As Montana continues to face a critical shortage of mental health providers, the pathway to becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) has never been more accessible or versatile.
For Montana residents, the choice often begins with local excellence—such as the resident-friendly programs at Montana State University—but expanding your search to national online programs can significantly broaden your flexibility and enrollment options.
While local resident tuition can start as low as $12,000 for certificates, national MSN programs typically range between $17,500 and $35,000. By leveraging distance learning, you can access specialized psychiatric curricula and clinical placements right in your home community, allowing you to advance your career without uprooting your personal or professional life.
Comparison of Montana & National Online Schools
| University | Program Track | Est. Total Cost | Duration (FT) | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana State University | BSN to DNP: PMHNP | $27,285 (Resident) | 3 Years | 1,000+ Hours |
| Montana State University | Post-Graduate Certificate | $11,989 (Resident) | 1.5–2 Years | 630+ Hours |
| Post University | MSN – PMHNP | $30,198 – $30,794 | ~2 Years 10 Months | 630 Hours |
| Purdue Global | MSN – PMHNP | $32,760 | ~2 Years | 640 Hours |
| Purdue Global | Post-Graduate Certificate | $20,160 | ~1.5 Years | 640 Hours |
| Walden University | BSN to MSN – PMHNP | Varies | ~2 Years | 640 Hours |
| Rasmussen University | BSN to MSN – PMHNP | ~$17,500 | ~18 Months | 670 Hours |
| St. Thomas University | BSN to MSN – PMHNP | ~$33,100 | ~18 Months | 500 Hours |
Clinical Hours: Montana State University (DNP) requires the most hours (1,000+), which is standard for doctoral-level programs to meet national certification requirements.
Program Length: Rasmussen and St. Thomas University offer the most accelerated MSN timelines at approximately 18 months for full-time students.
Cost: Rasmussen University and Montana State University (for residents) currently represent the most budget-friendly options listed.
Admissions Requirements
| University | Min. GPA | RN Experience Required | Degree/License Needed | Notes/Unique Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana State University | 3.0 | Not Specified | BSN / Unencumbered RN | Must be in MT, UT, WY, ID, CO, or AK; 3 personal essays. |
| Post University | 3.0 | 1 Year (Full-Time) | BSN / Unencumbered RN | Must have worked as an RN within the last 3 years. |
| Purdue Global | 2.5 | None (Active License Only) | BSN / Unencumbered RN | No specific experience timeframe required; most accessible GPA. |
| Walden University | 3.0 (Typical) | None (Active License Only) | RN or BSN | Offers RN to MSN bridge tracks for non-BSN nurses. |
| Rasmussen University | 3.0 | None (Active License Only) | BSN / Unencumbered RN | 2 letters of reference required; cleared background check. |
| St. Thomas University | 3.0 | Not Specified | BSN / Unencumbered RN | Official transcripts and goal statement typical for entry. |
Key Admissions Takeaways:
Most Accessible GPA: Purdue Global is the best option for students with a cumulative GPA between 2.5 and 3.0.
Work Experience Barriers: Post University is the most strict regarding recent clinical work, requiring 1 year of full-time experience within the last 3 years.
Geographic Restrictions: Montana State University is restricted to residents of specific Western states, whereas the others are national online programs (though always check individual state authorization).
Pathways: Walden University is a standout for Associate-prepared nurses looking for a direct “RN to MSN” path without stopping for a BSN first.
Program Summaries for MT PMHNP Programs
Montana State University PMHNP Programs
Bozeman | $332.96 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP
Montana State University's Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing offers two psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner pathways exclusively for students in six western states (Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, Alaska) through flexible distance delivery formats. The BSN to DNP option provides comprehensive doctoral preparation in 82 credits over three to four years at $27,285 for residents, culminating in a scholarly project and preparing graduates for independent practice with full prescriptive authority. The Post-Graduate Certificate offers focused specialization in 36 credits over 1.5 to 2 years at $11,989 for residents, designed for APRNs already nationally certified in another specialty seeking to add psychiatric mental health credentials through a stackable certificate model that combines monthly synchronous video conferences with asynchronous coursework and requires clinical experiences within Montana...read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Montana nurses can earn their Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner credential entirely online through Walden University’s CCNE-accredited BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, MSN-PMHNP, or Post-Master’s Certificate programs while continuing to serve the Big Sky Country. Walden’s Practicum Pledge guarantees dedicated placement support for securing the required 640–1,000 clinical hours at sites across Montana, including rural and frontier areas with critical mental health shortages. Graduates are fully prepared to deliver comprehensive psychiatric care on reservations, in rural clinics, and via telehealth to Montana’s geographically dispersed population.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
The online MSN-PMHNP Specialization at Post University requires completion of 18-21 core credits covering advanced role development, policy advocacy, research design, and the "3 Ps" (pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical assessment) before advancing to 33 specialization credits focused on psychiatric nursing across the lifespan at around $30,000-$31,000 total. Clinical experiences include 135-hour preceptorships in child/adolescent psychiatry, adult/older adult psychiatry, and integration synthesis, plus 90 hours in psychiatric specialty practice focusing on substance use disorders. The curriculum culminates in certification preparation through Advanced Practice Psych Nursing Integration IV with final 135-hour preceptorship demonstrating full-scope PMHNP competencies.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Purdue Global’s CCNE-accredited PMHNP suite—Certificate, MSN focus, and MSN-to-DNP—runs 100% online and includes VR practice in telehealth and group therapy. The certificate is about $20,160 over ~1.5 years and the MSN is about $32,760 over ~2 years; the MSN-to-DNP continues beyond the master’s. The program is authorized for Montana residents.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
The curriculum for the WGU PMHNP programs is robust, encompassing 17 courses in the MSN track, covering everything from informatics and advanced pathophysiology to specific care for adults, children, and adolescents. Both the BSN-to-MSN (roughly $36,000) and the Post-Master’s Certificate (nearly $22,000) focus on developing skills in pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment modalities. All students benefit from WGU’s individualized approach, featuring dedicated Program Mentors and course instructors for consistent support.
Wilkes University PMHNP Programs
online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN
For Montana nurses, Wilkes University offers fully online PMHNP programs that include MSN, post-graduate certificate, and DNP routes, all organized into manageable 12‑week terms. Complimentary placement support is especially valuable for Montana students, helping them locate psychiatric preceptors and clinical sites across the state’s wide geographic regions. Graduates gain strong skills in assessment, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology to provide mental health care in frontier, rural, and urban Montana settings.