When looking at PMHNP programs in North Dakota, the total cost range typically falls between $30,000 and $51,000. This variation depends heavily on whether you choose a state institution like UND (which offers strong clinical support) or a national provider like Post or Rasmussen (which offer more frequent starts).
North Dakota nurses benefit from several specialized pathways, including one of the region’s best clinical placement teams at the University of North Dakota.
North Dakota & National PMHNP Program Comparison
| University | Program Track | Est. Total Cost | Duration (Full-Time) | Clinical Hours |
| UND | MS in PMHNP | $46,043 | ~42 Months (PT) | ~600+ Hours |
| Rasmussen | MSN – PMHNP | $50,380 | ~27 Months | ~600+ Hours |
| Post University | MSN PMHNP | $30,198 – $30,794 | ~34 Months | 630 Hours |
| Purdue Global | MSN PMHNP | $32,760 | ~24 Months | 640+ Hours |
| Walden University | MSN PMHNP | Varies | Variable | 500+ Hours |
List of Schools Along With Program Summaries
University of North Dakota – PMHNP Programs
Grand Forks | $940 cpc | Certificate / MSN
UND delivers two 100% online PMHNP options with asynchronous courses for working nurses. A clinical placement team, academic advising, tutoring, coaching, and 24/7 tech support help students progress. Online students earn the same degree and learn from the same faculty as on-campus peers. ..read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
For North Dakota nurses, Walden University offers online PMHNP programs at the BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, MSN, and post-master’s certificate levels, all structured to accommodate full-time work. The Practicum Pledge helps North Dakota students locate appropriate preceptors and sites, while the virtual skills lab reinforces clinical readiness before and during their supervised hours. Graduates emerge ready to seek PMHNP certification and deliver comprehensive psychiatric care to individuals and families throughout North Dakota.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
Requiring a total of 630 supervised clinical hours, Post University structures its PMHNP preceptorships into five distinct, 8-week courses, ensuring dedicated focus on specific patient populations like Substance Use Disorders and pediatrics. The program is specifically designed to prevent students from repeating core NP content if they have an existing MSN, allowing them to earn a second MSN in the specialization in as few as 11 courses after a transcript evaluation. This CCNE-accredited program emphasizes skills in policy advocacy, healthcare ethics, and evidence-based research translation for improved clinical practice.
Rasmussen University PMHNP Program
online | $915 cpc | Certificate / MSN
The Rasmussen University Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program is a CCNE-accredited offering with both a Master of Science in Nursing (69 credits) and a Post-Graduate Certificate (53 credits) track. Both programs are delivered fully online, but include required in-person clinical practicum experiences coordinated in the student's local community. For North Dakota students, the Fargo Campus (4012 19th Avenue South) serves as a local resource for enrollment and student support services, though applicants should confirm program eligibility and state-specific licensure requirements with an admissions representative.
Admissions Snapshot
| University | Min. GPA | RN Experience Required | Academic Format | Key Differentiator |
| UND | 3.0 (Last 2 yrs) | 1 Year (Psych Setting Required) | Traditional Semesters | Includes dedicated Clinical Placement Team |
| Rasmussen | 3.0 | Active License Only | 2 Starts/Year | Technology-forward (Telehealth/Simulation) |
| Post University | 3.0 | 1 Year (within last 3 years) | 8-Week Courses | Focused on one course at a time |
| Purdue Global | 2.5 | Active License Only | 10-Week Terms | Most accessible GPA requirements |
| Walden University | 3.0 | Active License Only | Quarter System | Best for “RN-to-MSN” bridge students |
Strategic Differences for North Dakota Residents
Clinical Placement Assistance: UND is one of the few programs that provides a dedicated Clinical Placement Team. In a state like North Dakota, where psychiatric facilities are concentrated in cities like Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks, having university help to secure a local preceptor is a significant advantage.
The Psych Experience Requirement: UND specifically requires experience in a psychiatric setting. If you are currently working in Med-Surg or ER and want to switch to Psych NP, Rasmussen or Purdue Global may be easier to enter since they only require an active RN license.
Program Length: UND is designed as a part-time, 3.5-year program. If your goal is to be in practice as fast as possible, Purdue Global or Rasmussen offer tracks that are roughly 12 to 15 months shorter.
| University | Start Frequency | Upcoming 2026 Start Dates | App Deadline |
| WGU | Monthly | Feb 1, Mar 1, Apr 1, May 1, June 1… | 15th of month prior |
| Walden | 8x / Year | Feb 2, Feb 23, May 4, May 25, Aug 31… | ~3 weeks prior |
| Post | 6x / Year | Jan 5, Mar 9, May 4, June 29, Aug 24… | ~4 weeks prior |
| Purdue Global | 10-Week Cycles | Jan 21, Apr 1, Jun 10, Aug 19, Oct 28 | ~4-5 weeks prior |
| Rasmussen | 2x / Year | Jan 5, July 6 | Closed for Jan; July start open |
| UND | Traditional | Fall (Aug) 2026 | Varies (Check portal) |