Wisconsin PMHNP Programs

The table below displays the 7 main PMHNP programs in the state of Wisconsin. PMHNP programs in Wisconsin range from $13,500 for UW-Madison’s post-graduate certificate to $72,623 for UW-Eau Claire’s BSN-to-DNP. These programs take anywhere from 1 to 5 years to finish.

SchoolEst. Cost RangeSummary
Alverno College (Milwaukee)MSN: $42K (2–3 yrs)
Certificate: $18K (1.5–2 yrs)		Holistic mental health focus;
750 MSN clinical hours
Bellin College (Green Bay)MSN: $41K (2–3 yrs)
BSN-DNP: $64K (3 yrs)
Certificate: $21K (1.5–2 yrs)		Strong clinical placement support
lifespan psychiatric training
Concordia University Wisconsin (Mequon)Certificate: $15K (≈1 yr)Fast certificate for certified APRNs;
500 clinical hours
fall admission with July 1 deadline
Edgewood University (Madison)MSN: $56K (3 yrs)
Certificate: $30K–$40K (~2.5 yrs)		Offers hybrid MSN and certificate programs;
750–clinical hours;
rolling MSN admission
Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) – MilwaukeeMSN: ≈$60K–$62K (1.75 yrs)
Certificate: ≈$34K–$35K (1.4 yrs)		Accelerated MSN, shorter PMHNP certificate;
600–630 clinical hours,
University of Wisconsin–MadisonBSN DNP: ≈$37K–$50K (3–4 yrs)
MSN DNP: (≈2 yrs)
Certificate: ≈$14K–$16K (~18 mos)		Flexible DNP timelines;
100% first-time ANCC pass rate;
strong social justice mission;
500+ clinical hours
University of Wisconsin–Eau ClaireBSN to DNP: ≈$54K–$73K
(3 yrs FT; 4–5 yrs PT)		74 credits and ~1,200+ clinical hours;
clinical placement support
University of Wisconsin–MilwaukeeCertificate: $14K (≈1 yr)Uses three sequential practicums in WI or IL

Wisconsin School Profiles & Highlights

Alverno College PMHNP Programs

Milwaukee | $1,000 cpc | Certificate / MSN

Alverno offers MSN and Post-Master’s PMHNP tracks with online, hybrid, and in-person options, plus 750 MSN clinical hours and 600 certificate clinical hours. Graduates qualify to seek ANCC PMHNP certification; the school also reports a 100% first-time pass rate on the 2024 ANCC FNP exam, signaling strong outcomes. The MSN totals 42 credits with an estimated cost of $42,000, while the certificate estimates $18,000...read more.

Bellin College PMHNP Programs

Green Bay | $816 cpc | MSN / DNP

Bellin College offers three 100% online PMHNP options with flexible full-time and part-time plans. The MSN track runs about 2–3 years, the BSN-to-DNP spans 3–5 years, and the Post-Graduate Certificate takes roughly 1.5–2 years depending on gap analysis. All tracks include supervised clinical hours and prepare graduates for national PMHNP certification exams...read more.

Concordia University PMHNP Programs

Mequon | $800 cpc | Certificate

Concordia University Wisconsin offers a fully online Post-Master’s PMHNP certificate built for working APRNs, with local practicum placements and flexible pacing. The 18-credit plan can be finished in about one year (three semesters) and includes 500 supervised clinical hours. Coursework covers neurobiology, psychopharmacology, DSM-5–guided assessment, and psychotherapy across the lifespan, delivered within a Christian learning environment. Tuition is $800 per credit (about $14,400 total), plus a possible clinical fee. ..read more.

Edgewood University PMHNP Programs

Madison | $1,092 cpc | Certificate / MSN

Edgewood University offers two PMHNP tracks delivered fully online with 8–16 week courses, plus small class sizes and coordinator-supported clinical placement. The certificate includes an optional two-day immersion lab before clinicals, and both tracks total 750 clinical hours across three practicums. Graduates prepare for national PMHNP certification while studying diagnostics, psychotherapy, advanced assessment, and psychopharmacology...read more.

MSOE PMHNP Programs

Milwaukee | $1,304 cpc | Certificate / MSN

MSOE offers MSN and Post-Master’s PMHNP options with blended, online-synchronous courses, small cohorts, and rolling admissions. The MSN includes 630 clinical hours; the certificate includes 600 hours, with placement assistance across inpatient, outpatient, community, and telehealth sites. Both emphasize holistic practice, psychotherapy skills, simulation, and eligibility for ANCC PMHNP and AHNCC holistic certifications, with tuition set at $1,304 per credit plus a $34 technology fee per credit...read more.

University of Wisconsin PMHNP Programs

Madison | $700 cpc | Certificate

UW–Madison offers a hybrid PMHNP DNP and a post-graduate certificate with online coursework plus regular campus sessions in Madison. The DNP prepares nurses for full-scope psychiatric care across the lifespan, backed by a reported 100% first-time ANCC pass rate for PMHNP alumni. The 18-credit certificate is designed for master’s-prepared nurses who have the “3Ps,” includes ~500 clinical hours, and meets ANCC PMHNP exam requirements. ..read more.

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire PMHNP Programs

Eau Claire | $362.47 cpc | DNP

The University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire offers a BSN to DNP Family-PMHNP program that can be completed in 3 years full-time or 4–5 years part-time in a hybrid format with on-campus, synchronous online, asynchronous, and immersion components. The 74-credit curriculum integrates advanced assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, neurobiology, epidemiology, leadership, informatics, and three DNP project courses, along with about 1,237.5 clinical hours in diverse psychiatric and primary care settings. Estimated program tuition for Wisconsin residents is in the low-to-mid $70,000 range before books, fees, and other expenses, with financial aid and multiple tuition tiers available for non-residents. The CCNE-accredited program (through 2031) reports 100% employment or continuing education for recent graduates and prepares Family-PMHNPs for national certification and licensure in Wisconsin and Minnesota...read more.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee PMHNP Programs

Milwaukee | $651 cpc | Certificate

UWM’s Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate runs in a blended format with online theory and on-campus elements, plus coordinated practicums in Wisconsin or Illinois. Rolling Graduate School admissions and practicum placement support simplify entry for working APRNs. Applicants need advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and assessment, current RN licensure (WI and IL if applicable), and one year of advanced practice experience...read more.

Post University PMHNP Programs

online | $604 cpc | MSN

Post University's CCNE-accredited MSN-PMHNP Specialization costs approximately $30K-$32K for 51-54 credit hours completed over 34 months with 630 clinical hours distributed across five preceptorship courses in psychiatric assessment, child/adolescent care, adult/older adult care, specialty populations, and integration synthesis. The 100% online program with flexible 8-week courses and monthly start dates is available to Wisconsin residents. Students complete one course at a time with consistent due dates while building competencies in DSM-5-based diagnosis, psychotropic pharmacology, evidence-based psychotherapy interventions, and comprehensive psychiatric care across the lifespan.

Purdue Global PMHNP Programs

online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

The Purdue Global PMHNP program is authorized for enrollment in Wisconsin, offering an online, CCNE-accredited education for nurses seeking to specialize in psychiatric care. The program offers multiple entry points—a Post-Graduate Certificate, MSN, and MSN-DNP path—to prepare graduates to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage psychiatric mental health disorders. The university, which participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), encourages all students to verify that the program meets their state's individual professional licensing requirements.

Rasmussen University PMHNP Program

online | $915 cpc | Certificate / MSN

Rasmussen University offers two CCNE-accredited PMHNP tracks delivered fully online with in-person practicums. The MSN track spans 69 credits and finishes in about 27 months; the certificate track spans 53 credits and finishes in about 21 months. Both use Empowered Learning®, include virtual immersions, and provide personalized practicum coordination with doctorally prepared faculty support. ..read more.

WGU PMHNP Programs

online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN

WGU's CCNE-accredited PMHNP programs prepare graduates to assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric conditions across the lifespan through evidence-based psychotherapy and psychopharmacology interventions. The competency-based curriculum includes 17 courses for MSN students (approximately $36,000) or 11 courses for certificate students (approximately $21,000), with personalized mentoring throughout. Clinical training totaling 650 hours occurs locally with preceptors in diverse mental health settings, preparing graduates for national certification through ANCC or AANP.

Wilkes University PMHNP Programs

online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN

The online PMHNP programs at Wilkes University, accredited by the CCNE, prepare nurses in Wisconsin for highly competent advanced practice with an exceptional 95.4% certification exam pass rate. The curriculum includes advanced clinical courses like Diagnostic Reasoning for Nurse Practitioners (NSG 550) and dedicated Psychopharmacology (NSG 552), ensuring Wisconsin graduates are well-versed in mental health diagnosis and treatment. Students in Wisconsin benefit from the complimentary clinical placement support provided by the university's dedicated team.

How to Choose the Best PMHNP Program for You in Wisconsin

TLDR: Quick Decision Guide

Choose Alverno College if you want affordable MSN option ($42,000 total), 750 MSN clinical hours, 600 certificate hours, holistic person-centered curriculum, capstone project requirement, Milwaukee location, and 2-3 year full-time MSN completion.

Choose Bellin College if you want comprehensive pathway options (MSN $40,800, BSN-to-DNP $63,400, certificate $17,500-$21,000), school-arranged clinical placements (students not responsible for locating sites), highest MSN clinical hours in Wisconsin (760), part-time tracks available (3-year MSN, 5-year DNP), Green Bay location, and newest MSN program (launched Fall 2024).

Choose Concordia University if you want Wisconsin’s most affordable certificate ($14,400), fastest completion (1 year/3 semesters), exclusively for current certified APRNs with prescriptive authority, 500 clinical hours, Mequon location, and streamlined CAGE certificate pathway.

Choose Edgewood University if you want 3-year full-time MSN ($55,692), equity and diversity focus (NRS 696A), dedicated clinical coordinator support, optional pre-clinical immersion, Madison location, 750 MSN clinical hours, and emphasis on BIPOC/LGBTQ+/trauma-informed care.

Choose Milwaukee School of Engineering if you want fastest MSN completion (1.75 years), holistic nursing endorsement by AHNCC, online-synchronous delivery, 630 MSN hours, Milwaukee location, publication-ready EBP literature review requirement, and rolling admissions.

Choose University of Wisconsin-Madison if you want #8 nationally ranked School of Nursing (#5 among public universities), 100% first-time ANCC pass rate for DNP alumni, most affordable certificate ($13,500-$16,200), social justice curriculum focus, extensive clinical placement network, BSN-to-DNP or post-MSN DNP options ($37,212-$49,616), and Wisconsin’s flagship university prestige.

Choose University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire if you want BSN-to-DNP Family-PMHNP dual specialty, highest total clinical hours (1,237.5), flexible full-time (3-year) and part-time (4-5 year) tracks, many clinical placements within one-hour drive from home, 100% employment/continuing education rate (2023-2024), and northwestern Wisconsin location.

Choose University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee if you want fastest certificate completion (1 year full-time), most affordable graduate option ($13,659), exclusively for current APRNs (NP/CNS/CNM/CRNA), Wisconsin or Illinois clinical placements, Milwaukee metro location, and streamlined post-master’s pathway.

Program Duration & Clinical Hours

SchoolMSN DurationMSN HoursCertificate HoursDNP DurationDNP Hours
Alverno2-3 years750600N/AN/A
Bellin2 years FT, 3 PT760570-7603 years FT, 5 PT1,045
ConcordiaN/AN/A500N/AN/A
Edgewood3 years FT750750N/AN/A
MSOE1.75 years630600N/AN/A
UW-MadisonN/A (DNP only)N/A5003-4 yearsExtensive
UW-Eau ClaireN/A (DNP only)N/AN/A3-5 years1,237.5
UW-MilwaukeeN/AN/A1 year (3 practicums)N/AN/A

Key Insights:

Cost Comparison by Degree Level

Master’s Programs (Ranked by Cost)

Bellin College delivers Wisconsin’s most affordable MSN at $40,800—saving over $1,000 compared to Alverno and $20,000+ versus Edgewood and MSOE.

  1. Bellin College: $40,800-$41,000 (most affordable MSN)
  2. Alverno College: $42,000
  3. Edgewood University: $55,692
  4. MSOE: $61,548

Post-Graduate Certificates (Ranked by Cost)

UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee offer Wisconsin’s lowest-cost certificates at $13,500-$16,200 and $13,659 respectively—half the price of private institution certificates.

  1. UW-Madison: $13,500-$16,200 (most affordable, current APRNs)
  2. UW-Milwaukee: $13,659 (current APRNs only)
  3. Concordia University: $14,400 (current certified APRNs only)
  4. Bellin College: $17,500-$21,000
  5. Alverno College: $18,000
  6. Edgewood University: $29,484-$39,312
  7. MSOE: $34,788

Doctoral Programs (Ranked by Cost)

UW-Madison provides Wisconsin’s most affordable DNP at $37,212-$49,616 for residents—nearly half the cost of UW-Eau Claire and offering flagship university prestige.

  1. UW-Madison BSN-to-DNP: $37,212-$49,616 resident (most affordable)
  2. UW-Eau Claire BSN-to-DNP: $53,500-$58,000 (estimate $72,623 with DNP fees)
  3. Bellin BSN-to-DNP: $63,400-$63,700

Entry Points & Degree Levels

Most Pathway Options:

  • Bellin College: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, Post-Graduate Certificate (3 pathways)
  • UW-Madison: BSN-to-DNP, Post-MSN DNP, Post-Graduate Certificate (3 pathways)

MSN Programs:

  • Alverno: MSN, Post-Master’s Certificate (2 pathways)
  • Bellin: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, Post-Graduate Certificate (3 pathways)
  • Edgewood: MSN, Post-Master’s Certificate (2 pathways)
  • MSOE: MSN, Post-Master’s Certificate (2 pathways)

DNP Programs:

  • UW-Madison: BSN-to-DNP, Post-MSN DNP, Certificate (3 pathways)
  • UW-Eau Claire: BSN-to-DNP Family-PMHNP only (1 pathway)
  • Bellin: BSN-to-DNP, MSN, Certificate (3 pathways)

Certificate-Only Programs:

  • Concordia: Post-Master’s Certificate CAGE (current certified APRNs only)
  • UW-Milwaukee: Post-Master’s Certificate (current APRNs only)

Delivery Format & Structure

100% Online:

  • Bellin: MSN 100% online (15-week semesters), DNP hybrid
  • Edgewood: Most coursework online with in-person practicum/select activities
  • MSOE: Online-synchronous delivery

Hybrid Delivery:

  • UW-Madison: Hybrid format
  • UW-Eau Claire: Combination in-person/synchronous online/asynchronous online; summer/winterim hybrid with immersions
  • Bellin DNP: Hybrid delivery

Credit Requirements:

Start Dates & Admissions:

Admissions & GPA Requirements

Standard Requirements (Most Programs):

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required by all programs
  • Current unencumbered Wisconsin RN license required
  • No GRE required for Wisconsin programs

Most Accessible:

  • MSOE: 3.0 GPA, BSN from accredited institution, rolling admissions
  • Bellin: Competitive admission (no specific GPA minimum stated beyond standard), no GRE required

Certificate-Specific Requirements:

  • Concordia: Current APRN certification with prescriptive authority required
  • UW-Milwaukee: Master’s/doctoral in nursing with NP/CNS/CNM/CRNA preparation, 1 year APN practice by start
  • UW-Madison: Active RN license, APRN certification or eligibility, “3Ps” completed

Experience Requirements:

  • Highest: UW-Milwaukee requires 1 year APN practice by program start
  • Moderate: UW-Madison DNP minimum 1 year professional nursing experience
  • Recommended: UW-Eau Claire previous nursing practice experience recommended
  • None Specified: Most MSN programs

Clinical Placement Support

School-Arranged Placements (Best Support):

  • Bellin College: All clinical placements provided by College; students NOT responsible for locating sites; PMHNP Program Coordinator assigns all clinical preceptors with Clinical Affiliation Coordinator support (major advantage)

Dedicated Clinical Coordinator:

  • Edgewood: Dedicated clinical coordinator with optional pre-clinical immersion
  • UW-Eau Claire: College of Nursing arranges placements; many within one-hour drive from home

Placement Assistance:

  • MSOE: Practicum placement assistance provided
  • Concordia: Clinical Contract Coordinator support for local placements
  • Alverno: Clinical placement support not specified

Extensive Network:

  • UW-Madison: Clinical Placement Coordinators at multiple Wisconsin locations; extensive network across state
  • UW-Milwaukee: Wisconsin or Illinois placements available

Specialty Curriculum Features

Core PMHNP Content (All Programs):

  • Advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment
  • Psychopharmacology and neuroscience/neurobiology
  • Psychiatric diagnosis and differential diagnosis (DSM-5)
  • Psychotherapy theories and interventions
  • Lifespan psychiatric care (children, adolescents, adults, geriatric)

Program-Specific Emphases:

Alverno College:

  • Holistic, person-centered approach
  • Capstone project requirement (MSN-755, MSN-760)
  • Three progressive theory + practicum pairs (MSN-634/634P, 635/635P, 636/636P)
  • Focus on trauma, eating disorders, addiction disorders

Bellin College:

  • Newest Wisconsin MSN program (launched Fall 2024)
  • Scholarly Project sequence (NUR 791, 792)
  • NUR 810: Emerging Mental Health Issues Seminar
  • Practice Management for APRN (NUR 766)
  • DNP Scholarly Project (4-semester sequence for BSN-to-DNP)
  • Quality and Safety integration (NUR 576)
  • Small class sizes with personalized attention

Concordia University:

  • CAGE certificate exclusively for current certified APRNs
  • Fastest completion (1 year/3 semesters)
  • NURS 6500: Neuropathophysiology & Psychopharmacology combined
  • Cognitive therapy emphasis in NURS 6515

Edgewood University:

  • NRS 696A: Equity and Management of Diverse Populations (1.5 credits) – unique focus on BIPOC, LGBTQ+, pediatrics, geriatrics, pregnancy, veterans, medically complex, trauma
  • NRS 696B: Transition to PMH Nursing Practice (board exam readiness)
  • Three-course Diagnosis/Management/EBP Treatment sequence (NRS 693, 694, 695)
  • Optional pre-clinical immersion

MSOE:

  • Holistic nursing emphasis endorsed by AHNCC
  • NUR 6030: Publication-ready literature review requirement
  • NUR 7220: PMHNP Theory III focused on Care of Systems, groups, organizations
  • NUR 7901: MSN Capstone with poster and oral presentation
  • Integration of simulation and holistic modalities
  • Fastest MSN completion (1.75 years)

University of Wisconsin-Madison:

  • Social justice curriculum focus
  • 100% first-time ANCC certification pass rate (DNP alumni)
  • NURSING 702: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Diverse Communities
  • NURSING 708: Ethics for Advanced Practice in Health Care
  • Post-MSN options with three focus areas: Educational Leadership, Expert Practice, Leadership
  • Gap analysis for individualized certificate planning

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire:

  • BSN-to-DNP Family-PMHNP (dual specialty)
  • Highest clinical hours in Wisconsin (1,237.5)
  • NRSG 810: Foundations of Neurobiology across Lifespan
  • NRSG 838: Foundations of Psychotherapy (CBT, DBT, trauma-focused)
  • NRSG 841: Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Practice within Vulnerable Populations
  • DNP Project sequence (NRSG 892, 893, 894)
  • 100% employment/continuing education rate (2023-2024)

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee:

  • Streamlined 1-year certificate for current APRNs
  • Three-theory course sequence (NURS 741, 742, 743)
  • Three-practicum sequence (NURS 781, 782, 783)
  • Wisconsin or Illinois clinical placements
  • DNP application option for certificate courses

Program Outcomes & Unique Features

Alverno College:

  • CCNE accredited
  • Milwaukee location
  • Holistic, person-centered philosophy
  • 750 MSN clinical hours, 600 certificate hours
  • Capstone project graduation requirement
  • $1,000/credit tuition rate

Bellin College:

  • CCNE accredited
  • Green Bay location
  • Newest MSN program (launched Fall 2024)
  • School-arranged clinical placements (major advantage)
  • Highest MSN clinical hours (760)
  • Full-time and part-time tracks (2/3-year MSN, 3/5-year DNP)
  • Free application process
  • No GRE required
  • 100% online MSN delivery

Concordia University:

  • CCNE accredited (PMHNP certificate seeking accreditation)
  • Mequon location
  • Fastest certificate (1 year/3 semesters)
  • Most affordable certificate ($14,400)
  • Exclusively for current certified APRNs with prescriptive authority
  • Fall start only (July 1 deadline)
  • CAGE certificate pathway

Edgewood University:

  • CCNE accredited, Wisconsin Board of Nursing approved
  • Madison location
  • Equity and diversity curriculum emphasis
  • Dedicated clinical coordinator
  • Optional pre-clinical immersion
  • Rolling admissions (priority May 15)
  • Summer certificate start

Milwaukee School of Engineering:

  • CCNE accredited
  • AHNCC holistic nursing endorsement
  • Milwaukee location
  • Fastest MSN completion (1.75 years)
  • Online-synchronous delivery (suitable for working RNs)
  • Publication-ready EBP literature review
  • Rolling admissions
  • Dual certification eligible (ANCC PMHNP and AHNCC holistic nursing)

University of Wisconsin-Madison:

  • CCNE accredited
  • #8 nationally ranked School of Nursing (#5 among public universities)
  • 100% first-time ANCC pass rate (DNP alumni)
  • Most affordable certificate ($13,500-$16,200)
  • Most affordable DNP ($37,212-$49,616 resident)
  • Social justice curriculum focus
  • Extensive statewide clinical placement network
  • Madison flagship university location
  • December 1 application deadline

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire:

  • CCNE accredited through 2031, Wisconsin Board of Nursing approved
  • Eau Claire location
  • BSN-to-DNP Family-PMHNP dual specialty
  • Highest total clinical hours (1,237.5)
  • 100% employment/continuing education rate (2023-2024)
  • Flexible 3/4/5-year tracks
  • Many placements within one-hour drive from home
  • Hybrid delivery (in-person/synchronous/asynchronous)

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee:

  • National nursing accreditation
  • Milwaukee metro location
  • Fastest certificate (1 year full-time)
  • Most affordable graduate option ($13,659)
  • Exclusively for current APRNs (NP/CNS/CNM/CRNA)
  • Wisconsin or Illinois clinical placements
  • DNP application option
  • Streamlined post-master’s pathway

Making Your Decision

Choose Alverno College If You:

  • Want affordable MSN ($42,000)
  • Prefer holistic, person-centered philosophy
  • Need 750 MSN clinical hours
  • Live near Milwaukee
  • Want capstone project experience
  • Prefer 2-3 year MSN completion

Choose Bellin College If You:

  • Want most affordable MSN ($40,800)
  • Need school-arranged clinical placements (not responsible for finding sites)
  • Value highest MSN clinical hours (760)
  • Want part-time options (3-year MSN, 5-year DNP)
  • Live near Green Bay
  • Want newest program with fresh curriculum (Fall 2024)
  • Prefer 100% online MSN delivery

Choose Concordia University If You:

  • Are a current certified APRN with prescriptive authority
  • Want fastest certificate (1 year/3 semesters)
  • Want most affordable certificate ($14,400)
  • Live near Mequon
  • Can meet July 1 deadline for fall start
  • Want streamlined CAGE pathway

Choose Edgewood University If You:

  • Value equity and diversity focus (BIPOC/LGBTQ+/trauma-informed)
  • Live near Madison
  • Want dedicated clinical coordinator support
  • Prefer 3-year full-time MSN
  • Want optional pre-clinical immersion
  • Value 750 clinical hours

Choose MSOE If You:

  • Want fastest MSN (1.75 years)
  • Value holistic nursing emphasis with AHNCC endorsement
  • Live near Milwaukee
  • Prefer online-synchronous format
  • Want publication-ready EBP requirement
  • Need rolling admissions flexibility
  • Want dual certification option (ANCC + AHNCC)

Choose UW-Madison If You:

  • Want #8 nationally ranked School of Nursing
  • Value 100% first-time ANCC pass rate (DNP)
  • Want most affordable certificate ($13,500-$16,200)
  • Want most affordable DNP ($37,212-$49,616 resident)
  • Value social justice curriculum focus
  • Live in Wisconsin (statewide placement network)
  • Want flagship university prestige
  • Are a current APRN seeking certificate
  • Can meet December 1 deadline

Choose UW-Eau Claire If You:

  • Want BSN-to-DNP Family-PMHNP dual specialty
  • Value highest total clinical hours (1,237.5)
  • Want 100% employment rate graduates (2023-2024)
  • Need flexible tracks (3/4/5 years)
  • Live in northwestern Wisconsin
  • Prefer many placements near home (one-hour drive)
  • Want hybrid delivery format
  • Can meet January 4 deadline

Choose UW-Milwaukee If You:

  • Are a current APRN (NP/CNS/CNM/CRNA)
  • Want fastest certificate (1 year)
  • Want most affordable graduate option ($13,659)
  • Live near Milwaukee metro
  • Want Wisconsin or Illinois placement options
  • Have 1 year APN practice experience
  • Want streamlined post-master’s pathway
  • May apply courses toward DNP

Additional Considerations

Licensure Requirements:

  • All programs require current unencumbered Wisconsin RN license
  • Certificate programs have additional requirements:
    • Concordia: Current APRN certification with prescriptive authority
    • UW-Milwaukee: Illinois RN license if completing Illinois practicums
    • UW-Madison: APRN certification or eligibility

Prerequisites – “The 3Ps”: Most certificate programs require completion of:

  • Advanced Pathophysiology
  • Advanced Pharmacology
  • Advanced Health Assessment

Application Fees:

  • Free: Bellin
  • Standard: Most programs charge application fees

Part-Time Options:

  • Available: Bellin (3-year MSN, 5-year DNP), UW-Eau Claire (4-5 year DNP)
  • Limited/None: Most other programs full-time only

Geographic Considerations:

All Wisconsin PMHNP programs prepare graduates for ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) certification. Your choice depends on budget (UW-Madison/UW-Milwaukee most affordable, Bellin best MSN value), degree level preference (MSN vs. DNP), completion timeline (MSOE fastest MSN, Concordia/UW-Milwaukee fastest certificate), clinical placement support (Bellin school-arranged advantage), current credentials (some certificates require APRN certification), and geographic location. Wisconsin’s critical shortage of psychiatric mental health providers creates excellent job prospects, with PMHNPs earning competitive salaries statewide.