Allen College PMHNP Programs
Waterloo | $962 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN / DNP
Allen College delivers PMHNP training in a hybrid format with live online sessions plus required campus OSCEs and residencies in Waterloo, Iowa. A Clinical Coordinator secures all placements with student input, and every student completes hours at the Allen College DeBonis Free Medical Clinic. Tracks include MSN, BSN-DNP, RN-DNP, and a Post-Graduate Certificate, each combining core coursework with PMHNP specialty training and supervised clinicals. ..read more.
Briar Cliff University PMHNP Programs
Sioux City | $585 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Briar Cliff University delivers PMHNP education online, with two required on-site days in Summer Year 1 for Advanced Health Assessment and in-person clinical components. Students work with a clinical coordinator to identify preceptors; faculty vet sites and arrange contracts, and placements are set near the student’s home when possible. The program offers MSN and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate tracks and was ranked #2 Online MSN PMHNP by nursepractitioneronline.com in 2025. ..read more.
University of Iowa PMHNP Programs
Iowa City | $1,191 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP
University of Iowa offers four PMHNP pathways: BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, Post-APRN-to-DNP, and a Post-Graduate Certificate. The programs use a hybrid format with mostly online coursework and weekly on-campus sessions for NP didactics; faculty arrange clinical placements across Iowa, typically near a student’s home. Reported outcomes include a 100% ANCC certification pass rate and 100% job placement within three months of graduation. The BSN-to-DNP option spans 76 credits and costs about $89,566 for residents ($164,332 for nonresidents), with 3- or 4-year plans available...read more.
Nightingale College PMHNP Program
online | $550 cpc | MSN
Nightingale College’s MSN-PMHNP track delivers 55 credits over roughly two years, combining online coursework with faculty-supported precepted clinicals and a single on-site seminar. Students complete 547.5 didactic hours and 810 clinical contact hours, building competency in assessment, diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy across the lifespan for ANCC certification readiness. Estimated total cost is about $34,750 including required resource fees. The program is authorized in Iowa, so Iowa RNs can enroll and arrange clinical placements consistent with local guidelines.
Post University Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
Built for working RNs, the MSN–PMHNP specialization pairs flexible pacing (single 8-week courses, consistent due dates) with a clear clinical roadmap. You’ll complete 630 supervised hours in child/adolescent, adult/older-adult, and substance-use specialty rotations. Across 51–54 credits, core and specialty courses sharpen diagnostic reasoning and therapy/medication management to prepare you for PMHNP board exams in roughly 34 months at about $31k.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
The online Purdue Global PMHNP tracks, including the Certificate, MSN, and MSN-DNP, are authorized for enrollment in Iowa, allowing RNs to advance their careers with a CCNE-accredited program. The curriculum prepares nurses to manage psychiatric disorders across the lifespan in varied settings and is delivered fully online. The programs feature an estimated cost of $32,760 for the MSN portion and utilize virtual reality for clinical preparation.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
The WGU PMHNP programs through the Leavitt School of Health prepare nurses to deliver advanced mental health care via flexible, competency-based online learning. Students can earn either a Master of Science in Nursing or a Post-Master’s Certificate while completing 650 local clinical hours focused on psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and management. The MSN costs about $36,000 over 2.5 years, and the certificate costs about $23,000 over 1.5 years.