Five accredited Washington schools offer PMHNP programs with tuition ranging from $973 to $1225 per credit (RN-DNP, BSN-DNP, MSN-DNP, certificate; camps and online). Completion times range between 3-4 years for full-time enrollment.
Click any school name below for a complete profile including admission requirements, curriculum, clinical hours, tuition, and accreditation.
Quick Summary Table
| School | Format | Cost Per Credit | Degrees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle University Seattle | Campus | $973 | RN-DNP BSN-DNP Certificate | Career-changer entry |
| University of Washington Seattle | Campus | $1,129 | DNP | Prestige and placement |
| Washington State University Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Yakima | Mostly Online | $1,180 | BSN-DNP MSN-DNP | Regional tuition |
| Gonzaga University Spokane | Online | $1,225 | MSN 2nd Degree MSN Certificate | Supported online learning |
| Pacific Lutheran University | Hybrid | $1,242 | DNP Certificate | Small-cohort structure |
At at a Glance
- Cheapest Credential: Gonzaga Second MSN ($37,000–$41,000)
- Cheapest DNP (Resident): Washington State University ($81,423 post-master’s entry)
- Only MSN Pathways: Gonzaga University
- Only Direct Entry for Non-Nurses: Seattle University (APNI-DNP)
- Fully Arranged Clinical Placements: University of Washington and Pacific Lutheran University
- Highest Ranked: University of Washington
How to Choose Best Program for You
Which Washington PMHNP Program Fits Your Goals?
Gonzaga University is the value option and the state’s only master’s-level route, with the Second MSN at $37,000–$41,000 undercutting every doctoral alternative. Its online format comes with unusual oversight — five OSCE immersions in Spokane, faculty site visits every practicum, and a Clinical Placement Team — but enrollment is limited to residents of ten western states.
Washington State University is the affordable doctoral choice, with the lowest resident DNP tuition, hybrid Zoom delivery across four campuses, the state’s only post-master’s DNP entry, and — via the Western Regional Graduate Program — resident rates for students in 16 western states.
University of Washington is the strongest choice for prestige and predictability: a top-ranked School of Nursing that pre-arranges every clinical placement through the UW Medicine network, neuroscience-based psychiatric training, and a fixed 3-year, 9-quarter timeline.
Pacific Lutheran University is built for structure-seekers, with faculty arranging all 750 clinical hours, cohorts of 10–18 students, and required addictions and complex trauma coursework most programs skip. It’s also the state’s only master’s-entry certificate.
Seattle University is the strongest choice for career changers and addictions-focused training: the APNI pathway takes non-nurses from bachelor’s degree to PMHNP in one continuous 4-year program, and required courses in substance disorders, motivational interviewing, and addiction neurobiology are structural rather than elective.
Washington DNP-PMHNP Programs
Four Washington universities offer doctoral PMHNP pathways. Washington State has the lowest resident tuition and extends in-state rates to 16 western states, the University of Washington pre-arranges all clinical placements, Pacific Lutheran pairs faculty-arranged preceptorships with small cohorts, and Seattle University offers the state’s only direct-entry route for non-nurses.
| School | Track | Total Cost | Credits | Cost/Credit | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Lutheran University | BSN / MSN / MSN-APRN | $105K | 84 | $1,242 | 3 years FT (BSN entry) | 750 |
| Seattle University | RN-to-DNP | ~$108K | 107–111 | $973 | ~3 years | Not clearly stated |
| Seattle University | APNI-DNP (non-nurse direct entry) | ~$164K | 164–168 | $973 | ~4 years | Not clearly stated |
| University of Washington | BSN-DNP BSN-MSN | $106K | 93 | $11,688/quarter | 3 years | Not clearly stated |
| Washington State University | BSN-to-DNP | $89K | 74 | $1,180.05 | 3–4 years | 1,000 |
| Washington State University | MSN-to-DNP | $82K | 69 | $1,180.05 | 3–4 years | 1,140 |
Highlights
- Lowest resident DNP tuition: Washington State University ($81,423 post-master’s entry)
- Resident tuition for 16 western states via WRGP: Washington State University
- All clinical placements pre-arranged: University of Washington and Pacific Lutheran University
- Only direct-entry pathway for non-nurses: Seattle University (APNI-DNP)
- Smallest cohorts (10–18 students): Pacific Lutheran University
- Required addictions and complex trauma coursework: Pacific Lutheran and Seattle University
Washington MSN-PMHNP Programs
Gonzaga is the only Washington school offering MSN-level PMHNP preparation, with two tracks: a BSN-entry MSN and a shorter, cheaper Second MSN for nurses who already hold a master’s. Both are online with five two-day Spokane immersions, faculty site visits each practicum, and a Clinical Placement Team — but enrollment is limited to residents of ten western states.
| School | Track | Total Cost | Credits | Cost/Credit | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga University | MSN PMHNP | ~$58K | 47 | $1,225 | ~3 years | 660 |
| Gonzaga University | Second MSN PMHNP | $37K–$41K | 32–35 | $1,170 | ~2 years | 660 |
Highlights
- Only MSN-level PMHNP in Washington: Gonzaga University
- Cheapest PMHNP credential in the state: Gonzaga Second MSN ($37,000–$41,000)
- Faculty site visits during every specialty practicum plus five OSCE immersions
Compare all BSN-MSN programs nationwide for more options.
Washington Post-Graduate Certificate Programs
Two Washington universities offer certificate pathways, and they serve different audiences: PLU’s post-graduate certificate accepts master’s-prepared nurses, while Seattle University’s is a post-doctoral credential requiring an existing doctorate. Both are campus-based programs requiring Washington licensure.
| School | Type | Total Cost | Credits | Cost/Credit | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Lutheran University | Post-Grad MSN entry | ~$60K | 48 | $1,242 | ~28 months | 750 |
| Seattle University | Post-Doctoral | ~$61K | 60 | $1,002 | ~3 years | Not clearly stated |
Highlights
- No MSN-entry certificate exists west of the Cascades without a doctorate — PLU is the state’s only master’s-entry certificate
- Most certificate clinical hours: Pacific Lutheran University (750 — well above the 500–600 typical of PMHNP certificates)
- Faculty-arranged preceptorships: Pacific Lutheran University
- Predictable Thursdays-only course schedule: Pacific Lutheran University
- Only post-doctoral option (doctorate required for entry): Seattle University
Washington PMHNP Program Summaries
Gonzaga University PMHNP Programs
Spokane | $1,225 cpc | BSN-MSN | Online
Gonzaga’s PMHNP pathways blend flexible online coursework with structured hands-on training, including immersive campus sessions and faculty-supported clinical experiences. The curriculum emphasizes diagnostic reasoning, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy across the lifespan, with a strong focus on treating diverse and complex populations. A dedicated clinical placement team and progressive practicum sequence help ensure consistent mentorship and real-world skill development. ..read more.
Pacific Lutheran University PMHNP Programs
Tacoma | $1,242 cpc | Certificate / BSN-DNP / MSN-DNP
Pacific Lutheran’s PMHNP pathways emphasize a structured, hybrid format with consistent on-campus sessions and small cohort sizes that support close faculty engagement. A key differentiator is full clinical placement support, with faculty securing all preceptors and coordinating extensive hands-on training across diverse care settings. The program also stands out for its high clinical hour requirements and integrated focus on trauma, addiction, and lifespan mental health care...read more.
Seattle University PMHNP Programs
Seattle | $973 cpc | Certificate / BSN-DNP | Campus
Seattle University’s PMHNP pathways are delivered in a fully campus-based format, combining classroom learning with simulation training in a high-fidelity clinical lab and immersive, practice-focused experiences. The curriculum emphasizes integrated mental health and addictions care, with dedicated training in substance use disorders, motivational interviewing, and the neurobiology of addiction. Multiple entry options, including a direct-entry pathway, provide a structured progression into advanced psychiatric practice with a strong focus on real-world clinical application...read more.
University of Washington PMHNP Program
Seattle | $1,129 cpc | BSN-DNP / MSN-DNP | Campus
The University of Washington offers a single DNP PMHNP track that spans 3 years (9 quarters) and 93 credits, combining comprehensive psychiatric nursing education with pre-arranged clinical placements. The program emphasizes neuroscience-based psychiatric care, psychopharmacology, and lifespan mental health treatment, positioning graduates to practice independently across diverse settings. UW's unique clinical placement management and $2.1M in DNP scholarship funding make it a nationally-ranked choice for advanced psychiatric nursing education...read more.
WSU PMHNP Programs
Spokane Falls | $1,180.05 cpc | BSN-DNP / MSN-DNP | Mostly Online
Washington State University's PMHNP DNP programs prepare advanced practice nurses to diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders across the lifespan through comprehensive hybrid education delivered at four Washington campuses. Both Post-Baccalaureate and Post-Master's tracks combine rigorous didactic coursework, 660+ clinical hours, and a transformational DNP project addressing healthcare improvement. Students benefit from WRGP eligibility for in-state tuition, flexible 3-4 year completion options, and preparation for national PMHNP certification...read more.