Top Online PMHNP Programs for 2025

With so many schools to choose from, finding the best online PMHNP program can be difficult. So, we examined the options and found the best ten programs for 2025! Read on to find an online psychiatric nurse practitioner program that suits your needs.

Top 10 Online PMHNP Programs 

Our ranking criteria is based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation and uses the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard. 

School	Nurse.org Total Tuition Estimate**	Program Length	Accreditation
1. Yale School of Nursing	$105,053	3 years	CCNE
2. Baylor University	$96,250	18 months - 3 years	CCNE
3. Duke University	$106,134	2.5 years	CCNE
4. Ohio State University School of Nursing	$52,905 - $75,071	2-4 years	CCNE
5. Drexel University	$58,968	2 years	CCNE
6. Stony Brook School of Nursing	$29,466 - $57,636	1.5 - 2 years	CCNE
7. Duquesne University School of Nursing	$74,756	3 years	CCNE
8. Gonzaga University	$54,990	9 semesters	CCNE
9. Rush University	$91,392	2-4 years	CCNE
10. University of Rochester	$87,000	2 years	CCNE

**Total program tuition is calculated by multiplying the programs cost per credit by the total number of credits needed for the course, as reported by the university website. Because of this, total program amounts are approximate and may not be exact. 

1. Yale School of Nursing

Yale offers a three-year PMHNP program online comprised of 52.5 total credit hours and 802.5 clinical hours. This program provides a diverse learning environment and uses many educational methods to develop aspiring PMHNPs.

Yale's online mental health nurse practitioner program graduates earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Applicants don't need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or a set number of clinical hours to be eligible for acceptance. However, applicants must have a bachelor's degree and an active RN license.

Currently, Arizona, New York, or Tennessee students cannot enroll in this program.

• Nurse.org Total Tuition Estimate** $105,052.50
• Program Length: 3 years 
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: May 24th
• Contact Info:
  • Email Address: ysn.admissionsonline@yale.edu
• Online Options Available? Hybrid

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2. Baylor University

Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing offers a 100% online BSN-Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) PMHNP track. This program prepares nurses to be leaders in mental health patient care, policy, and processes. It is 77 credits offered through 15-week courses in three terms per year, with 1,125 practicum hours required.

The program incorporates both leadership and team-building strategies in its curriculum. Its admission requirements include a 3.0 GPA, one year of full-time nursing experience, and three letters of recommendation.

Baylor’s program does not currently accept students from all 50 states, so it’s important to speak to an admissions counselor and make sure you are eligible for online admission. Students from states such as Pennsylvania, California, Alaska, and New York are not eligible for enrollment. 

• Nurse.org Total Tuition Estimate** $96,250
• Program Length: 3 years and 4 months (with BSN), 18 to 24 months (with MSN)
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: Rolling
• Contact Info: 
  • Phone Number: (888) 227-5901 
  • Email Address: admissions@onlinenursing.baylor.edu 
• Online Options Available? Yes

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3. Duke University

Duke University’s psychiatric mental health nursing program ranks #1 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. This distance-based, interactive PMHNP program leads to an MSN degree. It develops the expertise and skills needed to provide family-centered, integrated mental health care to all ages in all settings.

The program comprises seven MSN core classes, nine clinical courses and electives, and three nurse practitioner intensives. Most students complete the program in two and a half years. 

Duke's clinical placement team facilitates students’ ability to complete clinicals near their homes. They do so by leveraging the school’s nationwide network of more than two thousand facilities and practices.  

• Nurse.org Total Tuition Estimate** $106,134
• Program Length: 2.5 years 
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: December 1st
• Contact Info:  
  • Phone Number: (877) 415-3853 
  • Email Address: SonAdmissions@dm.duke.edu 
• Online Options Available? Yes 

4. Ohio State University School of Nursing

Through coursework and clinical experiences, Ohio State University’s online PMHNP programs prepare graduates for professional opportunities in the field. Students may complete several PMHNP tracks online via OSU, including:

• Traditional MSN
• Post-Master's program
• BSN-DNP
• BSN-PhD

Students may complete their preceptorships at various sites in Ohio and other approved states. However, a PMHNP or psychiatrist must preceptor students' clinical experiences. The online PMHNP track requires that students complete 600 clinical hours during their final year of study. 

A PMHNP degree can also be completed on campus through the Graduate Entry Master of Science program, which is specifically geared for students holding a bachelor’s degree but who are not nurses. 

• Nurse.org Total Tuition Estimate**
  
  • MSN 
    • In State: $52,904.70
    • Out-of-state: $53,904.70
  • BSN-to-DNP
    • In State: $73,470.56
    • Out of State: $75,070.56
• Program Length: 
  • Traditional MSN degree Full time – 2 years
  • Full-time Graduate entry – 3 years
  • Full-time BSN-DNP – 4 years
  • Part-time BSN-DNP – 5 years 
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: MSN Program and BSN-to-DNP Program
  • Round 1: August 31st
  • Round 2: October 15th
• Contact Info:
  • Phone Number: (614) 292-4041
  • Email Address: nursing@osu.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes

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5. Drexel University

Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Science offers a robust online PMHNP program. Offered on a synchronous basis, clinically active faculty teach Drexel's online PMHNP courses. The highly interactive e-learning method that Drexel employs challenges and engages students and culminates in a master’s degree.

The program consists of 52 credits organized into four 10-week quarters per year. Students must attend a mandatory online orientation several months before starting clinical courses. They must also participate in on-campus or virtual intensives held during clinical rotations. 

Students can find and coordinate their clinical site and preceptor or seek assistance from the Division of Graduate Nursing. 

• Nurse.org Total Tuition Estimate** $58,968
• Program Length: 2 years 
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: March 3rd
• Contact Info: 
  • Email Address: CNHPGraduateDivision@drexel.edu 
  • Phone Number: (215) 895-2400
• Online Options Available? Yes 

>> Show Me Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs

6. Stony Brook School of Nursing

Stony Brook University’s School of Nursing offers a 45-credit hybrid online PMHNP program. This program combines distance learning with on-site requirements.

Stony Brook's hybrid PMHNP program prepares students to promote, maintain, supervise, and restore mental health. By the end of the degree, students can identify health risks and assess, diagnose, and manage patients’ mental health issues. The track emphasizes students' abilities to educate, lead, consult, advocate, and act as an agent of change for their patients.

Stony Brook’s Office of Clinical Placements processes clinical placement requests. It works collaboratively with faculty to secure clinical placement sites for students.  

• Nurse.org Total Tuition Estimate**
  
  • New York residents - $29,466 
    Out of State - $57,636
• Program Length: 1.5 - 2 years
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: November 7th
• Contact Info: pmhnp_nursing@stonybrook.edu 
• Online Options Available? Yes

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7. Duquesne University School of Nursing

Duquesne University's online PMHNP program includes a unique substance abuse component and develops students' skills to assess, diagnose, and provide mental health treatment. It prepares graduates to work with individuals, families, and large groups.

Duquesne’s faculty are leaders in advanced practice nursing, and class cohorts are limited to 12-15 students. The program prides itself on the personalized support provided by a team of advisors from the time of enrollment through graduation. 

Students must attend campus twice throughout the entire program; otherwise, attending online asynchronous classes. The three-year program consists of 44 credits taught over 15 courses, which students may participate in full or part-time. Students must also complete 550 clinical hours during the course of the program. The program is 100% online and offers three start dates throughout the year, increasing enrollment and flexibility. 

The tuition for the PMHNP program is not one of the most expensive programs on the list, but Duquesne does offer a hefty tuition discount for full-time or part-time employees at a tuition discount partner.

• Nurse.org Total Tuition Estimate** $74,756
• Program Length: 3 years 
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: July 10th 
• Contact Info:
  • Email Address: admissions@onlinenursing.duq.edu
  • Phone Number: (412) 392-9857
• Online Options Available? Yes

>> Related: Top One-Year Online PMHNP Programs

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8. Gonzaga University

Composed of 47 credits offered over nine semesters, Gonzaga University boasts one of the best online PMHNP programs in the US. It prepares graduates for clinical practice, treating mental health patients of all ages, from individuals and families to at-risk groups and communities. 

Gonzaga offers flexible classes that allow students to continue working and complete their studies on their schedule. The program includes:

• 15 credits of 8-week MSN courses
• 13 credits of PMHNP core courses (1 semester for each class)
• Nine credits of PMHNP specialty courses (1 semester for each class)
• 660 clinical hours
• Five on-campus immersions

Other information:

• Nurse.org Total Tuition Estimate** $54,990
• Program Length: 9 semesters
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline:
  • Summer: February 1st
  • Fall: April 1st
• Contact Info: 
  • Phone Number: (509) 313-6227
  • Email Address: heilman@gonzaga.edu 
• Online Options Available? Yes 

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9. Rush University

Rush University's online PMHNP program places a particular emphasis on preparing PMHNPs to practice autonomously. The program is offered strictly on a part-time allowing for students to work during parts of the program. 

The program focuses on treating psychiatric disorders in individuals, families, and groups within a relationship framework across the lifespan. There are 34 students per cohort, and the program takes two and a half to three years to complete.

The program is entirely online; however, a one-day on-campus orientation is highly suggested but not required. Students may also present their DNP thesis online or on campus with the expectation that they are present for all of their co-student's presentations. 

• Nurse.org Total Tuition Estimate** $91,392 
• Program Length: 2-4 years
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: January 3rd
• Contact Info:
  • Phone Number: (312) 942-6986
  • Email Address: elizabeth_m_miranda@rush.edu 
• Online Options Available? Yes

>> Show Me Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs

10. University of Rochester

The University of Rochester’s family psych NP program combines synchronous and asynchronous online learning with hands-on practice opportunities. The school offers this program entirely online with short on-site intensives. Two courses require travel to campus at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, each for a one to two-day intensive learning experience (scheduled during the weekday). During the program, there are also two full-day skills workshops held at the School of Nursing.

Rochester recently revamped their NP curriculums, offering more flexible learning formats for working nurses and reflecting evolving national standards. The new curriculum impacts students graduating after Spring 2026. 

• Nurse.org Total Tuition Estimate** $87,000
• Program Length: 2 years 
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: 
  • Fall semester: April 15th 
  • Spring semester: September 15th
  • Summer semester: January 15th
• Contact Info:  
  • Phone Number: (585) 275-2375 
  • Email Address: SON_Admissions@urmc.rochester.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes  
• Website

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How to Choose a PMHNP Program

With dozens of available schools, finding a PMHNP program that suits your needs can be challenging. Ideally, you should look for an accredited university that offers your desired specialty.

Online vs In-Person

You should also consider your budget, including available financial aid and scholarships, and your availability. Online PMHNP programs like those listed in this article are ideal for nurses who want to work while attending school.

But they might not be for everybody. While online PMHNP programs are convenient, you may prefer an in-person psychiatric nurse practitioner program near you. 

Prior Education

The programs on this list are for BSN-trained nurses. They take students through an MSN or DNP curriculum, culminating in a degree and certification eligibility. But, they aren't appropriate for nurses with an advanced nursing degree.

If you've already completed an MSN or DNP but want to switch to psychiatric mental health nursing, you should look into PMHNP certificates. These shorter, more affordable programs provide the necessary education to prepare you for PMHNP certification. Check out our comprehensive guide for the top ten cheapest PMHNP certificate programs.

FAQs

• How long are online PMHNP programs?  

  • Most online PMHNP programs take 2-3 years to complete but can take up to 5 years. The actual length varies depending on your educational background, the level of PMHNP degree, and whether you attend school full or part-time.

• How much do PMHNP programs cost?  

  • Most online PMHNP programs cost between $50,000 and $100,000. But, your tuition may vary depending on whether you attend a public or private college, full or part-time student status, and state residency.

• What is a post-masters PMHNP program?  

  • Post-master's PMHNP programs are special tracks for students with non-nursing graduate-level degrees. These programs include core nursing courses, advanced practice nursing training, and specialty PMHNP courses.

• What is a PMHNP Certificate Program?

  • PMHNP certificate programs are for students who already have an NP degree in another specialty. They allow NPs to specialize in psychiatric mental health without attending another MSN program. The shortest online PMHNP certificate programs last as little as 12 months.

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