South Carolina presents three comprehensive in state PMHNP programs.
- Costs span from $17,710 for Anderson’s post-graduate certificate to $195,739 for MUSC’s out-of-state BSN-to-DNP
- Completion timelines of 1-4 years depending on degree level and enrollment intensity
Here is quick high level overview table. Comprehensive analysis of all program options are further below.
| School | Tracks | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Anderson University | MSN: $41K / 2.5 yrs BSN-DNP: $66K / 3 yrs Certificate: $18K / 1.25 yrs | – 2–3 day campus intensives each semester – 750 clinical hours – faith-integrated curriculum |
| Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston) | MSN: $65K–$82K / 2 yrs Post-BSN DNP: $159K–$196K (3 yrs) Certificate: $84K–$90K / 1.5 yrs | – Online PMHNP with campus intensives – psychotherapy training – diverse clinical sites |
| University of South Carolina (Columbia) | MSN: $46K–$80K / 2.5 yrs BSN-DNP: $97K–$133K / 3–4 yrs Certificate: $18K–$32K / 1–2 yrs | – Online PMHNP with required immersions – 672 clinical hours – neuroscientific coursework |
SC PMHNP School Finder
To maximize your opportunities, the list features both in-state PMHNP programs and national online programs, providing a wider range of formats, costs, and timelines—particularly beneficial with open enrollment availability.
Anderson University PMHNP Program
Anderson | $805 - $855 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Anderson University’s School of Nursing offers three PMHNP pathways—MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and a post-graduate certificate—designed for working nurses. Coursework is online with 2–3 day on-campus intensives each semester, plus 750 precepted clinical hours spanning child, adolescent, adult, and older-adult populations. The Christ-centered, CCNE-accredited program leverages state-of-the-art simulation facilities and South Carolina’s only cadaver lab for nursing students. Flexible full- and part-time plans and clinically active faculty help graduates prepare for national PMHNP certification...read more.
MUSC PMHNP Program
Charleston | $400 to $1200 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN / DNP
The MUSC College of Nursing offers three PMHNP pathways—MSN, Post-BSN to DNP, and a 23-credit Post-Graduate Certificate—delivered primarily online with multi-day, on-campus learning intensives. Clinical experiences span EMDR clinics, telehealth, school-based programs, trauma recovery centers, substance-use treatment, and specialized population services. MUSC welcomes new BSN graduates (no RN experience required) and prepares all students in both psychotherapy and medication management, with optional educator courses (9 credits) for CNE eligibility. Graduates are eligible for national PMHNP certification through ANCC or AANP...read more.
University of South Carolina PMHNP Program
Columbia | $572.25 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
University of South Carolina PMHNP Program (Columbia, SC) offers online MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate pathways with required campus immersions and comprehensive psychiatric clinical training. The curriculum develops advanced assessment, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy skills to care for patients across the lifespan, supported by 672+ supervised clinical hours at the master’s level and additional doctoral residencies for DNP students. Flexible plans accommodate working nurses while maintaining rigorous standards; the College of Nursing ranks in the Top 6% nationally and #1 in South Carolina. Graduates meet educational requirements to sit for ANCC PMHNP certification. ..read more.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
For South Carolina nurses, Post University’s online Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP Specialization provides a career-focused route to advanced psychiatric practice. The 34-month program combines 100% online coursework with 630 required clinical hours, blending evidence-based lessons in assessment, diagnosis, and psychopharmacology. With tuition near $31,000, the program offers monthly start dates and full authorization for South Carolina residents.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Purdue Global’s PMHNP choices include the online Postgraduate Certificate, the MSN focus, and the MSN-to-DNP. The certificate is about $20,160 over ~1.5 years; the MSN is about $32,760 over ~2 years; the MSN-to-DNP proceeds after the MSN. The university is authorized to offer these programs to South Carolina residents.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
With WGU’s PMHNP options, you’ll study online, test by competency, and complete required clinicals locally under preceptor guidance. The MSN requires at least 2.5 years due to clinical sequencing; the certificate can be done in around 1.5 years. Budget roughly the upper-$30Ks for the MSN and low-$20Ks for the certificate when rounded.
Wilkes University PMHNP Programs
online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN
South Carolina nurses can advance into psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner roles by enrolling in Wilkes University’s online MSN, certificate, or DNP PMHNP pathways. The built-in clinical placement service assists South Carolina students in finding quality mental health preceptors and sites within a reasonable travel radius. With a curriculum focused on evidence-based therapies, diagnostic reasoning, and care for rural and underserved populations, graduates are prepared to address behavioral health needs across South Carolina.
Anderson vs MUSC vs USC for PMHNP
TLDR: Quick Decision Guide
Choose Anderson University if you want South Carolina’s most affordable MSN ($41,055), most affordable certificate ($17,710), Christ-centered holistic healthcare training, faith-based servant leadership integration, South Carolina’s only cadaver lab exclusively for nursing students, 750 clinical hours across all programs, online delivery with 2-3 day campus intensives each semester, student-secured preceptors with university support, Anderson/upstate South Carolina location, and 15-month certificate completion for certified FNPs.
Choose Medical University of South Carolina if you want MSN/DNP dual-degree award upon completion, Charleston academic medical center location, specialized training in EMDR therapy and trauma recovery, extensive telehealth and school-based mental health experience, substance use treatment facility rotations, multi-day campus learning intensives, neuroscience-focused curriculum (dedicated courses NRDNP 861, 868), psychotherapy supervision under PMHNPs/psychologists/licensed counselors, and certificate exclusively for current acute/primary care APRNs.
Choose University of South Carolina if you want flagship state university education, 672 direct clinical hours (MSN), most flexible certificate options (18-32 credits via GAP analysis), out-of-state nursing scholarships reducing to in-state rates, Columbia/central South Carolina location, required 2,400 hours nursing experience (past 24 months), thesis preparation option (NURS 799), psychiatric/related field clinical experience preferred, online delivery with campus immersions for assessment, and research methods emphasis.
Program Duration & Clinical Hours
| School | MSN Duration | MSN Hours | Certificate Duration | Certificate Hours | DNP Duration | DNP Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson | 2.5 years FT, 5+ PT | 750 | 1.25 years (15 months) | 750 | 3 years (9 semesters) | 1,000+ (750 psych + 250+ project) |
| MUSC | 2 years | Not specified | 1.5 years | Not specified | 3 years | Extensive (includes doctoral scholarship) |
| USC | 2.5 years (8 semesters) | 672 direct clinical | 1-2 years | 672 (mirrors MSN) | 3-4 years | 672+ doctoral components |
Key Insights:
- Highest Clinical Hours: Anderson DNP at 1,000+ total (750 psychiatric + 250+ project)
- Specified MSN Hours: Anderson 750, USC 672 direct clinical
- Fastest MSN: MUSC at 2 years
- Fastest Certificate: Anderson at 1.25 years (15 months)
- All Programs: Offer BSN-to-DNP and post-graduate certificates
Cost Comparison by Degree Level
Master’s Programs (Ranked by Cost)
Anderson University delivers South Carolina’s most affordable MSN at $41,055—saving over $4,000 compared to USC in-state and $24,000+ versus MUSC in-state.
- Anderson University: $41,055 (51 credits × $805; most affordable)
- University of South Carolina: $45,828 in-state (47 credits × $975 estimated), $79,320 out-of-state
- MUSC: $65,082 in-state, $81,412 out-of-state (MSN/DNP dual degree)
Post-Graduate Certificates (Ranked by Cost)
Anderson University provides South Carolina’s lowest-cost certificate at $17,710 for certified FNPs—less than half of USC’s maximum and one-fifth of MUSC’s certificate cost.
- Anderson University: $17,710 (22 credits × $805; FNPs only—most affordable)
- University of South Carolina: $18,000-$32,000 (18-32 credits based on GAP analysis)
- MUSC: $84,206 in-state, $90,046 out-of-state (23 credits; current APRNs only)
Doctoral Programs (BSN-to-DNP)
Anderson University offers South Carolina’s most affordable DNP at $65,835—saving over $30,000 compared to USC’s minimum estimate and nearly $100,000 versus MUSC in-state.
- Anderson University: $65,835 (77 credits × $855; most affordable)
- University of South Carolina: $97,000-$133,000 estimated (75 credits, varies by residency)
- MUSC: $158,935 in-state, $195,739 out-of-state
Admissions & GPA Requirements
Standard Requirements (All Programs):
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- BSN from nationally accredited program
- Current unencumbered RN license
- CPR/BLS certification
- No GRE required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA averaged from all nursing degree programs
- Active unencumbered RN license
- 1-2 years nursing experience recommended
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Official transcripts and resume
- $600 enrollment confirmation fee
- Current immunization records by program start
Medical University of South Carolina:
- Preferred 3.0 nursing and cumulative GPA
- Unencumbered active RN license in practicum state
- Undergraduate statistics course completion required
- NursingCAS application plus MUSC supplemental application
- Official transcripts, resume/CV, essay
- Three professional references
- Certificate: Requires active APRN license in practicum state, national certification as acute/primary care NP or PMH-CNS
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on 4.0 scale
- Minimum 2,400 hours nursing experience within past 24 months (highest in South Carolina)
- Preferred psychiatric or related field clinical experience
- Personal statement and current CV/resume
- Three professional references from master’s-prepared healthcare professionals (DNP requires doctorally-prepared RN or physician)
- Copy of unencumbered RN license from approved state
- Current BLS certification
- GAP analysis for certificate applicants
Experience Requirements:
- Highest: USC requires minimum 2,400 hours within past 24 months
- Recommended: Anderson recommends 1-2 years
- Not Specified: MUSC
Clinical Placement Support
- Students responsible for securing preceptors with university support
- 750 total clinical hours (all programs)
- Preceptorship with psychiatrists or practicing PMHNPs
- Clinical rotations include pediatrics, adolescents, adults, older adults (all age populations)
- Four clinical courses distributed across program
- DNP: 750 psychiatric hours + 250+ DNP project hours
Medical University of South Carolina:
- Multi-day campus learning intensives for clinical competency evaluation
- Clinical experiences span diverse specialized settings:
- EMDR therapy training
- Telehealth platforms
- School-based mental health programs
- Trauma recovery centers
- Substance use treatment facilities
- Psychotherapy supervision under PMHNP, psychologist, or licensed counselor
- Comprehensive pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric populations
- On-campus learning intensives during clinical courses (certificate mandatory)
- 672 direct clinical hours (MSN) distributed across three clinical courses
- Campus immersion experiences for advanced health assessment
- Online flexibility maintained for working professionals
- Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practicum I (management of psychiatric/mental health conditions)
- Practicum II (management of complex conditions)
- Practicum III (role development)
- DNP adds doctoral-level clinical scholarship components and residency requirements
Making Your Decision
Choose Anderson University If You:
- Want South Carolina’s most affordable programs (MSN $41,055, certificate $17,710, DNP $65,835)
- Value Christ-centered education with faith-based servant leadership
- Want South Carolina’s only nursing-exclusive cadaver lab
- Are a certified FNP seeking PMHNP certification (15-month certificate)
- Prefer 750 clinical hours across all programs
- Want online + 2-3 day campus intensives format
- Need part-time MSN option (8 semesters)
- Live in upstate South Carolina or Anderson area
- Are comfortable securing own preceptors with university support
- Value mission opportunities (Nicaragua)
- Want emotional intelligence curriculum integration
Choose Medical University of South Carolina If You:
- Want MSN/DNP dual-degree award upon completion
- Value academic medical center education (Charleston)
- Want specialized training in EMDR therapy and trauma recovery
- Prefer neuroscience-focused curriculum (dedicated NRDNP 861, 868)
- Want extensive telehealth and school-based mental health experience
- Value substance use treatment facility rotations
- Are a current acute/primary care APRN or PMH-CNS seeking certificate
- Want psychotherapy supervision under diverse licensed professionals
- Can attend multi-day campus learning intensives
- Live in coastal/lowcountry South Carolina or Charleston area
- Value specialized population services emphasis
Choose University of South Carolina If You:
- Want flagship state university education
- Have 2,400+ hours nursing experience (past 24 months)
- Value research methods emphasis (NURS 790, 791)
- Want thesis preparation option (NURS 799)
- Prefer most flexible certificate (18-32 credits via GAP analysis)
- Are out-of-state (nursing scholarships may reduce to in-state rates)
- Live in central South Carolina or Columbia area
- Want 672 direct clinical hours (MSN)
- Have psychiatric/related field experience (preferred)
- Value comprehensive oral defense requirement
- Want 18-credit hour DNP residency
- Prefer campus immersions for assessment