Specialize in Mental Healthcare with a Post-master’s PMHNP Certificate
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Flexible, online courses for working nurses
Complete your post-master’s PMHNP certificate fully online, with the exception of one in-person immersion experience.
Take the next step in your nursing career
Complete the post-master’s PMHNP certificate program in as few as 16 months.
Pursue a new specialization
Advance your expertise and support your community by specializing in psychiatric and mental health.
Coursework focused on psychiatric and mental health nursing
Our post-master’s PMHNP certificate focuses on preparing nurses for advanced practice in psychiatric and mental healthcare. In 32 credits, coursework covers key areas such as psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and medication management, equipping you to care for individuals with complex behavioral and mental health needs.
Throughout the program, you’ll apply advanced nursing knowledge to real-world clinical scenarios while strengthening clinical judgement and decision-making in mental health settings. Learning is reinforced through one in-person immersion experience, which supports hands-on skill development and practical application of advanced practice concepts.
Coursework includes:
| MSN 520 | Neuropsychopharmacology |
| MSN 655 | Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Health |
| MSN 698 | Advanced Practice Capstone-Clinical Application on Population Health |
Invest in your nursing career
At Goodwin, we believe in providing clear, upfront tuition information to help you plan your next step. Costs for the post-master’s PMHNP certificate are communicated transparently, so you understand your investment as you prepare for advanced mental health practice.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify, including federal loans and other funding options. Students entering the post-master’s PMHNP certificate program must meet all program admission requirements.
Academic support for working nurses
You won’t be navigating this process on your own. As a post-master’s PMHNP certificate student, you’ll have access to faculty resources that support both academic progress and professional development. Nursing faculty bring experience in psychiatric and mental health practice and work closely with students throughout the program.
Academic resources and student services are also available to support coursework, time management, and program completion as you balance education with personal and professional responsibilities.
Resources
Recognized for affordability
Goodwin University was rated among the most affordable universities in Connecticut for associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.*
* Affordable Degree Guide, 2025
Which Nursing program is right for you?
| FNP certificate | PMHNP certificate | FNP (MS) | PMHNP (MS) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Online |
Online |
Hybrid (online and on campus) |
Hybrid (online and on campus) |
| Duration once accepted | 16 months part time |
16 months part time |
7 semesters part time |
7 semesters part time |
| Start term | Fall |
Fall |
Fall |
Fall |
| Bachelor’s degree required? | Yes (master’s in Nursing also required) |
Yes (master’s in Nursing also required) |
Yes |
Yes |
| TEAS scores required? | No |
No |
No |
No |
| RN license required? | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Program outcomes | Specialize as a Family Nurse Practitioner (APRN) providing primary care. |
Specialize as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (APRN) focused on mental healthcare. |
Become a Family Nurse Practitioner (APRN) providing primary care. |
Become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (APRN) focused on mental healthcare. |
| Want to learn more? |
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Ready to get started?
Request Enrollment Information800-889-3282
Must be a current RN and hold a master’s degree in Nursing to qualify.