Pennsylvania offers 7 PMHNP programs with costs ranging from $17,955 to $113,920 and completion times from 12 months to 6 years depending on your track and enrollment status.
High Level Overviews for PMHNP Programs
| School | Est. Cost Range | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Drexel University | MSN: $80K Certificate: $40K | – ~2-year MSN, 2-year certificate. – Synchronous online lectures with simulation labs. – 100% board pass rate reported. – 640 clinical hours; student-arranged placements. |
| Jefferson University | MSN: $49K-$61K DNP: $91K Certificate: $37K | – Online/hybrid formats with 98% job placement. – Lifespan training across varied clinical sites. – 750 clinical hours for MSN and DNP tracks. – Joint placement partnerships with faculty involvement. |
| Pennsylvania State University | BSN–DNP: $62K MSN–DNP: $32K (min.) Certificate: $24K | – Part-time pathways with Center of Excellence faculty. – 700+ clinical partners globally. – 1,031 hours in BSN–DNP (clinical + project). – Gap analysis for MSN–DNP and certificate students. |
| University of Pennsylvania | MSN: $104K-$106K | – Top-ranked program with neuroscience + psychotherapy focus. – 3-semester clinical sequence arranged by school. – Onsite supervision seminars. – Fellowship options for underserved community work. |
| University of Pittsburgh | BSN–DNP: $114K MSN–DNP: $47K Certificate: $44K | – CCNE accredited DNP pathways with role immersions. – Psychiatric management training from pediatric to adult. – 640 certificate clinical hours; 3-year BSN–DNP. – ANCC/AANP certification preparation. |
| University of Scranton | DNP: $52K MSN: $41K Certificate: $32K | – 750 clinical hours across three practica. – Follows updated AACN and NONPF standards. – On-campus clinical intensives. – Options for MSN, DNP, and certificate preparation. |
| York College of Pennsylvania | MSN: $33K Certificate: $18K | – 784 supervised clinical hours. – 32–36 month MSN track; 12-month certificate. – Gap analysis for certificate entry. – Emphasis on psychotherapy + diagnosis across lifespan. |
PMHNP Programs for PA Nurses (with Summaries)
Drexel University PMHNP Programs
Philadelphia | $1,525 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Drexel University’s PMHNP options include a 52-credit online MSN and a 34-credit online Post-Master’s Certificate, both built on a quarter system with required on-campus intensives and 640 clinical hours. The curriculum blends core graduate nursing content, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment with psychopharmacology and four progressive PMHNP practica. Admissions emphasize accredited prior nursing degrees, at least one year of psychiatric nursing experience, active RN licensure, and a detailed application that includes recommendations, a personal statement, and a resume...read more.
Jefferson University PMHNP Program
Philadelphia | $1,337 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Thomas Jefferson University PMHNP Program (Philadelphia, PA) offers MSN, DNP (post-bacc entry), and Post-Graduate Certificate pathways designed for working nurses who want flexible online or hybrid study. Students complete 750 supervised clinical hours with lifespan training and added depth in substance use disorders and integrated care settings. Faculty are active clinicians and scholars, and graduates report a 98% job placement rate with certification pass rates above national averages. Clinical placements are arranged through student–faculty partnerships to ensure robust mentorship and site variety...read more.
Penn State PMHNP Programs
University Park | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP
Penn State’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing offers BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, and Post-Master’s PMHNP certificate options that share a hybrid design with key on-campus intensive experiences. The PMHNP curriculum blends DNP core coursework, advanced psychiatric assessment, psychotherapy, and neuropsychopharmacology with 600 or more supervised clinical hours and structured DNP project work. Admission standards emphasize strong academic performance, RN licensure, prior chemistry and statistics, and a full application package that includes references, a writing sample, and an interview...read more.
South College PMHNP Programs
Pittsburgh | $310 cpc | Certificate / MSN
South College offers Pennsylvania learners an online PMHNP pathway that blends asynchronous coursework with required clinical hours at approved Pennsylvania practice sites. Students choose between the MSN degree and Post-Graduate Certificate depending on their academic background. The curriculum equips graduates with assessment, diagnostic, and therapeutic skills aligned with PMHNP certification standards.
University of Pennsylvania PMHNP Programs
Philadelphia | $7,400 per course unit cpc | MSN
Penn’s MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is an in-person, top-ranked advanced practice track that blends neuroscience, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology to prepare RNs to care for patients with mental health needs across the lifespan. The 14-CU program can be completed in about 14 months full time (or up to three years part time) and includes a structured three-semester clinical practicum with school-arranged placements plus coursework in advanced assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, research, and a full suite of PMHNP theory and clinical courses. Estimated total cost is about $103,500 (roughly $7,400 per CU with fees), and applicants need a BSN with at least a 3.0 GPA, an active RN license, and a college-level statistics course, with some students eligible for the Leonard A. Lauder Community Care NP Fellowship...read more.
University of Pittsburgh PMHNP Programs
Pittsburgh | $1,000 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP
The University of Pittsburgh offers 3 PMHNP tracks: BSN to DNP (89 credits, 3 years), MSN to DNP (36-45 credits, 2 years), and a Post-Professional Certificate (34 credits, 12-24 months). The BSN to DNP is available onsite while the MSN to DNP offers both onsite and online options, and all programs prepare graduates for ANCC or AANPCB national certification. Program costs range from approximately $34,000 for the certificate to $89,000 for the BSN to DNP track, with the programs accredited by CCNE through 2034. Note:Note: The applications status of these programs is unclear currently, with upcoming changes announced for their Nurse Practitioner programs. ..read more.
University of Scranton PMHNP Programs
Scranton | $965 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
University of Scranton offers three online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner pathways at the MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate levels, all built around shared core PMHNP coursework and 750 supervised clinical hours. The DNP adds leadership, health policy, and scholarly project courses, while the MSN and certificate options focus more tightly on advanced assessment, psychotherapeutics, and psychopharmacology. Across tracks, students benefit from synchronous and asynchronous online learning, on-campus clinical intensives, and precepted practicum experiences with PMHNP or psychiatrist preceptors...read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Pennsylvania Walden University provides multiple entry points, including MSN and Post-Master's Certificate tracks, for nurses in Pennsylvania looking to specialize in psychiatric mental health. The program leverages a sophisticated virtual skills lab to provide interactive assessments and faculty guidance, preparing future Pennsylvania PMHNPs for complex clinical scenarios. This online format ensures maximum scheduling flexibility while delivering the advanced clinical knowledge needed for mental health wellness across the lifespan.
York College PMHNP Programs
York | $665 cpc | Certificate / MSN
York College of Pennsylvania offers two online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks (MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate) with flexible scheduling, six start dates per year, and 784 required clinical hours. The MSN-PMHNP program includes 50 credits (23 core and 27 PMHNP concentration credits), covers advanced assessment, pharmacology, psychopathology, and psychotherapeutic treatment across the lifespan, and prepares graduates for national PMHNP certification. The Post-Master’s Certificate consists of 27 PMHNP-specific credits with a gap analysis to account for prior graduate work, shared clinical hour requirements, and admission criteria that emphasize accredited nursing degrees, recent advanced pharmacology, and readiness for prescriptive practice...read more.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
Nurses in Pennsylvania can earn their MSN with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialization entirely online through Post University’s American Sentinel College. The program features 51–54 credit hours, 630 clinical hours, and 8-week courses with monthly start dates tailored for working professionals. At an estimated cost of $31,000 over 34 months, the curriculum blends psychopharmacology, diagnostic reasoning, and patient-centered psychiatric care.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Purdue Global offers three PMHNP paths online: Certificate, MSN focus, and MSN-to-DNP. Plan on ~$20,160 for the certificate (~1.5 years) and ~$32,760 for the MSN (~2 years), with the MSN-to-DNP continuing beyond the master’s. The university is authorized to offer these programs to Pennsylvania residents.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
WGU’s PMHNP pathways deliver a streamlined, career-friendly route to advanced practice: two online tracks, clinicals close to home, and a mentor from day one. The MSN option typically spans at least 2.5 years; the certificate about 1.5. Rounded program pricing places the MSN near $36K and the certificate near $22K overall.
Wilkes University PMHNP Programs
online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN
Wilkes University offers three PMHNP tracks through its Passan School of Nursing, all delivered 100% online with complimentary clinical placement support built into tuition costs. The programs range from $21,779 for the post-graduate certificate to $39,803 for the RN to MSN pathway, with completion times between 1.67 to 3 years depending on the track. Wilkes achieves exceptional outcomes with 95.4% PMHNP certification exam pass rates in 2023, significantly exceeding the 90% national average.
Find the Best PA PMHNP Program for You
Pennsylvania offers 7 PMHNP programs with costs ranging from $17,955 to $113,920 and completion times from 12 months to 6 years depending on your track and enrollment status.
TLDR: Program Selection Guide
Choose Drexel University if you want 100% board pass rates, synchronous online lectures from clinically active faculty, or access to state-of-the-art simulation labs with a 10% tuition discount on certificate programs.
Choose Jefferson University if you want a 98% job placement rate, faculty-coordinated clinical placements within the Penn network, or the Leonard A. Lauder Fellowship offering free tuition for students committed to underserved communities.
Choose Penn State if you want training from an NLN Center of Excellence, access to 700+ global clinical partners for practicums near home, or the most affordable certificate option at $23,851.
Choose University of Pennsylvania if you want a highly-ranked program emphasizing neuroscience integration, faculty-arranged clinical placements, or the fastest completion time at 14 months full-time.
Choose University of Pittsburgh if you prefer comprehensive psychiatric training with 640 clinical hours, multiple therapy-focused practicum courses, or established CCNE accreditation through 2034.
Choose University of Scranton if you want no application fees, competitive tuition at $772-$965 per credit, or campus-based intensive evaluations for competency validation.
Choose York College if you want the absolute lowest MSN cost at $33,250 for partners, 784 clinical hours exceeding most programs, or the fastest certificate completion at 12 months.
Pennslyvania PMHNP DNP Programs
Pennsylvania offers 5 DNP-PMHNP options ranging from $51,724 to $113,920.
Penn State provides the lowest-cost BSN-to-DNP at $61,183 (3 years, 1,031 practicum hours) with access to 700+ clinical partners globally.
University of Scranton offers competitive pricing at $51,724 for 67 credits (33 months, 750 hours) with two on-campus clinical intensives.
Jefferson University delivers terminal degrees at $90,916 (4-6 years) with MSN conferral midway through and faculty-coordinated placements.
| Program | Cost | Duration | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penn State BSN-DNP | $62K | 3 years | Lowest cost, 700+ clinical partners |
| Penn State MSN-DNP | $32K | 1.5-2 years | Individualized curriculum via gap analysis |
| Pitt BSN-DNP | $89K | 3 years | Multiple therapy practicum tracks |
| Scranton DNP | $52K | 33 months | Two campus intensives, no application fee |
| Jefferson DNP | $91K | 4-6 years | MSN conferral midway, 98% job placement |
Pennsylvania PMHNP MSN Programs
Pennsylvania’s 6 MSN-PMHNP programs range from $33,250 to $103,526.
York College offers the lowest cost at $33,250 for partners (50 credits, 784 hours, 32-36 months) with no application fees.
University of Pennsylvania provides the fastest track at 14 months full-time but carries the highest cost at $103,526, featuring faculty-arranged clinical placements and highly-ranked national reputation.
Jefferson delivers competitive value at $48,132-$60,165 (2-3 years) with 98% job placement rates and joint faculty-student clinical partnerships.
| Program | Cost | Duration | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| York College | $34K (partners) | 32-36 months | Lowest cost, highest clinical hours |
| Scranton | $41K | 21 months | Two campus intensives, $965/credit |
| Jefferson | $49K-$61K | 2-3 years | 98% job placement, faculty placements |
| Drexel | $80K | 2 years | 100% board pass rate, simulation labs |
| UPenn | $104K | 14 months | Fastest completion, highly ranked |
PMHNP Post-Graduate Certificate Programs
Pennsylvania offers 6 certificate tracks from $17,955 to $43,520.
York College delivers the fastest and cheapest option at $17,955 (12 months, 784 hours) for advanced practice nurses seeking PMHNP specialization.
Penn State provides strong value at $23,851 (1.5-2 years, 600 hours) with individualized curriculum via transcript evaluation.
Drexel offers a 10% tuition discount at $39,746 (34 credits, 2 years) with 100% board pass rates and in-person campus intensive requirements.
| Program | Cost | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| York College | $18K | 12 months | Fastest, lowest cost, highest hours |
| Penn State | $24K | 1.5-2 years | Gap analysis, 700+ clinical partners |
| Scranton | $32K | 18 months | Campus intensive, no application fee |
| Jefferson | $37K | 1.5-2 years | 98% job placement, gap analysis |
| Drexel | $40K | 2 years | 10% discount, 100% board pass rate |
| Pitt | $44K | 20 months | Multiple therapy practicum tracks |
PA PMHNP Admissions Requirements
| Program | Minimum GPA | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Drexel | 3.0 | Rolling |
| Jefferson | Competitive | Rolling |
| Penn State | 3.5 | March 1, June 30, Oct 1 (priority) |
| UPenn | 3.0 | Summer semester |
| Pitt | 3.0 | Rolling |
| Scranton DNP | 3.2 | Rolling |
| Scranton MSN & Cert | 3.0 | Rolling |
| York | 3.0 | Rolling |
Key Admission Differences:
- Penn State requires highest GPA (3.5 for DNP tracks) and mandatory interviews
- UPenn admits only for summer semester starts
- Scranton, York, and Jefferson charge no application fees
- Drexel and York require 1 year psychiatric/professional nursing experience
- Penn State accepts up to 550 practicum hours from previous MSN programs