Louisiana offers 5 on-campus PMHNP programs alongside several national online options, with total program costs ranging from approximately $9,500 to $153,000 depending on residency status, program level, and institution.
Louisiana PMHNP Programs — Cost & Feature Snapshot
| School | Est. Cost Range | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Loyola University | MSN: $44K Certificate: $33K–$44K | – 49-credit MSN with 860+ supervised clinical hours – strong focus on social justice, population health, and psychopharmacology – individualized certificate plans based on a formal gap analysis |
| LSU Health | BSN–DNP: $88K | – 90-credit BSN-to-DNP with 1,080 practicum hours – trauma-informed, resilience-focused training – DNP scholarly project plus holistic admissions and HRSA stipend options |
| Southeastern Louisiana University | DNP: $37K MSN: $23K–$25K Certificate: ≈$10K | – flat $475/credit online rate with fall DNP cohort model – MSN and DNP tracks share a 600+ hour PMHNP clinical core – 510 clinical hours in the post-master’s certificate |
| UL Lafayette | MSN: $24K-$25K Certificate: $10K | – flat $480/credit online tuition with no out-of-state fees – 600+ MSN clinical hours and 510 certificate hours, all in Louisiana – NLN Center of Excellence with PMHNP grads posting 96%+ pass rates |
Louisiana PMHNP Programs at a Glance
Loyola University PMHNP Programs
New Orleans | $885 cpc | MSN
Loyola University New Orleans offers two PMHNP paths in a hybrid format that blends online coursework with annual on-campus intensives. The MSN totals 49 credits and an estimated $43,365, while the certificate ranges from 37–49 credits and $32,745–$43,365 based on a gap analysis. Both options include 800–860+ supervised clinical hours and prepare graduates for national PMHNP certification. ..read more.
LSU Health PMHNP Programs
New Orleans | $480 cpc | DNP
LSU Health New Orleans offers a BSN-to-DNP PMHNP that runs about three years full-time and totals 90 credits. The program is on-campus with DNP core classes held Monday–Saturday in six pre-scheduled sessions each semester, and practicum shifts can occur on weekdays, weekends, evenings, or nights. Estimated resident cost is about $87,570; nonresident cost is about $153,000. The curriculum follows AACN Essentials and NONPF standards and trains students to deliver psychotherapy and manage psychopharmacology across the lifespan...read more.
Southeastern Louisiana University PMHNP Programs
Hammond | $475 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Southeastern’s PMHNP tracks run fully online for coursework, with all clinicals completed in Louisiana. Programs align with the ICMSN consortium and include statistics, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, assessment, and three PMHNP practicum courses. Students progress through structured residencies or clinical rotations that build diagnosis, therapy, and leadership skills for practice...read more.
UL Lafayette PMHNP Programs
Lafayette | $480 cpc | Certificate / MSN
UL Lafayette delivers 100% online PMHNP pathways through the ICMSN consortium, with all clinicals completed in Louisiana. Students pay a flat $480 per credit with no out-of-state surcharge, and the nursing school holds NLN Center of Excellence status with certification pass rates above 96%. Graduates train to assess, diagnose, and manage psychiatric conditions across the lifespan in hospital, clinic, and community settings. ..read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
For Louisiana nurses, Walden University offers fully online, CCNE-accredited PMHNP programs ranging from the MSN-PMHNP to the BSN-to-DNP and Post-Master’s Certificate, allowing seamless advancement while continuing to work. Walden’s Practicum Pledge ensures Louisiana students receive dedicated assistance securing preceptors and clinical sites across the state, including in rural parishes where mental health providers are critically needed. The curriculum emphasizes psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and care across the lifespan, equipping graduates to address Louisiana’s high rates of depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders.
Chamberlain MSN PMHNP Program
online | $735 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Chamberlain University’s CCNE-accredited PMHNP pathways—an MSN (~2.5 years) and a Graduate Certificate (~1.5 years)—are delivered 100% online and paired with 650 supervised practicum hours, supported by Chamberlain’s Practicum Commitment. In Louisiana, the New Orleans campus serves as a convenient hub for student services, skills support, and connections to regional clinical partners. The curriculum spans advanced pathophysiology, psychopharmacology, psychiatric assessment/diagnosis, and psychotherapy, with two required in-person immersions to solidify hands-on readiness. Designed for working RNs, the program offers tech-forward learning, dedicated faculty mentorship, and broad financial-assistance options.
Choosing the Best PMHNP Program for You in Louisiana
TL;DR: Quick Program Selection Guide
Choose Southeastern Louisiana University if you want the most affordable Post-Master’s Certificate ($9,500) or MSN program ($22,800–$24,225) with in-state options.
Choose University of Louisiana at Lafayette if you want consistent flat-rate tuition ($480/credit) with no out-of-state fees and NLN Center of Excellence designation.
Choose LSU Health if you want the most comprehensive DNP program (1,080 clinical hours) with HRSA grant opportunities for third-year students.
Choose Loyola University if you need flexible Post-Master’s options with individualized gap analysis (37–49 credits based on prior coursework).
Choose Chamberlain University if you want a national online program with the Practicum Commitment guarantee and 90%+ financial aid participation.
Choose Walden University if you need the Practicum Pledge support and prefer quarter-based scheduling with multiple entry points.
Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate Programs
Louisiana offers four Post-Master’s Certificate options for nurses already holding an MSN and seeking PMHNP specialization.
Cost and Duration Overview
Most Affordable: Southeastern Louisiana University at $9,500 (20 credits, 1.5 years, 510 clinical hours)
Quickest Completion: Southeastern Louisiana University (4 semesters with year-round scheduling)
Cost Range: $9,500–$43,365
| School | Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeastern LA | $9,500 | 1.5 years | 510 clinical hrs |
| UL Lafayette | $9,600 | 1–1.5 years | 510 clinical hrs |
| Chamberlain | $25,725 | 1.5 years | 650 clinical hrs |
| Loyola | $32,745–$43,365 | 1.5–2.5 years | 800–860 clinical hrs |
| Walden | $35,225 | Varies | 640 clinical hrs |
Program Summaries
Southeastern Louisiana University delivers the most affordable certificate at $475/credit with 100% online didactic courses and Louisiana-based clinical placements. Requires current Advanced Practice licensure and national NP certification in another specialty.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers flat-rate tuition ($480/credit) through the ICMSN consortium with no out-of-state fees. All clinical hours completed in Louisiana; requires existing NP certification.
Chamberlain University provides national online access with the Practicum Commitment guarantee, ensuring preceptor support. Requires two in-person immersion visits.
Loyola University conducts individualized gap analysis to determine credit requirements (37–49 credits), potentially reducing costs and time for students with relevant prior coursework at $885/credit.
Walden University includes the Practicum Pledge and virtual skills lab, with quarter-based scheduling offering flexible entry points. Cost reflects scholarship pricing.
MSN PMHNP Programs
Louisiana offers four MSN PMHNP programs for BSN-prepared nurses seeking master’s-level psychiatric mental health training.
Cost and Duration Overview
Most Affordable: Southeastern Louisiana University at $22,800–$24,225 (48–51 credits, 2–2.5 years)
Quickest Completion: All programs require approximately 2–2.5 years full-time
Cost Range: $22,800–$44,705
| School | Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeastern LA | $22,800–$24,225 | 2–2.5 years | 600 clinical hrs |
| UL Lafayette | $23,040–$24,480 | 2–2.5 years | 600 clinical hrs |
| Chamberlain | $33,075 | 2.5 years | 650 clinical hrs |
| Loyola | $43,365 | 2.5–3 years | 860 clinical hrs |
| Walden | $44,705 | 2.5 years | 640 clinical hrs |
Program Summaries
Southeastern Louisiana University delivers the most cost-effective MSN at $475/credit (48–51 credits) with thesis or scholarly project options. All clinical rotations completed in Louisiana under approved preceptors.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette maintains flat-rate online tuition ($480/credit) through the ICMSN consortium, recognized as an NLN Center of Excellence with 96%+ certification exam pass rates.
Chamberlain University provides CCNE-accredited online education with dedicated preceptor support through the Practicum Commitment guarantee. Over 90% of students receive financial assistance.
Loyola University requires the highest clinical hours (860) at $885/credit for 49 credits, preparing students for comprehensive psychiatric care across diverse settings with Louisiana or multistate licensure required by second semester.
Walden University offers 63 quarter credits with the Practicum Pledge, ensuring field placement support if students cannot independently secure preceptors. Features virtual skills lab for practicum preparation.
DNP PMHNP Programs
Louisiana offers three DNP PMHNP programs for nurses seeking doctoral-level psychiatric mental health preparation.
Cost and Duration Overview
Most Affordable (Residents): Southeastern Louisiana University BSN to DNP at $36,100 (76 credits, 3–3.5 years)
Quickest Completion: All BSN to DNP programs require approximately 3–3.5 years full-time
Cost Range: $36,100–$153,000 (varies significantly by residency status)
| School | Program Type | Resident Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeastern LA | BSN to DNP | $36,100 | 3–3.5 years |
| LSU Health | BSN to DNP | $87,570 | 3 years |
| Walden | BSN to DNP | $74,405* | 3.25 years |
| Walden | MSN to DNP | $69,225* | 3 years |
*After Believe & Achieve Scholarship
Program Summaries
Southeastern Louisiana University delivers the most affordable DNP for Louisiana residents at $475/credit for 76 credits. Students may opt to complete MSN requirements midway through the program. Includes scholarly project with 90 practicum hours per residency course.
LSU Health Sciences Center provides the most comprehensive clinical preparation with 1,080 practicum hours across 90 credits. Based on AACN Essentials (2021) and NONPF competencies, emphasizing holistic, trauma-informed care. HRSA grant stipends available for qualified third-year students (covers living expenses, not tuition). Louisiana residents pay $973/credit; non-residents pay $1,700/credit.
Walden University offers both BSN to DNP (95 quarter credits) and MSN to DNP (85 quarter credits) tracks with consistent national pricing. Requires minimum 1,000 post-BSN practicum hours with 400 at doctoral level. Features the Practicum Pledge and virtual skills lab with no geographic restrictions on clinical placements.
Louisiana On-Campus vs. National Online Programs
Louisiana-Based Programs (5 Schools)
The following programs maintain a physical presence in Louisiana with in-state clinical requirements:
- Southeastern Louisiana University – Hammond, LA (MSN, DNP, Post-Master’s Certificate; all clinicals in Louisiana)
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette – Lafayette, LA (MSN, Post-Master’s Certificate; ICMSN consortium; all clinicals in Louisiana)
- LSU Health Sciences Center – New Orleans, LA (BSN to DNP; community-based clinical sites throughout Louisiana)
- Loyola University – New Orleans, LA (MSN, Post-Master’s Certificate; Louisiana or multistate license required)
These programs typically offer lower tuition for Louisiana residents, require Louisiana RN licensure (or multistate compact), and provide clinical placements within the state. They maintain CCNE accreditation and Louisiana State Board of Nursing approval.
National Online Programs (2 Schools)
These programs accept students nationwide with flexible clinical placement options:
- Chamberlain University – National online university with Practicum Commitment guarantee, two required in-person immersion visits, and consistent tuition regardless of location ($735/credit for NP courses)
- Walden University – National online university with Practicum Pledge field placement support, no geographic restrictions on clinical sites, and quarter-based scheduling for multiple annual entry points
National programs charge the same tuition for all students regardless of state residency and typically provide more extensive preceptor placement support, but may have higher overall costs than in-state public university options.