Online BSN-to-MSN PMHNP Programs

A BSN-to-MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program is the most direct graduate route from registered nurse to psychiatric nurse practitioner. It is built for nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and prepares graduates for PMHNP board certification with a Master of Science in Nursing, in less time and for less money than a BSN-to-DNP.

We compared 149 online and campus MSN PMHNP programs across 42 states. The table below lists estimated tuition, cost per credit, credits, clinical hours, length and delivery format for each program, drawn from our individual school profiles. Most programs are online or mostly online, and most take 2 to 2.5 years of full-time study.

MSN PMHNP Programs at a Glance

• Typical cost: about $29,000 to $51,700 in estimated tuition, with a median near $40,000.
• Per-credit rates: most programs charge $580 to $1,000 per credit.
• Credits: usually 46 to 51, with a median of 48.
• Clinical hours: 500 to 950 supervised hours, with a median of about 675.
• Length: 2 to 2.5 years full time for most programs; the shortest take about 15 to 18 months.
• Format: about a third of programs are fully online and 8 in 10 are online or mostly online.

Compare BSN-to-MSN PMHNP Programs

Filter by state or delivery format, and select a column heading to sort. Select a school name for its full profile, including admission requirements, course lists and clinical placement details.

Tuition estimates come from each school's published rates as summarized in our program profiles, using resident rates where they differ. Fees, books and travel are not included. ⚠️ marks programs with admission limits.

Most Affordable MSN PMHNP Programs

These programs have the lowest estimated tuition among MSN programs with published cost figures. Resident rates are shown where in-state and out-of-state tuition differ, and programs limited to in-state residents are not included.

• UNLV (NV): $16,261 estimated tuition, 46 credits, Mostly Online
• University of Nevada Reno (NV): $17,068 estimated tuition, 48–50 credits, Online
• Valdosta State University (GA): $18,753 estimated tuition, 57 credits, Hybrid
• Old Dominion University (VA): $19,440 estimated tuition, 40 credits, Mostly Online
• Purdue University (IN): $20,000–$27,000 estimated tuition, 49 credits, Hybrid
• Missouri State University (MO): $20,814 estimated tuition, 53 credits, Hybrid
• Austin Peay (TN): $21,000 estimated tuition, 42 credits, Mostly Online
• Stony Brook University (NY): $21,206–$50,580 estimated tuition, 45 credits, Online
• University of Maine Fort Kent (ME): $21,500 estimated tuition, 43 credits, Online
• University of Southern Indiana (IN): $21,865 estimated tuition, 44 credits, Online

Shortest MSN PMHNP Programs

These programs list the shortest full-time completion times. Part-time study takes longer, and some programs admit only full-time students.

• University of Maine Fort Kent (ME): ~1.25 years full-time (as few as 15 months), $21,500, Online
• Vanderbilt University (TN): 16 months (4 full-time semesters), $94,622, Mostly Online
• Mercer University (GA): 17–28 months (FT/PT), $56,791, Hybrid
• Texas State University (TX): 18 months, $22,150, Online
• St Thomas University (FL): ~1.5 years, $30,250, Online
• Mount Carmel (OH): ~18 mos, $45,080, Mostly Online
• Georgia State University (GA): 20 mo (5 sem FT); 7 semesters part-time, $25,572, Mostly Online
• Rocky Mountain University (UT): ~20 months (5 semesters), $58,469–$61,295, Online
• South College (National): 21 months (full-time), $25,155, Online
• Jacksonville University (FL): ~1.75-2.75 years (21 months FT / 33 months PT), $36,750, Campus

Fully Online MSN PMHNP Programs Under $25,000

These programs deliver all coursework online and list estimated tuition below $25,000. Clinical hours are still completed in person at approved sites.

• University of Nevada Reno (NV): $17,068, 48–50 credits
• Stony Brook University (NY): $21,206–$50,580, 45 credits
• University of Maine Fort Kent (ME): $21,500, 43 credits
• University of Southern Indiana (IN): $21,865, 44 credits
• Texas State University (TX): $22,150, 40 credits
• East Carolina University (NC): $22,200, 47 credits
• Southeastern Louisiana University (LA): $22,800–$24,225, 48–51 credits
• University of Texas at Arlington (TX): $23,000–$30,000, 46 credits
• University of Louisiana at Lafayette (LA): $23,040–$24,480, 48–51 credits
• Arkansas State University (AR): $24,225, 48 credits

Who a BSN-to-MSN PMHNP Program Is For

• BSN-prepared registered nurses: the standard applicant. Most programs require an active, unencumbered RN license in the state where you will complete clinical hours.
• Nurses with psychiatric or behavioral health experience: not always required, but some programs ask for it and it strengthens any application.
• Nurses who may want a doctorate later: the MSN gets you into practice sooner, and an MSN-to-DNP can be added once you are working as a PMHNP.
• RNs without a BSN: a few schools offer RN-to-MSN or ADN-to-MSN pathways. These are noted in the individual school profiles.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Clinical placement support: some schools find preceptors for you, while others require you to secure your own sites. This is often the biggest practical difference between online programs.
• Campus visits: mostly online programs require a set number of campus intensives. Count the trips and their cost before comparing tuition.
• State eligibility: online programs cannot enroll students in every state, and a few public programs admit only in-state residents, such as Middle Tennessee State University and Texas Woman’s University.
• Full-time vs. part-time pace: published lengths usually assume full-time study. Part-time plans can add a year or more.

MSN vs. DNP vs. Certificate

• BSN-to-MSN PMHNP: for BSN-prepared nurses. Usually about 48 credits over 2 to 2.5 years. Fastest route from BSN to PMHNP practice.
• BSN-to-DNP PMHNP: for BSN nurses who want the doctorate in one program. Usually 71 to 80 credits over 3 to 4 years.
• Post-master’s PMHNP certificate: for nurses who already hold an MSN or DNP. The usual route from MSN to PMHNP, with a median of 26 credits.
• MSN-to-DNP PMHNP: for MSN nurses who want PMHNP preparation and a DNP together.

Certification After Graduation

Graduates of accredited MSN PMHNP programs are eligible to sit for the ANCC PMHNP-BC board certification exam. After passing, you apply to your state board of nursing for authority to practice as a PMHNP. Prescribing and physician collaboration rules vary by state, so review the requirements where you plan to work. For the full path from RN to PMHNP, see How to Become a PMHNP.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a BSN-to-MSN PMHNP program take?

Most programs take 2 to 2.5 years of full-time study. Part-time plans usually run 3 years or longer, and the shortest full-time programs on this page finish in about 15 to 18 months.

How much does an MSN PMHNP program cost?

The median estimated tuition is about $40,000. The middle half of programs falls between about $29,000 and $51,700, with per-credit rates usually between $580 and $1,000. Public universities charging resident tuition are generally the least expensive.

Can I earn an MSN PMHNP degree online?

Yes. About a third of programs deliver coursework fully online, and about 8 in 10 are online or mostly online, meaning online classes plus a few required campus visits. Clinical hours are always completed in person at approved sites.

Do I need psychiatric nursing experience to apply?

Some programs require registered nurse experience before admission, and a few require it in psychiatric or mental health nursing specifically. Western Kentucky University, for example, asks for one year of psychiatric RN experience. Check each school’s profile for its admission requirements.

Should I choose an MSN or a DNP?

Both prepare you for the same PMHNP board certification. The MSN is shorter and less expensive, usually about 48 credits over 2 to 2.5 years. A BSN-to-DNP usually requires 71 to 80 credits over 3 to 4 years. You can also earn the MSN first and add a DNP later through an MSN-to-DNP program.

I already have an MSN. Do I need a second master’s degree?

No. Nurses who already hold an MSN usually complete a post-master’s PMHNP certificate instead, which is shorter and less expensive than a second MSN.

What certification exam do graduates take?

Graduates are eligible for the ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) board certification exam, PMHNP-BC, which is the national certification for PMHNPs.

More PMHNP Program Guides

• Online PMHNP programs by state
• Post-master’s PMHNP certificate programs
• BSN-to-DNP PMHNP programs
• MSN-to-DNP PMHNP programs
• Future Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Scholarship