West Virginia provides 2 PMHNP programs designed to address the state’s critical mental health workforce shortage. These programs serve students across the Mountain State with options ranging from entry-level master’s preparation to advanced post-graduate certification for practicing nurse practitioners. Costs span from $17,703 for WVU’s certificate to approximately $20,664 for Marshall’s MSN. Programs requiring 1-3 years depending on pathway and enrollment intensity.
| School | Est. Cost Range | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Marshall University (Huntington) | MSN – PMHNP ≈ $21K (WV resident; 2–3 yrs) | – collaborative MSN with Shenandoah University – 780 clinical hours |
| West Virginia University (Morgantown) | APRN PMHNP Cert ≈ $18K (1–1.5 yrs) | – online post-MSN certificate for certified APRNs – 540 clinical hours |
Where to Earn Your PMHNP: A Detailed Breakdown
The list incorporates national online programs as well, broadening your options (particularly helpful during open enrollment).
Marshall University PMHNP Programs
Huntington | $481 cpc | MSN
Marshall University offers an MSN-PMHNP in collaboration with Shenandoah University. Students take core nursing courses at Marshall and attend concentrated weekend PMHNP sessions at Shenandoah, with local clinical placements totaling about 780 hours. The 48-credit plan costs an estimated $20,664 for West Virginia residents and typically takes 2–3 years full time. Graduates earn an MSN from Marshall and a PMHNP certificate from Shenandoah, preparing for national certification...read more.
West Virginia University PMHNP Programs
Morgantown | $843 cpc | Certificate
West Virginia University offers a fully online Post-Graduate APRN PMHNP Certificate for licensed, certified APRNs. The 21-credit plan costs about $17,703 and typically takes 1–1.5 years full time, with synchronous and asynchronous coursework and an individualized study plan. The curriculum covers neuro-psychopharmacology, psychotherapy modalities, and DSM-5-based diagnosis and management across the lifespan, plus two clinical courses. Students complete 540 clinical hours (minimum 360 with gap analysis), including adult care in spring and child/adolescent/adult care in summer...read more.
Nightingale College PMHNP Program
online | $550 cpc | MSN
Nightingale College’s MSN-PMHNP is a 55-credit program designed to be completed in about 24 months, delivered fully online with one brief in-person seminar and supervised precepted clinicals. The curriculum blends advanced pathophysiology, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and evidence-based practice, totaling 547.5 didactic hours and 810 clinical contact hours to prepare for ANCC certification. Estimated program cost is about $34,750 (tuition plus resource fees). The program is authorized in West Virginia, allowing WV-based RNs to enroll and complete approved clinical placements within the state.
Post University PMHNP Programs
online | $604 cpc | MSN
The American Sentinel College MSN–PMHNP integrates leadership, policy, advanced assessment, and psychopharmacology with hands-on precepted practice. You’ll earn 36 didactic credits plus 15 clinical credits (630 hours) in a sequenced, online pathway designed for working nurses. Plan on about 34 months and ~$31k total tuition, with authorization for learners residing in West Virginia.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
The online PMHNP programs at Purdue Global are authorized for enrollment in West Virginia, offering an accessible, CCNE-accredited pathway to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Students can choose from a Post-Graduate Certificate, MSN, or MSN-DNP program, all of which are delivered entirely online with local clinical placements. The curriculum features immersive virtual reality (VR) assignments to build skills in areas like telehealth and group therapy.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
The Leavitt School of Health at Western Governors University offers PMHNP programs with flat-rate pricing of around $7,000 per six-month term, allowing unlimited course completion during each period for faster degree attainment. Students complete rigorous coursework including psychopharmacology, advanced assessment, and psychiatric care across all age groups, plus 650 clinical hours with preceptor supervision. The highly competitive programs accept only qualified candidates with BSN or MSN degrees, current unencumbered RN licenses, and one year clinical experience strongly preferred.
Wilkes University PMHNP Programs
online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN
Wilkes University offers its fully online MSN-PMHNP program, taking approximately 2.3 years full-time, which is an excellent option for nurses in West Virginia looking to advance their scope of practice. The program's core didactic content includes a strong emphasis on health policy, politics, and the health perspectives of culturally diverse and rural populations, directly relevant to the needs of West Virginia. With three start dates per year, West Virginia RNs have flexible entry options into the program.
Marshall vs West Virginia: PMHNP Comparison
TLDR: Quick Decision Guide
Choose Marshall University if you want entry-level MSN preparation ($20,664 WV resident), unique dual-institution partnership (Marshall MSN + Shenandoah certificate), 48-credit comprehensive curriculum, 780 total clinical hours across four practicums, 2-3 year completion timeline, local clinical placements in your area, ACEN accreditation, and West Virginia’s only master’s-level PMHNP entry pathway.
Choose West Virginia University if you want post-graduate certificate for current APRNs ($17,703), fastest completion (1-1.5 years), streamlined 21-credit curriculum, 540 clinical hours (minimum 360 with gap analysis), all students receive in-state tuition regardless of residency (major cost advantage), rolling admissions through July 1, CCNE accreditation, and Morgantown flagship university location.
Program Duration & Clinical Hours
| School | MSN Duration | MSN Hours | Certificate Duration | Certificate Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marshall University | 2-3 years | 780 total | N/A | N/A |
| West Virginia University | N/A | N/A | 1-1.5 years | 540 (minimum 360 with gap analysis) |
Key Insights:
- Only MSN Option: Marshall University is West Virginia’s sole entry-level master’s pathway
- Only Certificate Option: WVU exclusively serves current APRNs
- Most Clinical Hours: Marshall at 780 total hours
- Gap Analysis Available: WVU may reduce hours to 360 based on prior clinical experience
- No DNP Programs: Neither West Virginia program currently offers BSN-to-DNP or MSN-to-DNP PMHNP pathways
Cost Comparison by Degree Level
Master’s Programs
Marshall University is West Virginia’s only MSN-PMHNP option at $20,664 for WV residents—providing the sole entry-level master’s pathway in the state.
- Marshall University: $20,664 WV resident (only MSN option in state)
Post-Graduate Certificates
West Virginia University offers West Virginia’s only PMHNP certificate at $17,703—with the major advantage that all students receive in-state tuition regardless of residency.
- West Virginia University: $17,703 (only certificate in state; all students pay in-state rate)
Entry Points & Degree Levels
Entry-Level MSN:
- Marshall University: MSN-PMHNP (for BSN-prepared RNs)
Post-Graduate Certificate:
- West Virginia University: Post-Graduate APRN Certificate (for current nationally certified APRNs)
No Overlap:
- These programs serve completely different populations
- Marshall = Entry-level (BSN to MSN)
- WVU = Post-graduate (existing APRNs adding PMHNP specialty)
No DNP Options:
- Neither program offers doctoral-level PMHNP preparation
- WVU offers post-master’s DNP in other specialties but not PMHNP-specific
- Students seeking DNP-PMHNP must look outside West Virginia
Delivery Format & Structure
- Dual-institution partnership model
- 25 credits at Marshall University (core and related courses)
- 23 credits at Shenandoah University (PMHNP specialty courses)
- Students receive MSN from Marshall + certificate from Shenandoah
- 48 total credits
- Interview required by Shenandoah psychiatric mental health nurse faculty
- Streamlined certificate format
- 21 credits total
- Five didactic courses + two variable-credit clinical courses
- $100 online learning fee per credit
- Rolling admissions through July 1
Credit Requirements:
Application Deadlines:
- Marshall:
- Priority: February 15 (Fall), September 15 (Spring)
- Final: August 1 (Fall), December 1 (Spring)
- WVU: Rolling admissions reviewed through July 1
Admissions & GPA Requirements
Marshall University Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from accredited institution
- Overall undergraduate GPA 3.0 or greater on 4.0 scale
- Current unencumbered professional nurse licensure in clinical precepting state
- Completed Marshall University Graduate Admissions application
- Separate Marshall University School of Nursing application
- Interview by Shenandoah University psychiatric mental health nurse faculty
- Official transcripts from all institutions
- Satisfactory background check and drug screen
- Current CPR certification
- Proof of negative PPD screening (tuberculosis)
West Virginia University Requirements:
- Master of Science in Nursing (or higher) from nationally accredited nursing program and regionally accredited institution
- Minimum cumulative GPA 3.0 on graduate degree work (provisional admission considered for 2.75-2.99)
- Minimum overall nursing GPA 3.0
- Active, unrestricted RN license in state where clinical hours completed
- National certification and licensure as an APRN (critical requirement)
- Admission preference for applicants with:
- At least 1 year experience in advanced practice role in psychiatric mental health setting, AND/OR
- At least 2 years experience as an APRN
- Transfer students must provide letter of good standing
- Satisfactory background checks and drug screens
- Official transcripts from all institutions
Experience Requirements:
- Marshall: None specified (entry-level program)
- WVU: Preference for 1+ years psychiatric APRN experience or 2+ years general APRN experience
Clinical Placement Support
- Students placed with clinical preceptors in their local areas
- Four practicum courses totaling 780 hours
- Clinical coordination through dual institutions (Marshall + Shenandoah)
- 30 observational hours (NSG 776) with licensed, credentialed therapist
- 510 hours (NSG 782) with approved psychiatric provider
- Gap analysis may reduce minimum to 360 hours based on prior clinical experience
- Spring rotations: Adult patients only
- Summer rotations: Children, adolescents, and adults
- Clinical hours completed in state where student holds active RN license
Specialty Curriculum Features
Core PMHNP Content (Both Programs):
- Advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology
- Psychopharmacology and neuroscience
- Psychiatric diagnosis and differential diagnosis (DSM-5)
- Psychotherapy theories and interventions
- Lifespan psychiatric care (children, adolescents, adults, geriatric)
Marshall University Curriculum:
Marshall University Courses (25 credits):
- NUR 602: Theoretical Foundations in Nursing
- NUR 604: Leadership in Nursing
- NUR 606: Advanced Nursing Research
- NUR 608: Issues in Health Care
- NUR 620/621: Advanced Pathophysiology I & II
- NUR 622: Advanced Physical Assessment (5 credits)
- NUR 663/664: Advanced Pharmacology I & II
Shenandoah University PMHNP Courses (23 credits):
- PMH 525: Behavioral Neuroscience & Psychopharm—links genetics/epigenetics to medication selection
- PMH 635: Foundations of Psychotherapy—individual, family, group with simulated practice
- PMH 641: Management Adult + PMHL 641 Clinical Practicum I (180 hours)
- PMH 680: Management Child/Adolescent + PMHL 680 Clinical Practicum II (180 hours)—trauma-informed care emphasis
- PMH 685: Management Geriatric—quality of life and patient goals prioritized
- PMH 661: Management Complex Mental Health Across Lifespan
- PMHL 695: Clinical Practicum III (120 hours advanced + 300 hours advanced psychiatric)
- NP 690: Transition to APRN Practice—scope, licensure, certification, credentialing
West Virginia University Curriculum:
Didactic Courses (15 credits):
- NSG 774: Neuro-Psychopharmacology—pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenomics
- NSG 775: PMHNP Role and Foundations (3 credits)—scope, standards, practice models
- NSG 776: Psychotherapy Modalities (3 credits)—evidence-based therapies for individuals, families, groups
- NSG 777: PMHNP Diagnosis/Management Adults (3 credits)—DSM-5 differential diagnosis for adults/geriatrics
- NSG 779: PMHNP Diagnosis/Management Child/Adolescent (3 credits)—DSM-5 therapy/medication for youth
Clinical Courses (6 credits):
- NSG 776: Includes 30 observational hours with licensed therapist
- NSG 782: PMHNP Clinical Practicum (6 credits, 510 hours)—supervised care across lifespan with approved psychiatric provider
Program Outcomes & Unique Features
- ACEN accredited
- West Virginia’s only entry-level MSN-PMHNP pathway
- Unique dual-institution partnership (Marshall + Shenandoah)
- Receive both MSN degree and certificate upon completion
- 780 total clinical hours (highest in West Virginia)
- Four progressive practicum courses
- Interview required by Shenandoah faculty
- Huntington location (Marshall) with Shenandoah partnership
- WV resident tuition: $4,812/semester
- Metro resident: $7,965/semester
- Non-resident: $11,060/semester
- CCNE accredited
- Exclusively for current nationally certified APRNs
- All students receive in-state tuition regardless of residency ($843/credit total)
- Gap analysis may reduce clinical hours from 540 to minimum 360
- Rolling admissions through July 1
- Streamlined 21-credit curriculum
- Morgantown flagship university location
- 30 observational hours with licensed therapist
- 510 hours with approved psychiatric provider
- Spring rotations: Adults only
- Summer rotations: Children, adolescents, adults
- Tuition breakdown: $596 university + $147 college + $100 online learning fee
Making Your Decision
Choose Marshall University If You:
- Are a BSN-prepared RN seeking entry-level PMHNP preparation
- Want West Virginia’s only MSN-PMHNP option
- Value dual-institution partnership (Marshall + Shenandoah)
- Want highest clinical hours (780 total)
- Prefer 2-3 year comprehensive curriculum
- Live near Huntington or southern West Virginia
- Want ACEN accreditation
- Can meet February 15/September 15 priority deadlines
- Are a WV resident ($4,812/semester—most affordable)
Choose West Virginia University If You:
- Are a current nationally certified APRN
- Want fastest completion (1-1.5 years)
- Want all students pay in-state tuition regardless of residency
- Have prior psychiatric clinical experience (gap analysis reduces hours)
- Want streamlined 21-credit certificate
- Live anywhere (in-state tuition for all—major advantage for non-WV residents)
- Prefer rolling admissions flexibility (through July 1)
- Want flagship university education (Morgantown)
- Want CCNE accreditation
- Have 1+ years psychiatric APRN or 2+ years general APRN experience
Additional Considerations
Programs Serve Different Populations:
- Marshall: Entry-level (BSN to MSN)
- WVU: Post-graduate (current APRNs only)
- No overlap between programs—your current credentials determine which program you’re eligible for
Residency Advantage:
- WVU: All students benefit from in-state tuition ($843/credit total) regardless of residency—exceptional value for out-of-state APRNs
- Marshall: Traditional tiered pricing (WV $4,812/semester, Metro $7,965/semester, Non-resident $11,060/semester)
Clinical Hour Flexibility:
- WVU: Gap analysis may individualize clinical hours based on prior appropriate experience (minimum 360 hours)
- Marshall: Fixed 780 hours across four practicums
Dual Institution Model:
- Marshall: Unique partnership requires coordination between Marshall and Shenandoah University—students receive MSN from Marshall + certificate from Shenandoah
- WVU: Single-institution certificate
Accreditation Differences:
No DNP Options in West Virginia:
- Neither program offers BSN-to-DNP or MSN-to-DNP PMHNP pathways
- Students seeking doctoral-level PMHNP preparation must consider out-of-state programs
- WVU offers post-master’s DNP in other specialties but not PMHNP-specific
Geographic Considerations:
- Marshall: Huntington (southern WV)
- WVU: Morgantown (northern WV)
- Both programs arrange local clinical placements
Both West Virginia PMHNP programs prepare graduates for ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) certification. Your choice is determined primarily by your current credentials: BSN-prepared RNs must choose Marshall University for entry-level MSN preparation, while current nationally certified APRNs must choose West Virginia University for post-graduate certificate advancement. West Virginia faces a critical shortage of psychiatric mental health providers, creating excellent job prospects for PMHNPs throughout the state, particularly in rural and underserved areas where mental health access remains limited.