Texas offers 16 PMHNP programs with local campus presence, spanning costs from approximately $7,250 to $154,700 depending on degree type and institution. Whether you’re seeking an affordable MSN, a comprehensive DNP, or a streamlined certificate, Texas provides diverse options to match your career goals and budget.
Baylor University PMHNP Program
Waco | $1,250 cpc | DNP
Baylor University’s DNP-PMHNP is delivered 100% online with strategic on-campus immersions, comprehensive placement support, and 1,125 clinical hours. The BSN-to-DNP track spans about 3–4 years (77 credits; est. ~$96,250) and the Post-Master’s APRN-to-DNP takes ~1.5–2 years (37 credits; est. ~$46,250). Ranked in the top 10% of DNP programs nationally, Baylor reports a 100% PMHNP certification pass rate for graduates...read more.
MSU PMHNP programs
Wichita Falls | $530 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Midwestern State University’s MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate PMHNP tracks are fully online with required on-campus immersions and locally supervised clinicals. The MSN includes 48 credits and 640 clinical hours across adult, child/adolescent, and geriatric populations; the certificate mirrors the same clinical distribution. Fall admission is standard for the MSN (April 1 deadline) and the certificate accepts through Oct 31, with a minimum of one year psychiatric/mental health RN experience required for entry...read more.
Texas A&M PMHNP Program
Texarkana | $493 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Texas A&M University offers two CCNE-accredited PMHNP pathways: an MSN program at the Texarkana campus and a Post-Graduate Certificate available system-wide. Both use a hybrid format combining online coursework with in-person clinical immersion and faculty mentorship. The MSN track takes approximately 2–3 years, while the certificate can be completed in about 2 years, with annual costs near $7,250 for residents. Graduates gain comprehensive training in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology, preparing them for ANCC certification and advanced practice roles...read more.
Texas Christian PMHNP Programs
Fort Worth | $2,210 cpc | Certificate / DNP
TCU’s Harris College offers two PMHNP tracks: a BSN-to-DNP (70 credits) and a Post-Graduate APRN Certificate (25 credits). Estimated totals are about $154.7k over 3–4 years for the DNP and $55.3k over ~18 months for the certificate; tuition is $2,210/credit (Fall 2025) and programs are fully online with local practicums, no GRE, and automatic tuition reduction. CCNE-accredited with strong outcomes and resources, TCU supports students through a Health Professions Learning Center, alumni network, and research opportunities...read more.
Texas State University PMHNP Program
Round Rock | $499 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Texas State University’s St. David’s School of Nursing offers an accelerated online MSN and Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate designed for working nurses in Texas and beyond. Both programs feature small class sizes, flexible scheduling, and innovative Virtual Class Simulation Intensives, with graduates achieving a 100% certification exam pass rate in recent cohorts. The MSN track spans 18 months full time, while the certificate takes 12–15 months, with costs of $22,150 and about $10,980 respectively. Students gain comprehensive training in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and integrative mental health care across the lifespan...read more.
Texas Tech University PMHNP Programs
Lubbock | $486 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN / DNP
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers five PMHNP pathways delivered online with brief on-campus requirements, totaling 950+ clinical hours. Tracks include MSN, BSN-to-DNP, two post-graduate certificates (for non-APRNs and current APRNs), and a dual Certificate + DNP option, with specialized training in neuroscience, telehealth, and TF-CBT certification. Programs emphasize rural and telemental health across the lifespan and report strong certification outcomes...read more.
Texas Woman’s University PMHNP Programs
Denton | $418 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Texas Woman’s University’s College of Nursing offers two online PMHNP pathways—a 45-credit MSN and a 27-credit Post-Master’s Certificate—designed for Texas residents. Coursework is 100% online with six specialty classes meeting in weekly evening synchronous sessions, and scheduling is flexible (full-time summer start or part-time fall/spring). Students complete 780 supervised clinical hours emphasizing both medication management and psychotherapy, supported by clinical placement assistance and weekly faculty supervision. Rolling admissions are available, a 12-month psychiatric RN experience is required before practicum, and graduates are eligible for ANCC PMHNP certification across the lifespan...read more.
UT Health Houston PMHNP Program
Houston | $378 cpc | BSN to DNP / DNP
Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston offers a flexible, hybrid PMHNP pathway for both BSN-prepared nurses pursuing the DNP and graduate-prepared nurses seeking a post-graduate PMHNP credential. Programs emphasize psychotherapeutic techniques and psychopharmacotherapy, with extensive clinical opportunities across the Texas Medical Center and approved sites statewide. Graduates are eligible for ANCC PMHNP certification, supported by small-group faculty mentorship and strong first-time pass outcomes. ..read more.
UT Health San Antonio PMHNP Program
San Antonio | $510 cpc | Certificate / DNP
UT Health San Antonio’s School of Nursing offers two CCNE-accredited PMHNP pathways: a BSN to DNP program and a Post-Graduate Certificate. Both use a hybrid format that blends online coursework with on-campus learning, guaranteed clinical placements, and simulation experiences at the Center for Simulation Innovation. The BSN to DNP track spans 3 years full time, while the certificate takes 2 years to complete, with estimated costs ranging from $15,000–$20,000. Graduates are prepared for advanced psychiatric practice, leadership roles, and national PMHNP certification...read more.
UTA PMHNP Programs
Arlington | $650 cpc | Certificate / MSN
UTA’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation offers two PMHNP pathways—an MSN (46 credits) and a Post-Master’s Certificate—delivered fully online with 720 clinical hours. Learners train using UTA’s Smart Hospital with immersive 360° simulation and real hospital equipment, while costs range from roughly $22.7k–$33.6k for the MSN (depending on format) and $10k–$25k for the certificate. Programs can be completed in 2–3 years for the MSN and 1–2 years for the certificate, preparing graduates for diverse psychiatric care settings...read more.
UTEP PMHNP Programs
El Paso | $552 cpc | Certificate / MSN
UTEP’s PMHNP tracks use a hybrid format—online coursework with alternating weekend on-campus sessions beginning in year two—designed for working nurses. The MSN spans seven semesters with 675 total clinical hours (630 specialty), seven-week course blocks, simulation labs, and Fall/Spring admission cycles. Graduates train across the lifespan in community, acute, and telemental-health settings, benefiting from UTEP’s long-standing reputation and strong outcomes...read more.
UTTyler PMHNP Programs
Tyler | $554 cpc | Certificate / MSN
UT Tyler’s School of Nursing offers three PMHNP pathways with 99% online delivery and limited campus visits. The programs are highly ranked nationally and report a 100% PMHNP board pass rate, with flexible full-time (2-year) and part-time (3-year) options. Learners benefit from weekly virtual debriefs, interactive faculty support, and 750 clinical hours completed at Texas-licensed sites...read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Texas nurses can pursue Walden University’s fully online, CCNE-accredited PMHNP programs—including BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, MSN-PMHNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate tracks—perfectly suited for the vast geography and diverse populations of the Lone Star State. With the exclusive Practicum Pledge, virtual skills lab, and dedicated support securing clinical placements anywhere from Houston to the Panhandle, students are prepared to deliver high-quality psychiatric care in urban hospitals or rural Texas clinics. Join thousands of Texas nurses advancing to psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with Walden’s flexible, practice-focused education.
Chamberlain MSN PMHNP Program
online | $735 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Chamberlain University’s MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program in Texas is offered through campuses in Houston, Irving, Pearland, and San Antonio, with convenient evening and weekend options for working professionals. Delivered entirely online with required practicum experiences, the program equips registered nurses to provide comprehensive mental health care through assessment, diagnosis, and management of psychiatric conditions across the lifespan. Students can pursue the 45-credit-hour MSN track or the 35-credit Graduate Certificate, both accredited by the CCNE and designed for flexibility, affordability, and hands-on clinical training totaling 650 practicum hours.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
The MSN–PMHNP at Post University is fully online with monthly starts and 8-week courses, letting you progress one class at a time through 51–54 credits. You’ll complete 630 precepted clinical hours across five practicums covering pediatrics, adults/older adults, and SUD care while building diagnostic and prescribing competence. Most finish in about 34 months for roughly $31k, and the specialization is authorized for learners residing in Texas.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Purdue Global's PMHNP programs are authorized in Texas, providing three online pathways that prepare nurses to deliver comprehensive psychiatric mental health care in hospitals, community mental health centers, prisons, and private practices throughout the state. Texas nurses benefit from flexible clinical placements in local communities where experiences can be completed at convenient locations or even at their current workplace, with all programs featuring immersive virtual reality assignments for telehealth training. After completing their CCNE-accredited program with tuition of $420 per quarter credit hour, Texas graduates are academically eligible for APRN licensure following national certification.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
WGU offers two PMHNP tracks—a BSN to MSN program (approximately $36,000, 2.5 years minimum) and a Post-Master's Certificate (approximately $21,000, 1.5 years minimum)—both utilizing flat-rate tuition per six-month term rather than per-credit pricing. Students complete 650 clinical hours locally with preceptor supervision across diverse psychiatric practice environments, with 100% online coursework except for required internships. The competency-based approach enables students to accelerate through material they already know, potentially reducing total program cost.
How to Choose the Best PMHNP Program for You in Texas
TL;DR: Quick Decision Guide
Choose Midwestern State University if you want the most affordable MSN option at $22,024 for Texas residents with strong clinical hour requirements (640 hours).
Choose Texas A&M-Texarkana if you need the lowest-cost MSN program at just $7,250 annually.
Choose Texas State University if you want the fastest MSN completion at 18 months with a 100% certification pass rate.
Choose Baylor University if you’re pursuing a BSN to DNP and want comprehensive clinical training (1,125 hours) from a nationally recognized program.
Choose UT Health Houston if you want access to the nation’s largest academic psychiatric hospital and 2,000+ clinical sites at an affordable DNP price (~$29,862).
Choose Chamberlain University if you need a nationally available online MSN program with guaranteed practicum support and flexible enrollment.
MSN PMHNP Programs
Cost Overview
MSN programs in Texas range from $7,250 annually to $33,075 total, with completion times between 18 months and 3 years.
Most Affordable MSN Programs
Texas A&M-Texarkana leads with the lowest annual cost at $7,250 for Texas residents over 2-3 years. The hybrid program combines online coursework with on-campus immersion experiences.
Midwestern State University offers excellent value at $22,024 total for Texas residents with 640 clinical hours distributed across adult, child/adolescent, and geriatric populations. The program requires one year of psychiatric nursing experience and admits only in Fall.
Texas State University provides strong ROI at $22,150 total with Virtual Class Simulation Intensives and 100% recent certification pass rates.
Fastest MSN Program
Texas State University completes in just 18 months full-time with 40 credit hours, making it the quickest path to PMHNP certification in Texas.
MSN Program Comparison
University of Texas at Arlington costs $22,725-$30,080 for the online track (46 credits, 720 clinical hours) with access to state-of-the-art Smart Hospital simulation.
Texas Woman’s University charges $18,855 for 45 credits over 2-3 years, requiring 780 clinical hours with weekly synchronized evening classes.
University of Texas at El Paso offers 49 credits for $27,049 (Texas residents) over 2.5 years with 675 clinical hours and innovative seven-week course formats.
UT Tyler provides 49 credits for approximately $27,150 with 750 clinical hours and weekly virtual debriefs, maintaining 100% certification pass rates.
National Online Options:
Chamberlain University costs approximately $33,075 with 650 practicum hours and Practicum Commitment guarantee.
Post University ranges $30,198-$30,794 over 34 months with competency-based eight-week courses.
Purdue Global charges $32,760 with CCNE accreditation and flexible clinical placement options.
Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate Programs
Cost Overview
Certificate programs range from $10,980 to $25,725, with completion times between 12 months and 2 years depending on previous APRN status.
Most Affordable Certificates
Texas State University offers the lowest-cost certificate at $10,980 for 20 credits over 12-15 months with simulation-based learning.
Midwestern State University charges $16,746 for Texas residents (33 credits) with potential course waivers for practicing APRNs.
UT Tyler costs $13,296 for current APRNs or $18,836 for non-APRN MSN holders.
Fastest Certificate
Texas State University completes in 12-15 months, making it the quickest certificate option.
Certificate Program Comparison
Chamberlain University offers a 35-credit certificate for approximately $25,725 over 1.5 years with identical clinical requirements to the MSN track.
Purdue Global provides 48-quarter-credit certificates for $20,160 with faculty-supported clinical placements.
University of Texas at Arlington individualizes requirements through gap analysis, costing $10,000-$25,000 based on previous coursework.
University of Texas at El Paso charges $22,099 for non-APRNs (40 credits) or less for current APRNs with recent advanced practice coursework.
UT Health Houston costs approximately $11,340 for 30 credits with access to the Texas Medical Center’s extensive clinical network.
UT Health San Antonio ranges $15,000-$20,000 total over 2 years with hybrid delivery and guaranteed clinical placements through 400+ affiliates.
DNP PMHNP Programs
Cost Overview
DNP programs range from $29,862 to $154,700 with completion times between 3-4 years.
Most Affordable DNP Programs
UT Health Houston offers the most affordable BSN to DNP at approximately $29,862 for 79 credits with access to 2,000+ clinical sites including the nation’s largest academic psychiatric hospital.
Texas Tech University charges approximately $36,450 for Texas residents for 75 credits over 4 years with 1,080+ clinical hours and emphasis on rural telehealth delivery.
DNP Program Comparison
Baylor University costs approximately $96,250 for BSN to DNP (77 credits, 1,125 clinical hours) over 3-4 years with comprehensive clinical placement support. Post-Master’s APRN to DNP costs $46,250 over 1.5-2 years.
Texas Christian University charges approximately $154,700 for 70 credits over 3-4 years, ranking #43 nationally with 97% certification pass rate. Post-Graduate APRN Certificate costs $55,250 over 1.5 years.
UT Health San Antonio ranges $15,000-$20,000 annually for BSN to DNP over 3 years with state-of-the-art simulation center and 400+ clinical affiliates.
Local vs. National Online Programs
Texas-Based Programs with Local Presence
Texas institutions require Texas RN licensure (or compact) and provide on-campus components including simulation labs, immersions, and clinical evaluations. These programs offer direct access to Texas clinical sites and state-specific APRN preparation.
Key Texas institutions: Baylor, Midwestern State, Texas A&M-Texarkana, Texas Christian, Texas State, Texas Tech, Texas Woman’s, UT Health Houston, UT Health San Antonio, UT Arlington, UT El Paso, UT Tyler.
National Online Programs
Chamberlain University, Post University, and Purdue Global accept students from multiple states including Texas, offering fully online coursework with local clinical placements. These programs provide flexibility for students who prefer asynchronous learning and established practicum support systems.
National programs typically require students to secure clinical sites in their home communities with university support, while Texas-based programs leverage established local networks.