Below is a high level snapshot of the three main PMHNP programs offered within the state of Iowa.
Total program costs range from $15K to $90K.
| School | Est. Cost Range (IA Residents) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Allen College | MSN: ≈ $47K BSN→DNP: ≈ $69K RN→DNP: ≈ $77K Certificate: ≈ $27K | – MSN and certificate students complete about 525 clinical hours; – BSN→DNP includes about 925 hours and RN→DNP about 1,000 hours. – clinical coordinator leads placement – optional rural and underserved emphasis plus |
| Briar Cliff University | MSN: ≈ $36K APRN Certificate: ≈ $36K | – part-time online PMHNP pathways built for working RNs and APRNs – usually completed in about 3 years over 8 semesters. – 54.5-credit plan with 750 clinical hours – clinical coordinator and NP faculty help secure local preceptors |
| University of Iowa | BSN→DNP: ≈ $90K MSN→DNP: ≈ $52K Post-APRN→DNP: ≈ $36K Certificate: ≈ $15K | – flagship DNP PMHNP program with 3- and 4-year BSN→DNP plans – multiple DNP entry points for APRNs. – at least 1,000 practice hours with a minimum of 540 clinical hours – all arranged by faculty within Iowa – reported 100% ANCC certification pass rate and 100% job placement |
All PMHNP Programs Available to Iowa Nurses
Allen College PMHNP Programs
Waterloo | $962 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN / DNP
Allen College delivers PMHNP training in a hybrid format with live online sessions plus required campus OSCEs and residencies in Waterloo, Iowa. A Clinical Coordinator secures all placements with student input, and every student completes hours at the Allen College DeBonis Free Medical Clinic. Tracks include MSN, BSN-DNP, RN-DNP, and a Post-Graduate Certificate, each combining core coursework with PMHNP specialty training and supervised clinicals. ..read more.
Briar Cliff University PMHNP Programs
Sioux City | $585 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Briar Cliff University delivers PMHNP education online, with two required on-site days in Summer Year 1 for Advanced Health Assessment and in-person clinical components. Students work with a clinical coordinator to identify preceptors; faculty vet sites and arrange contracts, and placements are set near the student’s home when possible. The program offers MSN and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate tracks and was ranked #2 Online MSN PMHNP by nursepractitioneronline.com in 2025. ..read more.
University of Iowa PMHNP Programs
Iowa City | $1,191 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP
University of Iowa offers four PMHNP pathways: BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, Post-APRN-to-DNP, and a Post-Graduate Certificate. The programs use a hybrid format with mostly online coursework and weekly on-campus sessions for NP didactics; faculty arrange clinical placements across Iowa, typically near a student’s home. Reported outcomes include a 100% ANCC certification pass rate and 100% job placement within three months of graduation. The BSN-to-DNP option spans 76 credits and costs about $89,566 for residents ($164,332 for nonresidents), with 3- or 4-year plans available...read more.
Nightingale College PMHNP Program
online | $550 cpc | MSN
Nightingale College’s MSN-PMHNP track delivers 55 credits over roughly two years, combining online coursework with faculty-supported precepted clinicals and a single on-site seminar. Students complete 547.5 didactic hours and 810 clinical contact hours, building competency in assessment, diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy across the lifespan for ANCC certification readiness. Estimated total cost is about $34,750 including required resource fees. The program is authorized in Iowa, so Iowa RNs can enroll and arrange clinical placements consistent with local guidelines.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
Built for working RNs, the MSN–PMHNP specialization pairs flexible pacing (single 8-week courses, consistent due dates) with a clear clinical roadmap. You’ll complete 630 supervised hours in child/adolescent, adult/older-adult, and substance-use specialty rotations. Across 51–54 credits, core and specialty courses sharpen diagnostic reasoning and therapy/medication management to prepare you for PMHNP board exams in roughly 34 months at about $31k.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
The online Purdue Global PMHNP tracks, including the Certificate, MSN, and MSN-DNP, are authorized for enrollment in Iowa, allowing RNs to advance their careers with a CCNE-accredited program. The curriculum prepares nurses to manage psychiatric disorders across the lifespan in varied settings and is delivered fully online. The programs feature an estimated cost of $32,760 for the MSN portion and utilize virtual reality for clinical preparation.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
The WGU PMHNP programs through the Leavitt School of Health prepare nurses to deliver advanced mental health care via flexible, competency-based online learning. Students can earn either a Master of Science in Nursing or a Post-Master’s Certificate while completing 650 local clinical hours focused on psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and management. The MSN costs about $36,000 over 2.5 years, and the certificate costs about $23,000 over 1.5 years.
Wilkes University PMHNP Programs
online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN
For Iowa nurses, Wilkes University offers fully online PMHNP pathways at the MSN, certificate, and DNP levels, all designed with flexible scheduling for working professionals. Iowa students receive built-in clinical placement assistance, reducing the stress of finding psychiatric-mental health clinical sites and preceptors on their own. Coursework focuses on evidence-based therapies, psychopathology, and psychopharmacology, equipping graduates to provide comprehensive mental health care throughout Iowa.
Choosing the Best PMHNP Program for You in Iowa
TLDR: Quick Program Selection Guide
Choose University of Iowa if you want 100% ANCC certification pass rates, 100% job placement within 3 months, faculty-arranged clinical placements within Iowa (typically within 100 miles of home), and financial support through Iowa Department of Public Health grant for all PMHNP students.
Choose Allen College if you want the most degree pathway options (MSN, BSN-to-DNP, RN-to-DNP, Post-Grad Certificate), mandatory clinical hours at DeBonis Free Medical Clinic in Waterloo, optional rural/underserved emphasis, and UnityPoint Health affiliation for unique clinical experiences.
Choose Briar Cliff University if you want the lowest tuition ($585/credit), #2 ranked Online MSN PMHNP Program nationally (2025), part-time 3-year format with flexible 8/12/16-week course options, and 100% employment rate within 12 months of graduation.
Iowa DNP-PMHNP Programs Comparison
University of Iowa offers the only DNP-exclusive program in Iowa (no standalone MSN) with 100% certification pass rates and guaranteed financial support for all students. Allen College provides the most comprehensive pathway options including RN-to-DNP for associate degree holders.
| School | Track | Total Cost (In-State) | Credits | Cost/Credit | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allen College | BSN-to-DNP | $68,136 | 68 | $962 | 3 years FT / 5 years PT | 925 (525 PMHNP + 400 DNP) |
| Allen College | RN-to-DNP | $76,312 | 76 | $962 | ~4 years | 1,000 |
| University of Iowa | BSN-to-DNP | $89,566 | 76 | $1,191 | 3-4 years (plan choice) | 1,000+ (540+ PMHNP) |
| University of Iowa | MSN-to-DNP | $51,748 | 72 (minimum) | $1,191 | 2-3 years | 1,000+ (individualized) |
| University of Iowa | Post-APRN to DNP | $35,898 | 29 | $1,191 | 2-3 years (plan choice) | Varies by gap analysis |
Key Differentiators:
- Allen College BSN-to-DNP: Mandatory OSCEs and on-campus residencies during track-specific courses; UnityPoint Health affiliation; optional Dedicated Education Clinics (DECs); automatic 25% tuition deduction for LEAD track
- Allen College RN-to-DNP: Only program in Iowa accepting associate degree RNs; includes Community and Population Health Nursing (75 hours); 1,000 total clinical hours
- University of Iowa BSN-to-DNP: Choice of 3-year or 4-year completion plan; 100% ANCC pass rate; 100% job placement within 3 months; all students receive Iowa Department of Public Health grant funding
- University of Iowa MSN-to-DNP: Individualized gap analysis; transfer approved MSN clinical hours; minimum 29 semester hours earned at UI required
- University of Iowa Post-APRN to DNP: For already-certified APRNs; 29 credits only; one elective course from 10 options; 2-year or 3-year plan choice
Iowa MSN-PMHNP Programs Comparison
Briar Cliff University offers the most affordable MSN ($585/credit, $35,482.50 total) with part-time 3-year format and flexible course lengths. Allen College is the only other Iowa school offering standalone MSN.
| School | Total Cost | Credits | Cost/Credit | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allen College | $46,335 | 45 | $962 | 3 years FT / 4+ years PT | 525 |
| Briar Cliff | $35,482.50 | 54.5 | $585 + $67 fees | 3 years PT (8 semesters) | 750 |
Notable Distinctions:
- Allen College: Six credit hours considered full-time; mandatory DeBonis Free Medical Clinic hours in Waterloo; optional rural/underserved emphasis (1-day seminar + 150 hours); optional DECs (minimum 75 hours); begins fall and spring
- Briar Cliff: Lowest tuition in Iowa; #2 ranked Online MSN PMHNP nationally (2025); 8/12/16-week course formats; 2 mandatory on-site days at BCU campus during Summer Year 1; 100% employment within 12 months; ranked program with strong outcomes
Iowa PHMNP Post-Grad Certificate Programs Comparison
University of Iowa offers the lowest certificate cost ($14,656) with 14-month completion and 100% certification pass rates. Briar Cliff provides the highest clinical hours (750) with identical curriculum to their MSN program.
| School | Total Cost | Credits | Cost/Credit | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allen College | $26,572 | 26 | $962 | ~3 years PT | 525 |
| Briar Cliff | $35,482.50 | 54.5 | $585 + $67 fees | 3 years PT | 750 |
| University of Iowa | $14,656 | 22 | $666 | 14 months (4 semesters) | Determined by gap analysis |
Key Differentiators:
- Allen College: Identical 26-credit PMHNP specialty courses as MSN; mandatory OSCEs and residencies; six credits considered full-time; DeBonis Free Medical Clinic requirement
- Briar Cliff: Identical 54.5-credit curriculum as MSN program; individualized plan based on transcript evaluation; 2 mandatory on-site days Summer Year 1; first year 100% online, clinicals begin year two
- University of Iowa: Shortest completion time (14 months); for post-master’s APRNs seeking second specialty; 4-semester sequence (Summer I → Fall I → Spring I → Summer II); minimum 2.50 UI GPA required; gap analysis determines coursework
Specialty Curriculum Focus
Allen College structures training through 26-credit PMHNP specialty sequence featuring Psychopharmacology and Neuropathophysiology (4 credits), three progressive Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing courses (I, II, III) each with dedicated 150-hour clinical components, Clinical Enrichment elective (75 hours), and mandatory clinical hours at DeBonis Free Medical Clinic in Waterloo with optional rural/underserved emphasis requiring 1-day seminar plus 150 hours in high-need areas.
Briar Cliff University delivers 54.5-credit comprehensive curriculum combining foundational core courses with specialized PMHNP training in flexible 8-week, 12-week, or 16-week formats, emphasizing Therapeutic Modalities (6 credits with 180 clinical hours), Neuroscience of Psychopharmacology (3 credits), population-specific training with Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing courses for Adults (120 hours) and Children/Adolescents/Older Adults (210 hours), culminating in Practicum (240 hours) with 750 total clinical hours including rural/underserved/multicultural setting experience.
University of Iowa provides 76-semester-hour BSN-to-DNP curriculum offering both 3-year and 4-year completion plans with identical content at different pacing, featuring DNP core courses (29 hours), advanced practice core courses (20 hours including Genetics/Genomics, Social Determinants of Health and Health System Inequities), PMHNP specialty courses (27 hours), and sequential Psychotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing Across the Lifespan (I and II) plus three Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum courses (180+270+180 hours) with faculty-arranged placements typically within 100 miles of student’s home.
Iowa PMHNP Admissions Requirements Comparison
| School | Minimum GPA | Application Deadline | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allen College | Not specified | Rolling | – fall and spring start; – out-of-state approval varies by state; – $50 application + $200 registration fee |
| Briar Cliff | 3.0 | Rolling | – 2,000 clinical hours as RN within 2 years prior – 2 mandatory on-site days; – no GRE; $250 matriculation fee; 5+ credits for federal aid |
| University of Iowa | 3.0 (BSN-DNP/MSN-DNP) 2.5 (Certificate) | February 1 | – limited to ~24 students (up to 10 in 4-year DNP); – no GRE; hybrid delivery with weekly on-campus for NP didactics; – no F-1/J-1 for international students |
All programs require:
- BSN from CCNE/ACEN/CNEA accredited institution (MSN for certificate programs, except UI Post-APRN requires APRN certification)
- Current, unencumbered RN license (APRN for UI Post-APRN to DNP)
- Official transcripts
- Resume/CV
- References
Special Notes:
- Allen College cannot guarantee out-of-state clinical placement; Iowa Code Chapter 272C.15 addresses felony conviction eligibility
- Briar Cliff requires 2,000 clinical RN hours within 2 years (highest clinical experience requirement); BCU has not determined programs meet requirements outside Iowa; up to 9 transfer credits accepted
- University of Iowa provides Iowa Department of Public Health grant to ALL PMHNP students (no repayment); achieves 100% ANCC certification pass rate and 100% job placement within 3 months; faculty arrange ALL clinical placements within Iowa
Admissions Tip: The Iowa Clinical Advantage
If you are applying to Allen College, be prepared for a “mandatory local” requirement: all students must complete a portion of their hours at the DeBonis Free Medical Clinic in Waterloo, IA, regardless of where they live.
In contrast, Briar Cliff offers more flexibility for remote students, allowing you to arrange placements close to your home, though you must still attend two mandatory on-site days in Sioux City for Advanced Health Assessment. For both schools, if you are an out-of-state applicant, you should verify your state’s reciprocity agreement with Iowa before paying the application fee.
Financial Support & Outcomes
University of Iowa stands out with guaranteed financial support through Iowa Department of Public Health grant (Enhancing Access to Psychiatric-Mental Health Services in Iowa) provided to ALL PMHNP students with no repayment required, plus Nurse Faculty Loan Program (20% forgiveness per year for 4 years as faculty), and 100% ANCC certification pass rate with 100% job placement within 3 months.
Briar Cliff University reports strong outcomes including 100% employment within 12 months, certification pass rates of 75-100% ANCC (2022-2024) and 100% AANP (2024), graduation rates of 82-93% (2023-2025 cohorts), with access to loan forgiveness programs (Health Professional Recruitment, Rural Iowa Primary Care, Nurse Corps, Federal Student Loan Forgiveness), though no university-provided graduate scholarships.
Allen College emphasizes excellent certification pass rates (specific percentages not stated), UnityPoint Health affiliation for unique clinical experiences, automatic 25% tuition deduction for LEAD track students, and federal financial aid available with 1.057% origination fee for unsubsidized loans and 4.228% for graduate PLUS loans.