Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Cost | Typical Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSN – PMHNP | $60,770 (approx.) | ~3 years (part-time) | On-campus |
| DNP – PMHNP | $91,650 (approx.) | ~3–4 years (FT/PT) | On-campus |
Both programs feature on-campus delivery in state-of-the-art simulation facilities, holistic trauma-informed care approaches, and clinical placements spanning the state with seasoned PMHNPs. The programs maintain top national rankings including #2 Master of Science in Nursing in Connecticut by U.S. News & World Report.
Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the MSN PMHNP program is approximately $60,770 and takes 3 years to complete on a part-time basis.
Curriculum
The 59-credit hour program combines 15 credits of graduate core courses, 11 credits of practice core courses, 18 credits of specialized PMHNP courses, and 15 credits of practicum experiences.
Below is a list of classes:
NURS 6521 Healthcare Leadership Roles for Systems Improvement
Develops evidence-based leadership skills for complex health systems, emphasizing interprofessional teamwork, systems analysis, data-driven decision-making, and reflective practice to design high-performing, patient-centered organizations (42 theory hours).
NURS 7640 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
Examines physiologic processes and genetic/genomic influences underlying illness across the lifespan. Uses lab interpretation and case analyses from inpatient and primary care to guide management of acute and chronic conditions (56 theory hours).
NURS 7604 Advanced Health Assessment
Builds holistic advanced assessment skills—including history, comprehensive/focused exams, screening, and initial labs—for individuals and families. Case analysis strengthens differential diagnosis and care planning; includes a required lab (28 theory, 56 lab hours; FNP exam fee approx. $400).
NURS 7641 Advanced Pharmacology
Covers pharmacotherapeutic principles for APRN practice with attention to pharmacogenetics, interactions, and monitoring across the lifespan. Emphasizes patient education and meets Connecticut APRN pharmacology requirements (42 theory hours).
NURS 7608 Research Methods for Evidence-Based Practice
Prepares students to design a research or healthcare improvement proposal by identifying practice problems, appraising literature, and applying qualitative/quantitative methods with ethical considerations. Culminates in a ready-to-implement proposal.
NURS 7614 Information Technology for Healthcare Improvement
Evaluates and applies health information systems to enhance care quality, outcomes, and organizational decision-making at macro/meso levels. Addresses system selection/design, budgeting/productivity tools, and legal, ethical, and cultural issues (42 theory hours).
NURS 7601 Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Introduces epidemiologic principles and biostatistical techniques to analyze population health data, plan services, and evaluate programs. Explores study designs and ethics, including IRB, genomics, clinical trials, and data privacy.
NURS 7650 Psychopathology
Explores personality and development theories and the neurophysiology of mental disorders within a trauma-informed framework. Applies attachment, relational, psychodynamic, and social psychology models to diverse diagnostic groups via case-based reflection (42 theory hours).
NURS 7651 Mental Health Nursing of Children and Adolescents
Focuses on assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and risk management for infants through adolescents across care systems. Integrates developmental, family, attachment, and neurobiological theories with culturally and spiritually responsive interventions (28 theory hours).
NURS 7605 Advanced Health Policy
Analyzes contemporary health policy development, implementation, and influence strategies. Assesses impacts on professionals, communities, and systems, considering resource allocation and socio-political, legal, and ethical factors.
NURS 7652 Mental Health Nursing of Individuals Across the Lifespan
Provides a neuroscience-informed, relationship-based approach to individual psychotherapy. Trains in empathy, shared decision-making, and modalities such as brief psychodynamic therapy, CBT, EMDR, and motivational interviewing with legal/ethical and cultural considerations (42 theory hours).
NURS 7659 Foundational Clinical Skills for Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Practice
Uses simulation to develop group-process understanding and advanced psychiatric assessment/diagnosis for acute presentations. Emphasizes therapeutic communication, crisis interviewing, and reflective, ethically sound practice across the lifespan.
NURS 7950 CYCLE (Community Youth Collaborative Education) Clinical Hours
Engages students in community-based activities with youth focused on mental health screening, wellness, and resiliency skill-building to reinforce population-health prevention (0 credit).
NURS 7667 Psychopharmacology
Prepares APRNs to prescribe psychotropics across the lifespan, covering indication selection, genetic testing, baseline screening, monitoring, and stepped pharmacotherapy. Promotes shared decision-making, adherence, and recovery-oriented care (14 theory hours).
NURS 7954 Practicum I: PMHNP
Provides 200 supervised hours to integrate foundational PMHNP competencies in diverse settings. Emphasizes comprehensive, continuous care, reflective practice, and documentation of program objectives with on-campus group supervision.
NURS 7661 Mental Health Nursing of Groups and Families Across the Lifespan
Introduces group and family therapy principles, dynamics, and leadership techniques using classic family frameworks. Employs video and experiential work with ethical, spiritual, and cultural considerations (28 theory hours).
NURS 7955 Practicum II: PMHNP
Advances to 200 supervised hours applying PMHNP skills for prevention and treatment across varied clinical sites. Reinforces reflective practice and clinical judgment with structured case narratives and group supervision.
NURS 7663 Primary Mental Health Nursing of At-Risk Populations Across the Lifespan
Builds independence and clinical judgment for complex, vulnerable populations using interprofessional collaboration and shared decisions. Integrates cultural/spiritual factors and guidelines into comprehensive, evidence-based care (42 theory hours).
NURS 7956 Practicum III: PMHNP
Culminating 200-hour practicum synthesizing advanced PMHNP competencies to deliver continuous, recovery-focused care across settings. Ensures completion of remaining objectives through supervised practice and group supervision.
More curriculum details available in the course catalog here.
Clinicals
Students complete 750 clinical hours through three progressive practicum courses totaling 12 clinical credits:
- Practicum I (4 credits)
- Practicum II (5 credits)
- Practicum III (6 credits)
Clinical experiences occur at diverse practice sites spanning Connecticut, supervised by seasoned PMHNPs in settings including:
- hospitals
- outpatient clinics
- private practices
- intensive outpatient programs
- substance use facilities
- extended care facilities
The program includes CYCLE (Community Youth Collaborative Education) clinical hours providing specialized experience with vulnerable populations. Clinical placements prepare students to assess, diagnose, treat, and evaluate outcomes for individuals across the lifespan from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Prerequisites & Admissions
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from accredited institution
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Priority application deadline: May 1 for fall start
- Completion of prerequisite courses in undergraduate nursing program
- Personal statement and professional references
- Academic transcripts demonstrating nursing preparation
- Interview requirement (specific details provided upon application)
- Physical and mental health clearances for clinical participation
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the DNP PMHNP program is approximately $91,650 and takes 3-4 years to complete on a full-time or part-time basis.
Curriculum
The 78-credit hour program integrates 12 credits of foundation core courses, 25 credits of DNP core courses, 11 credits of advanced practice core courses, and 30 credits of specialized PMHNP content.
Core coursework includes the MSN classwork above, as well as the following:
NURS 7610 Advanced Nursing Roles and Reflective Practice: This course specifically examines the broader advanced nursing role, including functions as an expert clinician, educator, and advocate, and covers credentialing and ethical issues.
NURS 7615 Leadership and Interprofessional Collaboration: This class focuses on developing collaborative leadership skills, including communication and conflict management, to create high-performing clinical environments.
NURS 7697 DNP Seminar I: This seminar is the initial phase of the DNP Project, where students begin refining their proposal for a practice-improvement initiative.
NURS 7611 Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health: This course introduces population-health methods to assess at-risk groups and uses evidence-based strategies to promote health equity.
NURS 7613 Finance and Quality Management in Healthcare Organizations: This class examines healthcare financing and quality management, using improvement models to address culture, risk management, and economics.
NURS 7612 Research Translation for Clinical Practice: This course focuses on synthesizing and applying research evidence to improve outcomes at various levels, from individuals to entire populations.
NURS 7687 DNP Immersion: This intensive, specialty-focused experience allows students to design, deliver, and evaluate evidence-based care while demonstrating APRN leadership. It culminates in a scholarly DNP Project.
NURS 7699 DNP Seminar II: This seminar is a capstone course that synthesizes all the doctoral-level competencies, with students presenting posters, case studies, and drafts of manuscripts.
More curriculum details available in the course catalog here.
Clinicals
Students complete 1,000 total practicum/immersion hours including the same 750 clinical hours as MSN students through three progressive PMHNP practica, plus additional DNP immersion experiences.
Clinical rotations occur in varied settings including:
- inpatient psychiatry
- psychiatric emergency rooms
- outpatient community health centers
- integrated behavioral health facilities
- substance misuse programs
- skilled nursing facilities
- juvenile and criminal justice settings
- emergency crisis units
- intensive outpatient programs
- partial hospitals
- federal facilities
- private practices
The enhanced clinical experience prepares DNP graduates for advanced leadership roles and specialized practice in complex psychiatric care environments.
Prerequisites & Admissions
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from accredited institution
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Priority application deadline: May 1 for fall start
- Academic preparation meeting DNP admission standards
- Demonstrated leadership potential and clinical experience
- Personal statement addressing doctoral-level career goals
- Professional references attesting to advanced practice potential
- Interview process and academic record review
Tuition
Graduate nursing tuition for MS programs is $1,030 per credit hour, and DNP programs charge $1,175 per credit hour.
Additional fees include:
- nursing testing fee ($137/semester)
- nursing laboratory/clinical fee ($152/semester)
- nursing clinical placement fee ($172/semester)
- registration fee ($60/semester)
- graduate student activity fee ($65/semester for fall and spring)
- Red Stack Direct ($24/credit hour).
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies maintains full accreditation through recognized nursing education accrediting bodies. The programs prepare graduates for national certification examinations and licensure as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, with graduates eligible for advanced practice registration in Connecticut and other states through reciprocity agreements.
Other Nursing Programs
Fairfield University’s Egan School offers comprehensive nursing education pathways:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Healthcare Administration
- Dual Degree MSN/MBA
- Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Anesthesia
- Doctor of Clinical Nutrition
- Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
Specialized Centers:
- Kanarek Center for Palliative Care
- Nursing Simulation Center with state-of-the-art technology
Other PMHNP Programs in CT
View All PMHNP Programs in Connecticut
- Goodwin University - East Hartford
- Quinnipiac University - Hamden
- Sacred Heart - Fairfield
- University of Saint Joseph - West Hartford
- Western Connecticut State - Danbury
- Yale - New Haven