Utah offers 3 PMHNP programs through the distinguished institutions listed in the table below. Program costs range from $30,000 for University of Utah’s post-master’s certificate to $77,385 for Rocky Mountain’s dual FNP/PMHNP certification. Completion timelines range from 16 months to 3 years depending on degree level and enrollment pathway.
High Level Program Comparison Table
| School | Est. Cost Range | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain University | MSN – PMHNP: $58K–$61K MSN – FNP/PMHNP: $77K Certificate: $39K–$39K | Fully online PMHNP and dual FNP/PMHNP 20–24 month timelines multiple Winter/Summer/Fall entry points. |
| University of Utah (Salt Lake City) | BS→DNP: ≈ $73K Certificate: ≈ $30K | Research-intensive DNP Certificate with 900+ clinical hours, psychopharmacology and psychotherapy focus optional VA PMHNP residency |
| Weber State University (Ogden) | Post-BSN→DNP: $36K–$41K | Compact 2.5-year BSN-to-DNP PMHNP 750 direct PMHNP clinical hours 1,000+ total practicum hours |
List of PMHNP Schools in Utah
This is an expanded list that displays national online programs that open enrollment.
Rocky Mountain University PMHNP Programs
Provo | $1,005 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Rocky Mountain University offers a 100% online PMHNP pathway (with local preceptors) plus a dual FNP/PMHNP option and a post-master’s certificate for practicing nurses. Programs emphasize lifespan psychiatric care with paired didactic and clinical courses, totaling ~540 clinical hours for the PMHNP portion and ~1,080 hours for the dual track. Cohorts start multiple terms per year, and students complete clinicals in their own communities while maintaining employment. ..read more.
University of Utah PMHNP Programs
Salt Lake City | $321.60 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP
The University of Utah College of Nursing offers two PMHNP tracks—a BS to DNP and a Post-Master’s Certificate—delivered in a hybrid format that blends online learning with required campus sessions. The BS to DNP is about $73K over ~3 years, while the certificate is about $30K over ~2 years, and both prepare graduates for ANCC certification (the program reports a 100% national certification pass rate). Curricula span advanced assessment, psychotherapies, psychopharmacology, and extensive practicums, with the DNP totaling 900+ direct clinical hours. ..read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Utah nurses seeking to specialize in psychiatric-mental health can choose Walden University’s completely online, CCNE-accredited PMHNP programs, featuring BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, MSN-PMHNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate pathways designed for professionals balancing work and family in the Beehive State. The program’s Practicum Pledge and experienced Field Placement Team simplify securing clinical sites across Utah’s unique mix of metropolitan and remote areas, while innovative virtual training ensures readiness to serve diverse mental health needs statewide. Start your journey from Salt Lake City, St. George, or anywhere in Utah with Walden’s supportive, flexible PMHNP education.
Weber State University PMHNP Programs
Ogden | $266.31 cpc | BSN to DNP / DNP
Weber State University’s Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing offers a hybrid Post-BSN to DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track that blends online coursework with on-campus lab experiences. The program takes about 2.5 years (7 semesters) to complete full-time and costs roughly $36,000–$40,500 for the 75-credit plan. Graduates report a 100% national certification pass rate and are prepared for ANCC or AANP PMHNP certification. ..read more.
Nightingale College PMHNP Program
online | $550 cpc | MSN
This 55-credit MSN-PMHNP track can be finished in roughly two years, combining asynchronous online coursework with 810 supervised clinical hours and a single short in-person seminar. The curriculum integrates advanced pathophysiology, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based psychotherapy to prepare graduates for ANCC certification and advanced practice roles. Estimated program cost is about $34,750 including resource fees. The program is authorized in Utah, enabling Utah RNs to participate and arrange state-compliant clinical experiences.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
Designed for working RNs, this 51–54 credit MSN–PMHNP blends 36 didactic credits with 630 supervised clinical hours to prepare you for board certification. The program’s one-course-at-a-time, 8-week format with monthly start dates keeps momentum without overload. Typical completion is ~34 months at around $31,000, and Post University holds authorization for students in Utah.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
The PMHNP programs at Western Governors University's Leavitt School of Health are CCNE-accredited and available to residents in 43 states, though not California, DC, Louisiana, New York, North Dakota, or Washington. WGU's unique flat-rate tuition model charges around $7,000 per six-month term regardless of courses completed, allowing motivated students to finish faster and reduce costs. Graduates are eligible to sit for ANCC or AANP psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certification examinations.
Wilkes University PMHNP Programs
online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN
Wilkes University offers fully online PMHNP programs, including MSN and DNP tracks, providing flexibility and convenience for nurses practicing in Utah. The university includes complimentary clinical placement support, which is critical for Utah students needing assistance in finding quality, local preceptors for their 500 clinical hours. With an exceptional 95.4% certification exam pass rate in 2023, the program effectively prepares Utah graduates for advanced psychiatric mental health practice.
What is the Best PMHNP Program for You in Utah
TLDR: Quick Decision Guide
Choose Rocky Mountain University if you want 100% online flexibility ($58,469-$61,295 MSN), fastest MSN completion (20 months), unique dual FNP/PMHNP certification option ($76,307-$77,385), three annual start dates (Winter/Summer/Fall), local clinical placements with student-arranged preceptors, and no campus visits required for certificate students.
Choose University of Utah if you want Utah’s flagship public university education ($73,000 BSN-to-DNP), highest clinical hours requirement (900 hours DNP), innovative 12-month VA PMHNP Residency opportunity for new graduates, post-master’s certificate for current APRNs ($30,000), holistic admissions review process, and research-intensive doctoral preparation.
Choose Weber State University if you want Utah’s most affordable program ($36,000-$40,500 DNP), highest clinical hours overall (750 direct + 1,000+ total practicum), competitive point-based selection system favoring experience and veterans, mandatory campus lab intensives (3-6 full days per semester), Graduate Clinical Coordinator placement support, and ACEN accreditation.
Program Duration & Clinical Hours
| School | MSN Duration | MSN Hours | Certificate Hours | DNP Duration | DNP Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain | 20 months (5 sem) | 540 hours | 540 hours | N/A | N/A |
| University of Utah | N/A (DNP only) | N/A | Varies | 3 years (8 sem) | 900 hours minimum |
| Weber State | N/A (DNP only) | N/A | N/A | 2.5 years (7 sem) | 750 direct + 1,000+ total |
Key Insights:
- Fastest Completion: Rocky Mountain MSN at 20 months (also 16-month certificate)
- Most Clinical Hours: Weber State with 750 direct + 1,000+ total practicum hours
- DNP-Only Entry: University of Utah and Weber State require doctoral commitment from start
- Dual Certification: Only Rocky Mountain offers FNP/PMHNP dual track (2 years, 1,080 clinical hours)
Cost Comparison by Degree Level
Master’s Programs
Rocky Mountain University is Utah’s only MSN-PMHNP option at $58,469-$61,295 for 59 credits over 20 months—offering the fastest master’s-level route to certification.
- Rocky Mountain: $58,469-$61,295 MSN (only master’s option in Utah)
Post-Graduate Certificates
University of Utah provides Utah’s lowest-cost certificate at $30,000 for current APRNs—saving nearly $9,000 compared to Rocky Mountain’s certificate.
- University of Utah: ~$30,000 (most affordable, current APRNs only)
- Rocky Mountain: $38,649-$39,195
Doctoral Programs
Weber State University delivers Utah’s most affordable DNP at $36,000-$40,500—exactly half the cost of University of Utah’s BSN-to-DNP and providing exceptional value for doctoral education.
- Weber State BSN-to-DNP: $36,000-$40,500 (most affordable)
- University of Utah BSN-to-DNP: ~$73,000
Specialty Options
Rocky Mountain: FNP/PMHNP Dual Certification MSN $76,307-$77,385 (only dual option in Utah)
Entry Points & Degree Levels
Most Pathway Options:
- Rocky Mountain: MSN-PMHNP, MSN-FNP/PMHNP Dual, Post-Master’s Certificate (3 pathways)
Doctoral Focus:
- University of Utah: BSN-to-DNP, Post-Master’s Certificate (2 pathways, DNP required for entry-level)
- Weber State: BSN-to-DNP only (1 pathway, most restrictive)
Certificate Requirements:
- University of Utah: Requires current APRN certification and board certification in at least one population focus (most restrictive prerequisites)
- Rocky Mountain: Requires MSN or higher, current RN/NP license (more flexible)
Delivery Format & Structure
100% Online:
- Rocky Mountain: Completely online with no campus visits required for MSN and certificate students; periodic campus visits to Provo, Utah for dual certification track
Hybrid with Campus Requirements:
- Weber State: Online coursework with mandatory 3-6 full campus days (8am-5pm) each semester during semesters 3-4 for lab experiences; clinical rotations require 2-3 days/week during semesters 4-7
- University of Utah: Hybrid delivery combining online coursework with on-campus components
Credit Requirements:
- Lowest: University of Utah Certificate 32 credits
- Standard MSN: Rocky Mountain 59 credits
- Highest DNP: University of Utah 79 credits, Weber State 75 credits
- Dual Certification: Rocky Mountain FNP/PMHNP 77 credits
Start Dates & Admissions Frequency:
- Most Flexible: Rocky Mountain offers three annual start dates (Winter, Summer, Fall)
- Annual Cohorts: Weber State September 15 application deadline for January 5 start (up to 16 students admitted)
- Holistic Review: University of Utah applications reviewed January/February with December 1 deadline
Admissions & GPA Requirements
Most Accessible:
- Rocky Mountain: No minimum GPA stated, BSN from accredited program, current RN license (most flexible entry requirements)
Standard Requirements:
- University of Utah: Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, 1-2 years healthcare experience, no GRE required, upper division pathophysiology and statistics within 5 years (minimum B- grade)
Most Competitive:
- Weber State: Minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA (3.0-3.3 may qualify with 10+ years full-time or 15+ years part-time RN experience and nursing GPA 3.0+), minimum 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time RN experience required by application deadline, competitive point system including GPA, experience, psych/mental health background, veteran status
Experience Requirements:
- Highest: Weber State requires minimum 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time RN experience by September 15, 2025
- Moderate: University of Utah requires 1-2 years healthcare experience
- None Specified: Rocky Mountain does not specify minimum experience requirement
Clinical Placement Support
Student-Arranged with Local Flexibility:
- Rocky Mountain: Students complete clinical hours locally with their own preceptors in their community, allowing convenient scheduling while maintaining employment
Collaborative Placement:
- Weber State: Graduate Clinical Coordinator works collaboratively with students to identify and manage clinical site placements
Standard Support:
- University of Utah: Clinical practicum support provided through four progressive practicum experiences
Specialty Curriculum Features
Core PMHNP Content (All Programs):
- Advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment
- Psychopharmacology and neuroscience/neurobiology
- Psychiatric diagnosis and differential diagnosis (DSM-5)
- Psychotherapy theories and interventions
- Lifespan psychiatric care (children, adolescents, adults, geriatric)
Program-Specific Emphases:
- Three progressive practicum courses (PMH 708, 718, 728) with paired didactic focus courses
- Setting & Population-Based Care emphasis (corrections, addiction, student health, underserved populations)
- Unique FNP/PMHNP dual certification pathway (77 credits, 1,080 clinical hours)
- Capstone portfolio requirement (NUR 770)
- Quality improvement and evidence-based practice integration
- Four-course practicum sequence culminating in 360-hour immersive final practicum
- Foundations of Psychotherapeutics I & II (individual, family, group therapy)
- Psychiatric Care of Older Adults specialized course
- DNP Scholarly Project (planning, implementation, evaluation, dissemination)
- Measurement-based care and algorithmic treatment approaches
- Post-graduate 12-month VA PMHNP Residency Training program opportunity
- Advanced Psychopathophysiology specialized course
- Substance Abuse & Addiction Disorder Therapy & Management (1 credit)
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Advanced Practice Nursing
- Mental Health Assessment, Diagnostic Reasoning & Treatment I & II sequence
- DNP Project I, II, III sequence
- Healthcare Finance/Economics (MHA 7080) integration
- Structured Video Response (SVR) in admissions process
Program Outcomes & Unique Features
- CCNE accredited
- Only Utah program offering MSN-level PMHNP credential
- Only dual FNP/PMHNP certification in Utah
- Three annual start dates (maximum flexibility)
- 100% online with local clinical flexibility
- 540 hours distributed equally across three 180-hour practicums
- CCNE and ACME accredited
- Utah’s flagship public research university
- 900 minimum clinical hours (highest among DNP programs)
- Innovative 12-month Post-Graduate PMHNP Residency with Salt Lake City VA Medical Center
- Holistic admissions review
- Certificate exclusively for current board-certified APRNs
- Dual DNP-PhD program option
- ACEN accredited
- Utah’s most affordable DNP ($36,000-$40,500)
- Highest total clinical hours (750 direct + 1,000+ total practicum)
- Competitive selection point system rewarding experience and veteran status
- Admits only 16 students per cohort (small, personalized)
- Not recommended to work full-time during semesters 3-7
- Mandatory campus lab intensives for hands-on skill development
- Previous WSU MSN graduates receive course credit exemptions
Additional Considerations
Licensure Requirements:
- Weber State: Requires current unrestricted Utah RN license or compact state license
- University of Utah: Requires active RN licensure in at least one NCSBN jurisdiction
- Rocky Mountain: Requires current RN license (state not specified)
Work Recommendations:
- Weber State: Students not recommended to work full-time during clinically intensive semesters 3-7
- Rocky Mountain: Flexible scheduling allows maintaining employment during program
International Students:
- Weber State: Program does not meet in-person requirements for international student status due to extensive online components
- University of Utah: TOEFL or IELTS required for non-native English speakers
Application Fees:
- Weber State: $60 application fee
- University of Utah & Rocky Mountain: Fees not specified in documentation
All Utah PMHNP programs prepare graduates for ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) certification. Your choice depends on budget (Weber State most affordable DNP, Rocky Mountain only MSN option), degree level preference (MSN vs. DNP), flexibility needs (Rocky Mountain 100% online), clinical hour preferences (Weber State highest total hours), and whether you prioritize dual certification options or public university education. Utah’s growing demand for psychiatric mental health providers creates excellent job prospects, with PMHNPs earning competitive salaries statewide.