Maine offers 4 PMHNP programs with campus presence in the state, plus access to national online programs.
Total program costs range from $21,500 to $45,494 depending on degree level and institution.
Husson University PMHNP Programs
Bangor | $682 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Husson University offers two CCNE-accredited Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks delivered 100% online with virtual clinical orientation and both synchronous and asynchronous learning formats. Both the MSN and Post-Master's Certificate programs require 51 credits and 600 clinical hours across three Family Psychiatric Nursing courses, preparing graduates to deliver mental health care across the lifespan with a biopsychosocial orientation. Husson's graduate nursing students achieve a 95% passage rate on national certification exams and receive free 24/7 tutoring and mental health support, with graduates eligible to sit for the ANCC Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination...read more.
UMFK PMHNP Programs
Fort Kent | $500 cpc | Certificate / MSN
UMFK’s CCNE-accredited PMHNP options feature $500/credit tuition with no extra fees and flexible pacing. The 43-credit MSN prepares nurses for lifespan psychiatric care through theory, psychotherapy, and three practicum courses; accelerated students can finish in about 15 months. The Post-Master’s Certificate offers the same PMHNP clinical core with possible course waivers for practicing NPs, allowing a shorter path to certification...read more.
University of New England PMHNP Programs
Portland | $989 cpc | Certificate / MSN
UNE’s PMHNP programs blend neuroscience-informed coursework with psychopharmacology, diagnostic reasoning, and therapeutic modalities across the lifespan. Students complete 780 supervised clinical hours with placement support and a focused, two-day simulation immersion for skills validation. The online format (with fall or spring starts) features small classes, dedicated mentoring, and optional scholarships for nurses who plan to practice in Maine...read more.
University of Southern Maine PMHNP Programs
Portland | $574 cpc | MSN
The University of Southern Maine offers a CCNE-accredited Master of Science in Nursing with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (across the lifespan) specialization delivered in-person on the Portland campus with state-of-the-art simulation labs and engaged faculty who are active in state and national research and policy. The 50-credit program requires 600 clinical hours across three clinical semesters (distributed as 150, 75, 200, and 175 hours) in diverse specialty areas including family practice, cardiology, women's health, and pediatrics, preparing graduates with skills in therapeutic interventions and medication management across the lifespan. Graduates routinely pass national certification exams above the national average and are eligible to sit for AANP and/or ANCC certification, with over 150 graduate assistantships available along with scholarships, fellowships, and the NEBHE Tuition Break Program for New England residents...read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Maine nurses can pursue Walden University’s entirely online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs (MSN, DNP, or Post-Master’s Certificate tracks) while maintaining their practice in one of the nation’s most rural states. Through the Practicum Pledge and a robust virtual skills lab, Walden guarantees placement support for the required clinical hours at sites throughout Maine, from Portland to Aroostook County. These programs prepare graduates to deliver much-needed psychiatric care to Maine’s aging population and veterans, helping to close the mental health provider gap in the Pine Tree State.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
Post University’s American Sentinel College offers a practice-focused MSN–PMHNP that blends 36 didactic credits with 15 clinical credits for 630 hours of direct care. Courses run in 8-week blocks with monthly intakes, so you keep momentum without overload. The specialization spans 51–54 credits and typically completes in 34 months, with total tuition just over $30k (rounding up to ~$31,000).
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
WGU offers two 100% online PMHNP tracks that use competency-based progress, not credit hours. Students complete 650 local clinical hours, and work one-to-one with a Program Mentor. Flat-rate tuition per six-month term lets faster progress lower total cost; the MSN requires at least 2.5 years, and the certificate at least 1.5 years. ..read more.
Wilkes University PMHNP Programs
online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN
In Maine, Wilkes University’s fully online PMHNP tracks allow RNs and APRNs to progress from MSN through certificate or DNP training using 12‑week courses and multiple start dates each year. Maine students benefit from structured clinical placement support that assists with locating mental health sites and preceptors, even in more rural regions. The programs’ focus on culturally diverse, rural, and underserved groups aligns well with mental health needs across Maine’s communities.
How to Choose the Best PMHNP Program for You in Maine
TLDR: Quick Program Selection Guide
Choose University of Maine Fort Kent if you want the most affordable option with the fastest completion time (15 months minimum, $21,500 for MSN).
Choose Husson University if you want accelerated MSN options (24-month track available) with strong certification pass rates (95%) and comprehensive student support including free 24/7 tutoring.
Choose University of New England if you prioritize clinical placement support, small class sizes, and faculty mentorship with active clinical backgrounds.
Choose University of Southern Maine if you’re a Maine resident seeking in-state tuition rates ($574/credit) with flexible part-time study options.
Choose Post University if you prefer an online-only program with 8-week course structures and aren’t located in restricted states.
Choose Walden University if you want the Practicum Pledge guarantee for clinical placement assistance and multiple degree pathway options (BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP).
Choose WGU if you want competency-based education that allows self-paced acceleration with flat-rate tuition ($6,955 per 6-month term).
Choose Wilkes University if you want complimentary clinical placement support with above-average placement rates and exceptional PMHNP certification pass rates (95.4%).
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Post-Master’s PMHNP certificates in Maine range from $15,000 to $35,225, with completion times from 1-2.5 years.
Most Affordable Certificate: UMFK ($15,000-$21,500)
University of Maine Fort Kent offers the lowest-cost certificate at $15,000-$21,500 depending on prior coursework. Practicing NPs who completed the “3 P’s” (pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment) can waive core courses. The program requires 18-31 credits completed in 1-1.5 years with straightforward $500/credit pricing and no additional fees.
Fastest Certificate: UMFK (1 year minimum)
UMFK’s certificate can be completed in as little as 1 year for practicing NPs with prior coursework, making it the quickest path to PMHNP certification in Maine.
Certificate Program Comparison
| School | Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UMFK | $15,000-$21,500 | 1-1.5 years | 9 clinical credits | Core courses may be waived for practicing NPs; most affordable |
| Husson | $34,782 | 2-2.5 years | 600 hours | Same curriculum as MSN; free tutoring/mental health support |
| UNE | $27,692 | 2 years | 780 hours | Dedicated clinical placement team; small class sizes |
| Post University | $35,225 | Varies | 630 hours | 8-week courses; online only; 43 quarter credits |
| Walden | $35,225 | Varies | 640 hours | Practicum Pledge; 43 quarter credits |
| Wilkes | $21,779 | 1.67 years | 500 hours | Complimentary clinical placement; 95.4% pass rate |
Certificate Summary: UMFK provides the best value for practicing NPs seeking additional PMHNP certification, particularly those who can waive core courses. Wilkes offers strong clinical placement support at a mid-range price point with exceptional certification pass rates.
MSN-PMHNP Programs
MSN-PMHNP programs in Maine range from $21,500 to $45,494, with completion times from 1.25-3 years.
Most Affordable MSN: UMFK ($21,500)
University of Maine Fort Kent offers the lowest MSN tuition at $21,500 for 43 credits with no additional fees beyond the $500/credit rate. The accelerated format allows completion in as few as 15 months.
Fastest MSN: UMFK (15 months)
UMFK’s accelerated 15-month track (1.25 years) enables students taking 12 credits per semester to complete the program fastest, using 7-week course structures.
MSN Program Comparison
| School | Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours | Credits | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UMFK | $21,500 | 15+ months | 9 clinical credits | 43 | Most affordable; fastest option; $500/credit |
| Husson | $34,782 | 24-30 months | 600 hours | 51 | 95% certification pass rate; 24-month accelerated track |
| USM | $28,700* | 3 years full-time | 600 hours | 50 | In-state tuition; part-time options; NEBHE rates available |
| UNE | $45,494 | 2 years | 780 hours | 46 | Clinical placement team; faculty mentorship; scholarships |
| Post University | $30,198-$30,794 | 34 months | 630 hours | 51-54 | 8-week courses; online only; 15-18 NP role credits |
| Walden | $44,705† | 2.5 years | 640 hours | 63 qtr credits | Practicum Pledge; online; flexible start dates |
| WGU | $35,775‡ | 2.5+ years | 650 hours | 51 competency units | Competency-based; flat-rate tuition; unlimited courses/term |
| Wilkes | $31,542 | 2.3 years | 500 hours | 42 | Complimentary clinical placement; 95.4% pass rate |
*In-state rate; *†After Believe & Achieve Scholarship; ‡Minimum 2.5 years due to clinical requirements
MSN Summary: UMFK delivers the most affordable and fastest MSN program for Maine students. In-state students should strongly consider USM for competitive tuition rates with flexible study options. Husson and Wilkes offer strong middle-ground options with exceptional certification pass rates and clinical placement support.
DNP-PMHNP Programs
DNP-PMHNP programs range from approximately $31,680 to $74,405 depending on entry point (BSN to DNP vs. MSN to DNP).
DNP Program Options
| School | Program Track | Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilkes | DNP | ~$31,680* | 2-3 years | 1,000 minimum | Individualized plan; complimentary placement |
| Walden | MSN to DNP | $69,225† | 3 years | 1,000 minimum (400 DNP-level) | Practicum Pledge; 85 quarter credits |
| Walden | BSN to DNP | $74,405† | 3.25 years | 1,000 minimum | Direct entry doctoral pathway; comprehensive |
Cost varies based on transfer credits; †After Believe & Achieve Scholarship
DNP Summary: Wilkes offers the most cost-effective DNP option with individualized curriculum planning. Walden provides structured DNP pathways with clinical placement guarantees through their Practicum Pledge, making them ideal for students concerned about securing preceptorships.
Maine-Based vs. National Online Programs
Maine Campus-Based Programs (4 schools)
University of Maine Fort Kent (Fort Kent)
- MSN: $21,500 | 15+ months | 43 credits
- Certificate: $15,000-$21,500 | 1-1.5 years
- Benefits: Most affordable; fastest completion; simple pricing structure
- Note: 7-week courses; no additional fees
Husson University (Bangor)
- MSN: $34,782 | 24-30 months | 51 credits
- Certificate: $34,782 | 2-2.5 years
- Benefits: 95% certification pass rate; free 24/7 tutoring; accelerated 24-month track
- Note: 15-week courses; strong student support services
University of New England (Portland)
- MSN: $45,494 | 2 years | 46 credits
- Certificate: $27,692 | 2 years
- Benefits: Dedicated clinical placement team; small classes; active faculty mentorship
- Note: 780 clinical hours; mandatory 2-day campus immersion; Maine practice scholarships available
University of Southern Maine (Portland)
- MSN: $28,700 (in-state) | 3 years full-time | 50 credits
- Benefits: In-state tuition ($574/credit); part-time options; NEBHE Tuition Break for New England residents
- Note: 600 clinical hours; 150+ graduate assistantships available
National Online Programs (4 schools)
- MSN: $30,198-$30,794 | 34 months | 51-54 credits
- Certificate: $34,782 | 51 credits
- Benefits: 8-week courses; multiple start dates; American Sentinel College of Nursing
- Restrictions: Not available in 12 states/territories including DC, NY, CA
- MSN: $44,705 | 2.5 years | 63 quarter credits
- BSN to DNP: $74,405 | 3.25 years | 95 quarter credits
- MSN to DNP: $69,225 | 3 years | 85 quarter credits
- Certificate: $35,225 | 43 quarter credits
- Benefits: Practicum Pledge (guaranteed clinical placement support); CCNE accredited; flexible pathways
- Note: Costs reflect Believe & Achieve Scholarship
- MSN: $35,775 | 2.5+ years minimum | 51 competency units
- Certificate: $21,465 | 1.5+ years | 33 competency units
- Benefits: Competency-based education; flat-rate tuition ($6,955/6-month term); self-paced acceleration; dedicated Program Mentor
- Restrictions: Not available in CA, DC, LA, NY, ND, WA
- Note: Highly competitive admissions; minimum completion time due to clinical requirements
- MSN: $31,542 | 2.3 years | 42 credits
- Certificate: $21,779 | 1.67 years | 29 credits
- DNP: ~$31,680 | 2-3 years
- Benefits: Complimentary clinical placement support; 95.4% certification pass rate (vs. 90% national); above-average placement rates
- Note: 12-week courses; $751/credit
Key Decision Factors
Choose Maine-based programs if you:
- Qualify for in-state tuition (USM: $574/credit)
- Want campus connection and local networking
- Prefer regional clinical placement support
- Are eligible for Maine-specific scholarships (UNE offers up to $15,000 for rural Maine service commitment)
Choose national online programs if you:
- Need maximum scheduling flexibility
- Want guaranteed clinical placement assistance (Walden’s Practicum Pledge, Wilkes’ complimentary support)
- Prefer competency-based education (WGU)
- Seek comprehensive DNP pathways with structured support
Budget-Conscious Students: UMFK offers unmatched value at $21,500 for MSN and $15,000-$21,500 for certificates with the fastest completion times.
Maine Residents: USM provides competitive in-state rates ($28,700 total) with part-time flexibility and 150+ graduate assistantship opportunities.
Clinical Placement Concerns: Walden (Practicum Pledge), UNE (dedicated placement team), and Wilkes (complimentary support with 95.4% pass rates) offer the strongest placement assistance.
Fastest Path: UMFK’s 15-month accelerated MSN track or 1-year certificate (for practicing NPs) provides the quickest route to PMHNP practice.