Florida offers 8 PMHNP programs with costs ranging from approximately $9,295 to $100,919 and completion times spanning 14 months to 5 years, depending on program track and residency status.
Programs vary significantly in delivery format, clinical hour requirements, and specialization options, providing diverse pathways for nurses seeking psychiatric mental health expertise.
High Level Program Overview
| School | Est. Cost Range | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Atlantic University | BSN→DNP: $26K (FL) Certificate: $9K (FL) | – One of the lowest in-state DNP PMHNP costs in Florida. – Post-graduate certificate has guaranteed South Florida clinical placement. – “Master’s Along the Way” option during the DNP pathway. |
| Florida National University | Certificate: ~$21.8K | – Post-master’s PMHNP certificate only (focused, fast path). – 540 clinical hours across individual, family, and group therapy. – Clinical placements available in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. |
| Florida Southern College | MSN: ~$31K Certificate: Varies | – Hybrid format with limited on-campus visits. – Strong clinical placement coordination for MSN students. – 100% certification exam pass rate reported for certificate graduates. |
| Florida State University | BSN→DNP: ~$33K (FL) Certificate: ~$11.5K (FL) | – Large statewide and national clinical network. – Multiple PMHNP entry points including BSN-DNP and post-master’s tracks. – Preceptor tuition waiver option (6 credits per 300 hours precepted). |
| Jacksonville University | MSN: ~$36.8K DNP: ~$60K Certificate: ~$6K | – One of the most affordable PMHNP certificate options in FL. – Dedicated clinical placement teams serving Northeast FL counties. – Multiple PMHNP pathways (MSN, DNP, certificate). |
| St. Thomas University | MSN: ~$33K Certificate: $17K–$25K | – Fully online with accelerated 7-week courses. – Six start dates per year for faster entry. – Restricted to FL and GA residents |
| University of Florida | BSN→DNP: ~$40K (FL) | – Flagship public university with research-driven DNP focus. – No GRE requirement. – Clinical placements across rural, community, and urban Florida sites. |
| University of North Florida | DNP: ~$33.6K (FL) Certificate: ~$17.8K (FL) | – Very small cohort size (≈14 students per year). – 1,100 clinical hours in the DNP track. – Designed for students planning long-term Florida practice. |
| University of St. Augustine | MSN: $52K–$59K DNP: ~$91.5K Certificate: $27K–$35K | – Broad national footprint with Florida-based campuses. – Multiple entry options (BSN, RN, APRN). – High clinical hour totals with structured practicum rotations. |
Featured Schools & Program Overviews
Florida Atlantic University PMHNP Program
Boca Raton | $371.81 cpc | Certificate / DNP
Florida Atlantic University’s Post Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is a 16-month, fully online program designed for master’s-prepared nurses. The 28-credit curriculum blends advanced caring science with courses in psychopathology, psychopharmacology, and therapy modalities, supported by 780 supervised clinical hours. Clinical placements are arranged by the university in South Florida, covering settings such as acute care, community mental health, and substance treatment centers. Graduates are prepared for PMHNP certification and equipped to provide comprehensive psychiatric care across the lifespan...read more.
Florida National University PMHNP Program
Hialeah | $850 cpc | Certificate
Florida National University’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate is a hybrid 21-credit program for master’s-prepared nurses seeking advanced psychiatric care skills. The curriculum integrates online coursework with 540 supervised clinical hours in individual, family, and group therapy across diverse mental health settings. Students develop expertise in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Graduates are prepared for ANCC PMHNP certification and roles in clinics, hospitals, community programs, correctional facilities, and private practices...read more.
Florida Southern College PMHNP Program
Lakeland | $675 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Florida Southern College’s Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing offers an MSN and a Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate through hybrid delivery with monthly on-campus attendance and online coursework. The MSN track spans six semesters, costs $30,950, and includes 540 clinical hours coordinated by the college. The certificate program is customized through a gap analysis to determine required courses and clinical hours. Both pathways provide small class sizes, strong clinical partnerships, and simulation-based learning to prepare graduates for national PMHNP certification...read more.
Florida State PMHNP Program
Tallahassee | $444.26 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP
The Florida State University College of Nursing offers three distinct, highly-ranked PMHNP programs designed for different stages of a nursing career. The BSN to DNP program provides a comprehensive path to a doctoral degree and leadership roles. The Post-Master’s NP to PMHNP DNP track allows practicing nurse practitioners to specialize in psychiatric care at the doctoral level, while the Post-Master's Certificate provides a direct route for existing NPs to gain certification as a PMHNP. All programs feature robust clinical experiences and prepare students for ANCC certification. ..read more.
Jacksonville University PMHNP Program
Jacksonville | $750 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Jacksonville University’s Keigwin School of Nursing offers three PMHNP options: an MSN, a BSN-to-DNP, and an eight-course Post-Graduate Certificate. All tracks start in the fall and support full-time or part-time pacing, with small cohorts and dedicated clinical placement teams serving Duval, St. Johns, Clay, and Nassau counties. Students train with virtual reality labs, telepresence robots, and high-fidelity simulation to build real-world PMHNP skills. Courses are taught by practicing PMHNPs who bring current clinical practice into the classroom and labs...read more.
South College PMHNP Programs
Orlando | $310 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Florida nurses can access South College’s 100% online PMHNP programs while completing clinical requirements at approved Florida sites. The MSN option and Post-Graduate Certificate offer flexibility and strong preparation in psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and lifespan mental health. Program graduates become eligible to pursue national certification and PMHNP licensure.
St Thomas University PMHNP Program
Miami Gardens | $605 cpc | Certificate / MSN
St. Thomas University’s CCNE-accredited PMHNP programs include a 50-credit MSN, a 38-credit Post-Master’s Certificate, and a 26-credit Advanced Placement Certificate for current NPs. Offered fully online with six start dates per year, the programs feature accelerated 7-week courses and 500 required clinical hours completed locally. Students engage in virtual OSCEs and specialized psychiatric management courses to develop diagnostic, therapeutic, and group psychotherapy skills. Enrollment is limited to Florida and Georgia residents, with clinical placement support provided within 100 miles of a student’s home...read more.
University of Florida PMHNP Program
Gainesville | $530.69 cpc | DNP
The University of Florida’s BSN-to-DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program trains nurses to deliver comprehensive mental health care to individuals, families, and at-risk populations across the lifespan. This four-year, 76-credit program combines advanced coursework in health assessment, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy with 1,260 supervised clinical hours in diverse Florida settings. Students gain expertise in diagnosing and managing psychiatric disorders, prescribing medications, and providing individual, family, and group therapy. Graduates are prepared for ANCC PMHNP certification and leadership roles in clinical practice, policy, and mental health advocacy...read more.
University of North Florida PMHNP Program
Jacksonville | $408 cpc | Certificate / DNP
UNF’s Brooks College of Health offers two fully online PMHNP options for APRNs: a 68-credit Post-MSN DNP and a 36-credit Post-MSN Certificate. The DNP plan includes about 1,100 clinical hours; the certificate includes about 800 clinical hours, both completed in your local community. The curriculum aligns with AACN Essentials and NONPF Standards and prepares you for practice across outpatient, inpatient, school, correctional, and telehealth settings. UNF admits about 14 students each spring across both tracks, which helps secure strong faculty access and clinical placement support...read more.
University of St Augustine PMHNP Program
St Augustine | $920-$1100 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
The University of St. Augustine delivers online PMHNP programs with a reported 95% first-time certification pass rate and 100% clinical placement. Students complete one required virtual clinical intensive and work with faculty who all hold doctorates. Tracks include MSN, DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate options that cover assessment, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology for patients across the lifespan. Graduates prepare for national certification and practice in clinics, hospitals, and private settings...read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Florida nurses seeking to become Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners can choose from Walden University’s four fully online, CCNE-accredited tracks (BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, MSN-PMHNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate) tailored to the Sunshine State’s diverse and expanding population. The university’s Practicum Pledge guarantees support in securing preceptors anywhere from Miami and Orlando to the Panhandle, ensuring students complete required clinical hours close to home. Equipped with cutting-edge virtual skills labs and comprehensive training in psychopharmacology and psychotherapy, graduates are prepared to deliver critical mental health services across Florida’s urban centers and rural counties alike.
Chamberlain MSN PMHNP Program
online | $735 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Chamberlain University offers two CCNE-accredited PMHNP pathways—an MSN (≈45 credits, ~2.5 years, est. $33,075) and a Graduate Certificate (≈35 credits, ~1.5 years, est. $25,725)—delivered 100% online with 650 supervised practicum hours supported by Chamberlain’s Practicum Commitment. As the nation’s largest FNP educator, Chamberlain brings robust psychiatric-mental health preparation in advanced assessment, psychopharmacology, differential diagnosis, and psychotherapy, with two required in-person immersions. Florida-based RNs can study online from anywhere in the state while benefiting from Chamberlain’s presence in Jacksonville and Miramar for student services and community connections, completing their clinical rotations locally under qualified preceptors.
Nightingale College PMHNP Program
online | $550 cpc | MSN
Nightingale College’s MSN-PMHNP is a 55-credit, fully online program finished in about 24 months, pairing 547.5 didactic hours with 810 clinical contact hours and one brief in-person seminar. The curriculum integrates advanced pathophysiology, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and leadership to prepare graduates for ANCC PMHNP certification and prescriptive practice where permitted. Estimated program cost is about $34,750 (tuition plus resource fees). The program is authorized for enrollment in Florida, allowing Florida-based RNs to participate and complete clinicals in alignment with state requirements.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
Post University's online MSN-PMHNP Specialization requires active RN licensure, BSN with 3.0 GPA, one year of recent nursing experience, and costs approximately $30,000-$31,000 with MSN core courses at $588 per credit and NP population-focused courses at around $604 per credit. The program is available to residents of 43 states but not offered to Arizona, California, DC, Louisiana, Maryland, New York, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Utah, Virgin Islands, or Washington residents. MSN-prepared nurses can complete the specialization in as few as 11 courses and nearly the same time as most certificate programs through transcript evaluation for transfer credit. ..read more.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Purdue Global's PMHNP programs are authorized in Florida, providing three fully online, CCNE-accredited degree pathways that prepare graduates to deliver comprehensive psychiatric mental health care across acute care, primary care, and community settings. Florida-based students benefit from flexible clinical placements in local healthcare facilities, with programs ranging from a 48-credit Postgraduate Certificate ($20,160) to comprehensive MSN and MSN-DNP options ($32,760 for master's portion). Graduates achieve a 93.7% average certification pass rate and are academically eligible for APRN licensure in Florida after earning national PMHNP certification.
Rasmussen University PMHNP Program
online | $915 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Rasmussen University’s CCNE-accredited PMHNP programs (MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate) are delivered fully online with personalized, in-person practicum placements across Florida communities. Florida learners also benefit from Rasmussen’s on-the-ground presence at five campuses—Central Pasco (Odessa), Fort Myers, North Orlando (Altamonte Springs), Ocala, and Tampa/Brandon (Brandon)—which serve as local hubs for student services and connection to regional clinical partners. The curriculum blends advanced assessment, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and virtual immersion experiences to build confidence with telehealth and standardized patient encounters. Dedicated practicum coordination, multiple start dates, and technology-forward learning help working RNs progress efficiently from coursework to PMHNP readiness.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
WGU offers two PMHNP tracks that are fully online and competency-based. Clinical internships include 650 direct care hours, or 750 for Kansas entrants after March 1, 2025. Students receive mentor support, and term pricing corresponds to at least 2.5 years for the MSN and 1.5 years for the certificate.
Wilkes University PMHNP Programs
online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN
Wilkes University's online PMHNP programs are authorized for student enrollment in Florida, with the curriculum meeting the state's educational requirements for APRN licensure. Florida residents can complete their coursework and clinical practicums while receiving full support from Wilkes' dedicated clinical placement team. Graduates are prepared to sit for the national certification exam, which is a required step for Florida licensure.
Choosing the Best PMHNP Program in Florida
TLDR: Quick Selection Guide
Choose Florida Atlantic University if you want guaranteed clinical placement in South Florida counties, 100% online certificate delivery, and no GRE requirements with the most affordable certificate option ($9,295 for residents).
Choose Florida National University if you want a focused certificate program completed in just 21 credits with flexible Miami-Dade and Broward County clinical placements.
Choose Florida Southern College if you want 100% NCLEX pass rates for certificate graduates, small class sizes, and comprehensive clinical placement support with monthly on-campus requirements.
Choose Florida State University if you want preceptor tuition waivers (6 credits per 300 hours), extensive nationwide clinical networks, and multiple entry pathways including BSN to DNP and post-master’s options.
Choose Jacksonville University if you want small class sizes with dedicated clinical placement teams, experiential learning through virtual reality labs and telepresence robots, and exclusive service to Northeast Florida counties.
Choose St. Thomas University if you want the fastest completion time (14-18 months), six start dates per year with 7-week accelerated courses, and fully online delivery with virtual OSCEs.
Choose University of Florida if you want no GRE requirement, practice-focused doctorate with publication opportunities, and clinical placements across rural, community, and urban settings throughout Florida.
Choose University of North Florida if you want limited enrollment (14 students per term) for personalized attention, exclusive UNF alumni tuition discounts, and must be located in Florida.
Choose University of St. Augustine if you want multiple entry pathways (RN to MSN, BSN to MSN/DNP), comprehensive simulation hours (50+), and flexible trimester scheduling.
MSN PMHNP Programs Comparison
Florida offers 4 MSN PMHNP programs ranging from $30,950 to $52,427, with completion times between 1.5 and 3.7 years. St. Thomas University provides the fastest track at 14-18 months, while Florida Southern College offers the most affordable option at $30,950.
| School | Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Southern College | $30,950 | ~3 years (6 semesters) | 540 hours |
| St. Thomas University | $33,100 | 1.5 years (14-18 months) | 500 hours |
| Jacksonville University | $36,750 | 2-3 years | Not specified |
| University of St. Augustine | $52,427-$59,078 | 3.0-3.7 years | 630-754 hours |
Standout Features:
Fastest completion: St. Thomas University accelerates learning with 7-week courses and six annual start dates
Best value: Florida Southern College combines affordability with 100% certification pass rates
Most innovative: Jacksonville University incorporates virtual reality and telepresence robots for hands-on learning
Most flexible entry: University of St. Augustine accepts both ADN and BSN graduates
BSN to DNP PMHNP Programs Comparison
Florida’s 5 BSN to DNP programs range from $26,770 to $100,919 for residents, with completion times between 3.5 and 5 years. Florida Atlantic University offers the most affordable resident option at $26,770, while University of Florida provides no GRE requirement with extensive clinical diversity.
| School | Resident Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Atlantic University | $26,770 | 4-5 years (11 semesters) | 1,095 hours |
| Florida State University | ~$33,738 | ~3.5 years | 1,000 hours (880 population-specific) |
| University of Florida | ~$40,332 | 4 years | 1,260 hours |
| Jacksonville University | ~$60,000 | 3-4 years | Not specified |
| University of St. Augustine | $91,525 | 4 years | 1,334 hours |
Standout Features:
Most affordable: Florida Atlantic University provides lowest resident cost plus guaranteed clinical placement
Fastest completion: Florida State University at 3.5 years with unique preceptor benefits
No GRE required: University of Florida eliminates testing barrier with extensive statewide clinical options
Most clinical hours: University of St. Augustine requires 1,334 hours for comprehensive preparation
“Master’s Along the Way”: Florida Atlantic University awards MSN after completing master’s-level courses
Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate Programs Comparison
All 8 Florida schools offer post-master’s certificates ranging from $6,000 to $27,023, with completion times between 1 year and 3 years. Jacksonville University provides the most affordable option at approximately $6,000 for existing NPs, while Florida Atlantic University offers 100% online delivery.
| School | Cost (Resident) | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville University | ~$6,000 | 4-5 semesters | Not specified |
| Florida Atlantic University | $9,295 | 2 years (4 semesters) | 780 hours |
| Florida State University | ~$11,503 | ~1.5 years | 540 hours |
| St. Thomas University | $17,430-$25,540 | 1.2 years | 500 hours |
| University of North Florida | $17,766 | 3 years | 800 hours |
| Florida National University | $21,820 | Varies | 540 hours |
| Florida Southern College | Varies (gap analysis) | Varies | Varies |
| University of St. Augustine | $27,023-$35,151 | 1.7-2 years | 585-754 hours |
Standout Features:
Most affordable: Jacksonville University at ~$6,000 for existing nurse practitioners
100% online: Florida Atlantic University with guaranteed clinical placement coordination
Fastest completion: St. Thomas University at 14-18 months with 6 annual start dates
Smallest cohorts: University of North Florida limits to 14 students for personalized attention
Most flexible: St. Thomas University offers both post-master’s and advanced placement tracks
Geographic restrictions: St. Thomas and UNF require Florida residency/employment intent
Post-Master’s NP to DNP Programs
Two Florida schools offer specialized pathways for certified nurse practitioners seeking to add PMHNP specialty to their DNP credentials.
| School | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State University | ~$25,379 | ~$57,769 | ~2.5 years | Up to 840 hours |
| University of North Florida | $33,560 | $71,010 | 4.5 years (9 semesters) | 1,100 hours |
Standout Features:
Fastest: Florida State University completes in 2.5 years with preceptor benefits
Most selective: University of North Florida limits enrollment to 14 students per spring term
Highest GPA requirement: UNF requires 3.50 graduate GPA vs. 3.0 at FSU