Connecticut offers seven PMHNP programs with costs ranging from approximately $31,000 to $110,818.
Program duration ranges from 15 months to 4 years depending on program track and enrollment status.
High Level Program Comparison Table
| School | Est. Cost Range | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfield University | MSN: ~$60.8K DNP: ~$91.7K | – On-campus program with advanced simulation facilities. – Trauma-informed and holistic care model – Clinical placements span CT with experienced preceptors. – Ranked #2 MSN program in CT by U.S. News. |
| Goodwin University | MSN: ~$52K | – Fully online PMHNP program limited to CT residents. – Students may receive up to $10K through CT Health scholarships. – No GRE required – 600 clinical hours |
| Quinnipiac University | MSN: ~$56.7K Certificate: ~$33.8K | – Multiple on-campus immersions with simulation lab experiences. – Graduates report 100% employment within 6 months. – Clinical placements coordinated primarily within Connecticut. |
| Sacred Heart University | MSN: ~$40.1K Certificate: ~$20.1K | – One of the more affordable private PMHNP options in Connecticut. – No GRE or GMAT – 540 clinical hours with required annual in-person residency. |
| University of Saint Joseph | MSN: ~$52.2K Certificates: ~$13.3K–$35.6K DNP (Post-MS): ~$20K | – Broadest range of PMHNP certificate pathways in Connecticut. – Partnerships with Hartford Hospital and Yale–New Haven. – Evening course schedules designed for working nurses. |
| Western Connecticut State University | MSN: ~$31K–$40K Certificate: ~$15K–$25K | – One of the lowest-cost public PMHNP options in Connecticut. – 540 clinical hours completed w/ qualified regional preceptors. – Strong employer demand across western Connecticut. |
| Yale University | MSN: ~$108K–$111K Certificate: Per credit | – Strong academic prestige. – Hybrid and residential options with intensive faculty oversight. – 750+ clinical hours with high-acuity and specialty placements. – Best fit for academically competitive applicants. |
PMHNP Program Summaries List for CT
Fairfield University PMHNP Programs
Fairfield | $1,100 cpc | MSN / DNP
Fairfield University offers two PMHNP tracks: a 59-credit MSN (~$60,770; ~3 years part-time) and a 78-credit DNP (~$91,650; ~3–4 years). Both are delivered on campus with state-of-the-art simulation and extensive clinical placements across Connecticut, totaling ~750 hours for the MSN and ~1,000 hours for the DNP. The programs emphasize holistic, trauma-informed care and hold strong national rankings, including a top-ranked MSN in the state...read more.
Goodwin University PMHNP Program
East Hartford | $949 cpc | MSN
Goodwin University’s CCNE-accredited MSN-PMHNP is a 50-credit, online program with two immersion weekends and 600 clinical hours, typically completed part-time in seven semesters (~3.5 years). Estimated tuition is about $52,000 ($949/credit), and eligible students may receive up to $10,000 in CT Health Horizons scholarships; no GRE is required. Designed for Connecticut RNs, the program blends flexible coursework with diverse clinical placements to prepare graduates for psychiatric mental health practice across the lifespan...read more.
Quinnipiac University PMHNP Programs
Hamden | $995 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Quinnipiac offers two PMHNP tracks delivered 100% online with three one-week on-campus immersions. The MSN requires 57 credits and allows a seamless DNP transition within two years; the certificate requires 34 credits for practicing NPs. The School reports strong outcomes and national recognition, and both tracks provide flexible pacing for working nurses...read more.
Sacred Heart University PMHNP Program
Fairfield | $955 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Sacred Heart University’s College of Nursing in Fairfield, Connecticut offers two CCNE-accredited Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner pathways: a 42-credit MSN track and a 21-credit Post-Master’s Certificate. Both programs are delivered online with small class sizes and include mandatory in-person residency components and 540 total clinical hours. The MSN track takes about 2.5 years full time, while the certificate can be completed in roughly 15 months. Graduates are prepared for national PMHNP certification and advanced practice licensure...read more.
University of Saint Joseph PMHNP Programs
West Hartford | $1,111 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
The University of Saint Joseph offers hybrid PMHNP pathways—MSN, three post-master’s certificates, and a post-master’s DNP—with evening classes (4–6:30 p.m.) and 750+ clinical hours. Training uses a high-fidelity simulation center, a 1:6 faculty-to-student clinical ratio, and placements at partners like Saint Francis, Hartford Hospital, and Yale-New Haven. USJ is CCNE-accredited, charges $1,111 per graduate nursing credit (plus select clinical fees), and offers a 20% alumni tuition discount starting Summer 2025...read more.
Walden University PMHNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Walden University’s CCNE-accredited, 100% online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs offer Connecticut nurses four convenient pathways (BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, MSN-PMHNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate) to gain the skills needed to address the state’s mental health crisis. The innovative Practicum Pledge ensures that busy Connecticut nurses receive personalized assistance securing local preceptors in areas like Hartford, New Haven, and Fairfield County. Fully equipped with virtual skills labs and comprehensive psychopharmacology training, graduates are ready to provide high-quality psychiatric care from Stamford to the Quiet Corner.
Western Connecticut State PMHNP Program
Danbury | 1,671 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Western Connecticut State University offers two PMHNP tracks—an MSN and a Post-Master’s Certificate—tailored for working RNs with evening, online/hybrid formats. Both include 540 supervised clinical hours across diverse psychiatric settings and emphasize strong certification outcomes. Tuition is competitive, with the MSN estimated at $31–40k over 3–4 years and the certificate at $15–25k over 1–2 years, depending on prerequisites...read more.
Yale University PMHNP Programs
New Haven | $2,071 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Yale offers Hybrid, Residential, and Post-Master’s PMHNP tracks with CCNE accreditation. The Hybrid program is live-online, part-time only, and includes three on-campus immersions; the Residential option is full-time on campus. All tracks prepare students for ANCC PMHNP certification and use simulation, telehealth, and faculty-supported clinicals to build competency across the lifespan...read more.
Purdue Global PMHNP Programs
online | $400 to $720 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Purdue Global's PMHNP programs are authorized in Connecticut, providing three online pathways: a Postgraduate Certificate (48 credits, $20,160), MSN with PMHNP Population Focus Area (78 credits, $32,760), and MSN-DNP bridge program. Connecticut-based students complete faculty- and preceptor-supported clinical experiences in local communities, with all programs accredited by CCNE and featuring innovative VR technology for telehealth training. Graduates are prepared to practice in diverse settings including hospitals, community mental health centers, prisons, and private practices throughout Connecticut.
WGU PMHNP Programs
online | flat rate cpc | Certificate / MSN
WGU delivers an online PMHNP MSN and a Post-Master’s Certificate using competency progression. Students fulfill 650 clinical hours near home, or 750 if starting in Kansas after March 1, 2025. One-to-one mentoring and term pricing support a 2.5-year minimum for the MSN and 1.5-year minimum for the certificate.
Wilkes University PMHNP Programs
online | $751 cpc | Certificate / MSN / RN to MSN
Wilkes University's Passan School of Nursing provides three online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) tracks with dedicated clinical placement services and a high ANCC board pass rate of 95.4%. The university confirms its online MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate programs are authorized to enroll students located in Connecticut, having determined the curriculum meets the state's educational requirements for APRN licensure. These flexible, online programs prepare registered nurses with an unencumbered license for advanced practice in psychiatric/mental health care across diverse populations.
Choosing the Best CT PMHNP Program
TLDR: Quick School Selection Guide
Choose Fairfield University if you want nationally ranked programs (#2 MSN in CT) with holistic trauma-informed care and state-of-the-art simulation facilities.
Choose Goodwin University if you’re a CT resident seeking the most affordable option ($52,000) with online delivery and scholarship opportunities up to $10,000.
Choose Quinnipiac University if you value flexible seven-week course formats and want the option to transition seamlessly into a DNP program.
Choose Sacred Heart University if you’re looking for the fastest and most affordable certificate option (15 months, $20,055) or the lowest-cost MSN program ($40,110).
Choose University of Saint Joseph if you want the most certificate pathway options (4 tracks) or plan to pursue the DNP in just 1.5 years.
Choose Western Connecticut State if you need the lowest in-state tuition option ($31,000-$40,000) with flexible part-time scheduling.
Choose Yale University if you want an elite education with the most clinical hours (750-774) and can invest in a premium program ($107,799-$110,818).
CT MSN-PMHNP Programs Comparison
Sacred Heart University offers the most affordable MSN at $40,110, while Yale University provides the most comprehensive clinical training with 774 hours. Quinnipiac University stands out for its flexible seven-week course formats and seamless DNP transition option.
| School | Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield University | $61K | 3 years PT | 750 hrs | On-campus |
| Goodwin University | $52K | 3.5 years PT | 600 hrs | Online |
| Quinnipiac University | $57K | 2+ years | 780 hrs | Online + immersions |
| Sacred Heart University | $40,110 | 2.5 years FT | 540 hrs | Online + residencies |
| University of Saint Joseph | $53K | 3.5 years PT | 750 hrs | Hybrid |
| Western Connecticut State | $31K-$40K | 3-4 years PT | 540 hrs | Hybrid |
| Yale University (Hybrid) | $111K | 3 years PT | 750 hrs | Online + immersions |
| Yale University (Residential) | $108K-$111K | 2 years FT | 774 hrs | On-campus |
Key Differentiators:
- Most affordable: Sacred Heart University ($40,110)
- Lowest in-state tuition: Western Connecticut State ($31,000-$40,000)
- Most clinical hours: Yale University Residential (774 hours)
- Fully online option: Goodwin University (CT residents only)
- Fastest full-time completion: Quinnipiac and Yale Residential (2 years)
DNP-PMHNP Programs Comparison in CT
University of Saint Joseph offers the fastest post-master’s DNP pathway at just 1.5 years for recent MSN graduates. Fairfield University provides the only entry-level DNP-PMHNP option in Connecticut with 1,000 total clinical hours.
| School | Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours | Entry Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield University | $92K | 3-4 years FT/PT | 1,000 | BSN-to-DNP |
| University of Saint Joseph | $20K | 1.5 years | Builds on MSN hours | Post-master’s only |
Key Differentiators:
- Only BSN-to-DNP: Fairfield University
- Fastest post-master’s DNP: University of Saint Joseph (1.5 years if enrolled within 3 years of MSN)
- Most clinical hours: Fairfield University (1,000 hours)
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs in CT
Sacred Heart University offers the fastest and most affordable certificate at just 15 months and $20,055. University of Saint Joseph stands out with four distinct certificate pathways tailored to different nursing backgrounds, including a streamlined 1-2 year option for current psychiatric CNS professionals.
| School | Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield University | Not offered | — | Hrs vary | — |
| Goodwin University | Not offered | — | Hrs vary | — |
| Quinnipiac University | $34K | 1.5-2 years | 780 | For current NPs |
| Sacred Heart University | $20,055 | 15 months | 540 | Most affordable |
| University of Saint Joseph | $14K-$36K | 1-3 years | 250-750 | 4 pathway options |
| Western Connecticut State | $15K-$25K | 1-2 years PT | 540 | Cost varies by prerequisites |
| Yale University | Cost Varies | Varies | Varies | Individualized plan |
University of Saint Joseph Certificate Pathways:
- RNs with MS in Nursing: $35,552, 2.5-3 years, 32 credits, 750 hours
- Current Psychiatric CNS: $13,332, 1-2 years, 12 credits, 250 hours (most affordable for CNS)
- Current NPs (other specialties): $22,220, 1.5-2 years, 20 credits, 500 hours
- Post-master’s DNP: $19,998, 1.5 years, 18 credits
Key Differentiators:
- Fastest and most affordable: Sacred Heart University (15 months, $20,055)
- Most pathway options: University of Saint Joseph (4 distinct tracks)
- Best for psychiatric CNS: University of Saint Joseph ($13,332, 250 hours)
- Most clinical hours: Quinnipiac University (780 hours)
Admissions Requirements Comparison
| School | Minimum GPA | Application Deadline | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield University | GPA not specified | May 1 (priority) | – Interview required |
| Goodwin University | 3.0 | July 17, 2026 | – CT residents only – 2+ years RN experience |
| Quinnipiac University | 3.0 | Rolling (Jan 1 Spring, Aug 1 Fall) | – 1 year RN experience |
| Sacred Heart University | 3.0 | 4 weeks prior to start | – No GRE/GMAT |
| University of Saint Joseph | 3.0 | Nov 1 (Spring), July 1 (Fall) | – Interview required |
| Western Connecticut State | GPA not specified | Rolling | – 2 yrs RN experience |
| Yale University | GPA not specified | Via NursingCAS | – Mental health experience recommended |