Missouri hosts five strong PMHNP programs blending online flexibility with local clinical networks, with completion timelines ranging from 1 year for certificates to 5 years for part-time BSN-to-DNP paths.
Tuition spans $15,876 to $69,900 across MSN, DNP, and certificate options, offering choices from budget-friendly in-state tracks to premium Jesuit-guided training.
Missouri PMHNP Programs – Comparison Table
| School | Est. Cost Range | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Baptist University | MSN: $38K Post-MSN: $19K–$27K | – 100% online delivery with Christian worldview integration – three PMHNP practicum rotations (750 hours) – flexible certificate entry based on “3P” coursework review. |
| Missouri State University | MSN: ~$21K BSN-DNP: ~$32K Certificate: ~$22K | – CCNE-accredited with low overall program costs – Clinicals can occur in the student’s community |
| Rockhurst University | MSN: $44K Certificate: $23K | – online coursework plus a three-day campus immersion – full clinical placement support at no charge – guided by Jesuit values. |
| UMKC – University of Missouri–Kansas City | MSN: $43K Certificate: $17K BSN-DNP: $70–$71K | – hybrid online model with required on-campus intensives – multiple entry points – structured psychopharmacology and psychotherapy training |
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) | MSN: $32K DNP: $48K Certificate: $16K | – online coursework with periodic campus involvement – focus on rural and underserved care, lifespan coverage – and clear route to ANCC PMHNP certification |
List of Relevant Schools for MO Nurses
This list includes national online programs in addition to local schools.
Missouri Baptist University PMHNP Programs
Saint Louis | $777 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Missouri Baptist University offers fully online PMHNP options that fit shift schedules and support working nurses. The MSN spans 49 credits over about two years, while the post-MSN certificate ranges from 24–34 credits based on prior “3 Ps” coursework. Programs pair advanced assessment, therapy, and psychopharmacology with a Christian mission that emphasizes compassionate, evidence-based care across the lifespan. ..read more.
Missouri State University PMHNP Programs
Springfield | $394 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN / DNP
Missouri State University offers three CCNE-accredited PMHNP pathways that use flexible online and hybrid delivery for working nurses. The MSN runs about three years, the BSN-to-DNP spans four years with 1,200 clinical hours, and the certificate finishes in roughly 1.5 years with at least 500 clinical hours. Curricula blend population health, leadership, research, advanced assessment, pharmacology, and psychiatric specialty courses to prepare graduates for comprehensive mental health care across the lifespan. ..read more.
Rockhurst University PMHNP Programs
Kansas City | $780 cpc | MSN
Rockhurst University's Saint Luke's College offers two CCNE-accredited, online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) tracks: an MSN and a Post-Master’s Certificate. Both require 750 clinical hours and include full clinical placement services and one mandatory three-day on-campus immersion in Kansas City. The programs feature a 95% APRN certification pass rate and flexible scheduling to prepare nurses for advanced practice, guided by Jesuit values...read more.
UMKC PMHNP Programs
Kansas City | $779.50 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP
UMKC’s School of Nursing & Health Studies offers fully online and hybrid PMHNP pathways with in-state tuition pricing for students in authorized states. Most coursework is online (mix of asynchronous and scheduled sessions), with 2–3 day on-campus intensives each semester during clinical courses. Clinicals span outpatient, inpatient, and crisis settings across the lifespan, and students typically arrange preceptors with faculty approval...read more.
University of Missouri PMHNP Programs
Columbia | $661.50 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN / DNP
Mizzou offers three PMHNP tracks with online or blended delivery and practicing faculty. The programs train nurses to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage mental health conditions across the lifespan, with strong attention to rural and underserved care. Clinical work spans roughly 750–1,000 hours across tracks, and graduates meet eligibility for national PMHNP certification. ..read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Walden University’s PMHNP programs are open to Missouri nurses seeking online MSN, DNP, or certificate routes to psychiatric nurse practitioner practice. Missouri students get support from Walden’s Practicum Pledge® and field placement services, making it easier to arrange supervised clinicals that meet state licensure requirements. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on skills, therapy, and medication management, ensuring readiness for PMHNP certification and practice across Missouri.
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 St. Louis, Missouri campus is one of the locations where students can fulfill their required on-campus lab and intensive sessions, providing a local option for the necessary 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
Post University's American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a fully online MSN with PMHNP Specialization featuring flexible 8-week courses with monthly start dates, allowing students to complete one class at a time. The 51-54 credit hour program includes 630 clinical hours distributed across five preceptorship experiences and takes approximately 34 months to complete. Students can expect to pay about $31,000 for the program, which prepares graduates for ANCC PMHNP certification through comprehensive coursework spanning psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, and specialized care across the lifespan.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
The online PMHNP options include a Postgraduate Certificate, an MSN focus area, and an MSN-to-DNP, each built for working nurses and supported by VR-based simulations. Expect ~$20,160 for the certificate (~1.5 years) and ~$32,760 for the MSN (~2 years); the MSN-to-DNP proceeds to doctoral study after the MSN. The program is authorized for Missouri residents.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
Through the WGU Leavitt School of Health, the PMHNP programs empower RNs to become advanced practitioners through rigorous online study in psychiatric assessment and management. Graduates of the 51-competency unit MSN program or the 33-unit Certificate are eligible to sit for national board certification after completing 650 hours of direct patient care. The tuition model, where a term costs nearly $7,000, rewards acceleration by keeping the total cost below comparable degree-by-credit programs.
What is the Best Missouri PMHNP Program for You?
TLDR: Quick Program Match
Choose Missouri Baptist University if you want 100% online delivery with flexible scheduling for working nurses and Christian faith integration in your nursing practice.
Choose Missouri State University if you want the most affordable in-state option ($394/credit) with hybrid delivery and strong outcomes (100% job placement, ranked #2 for online MSN programs).
Choose Rockhurst University if you need comprehensive clinical placement services at no extra charge and can commit to 3-day campus immersions in Kansas City.
Choose UMKC if you want flexible online learning with 2-3 day on-campus intensives and same in-state tuition regardless of location in authorized states.
Choose University of Missouri if you want strong emphasis on rural/underserved populations, 100% certification pass rates, and seamless progression to DNP.
MSN Program Cost Comparison
Missouri offers five quality PMHNP master’s programs with costs ranging from $20,814 to $44,040. Missouri State University delivers the lowest in-state cost at just $394 per credit hour ($20,814 total), nearly half the price of other options, while also boasting a 100% job placement rate and #2 national ranking for online MSN programs.
If you’re seeking faith-based education, Missouri Baptist integrates Christian worldview throughout its curriculum, while University of Missouri stands out for its exclusive focus on preparing graduates to serve rural and underserved populations—a critical need in Missouri’s healthcare landscape.
| School | Total Cost | Cost Per Credit | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri State University | $20,814 (in-state) | $394 (in-state) / $786 (out-of-state) | 3 years full-time |
| Missouri Baptist University | $38,073 | $777 | 2 years full-time |
| University of Missouri | $31,752 | $661.50 | 2-3 years |
| UMKC | $42,446.50 | $922.75 (includes fees) | 2.5 years full-time |
| Rockhurst University | $44,040 | $780 (non-practicum) / $1,750 (practicum) | 2 years full-time |
DNP Program Comparison
Only three Missouri schools currently offer BSN-to-DNP PMHNP pathways, making them ideal if you want to accelerate your career and earn terminal degree credentials in one streamlined program.
University of Missouri offers the most affordable DNP option at $47,628 for 72-74.5 credits, with a flexible online format requiring just one annual campus visit—perfect for working professionals.
Missouri State’s program is unique in requiring weekly on-campus attendance (minimum 1 day/week), which provides consistent face-to-face faculty interaction but limits flexibility.
UMKC offers the most clinical training with 1,031.25 clinical hours plus 330 dedicated project hours, exceeding standard requirements and providing extensive hands-on experience.
Key Differences:
| School | Total Cost | Credits | Clinical Hours | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri State University | $31,280 (in-state) | 79 | 1,200+ | Hybrid (minimum 1 day/week on-campus) |
| UMKC | $69,206.25–$69,900 | 74-75 | 1,031.25 + 330 project hours | Online with on-campus intensives |
| University of Missouri | $47,628 | 72-74.5 | 1,000 | Online with annual campus visits |
Missouri Baptist and Rockhurst do not currently offer BSN-to-DNP PMHNP programs.
Post-Master’s Certificate Comparison
If you already hold an MSN and want to add PMHNP credentials, Missouri offers five certificate programs with significant cost variation depending on your prior coursework.
University of Missouri delivers the lowest certificate cost at $15,876 for 24 credits, though UMKC comes close at $16,609.50 for just 18 credits if you’ve completed all prerequisites.
The wildcard is Missouri Baptist ($18,648–$26,418), where your final cost hinges entirely on whether you’ve completed the “3 Ps” (pathophysiology, pharmacology, assessment)—if you have, it’s highly competitive; if not, costs can climb substantially.
For nurses seeking maximum flexibility, both Missouri Baptist and University of Missouri offer 100% online delivery with zero campus requirements, while Rockhurst distinguishes itself by handling all clinical placements for you at no additional charge.
Cost and Duration:
| School | Cost Range | Credits | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri Baptist University | $18,648–$26,418 | 24-34 | 1-1.5 years |
| Missouri State University | $21,461 (in-state) | 24 | 1.5 years |
| Rockhurst University | $22,980+ | 22+ | 1.5 years |
| UMKC | $16,609.50 | 18 | 2-3 years part-time |
| University of Missouri | $15,876 | 24 | 2 years part-time |
Clinical Hours: All certificates require 750 clinical hours except Missouri State (500 hours minimum).
Specialty Curriculum Focus
All five programs cover comprehensive PMHNP content including psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy across the lifespan. No programs offer subspecializations within PMHNP.
Core Content Areas (All Programs):
- Advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment
- Psychopathology and psychiatric diagnosis (DSM-5)
- Psychopharmacology and medication management
- Individual, family, and group psychotherapy modalities
- Lifespan psychiatric care (pediatric, adult, geriatric populations)
- Evidence-based practice and clinical decision-making
Unique Curriculum Features:
Missouri Baptist: Integrates Biblical concepts and Christian worldview throughout advanced nursing practice coursework.
Missouri State: Includes dedicated courses in geriatric mental health (NUR 8630) and substance use disorders (NUR 8635).
University of Missouri: Strong emphasis on rural and underserved populations throughout curriculum, with dedicated health disparities course (NURSE 8310 in DNP program).
UMKC: Offers both MSN and DNP tracks with seamless progression options between degrees.
Rockhurst: Jesuit values-based education with three-day campus immersion focused on simulation and OSCE competency demonstration.
2026 Missouri PMHNP Admissions
| School | Minimum GPA | Application Deadlines | GRE Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri Baptist University | 3.0 | Rolling | No |
| Missouri State University | 3.25 (last 60 hours)* | Fall: February 15 | Only if GPA <3.25 |
| Rockhurst University | 3.0 | Fall, Spring, Summer (rolling) | No |
| UMKC | 3.2 (last 60 hours) | Spring: October 18; Summer/Fall: March 7 | No |
| University of Missouri | 3.0 (last 60 hours)** | Fall: February 15; Spring: September 30; Summer: February 15 | No |
*Students below 3.25 must submit GRE: minimum Verbal 150, Quantitative 145, Analytical Writing 3.5
**DNP applicants: 3.5 for MSN holders, 3.3 average for BSN-to-DNP
Additional Admission Factors:
- All programs require current, unencumbered RN license
- Most programs prefer (but don’t require) 1-2 years RN experience
- Missouri State and University of Missouri require Kira Talent video interview
- All programs require professional references from master’s or doctorally-prepared nurses
Clinical Placement Support
Full Clinical Placement Services:
- Rockhurst University: Comprehensive placement services at no additional charge with dedicated Student Success Advisor
Student-Arranged Clinicals (with faculty approval):
- Missouri Baptist University: Students arrange own preceptors; university maintains clinical partnerships throughout St. Louis region
- Missouri State University: Students arrange clinicals in local communities with approved preceptors
- UMKC: Students select preceptors upon faculty approval; can complete in local community if approved
- University of Missouri: Faculty- or preceptor-supervised assignments; emphasis on rural/underserved settings
Program Delivery Formats
| School | Online/Hybrid | Campus Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Baptist University | 100% online | None |
| Missouri State University | Hybrid | BSN-to-DNP: minimum 1 day/week on-campus; MSN and certificate: combination online/seated |
| Rockhurst University | Online with immersions | One 3-day campus immersion + one virtual immersion per year |
| UMKC | Online with intensives | 2-3 day on-campus intensives once per semester during clinical courses |
| University of Missouri | Blended/online | Certificate: 100% online; MSN/DNP: one campus visit per year |