Virginia offers 5 PMHNP programs with local campus presence, spanning costs from approximately $8,748 to $85,252 depending on degree type and institution. Whether you’re seeking an affordable certificate, a comprehensive MSN, or a doctoral DNP, Virginia provides options ranging from highly affordable public universities to prestigious private institutions with extensive clinical networks.
| School | Est. Cost Range | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| George Mason University (Fairfax) | BSN→DNP: ≈ $46K in-state; Cert: ≈ $15K in-state; | Campus-based DNP and post-master’s PMHNP options with 1,000+ supervised clinical hours |
| Georgetown University (DC) | Certificate: ≈ $50K | Hybrid post-grad PMHNP certificate with 750 clinical hours |
| Old Dominion University (Norfolk) | MSN: ≈ $19K–$26K DNP: ≈ $27–$36K Cert: ≈ $9K–$12K | Online PMHNP pathways from MSN through DNP; 500+ clinical hours |
| Shenandoah University (Winchester) | MSN: ≈ $47K Cert (NPs): ≈ $24K Cert (non-NPs): ≈ $30K | CCNE-accredited PMHNP options with about 600 clinical hours; flexible hybrid delivery; clinical sites across Virginia and nearby states |
| University of Virginia (Charlottesville) | MSN: ≈ $52K BSN→DNP: ≈ $85K Certificate: ≈ $17K | Highly ranked MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and post-master’s PMHNP programs; 560–750 clinical hours; strong faculty mentoring, and broad clinical placement |
Virginia School Profiles & Highlights
George Mason University PMHNP Programs
Fairfax | $645.75 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP
GMU offers a BSN-to-DNP PMHNP track with 72 credits, a Practice Inquiry Project, and at least 1,000 mentored practice hours, plus a 23-credit Post-Master’s PMHNP certificate that supports working RNs. Instruction uses a flexible format with practicum placements arranged at approved sites. The DNP typically takes about three years full-time; the certificate usually finishes in one to one-and-a-half years...read more.
Georgetown University PMHNP Programs
Georgetown | $2,652 cpc | Certificate
Georgetown University’s Berkley School of Nursing offers a 19-credit Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate (PMHNP-PGC) designed for advanced practice nurses who want to specialize in mental health care across the lifespan. The hybrid program combines synchronous online classes, two required on-campus intensives, and 750 supervised clinical hours in approved sites across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Students build skills in psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and community mental health while progressing through a four-semester course sequence. The curriculum emphasizes holistic, trauma-informed, resilience-based care with a strong focus on social justice, structural competency, and advocacy to reduce inequities in mental health services. ..read more.
Old Dominion University PMHNP Programs
Norfolk | $486 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
ODU delivers PMHNP pathways online with limited in-person activities and structured clinical placements. The MSN track spans 40 credits with 504 clinical hours; the Post-Master’s DNP adds leadership, informatics, and a capstone project; the 18-credit certificate is a one-year option for APRNs (currently on admissions hold). Tuition is per credit with resident and non-resident rates; additional online fees may apply. ..read more.
Shenandoah University PMHNP Programs
Winchester | $1,020 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Shenandoah University offers three PMHNP tracks delivered fully online with live, synchronous classes. The curriculum covers differential diagnosis, psychotherapy, and medication management across the lifespan, with 600 clinical hours embedded in practicum courses. Shenandoah partners with regional schools through its PMHNP Initiative, expanding clinical and academic collaboration opportunities...read more.
UVA PMHNP Programs
Charlottesville | $914 cpc | MSN / DNP
UVA’s School of Nursing offers three PMHNP pathways—an accelerated MSN, a BSN-to-DNP, and a 19-credit Post-Professional Certificate—delivered in a hybrid format with monthly on-campus sessions. All tracks provide guided clinical placement support and prepare graduates for ANCC PMHNP certification. The DNP spans about three years full-time, the MSN finishes in two years, and the certificate timeline varies based on the individual gap analysis and course availability...read more.
Chamberlain MSN PMHNP Program
online | $735 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Chamberlain University’s MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program in Virginia is available through the Tysons Corner campus in Vienna, offering an evening and weekend option to accommodate busy schedules. The program is delivered fully online with required clinical practicums, preparing nurses to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions in patients of all ages. Students may choose between a 45-credit MSN track or a 35-credit Graduate Certificate, both CCNE-accredited and featuring 650 hours of supervised practicum training for comprehensive, hands-on experience in psychiatric care.
Nightingale College PMHNP Program
online | $550 cpc | MSN
Nightingale College's online MSN-PMHNP program is explicitly authorized for enrollment by students residing in Virginia. This 55-credit hour master's program can be completed in just 24 months and is designed to meet the state's educational requirements for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure. With its fully online instruction and 810 required clinical contact hours, the program prepares Virginia nurses to become certified psychiatric-mental health providers ready for prescriptive authority.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
With flexible 8-week courses and monthly intakes, the MSN–PMHNP lets you stack steady wins—one course at a time—across 51–54 credits. Clinical learning is embedded via 630 hours of precepted experience in child/adolescent, adult/geriatric, and specialty SUD settings. Most students complete in ~34 months for roughly $31,000, and the program is authorized for students living in Virginia.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Purdue Global's PMHNP programs are authorized in Virginia, providing three online pathways with flexible clinical placements that can be completed at convenient local facilities or even at students' current workplaces. Virginia nurses gain comprehensive training through CCNE-accredited programs featuring virtual reality assignments for telehealth and group therapy sessions, with coursework covering neuroscience, psychopharmacology, psychopathological disorders, and advanced diagnostic reasoning. After graduation, Virginia residents achieve a 93.7% average certification pass rate and may pursue APRN licensure in the Commonwealth after earning national PMHNP certification through ANCC or AANP.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
WGU's PMHNP programs combine 100% online didactic coursework with 650 supervised clinical hours in psychiatric practice settings within students' local communities, preparing graduates to provide comprehensive mental healthcare across the lifespan. The BSN to MSN pathway requires minimum 2.5 years and costs approximately $36,000, while the Post-Master's Certificate takes minimum 1.5 years at around $21,000. Both programs follow WGU's competency-based education model where students advance by demonstrating mastery, with most students qualifying for federal financial aid.
Wilkes University PMHNP Programs
online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN
Wilkes University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) PMHNP track, which includes an RN-to-MSN option, is a highly affordable choice for nurses in Virginia, costing approximately $31,542 for the 42-credit program. All courses are delivered online in 12-week sessions, allowing Virginia professionals to balance work and advanced study. The comprehensive curriculum includes core courses like Advanced Health Assessment (NSG 500) and specialized practica emphasizing care for culturally diverse and underserved populations in Virginia.
How to Choose the Best PMHNP Program for You in Virginia
TL;DR: Quick Decision Guide
Choose Old Dominion University if you want the most affordable options with MSN at $19,440 or certificate at $8,748 for Virginia residents with online/hybrid delivery.
Choose George Mason University if you want an affordable certificate at $14,852 (in-state) or DNP at $46,494 with strong public health integration.
Choose University of Virginia if you want top-ranked education (#1 DNP in Virginia, top 3% nationally) with guaranteed admission for UVA alumni and extensive clinical networks.
Choose Georgetown University if you want trauma-informed, social justice-focused training in 1.5 years with standardized patient simulations and DC/MD/VA clinical placements.
Choose Shenandoah University if you want flexible certificate options ($24,480-$29,580) with collaborative agreements and strong rural health focus.
Choose Nightingale College if you need a fully online MSN with one in-person seminar at $34,750 over 2 years, available in 21 states including Virginia.
Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate Programs
Cost Overview
Certificate programs in Virginia range from $8,748 to $50,388, with completion times between 12 months and 2 years depending on previous APRN status.
Most Affordable Certificates
Old Dominion University offers the lowest-cost certificate at $8,748 for Virginia residents (18 credits × $486) over 12 months for currently practicing APRNs. The online/hybrid program is currently on hold for program review as of Fall 2025.
George Mason University provides excellent value at $14,852 for in-state students (23 credits) over 1-1.5 years. The program may require additional 9 credits ($4,074) for non-NP applicants.
University of Virginia charges $17,366 for Virginia residents (19 credits) with variable completion time. UVA alumni receive guaranteed admission and benefit from the school’s top 3% national ranking.
Fastest Certificate
Old Dominion University completes in 12 months for current APRNs, making it the quickest certificate option.
Certificate Program Comparison
Shenandoah University offers two certificate tracks: $24,480 (24 credits) for current NPs or $29,580 (29 credits) for MSN-prepared non-NPs, both over 1.5-2 years. The program features 600 clinical hours and collaborative agreements with regional nursing schools.
Georgetown University charges approximately $50,388 (19 credits × $2,652) over 1.5 years (four continuous semesters) with 750 clinical hours. This program emphasizes holistic, trauma-informed care with standardized patient simulations and requires licensure in DC, MD, or VA. The hybrid format includes synchronous online discussions, asynchronous materials, and two required on-campus intensives.
Wilkes University provides a certificate for approximately $21,779 (29 credits × $751) over 1.67 years with 500 clinical hours and complimentary clinical placement support.
MSN PMHNP Programs
Cost Overview
MSN programs range from $19,440 to $51,512 total, with completion times between 2-2.5 years.
Most Affordable MSN Programs
Old Dominion University offers the most affordable MSN at $19,440 for Virginia residents (40 credits × $486) over 2 years with 504 clinical hours. The online/hybrid program requires limited on-site requirements (typically once per semester).
Wilkes University charges $31,542 (42 credits × $751) over 2.3 years with 500 clinical hours and complimentary clinical placement support achieving above-average placement rates. The program features 95.4% certification pass rates versus 90% national average.
Nightingale College costs approximately $34,750 (55 credits × $550 plus $750/semester resource fees) over 2 years with 832.5 total hours (810 clinical + 22.5 applied field experience). Fully online with one mandatory in-person seminar in Salt Lake City.
Fastest MSN Program
Old Dominion University completes in 2 years (5 semesters), making it the fastest MSN option in Virginia.
MSN Program Comparison
Shenandoah University provides 46 credits for $46,920 over 2-2.5 years (7 semesters) with 600 clinical hours. The program features collaborative agreements through the PMHNP Initiative with partner schools and Fall-only admissions with rolling review.
University of Virginia charges approximately $51,512 for Virginia residents (42 credits) over 2 years with 560 clinical hours. The program offers guaranteed admission for UVA alumni, top 3% national ranking, and extensive clinical networks across Virginia and the mid-Atlantic region.
DNP PMHNP Programs
Cost Overview
DNP programs range from $26,730 to $85,252 with completion times between 2-4 years depending on entry point.
Most Affordable DNP Programs
Old Dominion University offers the most affordable Post-Master’s DNP at $26,730 for Virginia residents (55 credits × $486) over 7 semesters (~28 months). The online/hybrid program includes DNP project and practicum requirements.
George Mason University charges approximately $46,494 for in-state students for BSN to DNP (72 credits) over 3 years. The program requires minimum 1,000 precepted hours with up to 600 hours transferable from prior graduate work.
DNP Program Comparison
University of Virginia costs approximately $85,252 for Virginia residents for BSN to DNP over 33 months (approximately 3 years) with 750 direct care practicum hours plus DNP scholarly project. The program is ranked #1 DNP in Virginia and top 3% nationally, offering guaranteed admission for UVA alumni and hybrid delivery with approximately once-monthly in-person classes.
Wilkes University charges approximately $31,680 for DNP (cost varies based on transfer credits and prior education) over 2-3 years. Students entering with fewer than 400 practicum hours complete additional clinical through elective practicum course to meet 1,000-hour requirement.
Virginia-Based Programs vs. National Online Programs
Virginia-Based Programs with Local Presence
Virginia institutions require Virginia RN licensure (or compact) and provide campus-based components including simulations, intensives, and clinical evaluations. These programs offer direct access to Virginia clinical sites and state-specific APRN preparation.
Key Virginia institutions: George Mason University, Georgetown University, Old Dominion University, Shenandoah University, University of Virginia.
Program Format Breakdown
Hybrid/Online Programs:
- Old Dominion University: Online with limited on-site requirements (once per semester)
- University of Virginia: Hybrid with approximately once-monthly in-person classes
- Shenandoah University: Online coursework with clinical placements
Intensive-Based Programs:
- Georgetown University: Hybrid with synchronous online sessions, asynchronous materials, and two required on-campus intensives plus summative intensive
Regional Restrictions:
- Georgetown University: Restricted to nurses licensed and practicing in DC, MD, or VA who can complete clinicals in those regions
Clinical Placement Support
Virginia programs generally provide stronger clinical placement support:
- UVA: Extensive network across Virginia and mid-Atlantic; faculty guidance with qualified preceptors
- Georgetown: Faculty coordinate placements across DC/MD/VA; structured on-campus intensives with standardized patients
- ODU: Faculty assist with site agreements; students identify sites early
- Wilkes: Complimentary clinical placement support achieving above-average placement rates
National Online Programs Available in Virginia
Nightingale College accepts Virginia residents for fully online MSN with one mandatory in-person seminar in Salt Lake City. The program costs $34,750 over 2 years with 832.5 total hours and is available in 21 states including Virginia.
Chamberlain University, Post University, Purdue Global, WGU, and Walden University also accept Virginia students with fully online coursework and local clinical placements.
Special Considerations for Virginia
Virginia RN Licensure: All Virginia-based programs require current Virginia RN licensure or compact license. International nursing licenses are not accepted.
Clinical Hour Requirements: Range from 500-750 hours for certificates/MSN to 1,000+ hours for DNP programs.
APRN Prerequisites: Some certificate programs require current APRN status (ODU, GMU for some pathways), while others accept MSN-prepared nurses without APRN certification.
Regional Collaborative Programs: Shenandoah University maintains collaborative PMHNP Initiative agreements with James Madison University, Marshall University, and West Virginia Wesleyan College.
Top-Ranked Programs: UVA ranks #1 DNP in Virginia and top 3% nationally for graduate nursing MSN programs, offering guaranteed admission for UVA School of Nursing alumni.
Public vs. Private Costs: Public universities (ODU, GMU, UVA) offer significantly lower in-state tuition versus out-of-state and private institutions (Georgetown, Shenandoah).