Alabama PMHNP Programs

Quick Summary Table for Alabama PMHNP Schools

School	Est. Cost Range (AL Residents)	Notable Features
Samford University	ADN/ASN→MSN: $54K BSN→MSN: $48K Post-Grad Cert: $37K Post-Master’s DNP: $47K	– online model with 1–2 intensives and 660 clinical hours across all tracks. – clinicals completed locally with psychiatric sites supported across communities. – ANCC and AANPCB certification eligibility with CCNE-aligned curriculum.
University of Alabama	MSN: $25K–$28K BSN→DNP: $18K Post-Grad Cert: $14K	– online delivery with 540–2,100 total clinical hours depending on pathway. – 29-state participation with multiple start dates and flexible pacing. – MSN spans 53–59 credits with 780 clinical hours – certificate spans 29 credits with 740 clinical hours.
University of Mobile	Certificate: $17K	– certificate pathway for certified NPs (FNP/AGNP/Primary Care). – 24 credits, 585 clinical hours, and 3 consecutive semesters. – virtual didactic model with local clinical placements.
University of North Alabama	MSN: $25K Post-Grad Cert: $14K–$20K	– virtual coursework with 500+ supervised practicum hours. – two required campus intensives in simulation labs. – 5-course PMHNP sequence spanning assessment, neurobiology, & advanced therapy.
University of South Alabama	MSN: $27K BSN→DNP: $41K MSN→DNP: $14K–$36K Post-Grad Cert: Varies	– virtual PMHNP programs with 600–780 specialty clinical hours plus DNP residencies where applicable. – Mandatory virtual Clinical Skills Intensive with standardized patients.

---

List of All PMHNP Schools for Alabama Nurses

Samford University PMHNP Programs

Birmingham | $1,000 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

Samford University’s Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing offers four PMHNP pathways: ADN/ASN to MSN, BSN to MSN, Post-Graduate Certificate, and a Post-Master’s DNP track. Each pathway has defined costs and durations, ranging from $37,000 for 1.7 years to $54,000 for 2.7 years, with all requiring 660 clinical hours. Curricula integrate advanced nursing practice foundations with specialized psychiatric content, including psychopharmacology and sequential mental health courses. All tracks are accredited and prepare graduates for national PMHNP certification across the lifespan...read more.

University of Alabama PMHNP Program

Tuscaloosa | $480 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN / DNP

The University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing provides three PMHNP pathways: an MSN concentration, a BSN-to-DNP track, and a Post-Graduate Certificate. Programs combine online coursework with 540–2,100 clinical hours, offering flexible part-time and full-time options. Students complete rotations across pediatric, adult, and lifespan populations, with required immersion experiences for advanced practice preparation. Admission is available in spring, summer, and fall, with eligibility extended to students in 29 states...read more.

University of Mobile PMHNP Program

Mobile | $715 cpc | Certificate

The University of Mobile’s Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program is a 24-credit, three-semester pathway for certified nurse practitioners seeking to expand into mental health care. Delivered fully online with local clinical placements, the program includes 585 supervised clinical hours and coursework in psychopharmacology, psychopathology, psychiatric nursing practice, and role synthesis with faith integration. Graduates are prepared for national PMHNP certification and advanced practice licensure, equipped to provide comprehensive psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across the lifespan...read more.

University of North Alabama PMHNP Programs

Florence | $495 cpc | Certificate / MSN

University of North Alabama offers two PMHNP tracks: a 41-credit MSN and a 23–32 credit Post-Master’s Certificate. Both tracks deliver fully online coursework with 500+ clinical hours and two required on-campus intensives at Harrison Hall’s Simulation Laboratory. Eight-week sessions support working nurses, and students may transfer up to six credits from accredited institutions. The PMHNP sequence progresses through five courses that build assessment, pharmacology, and psychotherapy skills across the lifespan...read more.

University of South Alabama PMHNP Program

Mobile | $594 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN / DNP

The University of South Alabama offers four PMHNP pathways: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, and a Post-Graduate Certificate. All tracks feature 600 specialty clinical hours through three sequential practica, with BSN-to-DNP and certain MSN-to-DNP students completing an additional 540 residency hours for the DNP project. Coursework combines advanced practice foundations with psychiatric specialty training, supported by a mandatory virtual Clinical Skills Intensive for MSN, certificate, and new-specialty MSN-to-DNP students. Flexible credit requirements accommodate prior graduate coursework, and most programs allow students to complete clinical training in their home region...read more.

Walden University PMHNP Programs

Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

Alabama nurses can enroll in Walden University's online PMHNP programs, benefiting from the flexibility of remote learning and the dedicated support of the Practicum Pledge in securing preceptors statewide. The curriculum and practicum hours meet Alabama’s licensure requirements, preparing graduates for national PMHNP certification and advanced mental health practice. Walden’s virtual skills lab and experienced faculty help ensure Alabama students are confident and ready for patient care across all populations.

Post University PMHNP Programs

online | $604 cpc | MSN

The MSN-PMHNP Specialization at Post University's American Sentinel College provides a structured online pathway with consistent 8-week course formats and monthly enrollment opportunities. Students complete 51-54 credit hours including core nursing courses and specialized psychiatric training, culminating in 630 supervised clinical hours across diverse mental health settings. The program costs about $31,000 and can be finished in approximately 34 months, preparing nurses for advanced psychiatric practice and national certification.

Purdue Global PMHNP Programs

online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

Purdue Global offers three online PMHNP options—Postgraduate Certificate, MSN focus, and MSN-to-DNP—taught in a CCNE-accredited format with VR-based telehealth and group therapy practice. Estimated costs are $20,160 for the certificate (~1.5 years) and $32,760 for the MSN (~2 years); the MSN-to-DNP continues after the MSN phase. The program is authorized for Alabama residents.

WGU PMHNP Programs

online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN

WGU offers two fully online PMHNP tracks that advance by competency rather than credits. Students complete 650 local clinical hours, or 750 for Kansas entrants after March 1, 2025. A Program Mentor supports progress, and flat-rate tuition per term helps the MSN finish in at least 2.5 years and the certificate in at least 1.5 years.

Choosing the Best PMHNP Program for You in Alabama

TLDR: Quick Program Selection Guide

Choose University of Alabama if you want the lowest tuition ($480/credit, $13,920-$28,320 total), acceptance from 29 approved states, multiple entry points (spring/summer/fall admission), and 540-2,100 clinical hours depending on track with primarily online delivery.

Choose University of North Alabama if you want affordable MSN ($24,990 for 41 credits) with fully virtual coursework, 500+ clinical hours, two mandatory on-campus intensives at state-of-the-art Harrison Hall and Simulation Laboratory, and progressive training through five sequential PMHNP courses.

Choose University of South Alabama if you want comprehensive pathway options (MSN, BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, Certificate), mandatory virtual Clinical Skills Intensive with standardized patients in telemedicine settings, 600-780 clinical hours, and no campus visits required for MSN-to-DNP pathway.

Choose University of Mobile if you’re a certified FNP, Primary Care NP, or Adult-Gerontology NP seeking PMHNP certification through a 24-credit certificate ($17,160 total), three consecutive semesters with 585 clinical hours, and virtual asynchronous delivery with faith integration emphasis.

Choose Samford University if you want multiple entry pathways (ADN-to-MSN, BSN-to-MSN, Post-Grad Certificate, Post-Master’s DNP), 660 clinical hours across all tracks, predominantly asynchronous online coursework with only 1-2 required on-campus intensives, and ability to complete clinical experiences nationwide in local communities.

---

DNP-PMHNP Programs Comparison

University of Alabama offers the most affordable DNP pathway ($18,240 for BSN-to-DNP) while University of South Alabama provides the most comprehensive DNP options (BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP with variable credit requirements). Samford is the only school offering Post-Master’s DNP combining PMHNP specialization with doctoral core.

School	Track	Total Cost	Duration	Clinical Hours
Samford	Post-Master’s DNP	$47K	2-3 years	660 clinical hrs
University of Alabama	BSN-to-DNP	$19K	3-4 years	Varies + 540 DNP project
University of South Alabama	BSN-to-DNP	$41K	5-6 years	600 + 540 DNP residency
University of South Alabama	MSN-to-DNP	$15-$36K	2-4 years	540 additional

Key Differentiators:

• Samford Post-Master’s DNP: Combines PMHNP specialization (26 credits) with DNP core (21 credits); predominantly asynchronous with 1-2 on-campus intensives; 660 clinical hours including 120+180+300 distribution plus 60-hour Psychotherapeutics Frameworks
• University of Alabama BSN-to-DNP: Lowest DNP cost; 38-credit PMHNP component within larger DNP program; includes “three P’s” plus specialized psychiatric content; DNP project requires 540 additional clinical hours across three immersion courses
• University of South Alabama BSN-to-DNP: Most comprehensive at 69 credits; requires 2 years psychiatric nursing experience before clinical courses; mandatory virtual Clinical Skills Intensive; 600 PMHNP clinical hours + 540 DNP residency hours
• University of South Alabama MSN-to-DNP: Highly flexible 24-60 credits depending on prior coursework; no campus visits required; scholarly project completed in home region; students with specific DNP core courses from MSN may finish with only 24 credits

---

MSN-PMHNP Programs Comparison

University of Alabama offers the lowest MSN tuition ($480/credit, $25,440-$28,320 total) while University of North Alabama provides the fastest completion (2 years for 41 credits). Samford offers unique entry pathways including ADN/ASN-to-MSN for associate degree holders.

School	Total Cost	Duration	Clinical Hours
Samford	$48,000 (BSN-to-MSN) / $54,000 (ADN-to-MSN)	2 years (BSN) / 2.7 years (ADN)	660 clinical hrs
University of Alabama	$25,440-$28,320	3.5-4.5 years	780 clinical hrs
University of North Alabama	$24,990	2 years	500+ clinical hrs
University of South Alabama	$26,730	3-4 years	600 clinical hrs

Notable Distinctions:

• Samford BSN-to-MSN: Predominantly asynchronous with 1-2 on-campus intensives; students nationwide can complete clinicals locally; three sequential psychiatric mental health courses; 660 hours across 120+180+300 plus 60-hour Psychotherapeutics Frameworks practicum
• Samford ADN/ASN-to-MSN: Only Alabama program accepting associate degree RNs; includes foundational advanced practice courses; 2.7-year completion; same 660 clinical hour requirement
• University of Alabama: Accepted from 29 states; multiple entry points (spring/summer/fall); 780 clinical hours across four 180-hour rotations plus 240-hour final immersion; emphasizes implementation science, informatics, population health, leadership, health policy
• University of North Alabama: Fastest MSN completion (2 years); fully virtual coursework; two mandatory on-campus intensives at Harrison Hall and Simulation Laboratory; progressive five sequential PMHNP courses; clinical hours escalate from 50 → 75 (4x) → 125
• University of South Alabama: Mandatory virtual Clinical Skills Intensive with standardized patients in telemedicine settings; 600 clinical hours; prepares for care across lifespan in ambulatory, acute, long-term care, community health facilities

---

Post-Graduate Certificate Programs Comparison

University of Alabama offers the lowest certificate cost ($13,920 for 29 credits) while University of Mobile provides the fastest completion (three consecutive semesters) but exclusively serves certified FNPs, Primary Care NPs, or Adult-Gerontology NPs.

School	Total Cost	Duration	Clinical Hours
Samford	$37K	1.7 years	660 clinical hrs
University of Alabama	$14K	2.5 years	740 clinical hrs
University of Mobile	$18K	3 semesters	585 clinical hrs
University of North Alabama	14K-20K	1-1.5 years	500+ clinical hrs
University of South Alabama	Varies	1-2 years	600 clinical hrs

Key Differentiators:

• Samford: Gap analysis determines individualized coursework; may add core courses (Concepts of Advanced Nursing Practice, Evidence-Based Practice); same 660 clinical hours and specialized content as degree tracks; predominantly asynchronous with 1-2 on-campus intensives
• University of Alabama: 29 credits focused on PMHNP specialty; requires advanced assessment/pharmacology/pathophysiology within 5 years; 740 clinical hours across four rotations; accepted from 29 states; multiple entry points
• University of Mobile: EXCLUSIVELY for certified FNP, Primary Care NP, or Adult-Gerontology NP; three consecutive semesters (Fall → Spring → Summer); all virtual asynchronous didactic; local clinical placements; faith integration emphasis in Role Synthesis course; $500 clinical course fees for NU 539, 644, 646
• University of North Alabama: Requires “three P’s” completed with “B” or higher; 0-9 additional support credits depending on coursework currency; same five sequential PMHNP courses as MSN; two mandatory on-campus intensives; 500+ clinical hours
• University of South Alabama: Focuses exclusively on specialty content without graduate core/research courses; mandatory virtual Clinical Skills Intensive; varies by prerequisite completion; advanced assessment/pathophysiology/pharmacology must be within acceptable timeframe

---

Admissions Requirements Comparison

School	GPA	Application Deadline	Special Requirements
Samford	3.0 (nursing courses) 3.5 (certificate)	Rolling	– health assessment with B or better – video response submission – 3 references (2 professional, 1 academic); – TOEFL 90+ iBT for international students
University of Alabama	3.0	Spring/Summer/Fall	– advanced assessment/pharmacology/pathophysiology within 5 years – 2 professional references
University of Mobile	3.0 (last 60 hours)	Rolling	– Current FNP, Primary Care NP, or Adult-Gerontology NP certification REQUIRED; – graduate-level advanced assessment/pathophysiology/pharmacology; – 3 references; – 2-page personal statement APA format
University of North Alabama	3.0	Rolling	– certificate requires “three P’s” with “B” or higher; – minimum 2 recommendation forms; – clinical nursing experience preferred but not required; – TOEFL 550 paper/213 computer for international students
University of South Alabama	3.0	Rolling	– BSN-to-DNP/MSN-to-DNP: 2 years psychiatric nursing experience required before clinical courses; – negative drug screen; – health insurance evidence; – advanced courses within acceptable timeframe

All programs require:

• BSN from CCNE/ACEN/CNEA accredited institution (MSN for certificate programs, except University of Mobile requires NP certification)
• Current, unencumbered RN license (APRN for University of Mobile)
• Official transcripts
• Resume/CV
• Background checks and drug screening

Special Notes:

• University of Alabama restricts enrollment to residents of 29 approved states (AL, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MI, MS, MO, MT, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VT, VA, WV)
• University of Mobile is the ONLY Alabama program exclusively for certified NPs (FNP, Primary Care, Adult-Gerontology) seeking PMHNP certification
• University of North Alabama requires two mandatory on-campus intensives at Harrison Hall and Simulation Laboratory
• University of South Alabama BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP (adding PMHNP) require 2 years psychiatric nursing experience before starting clinical courses
• Samford offers the most flexible entry pathways including ADN/ASN-to-MSN for associate degree holders

Admissions Tip: On-Campus Intensives & State Restrictions

While many Alabama programs are primarily online, “on-campus intensives” are a common requirement to ensure clinical competency. For instance, Samford University requires 1–2 on-campus visits, and the University of North Alabama requires two mandatory intensives at their Simulation Laboratory. Additionally, be mindful of state authorization; the University of Alabama only accepts students from 29 approved states.

Always verify that your home state is on the approved list before paying application fees to ensure you can complete your local clinical rotations without licensing hurdles.