Below is a high level comparison table for New Mexico’s two PMHNP programs. Program costs range from $7,500 for UNM’s post-graduate certificate to approximately $39,000 for NMSU’s BSN-to-DNP, with completion timelines spanning 1-3 years based on pathway selection and enrollment status.
| School | Est. Cost Range | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico State University | BSN to DNP – $39K Certificate – $12K | – Online-focused PMHNP options; – 1,000+ clinical/project hours; – opioid and substance use focus; – hometown clinical placements |
| University of New Mexico | BSN to DNP – ≈ $30K–$35K Certificate ≈ $8K–$15K | – Flexible, hybrid options; – 750+ clinical hours; – rural and underserved focus; – full clinical placement |
PMHNP Program List for NM
To maximize your choices, this list includes national online programs too (particularly beneficial for open enrollment).
NM State PMHNP Programs
Las Cruces | $493 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP
New Mexico State University offers two online PMHNP tracks through its Global Campus, including a full-time BSN-to-DNP program and a one-year post-graduate APRN certificate. Both pathways include supervised clinical hours completed in students’ hometowns and integrate substance use disorder treatment, MAT training, and psychiatric care across the lifespan. Tuition is highly affordable, with the DNP totaling about $39,000 and the certificate costing around $12,000...read more.
University of New Mexico PMHNP Programs
Albuquerque | Certificate / DNP
UNM delivers PMHNP education in a hybrid format with online coursework, in-person simulation, and statewide clinical rotations. Small cohorts, an 8:1 student-instructor ratio, and dedicated placement support help students secure clinical sites across New Mexico, including rural and underserved areas. The DNP track finishes in under three years, while the certificate adapts to each student’s prior graduate work...read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Walden University’s fully online PMHNP programs give New Mexico nurses flexible BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, MSN, and post-master’s certificate pathways to advance into psychiatric-mental health practice while continuing to work. New Mexico students benefit from the Walden Practicum Pledge, which supports finding preceptor sites when they cannot secure one independently, along with a virtual skills lab that builds confidence before clinicals. Graduates are prepared to pursue PMHNP certification and address mental health needs across New Mexico’s diverse rural and urban communities.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
Post University prepares advanced practice psychiatric nurses by combining 36 credits of core didactic content with 15 clinical credits, all structured with monthly class start dates for maximum flexibility. The curriculum focuses heavily on Psychotropic Psychopharmacology and the management of disorders across the lifespan, including dedicated coursework for child/adolescent and adult/geriatric populations. Before starting the 630 clinical hours, students with a BSN and one year of recent full-time RN experience must meet a 3.0 GPA prerequisite for admission to this competitive program.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
The Purdue Global PMHNP program is authorized for enrollment in New Mexico, allowing residents to pursue a fully online, CCNE-accredited Post-Graduate Certificate, MSN, or MSN to DNP pathway. These programs, which prepare graduates to provide comprehensive psychiatric mental health care across the lifespan, feature an immersive online experience. The curriculum uses virtual reality (VR) assignments to simulate real-world scenarios such as telehealth and group therapy sessions.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
WGU’s Leavitt School of Health delivers two fully online PMHNP pathways designed for working RNs: a BSN-to-MSN and a post-master’s certificate. The model is mastery-based, so you advance when you demonstrate competence, not when the calendar says so. Plan on 650 direct-care hours locally and a minimum timeline of 2.5 years (MSN) or 1.5 years (certificate).
Wilkes University PMHNP Programs
online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN
New Mexico nurses seeking PMHNP certification can choose from Wilkes University's three online pathways designed to address the state's behavioral health workforce shortages. The programs range from 1.67 to 3 years depending on entry point, with all coursework delivered online and clinical experiences completed at approved sites throughout New Mexico. Wilkes provides complimentary clinical placement support and achieved 95.4% PMHNP certification pass rates, significantly exceeding national benchmarks.
Comparing NMSU vs UNM for PMHNP
TLDR: Quick Program Recommendations
Choose New Mexico State University if you want the most affordable certificate ($11,842) with 100% online coursework, military-friendly tuition ($299/credit), and integration of opioid/substance use disorder treatment throughout the curriculum with 1,088 DNP clinical hours.
Choose University of New Mexico if you want dedicated clinical placement support (Office of Clinical Affairs finds and secures all placements), the fastest DNP completion (under 3 years in 8 consecutive terms), 100% certification pass rate, and 8:1 student-instructor ratio with focus on rural and underserved populations.
DNP-PMHNP Program Comparison
New Mexico State University offers the most affordable DNP at $38,979 with the highest practice hour requirement (1,088 hours), while University of New Mexico provides faster completion (under 3 years vs. 3 years) with comprehensive clinical placement support and 100% first-time certification pass rates.
| School | Total Cost (Residents) | Duration | Practice Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico State University | $38,979 | 3 years full-time | 1,088 (832 PMHNP + 64 assessment + 192 project) |
| University of New Mexico | $30,000-$35,000 | Under 3 years (8 terms) | 1,150 total (750 clinical + 100 lab + 300 project) |
Key Differentiators:
- Total Practice Hours: NMSU requires 1,088 hours; UNM requires 1,150 hours (750 clinical + 100 lab/simulation + 300 project)
- Clinical Placement: UNM’s Office of Clinical Affairs finds and secures ALL placements (students don’t scramble for preceptors); NMSU students complete clinical training in hometown with local healthcare centers
- Completion Speed: UNM completes in 8 consecutive terms (under 3 years); NMSU requires full 3 years
- Format: NMSU is mostly asynchronous online with 2 campus visits total; UNM is hybrid with regular on-campus requirements
- Certification Pass Rate: UNM reports 100% first-time pass rate; NMSU prepares for ANCC exam
- Student-Instructor Ratio: UNM maintains 8:1 ratio; NMSU uses distance education model
- Military Benefits: NMSU offers $299/credit for active duty (saves $15,350 on DNP); UNM uses standard graduate rates
- Campus Requirements: NMSU requires 2-day orientation + 1-week Year 2 immersion; UNM requires regular on-campus attendance for hybrid courses
- Substance Use Focus: NMSU integrates opioid and substance use disorder treatment competencies throughout curriculum with MAT opportunities
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Comparison
New Mexico State University offers the lowest fixed-cost certificate at $11,842 (18 credits) with 100% online format and optional psychopharmacology course, while University of New Mexico provides individualized gap analysis with variable costs ($7,500-$15,000 minimum 15 credits) and comprehensive clinical placement support.
| School | Cost Range (Residents) | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico State University | $11,842 (or $8,881 without optional course) | 1 year full-time | 576 hrs |
| University of New Mexico | $7,500-$15,000+ | Variable | Clinicals based on gap analysis) |
Certificate Highlights:
- Fixed vs. Variable Structure: NMSU provides defined 18-credit curriculum; UNM customizes based on individual gap analysis
- Psychopharmacology: NMSU offers optional 3-credit psychopharmacology course (strongly recommended but not required due to state credit limits); UNM includes in gap analysis if needed
- Clinical Hours: NMSU requires minimum 576 hours (500 non-negotiable); UNM varies based on prior experience
- Completion Timeline: NMSU completes in 1 year full-time (Fall-Spring-Summer); UNM timeline varies by individualized plan
- Prerequisites: Both require advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment completed within past 5 years
- Current Certification: NMSU requires current APRN certification (NP, CNM, CRNA, or CNS); UNM accepts master’s/DNP-prepared nurses
- Format: NMSU is 100% online with local clinical hours; UNM uses hybrid format with some on-campus requirements
- Clinical Placement: UNM’s Office of Clinical Affairs secures placements; NMSU students arrange in hometown
- Military Discount: NMSU offers $299/credit for active duty (certificate cost drops to $5,382 or $3,900); UNM uses standard rates
- State Limitations: Both require SARA consortium verification for out-of-state students
Admissions Requirements Comparison
| School | Minimum GPA | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico State University | 3.0 | Priority: Feb 15, Final: Mar 15 (DNP) / Apr 1 (Certificate) |
| University of New Mexico | 3.0 preferred (below 3.0 considered) | Priority: Dec 1, Final: Apr 1 |
Admission Notes:
- All programs require BSN from accredited institutions (or master’s for certificates) and active RN licensure
- New Mexico State University requires competitive interview and 2-4 page paper describing clinical problem for potential DNP Project
- University of New Mexico uses NursingCAS application system with three separate essay prompts
- NMSU admits only in Fall semester for both DNP and certificate; UNM admits Fall for DNP
- UNM requires New Mexico RN license (or eligibility within first term); NMSU requires current U.S. RN license at application
- Both programs consider applicants below 3.0 GPA on individual basis with supplemental materials
- NMSU requires signed commitment to full-time study and mandatory attendance at orientation/immersion (non-attendance may result in dismissal)
- UNM requires 1+ year nursing work experience before starting; NMSU prefers 1 year clinical experience
- Both programs are full SARA consortium members (students must verify reciprocity with home state)
- NMSU charges standard application fee; UNM uses NursingCAS fee plus UNM application fee
- UNM certificate students undergo individualized gap analysis with faculty coordinator meeting
- NMSU certificate applicants need letter of intent describing career goals and how certificate fits objectives
- UNM requires three letters of reference (specific sources: supervisor, healthcare provider, faculty/educator or community service contact – NOT family/co-workers/friends)