Top 10 Online Post Master's PMHNP Programs for 2026
Post-master's PMHNP programs, commonly called certificate programs, are specifically for students who have completed a master’s degree program in another nursing discipline. Typically, APRNs who want to transition into psychiatric and mental health nursing will pursue a post-master's PMHNP certificate.
To help you choose the best online post-master's PMHNP program for you, we've ranked the top ten schools for 2026.
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
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
Nurse.org’s Top 10 Online Post-Master’s 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 | 12 -24 months | CCNE |
| Johns Hopkins University | $1,995 per credit | 3 semesters | CCNE |
| Villanova University | $1,080 per credit | 1.5 years | CCNE |
| University of Virginia | $914 - $1,493 per credit | 12 months | CCNE |
| Georgia State University | $450 per credit | 12 months | CCNE |
| Wilkes University | $751 per credit | 1.67 years | CCNE |
| Texas A&M University | $367 per credit | 2 years | CCNE |
| George Washington University | $1,630 per credit | 4 semesters | CCNE |
| Drexel University | $1,169 per credit | 2 years | CCNE |
| University of North Florida | $493.53 - $1,044.27 per credit | 15 months | CCNE |
Why We Picked This School
Duke University’s nursing programs are nationally ranked and for good reason. A nationally recognized faculty leads classes in the post-master's PMHNP online program. Students also have the opportunity to complete in-person clinical requirements at a top-ranked hospital.
Program Highlights
- A consistently #1-ranked school globally
- Ability to work on cutting-edge research at Duke University Health System
- Partner with U.S. News & World Report’s #1-ranked hospital in NC for clinicals
Requirements
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited nursing program OR master’s degree in another discipline approved by the specialty faculty
- Board certification in an APRN discipline
- Active, unencumbered RN license in North Carolina
- Three letters of recommendation
- C grade or better in General Statistics or Introductory Statistics
- Personal interview
- Two years of relevant nursing experience
Program Information
- Application Deadline: October 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (919) 668-6274
- Email Address: SONAdmissions@dm.duke.edu
$1,995 per credit
Why We Picked This School
Ranked among the top nursing schools in the country, JHU offers a three-semester online PMHNP certificate program. While the didactic courses are online, students have access to everything JHU has to offer, including the Center for Simulation & Immersive Learning.
Program Highlights
- Nationally recognized nursing school by U.S. News & World Report
- #3 nursing school in the world, according to the 2024 QS World University rankings
- #1 Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (DNP) nationwide
- #2 Nursing Master’s Program (MSN) nationwide
Requirements
- MSN or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from an accredited nursing program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Goal statement
- Current resume/CV
- Evidence of completion of at least 500 clinical hours in NP role and population
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Current licensure and certification as a nurse practitioner
- One year of nurse practitioner experience
- Interview with faculty
Program Information
- Application Deadline: 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.
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
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
Why We Picked This School
Students in this online post-master's PMHNP program complete 25-35 credit hours, depending on transfer credits, and at least 600 in-person clinical hours. Additionally, online Villanova students have access to the same faculty that teach in-person programs.
Program Highlights
- Six consecutive designations as an NLN Center of Excellence
- Over 10,000 alumni worldwide
- Top university rooted in fostering Augustinian values in approaches to nursing
Requirements
- Personal goal statement
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- MSN from an accredited nursing program
- APRN certification
- Completion of a statistics course
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Summer: April 1st
- Spring: November 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (610) 519-4500
- Email Address: nursing.recruitment@villanova.edu
Why We Picked This School
UVA’s hybrid PMHNP certification program requires students to attend monthly on-campus, hands-on intensives to apply and develop newly learned skills. The university also streams live classes one day each week via online synchronous seminars. This program is ideal for working professionals or those with personal commitments.
Program Highlights
- Ranked among the top 3% of American graduate nursing MSN programs
- Guaranteed admission for UVA School of Nursing alumni
- Scholarships available for students working in underserved communities
Requirements
- MSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Online application
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current resume/CV
- Personal interview
- Completion of Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Advanced Pharmacology graduate-level courses
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- Resident: $914 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $1,493 per credit hour
- Application Deadline: January 5th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (434) 924-0066
- Email Address: nursing-admissions@virginia.edu
12 months
Why We Picked This School
GSU considers both psychiatric clinical experience and volunteer hours at a psychiatric site when accepting students. Applicants must have at least one year of relevant experience or 250 - 500 volunteer hours. The university also helps students acquire clinical sites and preceptors as they complete the program.
Program Highlights
- Shortest PMHNP certificate program nationally
- Accepts students with volunteer experience as well as direct clinical experience
- Affordable tuition costs are ideal for students on a budget
Requirements
- MSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Current resume/CV
- Letters of recommendation
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
- One year of relevant experience OR 250-500 volunteer hours in a specific psychiatric site
Program Information
- Application Deadline: April 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (404) 413-1000
- Email Address: cnhpoaa@gsu.edu
Why We Picked This School
In this 100% online post-master's PMHNP program, students must complete 11 courses and 500 in-person clinical hours. Not only is Wilkes' PMHNP certificate program considered one of the easiest to get into (100% acceptance rate), but it is also one of the shortest accredited programs available.
Program Highlights
- Military-friendly school offering deep tuition discounts
- Clinical placement team helps students find clinical sites with licensed preceptors
- 95.4% pass rate on national certification exam in 2023
Requirements
- MSN from an accredited nursing program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Current resume/CV
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (888) 413-5633
- Email Address: admissions@onlinenursingdegrees.wilkes.edu
Why We Picked This School
Texas A&M is one of the largest nursing programs in Texas and offers a top-notch 100% online post-master’s PMHNP certificate. Students can complete the program in 5 semesters with an additional 500 in-person clinical hours.
Program Highlights
- Designated by the NLN as a Center of Excellence in 2016
- 100% NP certification pass rate
- Seven faculty members are American Academy of Nursing Fellows
- Partnerships with over 400+ clinical sites
Requirements
- MSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- B grade or better in Elementary Statistics
- B grade or better in Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Physical Assessment, and Advanced Pathophysiology
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Current resume/CV
- Three letters of recommendation
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Priority: January 15th
- Final: June 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (979) 436-0110
Why We Picked This School
Located in the nation's capital, GWU is among the top schools in the country. Students have access to leading faculty in the field of psychiatric and mental health nursing. They must complete 22 hours of didactic coursework and 600 clinical hours to graduate.
Program Highlights
- Virtual new student orientation to ensure student success at GW nursing
- Virtual clinical intensives before in-person clinicals prepare students for hands-on training
Requirements
- MSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale preferred
- Statement of purpose
- Current resume/CV
- Successful completion of graduate-level courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and advanced health assessment
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Priority: December 1st
- Final: May 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (202) 994-7901
- Email Address: nursing@gwu.edu
Why We Picked This School
Much of Drexel's PMHNP certificate program is online. However, students must still travel to Philadelphia throughout the program to participate in on-campus intensives. Typically, the university holds intensives at the start of the program and again before clinical rotations begin.
Program Highlights
- 100% national certification board pass rate
- #12 Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report
- #45 Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs by U.S. News & World Report
Requirements
- MSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license in Pennsylvania
- Current resume/CV
- Two letters of recommendation
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- One year of psychiatric nursing experience
- Personal statement
- All official transcripts from post-secondary institution(s)
Program Information
- Application Deadline: August 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (800) 2-DREXEL
- Email Address: CNHPGraduateDivision@drexel.edu
$493.53 - $1,044.27 per credit
15 months
Why We Picked This School
Although UNF's program is online, it's specifically for students who live in or intend to work in Florida. Prospective students should take this into consideration before applying. While the university is small compared to other Florida state schools, this program is highly competitive, admitting only a small cohort of students annually.
Program Highlights
- Generous tuition waivers for graduate students, including nonresidents
- Highly competitive GPA requirement for admission
- Certificate is an online track that requires 36 credits and 800 clinical hours
Requirements
- MSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active national certification as a nurse practitioner
- Minimum graduate GPA of 3.50
- Personal essay
- Current resume/CV
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Admissions interview
- One year of relevant experience
Program Information
- Tuition Breakdown:
- Resident: $493.53 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $1,044.27 per credit hour
- Application Deadline: September 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (904) 620-1360
- Email Address: graduateschool@unf.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
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
What to Expect in an Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Program
Designed for students who have a Master of Science in Nursing in another discipline, online post-master's PMHNP programs prepare nurses to transition into psychiatric nursing. During these programs, you can expect to focus solely on psychiatric and mental health courses to bridge the gap between your previous MSN coursework and PMHNP knowledge and skills.
Some PMHNP certificate programs require nurses to have an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) certification. Others have specific prerequisite courses, but may not require APRN status.
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