Illinois offers 7 PMHNP programs with tuition ranging from $423 to $1,436 per credit hour.
Completion times range from 1 year to 5 years depending on program track and enrollment status.
PMHNP Program Snapshot
| School | Est. Cost Range (IL Residents) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois State University | PMHNP Certificate: ≈ $21K | – 24 credits across 4 semesters with 540 clinical hours. – only for licensed FNPs who want PMHNP certification – online orientation |
| Loyola University Chicago | DNP: ≈ $88K | – DNP format with Jesuit mission and strong Chicago clinical network – faculty arrange all clinical placements for students. – optional Substance Use and Addictions specialty offered. – PT or FT study over about 4–5 years with ANCC eligibility. |
| North Central College | MSN: ≈ $41,654 APRN Certificate: ≈ $12K–$19K | – 47-credit MSN completed in ~3.5 years (9 semesters). – 525 clinical hours with 2–3 required campus immersions in Naperville, IL. – Scholarships can cut tuition up to 25%. |
| Rosalind Franklin University | DNP: ≈ $118K–$123K | – 1,120 clinical hours across 5 structured residencies with full placement support. – Heavy simulation and neuroscience focus with standardized patients. – Strong clinical partners in major IL health systems. |
| Rush University | DNP: ≈ $59K–$98K | – 1,008 clinical hours across specialty practicum, immersion, and project. – Telepsychiatry simulation through Rush Simulation Lab. – BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP entry with gap analysis for MSN students. |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) | BSN→DNP: ≈ $92K Post-DNP Certificate: ≈ $36K–$50K | – 85-credit BSN-DNP with 3 practicum courses and DNP project. – Hybrid delivery available across 6 IL campuses. – Clinical placements arranged by faculty with 100% certification pass rates |
| University of St. Francis | MSN: ≈ $25K–$35K Certificate: ≈ $17K–$35K | – 31–43 credit MSN with clinical focus on assessment, therapy, and medication care. – Three sequential PMHNP management practica build full role skills. – Certification eligibility through ANCC or AANP on completion. |
List of All Programs for Illinois Nurses
Chamberlain MSN PMHNP Program
Addision | $735 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Chamberlain University’s CCNE-accredited PMHNP pathways—an MSN (~2.5 years) and a Graduate Certificate (~1.5 years)—are delivered 100% online, paired with 650 supervised practicum hours and preceptor support via the Practicum Commitment. Illinois learners can leverage three local hubs for student services and skills support: Addison, Chicago, and Tinley Park. Each of these sites offers an Evening/Weekend Option to better fit working RNs’ schedules. The curriculum spans advanced pathophysiology, psychopharmacology, psychiatric assessment/diagnosis, and psychotherapy, with two required in-person immersions to solidify hands-on readiness for PMHNP practice.
Illinois State University PMHNP Programs
Normal | 423 cpc | Certificate
Illinois State University offers a fully online PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate for licensed, certified FNPs. Students complete 24 credits and 540 clinical hours over four consecutive semesters starting in Summer, with faculty specialists and an intensive online orientation. Estimated program cost is about $20,316 for Illinois residents and $31,596 for non-residents...read more.
Loyola University PMHNP Program
Maywood | $1,190 cpc | DNP
Loyola University Chicago’s DNP-PMHNP is a 74-credit program delivered in a hybrid format with faculty-arranged clinical placements across Chicago, emphasizing service to underserved communities. Students complete 15 practicum credits and 1:1 supervised experiences that build skills in assessment, diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and therapy; an optional Substance Use and Addictions specialty is available. Tuition is about $88,060 for 74 credits ($1,190/credit), plus typical semester fees, with a 4–5 year timeline based on study pace...read more.
North Central College PMHNP Program
Naperville | $520 cpc | Certificate / MSN
North Central College offers an MSN-PMHNP and a Post-Graduate APRN Certificate, delivered mainly online with 2–3 campus immersions; the MSN includes 525 clinical hours. Estimated costs are ~$41,654 for the MSN and $11,960–$18,200 for the certificate, and scholarships can reduce tuition by up to 25%. Didactic courses run asynchronously; the MSN starts each fall, the certificate starts each summer, and both lead to ANCC or AANP PMHNP certification eligibility. ..read more.
Rosalind Franklin University PMHNP Programs
Chicago | $832 cpc | DNP
Rosalind Franklin University offers a DNP-PMHNP that spans 137 quarter hours with two pacing options: 36 months full-time or 48 months part-time. The blended format combines online courses with four short on-campus immersions and delivers 1,120 clinical hours across five residencies that the university arranges. Estimated total cost ranges from about $117,664 to $122,384, and graduates qualify for ANCC PMHNP certification...read more.
Rush University PMHNP Programs
Chicago | $1,436 cpc | BSN to DNP / DNP
Rush University’s online DNP-PMHNP offers three entry paths—BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP for APRNs, and MSN-to-DNP for non-APRNs—spanning 41–68 credits. Students study part-time for 2–4 years and complete 1,008 clinical hours, including telepsychiatry simulation in Rush’s Simulation Lab. Tuition is $1,436 per credit (approx. $58,876–$97,648 total), and graduates are eligible for ANCC PMHNP certification...read more.
University of Illinois PMHNP Programs
Chicago | $1,075 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP
UIC offers two PMHNP options with hybrid delivery and clinical placements arranged across six campuses. The DNP track spans 85 credits with a lifespan focus and training in diagnostic reasoning, psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy; the certificate adds PMHNP preparation for DNP-prepared nurses. U.S. News ranks UIC’s DNP program #17, and graduates report a 92% certification pass rate...read more.
University of St Francis PMHNP Program
Joliet | $799 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Programs are 100% online in 16-week cycles with new cohorts each semester, and graduates are eligible to sit for ANCC/AANP certification exams. The MSN integrates advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, assessment, and three PMHNP clinical management courses; the certificate (31–43 credits, based on gap analysis) focuses on the same PMHNP core with supervised practica. Clinicals span settings such as emergency psychiatry, community mental health, integrated primary care, and long-term care, and tuition is $799 per MSN credit and ~$544–$810 per certificate credit. ..read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
For Illinois nurses, Walden University’s online PMHNP programs provide a convenient pathway to advanced psychiatric mental health certification and practice. The coursework integrates cutting-edge research, diagnostic reasoning, and therapy modalities, all delivered virtually to accommodate working professionals. Practicum placements are supported by Walden’s Field Placement Team, ensuring Illinois students gain hands-on experience within their local healthcare settings. Graduates are equipped to deliver high-quality mental health care across Illinois’s diverse populations.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
Designed for working professionals, the 100% online program features consistent course due dates and a maximum cost around $30,795, with lower per-credit tuition for the core courses (588/credit) than for the NP specialization courses (603.75/credit). Clinical training is integrated into the specialty courses, requiring students to complete all 630 precepted hours within the specified 8-week course period for each of the five clinical experiences. The program requires an active, unencumbered RN license and a BSN, serving as a structured specialization pathway for those seeking to specialize in psychiatric care.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
The online PMHNP programs at Purdue Global are authorized for enrollment in Illinois, offering CCNE-accredited options for nurses seeking an advanced practice role. The curriculum is available in three tracks—Certificate, MSN, and MSN-DNP—and is designed to equip graduates to assess and manage psychiatric mental health disorders across the lifespan. The fully online format incorporates innovative learning through virtual reality simulations for practical experience.
Rasmussen University PMHNP Program
online | $915 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Rasmussen University’s CCNE-accredited PMHNP pathways (MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate) deliver fully online coursework paired with personalized, in-person practicums arranged in each student’s community. In Illinois, learners can leverage Rasmussen’s local presence at the Aurora/Naperville, Mokena/Tinley Park, Rockford, and Romeoville/Joliet campuses—helpful hubs for student services, skills support, and connections to regional clinical partners. The curriculum integrates advanced assessment, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and virtual immersion experiences with telehealth and standardized patients. Dedicated practicum coordination, multiple start dates, and a technology-forward learning model help working RNs progress efficiently toward PMHNP readiness.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
Western Governors University’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) programs, offered through the Leavitt School of Health, include a BSN-to-MSN track and a Post-Master’s Certificate option taught 100% online with local clinical internships. Using a competency-based model, students progress by mastering skills rather than earning credit hours, completing 650 direct patient care hours in diverse psychiatric settings. The MSN pathway takes a minimum of 2.5 years at an estimated $35,775, while the certificate can be finished in at least 1.5 years for approximately $21,465.
Wilkes University PMHNP Programs
online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN
Wilkes University’s PMHNP programs enable Illinois nurses to pursue MSN, certificate, or DNP preparation in psychiatric-mental health care entirely online, with multiple annual intakes. Illinois students receive no-cost clinical placement assistance, which helps them connect with preceptors and sites in hospitals, community clinics, and private practices. The curriculum’s blend of advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and psychiatric clinical courses supports graduates in stepping into high-demand PMHNP roles throughout Illinois.
Choosing the Best PMHNP Program for You in Illinois
TLDR: Quick Program Selection Guide
Choose Illinois State University if you want the lowest tuition ($423/credit for Illinois residents, $20,316 total), certificate-only option exclusively for licensed FNPs adding PMHNP certification, 1-year completion (4 semesters), and 93% NCLEX pass rates demonstrating educational excellence.
Choose University of St. Francis if you want affordable MSN ($799/credit, $24,769-$34,357 total) with flexible 24-48 month completion, clinical experiences across diverse settings (emergency psychiatric, community mental health, integrated care), and optional nursing education support courses.
Choose North Central College if you want up to 25% tuition reduction through scholarships, asynchronous didactic coursework for working nurses, 2-3 campus immersions throughout program, and problem-based learning with simulation complementing clinical practice.
Choose University of Illinois Chicago if you want hybrid BSN-to-DNP available at all 6 UIC campuses (Chicago, Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, Urbana), faculty-arranged clinical placements with highly qualified preceptors, 100% certification pass rates, and high-quality simulation scenarios.
Choose Rush University if you want U.S. News top-3 ranked programs, three entry pathways (BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP for APRNs, MSN-to-DNP for non-APRNs), synchronous telepsychiatry simulation, exceptional first-time certification pass rates, and 1,008 clinical hours.
Choose Loyola University if you want DNP-exclusive Jesuit education, faculty-designed clinical rotations with academic-practice partnerships throughout Chicago metro area, optional Substance Use and Addictions Specialty (first nursing school nationally to offer this), and focus on underserved communities.
Choose Rosalind Franklin University if you want the most clinical hours (1,120 across five 224-hour residencies), university-coordinated ALL clinical placements eliminating student burden, standardized patient simulations, faculty mentorship in Community Mental Health/Substance Use/Psychotherapy, and $0 application fee with counselor code.
DNP-PMHNP Programs Comparison
Loyola University offers the most affordable DNP ($88,060 for 74 credits) with Jesuit mission-driven focus on underserved Chicago communities. Rosalind Franklin provides the highest clinical hours (1,120) with complete university coordination of all placements.
| School | Track | Total Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola | DNP | $88,060 (tuition only) | 4-5 years PT/FT | 15 practicum credits |
| Rosalind Franklin | BSN-to-DNP | $117,664-$122,384 | 3 years FT | 1,120 clinical hrs |
| Rush | BSN-to-DNP | $97,648 | ~4 years PT | 1,008 clinical hrs |
| Rush | MSN-to-DNP (APRN) | $58,876 | ~3 years PT | 1,008 clinical hrs |
| Rush | MSN-to-DNP (non-APRN) | $80,416 | Varies | 1,008 clinical hrs |
| UIC | BSN-to-DNP | $91,365 (in-state) | 3-5 years | Extensive across 3 practicums |
Key Differentiators:
- Loyola: Jesuit values; faculty design ALL rotations; academic-practice partnerships throughout Chicago metro; optional Substance Use and Addictions Specialty (first nursing school nationally); minimum 2,000 hours recent psychiatric mental health nursing experience required before first practicum
- Rosalind Franklin: Highest clinical hours (1,120); university coordinates ALL placements (no student burden); five sequential 224-hour residencies; standardized patient simulations in Clinical Correlations I & II; annual 2-4 day on-campus immersions; faculty mentorship in Community Mental Health, Substance Use Disorders, Psychotherapy
- Rush: U.S. News top-3 ranked; three entry pathways with gap analysis; synchronous telepsychiatry simulation; DNP project presentation final summer (online or campus); one-day September orientation highly recommended; exceptional first-time certification pass rates
- UIC: Available at ALL 6 UIC campuses statewide; faculty-arranged clinical placements; high-quality simulation scenarios; 100% certification pass rates; individualized program plans; students may travel to Chicago/another region for ≥1 course/lab
MSN-PMHNP Programs Comparison
University of St. Francis offers the most affordable MSN ($799/credit, $24,769-$34,357 total) with flexible 24-48 month completion. North Central College is the only other Illinois school offering standalone MSN.
| School | Total Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Central | $41,654 (direct costs) | 3.5 years (9 semesters) | 525 clinical hrs |
| University of St. Francis | $24,769-$34,357 | 24-48 months | Embedded in 3 clinical management courses |
Notable Distinctions:
- North Central: Up to 25% tuition reduction via scholarships (Alliance Partnership, Opportunity Awards, alumni-family discounts); asynchronous didactic coursework; 2-3 campus immersions at Naperville campus; problem-based learning + simulation; fall semester start only; state restrictions (California NOT authorized)
- University of St. Francis: Lowest MSN tuition in Illinois; flexible FT/PT options (24-48 months); clinical across acute emergency psychiatric, community mental health, office-based/private practice, integrated psychiatric/primary care; optional nursing education support courses (Teaching in Nursing, Methods and Measurement, Education Practicum)
Post-Graduate Certificate Programs Comparison
Illinois State University offers the lowest certificate cost ($20,316 for Illinois residents) but exclusively serves licensed FNPs adding PMHNP certification. University of St. Francis provides the most flexible certificate with gap analysis determining individualized coursework.
| School | Total Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois State | $20,316 (IL residents) | 1 year (4 semesters) | 540 clinical hrs |
| North Central | $11,960-$18,200 | 1-2 years | 525 clinical hrs |
| UIC | $35,475-$49,455 | 1.5-2 years | 750 clinical hrs |
| University of St. Francis | $16,864-$34,830 | ~12 months | 15 credits clinical management |
Key Differentiators:
- Illinois State: Exclusively for licensed FNPs adding PMHNP certification; 1-year completion (4 consecutive semesters starting summer); requires advanced physical assessment/pathophysiology/pharmacology prerequisites (grade B or better); summer term start only; application period Oct 1-Feb 1 (Mar 1 priority)
- North Central: Gap analysis determines 23-35 credits; joins MSN students in specialty courses; summer semester start only (April 15, 2026 deadline); 2-3 on-campus immersions; same state restrictions as MSN
- UIC: Post-DNP Certificate (not Post-Master’s); requires DNP degree; 33 credits for certified APRNs or up to 46 for non-APRN certified; UIC does NOT accept clinical hours from current APRN position toward certificate; 100% certification pass rates; fall admission only; not financial aid eligible
- University of St. Francis: Gap analysis determines 31-43 credits; Advanced Practice Core (16 credits) + Practica (15 credits) + optional Nursing Education Support (0-12 credits); prepares for complex psychiatric and physical health needs
Admissions Requirements Comparison
| School | Minimum GPA | Application Deadline | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois State | 3.0 (last 60 UG hours or grad) | Oct 1-Feb 1 (Mar 1 priority) | Licensed/certified FNP ONLY; advanced assessment/patho/pharm prerequisites (B or better); summer start only; unencumbered IL RN + APRN license; FNP certification (ANCC or AANP) |
| Loyola | 3.0 | July 1 (Fall start late Aug) | 2,000+ hours recent psychiatric mental health nursing experience; IL endorsement eligibility; interview; 2 references (1 from doctorally-prepared suggested); no application fee online |
| North Central | 3.0 (last 60 BSN hours) | MSN: Aug 12, 2026 Certificate: Apr 15, 2026 | NursingCAS only; virtual/on-campus interview required; UG statistics (3 credits, C+); continued healthcare experience; state restrictions (CA NOT authorized); fall/summer starts |
| Rosalind Franklin | 3.0 (<3.0 case-by-case) | April 15, 2026 | $0 application fee with counselor code; biostatistics within 2 years recommended; 1 year direct/indirect psych experience preferred; passion for mental health; NursingCAS; $250 deposit upon admission |
| Rush | 3.0 | October 20, 2025 (Fall 2026) | Preference for clinical psychiatric setting work; NursingCAS + $40 Rush supplemental; personal interview; no GRE; degree within 5 years; state restrictions (LA/TN/CA/NY/Canada excluded) |
| UIC | Not specified | Aug-Mar (Fall only) | Preference for clinical psychiatric/behavioral health experience; UG statistics prerequisite; hybrid format; available all 6 UIC campuses; individualized program plans; certificates not financial aid eligible |
| University of St. Francis | Not specified | Rolling | Active unencumbered RN license; gap analysis for certificate; variable credit hours (MSN 31-43, Certificate 31-43) based on prior coursework |
All programs require:
- BSN from CCNE/ACEN accredited institution (MSN/DNP for certificate programs, except Illinois State requires FNP certification)
- Current, unencumbered RN license (APRN for Illinois State)
- Official transcripts
- Professional references
- Background checks
Special Notes:
UIC BSN-to-DNP available at all 6 campuses; Post-DNP certificates not financial aid eligible
Illinois State is the ONLY program exclusively for licensed/certified FNPs adding PMHNP
Loyola requires 2,000+ hours recent psychiatric mental health nursing experience (highest clinical experience requirement)
North Central has state enrollment restrictions (California NOT authorized)
Rosalind Franklin offers $0 application fee with admission counselor code (liana.baldwin@rosalindfranklin.edu, valid 2 weeks)
Rush cannot enroll residents of Louisiana, Tennessee, California, New York (advanced practice), or Canada