UMC PMHNP Programs
Jackson | $562 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN / DNP
UMMC School of Nursing PMHNP Programs (Jackson, MS) deliver fully online MSN, BSN–DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate pathways designed for working nurses, with small class sizes, direct faculty engagement, and low in-state tuition. Learners complete robust clinical immersions—about 630 hours in the MSN and ~1,230 hours in the BSN–DNP—through UMMC’s 200+ affiliated sites spanning hospitals, community clinics, and mental health facilities. As Mississippi’s only academic health science center and home to the state’s Level I trauma center and children’s hospital, UMMC pairs breadth of placements with evidence-based practice leadership (JBI Centre of Excellence; Cochrane US affiliation). Graduates are prepared to assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric conditions across the lifespan with both psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic approaches...read more.
University of Southern Mississippi PMHNP Program
Hattiesburg | $572 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP
The University of Southern Mississippi offers two PMHNP options: a 73-credit BSN-to-DNP completed in about three years and a 28-credit post-graduate certificate finished in roughly five semesters. Coursework is primarily online with one campus visit each semester, and students complete clinicals in their home communities with faculty-supported placements. Progression is rigorous (maximum of two C grades) and at least one year of mental health experience is required before beginning clinical courses. Programs align with NONPF competencies and USM’s nursing programs are CCNE-accredited...read more.
Post University Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
Post University delivers its MSN-PMHNP Specialization entirely online with monthly enrollment opportunities and one-class-at-a-time progression through 8-week terms costing around $30,000-$31,000 over approximately 34 months of study. The program requires mandatory APEA 3P Exam passage after completing the foundational "3 Ps" courses, with Diagnostic Reasoning course required for students who don't pass, ensuring clinical readiness before advancing to psychiatric specialization coursework. Student success advisors provide one-on-one support throughout the program while flexible scheduling and practice-focused curriculum prepare graduates to make positive impacts on mental health care in their communities.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Purdue Global delivers three PMHNP tracks online—Certificate, MSN focus, and MSN-to-DNP—with CCNE accreditation and immersive VR activities. Typical costs are ~$20,160 for the certificate (~1.5 years) and ~$32,760 for the MSN (~2 years), followed by the DNP phase for MSN-to-DNP students. The program is authorized for Mississippi residents.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
WGU offers two competitive, CCNE-accredited pathways—a BSN-to-MSN and a Post-Master’s Certificate—for nurses aiming to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The competency-based structure allows students to progress quickly through familiar material, though the required 650 clinical hours ensure a minimum completion time of 1.5 to 2.5 years. The full MSN path totals around $36,000 and provides in-depth training on providing comprehensive mental healthcare for individuals and families across the lifespan.
How to Choose the Best PMHNP Program for You in Mississippi
Mississippi offers two main options for PMHNP education: the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMC) and the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). Both institutions provide quality psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner training with different strengths, costs, and program structures. This guide analyzes key factors to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison Summary
| Factor | UMC | USM |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Jackson | Hattiesburg |
| Program Options | 4 pathways (MSN, RN-MSN*, Post-Grad Cert, BSN-DNP) | 2 pathways (Post-Grad Cert, BSN-DNP) |
| Cost Per Credit | $562 (resident) / $1,659.56 (non-resident) | $572 (1-8 credits) / $5,142 flat rate (9-13 credits) |
| Format | 100% online | Online with campus visits |
| Clinical Support | 200+ affiliated sites | Faculty-supported placements |
| Special Features | JBI Centre of Excellence, Level 1 trauma center access | Mental health experience requirement |
Detailed Program Analysis
University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMC)
Strengths:
- Mississippi’s only academic health science center with Level 1 trauma center
- Four different pathway options providing flexibility for various educational backgrounds
- Fully online format maximizing convenience for working nurses
- Lower cost per credit hour for residents ($562 vs $572)
- JBI Centre of Excellence and Cochrane US affiliation demonstrates research commitment
- Access to 200+ clinical affiliates including specialized facilities
Considerations:
- Higher non-resident costs ($1,659.56 per credit)
- RN-MSN pathway currently suspended
- Less specialized mental health experience requirements
Best For:
- Mississippi residents seeking cost-effective education
- Nurses wanting maximum schedule flexibility
- Students interested in evidence-based practice emphasis
- Those needing multiple pathway options
University of Southern Mississippi (USM)
Strengths:
- Requires mental health experience before clinical courses, ensuring better preparation
- Faculty support for clinical placements eliminates preceptor-finding burden
- Flat-rate tuition for 9-13 credits can reduce costs for full-time students
- Campus visit requirement provides face-to-face faculty interaction
- Strict progression standards maintain program rigor
Considerations:
- Only two pathway options (limits flexibility)
- Campus visit requirement may challenge some students’ schedules
- Higher entry barriers with mental health experience requirement
- Limited to 5-semester timeline for certificate program
Best For:
- Nurses with existing mental health experience
- Students preferring some in-person interaction
- Those taking heavy course loads (9+ credits per semester)
- Individuals seeking structured progression with high standards
Decision Framework
Choose UMC if you:
- Are a Mississippi resident seeking the lowest cost option
- Need maximum flexibility with 100% online delivery
- Want multiple pathway options (especially if considering different entry points)
- Value access to specialized clinical sites and research opportunities
- Prefer established evidence-based practice emphasis
Choose USM if you:
- Already have mental health nursing experience
- Want faculty support for clinical placement assistance
- Prefer some face-to-face interaction through campus visits
- Plan to take 9+ credits per semester (cost advantage with flat rate)
- Value rigorous progression standards and structured timelines
Cost Analysis
UMC Cost Examples:
- MSN (46 credits): $25,852 (resident) / $76,340 (non-resident)
- BSN-DNP (75 credits): $42,150 (resident) / $124,467 (non-resident)
- Additional fees: $250 skills fee, $150/semester distance learning fee, $850 DNP JBI fee
USM Cost Examples:
- Post-Grad Certificate (28 credits): $16,016 (taking 8 credits/semester)
- BSN-DNP (73 credits): $41,756 (mix of per-credit and flat rates)
- Note: Costs vary significantly based on credit load per semester
Clinical Experience Considerations
UMC provides access to Mississippi’s most comprehensive clinical network including the state’s only children’s hospital and Level 1 trauma center. Students complete 630 clinical hours (MSN) or 1,230 hours (DNP) across diverse settings.
USM requires one year of mental health experience before clinical courses and provides faculty assistance with placement. This ensures students enter clinical rotations with relevant background knowledge.
Application Timing
- UMC: March 15 deadline for fall admission (most programs)
- USM: Check with admissions for specific deadlines
- Both schools may require interviews as part of the admission process
Final Recommendations
For cost-conscious Mississippi residents: UMC offers the best value with comprehensive online delivery and multiple pathway options.
For experienced mental health nurses: USM’s requirement for mental health experience and faculty-supported clinical placements may provide better preparation and support.
For maximum flexibility: UMC’s 100% online format accommodates the busiest schedules.
For structured learning: USM’s campus visits and strict progression requirements appeal to students who prefer more guidance and accountability.
Both programs are CCNE-accredited and prepare graduates for national certification. Your choice should align with your learning style, financial situation, geographic location, and career timeline. Consider visiting both campuses (virtually or in-person) and speaking with current students or recent graduates to gain additional insights into each program’s culture and support systems.