10 Cheapest Online PMHNP Certificate Programs in 2025

If you're already working as a registered nurse (RN) and are interested in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, then becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) can help you accomplish this goal. Maybe you'd like to know more about schools that offer PMHNP training programs.

Keep reading as we take a closer look at some of the cheapest online PMHNP certificate programs and the schools offering them. We'll also explore this nursing credential in more detail and answer some questions you may be wondering about.

What Is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate?

A PMHNP certificate is a post-master's program designed for those who have earned either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). It trains students to provide primary care for individuals across the lifespan who struggle with mental health issues and substance abuse disorders.

Many MSN and DNP programs provide a PMHNP specialization, allowing students to gain the credential as part of their nursing degree. However, if you've already earned an advanced degree in a separate specialization, completing a PMHNP certificate program can help you make the transition to new career opportunities without having to spend time and money on another full degree program.

Can I Earn a PMHNP Certificate Online?

Yes, many schools offer PMHNP certificate programs in an online or hybrid format. These nursing programs are designed with flexibility in mind, commonly allowing students to complete their post-master's certificate on whatever schedule works for them.

Some programs provide 100% online coursework, while others require occasional campus visits. Regardless of whether you enroll in an online or hybrid program, you will need to complete in-person clinical experiences to gain hands-on experience in advanced-practice nursing.

How Much Does an Online PMHNP Certificate Cost?

Different schools and programs charge different tuition rates. Public schools typically offer more affordable tuition than private schools, though they may charge pricey rates for out-of-state learners. Some programs qualify for grants and scholarships to help cover costs.

It's not uncommon for these types of programs to cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000. That said, some of the cheapest PMHNP certificate programs in the U.S. are featured in this article; these programs range from around $5,400 to $11,800 in total tuition.

How Long Is an Online PMHNP Certificate Program?

The exact length of your PMHNP program will depend on specific school and program requirements as well as your nursing experience and education. They commonly range between 18 and 32 credit hours.

Students also need to complete clinical placements as part of their graduate certificate program, and exact number of hours can vary. Between coursework and fieldwork requirements, students often need about two years to finish this type of program. Learners in full-time, accelerated programs can graduate in as little as 12 months, while part-time students may take three years or longer to complete their program.

Cheapest Online PMHNP Certificate Programs

If you're ready to pursue a PMHNP career path, keep reading. Below, we'll consider some of the cheapest online PMHNP programs available.

1. Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University is located in Statesboro, GA. This public school offers one of the cheapest PMHNP programs available and charges the same low tuition rates for all online students.

This program teaches students to provide effective psychiatric care to individuals and families in various settings. Applicants to the program must have a current RN license and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) training.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,396 total
• Financial aid: Students can use scholarship and federal student aid to help them pay for this certificate program.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Texas State University

Texas State University is a public university in San Marcos, TX. It provides an interactive online PMHNP program for those aspiring to address patients' mental health needs.

Students benefit from flexible online coursework and interactive experiences that prepare them for their clinical practicums. Courses cover topics such as pathophysiology, working with pediatric patients, and clinical management.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,147.20 total
• Financial aid: Both internal and external funding opportunities are available, including scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, grants, and loans.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University is known for providing various online degree programs to students throughout the country. Headquartered in Las Cruces, it offers a PMHNP certificate that students can complete in one year.

The 18-credit-hour program teaches essential competencies for expert patient care when addressing mental health concerns. Students must hold APRN certification and licensure to enroll in the program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,999.20 total
• Financial aid: Students can apply for federal aid through the FAFSA and use scholarships, loans, and grants to fund their education.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University is a public school located in Lubbock, TX. Learners at this school can pursue an online PMHNP certificate consisting of 29 credit hours.

Students in this program complete all coursework online and work the assigned clinical hours in their local communities. Upon graduation, they are eligible to sit for the national certification exam for PMHNPs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,125.22 total
• Financial aid: Various forms of financial aid are available including grants, scholarships, and student loans.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Georgia College and State University

Georgia College and State University is a public liberal arts school located in Milledgeville, GA. It offers various post-master's certification programs for nurses, including a PMHNP option.

This program consists of 23 to 32 credit hours depending on whether you've taken foundational courses. Core courses cover topics such as psychopharmacology and foundations for psychiatric nursing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,786 total
• Financial aid: Students can pursue internal and external scholarships as well as state and financial aid opportunities.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University is a public school in Boca Raton, FL. It offers an online PMHNP certificate requiring 28 credit hours of courses and at least 780 clinical practice hours.

Students learn to conduct advanced health assessments and provide interventions to help those with mental health issues. All clinical placements are held in southern Florida, so students must be willing and able to travel to complete these assignments.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,295.25 total
• Financial aid: The school offers a wealth of scholarships for nursing students, including both internal and external opportunities.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a public school in the University of Louisiana System. It provides an affordable PMHNP certificate program comprising 20 credit hours.

The program is designed for those holding a master's degree and certification as an APRN, family nurse practitioner (FNP), or any of various other nurse practitioners (NP). The program features two start dates per year and a flexible online curriculum to benefit busy working nurses.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,600 total
• Financial aid: Students can fill out the FAFSA to receive federal aid and apply for school-based and outside scholarships.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Texas A&M International University

Texas A&M International University belongs to the Texas A&M University System. Located in Laredo, it offers a PMHNP program that students can complete in as little as one year.

Students must complete 29 credit hours as part of this program. Coursework is highly flexible and affordable for in-state students, and practicum experiences help them develop hands-on skills.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,643 total
• Financial aid: A wealth of aid opportunities are available including scholarships, loans, and grants.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama is a public school in Florence, AL. Its online PMHNP program takes anywhere from 23 to 32 credit hours to complete.

Students learn to conduct effective assessments and determine treatment plans as part of this program. All coursework is completed online except for two brief campus residencies lasting up to three days each.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,385 total
• Financial aid: The school provides nursing scholarship opportunities and other scholarships to help students cover their expenses.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. East Carolina University

East Carolina University is located in Greenville, NC. This public school provides an online PMHNP certificate for post-master's students.

The program is competitive, and preference is given to students with a mental health background and who are planning to work in North Carolina after graduation. Coursework is online except for a two-day campus intensive, and students must complete 550 hours of clinical practicums.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,825.84 total
• Financial aid: Scholarships, work-study programs, loans, and grants are all available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

It's our goal to include only the best schools in our college rank lists. We used the following criteria to select the graduate nursing programs above:

• Accreditation: Each school maintains accreditation from a national accrediting agency, and each school of nursing is accredited by a professional organization such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• Affordability: Each program features affordable tuition of less than $12,000.
• Program reputation: Each CCNE-accredited program is known for providing high-quality programs for both in-person and online students.

What To Expect From an Affordable Online PMHNP Certificate

Online PMHNP programs commonly provide flexible courses that allow students to study on their own schedules. They may also accept generous numbers of transfer credits and offer multiple start dates to cater to the needs of busy working nurses.

Depending on your previous level of education, you may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in your chosen program. Programs not requiring prerequisites commonly consist of 18 to 23 credit hours, while those requiring prerequisites often total 28 to 32 credits or more.

Students in PMHNP programs complete various courses to help them learn to provide exceptional mental healthcare. Topics covered may include mental health disorders, psychotherapy, and conducting mental health assessments.

FAQs About Low-Cost PMHNP Certificate Programs

If you still have questions about completing an online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certificate, keep reading. Below, we'll look at answers to some frequently asked questions.

Is an Online PMHNP Certificate Worth It?

Earning a post-master's PMHNP certificate can be well worth the time and money, depending on your goals for your nursing career. If you already hold an MSN degree, earning a certificate can help you make the switch to PMHNP nursing more quickly and affordably than if you went back to school for a doctoral degree. It also gives you an opportunity to expand your credentials if you completed your MSN program in another specialization.

What Can You Do With a PMHNP Certificate?

A PMHNP certificate helps students qualify for careers as psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, also known as psychiatric nurse practitioners. These professionals can work in many different healthcare settings such as:

• hospitals
• primary care clinics
• domestic violence shelters
• correctional facilities
• public health agencies

What Is the Shortest PMHNP Certificate Program Online?

Different schools have different program requirements, but the shortest PMHNP certificates are full-time, accelerated options. These programs can sometimes be completed in as little as 10 to 12 months, even while working full-time.

How Much Is the PMHNP Certification Exam?

The PMHNP certification is available through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Members of professional nursing organizations such as the ANCC or American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) pay anywhere from $220 to $340, depending on their specific organization. Those who don't belong to any participating organization pay $395 for the certification exam.

What Is the Average Salary for PMHNP Graduates?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), advanced practice nurses, including PMHNPs, can earn lucrative annual incomes. Data suggests that nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners earn a national average salary of $132,050 per year.

Discover Online Certificate Programs

If you're ready to enroll in a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program, check out the schools here on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges directly for more information on admission requirements and to find the right program for you.