Evaluate Affordable Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Manchester, New Hampshire
Manchester, New Hampshire, sits at the center of the state's mental health response, with demand for psychiatric-mental health services rising 35% in recent years. The city is home to key facilities, such as the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester, which anchor the region's service network. Substance use disorders, homelessness, and rural healthcare access all intersect here, creating significant opportunities for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs). Educational costs remain well below those in Boston and other New England cities, making Manchester a cost effective place to train without compromising educational quality.
As the state's largest city, Manchester offers PMHNP students access to both urban hospitals and rural mental health centers. In addition to hospital-based psychiatry units, students may gain experience through partnerships with nearby Veterans Affairs facilities, school-based behavioral health programs, and nonprofit organizations addressing housing insecurity. Clinical rotations often extend to surrounding communities in Hillsborough County and into rural areas of southern New Hampshire, providing exposure to diverse patient populations. This variety offers a breadth of clinical experience not found in every region and equips graduates with adaptable skills that are highly valued across the state.
2026 Discover Affordable Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Manchester, New Hampshire
University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online
Manchester, NH - Public 4-Year - cps.unh.edu
Master's - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of New Hampshire's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers an affordable, flexible pathway for working RNs seeking advanced mental health specialization. Spanning 30 months, this comprehensive 50-credit master's degree prepares professionals to provide comprehensive mental health care across patient lifespans. With minimal on-campus requirements and extensive online learning, the program reduces traditional educational costs. Students complete 750 clinical hours, gaining expertise in diverse settings from private practices to telehealth services. The program's affordability stems from its online format, part-time options, and efficient 30-month timeline, making advanced nursing education accessible for budget-conscious professionals.
- Online 30-month masters program
- 750 total clinical hours
- ANCC board certification eligible
- Full and part-time options
- Minimum 1 year RN experience required
- Across lifespan mental health focus
- Three program intensives
- Advanced practice nursing leadership
- Multiple clinical practice settings
Master's - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Online (M.S.)
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of New Hampshire's online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Master's program delivers exceptional value for registered nurses seeking specialized mental health credentials. Designed for working professionals, this 50-credit program minimizes educational expenses through its flexible online structure and efficient 30-month curriculum. Requiring only one year of prior RN experience and an unencumbered license, the program offers accessible advanced education. Students benefit from 750 clinical hours, comprehensive learning experiences, and ANCC board certification eligibility. The program's cost-effectiveness is enhanced by virtual learning, minimal residency requirements, and the potential for continued employment during studies.
- Online Master's in Nursing
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- 50 Credits
- 30 Months Program Length
- 750 Clinical Hours
- ANCC Board Certification Eligible
- Unencumbered RN License Required
- Baccalaureate Degree Required
- One Year RN Experience Required
- Combines Online and Simulation Learning
Rivier University
Nashua, NH - Private 4-year - rivier.edu
Master's - MSN: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Rivier University offers a dynamic online MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program tailored for registered nurses seeking advanced mental health specialization. Designed with minimal on-campus requirements, the program uniquely combines comprehensive online coursework with hands-on clinical training. Students can expect rigorous preparation in psychiatric disorder treatment, medication prescription, and psychotherapy techniques. The program's ACEN accreditation ensures high-quality education standards. Affordability is a key advantage, with per-credit costs ranging from $725-$1,132, making it an accessible pathway for nurses pursuing advanced practice roles. Multiple entry paths accommodate diverse nursing backgrounds, providing flexibility for working professionals seeking specialized mental health credentials.
- Online coursework available.
- Low-residency format.
- Multiple entry paths.
- ACEN accredited.
- Skills in medication prescription.
- Psychotherapy training included.
- Cost: $725-$1,132 per credit.
- Prepares for PMHNP-BC certification.
- Flexible program length.
- Hands-on practicum experience.
University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH - Public 4-Year - unh.edu
Master's - Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (M.S.)
Online Learning - Visit Website
UNH's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Master's program provides an intensive 50-credit, 30-month educational journey for experienced registered nurses. Designed for professionals with minimum one-year RN experience, this comprehensive curriculum equips students with advanced clinical skills in mental healthcare across patient lifespans. The program combines rigorous online learning with high-fidelity simulations and extensive clinical practicums, ensuring graduates develop expert-level competencies. Featuring full and part-time options, the curriculum prepares students for ANCC board certification through a competency-based approach. Its affordable structure, experienced nursing faculty, and flexible learning format make it an attractive option for advancing psychiatric nursing careers.
- Online Master's degree program
- 50 total credit hours
- 30-month program length
- 750 clinical practice hours
- Full and part-time options
- ANCC certification preparation
- Experienced nursing faculty
- Minimum 1 year RN experience required
- Across lifespan patient care focus
- Competency-based curriculum
Master's - Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (M.S.)
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of New Hampshire's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Master's program delivers a comprehensive 50-credit curriculum designed for experienced registered nurses. Emphasizing evidence-based practice and inter-professional collaboration, this program prepares students to assess, diagnose, and manage mental health care across patient lifespans. With stringent admission requirements including an unencumbered RN license, baccalaureate degree, and one year of professional experience, the program ensures high-quality training. The curriculum combines foundational core coursework with specialty content, focusing on leadership and competency-based learning. Graduates are eligible for ANCC board certification, making this an affordable and strategic pathway for advancing psychiatric nursing careers.
- Online program format.
- 750 clinical hours required.
- Competency-based coursework.
- Eligible for ANCC certification.
- Unencumbered RN license needed.
- Baccalaureate degree required.
- One year RN experience minimum.
- 3 professional references.
- Personal statement required.
- Resume submission needed.
Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of New Hampshire's Post-Master's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate offers a strategic career advancement pathway for licensed advanced practice registered nurses. This compact 29-credit online program delivers comprehensive mental health training through a flexible 17-month curriculum, enabling professionals to expand their clinical capabilities. With 750 clinical hours and three on-campus intensives, students develop expertise in mental health assessment and treatment across patient lifespans. The program strategically prepares graduates for ANCC certification, facilitating diverse career opportunities in telehealth, private practice, and integrated behavioral healthcare settings. Its military-friendly approach and synchronous/asynchronous learning options make it an accessible and affordable professional development opportunity.
- Online graduate certificate program
- 29 total credit hours
- 17-month program length
- 750 clinical hours required
- Three on-campus intensives
- Synchronous and asynchronous learning
- For licensed APRNs
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Multiple mental health career paths
Doctorate - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of New Hampshire's online Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner represents a transformative 80-credit doctoral pathway for advanced nursing professionals. This comprehensive program empowers experienced nurses to become healthcare leaders through an evidence-based curriculum focusing on mental health assessment, diagnosis, and management across patient lifespans. With 750 clinical practice hours, small class sizes, and expert faculty mentorship, students develop sophisticated leadership and clinical skills. The program's flexible online format, customizable length, and focus on healthcare innovation make it an affordable and accessible option for nurses seeking advanced practice roles in psychiatric mental health.
- 80 total credit hours
- Fully online program
- 750 clinical practice hours
- ANCC certification eligible
- Post-baccalaureate doctoral degree
- Customizable program length
- Small class sizes
- Expert faculty mentorship
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Advanced practice preparation
Doctorate - Bachelors of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
UNH's BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a comprehensive 80-credit online pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced leadership roles. This rigorous doctoral program emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare innovation, and specialized mental health expertise. Students complete 750 clinical practice hours while engaging in an interdisciplinary curriculum that prepares them for ANCC board certification. The program's flexible asynchronous learning, minimal campus visits, and expert faculty mentorship create an accessible educational experience. With a focus on advanced leadership training and comprehensive mental health care, this program provides an affordable route for nurses to expand their professional capabilities and drive healthcare transformation.
- 80 total credit hours
- Online flexible learning format
- 750 clinical practice hours
- ANCC certification preparation
- Advanced leadership training
- Comprehensive mental health focus
- Doctoral scholarly project required
- Expert faculty mentorship
- Interdisciplinary healthcare approach
New Hampshire's Mental Health Workforce Needs
The state's opioid crisis has reshaped behavioral health care, creating an urgent need for providers who are proficient in both psychiatry and addiction medicine. This dual expertise enables PMHNPs to manage complex cases where substance use disorders and mental health conditions occur simultaneously, a scenario increasingly common in New Hampshire's patient population. As a result, educational programs and clinical settings are placing greater emphasis on integrated care approaches that prepare practitioners to address both areas effectively.
To meet these evolving needs, mental health systems are adopting collaborative care models in which PMHNPs work alongside counselors, social workers, and primary care providers to deliver coordinated treatment plans. In Manchester, healthcare systems, community organizations, and private practices actively seek PMHNPs with these competencies, offering competitive incentives such as signing bonuses, loan repayment programs, flexible schedules, and even leadership opportunities to attract and retain qualified professionals.
PMHNP Salary Expectations
| Practice Setting | Entry Level | Experienced PMHNP | Benefits |
| Community Mental Health | $115K–$125K | $140K–$155K | Full benefits + loan aid |
| Hospital Psychiatry | $120K–$135K | $150K–$170K | CME + comprehensive plan |
| Private Practice | $130K–$150K | $170K–$200K+ | Variable + profit sharing |
| Telehealth | $110K–$130K | $135K–$160K | Flexible + tech stipend |
Employers often compete for qualified PMHNPs, which can lead to generous employment terms, including relocation assistance, professional development funding, and opportunities for leadership roles.
Affordable PMHNP Education
Local PMHNP programs cost significantly less than those in Massachusetts or Connecticut. Public programs typically range from $28K–$45K, while private programs fall between $50K–$75K (AACN data). These costs are even more manageable when students leverage employer tuition reimbursement or commit to service agreements in exchange for reduced tuition.
Key Costs Beyond Tuition:
- Clinical placement fees ($2K–$4K)
- Psychiatric tools/software ($800–$1,500)
- Liability insurance ($200–$400 annually)
- Background checks, screenings, and clearances ($650–$1,300)
- Textbooks and learning platforms ($1,500–$3,000)
- Certification exam fees ($395–$495)
Programs with established clinical partnerships can help reduce travel costs for placements across the region, making the educational journey more efficient and affordable.
Financial Aid Options
New Hampshire offers grants and scholarships to boost its healthcare workforce, with enhanced support for high need specialties like psychiatric nursing.
State Programs:
- State Scholarship Program (up to $2,500)
- Workforce Incentive Program
- Rural Health Loan Repayment
- Nursing Scholarship Fund
Federal Options:
- HRSA behavioral health grants
- NURSE Corps Scholarship (full tuition + stipend)
- SAMHSA training grants
- Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans
Combining state and federal funding can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs, and service-based scholarships often allow graduates to enter the workforce debt-free while serving in critical shortage areas.
Clinical Training Opportunities
To become a nurse practitioner, PMHNP students train in a variety of settings to develop a comprehensive, adaptable skill set and an understanding of how psychiatric care is delivered in different environments. These rotations typically include:
- Acute psychiatric units where students respond to crisis situations, stabilize patients, and coordinate transitions to outpatient or community care.
- Community mental health centers that provide ongoing therapy, support groups, and outreach services for individuals with chronic mental health conditions.
- Substance abuse treatment facilities where integrated recovery models address both mental health and addiction, preparing graduates for the complexities of dual diagnoses.
- Private outpatient practices focused on individualized medication management and psychotherapy, often for long-term patient relationships.
- Rural clinics that navigate limited resources, broad patient needs, and geographic isolation to ensure care access in underserved areas.
Rural and remote rotations are particularly valuable, as they foster self-reliance, adaptability, and resourcefulness. Students often take on broader responsibilities, learn to problem solve in lower resource environments, and strengthen their clinical judgment, key qualities for independent practice and leadership roles in psychiatric-mental health nursing.
Flexible Program Formats
Programs in the Manchester area cater to working nurses through evening, weekend, and hybrid formats, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of students.
| Format | Duration | Benefits | Considerations |
| Full-Time | 20–24 mo | Fast completion | May require job leave |
| Part-Time | 30–36 mo | Work while studying | Longer timeline |
| Hybrid Online/Campus | 24–30 mo | Less commuting | Self-discipline needed |
| Accelerated | 16–20 mo | Quickest route | Highly intensive |
Hybrid models combine online theory with in-person clinicals, often integrating virtual patient simulations, case studies, and telehealth competencies, skills that are increasingly essential in modern psychiatric care.
Certification and Licensure
To practice in New Hampshire, PMHNPs must complete an accredited program and pass the ANCC certification exam. Strong programs weave certification preparation throughout the curriculum, improving first time pass rates.
High Demand Specializations:
- Addiction psychiatry
- Child/adolescent psychiatry
- Geriatric psychiatry
- Trauma/PTSD care
- Forensic psychiatry
Specializing in these areas aligns with state needs and can open doors to niche opportunities and higher salaries.
Building a Career in Manchester
PMHNPs benefit from joining professional networks like the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, attending state behavioral health conferences, and participating in continuing education. Volunteering with community organizations, pursuing leadership roles, and developing telehealth expertise can further expand opportunities.
Manchester's location offers access to Boston's educational and professional resources while preserving New Hampshire's lower cost of living and quality of life advantages. With affordable training, strong job demand, and opportunities to make a measurable difference, PMHNPs from nurse practitioner programs in New Hampshire are positioned well for long-term career success.
Sources
- New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
- Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester
- Health Resources and Services Administration
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
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