New Hampshire offers 2 PMHNP programs with on-campus components: Rivier University in Nashua and University of New Hampshire in Durham. Both programs feature hybrid formats with on-campus intensives or residencies.
Additionally, national online programs provide more options for New Hampshire residents.
Total program costs range from approximately $14,194 to $40,000 depending on degree level, institution, and residency status.
Local Programs Quick Comparison
| School | Tracks Offered | Clinical Hours | Cost Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivier University | MSN RN to MS Certificate | 750+ hours | MSN: $32K RN to MS: $36K Certificate: $14K–$32K | – Online with low residency – 3 weekend campus visits – high first-time ANCC pass rate |
| University of New Hampshire | MSN BSN to DNP Certificate | MSN: 750 hrs DNP: 1,000 hrs Certificate: 750 hrs | MSN: $40K DNP: $40K Certificate: $23K | – Virtual and on-campus intensives – 3 intensives total – OSCEs during residencies – full-time & part-time options |
Notes:
- Clinical Hours = Minimum required supervised practicum hours distributed across multiple courses
- Cost Ranges reflect NH resident tuition rates for nursing courses only; out-of-state students pay higher rates
- Rivier charges $747/credit (didactic) and $1,166/credit (clinical courses)
- UNH charges $800/credit (NH residents) and $880/credit (out-of-state)
- Both programs maintain national accreditation and prepare graduates for ANCC PMHNP-BC certification
- RN to MS option at Rivier designed for associate degree or diploma RNs
- All programs offer online/hybrid formats with minimal campus requirements to accommodate working professionals
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 | 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.
Choosing the Best NH PMHNP Program
TLDR: Quick Program Recommendations
Choose WGU if you want the most affordable option with competency-based learning that allows self-paced advancement ($35,775 MSN or $21,465 certificate).
Choose Purdue Global if you want an affordable CCNE-accredited online program with clinical flexibility and 93.7% 2024 graduate pass rates ($32,760 MSN or $20,160 certificate).
Choose Post University if you need fully online learning with monthly start dates and structured 8-week courses ($30,198–$30,794 MSN).
Choose Wilkes University if you want complimentary clinical placement support with exceptional 95.4% certification pass rates ($31,542 MSN, $21,779 certificate, or ~$31,680 DNP).
Choose Rivier University if you want an affordable New Hampshire-based ACEN-accredited program with 93.40% first-time ANCC pass rates and Boston/central New England clinical placements ($32,021 MSN or $14,194–$32,101 certificate).
Choose University of New Hampshire if you want NH resident tuition rates with three on-campus intensives, 750 clinical hours, and one-on-one faculty mentoring ($40,000 for MSN or BSN to DNP, $23,200 certificate).
Choose Walden University if you want the Practicum Pledge guarantee for clinical placement assistance with multiple entry points from BSN to DNP ($44,705–$74,405 depending on entry point).
PMHNP Post-Graduate Certificates
Cost Comparison
Most Affordable:
- Rivier University — $14,194–$32,101 (3–6 semesters, varies by prior education)
- Purdue Global — $20,160 (~1.5 years)
- WGU — $21,465 (minimum 1.5 years)
- Wilkes University — $21,779 (1.67 years)
Mid-Range:
- University of New Hampshire — $23,200 NH residents (~16–17 months)
- Walden University — $35,225 (variable duration)
Duration Comparison
Fastest: University of New Hampshire — ~16–17 months
Standard: Most programs complete in 1.5–2 years full-time
Certificate Program Summary
Post-graduate certificates serve nurses who already hold an MSN or DNP and want to add PMHNP certification. Rivier University offers the most affordable New Hampshire-based certificate starting at $14,194 (varies by prior education) with ACEN accreditation, 93.40% first-time ANCC pass rates, and clinical placements throughout greater Boston and central New England.
University of New Hampshire provides NH residents with a certificate for $23,200 completing in 16–17 months with 750 clinical hours, three on-campus intensives (one virtual, two on-campus), and one-on-one faculty mentoring.
National online options include Purdue Global ($20,160) with 93.7% pass rates, WGU ($21,465) with competency-based progression, and Wilkes University ($21,779) with complimentary clinical placement support and 95.4% certification pass rates.
Walden University ($35,225) offers the Practicum Pledge guaranteeing clinical placement assistance.
MSN-PMHNP Programs
Cost Comparison
Most Affordable:
- Post University — $30,198–$30,794 (34 months)
- Wilkes University — $31,542 (2.3 years)
- Rivier University — $32,021 (2–3 years)
- Purdue Global — $32,760 (2 years)
Low-to-Mid-Range:
- WGU — $35,775 (minimum 2.5 years)
- University of New Hampshire — $40,000 NH residents (2.5 years)
Mid-Range:
- Walden University — $44,705 (2.5 years, after scholarship)
Duration Comparison
Fastest: Purdue Global — 2 years full-time
Standard: Most programs complete in 2–3 years (24–36 months)
MSN Program Summary
Post University offers the most affordable MSN-PMHNP at $30,198–$30,794 with fully online delivery and monthly start dates.
Wilkes University ($31,542) includes complimentary clinical placement support with exceptional 95.4% certification pass rates completing in 2.3 years. Rivier University ($32,021) provides the most affordable New Hampshire-based option with ACEN accreditation, 93.40% first-time ANCC pass rates, Boston/central New England clinical placements, and multiple term starts throughout the year.
Purdue Global ($32,760) offers the fastest completion at 2 years with CCNE accreditation and 93.7% pass rates. WGU’s competency-based model ($35,775) allows accelerated completion for experienced nurses.
University of New Hampshire ($40,000 for NH residents) features three on-campus intensives (one virtual, two on-campus), 750 clinical hours, and one-on-one faculty mentoring with synchronous/asynchronous learning and simulation experiences.
Walden University ($44,705 after scholarship) stands out for its Practicum Pledge guaranteeing clinical placement assistance.
DNP-PMHNP Programs
Cost Comparison
Most Affordable:
- Wilkes University — ~$31,680 (2–3 years, varies by entry point)
Mid-Range:
- University of New Hampshire BSN to DNP — $40,000 NH residents (4 years/52 months)
- Walden University BSN to DNP — $74,405 (3.25 years, after scholarship)
Duration Comparison
Fastest:
- Wilkes University — 2–3 years depending on entry point
Standard: Walden University — 3–3.25 years for full-time completion
Longer: University of New Hampshire — 4 years (52 months) for BSN to DNP
DNP Program Summary
Wilkes University offers the most affordable DNP option at approximately $31,680 (varies by transfer credits and entry point) with complimentary clinical placement support, 95.4% certification pass rates, and 2–3 year completion requiring 1,000 post-baccalaureate practicum hours.
University of New Hampshire provides the only New Hampshire-based BSN to DNP for $40,000 (NH residents) completing in 4 years (52 months) with 77 credits, 1,000 documented advanced practice clinical hours, three on-campus intensives, DNP scholarly symposium presentation opportunities, and one-on-one faculty mentoring.
The program includes synchronous/asynchronous learning, simulation experiences, and clinical immersion.
Walden University provides a BSN to DNP pathway at $74,405 (after scholarship) with the Practicum Pledge, completing in 3.25 years with 1,000+ practicum hours and 100% online delivery.
All DNP programs require minimum 1,000 post-baccalaureate practicum hours and prepare graduates for independent psychiatric-mental health practice and leadership roles.
New Hampshire Programs vs. National Online Programs
New Hampshire-Based Programs with Local Presence
Rivier University (Nashua)
- Format: Hybrid with clinical in greater Boston and central New England
- Programs: MSN PMHNP ($32,021, 2–3 years), RN to MS ($36,603, 3–4 years), Certificate ($14,194–$32,101, 3–6 semesters)
- Clinical Hours: Hands-on clinical in state-of-the-art simulation facilities
- Key Features: ACEN accredited, 93.40% first-time ANCC pass rate (vs. 83% national), most affordable NH-based certificate, multiple term starts, minimum 3.0 GPA, active NH RN license required plus state where practicum completed
University of New Hampshire (Durham)
- Format: Hybrid with three intensives (one virtual, two on-campus)
- Programs: MSN PMHNP ($40,000 NH residents, 2.5 years), BSN to DNP ($40,000 NH residents, 4 years), Certificate ($23,200 NH residents, ~16–17 months)
- Clinical Hours: 750 for MSN/Certificate, 1,000 for DNP
- Key Features: NH resident pricing, three intensives with OSCE exams, one-on-one faculty mentoring, DNP scholarly symposium, synchronous/asynchronous learning with simulation, minimum one year RN experience required, unencumbered U.S. RN license required
National Online Programs Serving New Hampshire
- Format: 100% online
- Programs: MSN-PMHNP ($30,198–$30,794, 34 months)
- Clinical Hours: 630 hours across 5 preceptorship courses
- Key Features: Most affordable MSN option, monthly start dates, 8-week courses, CCNE accredited, must pass APEA 3P Exam, New Hampshire authorized, students find own sites
- Format: 100% online
- Programs: MSN-PMHNP ($32,760, 2 years), Certificate ($20,160, ~1.5 years), MSN to DNP pathway
- Clinical Hours: 6 clinical credits for certificate
- Key Features: CCNE accredited, 93.7% 2024 graduate pass rate, fastest completion times, seamless MSN to DNP transition, clinical at convenient locations or workplace
- Format: 100% online
- Programs: MSN PMHNP ($50,380, 27 months) and Certificate ($28,417, 21 months)
- Clinical Hours: Variable by program
- Key Features: Personalized clinical practicum coordinators, workplace clinical options, three elective courses, virtual immersion experiences, NOT eligible for Title IV federal aid
- Format: 100% online
- Programs: BSN to DNP ($74,405, 3.25 years), MSN to DNP ($69,225, 3 years), MSN ($44,705, 2.5 years), Certificate ($35,225, variable)
- Clinical Hours: 640 hours for MSN/Certificate, 1,000+ for DNP
- Key Features: Practicum Pledge guarantees placement assistance, CCNE accredited, virtual skills lab, Believe & Achieve Scholarship, multiple entry points
- Format: 100% online, competency-based
- Programs: MSN-PMHNP ($35,775, minimum 2.5 years), Certificate ($21,465, minimum 1.5 years)
- Clinical Hours: 650 hours
- Key Features: Most affordable nationally, competency-based allows acceleration, flat-rate tuition per term, dedicated Program Mentor, CCNE accredited, New Hampshire authorized
- Format: 100% online
- Programs: MSN ($31,542, 2.3 years), Certificate ($21,779, 1.67 years), DNP (~$31,680, 2–3 years)
- Clinical Hours: 500 for MSN/Certificate, 1,000+ for DNP
- Key Features: Complimentary clinical placement support built into tuition, 95.4% certification pass rates (vs. 90% national), above-average placement rates, 12-week courses, sites within 125 miles
Key Differences
New Hampshire-Based Programs offer local reputations, networking within New Hampshire’s healthcare community, hybrid formats with on-campus intensives or residencies, clinical placements in greater Boston and central New England regions (Rivier) or with NH clinical partners (UNH), and NH resident tuition rates (UNH).
Both require attendance at on-campus sessions and provide structured faculty mentoring. Rivier offers ACEN accreditation with exceptional 93.40% first-time pass rates, while UNH provides three intensives including OSCE exams and DNP scholarly symposium opportunities.
National Online Programs provide 100% online flexibility, often lower costs, competency-based or accelerated options, and broader state authorization. Most students find their own clinical sites (though programs like Walden and Wilkes provide placement support). These programs serve working nurses who cannot attend on-campus sessions.
Clinical Placement: University of New Hampshire and Rivier University provide clinical placement support and coordination in their respective regions. Wilkes University provides complimentary clinical placement assistance built into tuition. Walden University offers the Practicum Pledge guarantee. Post University, Purdue Global, and WGU expect students to find sites with university approval/support.
Clinical Hours: Range from 500 hours (Wilkes MSN) to 1,000 hours (UNH DNP, Wilkes DNP), with most MSN/Certificate programs requiring 630–750 hours.
Admission Requirements: Most programs require minimum 3.0 GPA. University of New Hampshire requires minimum one year of RN experience and recommends one year of med-surg/neuro/ICU/ER experience (psychiatric experience not required). Rivier University requires two years RN experience for RN to MS track. Both NH programs require unencumbered U.S. RN licensure.
Format Distinctions: University of New Hampshire requires three intensives (one virtual, two on-campus) with OSCE exams during residencies. Rivier University features clinical in state-of-the-art simulation facilities and clinical placements throughout greater Boston and central New England. All national online programs are fully asynchronous except for clinical requirements.
State Authorization: Both Rivier University and University of New Hampshire accept New Hampshire residents. WGU accepts New Hampshire students. Post University is authorized in New Hampshire. Purdue Global serves New Hampshire (though MSN restrictions apply to New Jersey residents for NP focus areas).