant registered nursing experience
Program Information
- Tuition
- Resident: $800 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $880 per credit hour
- Application Deadline
- Fall: April 1st
- Spring: August 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (885) 250-6699
- Email Address: unh.online@unh.edu
What Are DNP PMHNP Programs?
DNP PMHNP programs prepare registered nurses to become psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) at the highest level of nursing practice. These programs combine advanced clinical training in mental health care with doctoral-level coursework focused on leadership, evidence-based practice, and healthcare systems.
Unlike MSN-level PMHNP programs, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) track goes beyond direct patient care. It emphasizes how to improve patient outcomes on a larger scale—through policy, quality improvement, and system-wide change.
Graduates are prepared to:
- Assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across the lifespan
- Prescribe medications and manage psychiatric treatment plans
- Provide psychotherapy and patient education
- Lead mental health initiatives in clinical or organizational settings
- Translate research into real-world practice improvements
Most DNP PMHNP programs culminate in a scholarly DNP project, where students apply evidence-based solutions to a real healthcare problem.
What to Expect in a DNP PMHNP Program
DNP PMHNP programs are rigorous and designed for nurses who want both advanced clinical expertise and leadership skills. While specifics vary by school, most programs include a mix of coursework, clinical hours, and a final doctoral project.
Here’s what you can typically expect:
Coursework
Programs build on foundational nursing knowledge and focus heavily on psychiatric care and systems leadership. Common courses include:
- Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Health Assessment
- Psychiatric Diagnosis and Management
- Psychotherapy Modalities
- Population Health and Epidemiology
- Healthcare Policy and Advocacy
- Leadership and Organizational Systems
Clinical Training
Hands-on experience is a core component.
- Most programs require 1,000+ clinical hours (including prior MSN hours, depending on the track)
- Clinical placements focus on mental health settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community programs
- Students work under licensed PMHNPs or psychiatrists
DNP Project
Instead of a traditional dissertation, you’ll complete a DNP project that applies research to practice.
- Identify a real-world healthcare issue
- Implement an evidence-based intervention
- Measure outcomes and present findings
Program Length & Format
Program timelines depend on your starting point:
- BSN-to-DNP: ~3–4 years full-time
- MSN-to-DNP: ~1–2 years full-time
Many schools offer flexible options, including:
- Online or hybrid formats
- Part-time enrollment for working nurses
Overall, expect a demanding but rewarding experience that prepares you to practice independently while also shaping the future of mental health care.
Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
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.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, NP and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
At Ohio University, we provide aspiring and current nursing professionals programs and credentials that will help them launch their careers and advance toward leadership positions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, except AL, AZ, CO, DE, GA, IA, ID, KS, LA, MD, MN, ND, NE, NY, OK, OR, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, WA, and WY
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.
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
FAQs
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Additional Resources
- Top Online PMHNP Programs
- Shortest Online PMHNP Certificate Programs
- Top 10 Online Post Master's PMHNP Programs
PMHNP DNP
