Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Cost | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN – PMHNP | $31K–$40K (residency dependent) | 3–4 years (part-time) |
| Post-Master’s Certificate – PMHNP | $15K–$25K | 1–2 years (part-time) |
The programs maintain high certification exam success rates and prepare graduates sought after by employers throughout Connecticut and the northeast. WCSU offers comprehensive clinical practicum experiences totaling 540 hours under qualified preceptors, with courses organized in three distinct components: foundational core, role-specific content, and concentrated practicum experiences in diverse healthcare settings.
Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is approximately $31,000-$40,000 depending on residency status and takes 3-4 years to complete on a part-time basis.
Curriculum
The 47-credit program combines an 11-credit foundational core with 29 credits of specialized role courses and 7 credits of role support components.
The foundational core includes:
- Theoretical Basis for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)
- Diagnostics for Advanced Nursing Practice (2 credits)
- Evidence Based Research for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)
- Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice, Health Care Policy and the Health Care System (3 credits)
The PMHNP role component features specialized courses including:
NUR 516 Psychopathology
Establishes a foundation in the theories and diagnostic criteria of psychopathology to inform nursing assessment, differential diagnosis, interventions, and outcome evaluation across mental health conditions.
NUR 571 Psychopharmacology
Covers neurobiology and the mechanisms, selection, and monitoring of psychotropic medications, emphasizing how drugs influence brain chemistry, mood, and behavior in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
NUR 581 The Advanced Nursing Management of the Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions Across Lifespan Populations – Therapeutic Modalities I
Introduces comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning across the lifespan, building therapeutic relationships and integrating selected psychotherapies with psychopharmacology to prevent complications and promote wellness.
NUR 584 The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Management of the Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions Across Lifespan Populations (5 SH)
Advances PMHNP skills in diagnosing and managing psychiatric conditions by combining pharmacologic strategies with targeted psychotherapy modalities for diverse age groups.
NUR 586 The Advanced Nursing Management of the Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions – Groups and Families – Therapeutic Modalities II
Focuses on assessing and treating psychiatric conditions through group and family therapy frameworks, emphasizing prevention, complication reduction, and optimal mental health promotion across the lifespan.
NUR 589 The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Management of the Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions Groups and Families (5 SH)
Builds expertise in group and family-based care, applying psychopharmacology alongside therapeutic approaches to manage complex psychiatric presentations and enhance outcomes.
NUR 590 Professional Roles in Advanced Practice Nursing (7 SH)
Analyzes ethical, legal, financial, and technological issues shaping advanced practice, preparing nurses to navigate evolving systems, lead change, and uphold professional standards.
More curriculum details available here: https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/grad/sps/programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/
Clinicals
Students complete 540 clinical hours distributed across three clinical courses with 180 hours each. Clinical experiences occur under guidance of qualified preceptors in diverse healthcare settings including:
- Psychiatric mental health facilities
- Community mental health centers
- Inpatient and outpatient psychiatric units
- Private practice settings
- Hospital-based psychiatric services
The clinical practicum approach allows flexibility in timing and location while meeting specific course objectives and individual learning needs.
Prerequisites & Admissions
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from recognized accrediting agency
- Current RN license with minimum 1 year nursing experience before program start
- Minimum 2 years nursing experience required before beginning clinical practice
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate work
- One letter of recommendation from professional source
- One-page writing sample (maximum 500 words) addressing motivation for advanced practice nursing
- Resume demonstrating nursing background
- Meeting with program coordinator to develop individualized plan of study
- Advanced Pharmacology and Advanced Health Assessment courses within 5 years (or retake requirement)
- 85% minimum score on health assessment exam for post-certificate applicants
- CPR certification as healthcare provider
- Criminal background check and drug testing as required by clinical agencies
- Advanced practice student malpractice insurance during clinical courses
Post-Master’s Certificate – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate program varies from $15,000-$25,000 depending on prerequisite courses needed and takes 1-2 years to complete.
Curriculum
The certificate program requires completion of prerequisite foundation courses plus specialized PMHNP coursework. Prerequisites include:
- Advanced Pathophysiology (if not completed within 5 years)
- Advanced Clinical Pharmacology (if not completed within 5 years)
- Advanced Health Assessment (if not completed within 5 years or 85% exam requirement not met)
Required PMHNP-specific courses include:
- Psychopathology (3 credits)
- Psychopharmacology (3 credits)
- Advanced Nursing Management of Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions – Therapeutic Modalities I & II (4 credits)
- Two clinical practicum courses (10 credits combined)
- Professional Role Enactment (7 credits)
Clinicals
Certificate students complete the same 540 clinical hours as MSN students through identical clinical practicum courses. Clinical experiences focus on psychiatric mental health conditions across lifespan populations and group/family interventions under qualified preceptor supervision.
Tuition
Graduate tuition ranges from $15,039 for tri-state residents (CT, NY, NJ) to $19,397 for national and international students based on 9 credits per term.
Part-time students pay per credit hour at established state rates.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The Master’s degree program in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice Program, and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program at Western Connecticut State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education,.
Other Nursing Programs
WCSU’s Department of Nursing offers comprehensive advanced practice preparation:
- Master of Science in Nursing Tracks: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master’s Certificates: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Bridge Options: RN/BS to MS bridge program for registered nurses with non-nursing baccalaureate degrees
Other PMHNP Programs in CT
View All PMHNP Programs in Connecticut
- Fairfield University - Fairfield
- Goodwin University - East Hartford
- Quinnipiac University - Hamden
- Sacred Heart - Fairfield
- University of Saint Joseph - West Hartford
- Yale - New Haven