Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program tuition
Champion human-forward care. Apply for YSN’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty (PMHNP). As you look to expand your scope of work, take a moment to review the program tuition, future costs, and the return on investment (ROI) of a PMHNP program.
How much does the online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program cost?
A Master of Science in Nursing with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty from Yale School of Nursing costs approximately $107,000 based on the 2022-2023 tuition rate of $1,962 per credit hour plus program fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change annually.
Students are also responsible for non-tuition expenses like the cost of equipment, uniforms, travel, and books.
To secure their seat, students will be asked to submit a $600 USD enrollment deposit within three weeks of admission. Though nonrefundable, $300 USD of this deposit will count toward the first tuition payment for matriculating students. Students whose enrollment deposit was waived will not receive a bill credit.
Prior to entering practice, graduates of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program must obtain national certification and state licensure.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) administers a competency-based, national examination that costs $295 for American Nurses Association (ANA) members or $395 for non-members. After passing the exam, you are awarded the following credential, valid for five years: PMHNP-BC (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified).
In addition to holding an active RN license, an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) must obtain an NP license through the board of nursing in the state you intend to practice. Application costs vary by state but typically range from $100 to $300. You can determine the exact application fees and requirements in your state by visiting the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.
Because PMHNPs have the authority to prescribe controlled substances in most states, you may need to secure a registration number with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). The associated fee is $888, and this number is valid for three years.
What is the ROI of a PMHNP program?
Degree investment and earning potential
Investing in your education to become a psychiatric mental health NP can increase your earning potential significantly.
While median pay for registered nurses is $77,600 per year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2021 that the median pay for a nurse practitioner jumps to $120,680.
Career outcomes and projections
Graduates from the PMHNP program can expect to find a favorable job market, regardless of their intended state of practice. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of nurse practitioners to grow 46 percent by 2031, which is more than nine times the average growth rate for all occupations.
It’s important to understand that a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner’s job security reflects our nation’s mental health crisis. The rate of unmet need for treatment has risen steadily every year since 2011, and the isolating, traumatic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic further inflated this disparity1. In 2021, the Kaiser Family Foundation found that four out of ten U.S. adults report experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression—up from one out of ten adults in 2019.
The demand for providers qualified to care for undertreated populations across the lifespan persists. The call has been made. Join Yale School of Nursing in answering it.
Tuition frequently asked questions
Eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents who proceed at the normal part-time pace of study may be able to take advantage of federal student loans.
Online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program students can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility and award amount for financial aid. YSN also requires admitted students to submit the Yale School of Nursing Financial Aid Application.
Eligible MSN degree candidates can borrow up to $20,500 in Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans per academic year. Federal Direct PLUS loans may also be available to help cover any remaining costs.
The institutional authorization process for Title IV financial aid eligibility is currently underway and expected to be completed in advance of summer 2023.
As an online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program student, you may be eligible for both internal and external graduate-level scholarships.
Yale School of Nursing offers several merit-based scholarships to graduate students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership capacity, and overall excellence in their admission materials. Consideration for these forms of merit aid is based solely on the regular application and does not require supplemental information. We also encourage students to explore outside scholarships through providers such as Fastweb, ELMSelect, and similar resources.
You may even find that your employer offers stipends for continuing education. These stipends are separate from employer sponsorship, which we address on our financial aid page.
While earning your MSN to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner requires an up-front investment, the return on your education is considerable. Earning potential, scope of care, and the ability to make a difference in your community all increase significantly when you pursue an advanced practice credential.
1 Mental Health America, 2022