Kentucky offers 5 on-campus PMHNP programs (see table below) alongside several nationally-recognized online programs. Estimated costs in the state range from approximately $13,600 for specialty-only coursework to over $42,000 for a full MSN degree, depending on the institution’s fee structure and your previous graduate credits.
| University | Available Tracks | Est. Total Cost | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellarmine University | MSN, Post-Master’s Cert | $17,695 – $42,535 | 810 |
| Frontier Nursing University | MSN, Post-Grad Cert | $26,425 – $36,240 | 750 |
| Northern Kentucky (NKU) | MSN, Post-Master’s Cert | $21,505 – $29,177 | 750 |
| University of Louisville | MSN, BSN-to-DNP, Cert | $13,600 – $25,500* | 756 |
*Note: Louisville costs reflect specialty-specific credits; total MSN/DNP costs may be higher when including core university requirements.
Admissions Tip: The “Clinical Hour” Evolution
When comparing these programs, notice the variation in clinical hours. While the national minimum has historically been 500 hours, schools like Bellarmine (810 hours) and NKU/Frontier (750 hours) have increased their requirements to meet new 2025-2026 national standards. If you are looking for a program with high certification pass rates, Frontier Nursing University boasts a 98% ANCC pass rate and provides access to a massive national network of 20,000+ preceptors—a major advantage if you live in a rural area where finding a local site is difficult.
Bellarmine University PMHNP Program
Louisville | $820 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Bellarmine University’s CCNE-accredited PMHNP pathways (MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate) are designed for working nurses and delivered primarily online with one brief on-campus intensive. Faculty are practicing NPs, and students complete local practicums (about 810 hours for the MSN) with coordinator support. The MSN (47 credits) can be finished in roughly 24 months; the certificate (20 credits) typically takes 1–1.5 years...read more.
Frontier Nursing University PMHNP Program
Versailles | $755 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Frontier Nursing University’s CCNE-accredited PMHNP programs are delivered online with a single on-campus Clinical Bound skills intensive and 750 community-based clinical hours. The MSN (48 credits) typically finishes in about 2–2.5 years; the Post-Graduate Certificate (35 credits) in 1.5–2.5 years. With a nationwide preceptor network and a reported 98% ANCC certification pass rate, FNU emphasizes preparation for practice in rural and underserved communities. Tuition is $755 per credit for both pathways...read more.
Northern Kentucky University PMHNP Program
Highland Heights | $600 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Northern Kentucky University’s PMHNP pathways use accelerated 7-week terms with multiple start dates and the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. The MSN (47 credits; ~22 months) and Post-Master’s Certificate (35 credits; ~18 months) each require 750 clinical hours completed across five sequential residencies with approved preceptors. NKU reports an 88.94% three-year ANCC PMHNP pass rate and builds advanced preparation into the MSN with two DNP-level courses. Estimated costs are $29,177 for the MSN and $21,505 for the certificate (see note on per-credit rates)...read more.
University of Louisville PMHNP Programs
Louisville | $850 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
The University of Louisville offers flexible PMHNP pathways—MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and a Post-Graduate Certificate—delivered in a hybrid format with online coursework and select on-campus sessions. Cohorts start in fall and spring, and all tracks include 672 patient-centered clinical hours plus 84 professional role hours across diverse settings. Specialty coursework is 16 credits for the MSN and BSN-to-DNP (estimated at $13,600) and 30 credits for the certificate (estimated at $25,500). The curriculum emphasizes assessment, psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and population-specific management across the lifespan...read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Kentucky nurses seeking to become Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners can choose Walden University’s flexible, fully online PMHNP pathways (BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, MSN, or Post-Master’s Certificate) without ever leaving the Commonwealth for coursework. The program’s Practicum Pledge guarantees support from Walden’s placement team to arrange clinical sites throughout Kentucky, combining virtual skills labs with hands-on experience to meet the state’s licensure requirements. Graduates are well-prepared to deliver comprehensive mental health care in Kentucky’s underserved areas and opioid-impacted regions.
Western Kentucky University PMHNP Program
Bowling Green | $607 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Western Kentucky University offers two PMHNP options—a 43-credit MSN and an 18-credit Post-Master’s Certificate—designed for working nurses with synchronous online classes five weekday evenings and two Saturday mornings per semester. The part-time MSN typically takes about four years and requires ~750 clinical hours, while the certificate can be finished in about one year with ~670 hours; both include defined therapy and prescribing supervision across age groups. Estimated tuition at KY resident rates is ~$26,101 (MSN) and ~$10,926 (certificate), with higher non-resident rates. Enrollment is limited to Kentucky and Tennessee residents...read more.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
The program streamlines progression with the “3Ps,” advanced diagnostic reasoning, and a sequenced PMHNP curriculum delivered entirely online. Clinical learning is embedded in five preceptorships so you apply skills in real settings while advancing one course at a time. Most learners finish in ~34 months; tuition for the track is about $31,000.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Purdue Global's PMHNP programs are authorized in Kentucky, providing three online pathways that prepare nurses to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage psychiatric mental health disorders across the lifespan. Kentucky students benefit from flexible clinical placements in local communities where experiences can be completed at convenient locations or even at their current workplace, with all coursework delivered entirely online. After completing their CCNE-accredited program, Kentucky graduates may sit for national PMHNP certification exams through ANCC or AANP and pursue advanced practice registered nurse licensure in the state.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
Through WGU’s Leavitt School of Health, students can pursue an MSN or Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing via a fully online, competency-based platform. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based psychiatric care and includes 650 clinical hours arranged in the student’s community. Most students complete the MSN in 2.5 years at a cost of about $36,000 or the certificate in 1.5 years for about $23,000.
Wilkes University PMHNP Programs
online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN
Wilkes University’s PMHNP programs provide Kentucky nurses with convenient online MSN, post-graduate certificate, and DNP routes to psychiatric-mental health practice without relocating. The university’s complimentary placement team helps Kentucky students line up quality clinical experiences within a reasonable distance, supporting completion of the 500 required practicum hours. Graduates are prepared to manage assessment, diagnosis, medication, and therapy for diverse populations in community, inpatient, and outpatient settings across Kentucky.
How to Choose the Best PMHNP Program for You in Kentucky
Kentucky offers 5 on-campus PMHNP programs alongside several nationally-recognized online programs, with total costs ranging from $10,926 to $74,405 depending on pathway and residency status.
TLDR: Quick Program Selector
Choose Western Kentucky University if you want the most affordable certificate option ($10,926) and are a Kentucky resident willing to commit exclusively to KY/TN practice locations.
Choose University of Louisville if you need the lowest-cost MSN specialty track ($13,600) with military-friendly tuition rates and federal employee discounts.
Choose Northern Kentucky University if you want the fastest MSN completion (22 months) with accelerated 7-week courses and no difference between in-state/out-of-state tuition.
Choose Frontier Nursing University if you need a nationally-ranked online program with 98% ANCC pass rates and comprehensive clinical placement support through 20,000+ preceptor sites.
Choose Bellarmine University if you want intensive on-campus simulations and hands-on assessment experiences with lower MSN costs ($42,535).
Choose Walden University if you need the Practicum Pledge guarantee for clinical placement assistance and want flexible DNP pathway options starting from BSN or MSN.
Choose WGU if you prefer competency-based learning that lets you accelerate through familiar material with flat-rate tuition ($6,955 per 6-month term).
Choose Purdue Global if you want immersive VR training for telehealth and group therapy with seamless MSN-to-DNP transitions.
Kentucky PMHNP Application Deadlines
| University | Term / Start | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Bellarmine University | Fall 2026 | Priority: March 25, 2026 (General deadline typically Feb 1) |
| Frontier Nursing University | Spring 2026 | Jan 7, 2026 |
| Summer 2026 | April 1, 2026 | |
| Fall 2026 | June 24, 2026 | |
| Northern Kentucky (NKU) | Spring 2 (March start) | March 4, 2026 |
| Summer 1 (May start) | April 29, 2026 | |
| Summer 2 (June start) | June 17, 2026 | |
| University of Louisville | Summer 2026 | February 1, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | April 1, 2026 |
Actionable Application Tips
- Frontier Nursing’s Rolling Admissions: Frontier uses a rolling process. While the deadlines are firm, they often provide decisions within 4-5 weeks of receiving a completed packet. If you’re aiming for Summer, get your transcripts sent now.
- The NursingCAS Factor: Both Bellarmine and Louisville use NursingCAS. Be aware that it can take 4–6 weeks for NursingCAS to verify your transcripts after you submit them. To meet a Feb 1 or April 1 deadline, you should ideally have your documents uploaded at least a month early.
- NKU’s Fee Waiver: If you are targeting Fall 2026 at NKU, they are currently offering an application fee waiver for graduate students through January 31, 2026.
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Most Affordable: Western Kentucky University
Cost: $10,926 (18 credits at $607/credit for KY residents)
Duration: 1 year full-time
Clinical Hours: 670
Key Feature: Exclusively serves Kentucky and Tennessee residents with lowest certificate cost in the state.
Runner-Up: Northern Kentucky University
Cost: $21,505 (35 credits at $592/credit)
Duration: 18 months full-time
Clinical Hours: 750
Key Feature: Same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students; includes two DNP-level courses.
Other Certificate Options
Bellarmine University
Cost: $17,695 (20 credits at ~$905/credit including specialty surcharge)
Duration: 1–1.5 years
Clinical Hours: 810
Key Feature: On-campus intensive during Summer 1; reduced rates for alumni.
University of Louisville
Cost: $25,500 (30 credits at $850/credit)
Duration: 1.5–2 years
Clinical Hours: 672 patient-centered + 84 professional
Key Feature: Federal employee discount (10% off); military rate of $250/credit.
National Online Certificate Programs
Frontier Nursing University
Cost: $26,425 (35 credits at $755/credit)
Duration: 1.5–2.5 years
Clinical Hours: 750
Key Feature: 98% ANCC pass rate; 20,000+ clinical site network.
Purdue Global
Cost: $20,160 (48 quarter credits at $420/credit)
Duration: ~1.5 years full-time
Clinical Hours: Embedded in 6 clinical credits
Key Feature: VR-enhanced training; 93.7% 2024 certification pass rate.
Walden University
Cost: $35,225 (43 quarter credits after Believe & Achieve Scholarship)
Duration: Varies
Clinical Hours: 640
Key Feature: Practicum Pledge guarantees clinical placement support.
WGU
Cost: $21,465 (based on 1.5 years at $6,955/term + fees)
Duration: Minimum 1.5 years
Clinical Hours: 650 (750 for Kansas licensure)
Key Feature: Competency-based; accelerate through known material.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Most Affordable: University of Louisville
Cost: $13,600 (specialty courses only at $850/credit)
Duration: 2–3 years full-time
Clinical Hours: 672 patient-centered + 84 professional
Key Feature: Military-friendly ($250/credit for active duty); federal employee discount (10%).
Fastest Program: Northern Kentucky University
Cost: $29,177 (47 credits at $600/credit)
Duration: 22 months full-time
Clinical Hours: 750
Key Feature: Accelerated 7-week courses; same tuition for all students regardless of residency.
Other MSN Options
Western Kentucky University
Cost: $26,101 (43 credits at $607/credit for KY residents; $917/credit non-resident)
Duration: ~4 years part-time
Clinical Hours: 750
Key Feature: KY/TN residents only; veterans receive resident rates.
Frontier Nursing University
Cost: $36,240 (48 credits at $755/credit)
Duration: 2–2.5 years full-time
Clinical Hours: 750
Key Feature: 98% ANCC pass rate; national clinical network; rolling admissions.
Bellarmine University
Cost: $42,535 (47 credits at ~$905/credit including specialty surcharge)
Duration: ~2 years full-time
Clinical Hours: 810
Key Feature: In-person intensive; simulations and hands-on experiences; alumni rate of $765/credit.
National Online MSN Programs
Post University
Cost: $30,198–$30,794 (51–54 credits; $588 core + $603.75 NP courses)
Duration: ~34 months full-time
Clinical Hours: 630
Key Feature: All 8-week courses taken one at a time; APEA 3P Exam required.
Purdue Global
Cost: $32,760 (78 quarter credits at $420/credit)
Duration: ~2 years full-time
Clinical Hours: Faculty-supported local placements
Key Feature: VR simulations; clinical hours apply toward DNP if continuing.
WGU
Cost: $35,775 (based on 2.5 years at $6,955/term + fees)
Duration: Minimum 2.5 years
Clinical Hours: 650 (750 for Kansas)
Key Feature: Competency-based; dedicated Program Mentor; ANCC-certified curriculum.
Walden University
Cost: $44,705 (63 quarter credits after scholarship)
Duration: ~2.5 years full-time
Clinical Hours: 640
Key Feature: Practicum Pledge; virtual skills lab; no application fee.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
Most Affordable: University of Louisville (BSN to DNP)
Cost: $13,600 (specialty courses only at $850/credit; total varies with core/DNP credits)
Duration: ~3 years
Clinical Hours: Minimum 1,000 total (672 patient-centered + 84 professional in specialty)
Key Feature: Military rate $250/credit; federal employee discount 10%.
National Online DNP Programs
MSN to DNP:
Cost: $69,225 (85 quarter credits after scholarship)
Duration: 3 years full-time
Clinical Hours: Minimum 1,000 post-BSN (400 at DNP level)
Key Feature: Practicum Pledge; seamless transition pathways.
BSN to DNP:
Cost: $74,405 (95 quarter credits after scholarship)
Duration: 3.25 years full-time
Clinical Hours: Minimum 1,000 post-BSN (400 at DNP level)
Key Feature: Direct entry for BSN nurses; comprehensive doctoral preparation.
MSN to DNP with PMHNP:
Cost: $32,760 (MSN portion; DNP courses $700/quarter credit)
Duration: ~2 years for MSN, then DNP transition
Clinical Hours: All MSN hours apply toward DNP 1,000-hour requirement
Key Feature: Seamless progression; VR training; evidence-based project proposal.
Kentucky Programs: Local vs. National Online
Local Programs with Kentucky Campus Presence
Five universities offer PMHNP programs with in-state facilities and local support:
- Bellarmine University (Louisville) – On-campus intensive, simulation lab experiences
- Frontier Nursing University (Versailles) – Clinical Bound on-campus experience; Kentucky-based institution
- Northern Kentucky University (Highland Heights) – Regional focus with Kentucky preceptor network
- University of Louisville (Louisville) – In-person case work, role-plays; Kentucky clinical coordinator
- Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green) – Exclusively serves KY/TN residents; in-person seminar
Benefits of Local Programs:
- Established Kentucky clinical networks
- In-state preceptor assistance from clinical coordinators
- Face-to-face intensive/immersion experiences
- Kentucky-specific licensure preparation
- Regional alumni networks
National Online Programs
Seven nationally-recognized universities offer fully online PMHNP programs accepting Kentucky residents:
- Walden University – Practicum Pledge for clinical placement; CCNE accredited
- WGU – Competency-based model; flat-rate tuition
- Purdue Global – VR simulations; HLC and CCNE accredited
- Post University (American Sentinel) – 8-week courses; monthly starts
- Chamberlain University – Practicum Commitment; 90%+ students receive financial aid
- Nightingale College – 24-month accelerated MSN; 810 clinical hours
- Wilkes University – Complimentary clinical placement; 95.4% 2023 certification pass rate
Benefits of National Online Programs:
- Greater scheduling flexibility
- Broader clinical placement networks
- Standardized national curriculum
- Often include virtual reality/simulation technology
- Multiple start dates throughout the year
Decision Factors: Local vs. Online
Choose a Kentucky-based program if:
- You value in-person intensive experiences
- You prefer established local clinical networks
- You want face-to-face faculty interaction
- You plan to practice exclusively in Kentucky/Tennessee
- You qualify for Kentucky resident tuition rates
Choose a national online program if:
- You need maximum scheduling flexibility
- You’re comfortable with fully online didactic learning
- You want access to broader clinical placement networks
- You value specific features (VR training, Practicum Pledge, competency-based progression)
- You prefer programs with frequent start dates
Key Considerations for All Programs
Clinical Hours: Requirements range from 630-810 hours. More hours may strengthen your clinical foundation but extend program length.
Accreditation: All programs listed maintain CCNE accreditation, ensuring quality standards and broad license portability.
Preceptor Support: Kentucky-based programs typically provide stronger local placement assistance, while national programs like Walden and Chamberlain offer placement guarantees.
State Authorization: Confirm your state of residence is approved, particularly for national online programs with varying state restrictions.
Financial Aid: Most students receive assistance. Compare net costs after scholarships, military discounts, and employer tuition reimbursement.