1 School • 1 Mostly Online
Idaho State University (ISU) is the only Idaho school offering PMHNP preparation. It runs three tracks, all mostly online: a BSN-to-DNP, a post-master’s DNP, and an FNP-to-PMHNP certificate. Estimated resident tuition and fees run from about $18.7K for the certificate to $64.5K for the BSN-to-DNP, and tracks take about 1.3 to 3 years. No Idaho school offers a PMHNP MSN.
Highlights include:
- ISU assists students with clinical placements in Idaho or another approved state
- Clinical rotations cover adult, geriatric, family and pediatric populations
- Coursework includes rural and global communities research and genetics for health care
Compare Idaho PMHNP Programs
| School | Online Format | Campus Commitment | Cost Per Credit | Degrees | Best For |
| Idaho State University | Mostly Online | August orientation in Pocatello; Health Assessment intensives in Meridian (DNP) | $613 CPC | BSN-DNP, post-master’s DNP, FNP-to-PMHNP certificate | Residents seeking an affordable doctorate with placement help |
CPC shows ISU’s 2026–27 resident part-time rate, including mandatory fees. Full-time students (9+ credits) pay a flat $5,820 per semester. DNP students also pay a $3,090 professional fee each semester, and certificate students pay $200 per credit. ISU waives its non-resident fee for online graduate programs, so students in approved states pay resident rates.
What’s the Best PMHNP Program for You?
BSN-Prepared Nurses
The BSN-to-DNP is Idaho’s only route from a bachelor’s degree to PMHNP certification eligibility, finishing in 3 years full-time.
Certified PMHNPs Seeking a Doctorate
The 22-credit post-master’s DNP adds leadership, policy and a DNP project for about $26K over four semesters, with clinical hours set by each student’s master’s record.
FNPs Adding Psychiatric Care
The 23-credit certificate extends an FNP’s scope to psychiatric care for about $18.7K but requires two years of FNP experience.
Nurses Outside Idaho
ISU waives its non-resident fee for online graduate programs, so nurses in its approved states pay the same tuition as Idaho residents.
Idaho DNP PMHNP Programs
ISU offers two doctoral paths. The BSN-to-DNP runs 78 credits over eight semesters under ISU’s Fall 2026 plan of study. The post-master’s DNP is a 22-credit completion degree for nurses already certified as PMHNPs or FNPs, and it adds no PMHNP specialty coursework. Neither requires the GRE.
| School | Estimated Tuition (resident) | Duration | Clinical Hours |
| Idaho State University (BSN-DNP) | $64.5K | 3 years, full-time | 1,008 hrs |
| Idaho State University (post-master’s DNP) | $26K | 1.3 years (4 semesters) | Varies by gap analysis |
- Clinical mix: Idaho State University — the 1,008 hours include a 144-hour assessment lab, a 96-hour psychotherapy lab and a 288-hour advanced practicum.
- Admission timing: Idaho State University — one fall start, with applications preferred by December 1 and a Zoom interview.
- Online alternative: Walden University — BSN-to-DNP ($74,405) and post-master’s MSN-to-DNP ($69,225) with no campus visits, both priced after its Believe & Achieve Scholarship.
Idaho Post-Graduate Certificate PMHNP Programs
ISU’s certificate admits only licensed, nationally certified FNPs with two years of FNP experience, so master’s-prepared nurses in other specialties have no in-state option. ISU’s plan of study lists 528 clinical hours across four practicum and lab courses.
| School | Estimated Tuition (resident) | Duration | Clinical Hours |
| Idaho State University | $18.7K | 1.5–2 years | 528 hrs |
- Shared specialty sequence: Idaho State University — the 23 credits match the doctorate’s PMHNP courses, including both lifespan practicums.
- Enrollment reach: Idaho State University — residency restrictions may apply outside Idaho and Utah, so out-of-state FNPs should confirm eligibility first.
- National comparison: Walden University — $35,225 for 43 quarter credits and 640 hours, with no application fee or essay.
National Online PMHNP Options
Idaho’s gaps are pathways and reach. ISU offers no PMHNP MSN, its certificate admits only FNPs, and its doctorate enrolls students from a limited list of states. Every track also requires an in-person orientation in Pocatello. Nurses facing those limits often compare national online programs such as Walden University, whose MSN costs $44,705 after its scholarship and includes 640 practicum hours, and Purdue Global. Confirm each school’s authorization for Idaho residents and its placement policy before applying.
| School | Cost Per Credit | Degrees | Online Format | Key Feature |
| Walden University | $775 | Certificate, BSN-MSN, BSN-DNP, MSN-DNP | Online | Placement support |
| Nightingale College | $550 | BSN-MSN | Mostly Online | 810 clinical hours |
| Post University | $588–$603.75 | BSN-MSN | Online | Monthly starts |
| South College | $310 | Certificate, BSN-MSN, MSN | Online | 21-month MSN |
| WGU | Flat rate | Certificate, BSN-MSN | Online | Flat-rate terms |
FAQ
How many PMHNP programs are there in Idaho?
One school, Idaho State University, offers three tracks: a BSN-to-DNP, a post-master’s DNP, and an FNP-to-PMHNP certificate. Its DNP holds CCNE accreditation. No Idaho school offers a PMHNP MSN.
Are any Idaho PMHNP programs fully online?
No. ISU delivers coursework online, but every student must attend an in-person orientation.
Which Idaho PMHNP program has the lowest tuition?
ISU is the only option. Estimated resident tuition and fees are about $18.7K for the certificate, $26K for the post-master’s DNP and $64.5K for the BSN-to-DNP at 2026–27 rates. ISU waives its non-resident fee for online graduate programs, so students in approved states pay the same rates.
Which Idaho schools offer a DNP with a PMHNP focus?
Only ISU. Its BSN-to-DNP takes 3 years full-time, and its post-master’s DNP serves nurses who already hold PMHNP or FNP certification.
How often will I need to visit campus?
All students attend one August orientation in Pocatello. Doctoral students also attend Health Assessment intensives in Meridian; ISU does not state how many.
Can I complete clinical hours near home?
Often, yes. ISU assists with placements, and clinical hours must take place in Idaho or another approved state.
Can nurses outside Idaho enroll?
Only from listed states. The DNP accepts students from Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin. Certificate applicants outside Idaho and Utah may face residency restrictions.