Tennessee offers 6 on-campus PMHNP programs through distinguished institutions (scroll to table below). Program costs range from under $21,000 for Austin Peay’s in-state MSN to $131,648 for Vanderbilt’s BSN-to-DNP, with completion timelines spanning 1 to 4 years depending on degree level and enrollment intensity.
High Level Program Comparison Table
| School | Est. Cost Range | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Austin Peay State University | MSN: ≈ $21K | – low-cost MSN PMHNP – on-campus intensives and capstone project; – admits Spring and Summer |
| East Tennessee State University (ETSU) | BSN→DNP: ≈ $53.8K MSN: ≈ $32.3K; MSN→DNP: ≈ $21.5K Certification: ≈ $16.1K | – multiple online tracks; – strong clinical structure – flexible DNP plans. |
| Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) | MSN: ≈ $26.1K Certification: ≈ $11.9K | – 630 clinical hours – two application windows each year |
| Tennessee Tech University | MSN: ≈ $35.6K; BSN→DNP: ≈ $55.9K MSN→DNP: ≈ $22.4K Certification: ≈ $18.2K | – joint DNP with ETSU – local clinical placement support – fall-only MSN admission |
| University of Tennessee | DNP: ≈ $68.2K Certification: ≈ $20.8K | – synchronous meetings – rising clinical hour standards – (840+ direct care hours). |
| Vanderbilt University | MSN: ≈ $94.6K DNP: ≈ $131.6K Certification ≈ $24.7K+ | – top-ranked PMHNP – clinical placement support – fast 16-month MSN option |
List of TN Schools with PMHNP Programs
This list also includes national online programs to increase your options (especially with open enrollemnt).
Austin Peay PMHNP Program
Clarksville | $500 cpc | MSN
Austin Peay State University (APSU) offers a 42-credit Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) concentration, preparing RNs to assess, diagnose, and prescribe for mental health needs across the lifespan. The program is primarily online, requiring only two on-campus intensives for hands-on skills and networking, and is known for its low in-state tuition estimated at under $21,000. The curriculum covers core advanced practice courses like Advanced Pathophysiology (NURS 5005) and Advanced Pharmacology (NURS 5006), followed by specialized psychiatric care and three practicum courses culminating in an Advanced Psychiatric Residency (NURS 5819) with 240 clinical hours. Admission requires a BSN with a 2.9 GPA, an unencumbered RN license, and successful completion of an undergraduate statistics course...read more.
East Tennessee State University PMHNP Programs
Johnson City | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN / DNP
East Tennessee State University's College of Nursing offers flexible online/blended Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) programs designed for working nurses, with a focus on lifespan mental health care. These CCNE-accredited tracks prepare graduates for national certification through rigorous coursework in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and clinical practice, including 500–1,000 required clinical hours. Located in Johnson City, TN, the programs emphasize interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based care to address mental health needs across diverse populations...read more.
Middle Tennessee State University PMHNP Programs
Murfreesboro | $597 cpc | Certificate / MSN
The PMHNP options at Middle Tennessee State University include a 42-credit MSN track and a 20-credit post-master’s certificate, both designed for Tennessee residents. In-state tuition is $597 per credit, with the MSN program estimated at about $26,054 over 2–2.5 years and the certificate at about $11,940 over 1–1.5 years, plus program service fees. Each track includes 630 direct patient care clinical hours and prepares graduates for national PMHNP certification, supported by CCNE accreditation and a roughly 90% first-time certification pass rate for advanced practice nursing graduates...read more.
South College PMHNP Programs
Knoxville | $310 cpc | Certificate / MSN
For nurses in Tennessee, South College delivers online PMHNP programs paired with in-state clinical practicum experiences. The MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate options support career growth in psychiatric nursing with coursework focused on evidence-based treatment and advanced assessment. Graduates qualify to take the national PMHNP certification exam.
Tennessee Tech PMHNP Programs
Cookeville | $792 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN / DNP
Tennessee Tech and ETSU offer three PMHNP pathways: an MSN program, BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP options in a joint DNP program, and a post-graduate certificate. Tuition ranges from about $18,216 for the certificate to $67,120 for the BSN-to-DNP track, with program lengths spanning roughly 1–4 years depending on entry level and pathway. These options let nurses choose the level of graduate preparation they need while progressing from advanced theory and policy to focused psychiatric family practice and certification readiness...read more.
University of Tennessee PMHNP Programs
Knoxville | $989.12 cpc | Certificate / DNP
The university offers a three-year DNP-PMHNP program and a shorter 1.5-year Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate, both with clearly defined in-state and out-of-state tuition. The DNP program includes 69 credits, at least 840 direct patient care hours within the broader 1,000 DNP hours, synchronous online case discussions, and a structured scholarly project sequence. The PMHNP certificate builds on prior advanced practice preparation, uses a gap analysis to set required credits, and shares the same PMHNP specialty and clinical sequence, with both options accredited by CCNE and aligned with PMHNP certification eligibility...read more.
Vanderbilt University PMHNP Programs
Nashville | $2,057 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing offers three nationally-ranked PMHNP tracks: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate. All three programs utilize an online/hybrid model requiring 1-3 mandatory on-campus block sessions per semester and a minimum of 560 directly supervised clinical hours. The BSN-to-DNP pathway, which is ranked #1 nationally, is the longest and most comprehensive, estimated at $131,648 over 3 years, while the MSN takes just 16 months at approximately $94,622. All programs are accredited by the CCNE and prepare graduates for national PMHNP certification exams...read more.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
Western Governors University's Leavitt School of Health delivers fully online PMHNP programs through a competency-based education model where students progress by demonstrating mastery rather than accumulating credit hours. The BSN to MSN pathway costs around $36,000 and requires minimum 2.5 years with 650 direct patient care clinical hours completed in students' local communities. Each student receives a dedicated Program Mentor providing regular guidance from enrollment through graduation, with curriculum designed by practicing nurse practitioners and certified by ANCC.
How to Choose the Best TN PMHNP Program
TLDR: Quick Program Selection Guide
Choose Austin Peay State University if you want the lowest tuition in Tennessee ($500/credit, under $21,000 total for in-state MSN) with flexible 2.5-year completion and mandatory on-campus intensives.
Choose East Tennessee State University if you want multiple degree pathways (BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, MSN, or Post-Grad Certificate) with high certification pass rates and comprehensive interprofessional training.
Choose Middle Tennessee State University if you need Tennessee residency-based programs with affordable in-state tuition ($597/credit) and strong first-attempt certification pass rates (~90%).
Choose Tennessee Tech University if you want a joint DNP program with ETSU, local clinical placement assistance, and flexible MSN or certificate options with fall-only admission.
Choose University of Tennessee Knoxville if you want extensive simulation training, DNP-level education with 840+ clinical hours (starting Fall 2024), and synchronous case discussion meetings.
Choose Vanderbilt University if you want nationally-ranked programs (#1 DNP, #3 MSN), accelerated 16-month MSN completion, and comprehensive clinical placement support across Tennessee.
DNP-PMHNP Programs Comparison for TN
East Tennessee State University offers the most DNP pathways (BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP) with the lowest in-state cost for MSN-to-DNP students ($21,504). Vanderbilt delivers the fastest DNP completion (3 years BSN-to-DNP) but at premium tuition, while University of Tennessee emphasizes simulation-based learning with the highest clinical hour requirement.
| School | Track | Total Cost | Cost/Credit | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETSU | BSN-to-DNP | $53,760 | $672 | 3-4 years | 1,000 clinical hrs |
| ETSU | MSN-to-DNP | $21,504 | $672 | 1.5-2 years | 500 clinical hrs |
| Tennessee Tech | BSN-to-DNP (Joint with ETSU) | $55,920 | $699 | 3-4 years | Integrated clinical hrs |
| Tennessee Tech | MSN-to-DNP (Joint with ETSU) | $22,368 | $699 | Varies | Integrated clinical hrs |
| UT Knoxville | BSN-to-DNP | $68,249 | $989 | 3 years (8 semesters) | 840+ clinical hrs |
| Vanderbilt | BSN-to-DNP | $131,648 | $2,057 | 3 years (7 semesters) | 1,000 clinical hrs |
Key Differentiators:
- ETSU: Offers both BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways; includes neurobiology course and mental health care delivery systems
- Tennessee Tech/ETSU Joint Program: Combined offering from both universities; includes advisor-approved elective
- UT Knoxville: Highest clinical hour requirement (840+ starting Fall 2024); mandatory on-site clinical sessions; extensive simulation component
- Vanderbilt: #1 nationally-ranked DNP program; integrates 2021 AACN Essentials; full-time clinical placement team support
MSN-PMHNP Programs Comparison for TN
Austin Peay offers the lowest cost MSN program (under $21,000 for in-state students), making it the most budget-friendly option in Tennessee. Vanderbilt provides the fastest completion (16 months) but at significantly higher tuition, while Middle Tennessee State requires Tennessee residency.
| School | Total Cost | Cost/Credit | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Peay | Under $21,000 | ~$500 | 2.5-3 years | 540 clinical hrs |
| ETSU | $32,256 | $672 | 2 years (5 semesters) | 540 clinical hrs |
| Middle Tennessee State | $26,054 | $597 | 2-2.5 years | 630 clinical hrs |
| Tennessee Tech | $35,640 | $792 | 2-2.5 years | Integrated clinical hrs |
| Vanderbilt | $94,622 | $2,057 | 16 months (4 semesters) | 560+ clinical hrs |
Notable Distinctions:
- Austin Peay: Lowest tuition; mandatory on-campus intensive for Advanced Health Assessment Lab; includes capstone project
- ETSU: Interprofessional education seminars (IPE 572E, IPE 672E); neurobiology course not available in MSN track
- Middle Tennessee State: Tennessee residency required; ~90% first-attempt certification pass rate; assistance with preceptor selection
- Tennessee Tech: Fall admission only; transition to certification course included; local clinical placement assistance
- Vanderbilt: #3 nationally-ranked MSN program; accelerated 16-month format; full-time clinical placement team
Post-Graduate Certificate Programs Comparison
Middle Tennessee State University offers the most affordable certificate ($11,940) with the same clinical hour requirement as their MSN track. University of Tennessee does not offer a traditional Post-Master’s Certificate but instead offers a Post-Graduate Certificate requiring gap analysis.
| School | Total Cost (In-State) | Cost/Credit | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETSU | $16,128 | $672 | 1.5-2 years | Integrated clinical hrs |
| Middle Tennessee State | $11,940 | $597 | 1-1.5 years | 630 clinical hrs |
| Tennessee Tech | $18,216 | $792 | 1-1.5 years | 560 clinical hrs |
| UT Knoxville | $20,845 | ~$1,737 | 1.5 years | 600+ clinical hrs |
| Vanderbilt | Minimum $24,684 | $2,057 | 1.5-2 years | 500+ clinical hrs |
Key Differentiators:
- ETSU: Customized education based on background; requires MSN from NLNAC or CCNE-accredited program
- Middle Tennessee State: Tennessee residency required; lowest certificate cost; additional prerequisite courses may be required
- Tennessee Tech: Requires current APRN certification; must have completed “3-P’s” independently; 560 clinical hours across four practicums
- UT Knoxville: Extensive gap analysis determines total credits; mandatory on-site clinical sessions; must complete within 2 years
- Vanderbilt: Individualized curriculum via gap analysis; VUSN graduates receive guaranteed admission for up to 2 years post-degree
Specialty Curriculum Focus
Austin Peay structures PMHNP training with three advanced psychiatric care courses (I, II, and Residency) totaling 540 clinical hours, emphasizing holistic assessment across the lifespan with technological integration and interprofessional approaches. The program includes a capstone research project with PICOT question development.
East Tennessee State emphasizes neurobiology and systems-level thinking through dedicated courses like NRSE 6414 (Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders) and NRSE 6415 (Mental Health Care Delivery Systems), plus interprofessional collaboration seminars integrated throughout the curriculum.
Middle Tennessee State integrates evidence-based practice and quality improvement (MPH 670) into the PMHNP curriculum, with intensive clinical courses that emphasize technology use for evidence evaluation and completion of comprehensive evidence-based review papers tied to clinical practice.
Tennessee Tech (joint with ETSU) delivers family-focused psychiatric care across three progressive levels (Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing I, II, III) with dedicated transition-to-certification preparation (NURS 6911) including exam strategies, practice testing, and post-graduation study planning.
University of Tennessee provides extensive simulation-based training with multiple clinical simulation courses (NURS 553, 559, 568) alongside clinical intensives and practice courses, preparing students through rehearsal in realistic scenarios before direct patient care.
Vanderbilt offers neuroscience-centered education (NURS 7221) combined with theories of individual/family psychotherapy (NURS 7212), diagnostic reasoning taught in two-part sequence, and transition to practice coursework addressing subspecialties, business basics, and integrated care systems for independent PMHNP practice.
Admissions Requirements Comparison
| School | Minimum GPA | Application Deadline | Tennessee Residency Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Peay | 2.9 | Summer & Spring admission | No |
| ETSU | 3.0 | MSN: May 1 (Fall), Nov 1 (Spring) | No (TN licensure eligibility required) |
| Middle Tennessee State | 3.0 (2.9 conditional) | Fall: Feb 1; Spring: Oct 1 | Yes |
| Tennessee Tech | 3.0 (provisional case-by-case) | July 1 (Fall only) | No (TN licensure for clinicals) |
| UT Knoxville | 3.0 | Certificate: Oct 15 (Spring 2026) | No (state authorization required) |
| Vanderbilt | 3.0 or B- average | Rolling (begins Oct 15) | No |
All programs require:
- BSN from accredited institution (MSN for certificate programs)
- Current, unencumbered RN license
- Official transcripts
- Resume/CV
Special Notes:
- Middle Tennessee State is the only program requiring Tennessee residency
- Tennessee Tech admits MSN students for fall semester only
- UT Knoxville requires completion within 2 years for certificate programs
- Vanderbilt offers guaranteed admission to VUSN graduates for up to 2 years post-degree