Washington offers 2 campus based PMHNP programs through distinguished institutions. Program costs range from $87,324 for WSU’s post-master’s DNP to $150,111 for University of Washington’s non-resident DNP. Completion times range between 3-4 years for full-time enrollment.
Quick Summary Table
| School | Est. Cost Range | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| University of Washington Seattle | DNP – PMHNP: ≈ $105K | 3-year, full-time DNP PMHNP track; strong focus on health equity and system leadership; school-arranged clinicals across the UW Medicine network |
| Washington State University Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Yakima | BSN-DNP: ≈ $87K–$145K MSN-DNP: ≈ $81K–$135K | Multi-campus DNP PMHNP pathways; 69–74 credits; 1,000+ practicum hours; WRGP in-state tuition options |
Program Summaries List
Below are PMHNP program summaries for Washington state nurses. All of these programs maintain CCNE accreditation, preparing graduates for ANCC certification.
University of Washington PMHNP Programs
Seattle | $1,129 cpc | DNP
The University of Washington offers a single DNP PMHNP track that spans 3 years (9 quarters) and 93 credits, combining comprehensive psychiatric nursing education with pre-arranged clinical placements. The program emphasizes neuroscience-based psychiatric care, psychopharmacology, and lifespan mental health treatment, positioning graduates to practice independently across diverse settings. UW's unique clinical placement management and $2.1M in DNP scholarship funding make it a nationally-ranked choice for advanced psychiatric nursing education...read more.
WSU PMHNP Programs
Spokane Falls | BSN to DNP / DNP
Washington State University's PMHNP DNP programs prepare advanced practice nurses to diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders across the lifespan through comprehensive hybrid education delivered at four Washington campuses. Both Post-Baccalaureate and Post-Master's tracks combine rigorous didactic coursework, 660+ clinical hours, and a transformational DNP project addressing healthcare improvement. Students benefit from WRGP eligibility for in-state tuition, flexible 3-4 year completion options, and preparation for national PMHNP certification and independent practice in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho...read more.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
The Purdue Global PMHNP programs are not authorized for enrollment for residents of Washington, including all three tracks: the Post-Graduate Certificate, MSN, and MSN-DNP path. These CCNE-accredited programs prepare nurses for advanced practice in psychiatric mental health care, focusing on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across the lifespan. Prospective students in Washington should seek a PMHNP program that is explicitly authorized by their state's board of nursing.
WSU vs University of Washington for PMHNP
TLDR: Quick Decision Guide
Choose University of Washington if you want Washington’s flagship public research university education ($105,192 resident, $150,111 non-resident), Seattle campus location, pre-arranged clinical placements through UW Medicine system and community partners (school manages all clinical arrangements), quarter-based system (9 quarters/3 years), 93-credit comprehensive curriculum, shared first-year DNP core before PMHNP specialization, and #1 research institution reputation.
Choose Washington State University if you want Washington’s most affordable option ($87,324-$97,804 resident), four campus locations (Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Yakima), Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) eligibility for in-state tuition from 16 western states, highest clinical hours (1,000-1,140 total), both post-baccalaureate and post-master’s pathways, clinical placement coordinator support with student flexibility, and 936-hour RN experience requirement (Fall 2026+).
Program Duration & Clinical Hours
| School | DNP Duration | DNP Hours (Post-BSN) | DNP Hours (Post-Master’s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington | 3 years (9 quarters) | ~17 clinical credits (hours not specified) | N/A |
| Washington State University | 3-4 years | 1,000 hours (660 direct care + 340 non-direct) | 1,140 hours (660 advanced practice + 480 project) |
Key Insights:
- Most Clinical Hours: WSU with 1,000-1,140 total practicum hours
- Fastest Completion: UW at 3 years on quarter system
- DNP-Only Entry: Both programs require doctoral commitment from start
- Post-Master’s Option: Only WSU offers post-master’s pathway for nurses with existing graduate degrees
Cost Comparison by Degree Level
Doctoral Programs (BSN-to-DNP)
Washington State University delivers Washington’s most affordable BSN-to-DNP at $87,324 for residents—saving nearly $18,000 compared to University of Washington and offering WRGP eligibility for 16 western states.
- Washington State University BSN-to-DNP: $87,324-$97,804 resident, $145,138 non-resident (most affordable)
- University of Washington BSN-to-DNP: $105,192 resident, $150,111 non-resident
Post-Master’s DNP Programs
Washington State University is Washington’s only post-master’s PMHNP option at $81,423-$91,204 for residents—providing doctoral advancement for nurses with existing master’s degrees.
- Washington State University Post-Master’s DNP: $81,423-$91,204 resident, $135,350 non-resident (only option in WA)
Entry Points & Degree Levels
Most Pathway Options:
- Washington State University: Post-Baccalaureate DNP, Post-Master’s DNP (2 pathways)
Single Pathway:
- University of Washington: BSN-to-DNP or MSN-to-DNP (1 pathway accepting bachelor’s or master’s in nursing)
No MSN or Certificate Options:
- Neither Washington program offers master’s-level PMHNP credentials or post-graduate certificates
- Both require full DNP completion for PMHNP certification eligibility
Delivery Format & Structure
Quarter-Based System:
- University of Washington: 9 quarters over 3 years, Seattle campus, pre-arranged clinical placements through UW Medicine system
Semester-Based System:
- Washington State University: Traditional semester format over 3-4 years, multiple campus locations (Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Yakima)
Credit Requirements:
- University of Washington: 93 credits total
- WSU Post-Baccalaureate: ~74 credits
- WSU Post-Master’s: ~69 credits (potential transfer credits evaluated)
Curriculum Structure:
- University of Washington: Shared Year 1 DNP core (31 credits), Year 2 PMHNP specialty (41 credits), Year 3 advanced practice and capstone (21 credits)
- Washington State University: Progressive 4-year sequence integrating DNP core, PMHNP specialty, and DNP project throughout
Campus Requirements:
- WSU: In-person lab for Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnoses (NURS_ADV 562)
- UW: On-campus requirements not specified in documentation
Admissions & GPA Requirements
Standard Requirements (Both Programs):
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA required
- Current unencumbered RN license in applicable states
- Statistics course completed within specified timeframe
University of Washington Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing from nationally accredited program (CCNE, NLN, ACEN)
- 3.0 cumulative GPA or 3.0 GPA for last 60 semester/90 quarter credits
- Graded statistics course (3 credits)
- Active, unrestricted Washington state RN license by program start (ARNP if applicable)
- International applicants require active U.S. RN license at application
- Four admissions essays
- Three letters of recommendation
- Optional statement
- Priority deadline: January 15, 2026; Space available: May 1, 2026
Washington State University Requirements:
Post-Baccalaureate:
- Bachelor’s in nursing from accredited program within regionally accredited institution
- 3.0 cumulative GPA across all college coursework
- Current, unencumbered RN license in Washington, Idaho (Spokane campus), or Oregon (Vancouver campus)
- Fall 2025: 1 year full-time nursing practice preferred
- Fall 2026+: 936 hours nursing experience required (as RN, LPN, LVN, or RN residency)
- 500-word written response with minimum 2 scholarly APA citations
- Virtual interview through Kira Talent platform
- Three professional references
- Priority deadline: November 15; Final deadline: January 15
Post-Master’s:
- Master’s in nursing from CCNE/NLNAC accredited program OR graduate nurse anesthesia (CCAANA) OR nurse-midwifery (ACME)
- Same licensure, experience, and application requirements as post-baccalaureate
- Transfer credits evaluated after admission (B or better, within 10-year window)
Experience Requirements:
- Highest: WSU requires 936 hours nursing experience (Fall 2026+)
- None Specified: UW does not specify minimum RN experience requirement
Clinical Placement Support
School-Arranged Placements:
- University of Washington: Clinical placements pre-arranged by UW School of Nursing Office of Clinical Placements through expansive network including UW Medicine system and community partners—students focus on learning while school manages all clinical arrangements (major advantage)
Collaborative Placement with Geographic Restrictions:
- Washington State University: Clinical placement coordinators assist with direct-care practicum placements; students establish own sites/preceptors for non-direct care experiences; practicum must occur in catchment area of campus registration (Washington all campuses, Idaho Spokane campus only, Oregon Vancouver campus only); workplace clinicals permitted only outside student’s direct unit/supervisory area with no reimbursement
Specialty Curriculum Features
Core PMHNP Content (Both Programs):
- Advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment
- Psychopharmacology and neuroscience/neurobiology
- Psychiatric diagnosis and differential diagnosis (DSM-5)
- Psychotherapy theories and interventions (individual, family, group)
- Lifespan psychiatric care (children, adolescents, adults, geriatric)
- DNP project/capstone requirement
Program-Specific Emphases:
- Shared first-year DNP core (31 credits) covering research implementation, leadership communication, health systems/economics, evidence-based practice, health politics/policy, social determinants of health, program evaluation, quality improvement
- NSG 552: Wellness, Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
- NURS 549: Psychiatric Mental Health Assessment
- NURS 546: Interpersonal Therapeutics: Current Perspectives
- NURS 507: Older Adult Mental Health Assessment and Intervention (specialized geriatric focus)
- NURS 564: Biological Interventions in Advanced Practice Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
- NURS 547: Management of Psychiatric Disorders: Adult
- NURS 554: Management of Psychiatric Disorders: Adult and Adolescent
- NURS 501: Child Mental Health Assessment and Interventions
- NMETH 801: Practice Doctorate Project
- NCLIN 801: Advanced Clinical Practicum Immersion (culminating intensive)
- Four progressive clinical practicums (NCLIN 516, 517, 518, 801)
- Organizational Systems and Leadership I & II (120 hours leadership practicum combined)
- NURS_ADV 505: Analytical Foundations for Practice Inquiry
- NURS_ADV 554: Epidemiology and Biostatistics for Health Professions
- NURS_ADV 565: Information Management for Clinical Practice
- NURS_ADV 591: Introduction to Mixed Methods and Evaluation
- NURS_ADV 530: Theory of Psychopharmacology & Safe Prescribing Practices
- NURS_ADV 544: Therapeutic Modalities I: Introduction to Therapies
- NURS_ADV 545: Therapeutic Modalities II
- NURS_ADV 547: Therapeutic Modalities in Practice (120 hours advanced practice practicum)
- NURS_ADV 501: Psychiatric Assessment, Diagnosis & Management of Children & Adolescents
- NURS_ADV 502: Psychiatric Assessment, Diagnosis and Management of Adults and Geriatrics
- NURS_ADV 518: Translating Evidence into Practice (60 hours project practicum)
- Three-phase DNP Project sequence (NURS_ADV 557, 558, 559 with 300 hours total project practicum)
- NURS_ADV 555: PMHNP Practicum I (180 hours)
- NURS_ADV 560: PMHNP Practicum II (180 hours)
- NURS_ADV 582: PMHNP Internship (180 hours culminating)
Program Outcomes & Unique Features
- CCNE accredited
- Washington’s flagship public research university (#1 research institution)
- Seattle campus location with UW Medicine system access
- Pre-arranged clinical placements (school manages all arrangements—major student benefit)
- Quarter-based system allows faster progression
- Shared first-year DNP core creates interdisciplinary cohort experience
- 93-credit comprehensive curriculum
- Approximately 17 clinical credits across Years 2-3
- Priority deadline January 15 with space-available deadline May 1
- CCNE accredited
- Washington’s most affordable DNP ($87,324-$97,804 resident BSN-to-DNP)
- Four campus locations (Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Yakima) providing geographic access
- Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) eligibility—students from 16 western states access resident tuition with 9+ credits (fall/spring) or 5+ credits (summer)
- Highest clinical hours (1,000-1,140 total practicum)
- Both post-baccalaureate and post-master’s pathways
- 660 direct-care clinical hours
- 340-480 non-direct care practicum hours (leadership, DNP project)
- 936-hour RN experience requirement (Fall 2026+)
- Virtual interview through Kira Talent platform
- Transfer credit evaluation for post-master’s students (B or better, 10-year window)
- Catchment area restrictions by campus (WA all campuses, ID Spokane only, OR Vancouver only)
Making Your Decision
Choose University of Washington If You:
- Want flagship research university prestige and resources
- Prefer Seattle campus location with UW Medicine access
- Value pre-arranged clinical placements (school manages all arrangements)
- Prefer quarter-based system (9 quarters/3 years)
- Want shared first-year DNP core creating interdisciplinary cohort
- Can afford higher tuition ($105,192 resident, $150,111 non-resident)
- Meet Washington state RN licensure requirement
- Have no minimum RN experience concerns
Choose Washington State University If You:
- Want Washington’s most affordable DNP ($87,324-$97,804 resident)
- Need multiple campus locations (Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Yakima)
- Are from 16 western WRGP states (access resident tuition rates)
- Value highest clinical hours (1,000-1,140 total)
- Need post-master’s pathway option (only WA program offering this)
- Prefer semester-based traditional format
- Can meet 936-hour RN experience requirement (Fall 2026+)
- Want clinical placement coordinator support with some student flexibility
- Live near WSU campuses or eligible catchment areas (WA, ID Spokane, OR Vancouver)
- Have existing master’s degree and want DNP advancement
Additional Considerations
Licensure Requirements:
- University of Washington: Active, unrestricted Washington state RN license by program start (ARNP if applicable); international applicants require active U.S. RN license at application
- Washington State University: Current, unencumbered RN license in Washington, Idaho (Spokane campus only), or Oregon (Vancouver campus only); compact/multi-state licenses acceptable if valid in applicable state
Geographic Restrictions:
- WSU: Practicum hours must be completed in catchment area of campus registration (Washington all campuses, Idaho Spokane only, Oregon Vancouver only)—this is a critical restriction for clinical flexibility
- UW: Clinical placements through UW network (UW Medicine system and community partners)—geographic restrictions not specified
Workplace Clinical Hours:
- WSU: Workplace clinicals permitted only outside student’s direct unit or supervisory area with no reimbursement for practicum time
- UW: Workplace clinical policies not specified
Application Fees:
- University of Washington: Non-refundable application fee (amount not specified)
- Washington State University: Application fee not specified in documentation
Additional Program Costs:
- University of Washington: Background checks, drug testing, immunizations, health insurance, CPR certification, professional liability insurance
- Washington State University: Course/program fees ~$6,000 over degree duration, estimated books ~$1,300 total, annual campus fees ($642-$968 depending on campus)
Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP):
- WSU only: Students from 16 western states/territories can access resident tuition rates when enrolling in 9+ credits (fall/spring) or 5+ credits (summer)—major cost savings for out-of-state students
Transfer Credits:
- WSU Post-Master’s: Transfer credits evaluated after admission, requires syllabi and grade of B or better, must be completed within 10-year window for DNP completion
- UW: Transfer credit policies not specified
Both Washington PMHNP programs prepare graduates for ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) certification and state-level advanced practice licensure. Your choice depends on budget (WSU most affordable), campus location preference (UW Seattle vs. WSU’s four campuses), clinical placement support needs (UW pre-arranged vs. WSU coordinator-assisted), pathway options (WSU offers post-master’s), WRGP eligibility (WSU only), and whether you prioritize flagship university prestige or regional accessibility. Washington’s critical shortage of psychiatric mental health providers creates excellent job prospects, with PMHNPs earning competitive salaries statewide.