New Hampshire offers 2 in state PMHNP programs with on-campus components.
Total program costs range from approximately $14,194 to $40,000 depending on degree level, institution, and residency status.
For even more options, nurses can look at national online programs such as the ones covered below.
Local Programs Quick Comparison
| School | Est. Cost Range (NH Residents) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Rivier University | MSN: $32K RN–MS: $37K Post-Master’s Cert: $15–$32K | – ACEN-accredited MSN, RN–MS, and certificate options – 2022–2024 ANCC first-time pass rate of 93.40% – clinical placements in Boston, New England – flexible, individualized certificate plans |
| University of New Hampshire | MSN: $40K BSN–DNP: $40K Post-Master’s Cert: $23,200 | – online MSN, BSN–DNP, and 29-credit certificate – 750–1,000+ advanced practice clinical hours – clear ANCC PMHNP-BC eligibility – strong neuroscience and psychopharmacology sequence – three required intensives (one virtual, two on-campus) |
Additionally, national online programs provide more options for New Hampshire residents.
List of All PMHNP Options for NH Nurses
This list integrates national online programs available for residents of New Hampshire.
Rivier University PMHNP Programs
Nashua | $747 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Rivier delivers online PMHNP pathways with low residency and three weekend campus visits. The curriculum builds advanced assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and psychiatric therapy skills with simulation and supervised clinicals in New England. Tuition is $747 per didactic credit and $1,166 per clinical credit; totals and timelines appear in the table...read more.
University of New Hampshire PMHNP Programs
Durham | $800 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN / DNP
UNH offers three PMHNP options—MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and a Post-Master’s Certificate—with minimal campus visits and scheduled virtual/on-campus intensives. Programs blend core APRN coursework with PMHNP specialty content and include practicum hours, simulation, and faculty mentoring; the DNP totals 1,000 advanced practice hours (up to 500 may carry from the master’s level). Resident tuition is $800 per credit ($880 out-of-state), and the costs above reflect the credit totals provided...read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
New Hampshire nurses have the flexibility to complete Walden University’s entirely online PMHNP programs (BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, MSN, or Post-Master’s Certificate) while continuing to practice in the Granite State. Walden’s Practicum Pledge and dedicated placement team ensure clinical sites are secured throughout New Hampshire—from Manchester to the North Country—meeting the state’s 640–1,000 practicum hour requirements locally. These CCNE-accredited programs prepare graduates to deliver high-quality psychiatric-mental health care in New Hampshire’s community mental health centers, hospitals, and independent practices.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
Post University's American Sentinel College delivers PMHNP education through practice-focused curriculum costing approximately $30,000-$31,000 over 34 months, preparing graduates to assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric conditions from mild depression/anxiety to significantly disabling conditions including schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. The program mandates APEA 3P Exam passage as a gateway requirement after completing foundational pharmacology, pathophysiology, and assessment courses, with additional Diagnostic Reasoning course required for students who don't pass on first attempt. Student success advisors provide one-on-one guidance throughout enrollment while graduates gain eligibility to sit for nurse practitioner certification examinations in community mental health centers, outpatient clinics, acute care hospitals, and correctional facilities.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
The online PMHNP programs at Purdue Global are authorized for enrollment in New Hampshire, providing flexible, CCNE-accredited options for nurses to advance to the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner role. Students can choose from a Post-Graduate Certificate, a 2-year full-time MSN, or an MSN-DNP path, with the MSN portion costing an estimated $32,760. All pathways utilize an innovative fully online model featuring immersive virtual reality assignments for key clinical skills.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
Western Governors University’s PMHNP options—an online BSN-to-MSN and a Post-Master’s Certificate—pair competency-based coursework with 650 supervised clinical hours in your local community. Students move as fast as they can prove mastery, supported by a dedicated Program Mentor and course instructors. Most MSN learners finish in a minimum of 2.5 years, while certificate students can complete in about 1.5 years.
Wilkes University PMHNP Programs
online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN
New Hampshire nurses can earn PMHNP credentials through Wilkes University's three fully online program options with tuition ranging from $21,779 to $31,680. The university's clinical placement team assists New Hampshire students in securing approved practicum sites and qualified preceptors throughout the state for the required 500-1,000 clinical hours. Wilkes' CCNE-accredited programs achieved 95.4% PMHNP certification pass rates in 2023, preparing New Hampshire graduates to address the state's growing mental health service needs.
Riviera University vs UNH for PMHNP
TLDR: Quick Program Match
Choose Rivier University if you want the most affordable MSN option ($32,021) with an impressive 93.40% first-time ANCC pass rate (exceeding the national 83% average), or if you’re an RN with an associate degree seeking the RN-to-MS pathway.
Choose University of New Hampshire if you want a terminal DNP degree through the BSN-to-DNP pathway (77 credits, $40,000 for NH residents), three intensive hands-on experiences with OSCEs, or the most affordable post-master’s certificate in the region ($23,200 for 29 credits).
PMHNP MSN Program Comparison for NH
New Hampshire offers two quality PMHNP master’s programs with a modest $8,000 cost difference.
Rivier University delivers the lower-cost MSN at $32,021 ($747/credit for 43 credits), making it one of the most affordable programs in New England. The program boasts an exceptional 93.40% first-time ANCC pass rate for 2022-2024, significantly outperforming the national average of 83%—strong evidence of curriculum quality and graduate preparedness.
University of New Hampshire charges $40,000 for NH residents ($800/credit for 50 credits) but provides three intensive experiences (one virtual, two on-campus) featuring high-fidelity simulation and Observed Standardized Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), offering hands-on competency validation that mirrors real-world clinical scenarios.
| School | Total Cost (NH Residents) | Cost Per Credit | Credits | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivier University | $32,021 | $747 (didactic) / $1,166 (clinical) | 43 | 2-3 years full-time |
| University of New Hampshire | $40,000 | $800 (NH residents) / $880 (out-of-state) | 50 | 2.5 years (30 months) full-time |
Unique Program Features:
Rivier University:
- 93.40% first-time ANCC pass rate (2022-2024) vs. 83% national average
- State-of-the-art simulation facilities in greater Boston/central New England
- Multiple term starts available throughout the year
- RN-to-MS pathway available for associate degree/diploma nurses
University of New Hampshire:
- Three intensive experiences: one virtual + two on-campus
- Observed Standardized Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) during residencies
- One full year of med-surg/neuro/ICU/ER experience required (psychiatric experience not required)
- Synchronous and asynchronous learning with low/high-fidelity simulation
DNP for PMHNP Program Comparison
Only University of New Hampshire offers a BSN-to-DNP PMHNP pathway in New Hampshire, providing the state’s sole option for nurses seeking a terminal doctoral degree without first completing a master’s program.
UNH’s 77-credit DNP costs $40,000 for New Hampshire residents ($800/credit) and takes approximately 4 years (52 months) full-time—remarkably affordable compared to DNP programs nationally.
Key Program Features:
- Foundational Core (21 credits): Advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, evidence-based practice, leadership, diagnostic reasoning, genomics/ethics, biostatistics/epidemiology
- Doctoral Leadership Courses (15 credits): Information systems, EBP methods, health policy/economics, quality/safety, three scholarly project courses
- PMHNP Specialty (41 credits): Neurobiology, psychopharmacology I & II, psychiatric assessment, diagnosis/management I & II, special populations, four sequential practica
- Clinical Distribution: NURS 986 (150 hrs) → NURS 987 (200 hrs) → NURS 988 (200 hrs) → NURS 989 (200 hrs)
- Intensives: Three total (one virtual + two on-campus) with OSCEs
- Scholarly Project: Three-course sequence guiding proposal, implementation, and dissemination
- One-on-one faculty mentorship for DNP project development
- Graduates qualify for PMHNP-BC certification after fulfilling all master’s requirements
NH PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificates
Both New Hampshire schools offer post-master’s certificates for nurses who already hold an MSN, with University of New Hampshire providing the most affordable certificate in the region at $23,200 for 29 credits—significantly lower than most Northeast programs.
Rivier University’s certificate ranges from $14,194 to $32,101 (19-43 credits) depending on gap analysis results, making it competitive if you’ve completed most prerequisites but potentially more expensive if substantial coursework is needed.
The key cost determinant is whether you’ve completed the “3 Ps” (Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Health Assessment) within required timeframes.
Cost and Duration:
| School | Cost Range (NH Residents) | Credits | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Hampshire | $23,200 | 29 | 16-17 months full-time |
| Rivier University | $14,194–$32,101 | 19-43 | 3-6 semesters |
Clinical Hours: Both programs require 750 clinical hours across four sequential practica.
Format and Requirements:
University of New Hampshire:
- Fixed 29-credit curriculum with customized plan based on prior coursework
- Prerequisites: Advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment required for ANCC certification
- Must hold current APRN license with NP certification and/or Advanced Practice Nurse specialty
- One year of practice experience required
- Three intensives (one virtual + two on-campus) with OSCEs
- Application fee: $25
Rivier University:
- Variable 19-43 credit curriculum determined by gap analysis
- Pharmacology must be within 5 years; pathophysiology within 10 years
- Clinical specialty preparation reviewed during application
- Applicants without clinical work in master’s program require additional coursework
- NH RN license plus license in practicum state required
- Application fee: not specified
RN-to-MS PMHNP Option (Rivier University Only)
Rivier University uniquely offers an RN-to-MS pathway for associate degree or diploma nurses, costing $36,603 for 49 credits over 3-4 years. This option bridges the educational gap for experienced RNs who want to advance directly to PMHNP practice without first completing a traditional BSN program.
RN-to-MS Requirements:
- Associate degree or diploma in nursing from accredited program
- Active RN license
- Two years full-time (or equivalent) RN experience
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Professional Portfolio documenting mastery of BS competencies
- Undergraduate statistics course completion
- Clinical/practicum prerequisites must be completed four months prior to practicum courses
This pathway includes foundational BSN-level coursework (NURS 404 Leadership/Management, NURS 409 Community/Public Health) before transitioning to graduate-level content, making it ideal for experienced associate-degree nurses seeking career advancement without a separate BSN degree.
Specialty Curriculum Focus
Both programs cover comprehensive PMHNP content including psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy across the lifespan. Neither program offers subspecializations within PMHNP, though each provides distinct curricular approaches.
Core Content Areas (Both Programs):
- Advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment
- Neurobiology and psychopharmacology of mental disorders
- Psychiatric assessment and DSM-5 diagnosis
- Individual, family, and group psychotherapy modalities
- Lifespan psychiatric care (pediatric, adult, geriatric populations)
- Evidence-based practice and diagnostic reasoning
Unique Curriculum Features:
University of New Hampshire:
- Two-part psychopharmacology sequence (NURS 978 & 979) progressing from first-line agents to complex cases
- Dedicated neurobiology course (NURS 977) linking brain structure/function to psychiatric disorders
- Mental Health & Special Populations course (NURS 990) addressing addiction, trauma, and co-occurring conditions
- Diagnostic reasoning emphasis (NURS 911) strengthening metacognition to reduce diagnostic error
- Sequential practicum progression: 150 hrs → 200 hrs → 200 hrs → 200 hrs
- Genomics integration (DNP only) applying genetics to psychiatric risk assessment
Rivier University:
- Integrated theory/practicum model: Each clinical course (NSG 521, 523, 525) pairs didactic theory with concurrent supervised practice
- Progressive clinical credit structure: 3 credits (Practicum I) → 4 credits (Practicum II) → 5 credits (Practicum III)
- Quality improvement emphasis (NSG 601) using PDCA cycles and metrics
- Research capstone (NSG 606) requiring integrative review, program proposal, or pilot study
- Brief interactional therapy models suited to diverse settings and time-limited interventions
- Milieu, group, family, and couples therapies integrated across practica
Clinical Pedagogy Differences:
- UNH: Three intensives with OSCEs for standardized competency validation
- Rivier: State-of-the-art simulation facilities with hands-on campus visits
NH PMHNP Admissions Requirements (2026)
| School | Minimum GPA | RN Experience Required | Application Deadlines | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivier University (MSN) | 3.0 | Not specified | Multiple term starts | Not specified |
| Rivier University (RN-to-MS) | 3.0 | Two years full-time (or equivalent) | Multiple term starts | Not specified |
| Rivier University (Certificate) | 3.0 | Not specified | Rolling | Not specified |
| UNH (MSN) | Not specified* | One year minimum (med-surg/neuro/ICU/ER) | April 1 (Final: August 1) | $65 |
| UNH (DNP) | Not specified* | Not specified | April 1 for fall; Dec 1 for spring | $65 |
| UNH (Certificate) | Not specified* | One year as APRN/NP | April 1 (Final: August 1) | $25 |
*GPA requirements not explicitly stated in provided materials
Additional Admission Factors:
Both Schools:
- Current, unencumbered US RN license required
- Professional letters of recommendation required
- Personal/professional statement required
- Current resume/CV required
University of New Hampshire Specific:
- MSN requires one year med-surg/neuro/ICU/ER experience (psychiatric experience not required)
- Certificate requires current APRN license with NP certification and one year practice experience
- Professional statement must address cognitive load management
- Interview may be required after initial application review
- Non-BSN applicants considered based on clinical experience and faculty discretion
- International nursing education requires CGFNS verification
Rivier University Specific:
- RN-to-MS requires Professional Portfolio documenting mastery of BS competencies
- Certificate requires pharmacology within 5 years, pathophysiology within 10 years
- Undergraduate statistics course completion required
- NH RN license plus license in state where practicum will be completed
Clinical Placement Support
Student-Arranged Clinicals (with faculty approval):
Rivier University:
- Hands-on campus visits for practical skill development
- State-of-the-art simulation facilities
- Dedicated placement assistance provided
- Clinical sites throughout greater Boston and central New England regions
- RN-to-MS students must complete clinical/practicum prerequisites four months prior to practicum courses
University of New Hampshire:
- Three mandatory intensive experiences (one virtual + two on-campus)
- Observed Standardized Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) during residencies
- One-on-one faculty mentors and advisors for project development (DNP)
- Students become active members of collaborative mental health care teams
- Synchronous and asynchronous learning with low/high-fidelity simulation
Total Clinical Hours Required:
- Both programs: 750 clinical hours across four sequential practica
- UNH DNP: 1,000 total documented advanced practice hours (750 practicum + project hours)
Clinical Progression Patterns:
University of New Hampshire:
- Practicum I: 150 hours (foundational interviewing and assessment)
- Practicum II: 200 hours (advanced differentials and management)
- Practicum III: 200 hours (complicated care and crisis management)
- Practicum IV: 200 hours (synthesis for entry to practice)
Rivier University:
- Practicum I: Varies (triage, crisis intervention, individual therapy)
- Practicum II: Varies (milieu, group, family, couples therapies)
- Practicum III: Varies (complex case management and role readiness)