Michigan PMHNP Programs

High Level Program Comparison Table

School	Est. Cost Range	Summary
Davenport University	MSN: $52K Certificate: $42K	– 100% online MSN and certificate with < 2-year MSN option – 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio with practicing NPs. – ANCC PMHNP pass rates above the national average
Michigan State University	MSN: $51K–$64K DNP: $66K–$83K Certificate: $26K–$32K	– clinical placement support – 100% first-time PMHNP certification pass rate in 2024 – mix of neuroscience, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy
Saginaw Valley State University	Certificate: $20K	– PMHNP certificate with focus on addictions and rural care – 24 credits and 540 clinical hours – rural traineeship stipends & multiple loan-repayment programs
Spring Arbor University	BSN→MSN: $40K RN→MSN: $44K–$66K Certificate: $15K–$32K	– faith based worldview integrated with PMHNP training – 500 clinical hours. – short on-campus residencies and “Best Value” recognition
Wayne State University	MSN: $30K DNP specialty: $17K Certificate: $17K	– urban-focused MSN, DNP, and certificate tracks – 620–820 clinical hours

What Schools Can You Apply To?

Davenport University PMHNP Programs

Grand Rapids | $1,104 cpc | Certificate / MSN

Davenport University offers two 100% online PMHNP tracks through its Global Campus: an MSN and a Post-Graduate Certificate. The MSN can be finished in under two years full-time, while the certificate follows a flexible pace for working nurses. Small 18:1 classes, experienced NP faculty, and above-average ANCC PMHNP pass rates support strong outcomes. ..read more.

Michigan State University PMHNP Programs

East Lansing | $937.25 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

Hybrid MSU PMHNP programs blend online coursework with limited on-campus sessions and coordinated clinical placements across the lifespan. The curriculum emphasizes neuroscience, advanced psychopharmacology, therapeutic interventions, and evidence-based practice; the certificate adds a gap analysis to tailor required courses. Outcomes are strong—PMHNP graduates achieved a 100% first-time certification pass rate in 2024. ..read more.

Saginaw Valley PMHNP Program

Saginaw | $800 cpc | Certificate

Saginaw Valley State University offers a 100% online Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate with 24 credits and 540 clinical hours, completed in four part-time semesters. The program focuses on substance use disorders and rural care, uses Project ECHO telementoring, and offers optional on-campus skills labs with community members in recovery. Estimated tuition is about $19,200, with diverse clinical placements plus rural traineeship stipends and loan-forgiveness options...read more.

Spring Arbor University PMHNP Programs

Spring Arbor | $797 cpc | MSN / RN to MSN

Spring Arbor University offers three PMHNP pathways—BSN-to-MSN, RN-to-MSN, and a Post-Master’s Certificate—with fully online, asynchronous courses using a 7-1-7 cadence and one four-day campus residency. The BSN-MSN costs about $39,850 (~2 years 5 months), the RN-MSN runs $43,070–$65,354 (~4 years), and the certificate costs $15,000–$32,000 (~18–24 months). Programs emphasize Christian worldview integration, small cohorts, and 500 clinical hours to prepare graduates for PMHNP certification...read more.

Walden University PMHNP Programs

Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

Walden University offers Michigan nurses a suite of online PMHNP pathways—MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate—accredited by CCNE and designed for maximum flexibility. Walden supports Michigan students with practicum placement assistance and virtual skills training to ensure clinical preparedness across diverse settings, from Detroit to rural communities. Graduates are well-positioned to obtain national certification and take on advanced psychiatric care roles across the state.​

Wayne State PMHNP Programs

Detroit | $564 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

Wayne State University offers MSN, DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate PMHNP tracks with full-time and part-time options and some synchronous distance learning. The curriculum covers assessment, psychopharmacology, crisis care, and therapy with individuals, groups, and families, with 620 clinical hours in the MSN and certificate and 820 in the DNP. Applicants need a BSN, Michigan RN license, and one year of full-time psychiatric RN experience before clinicals...read more.

Chamberlain MSN PMHNP Program

online | $735 cpc | Certificate / MSN

The CCNE-accredited Chamberlain MSN PMHNP program is a 100% online pathway requiring students to complete 650 supervised practicum hours and attend two mandatory in-person visits for intensive experiences. The Troy, Michigan campus is one of the locations where students can fulfill their required on-campus lab and intensive sessions, providing a local option for the required in-person component. Students can finish the full MSN (45 credit hours) in about 2.5 years, or the Graduate Certificate (35 credit hours) in 1.5 years.

Post University PMHNP Programs

online | $604 cpc | MSN

The MSN-PMHNP program at Post University delivers psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner education through 18-21 core credits and 33 specialization credits distributed across approximately 3 years at around $30,000-$31,000 total cost. Clinical training totals 630 hours completed through five preceptorship experience courses (135 hours each for four courses, 90 hours for specialty), translating classroom learning to real-world mental health settings with individualized precepted experiences. Graduates prepare to sit for the ANCC PMHNP certification examination upon completion of the practice-focused curriculum covering assessment, diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and interventions across the lifespan.

Purdue Global PMHNP Programs

online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

Purdue Global's PMHNP programs are authorized in Michigan, offering three online pathways: a Postgraduate Certificate (1.5 years, $20,160), MSN with PMHNP Population Focus Area (2 years, $32,760), and MSN-DNP bridge program for doctoral advancement. Michigan nurses complete immersive clinical experiences with qualified preceptors in local settings, with all programs featuring virtual reality assignments for telehealth and group therapy training accredited by CCNE. Graduates are prepared to deliver comprehensive psychiatric mental health care across Michigan's diverse healthcare landscape, from urban hospitals to rural community mental health centers.

WGU PMHNP Programs

online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks at WGU blend advanced online coursework with dedicated mentorship for personalized academic support from a Program Mentor and specialized Course Instructors. Students choose between the full MSN or the Certificate, which targets those with a prior master's degree in nursing, to specialize in mental health care across the lifespan. The university's flat-rate tuition, about $7,000 per six-month term, incentivizes faster progress through its competency units to lower the total program cost.

Wilkes University PMHNP Programs

online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN

Michigan nurses can advance into psychiatric-mental health roles through Wilkes University’s online MSN, PMHNP certificate, and DNP tracks without leaving their local communities. The university’s clinical placement team helps Michigan students find nearby preceptors and sites, reducing the burden of arranging psychiatric rotations independently. Focused training in diagnostic reasoning, psychopharmacology, and therapeutic modalities supports graduates in serving diverse urban and rural populations throughout Michigan.

Comparing PMHNP Programs in Michigan

TLDR: Quick School Selection Guide

Choose Saginaw Valley State University if you want the most affordable certificate program ($19,200) with a unique focus on substance use disorders and rural community care, plus potential for an $14,500 stipend that reduces costs by 85%.

Choose Wayne State University if you want the most affordable MSN program ($29,328) with strong emphasis on urban health and culturally diverse populations in Detroit.

Choose Davenport University if you want exceptional student-to-faculty ratio (18:1) with higher-than-national-average board certification pass rates and personalized attention.

Choose Michigan State University if you want a top-tier research university with 100% first-time certification pass rates in 2024 and comprehensive clinical placement assistance.

Choose Spring Arbor University if you want Christian worldview integration with flexible entry points including RN-to-MSN pathways and fastest certificate completion (18 months).

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Michigan PMHNP Certificate Programs

Certificate programs serve nurses who already hold master’s or doctoral degrees and want to add PMHNP specialization. Duration ranges from 18-36 months with costs from $15,000-$41,952.

Most Affordable Certificate: Saginaw Valley State University

Saginaw Valley State University offers the lowest-cost certificate at $19,200 (24 credits × $800/credit) over 4 semesters part-time. The program features unique substance use disorder focus with Project ECHO telementoring for rural practitioners. Students complete 540 clinical hours across three rotations (adult/gero, child/family, addictions). SVSU awards approximately $14,500 stipends to 31 students from rural Michigan annually, reducing education costs by nearly 85%. The program qualifies for multiple federal loan forgiveness programs including NHSC and Nurse Corps.

Quickest Certificate: Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor University offers the fastest completion at 18 months with costs ranging $15,000-$32,000 (depending on prerequisites). The 250-625 clinical hour requirement varies based on NP vs. non-NP background, with maximum 125 hours transferable. The program integrates Christian worldview perspectives and requires four-day campus residency for skills practice.

Certificate Program Comparison

Wayne State University: $16,356 (29 credits × $564/credit), up to 3 years, 620 clinical hours. Emphasizes urban health challenges with specialized areas including addictions, eating/sleep disorders, HIV/AIDS, and violence. Requires one full-time year of psychiatric RN experience before clinical courses.

Davenport University: $41,952 (38 credits × $1,104/credit), flexible timeline. Includes 12 clinical credits across three progressive courses with virtual simulation support through Health Assessment Lab. Michigan Health & Hospital Association members receive 20% tuition discount.

Michigan State University: $25,306-$31,894 (27 credits), approximately 18 months. Requires gap analysis for Advanced Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment, and Pharmacology. Achieved 100% first-time pass rate for PMHNP certification in 2024. 24 clinical credits embedded in four courses.

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Michigan MSN PMHNP Programs

MSN programs serve BSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced practice certification. Duration ranges from 2-3 years with costs from $29,328-$51,888.

Most Affordable MSN: Wayne State University

Wayne State University offers the most affordable MSN at $29,328 (52 credits × $564/credit) over 2-3 years. The program requires 620 clinical hours across four semesters and emphasizes culturally diverse populations with focus on urban health challenges. Students must complete one full-time year of RN experience in psychiatric mental health settings before starting clinical courses. Clinical sites include diverse psychiatric settings with qualified preceptors.

Quickest MSN: Davenport University

Davenport University offers the fastest completion at under 2 years full-time with cost of $51,888 (47 credits × $1,104/credit). The 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio provides personalized attention from practicing nurse practitioners. Graduates pass ANCC board certification at rates higher than national average. Clinical hours completed across three progressive courses (180 hours each) in diverse psychiatric settings.

MSN Program Comparison

Michigan State University: $50,613-$63,788 (54 credits), 2-3 years full-time. Achieved 100% first-time pass rates for PMHNP certification in 2024. Features unique balance of neuroscience, advanced psychopharmacology, psychological theory, and evidence-based practice. MSU assists with clinical placements. 24 clinical credits embedded in four Clinical Diagnosis and Management courses.

Spring Arbor University: $39,850 (50 credits), 2 years 5 months full-time. Integrates Christian worldview with nursing science concepts. 500 supervised clinical hours with complimentary clinical placement support. Features one four-day on-campus residency for hands-on skills practice and competency demonstration.

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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) PMHNP Programs

DNP programs offer terminal degrees for advanced practice nurses seeking highest level of clinical preparation. Available as BSN-to-DNP or MSN-to-DNP pathways.

DNP Program Options

Michigan State University offers the only state-based DNP-PMHNP program:

• BSN to DNP: $65,575-$82,688 (70 credits), 3-4 years full-time
• MSN to DNP: Contact school for specific DNP core coursework costs

The BSN-to-DNP requires 70 total credits (28 DNP core + 42 PMHNP concentration) with 30 clinical credits embedded in five Clinical Diagnosis and Management courses. MSU provides clinical placement assistance and achieved 100% first-time pass rates for PMHNP certification in 2024. Students complete DNP projects addressing healthcare outcomes through evidence-based data and technology. Adult-Gerontology CNS and Nurse Practitioner students may be granted MSN after completing master-level requirements before continuing to DNP completion.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I transfer clinical hours from a previous nurse practitioner program into a Michigan PMHNP certificate?

A: Yes, but it varies by school. Spring Arbor University allows up to 125 clinical hours to transfer for nurses with prior NP credentials, which can reduce their certificate requirement from 500 hours to as few as 250 hours. Other programs like Saginaw Valley State University require all 540 clinical hours to be completed within their program. Contact your intended program directly for their specific transfer policies.

Q: Are there financial incentives available specifically for PMHNP students in Michigan?

A: Yes. Saginaw Valley State University awards approximately $14,500 stipends annually to 31 students from rural Michigan, which reduces education costs by nearly 85%. Additionally, Michigan PMHNP programs qualify for federal loan forgiveness programs including the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and Nurse Corps, particularly for graduates who commit to serving in underserved areas.

Q: Do I need psychiatric nursing experience before starting clinical rotations?

A: Requirements vary significantly. Wayne State University requires one full-time year of RN experience specifically in psychiatric mental health settings before beginning clinical courses. However, most other Michigan programs like Davenport, Michigan State, and Spring Arbor do not mandate psychiatric nursing experience, though general RN experience (typically 1 year) is preferred or required.

Q: What makes Michigan State University’s PMHNP pass rates stand out?

A: Michigan State University achieved a 100% first-time pass rate for PMHNP certification in 2024, which exceeds typical national averages. This outcome is attributed to their curriculum balance of neuroscience, advanced psychopharmacology, psychological theory, and evidence-based practice, combined with comprehensive clinical placement support throughout the program.

Q: How does the clinical hour requirement differ between certificate, MSN, and DNP programs?

A: Clinical hours increase with degree level. Certificate and MSN programs typically require 500-620 hours (Saginaw Valley: 540; Wayne State MSN: 620; Spring Arbor: 500), while DNP programs require substantially more. Michigan State’s BSN-to-DNP requires 30 clinical credits embedded across five Clinical Diagnosis and Management courses, reflecting the terminal degree’s advanced practice expectations.