Minnesota offers a small but diverse mix of campus-based and online PMHNP options, with program lengths typically ranging from about 1.5 to 3 years full time depending on pathway and degree level.
Tuition across in-state and national programs spans roughly $21,465 to $88,000, giving Minnesota nurses choices from highly affordable certificates to comprehensive DNP tracks at flagship universities.
| School | Est. Cost Range | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| St. Catherine University | BSN-DNP: ≈ $81.6K Certificate: ≈ $28.8K | – social justice and holistic care focus. – about 810 coordinated clinical hours with placement support included – hybrid format with weekly on-campus days |
| University of Minnesota | DNP: ≈ $88K Certificate: ≈ $36.5K | – hybrid DNP-PMHNP and postgraduate certificate – 1,000 clinical hours arranged by the school. – high certification pass rates |
Additionally, national online programs like Post University, Purdue Global, Walden University, and WGU serve Minnesota residents. Total program costs range from approximately $21,465 to $88,000 depending on degree level and institution.
List of Programs with Summaries
St. Catherine University PMHNP Programs
St. Paul | $1,200 cpc | Certificate / DNP
St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota offers two PMHNP pathways: a BSN-to-DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program and a PMHNP post-graduate certificate for experienced nurse practitioners. Both options follow a hybrid format that combines online coursework with on-campus sessions and include 810 supervised clinical hours coordinated by a clinical placement specialist. The DNP track is ideal for nurses seeking a direct doctoral route into advanced psychiatric practice, while the certificate helps current NPs add a high-demand mental health specialty grounded in holistic care and social justice. ..read more.
University of Minnesota PMHNP Programs
Minneapolis | $1,100.00 cpc | Certificate / DNP
The University of Minnesota School of Nursing offers a DNP-PMHNP program and a PMHNP postgraduate certificate so nurses can train for independent psychiatric practice across the lifespan. The DNP track is a hybrid program with structured campus sessions, about 1,000 clinical hours arranged by the school, and strong job prospects for graduates. The certificate pathway allows DNP-prepared APRNs to add PMHNP certification through focused coursework and integrated clinical training that build advanced diagnostic, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy skills. ..read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Minnesota RNs can study for a PMHNP at Walden University via a fully online format renowned for both academic rigor and flexible scheduling. Walden’s Practicum Pledge® and faculty mentoring facilitate local preceptor placement, preparing Minnesota students for real-world psychiatric nursing. The programs build advanced diagnostic, therapy, and psychopharmacology competencies needed for state licensure and practice across Minnesota’s urban and rural settings.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
The 51-54 credit hour MSN-PMHNP Specialization at Post University's American Sentinel College spans 34 months with coursework covering advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical assessment, psychotropic psychopharmacology, and psychiatric nursing across child/adolescent, adult/older adult, and specialty populations at approximately $30,000-$31,000 total cost. Students complete 630 precepted clinical hours distributed across five clinical courses within 8-week timeframes, applying evidence-based practices to diverse mental health situations. The CCNE-accredited program emphasizes lifespan-focused psychiatric assessment, differential diagnosis, medication management, and therapeutic interventions preparing graduates for national certification.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Purdue Global offers an online, CCNE-accredited PMHNP pathway with three options: Postgraduate Certificate, MSN focus, and MSN-to-DNP, with VR assignments for telehealth and group therapy. Estimated totals are ~$20,160 for the certificate (~1.5 years) and ~$32,760 for the MSN (~2 years); the MSN-to-DNP continues after the MSN. The program is authorized for Minnesota residents.
Rasmussen University PMHNP Program
online | $915 cpc | Certificate / MSN
The Rasmussen University Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program is a CCNE-accredited offering available in both an MSN (69 credits/27 months) and a Post-Graduate Certificate (53 credits/21 months) track. Both tracks are delivered entirely online but include required in-person practicum experiences, which are coordinated for students within their local communities. For Minnesota residents, Rasmussen supports this program with multiple local campuses—including those in Bloomington, Eagan, and St. Cloud—which may serve as resources or sites for program inquiries and support.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
Focused on real-world practice, WGU's PMHNP programs require extensive clinical preparation, including three separate 650-hour internships that students arrange in their own local settings. The curriculum is designed by practicing NPs and is ANCC-certified, covering advanced topics such as psychopharmacology and diagnostic processes using the DSM-5-TR. Admission is competitive, requiring a 3.0 GPA in core sciences and an unencumbered RN license.
How to Choose the Best PMHNP Program for You in Minnesota
TLDR: Quick Program Recommendations
Choose WGU if you want the most affordable option with competency-based learning that allows self-paced advancement ($35,775 MSN or $21,465 certificate).
Choose Rasmussen University if you want flexible online learning with personalized practicum coordination and the ability to complete clinicals at your current workplace ($50,380 MSN or $28,417 certificate).
Choose Post University if you need a fully online program with monthly start dates and structured 8-week courses ($30,198–$30,794 for MSN).
Choose Purdue Global if you want CCNE-accredited online programs with clinical flexibility and the option to seamlessly transition from MSN to DNP ($32,760 MSN or $20,160 certificate).
Choose University of Minnesota if you want a prestigious hybrid DNP program with coordinated clinical placements and strong certification exam pass rates ($88,000 DNP or $36,470 certificate).
Choose St. Catherine University if you want a social justice-focused hybrid DNP program with holistic care emphasis and coordinated clinical placements ($81,600 DNP or $28,800 certificate).
Choose Walden University if you want the Practicum Pledge guarantee for clinical placement assistance and multiple entry points from BSN to DNP ($44,705–$74,405 depending on entry point).
Minnesota PMHNP Post-Graduate Certificates
Cost Comparison
Most Affordable: WGU — $21,465 (minimum 1.5 years)
Mid-Range Options:
- Purdue Global — $20,160 (~1.5 years)
- Rasmussen University — $28,417 (21 months)
- St. Catherine University — $28,800 (1.5–2 years)
Higher Cost:
- Walden University — $35,225 (43 quarter credits)
- University of Minnesota — $36,470 (1.5–2 years)
Duration Comparison
Fastest: Purdue Global and WGU — ~1.5 years
Standard: Most programs complete in 1.5–2 years full-time
Certificate Program Summary
Post-graduate certificates are designed for nurses who already hold an MSN or DNP and want to add PMHNP certification.
WGU offers the most affordable certificate at $21,465 with competency-based progression, while Purdue Global provides the quickest pathway at approximately 1.5 years for $20,160. Rasmussen University ($28,417) stands out for personalized practicum coordination and the ability to complete clinicals at your current workplace.
For nurses seeking prestigious Minnesota-based programs, University of Minnesota ($36,470) offers coordinated clinical placements with no need to find your own sites, while St. Catherine University ($28,800) emphasizes social justice and holistic care in a hybrid format.
Minnesota MSN-PMHNP Programs
Cost Comparison
Most Affordable:
- Post University — $30,198–$30,794 (34 months)
- Purdue Global — $32,760 (2 years)
- WGU — $35,775 (minimum 2.5 years)
Mid-Range: Walden University — $44,705 (2.5 years, after scholarship)
Higher Cost: Rasmussen University — $50,380 (27 months)
Duration Comparison
Fastest: Purdue Global — 2 years full-time
Standard: Most programs complete in 2–2.5 years (24–34 months)
MSN Program Summary
Post University offers the most affordable MSN-PMHNP at $30,198–$30,794 with fully online delivery and monthly start dates, making it ideal for working nurses.
Purdue Global provides the quickest completion at 2 years for $32,760 with CCNE accreditation and the option to seamlessly transition to a DNP. WGU’s competency-based model ($35,775) allows accelerated completion for experienced nurses who can demonstrate mastery quickly. Walden University ($44,705 after scholarship) stands out for its Practicum Pledge, guaranteeing clinical placement assistance.
Rasmussen University ($50,380) offers the most personalized support with clinical practicum coordinators and the ability to complete clinicals at your current workplace, plus three elective courses for specialized skills.
DNP-PMHNP Programs
Cost Comparison
Most Affordable: Walden University BSN to DNP — $74,405 (3.25 years, after scholarship)
Mid-Range: St. Catherine University — $81,600 (3 years)
Higher Cost: University of Minnesota — $88,000 (3 years)
Duration Comparison
All DNP-PMHNP programs require 3 years minimum for full-time completion, with some offering 4-year options for added flexibility.
DNP Program Summary
Walden University offers the most affordable BSN to DNP pathway at $74,405 (after scholarship) with the Practicum Pledge for clinical placement support and 100% online delivery.
St. Catherine University ($81,600) provides a hybrid program emphasizing social justice, holistic interventions, and coordinated clinical placements totaling 810 hours.
University of Minnesota ($88,000) offers the most prestigious option with approximately 1,000 clinical hours, coordinated placements (no need to find your own sites), and strong outcomes including a high certification pass rate and average starting salaries around $144,000 in Minneapolis–St. Paul.
Both Minnesota-based programs require attendance at on-campus sessions and offer 3-year and 4-year completion tracks.