Michigan offers 5 on-campus PMHNP programs and access to multiple national online programs. Total program costs range from $15,000 to $82,688 depending on entry point, with certificate programs starting around $15,000-$41,952,
MSN programs ranging from $29,328-$51,888, and DNP programs costing $65,575-$82,688.
Davenport University PMHNP Programs
Grand Rapids | $1,104 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Davenport University offers two 100% online PMHNP tracks through its Global Campus: an MSN and a Post-Graduate Certificate. The MSN can be finished in under two years full-time, while the certificate follows a flexible pace for working nurses. Small 18:1 classes, experienced NP faculty, and above-average ANCC PMHNP pass rates support strong outcomes. ..read more.
Michigan State University PMHNP Programs
East Lansing | $937.25 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Hybrid MSU PMHNP programs blend online coursework with limited on-campus sessions and coordinated clinical placements across the lifespan. The curriculum emphasizes neuroscience, advanced psychopharmacology, therapeutic interventions, and evidence-based practice; the certificate adds a gap analysis to tailor required courses. Outcomes are strong—PMHNP graduates achieved a 100% first-time certification pass rate in 2024. ..read more.
Saginaw Valley PMHNP Program
Saginaw | $800 cpc | Certificate
Saginaw Valley State University offers a 100% online Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate with 24 credits and 540 clinical hours, completed in four part-time semesters. The program focuses on substance use disorders and rural care, uses Project ECHO telementoring, and offers optional on-campus skills labs with community members in recovery. Estimated tuition is about $19,200, with diverse clinical placements plus rural traineeship stipends and loan-forgiveness options...read more.
Spring Arbor University PMHNP Programs
Spring Arbor | $797 cpc | MSN / RN to MSN
Spring Arbor University offers three PMHNP pathways—BSN-to-MSN, RN-to-MSN, and a Post-Master’s Certificate—with fully online, asynchronous courses using a 7-1-7 cadence and one four-day campus residency. The BSN-MSN costs about $39,850 (~2 years 5 months), the RN-MSN runs $43,070–$65,354 (~4 years), and the certificate costs $15,000–$32,000 (~18–24 months). Programs emphasize Christian worldview integration, small cohorts, and 500 clinical hours to prepare graduates for PMHNP certification...read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Walden University offers Michigan nurses a suite of online PMHNP pathways—MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate—accredited by CCNE and designed for maximum flexibility. Walden supports Michigan students with practicum placement assistance and virtual skills training to ensure clinical preparedness across diverse settings, from Detroit to rural communities. Graduates are well-positioned to obtain national certification and take on advanced psychiatric care roles across the state.
Wayne State PMHNP Programs
Detroit | $564 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Wayne State University offers MSN, DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate PMHNP tracks with full-time and part-time options and some synchronous distance learning. The curriculum covers assessment, psychopharmacology, crisis care, and therapy with individuals, groups, and families, with 620 clinical hours in the MSN and certificate and 820 in the DNP. Applicants need a BSN, Michigan RN license, and one year of full-time psychiatric RN experience before clinicals...read more.
Chamberlain MSN PMHNP Program
online | $735 cpc | Certificate / MSN
The CCNE-accredited Chamberlain MSN PMHNP program is a 100% online pathway requiring students to complete 650 supervised practicum hours and attend two mandatory in-person visits for intensive experiences. The Troy, Michigan campus is one of the locations where students can fulfill their required on-campus lab and intensive sessions, providing a local option for the required in-person component. Students can finish the full MSN (45 credit hours) in about 2.5 years, or the Graduate Certificate (35 credit hours) in 1.5 years.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
The MSN-PMHNP program at Post University delivers psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner education through 18-21 core credits and 33 specialization credits distributed across approximately 3 years at around $30,000-$31,000 total cost. Clinical training totals 630 hours completed through five preceptorship experience courses (135 hours each for four courses, 90 hours for specialty), translating classroom learning to real-world mental health settings with individualized precepted experiences. Graduates prepare to sit for the ANCC PMHNP certification examination upon completion of the practice-focused curriculum covering assessment, diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and interventions across the lifespan.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Purdue Global's PMHNP programs are authorized in Michigan, offering three online pathways: a Postgraduate Certificate (1.5 years, $20,160), MSN with PMHNP Population Focus Area (2 years, $32,760), and MSN-DNP bridge program for doctoral advancement. Michigan nurses complete immersive clinical experiences with qualified preceptors in local settings, with all programs featuring virtual reality assignments for telehealth and group therapy training accredited by CCNE. Graduates are prepared to deliver comprehensive psychiatric mental health care across Michigan's diverse healthcare landscape, from urban hospitals to rural community mental health centers.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks at WGU blend advanced online coursework with dedicated mentorship for personalized academic support from a Program Mentor and specialized Course Instructors. Students choose between the full MSN or the Certificate, which targets those with a prior master's degree in nursing, to specialize in mental health care across the lifespan. The university's flat-rate tuition, about $7,000 per six-month term, incentivizes faster progress through its competency units to lower the total program cost.
Wilkes University PMHNP Programs
online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN
Michigan nurses can advance into psychiatric-mental health roles through Wilkes University’s online MSN, PMHNP certificate, and DNP tracks without leaving their local communities. The university’s clinical placement team helps Michigan students find nearby preceptors and sites, reducing the burden of arranging psychiatric rotations independently. Focused training in diagnostic reasoning, psychopharmacology, and therapeutic modalities supports graduates in serving diverse urban and rural populations throughout Michigan.
How to Choose the Best PMHNP Program for You in Michigan
TLDR: Quick School Selection Guide
Choose Saginaw Valley State University if you want the most affordable certificate program ($19,200) with a unique focus on substance use disorders and rural community care, plus potential for an $14,500 stipend that reduces costs by 85%.
Choose Wayne State University if you want the most affordable MSN program ($29,328) with strong emphasis on urban health and culturally diverse populations in Detroit.
Choose Davenport University if you want exceptional student-to-faculty ratio (18:1) with higher-than-national-average board certification pass rates and personalized attention.
Choose Michigan State University if you want a top-tier research university with 100% first-time certification pass rates in 2024 and comprehensive clinical placement assistance.
Choose Spring Arbor University if you want Christian worldview integration with flexible entry points including RN-to-MSN pathways and fastest certificate completion (18 months).
Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate Programs
Certificate programs serve nurses who already hold master’s or doctoral degrees and want to add PMHNP specialization. Duration ranges from 18-36 months with costs from $15,000-$41,952.
Most Affordable Certificate: Saginaw Valley State University
Saginaw Valley State University offers the lowest-cost certificate at $19,200 (24 credits × $800/credit) over 4 semesters part-time. The program features unique substance use disorder focus with Project ECHO telementoring for rural practitioners. Students complete 540 clinical hours across three rotations (adult/gero, child/family, addictions). SVSU awards approximately $14,500 stipends to 31 students from rural Michigan annually, reducing education costs by nearly 85%. The program qualifies for multiple federal loan forgiveness programs including NHSC and Nurse Corps.
Quickest Certificate: Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor University offers the fastest completion at 18 months with costs ranging $15,000-$32,000 (depending on prerequisites). The 250-625 clinical hour requirement varies based on NP vs. non-NP background, with maximum 125 hours transferable. The program integrates Christian worldview perspectives and requires four-day campus residency for skills practice.
Certificate Program Comparison
Wayne State University: $16,356 (29 credits × $564/credit), up to 3 years, 620 clinical hours. Emphasizes urban health challenges with specialized areas including addictions, eating/sleep disorders, HIV/AIDS, and violence. Requires one full-time year of psychiatric RN experience before clinical courses.
Davenport University: $41,952 (38 credits × $1,104/credit), flexible timeline. Includes 12 clinical credits across three progressive courses with virtual simulation support through Health Assessment Lab. Michigan Health & Hospital Association members receive 20% tuition discount.
Michigan State University: $25,306-$31,894 (27 credits), approximately 18 months. Requires gap analysis for Advanced Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment, and Pharmacology. Achieved 100% first-time pass rate for PMHNP certification in 2024. 24 clinical credits embedded in four courses.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) PMHNP Programs
MSN programs serve BSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced practice certification. Duration ranges from 2-3 years with costs from $29,328-$51,888.
Most Affordable MSN: Wayne State University
Wayne State University offers the most affordable MSN at $29,328 (52 credits × $564/credit) over 2-3 years. The program requires 620 clinical hours across four semesters and emphasizes culturally diverse populations with focus on urban health challenges. Students must complete one full-time year of RN experience in psychiatric mental health settings before starting clinical courses. Clinical sites include diverse psychiatric settings with qualified preceptors.
Quickest MSN: Davenport University
Davenport University offers the fastest completion at under 2 years full-time with cost of $51,888 (47 credits × $1,104/credit). The 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio provides personalized attention from practicing nurse practitioners. Graduates pass ANCC board certification at rates higher than national average. Clinical hours completed across three progressive courses (180 hours each) in diverse psychiatric settings.
MSN Program Comparison
Michigan State University: $50,613-$63,788 (54 credits), 2-3 years full-time. Achieved 100% first-time pass rates for PMHNP certification in 2024. Features unique balance of neuroscience, advanced psychopharmacology, psychological theory, and evidence-based practice. MSU assists with clinical placements. 24 clinical credits embedded in four Clinical Diagnosis and Management courses.
Spring Arbor University: $39,850 (50 credits), 2 years 5 months full-time. Integrates Christian worldview with nursing science concepts. 500 supervised clinical hours with complimentary clinical placement support. Features one four-day on-campus residency for hands-on skills practice and competency demonstration.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) PMHNP Programs
DNP programs offer terminal degrees for advanced practice nurses seeking highest level of clinical preparation. Available as BSN-to-DNP or MSN-to-DNP pathways.
DNP Program Options
Michigan State University offers the only state-based DNP-PMHNP program:
- BSN to DNP: $65,575-$82,688 (70 credits), 3-4 years full-time
- MSN to DNP: Contact school for specific DNP core coursework costs
The BSN-to-DNP requires 70 total credits (28 DNP core + 42 PMHNP concentration) with 30 clinical credits embedded in five Clinical Diagnosis and Management courses. MSU provides clinical placement assistance and achieved 100% first-time pass rates for PMHNP certification in 2024. Students complete DNP projects addressing healthcare outcomes through evidence-based data and technology. Adult-Gerontology CNS and Nurse Practitioner students may be granted MSN after completing master-level requirements before continuing to DNP completion.
Michigan-Based Programs vs. National Online Programs
Michigan-Based Programs (On-Campus Presence)
Five schools maintain physical campuses in Michigan with local faculty, on-campus components, and regional clinical networks:
Davenport University (Grand Rapids): MSN $51,888, Certificate $41,952. Features 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio with practicing nurse practitioners. Clinical placements in diverse Michigan psychiatric settings including behavioral health clinics and community mental health centers. CCNE accredited through 2027.
Michigan State University (East Lansing): MSN $50,613-$63,788, DNP $65,575-$82,688, Certificate $25,306-$31,894. Top-tier research university ranked 63rd among Best Public Universities. 100% first-time pass rates for PMHNP certification in 2024. Comprehensive clinical placement assistance.
Saginaw Valley State University (Saginaw): Certificate $19,200. Unique substance use disorder focus with Project ECHO telementoring. Awards $14,500 stipends to 31 students annually from rural Michigan. Recorded lectures downloadable for offline viewing. Optional on-campus skills training with community members in recovery for realistic simulations.
Spring Arbor University (Spring Arbor): BSN-MSN $39,850, RN-MSN $43,070-$65,354, Certificate $15,000-$32,000. Christian worldview integration with one four-day campus residency for hands-on skills practice. Serves students regardless of personal faith background.
Wayne State University (Detroit): MSN $29,328, Certificate $16,356. Emphasizes culturally diverse populations and urban health challenges. Specializes in addictions, eating/sleep disorders, gender issues, HIV/AIDS, major psychiatric illnesses, and violence. Requires one full-time year of psychiatric RN experience before clinical courses.
National Online Programs
Several CCNE-accredited national programs accept Michigan residents with fully online coursework and flexible clinical arrangements:
Chamberlain University: MSN $33,075, Certificate $25,725. Over 90% of students receive financial assistance. Practicum Commitment guarantee provides dedicated preceptor support. 650 practicum hours with two in-person visits for immersion experiences. NP courses $735/credit, non-NP courses $720/credit.
Post University: MSN $30,198-$30,794.25 over 34 months. 630 clinical hours across five preceptorship experiences. All NP courses taken one at a time (8 weeks each). MSN core courses $588/credit, NP courses $603.75/credit. Students must pass APEA 3P Exam before progressing.
Purdue Global: MSN $32,760, Certificate $20,160, MSN-DNP $32,760 (MSN portion). All programs run online with CCNE accreditation. Graduate tuition $420/quarter credit for master’s programs. Clinical experiences completed at convenient locations or student’s workplace.
Walden University: MSN $44,705, BSN-DNP $74,405, MSN-DNP $69,225, Certificate $35,225 (after Believe & Achieve Scholarship). Walden Practicum Pledge commits Field Placement Team to partner with students to find preceptor sites. Virtual skills lab provides interactive assessments and faculty guidance.
Western Governors University: MSN $35,775, Certificate $21,465. Competency-based education model allows acceleration through known material. Flat-rate tuition $6,955 per six-month term enables unlimited course completion per term. 650 clinical hours (750 for Kansas licensure). Dedicated Program Mentor provides regular guidance from enrollment through graduation.
Wilkes University: MSN $31,542, Certificate $21,779, DNP ~$31,680. Complimentary clinical placement support built into tuition. 95.4% PMHNP certification exam pass rate in 2023 (vs. 90% national average). All courses 12 weeks delivered online. 500 clinical hours distributed across two practicum courses.
Key Differences
Michigan-Based Programs offer local faculty relationships, regional clinical networks familiar with Michigan practice requirements, on-campus residencies for hands-on skills practice, and established preceptor relationships within Michigan healthcare systems. They provide direct understanding of Michigan Board of Nursing requirements and local licensure processes.
National Online Programs offer greater scheduling flexibility, no campus visits required (except some residencies), ability to complete clinical hours in home communities nationwide, and often lower tuition costs. However, students must navigate state-specific licensure requirements independently and may face restrictions in certain states.
All programs require Michigan RN licensure or ability to obtain it before clinical courses begin. Students should verify state authorization status and clinical availability in their geographic area before applying.