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.
Kentucky PMHNP Programs — Cost & Feature Snapshot
| School | Est. Cost Range | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Bellarmine University | MSN: $43K Certificate: $18K | – 47-credit MSN with 810 supervised clinical hours – remote asynchronous coursework plus on-campus intensive and simulations – preceptor and site support for Kentucky and southern Indiana residents |
| Frontier Nursing University | MSN: $37K Certificate: $27K | – 98% ANCC PMHNP pass rate and strong rural/underserved focus – 750 required clinical hours with detailed visit and case mix expectations – national clinical network (20,000+ sites/preceptors) and on-campus Clinical Bound |
| Northern Kentucky University | MSN: $30K Certificate: $22K | – accelerated 7-week courses with multiple start dates each year – 750 clinical hours across five sequential clinical residencies – same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students |
| University of Louisville | MSN: ≈$14K BSN–DNP: ≈$14K Certificate: $26K | – 672 patient-centered clinical hours plus 84 professional hours – MSN, BSN–DNP, and post-grad certificate share a 16-credit PMHNP specialty core – focused courses for children, adults, and special populations |
| Western Kentucky University | MSN: $26,101 Certificate: $10,926 | – 43-credit MSN with 750 total clinical hours (adult, child, and lifespan) – Kentucky and Tennessee resident focus with strict therapist/prescriber hour mix – requires prior psychiatric RN experience for entry into the PMHNP track |
*Note: Louisville costs reflect specialty-specific credits; total MSN/DNP costs may be higher when including core university requirements.
Kentucky PMHNP Program Consideration Set
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 | $775 cpc | 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.
Choosing the Best Kentucky PMHNP Program
TLDR: Quick Program Selection Guide
Choose University of Louisville if you want the lowest specialty course cost ($13,600 for PMHNP courses at $850/credit), military-friendly tuition ($250/credit for active duty), and both MSN and BSN-to-DNP pathways.
Choose Western Kentucky University if you’re a Kentucky/Tennessee resident seeking structured clinical supervision (220 hours with therapists, 530 hours with prescribing providers) and need one year of psychiatric nursing experience.
Choose Northern Kentucky University if you want accelerated 7-week courses, fastest MSN completion (22 months), same tuition for in-state/out-of-state students, and two DNP-level courses included in the MSN.
Choose Frontier Nursing University if you want a 98% ANCC pass rate, rolling admissions with 4-5 week decisions, national network of 20,000+ clinical sites, and training focused on rural/underserved populations.
Choose Bellarmine University if you want 810 clinical hours (highest in Kentucky), preceptor assistance for Kentucky/southern Indiana residents, and on-campus intensive experiences with simulation training.
DNP-PMHNP Programs Comparison
University of Louisville offers the only BSN-to-DNP PMHNP pathway in Kentucky with specialty courses costing $13,600 and requiring minimum 1,000 total clinical hours. This provides direct entry to doctoral-level education for BSN-prepared nurses.
| School | Track | Total Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Louisville | BSN-to-DNP | $13,600 | ~3 years | 1,000 total |
Key Differentiators:
- U of L BSN-to-DNP: Only Kentucky program offering direct BSN-to-DNP pathway; includes 672 patient-centered + 84 professional clinical hours; advanced practice leadership focus with population health emphasis
MSN-PMHNP Programs Comparison
Northern Kentucky University offers the fastest MSN completion (22 months) with accelerated 7-week courses and same tuition for all students. University of Louisville provides the lowest specialty course cost but requires additional core coursework pricing.
| School | Total Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellarmine | $42,535 | 2 years | 810 clinical hrs |
| Frontier Nursing | $36,240 | 2-2.5 years | 750 clinical hrs |
| Northern Kentucky | $29,177 | 22 months | 750 clinical hrs |
| U of Louisville | $13,600 (specialty only) | 2-3 years | 672 + clinical hrs |
| Western Kentucky | $26,101 (in-state) | 4 years PT | 750 clinical hrs |
Notable Distinctions:
- Bellarmine: Highest clinical hours (810); preceptor assistance for KY/southern IN; on-campus intensive; simulation training
- Frontier Nursing: 98% ANCC pass rate; rolling admissions; 20,000+ clinical site network; rural/underserved focus
- Northern Kentucky: Fastest completion (22 months); 7-week accelerated format; same in-state/out-of-state tuition; includes DNP-level courses (DNP 816)
- U of Louisville: Military-friendly ($250/credit active duty); Federal employee discount (10%); 672+84 clinical hours structure
- Western Kentucky: Part-time 4-year format; requires 1 year psychiatric nursing experience; KY/TN residents only
Post-Graduate Certificate Programs Comparison
Western Kentucky University offers the lowest certificate cost ($10,926) but requires geographic restrictions (KY/TN only) and one year of psychiatric experience. Northern Kentucky provides the fastest certificate completion (18 months).
| School | Total Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellarmine | $17,695 | 1-1.5 yrs | clinical hrs in practicums |
| Frontier Nursing | $26,425 | 1.5-2.5 yrs | 750 clinical hrs |
| Northern Kentucky | $21,505 | 18 mos. | 750 clinical hrs |
| U of Louisville | $25,500 | 1.5-2 yrs | 672 + clinical hrs |
| Western Kentucky | $10,926 | 1 yr | 670 clinical hrs |
Key Differentiators:
- Bellarmine: Mirrors MSN specialty track; on-campus summer intensive required; coordinator support
- Frontier Nursing: Requires approved APRN specialty; may need additional prerequisites (pathophysiology, pharmacology, assessment)
- Northern Kentucky: Includes advanced pathophysiology, assessment, pharmacology; same tuition all students
- U of Louisville: Accepts terminal degrees (PhD, EdD, DNP); 10-credit prerequisite requirement; military/federal discounts
- Western Kentucky: Requires APRN licensure + 1 year psychiatric experience; KY/TN residents only; specific therapist/prescriber supervision hours
Admissions Requirements Comparison
| School | Minimum GPA | Application Deadline | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellarmine | 3.0 | Rolling | – NursingCAS application – $80 fee – 2 professional references; – KY/compact state license |
| Frontier Nursing | 3.0 | Rolling (4-5 week decisions) | – personal statement – no specific deadline |
| Northern Kentucky | 3.0 | Rolling | – 1,000 RN clinical hours; statistics course (C or better); – $40 fee (waived alumni/military) |
| U of Louisville | 3.0 (recommended) | Rolling | – NursingCAS + Graduate School application; – 2 nursing professional references; – goal statement |
| Western Kentucky | 3.0 (2.75-2.99 conditional) | Rolling | – 1 year psychiatric nursing experience required; – KY/TN residents only; – faculty interview; – 500-700 word goal statement |
All programs require:
- BSN from CCNE/ACEN/CNEA accredited institution (MSN for certificate programs)
- Current, unencumbered RN license
- Official transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Criminal background check
Special Notes:
- Western Kentucky is the only program requiring specific psychiatric nursing experience (1 year) and geographic restrictions (KY/TN only)
- Northern Kentucky requires 1,000 clinical hours of RN practice
- Frontier Nursing offers fastest admission decisions (4-5 weeks) with rolling admissions
- U of Louisville requires dual application (NursingCAS + Graduate School)
- Bellarmine requires active Kentucky or compact state nursing license specifically