Mississippi’s two flagship on-campus PMHNP programs at UMC and USM offer flexible online and hybrid options with completion times typically spanning 1.5 to 3 years full-time based on degree level.
Tuition ranges from about $16,000 for post-graduate certificates to $42,000 for DNP programs, providing accessible paths for in-state nurses seeking CCNE-accredited training.
Mississippi offers 2 on-campus PMHNP programs through the state’s premier academic health institutions:
- University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMC)
- University of Southern Mississippi (USM)
UMC vs USM for PMHNP
| School | Available Tracks |
|---|---|
| University of Mississippi (UMC) Best for low-cost 100% online PMHNP training | MSN – FPMHNP: $26K + 630 clinical hrs BSN–DNP: ~$42K + 1,230 hrs Certificate: cost varies by GAP |
| University of Southern Mississippi Best for BSN–DNP with strict progression rules | BSN–DNP: $42K Post-Grad Certificate: $16K |
Program costs range from approximately $16,016 for post-graduate certificates to $42,150 for DNP programs, with completion timelines spanning 1.5 to 3 years depending on degree level and enrollment intensity.
Both institutions maintain CCNE accreditation and provide access to extensive clinical networks across Mississippi’s healthcare landscape.
All Programs Options
This is a list of program summaries that expands beyond the local schools above to include available national online programs (expands your choices).
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.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Mississippi nurses looking to become psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners can benefit from Walden University’s online PMHNP programs, which accommodate working RNs and APRNs throughout the state. The Practicum Pledge® supports Mississippi students in securing clinical placements for direct patient care experience, no matter where they reside. Comprehensive coursework and simulation labs prepare graduates for PMHNP board exams and advanced roles in Mississippi’s mental health field.
Post University PMHNP 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.
Wilkes University PMHNP Programs
online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN
Wilkes University’s PMHNP pathways provide Mississippi nurses with online MSN, certificate, and DNP options tailored for working professionals who need flexibility. Mississippi students benefit from built-in clinical placement services that help secure appropriate mental health practicum sites within driving distance. The program’s emphasis on rural and underserved populations prepares graduates to address significant behavioral health gaps across Mississippi.
How to Choose the Best PMHNP Program for You in Mississippi
Choose University of Southern Mississippi if you want the most affordable certificate ($16,016) or DNP ($41,756) in Mississippi, faculty-arranged clinical placements eliminating self-placement stress, and comprehensive on-campus intensive experiences alongside online learning.
Choose University of Mississippi Medical Center if you want Mississippi’s only academic health science center with JBI Centre of Excellence status, the most affordable MSN at $25,852, 100% online flexibility, and access to the state’s only Level 1 trauma center and children’s hospital network.
Choose Purdue Global if you want the most affordable certificate nationally ($20,160) with quarter-based 10-week courses, clinical placement flexibility at your workplace, and seamless MSN-to-DNP pathway options.
Choose WGU if you prefer competency-based education allowing acceleration through known material, flat-rate tuition per 6-month term (unlimited courses), dedicated Program Mentor support, and affordable certificate ($21,465) or MSN ($35,775) completion.
Choose Wilkes University if you want complimentary clinical placement support built into tuition, exceptional 95.4% certification pass rates (vs. 90% national average), and affordable pricing for certificate ($21,779) and MSN ($31,542) programs.
Choose Post University if you want 8-week courses with monthly start dates, one course at a time format, APEA 3P Exam preparation, and moderate pricing ($30,198-$30,794 for MSN).
Choose Walden University if you want the Practicum Pledge guaranteeing placement support, virtual skills lab for practicum preparation, comprehensive DNP options (MSN to DNP or BSN to DNP), and Believe & Achieve Scholarship reducing costs.
Application Deadlines: Mississippi PMHNP Programs
| School | Application Deadlines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University of Mississippi Medical Center | MSN & BSN-DNP: March 15 (Fall) Certificate: February 1 (Summer) | Interviews may be required |
| University of Southern Mississippi | Contact program directly | Interview required (virtual or in-person) |
| Post University | Rolling admissions (monthly starts) | — |
| Purdue Global | Rolling admissions | No specific deadlines listed |
| Walden University | Rolling admissions | No application fee, essay, or test requirements |
| WGU | Rolling admissions | Highly competitive, limited cohorts |
| Wilkes University | Rolling admissions | DNP |
DNP-PMHNP Programs
St. Catherine University and the University of Minnesota both offer BSN-to-DNP PMHNP pathways with similar clinical hour requirements (810 vs. 1,000 hours), but differ significantly in cost, curriculum structure, and completion time. St. Catherine’s program is more affordable and slightly shorter, while Minnesota’s program requires more credits and offers a post-master’s entry option that St. Catherine does not provide.
Program Overview Comparison
| Feature | St. Catherine University | University of Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Cost | ≈ $81,600 | ≈ $88,000 |
| Cost Per Credit | $1,200 | $1,100 |
| Total Credits | 67-68 credits | 80 credits |
| Duration (Full-Time) | 3 years (4-year option available) | 3 years (4-year option available) |
| Clinical Hours | ≈ 810 hours | ≈ 1,000 hours |
| Entry Points | BSN only | BSN or MSN (post-master’s option) |
| Format | Hybrid (weekly/scheduled on-campus days) | Hybrid-by-design |
Key Curriculum Differences
St. Catherine University emphasizes:
- Social justice and holistic care throughout curriculum
- Dedicated courses in holistic interventions (NURS 7590) and business of psychiatric care (NURS 7580)
- Four-part DNP practicum focused on QI leadership (8 credits total)
- Stronger emphasis on healthcare economics, finance, and policy (3 separate courses)
University of Minnesota emphasizes:
- Integrative mental health models and whole health approaches (CSPH 5101)
- Dedicated diagnostic reasoning foundation (NURS 6111)
- Family health theory as core component (NURS 6102)
- Five-part PMHNP practicum progression (13 credits total)
- Higher clinical hour requirement with diverse settings including correctional facilities, telehealth, and veterans’ services
Clinical Training Comparison
| Aspect | St. Catherine University | University of Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Total Hours | ≈ 810 hours | ≈ 1,000 hours |
| Placement Support | Clinical placement specialist arranges all sites and preceptors | School arranges all placements; students do not secure own |
| Clinical Course Structure | 3 psychotherapeutic intervention courses + 4 DNP practicum courses | 5 progressive PMHNP practicum courses |
| Setting Diversity | General mental health care settings mentioned | Explicitly includes: community mental health, integrated primary care, inpatient psychiatry, crisis stabilization, schools, corrections, telehealth, substance use programs, veterans’ services |
Admissions Comparison
St. Catherine University Requirements:
- Active, unencumbered U.S. RN license
- BSN or equivalent entry-level nursing degree only
- Full-time study capacity
- Ability to complete 810 in-person clinical hours
- Must attend hybrid on-campus sessions
- State authorization restrictions may apply
University of Minnesota Requirements:
- Active U.S. RN license
- Two entry pathways:
- Post-BSN: Entry-level nursing degree (BSN, BAN, or entry-level MN/MSN) + minimum 3.0 GPA
- Post-Master’s: MSN in clinical specialty from accredited program + at least 120 preceptor-supervised practicum hours from master’s program + minimum 3.0 GPA
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident required
- Must attend required on-campus sessions each semester
PMHNP Post-Graduate Certificate Programs
Both universities offer post-graduate certificates for experienced advanced practice nurses seeking PMHNP specialization, but they target different populations and have notably different credit requirements and costs. St. Catherine’s certificate is designed for primary care NPs with any graduate degree, while Minnesota’s certificate is exclusively for DNP-prepared APRNs, resulting in a significant difference in both scope and price.
Program Overview Comparison
| Feature | St. Catherine University | University of Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Cost | ≈ $28,800 | ≈ $36,470+ |
| Cost Per Credit | $1,200 (DNP NP rate) | $1,773.50 (general graduate rate for residents) |
| Total Credits | 23-24 credits | Minimum 20 credits (individualized) |
| Duration (Full-Time) | 1.5-2 years | 1.5-2 years |
| Clinical Hours | 810 hours | Varies (determined with advisor based on prior DNP clinical experience) |
| Target Population | Graduate-prepared NPs with existing primary care NP certification | DNP-prepared APRNs in clinical specialty seeking second role |
Admission Requirements Comparison
St. Catherine University Certificate:
- Master’s degree or higher in nursing
- Existing NP certification in a primary care population focus
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Current NP certification
- Ability to attend hybrid on-campus sessions
- Must complete 810 in-person clinical hours
University of Minnesota Certificate:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in a clinical nursing specialty from accredited program (not just master’s)
- Entry-level nursing degree (BSN, BAN, or entry-level Master of Nursing)
- Valid, unencumbered U.S. RN license
- Valid Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license in the United States
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0+ in most recent degree
- U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or eligible visa status
- Highly selective admission limited by specialty and clinical course capacity
Curriculum Structure Comparison
St. Catherine University (23-24 credits):
- Focused on psychiatric content only
- Includes all PMHNP specialty courses: psychopharmacology, neurobiology, assessment/diagnosis for adults and children, role integration
- Four-part psychotherapeutic interventions clinical sequence
- Business and holistic intervention components
- No prerequisite coursework beyond NP preparation
University of Minnesota (20+ credits, individualized):
- Customized plan developed with advisor
- Includes family theory foundation (NURS 6102)
- Diagnostic reasoning course (NURS 6111)
- Five-part progressive practicum sequence (Practicums I-V)
- Psychotherapy interventions with individuals, families, and groups
- Professional seminar component
- Clinical hours individualized based on prior DNP clinical experience and current certification board expectations
Key Differences Summary
Choose St. Catherine University Certificate if you:
- Hold a master’s degree (not necessarily DNP) in nursing
- Are a primary care NP wanting to add PMHNP specialty
- Want a lower total cost (≈$28,800 vs. ≈$36,470+)
- Want a structured 810-hour clinical experience with full placement support
Choose University of Minnesota Certificate if you:
- Already hold a DNP degree in a clinical specialty
- Hold an active APRN license
- Want a more individualized curriculum plan
- Want clinical hours tailored to your previous DNP experience
- Seek admission to a highly selective, nationally-recognized program with strong Minneapolis-St. Paul job placement (average starting salary ≈$144,000)