Vermont offers a unique blend of prestigious local institutions like Norwich University and highly flexible national providers. For Vermont residents, the total program cost range typically spans from $30,200 to $44,550, depending on whether you prioritize a local cohort or a more accelerated, monthly-start format.
Below is the updated comparison for 2026, including direct links to the program details.
Vermont & National PMHNP Program Comparison
| University | Program Track | Est. Total Cost | Duration (FT) | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norwich University | MSN: PMHNP | $44,550 | ~24 Months | 660 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 |
Quick Summary List for VT PMHNP Schools
Norwich University PMHNP Programs
Northfield | $825 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Norwich University offers two fully online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner pathways designed for flexibility and accessibility for working nurses nationwide. The Master of Science in Nursing track provides comprehensive preparation in 54 credit hours over two years at $44,550, while the Post-Graduate Certificate offers focused specialization for MSN-prepared nurses in approximately 30 credit hours over one to 1.5 years at $24,750. Both programs feature asynchronous coursework taught by doctoral-level faculty, align with AACN standards, maintain CCNE accreditation...read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Vermont nurses can elevate their practice through Walden University’s fully online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs, offering CCNE-accredited BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, MSN-PMHNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate tracks ideal for rural and community-focused providers in the Green Mountain State. Featuring the Walden Practicum Pledge that partners with students to secure local Vermont preceptors, plus virtual skills labs and dedicated support, the programs prepare graduates to meet Vermont’s increasing demand for mental health services across all ages. Enroll now and advance your career while continuing to serve Vermont communities from Burlington to the Northeast Kingdom.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
Post University’s practice-focused MSN–PMHNP advances the “3Ps,” diagnostic reasoning, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy across the lifespan in a 100% online format. Five structured preceptorships deliver the required 630 clinical hours while you move through 51–54 credits. Expect ~34 months to completion at about $31k, with state authorization available for residents of Vermont.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Purdue Global's PMHNP programs are authorized in Vermont, offering three fully online, CCNE-accredited tracks: a Postgraduate Certificate (48 credits, $20,160), MSN with PMHNP focus (78 credits, $32,760), and MSN-DNP pathway for seamless doctoral advancement. Vermont-based students complete faculty- and preceptor-supported clinical experiences in local healthcare organizations, with all programs emphasizing evidence-based practice, psychopharmacology, and culturally competent care across diverse populations. Graduates are prepared to practice throughout Vermont's rural and urban settings, providing diagnosis, treatment planning, psychotherapy, and prescribing services after earning national certification.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
Western Governors University delivers PMHNP education through 17 courses for the MSN track (around $36,000 minimum) or 11 courses for the Post-Master's Certificate (around $21,000 minimum), with each student working one-on-one with a Program Mentor to build a personalized Degree Plan. The competency-based model assesses mastery rather than seat time, enabling experienced nurses to progress more quickly through familiar content. Clinical experiences totaling 650 hours occur in students' home communities with university support through the approval process.
Wilkes University PMHNP Programs
online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN
Nurses in Vermont seeking to specialize can enroll in Wilkes University's entirely online PMHNP Certificate program, which takes approximately 1.67 years to complete and is designed for current APRNs or MSN-holders. The program provides a focused curriculum on psychopathology, clinical modalities, and psychopharmacology, ensuring Vermont APRNs can quickly add the PMHNP specialty to their certifications. Vermont residents benefit from the program's dedicated support in securing the required 500 clinical practicum hours.
Admissions & Residency Requirements
| University | Min. GPA | RN Experience Required | Key Differentiator |
| Norwich University | 3.0 | Not specified | Doctoral-level faculty & local reputation |
| Post University | 3.0 | 1 Year (last 3 yrs) | Focus on one 8-week course at a time |
| Purdue Global | 2.5 | Active License Only | Easiest entry point for lower GPAs |
| Walden University | 3.0 | Active License Only | Multiple “staggered” monthly starts |
Strategic Differences for Vermont Residents
Regional Accreditation & Reputation: Norwich University is a historic Vermont institution. Its curriculum is specifically aligned with the AACN Essentials of Master’s Education. For nurses looking to practice within the UVM Health Network or other local systems, the Norwich name carries significant weight.
Clinical Practicum Location: All listed schools allow you to complete your clinical hours within Vermont. However, Norwich breaks its clinicals into four distinct 165-hour rotations (Total: 660 hours), whereas Post University utilizes five shorter preceptorship experiences.
Residency Restrictions: It is important to note that Norwich University does not accept students from certain states (like NY or TN), but Vermont residents are fully eligible.
All 2026 Deadlines & Start Dates
If you miss a traditional semester start, the national schools provide frequent “on-ramps” throughout the year.
| 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 |