Nevada’s two public university PMHNP programs at UNR and UNLV deliver exceptional value with full clinical placement support and strong certification outcomes.
In-state tuition ranges from $7,423 to $25,451 across MSN, DNP, and certificates, while completion spans roughly 1.5 to 3 years depending on track.
| School | Est. Cost Range | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Clarkson College | MSN: $39K BSN–DNP: $73K Certificate: $27K | – 100% online theory with one required on-campus weekend – Clinical placements available in or near the student’s home community – Rolling admissions for all semesters |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center | MSN: $36K BSN–DNP: $48K–$52K Certificate: $15K–$22K | – Online MSN-PMHNP program with full lifespan preparation – Certificate pathway based on individualized gap analysis – Competitive admission with limited cohort sizes |
Clarkson College PMHNP Programs
Omaha | $762 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Clarkson College offers three online PMHNP tracks—MSN (51 credits), BSN to DNP (73 credits), and a 35-credit Post-Graduate Certificate—with one required on-campus weekend for NRS 830. Students complete clinicals near their homes and advance through single clinical courses while covering psychopharmacology, counseling, and lifespan care. Tuition is $762/credit for MSN and PGC and $998/credit for DNP, with total costs and timelines shown above...read more.
University of Nebraska PMHNP Programs
Omaha | $716 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
UNMC offers three PMHNP pathways: an MSN (50 credits), a BSN-to-DNP (about 66–70 credits), and a Post-Graduate Certificate (about 20–30 credits based on gap analysis). Each route includes PMHNP specialty coursework and clinical practica covering counseling, adult/geriatric, child/adolescent, and lifespan care. Resident tuition is $716 per credit ($1,293 for non-residents), and admission requires a BSN or higher, an active RN license, transcripts, and faculty review...read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Nebraska nurses seeking to become Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners can advance through Walden University’s 100% online PMHNP tracks (BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, MSN, or Post-Master’s Certificate) without leaving the Cornhusker State for didactic coursework. With the Practicum Pledge, Walden’s Field Placement Team partners with students to secure local preceptors throughout Nebraska, from Omaha to the Sandhills, ensuring all clinical hours meet state licensure requirements. These programs equip graduates to address Nebraska’s rising mental health needs, especially in rural communities and among agricultural workers.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
Post University offers flexible MSN-PMHNP education with monthly start dates and one-class-at-a-time progression costing approximately $30,000-$31,000, with core courses at $588 per credit and NP population-focused courses at around $604 per credit. Students complete five preceptorship courses translating didactic learning to supervised clinical practice in diverse mental health settings including primary care, acute care, community mental health, and substance abuse treatment. MSN-prepared nurses can potentially complete the specialization faster through transfer credit evaluation, earning a second MSN in nearly the same time as traditional certificate programs while preparing for ANCC certification.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
The PMHNP programs run fully online and include a Certificate, MSN focus, and MSN-to-DNP, all CCNE-accredited and enhanced by VR learning. Plan on ~$20,160 for the certificate over ~1.5 years and ~$32,760 for the MSN over ~2 years; the MSN-to-DNP adds doctoral work after the MSN. The program is authorized for Michigan residents.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
WGU's PMHNP degrees are entirely delivered online from the Leavitt School of Health, with the exception of the clinical internships, which must be completed in Nebraska. The program requires extensive application materials, including professional recommendations, an essay on career goals, and proof of a minimum 3.0 GPA in core prerequisite sciences. Total clinical requirements are 650 hours, structured across three internships to consolidate full-scope PMHNP competencies.
Clarkson vs UNMC for PMHMP
TLDR: Quick Selection Guide
Choose Clarkson College if you want rolling admissions with flexibility to start any semester, the convenience of completing all clinical hours in or near your home community across 1,000+ sites in 45 states, with a 99% National Board Examination pass rate.
Choose University of Nebraska Medical Center if you’re a Nebraska resident seeking the most affordable options across all degree levels (MSN $35,800, DNP $47,256-$50,120, Certificate $14,320-$21,480), and can commit to the structured February 1 application deadline and August program start.
MSN-PMHNP Program Comparison
University of Nebraska Medical Center offers the lowest-cost MSN-PMHNP for Nebraska residents at $35,800 compared to Clarkson College’s $38,862, saving residents $3,062 on their master’s degree.
Both programs require similar completion timelines of 2-3 years full-time, though Clarkson’s rolling admissions provides more flexibility for students who want to begin any semester rather than waiting for UNMC’s annual August cohort start.
| School | Total Cost (Residents) | Credits | Duration | Clinical Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarkson College | $38,862 | 51 | 2-3 years FT | Embedded in 5 courses |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center | $35,800 | 50 | 2-3 years FT | 10 practicum credits |
BSN to DNP-PMHNP Program Comparison
University of Nebraska Medical Center provides the most affordable BSN to DNP pathway for Nebraska residents at $47,256-$50,120 compared to Clarkson College’s $72,854, representing savings of $22,734 to $25,598 for residents pursuing doctoral preparation.
Both programs require 3-4 years for full-time completion and prepare nurses for the highest level of advanced practice nursing in psychiatric-mental health care with doctoral competencies in leadership, evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and systems thinking.
| School | Total Cost (Residents) | Credits | Duration | Clinical Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarkson College | $72,854 | 73 | 3-4 years FT | Embedded in 5 courses |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center | $47,256-$50,120 | 66-70 | 3-4 years FT | 7 practicum credits minimum |
Key Differences:
- Doctoral Project: Clarkson requires DNP scholarly project across 3 courses (DNP 960, 961, 962); UNMC focuses on evidence-based practice and systems leadership
- On-Campus Requirements: Clarkson requires one on-campus weekend for Advanced Physical Assessment; UNMC on-campus requirements not extensively detailed
- Curriculum Structure: Clarkson provides detailed 73-credit curriculum with specific doctoral core courses; UNMC lists 66-70 credits with some variable-credit courses
- Clinical Flexibility: Clarkson arranges clinical sites in or near student’s home community; UNMC clinical site arrangements not extensively specified
Post-Graduate Certificate Comparison
University of Nebraska Medical Center offers the most affordable and potentially fastest post-graduate certificate option for Nebraska residents at $14,320-$21,480 for 1-2 years completion compared to Clarkson College’s fixed $26,670 for 4-7 semesters.
UNMC’s individualized gap analysis approach tailors credit requirements (20-30 credits) based on previous coursework and experience, while Clarkson follows a standardized 35-credit curriculum for all certificate students.
| School | Total Cost (Residents) | Credits | Duration | Curriculum Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarkson College | $26,670 | 35 (ixed credits | 4-7 semesters FT | Standardized curriculum |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center | $14,320-$21,480 | 20-30 credits | 1-2 years FT | Gap analysis with faculty advisor |
| School | Total Cost (Residents) | Credits | Duration | Curriculum Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarkson College | $26,670 | 35 (fixed) | 4-7 semesters FT | Standardized curriculum |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center | $14,320-$21,480 | 20-30 (individualized) | 1-2 years FT | Gap analysis with faculty advisor |
Key Differences:
- Individualization: UNMC conducts faculty advisor gap analysis to determine specific course requirements based on previous coursework, clinical training, nursing experience, and professional goals; Clarkson follows fixed 35-credit curriculum for all students
- Credit Flexibility: UNMC’s 20-30 credit range allows potentially fewer required courses; Clarkson’s standardized approach provides clarity on exact requirements upfront
- Advanced Standing: Clarkson may offer advanced standing credit based on previous life/work experience per Academic Policy AA-47; UNMC determines requirements through gap analysis
- Cost Savings Potential: UNMC residents could save $5,190-$12,350 depending on gap analysis results; non-residents pay comparable rates to Clarkson at upper credit range
Admissions Requirements Comparison
| School | Program | Minimum GPA | Application Deadline | Application Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarkson College | All Programs | 3.0 cumulative | Rolling admissions (all semesters) | Clarkson College admissions |
| UNMC | MSN-PMHNP | Strong educational background (competitive) | Application opens Sept 1, due Feb 1 | NursingCAS |
Common Requirements for Both Programs:
- Valid state unencumbered RN license
- BSN from ACEN or CCNE accredited institution (for MSN/DNP programs)
- Graduate nursing degree (for certificate programs)
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
Unique to UNMC:
- Faculty evaluation and interview required
- Competitive admission with capacity limitations
- August program start only
- Strong educational background prioritized
Unique to Clarkson:
- Rolling admissions flexibility
- No specified interview requirement
- Multiple semester start options
Clinical Training and Practicum Structure
Both Nebraska PMHNP programs integrate clinical hours throughout psychiatric-mental health specialty courses using a singular progression model where students complete one clinical course at a time to ensure focused competency development.
Clarkson College Clinical Features:
- Clinical hours embedded in 5 PMHNP courses (NRS 856, 857, 858, 859, 860)
- All clinical sites can be completed in or near student’s hometown
- Access to 1,000+ clinical education sites across 45 states
- One on-campus weekend required for Advanced Physical Assessment (DNP and certificate students)
- Singular progression: only one clinical course taken at a time
UNMC Clinical Features:
- MSN: 10 total clinical practicum credits across 4 courses
- Counseling and therapy (1 credit)
- Adult and geriatric psychiatric nursing (2 credits)
- Child and adolescent psychiatric nursing (2 credits)
- Lifespan and specialty practicum (5 credits)
- BSN to DNP: Minimum 7 clinical practicum credits through NRSG 668
- Clinical experiences across diverse settings with adults, children, and adolescents
- Emphasizes readiness for independent PMHNP practice