Michigan has 5 accredited PMHNP programs in Grand Rapids, East Lansing, Saginaw, Spring Arbor, and Detroit, with tuition from $564 to $1,104 per credit (BSN-MSN, RN-MSN, BSN-DNP, and Certificate tracks; online and hybrid formats). Click any school name to view admission requirements, curriculum, clinical hours, tuition, and accreditation.
Michigan PMHNP Programs at a Glance
| School | Format | Cost Per Credit | Degrees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport University Grand Rapids | Online | $1,104 | BSN-MSN Certificate | Fully online speed |
| Michigan State University East Lansing | Hybrid | $937 | BSN-MSN BSN-DNP Certificate | Certification pass rates |
| Saginaw Valley State University Saginaw | Online | $800 | Certificate | Rural addictions care |
| Spring Arbor University Spring Arbor | Mostly Online | $797 | BSN-MSN RN-MSN Certificate | Faith-based flexibility |
| Wayne State University Detroit | Hybrid | $564 | BSN-MSN BSN-DNP Certificate | Lowest overall tuition |
Comparing PMHNP Programs in Michigan
Which Michigan PMHNP Program Fits Your Goals?
Wayne State University is the value option, offering Michigan’s lowest MSN tuition ($29,328) and lowest per-credit rate ($564), with clinical training centered on urban health and Detroit’s culturally diverse populations.
Saginaw Valley State University is the strongest choice for certificate seekers, with the most affordable fixed-cost certificate ($19,200), a unique substance use disorder and rural care focus, and $14,500 traineeship stipends that can cut costs by 85%.
Michigan State University delivers the strongest outcomes, pairing a top-tier research university with 100% first-time PMHNP certification pass rates in 2024 and comprehensive clinical placement assistance.
Davenport University is the best fit for personalized attention, with an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio, above-national-average board certification pass rates, and Michigan’s only 100% online format.
Spring Arbor University offers the most flexibility, with Christian worldview integration, the state’s only RN-to-MSN entry point for associate degree nurses, and certificate completion in as little as 18 months.
Michigan MSN PMHNP Programs
Four Michigan universities offer MSN PMHNP pathways.
- Wayne State has the lowest estimated tuition
- Davenport is the only 100% online option
- Spring Arbor is the only school with a direct RN-to-MSN entry for associate degree nurses
| School | Track | Total Cost | Credits | Cost/Credit | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport University | BSN-to-MSN | $51,888 | 47 | $1,104 | 2 years FT | 540 |
| Michigan State University | BSN-to-MSN | $50,613–$63,788 | 54 | $937.25+ | 2–3 years FT | 24 clinical credits |
| Spring Arbor University | BSN-to-MSN | $39,850 | 50 | ~$797 | ~2 years 5 months | 500 |
| Spring Arbor University | RN-to-MSN | $43,070–$65,354 | 82 | $525–$797 | ~4 years | 500 |
| Wayne State University | BSN-to-MSN | $29,328 | 52 | $564 | 2–3 years | 620 |
Highlights
- Lowest estimated MSN tuition: Wayne State University
- Only 100% online MSN: Davenport University
- Only RN-to-MSN pathway: Spring Arbor University
- Fastest completion: Davenport University (under 2 years full-time)
Michigan DNP PMHNP Programs
Two Michigan universities offer doctoral PMHNP pathways. Michigan State delivers a hybrid BSN-to-DNP with 100% first-time certification pass rates (2024), while Wayne State offers the lowest per-credit tuition of any Michigan PMHNP program.
| School | Track | Total Cost | Credits | Cost/Credit | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State University | BSN-to-DNP | $65,575–$82,688 | 70 | $937.25–$1,181.25 | 3–4 years FT | 30 clinical credits (hours not clearly stated) |
| Wayne State University | BSN-to-DNP / MSN-to-DNP | ~$45,684 * | 81 | $564 | Varies by entry point | 820 |
Wayne State publishes only the PMHNP specialty cost (~$16,380 for 29 specialty credits); the ~$45,684 figure is derived from 81 total credits at $564/credit (Michigan resident rate). Total varies by entry pathway.
Highlights
- Lowest estimated DNP tuition: Wayne State University
- 100% first-time PMHNP certification pass rate (2024): Michigan State University
- Longest DNP clinical immersion: Wayne State University (820 hours)
Michigan PMHNP Certificate Programs
All five Michigan universities offer post-master’s certificate pathways. Spring Arbor has the lowest potential tuition, Saginaw Valley features a unique addictions and rural care focus with stipends covering up to 85% of costs, and Wayne State delivers the lowest fixed per-credit rate.
| School | Total Cost | Credits | Cost/Credit | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport University | $41,952 | 38 | $1,104 | Flexible timeline | 540 |
| Michigan State University | $25,306–$31,894 | 27 | $937.25+ | ~18 months | 24 clinical credits |
| Saginaw Valley State University | $19,200 | 24 | $800 | 2 years | 540 |
| Spring Arbor University | $15,000–$32,000 | Gap analysis | $797 | 18–24 months | 250–625 |
| Wayne State University | $16,356 | 29 | $564 | Up to 3 years | 620 |
Highlights
- Lowest starting certificate cost: Spring Arbor University ($15,000, prerequisites dependent)
- Lowest fixed certificate cost: Wayne State University ($16,356)
- Addictions and rural care focus with traineeship stipends: Saginaw Valley State University
- Only 100% online certificate: Davenport University
Michigan PMHNP Program Summaries
Davenport University PMHNP Programs
Grand Rapids | $1,104 cpc | Certificate / BSN-MSN | Online
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 / BSN-MSN / MSN / DNP | Hybrid
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.
Post University PMHNP Programs
National | $604 cpc | BSN-MSN | Online
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
National | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / BSN-MSN / MSN / DNP | Online
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.
Saginaw Valley PMHNP Program
Saginaw | $800 cpc | Certificate | Online
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 | Certificate / RN-MSN / BSN-MSN | Mostly Online
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
National | $775 cpc | Certificate / BSN-MSN / BSN-DNP / MSN-DNP / DNP | Online
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 / BSN-MSN / MSN / DNP | Hybrid
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.
WGU PMHNP Programs
National | flat rate cpc | Certificate / BSN-MSN | Online
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
National | $751 cpc | Certificate / RN-MSN / BSN-MSN / BSN-DNP | Online
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I transfer clinical hours from a previous nurse practitioner program into a Michigan PMHNP certificate?
A: Yes, but it varies by school. Spring Arbor University allows up to 125 clinical hours to transfer for nurses with prior NP credentials, which can reduce their certificate requirement from 500 hours to as few as 250 hours. Other programs like Saginaw Valley State University require all 540 clinical hours to be completed within their program. Contact your intended program directly for their specific transfer policies.
Q: Are there financial incentives available specifically for PMHNP students in Michigan?
A: Yes. Saginaw Valley State University awards approximately $14,500 stipends annually to 31 students from rural Michigan, which reduces education costs by nearly 85%. Additionally, Michigan PMHNP programs qualify for federal loan forgiveness programs including the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and Nurse Corps, particularly for graduates who commit to serving in underserved areas.
Q: Do I need psychiatric nursing experience before starting clinical rotations?
A: Requirements vary significantly. Wayne State University requires one full-time year of RN experience specifically in psychiatric mental health settings before beginning clinical courses. However, most other Michigan programs like Davenport, Michigan State, and Spring Arbor do not mandate psychiatric nursing experience, though general RN experience (typically 1 year) is preferred or required.
Q: What makes Michigan State University’s PMHNP pass rates stand out?
A: Michigan State University achieved a 100% first-time pass rate for PMHNP certification in 2024, which exceeds typical national averages. This outcome is attributed to their curriculum balance of neuroscience, advanced psychopharmacology, psychological theory, and evidence-based practice, combined with comprehensive clinical placement support throughout the program.
Q: How does the clinical hour requirement differ between certificate, MSN, and DNP programs?
A: Clinical hours increase with degree level. Certificate and MSN programs typically require 500-620 hours (Saginaw Valley: 540; Wayne State MSN: 620; Spring Arbor: 500), while DNP programs require substantially more. Michigan State’s BSN-to-DNP requires 30 clinical credits embedded across five Clinical Diagnosis and Management courses, reflecting the terminal degree’s advanced practice expectations.