Earn Your MSN Degree and Become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- CheckmarkOnline coursework with two immersion experiences
- CheckmarkComplete in as few as 27 months part-time
- CheckmarkDesigned for working RNs
Interactive online education
Coursework is available online and on your time.
Keep your career moving
Earn your MSN in as few as 27 months part-time.
Prepare for PMHNP practice
Learn to provide compassionate, evidence-based mental healthcare across the lifespan.
Flexible learning designed for working nurses
Our online MSN-PMHNP program makes it possible to continue working while earning your degree. Complete your coursework online and build hands-on skills during two required in-person immersion experiences that reinforce what you’ve learned throughout the program.
“As a busy parent of three children, Goodwin allowed me to pursue my master’s degree while also working full-time. The online format is easy to use, and the faculty are compassionate and helpful.”
Help meet the growing demand for mental healthcare
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners play a vital role in expanding access to mental healthcare, reducing stigma, and improving patient outcomes. As demand for behavioral health services continues to grow, PMHNPs are helping fill a critical workforce need across a variety of healthcare settings.
Median annual wage for nurse practitioners in Connecticut.1
Projected job growth for nurse practitioners in the U.S. over the next decade — much faster than average.2
1 CT Department of Labor, 2024
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025
Build the skills to provide compassionate mental healthcare
Our 50-credit MSN-PMHNP curriculum builds upon your nursing experience while preparing you to diagnose, treat, and manage mental health conditions across the lifespan.
Throughout the program, you’ll strengthen your knowledge in:
- Crisis intervention
- Differential diagnosis
- Evidence-based mental healthcare
- Individualized treatment planning
- Psychiatric assessment
- Psychopharmacology
You’ll also complete 600 hours of supervised clinical experiences and participate in two in-person immersion experiences, helping you apply classroom learning in real clinical settings before graduation.
Coursework includes:
| Course code | Course name |
|---|---|
| MSN 520 | Neuropsychopharmacology |
| MSN 655 | Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Health |
| MSN 685 | Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Care of the Complex Patient |
Learn more about the MSN-PMHNP program
Take a closer look at Goodwin’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Practitioner program and hear how our flexible format helps registered nurses prepare for the next step in their careers.
Invest in yourself with a Goodwin Nursing degree
We believe a quality education should be within reach. Our financial aid team works one-on-one with every student to help make it happen.
Financial aid options include:
- Grants and scholarships
- Federal and state student loans
- Work-study opportunities
- Dedicated advisors who build a plan around your budget
“Goodwin has been tremendous. Every faculty member that I’ve interacted with has been so supportive. Anything I’ve needed, they’ve helped me through it all.”
Which graduate Nursing degree is right for you?
Ready to advance your nursing career? Goodwin offers graduate nursing pathways that prepare experienced registered nurses for advanced practice in family or psychiatric mental health care.
| FNP (MSN) | PMHNP (MSN) | FNP certificate | PMHNP certificate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Online (plus 2 in-person immersion experiences) |
Online (plus 2 in-person immersion experiences) |
Online (plus 2 in-person immersion experiences) |
Online (plus 1 in-person immersion experience) |
| Duration | 27 months part time |
27 months part time |
16 months part time |
16 months part time |
| Start terms | Fall |
Fall |
Fall |
Fall |
| Bachelor’s degree required? | Yes |
Yes |
Yes (master’s in Nursing also required) |
Yes (master’s in Nursing also required) |
| TEAS score required? | No |
No |
No |
No |
| RN license required? | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Prerequisites? | N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Named #1 college for women in CT
Goodwin University was named the #1 college for women in Connecticut by Newsweek, recognizing our commitment to access, support, and career-focused education.
CCNE-accredited Nursing program
Goodwin University’s MSN-PMHNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), reflecting our commitment to preparing nurses for continued professional growth through high-quality nursing education.
Ready to get started?
We’re ready when you are.
Discover how Goodwin University’s flexible MSN-PMHNP program can help you grow as a nurse and prepare for a rewarding career providing compassionate mental healthcare.
Or call us at 800-889-3282
Apply by July 17 for the fall 2026 class start!
Must be a current CT RN to qualify.