Is becoming a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner in Connecticut the right career move for you? If you’re a registered nurse with excellent communication and relationship-building skills who’s passionate about helping to find solutions for the Nutmeg State’s overburdened and understaffed mental health system, it may well be. Graduates of PMHNP programs in Connecticut average earnings of $139,890 a year, and their expertise is in high demand at various practice settings throughout the state, such as hospitals, community mental health centers, and state and federal facilities. Connecticut’s PMHNPs enjoy close collaborative relationships with physicians in providing services to those who need them.
One of the schools on the list below of the 6 best PMHNP programs in Connecticut could be the next phase in your nursing career, so keep reading.
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 6 best campus-based and online PMHNP programs in Connecticut.)
About Yale University: Yale University is one of the leading nursing schools that offers some of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Connecticut. The school produces leaders who go on to transform healthcare practice. Yale offers two PMHNP options, an MSN and a post-master's certificate, so depending on your previous degree, you can choose the path suitable to you.
MSN Program Details: Yale’s MSN-PMHNP is a 52-credit program that spans two years of full-time study. The program comprises core graduate courses and PMHNP-related courses. The rigorous coursework covers topics such as advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, mental health assessment, and promotion of health in the community. The program also includes 774 hours of clinical experience in various settings, including community health, private practice, and mental health centers, to name a few.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Yale’s post-masters certificate is designed to build on your graduate nursing education to equip you with specialized skills in psychiatric mental health nursing. The credit requirements for this psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Connecticut are based on a GAP analysis of your previous transcripts. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to sit for the PMHNP certification exam.
Why Choose Yale University PMHNP Program
• Yale University’s PMHNP students come from a diverse academic environment, enriching the PMHNP learning environment. Also, the in-person format allows for meaningful interactions between faculty and students.About Fairfield University: Fairfield University, a nationally ranked university is known for excellence in education, innovative research, and community engagement. Also, the school takes pride in being designated as an NLN Center of Excellence in nursing education. The school offers three psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Connecticut, including an MSN, a BSN-to-DNP, and an MSN-to-DNP.
MSN Program Details: Fairfield University’s MSN-PMHNP program is a 55-credit coursework that includes three practicum courses. The program prepares graduates for the mental healthcare management of mental healthcare patients across the lifespan. The program covers topics such as healthcare leadership, epidemiology & biostatistics, advanced healthcare policy, research & evidence-based practices, advanced health assessment, and healthcare informatics. Upon graduation, you’ll earn an MSN and be eligible to sit for the PMHNP certification exam.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Fairfield University’s BSN-to-DNP program is a 77-credit program that includes 1000 hours of clinical practice. This psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Connecticut is the state’s first and also one of the first in the nation. The coursework includes MSN core, DNP core, PMHNP-related courses, and practicum courses. Students are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health problems and psychiatric disorders in patients of all age groups. This BSN-to-DNP-PMHNP program can be completed either part-time or full-time.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: Fairfield University also offers a master's degree entry for its DNP-PMHNP program. The program builds on your MSN education and prepares you with doctoral knowledge and specialized skills in psychiatric mental health care. Program graduates earn an MSN and are prepared to sit for the PMHNP certification exam.
Why Choose Fairfield University PMHNP Program
• Fairfield University’s PMHNP programs are offered in small-sized classes under the mentorship of expert faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields of practice.About Quinnipiac University: Quinnipiac University trains highly skilled psychiatric mental health practitioners who are prepared to care for mental health patients in a variety of healthcare settings. Endorsed by the Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation, the school emphasizes holistic care. For aspiring PMHNPs, the school offers an evidence-based masters of nursing program.
MSN Program Details: Quinnipiac University’s MSN-PMHNP program prepares graduates for effective healthcare of mental health patients across their lifespan. The coursework comprises 54 credits covering topics such as biostatistics, epidemiology, health policy, advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and health promotion & advocacy. Upon completion of this PMHNP program in Connecticut, students earn an MSN and are prepared to sit for the PMHNP certification exam.
Why Choose Quinnipiac University PMHNP Program
• Quinnipiac University offers one of the sought-after online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Connecticut. The program allows students to complete their PMHNP training through asynchronous online classes, making it rather convenient for working nurses to juggle a study plan with a job.About University of Saint Joseph: University of Saint Joseph is a non-profit Catholic university that offers a close-knit learning environment. The school employs an accomplished faculty, the majority of whom hold doctoral degrees. Emphasizing practical skills, the school grooms graduates to work in a variety of interdisciplinary healthcare settings. Here, you have four PMHNP options; MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and post-masters certificate.
MSN Program Details: University of Saint Joseph’s MSN-PMHNP is a patient-centered curriculum that includes core courses and PMHNP-related courses. The core courses comprise 34 credits and cover topics such as advanced physical assessment, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, nursing science & practice, and management & transformational leadership. The core courses also include classes in population & global health, ethics, healthcare disparities & social justice, and research translation.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are driven about patient care and want to play an influential role in healthcare, then this BSN-to-DNP program will prepare you for the highest level of clinical expertise. The program comprises a total of 76 credits, covering doctoral and PMHNP-related courses. Students attend classes in advanced physical assessment, advanced pathophysiology, neuropsychopharmacology, and nursing science & practice. The program also includes courses in quantitative methods & biostatistics and systems thinking & fiscal analysis. You also learn about professional issues & ethics and research translation. This psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Connecticut also requires the completion of a DNP project.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: This post-master’s certificate program builds on your graduate education and prepares you for the specialized care of psychiatric mental health patients. The coursework comprises 17 credits and 500 clinical hours. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the PMHNP certification exam.
Why Choose University of Saint Joseph PMHNP Program
• University of Saint Joseph nursing school is ranked among the top nursing schools in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.About Western Connecticut State University: Western Connecticut State University is one of the top PMHNP schools in New England. The school enrolls a diverse student population who come from throughout the nation. With a focus on critical thinking and professionalism, the school equips students with relevant skills to succeed as advanced practice nurses. The school offers two PMHNP programs in Connecticut, including an MSN & a post-master's certificate.
MSN Program Details: Western Connecticut State University’s MSN-PMHNP program comprises core courses and PMHNP courses. The core courses cover topics such as the theoretical basis of advanced nursing practice, evidence-based research, and healthcare policy & healthcare system. The PMHNP-related courses include topics such as advanced pathophysiology, psychopathology, advanced health assessment, and advanced nursing management of psychiatric mental health conditions.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: This post-master's certificate opens doors to rewarding positions in psychiatric mental health nursing. Graduation requirements for this PMHNP program in Connecticut are tailored to match your academic needs. Upon completing the program, you’ll be eligible to take the PMHNP certification exam.
Why Choose Western Connecticut State University PMHNP Program
• Western Connecticut State University offers one of the more affordable psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Connecticut.About Goodwin University: Whether you have an associate degree or a baccalaureate in nursing, at Goodwin University, you’ll find a PMHNP path that is just right for you. Known for excellent nursing education, Goodwin offers two PMHNP programs, an RN-to-MSN and an MSN. The school offers career-focused training to produce highly skilled practitioners who are sought after by healthcare employees.
RN-to-MSN Program Details: Goodwin’s RN to MSN is designed for registered nurses who have an associate degree in nursing. The program starts with a bridge coursework, after which students enter the graduate portion of the program. The bridge courses build your knowledge in health assessment, nursing research, public & community health, nursing leadership, and biostatistics. Thereafter, you start with the graduate courses that consist of 50 credits. This MSN-PMHNP program in Connecticut covers topics such as pathophysiology, pharmacology, neuropharmacology, policy, politics & organization of healthcare, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders. In addition, the PMHNP-related courses prepare you for the mental healthcare of mental health patients of all age groups.
MSN Program Details: If you are a registered nurse who is passionate about psychiatric mental healthcare, then Goodwin’s MSN is a befitting choice. This PMHNP program in Connecticut builds on your undergraduate nursing education and prepares you to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including, hospitals, long-term facilities, acute centers, private clinics, and many more. The program consists of 50 credits and includes core nursing and PMHNP-related courses. Upon graduation, you’ll earn an MSN and be prepared to take the PMHNP certification exam.
Why Choose Goodwin University PMHNP Program
• Goodwin University’s PMHNP program is offered entirely online to accommodate the needs of working nurses. Except for the two on-campus intensives, students take all the classes online. Besides, the clinical experiences can be completed at sites closer to home.Hourly | $48.39 |
Weekly | $1,936 |
Monthly | $8,390 |
Annual | $100,650 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual | |
Entry-Level | $48.39 | $1,936 | $8,390 | $100,650 | |
1-4 Years of Experience | $55.22 | $2,209 | $9,570 | $114,860 | |
5-9 Years of Experience | $62.54 | $2,502 | $10,840 | $130,090 | |
10-19 Years of Experience | $69.68 | $2,787 | $12,080 | $144,940 | |
20 Years or More Experience | $78.80 | $3,152 | $13,660 | $163,900 | |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Hourly | $63.22 |
Weekly | $2,529 |
Monthly | $10,960 |
Annual | $131,490 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Metro | Hourly | Monthly | Annual | |
Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk | $63.31 | $10,970 | $131,690 | |
Danbury | $64.48 | $11,180 | $134,110 | |
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford | $64.11 | $11,110 | $133,350 | |
New Haven | $61.78 | $10,710 | $128,500 | |
Norwich-New London-Westerly | $61.42 | $10,650 | $127,760 | |
Waterbury | $62.83 | $10,890 | $130,690 | |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Average Connecticut PMHNP Annual Salary | Average National PMHNP Annual Salary | Difference | |||
Number | % | ||||
$131,490 | $124,680 | +$6,810 | +5.46% | ||
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |||
Number | % | ||||
California | $158,130 | -$26,640 | -16.85% | ||
New Jersey | $143,250 | -$11,760 | -8.21% | ||
New York | $141,470 | -$9,980 | -7.05% | ||
Massachusetts | $138,700 | -$7,210 | -5.20% | ||
Oregon | $136,250 | -$4,760 | -3.49% | ||
Nevada | $136,230 | -$4,740 | -3.48% | ||
Washington | $135,590 | -$4,100 | -3.02% | ||
Connecticut | $131,490 | $0 | 0.00% | ||
District of Columbia | $131,270 | +$220 | +0.17% | ||
New Mexico | $129,560 | +$1,930 | +1.49% | ||
Hawaii | $128,310 | +$3,180 | +2.48% | ||
Iowa | $128,180 | +$3,310 | +2.58% | ||
Minnesota | $128,160 | +$3,330 | +2.60% | ||
New Hampshire | $125,780 | +$5,710 | +4.54% | ||
Rhode Island | $125,250 | +$6,240 | +4.98% | ||
Texas | $124,660 | +$6,830 | +5.48% | ||
Illinois | $122,310 | +$9,180 | +7.51% | ||
Oklahoma | $121,740 | +$9,750 | +8.01% | ||
Indiana | $121,730 | +$9,760 | +8.02% | ||
Arizona | $121,410 | +$10,080 | +8.30% | ||
Wisconsin | $121,210 | +$10,280 | +8.48% | ||
Delaware | $120,570 | +$10,920 | +9.06% | ||
Pennsylvania | $120,550 | +$10,940 | +9.08% | ||
Montana | $119,960 | +$11,530 | +9.61% | ||
Maryland | $119,650 | +$11,840 | +9.90% | ||
Nebraska | $118,970 | +$12,520 | +10.52% | ||
Maine | $118,300 | +$13,190 | +11.15% | ||
Louisiana | $118,210 | +$13,280 | +11.23% | ||
Idaho | $117,720 | +$13,770 | +11.70% | ||
Ohio | $117,440 | +$14,050 | +11.96% | ||
Mississippi | $117,260 | +$14,230 | +12.14% | ||
Virginia | $116,980 | +$14,510 | +12.40% | ||
Vermont | $116,610 | +$14,880 | +12.76% | ||
Colorado | $116,440 | +$15,050 | +12.93% | ||
Alaska | $116,390 | +$15,100 | +12.97% | ||
South Dakota | $115,610 | +$15,880 | +13.74% | ||
Utah | $115,610 | +$15,880 | +13.74% | ||
Georgia | $115,440 | +$16,050 | +13.90% | ||
Wyoming | $115,230 | +$16,260 | +14.11% | ||
North Carolina | $114,450 | +$17,040 | +14.89% | ||
North Dakota | $113,940 | +$17,550 | +15.40% | ||
Michigan | $113,780 | +$17,710 | +15.57% | ||
Missouri | $113,180 | +$18,310 | +16.18% | ||
Kansas | $111,670 | +$19,820 | +17.75% | ||
Florida | $110,310 | +$21,180 | +19.20% | ||
Kentucky | $109,290 | +$22,200 | +20.31% | ||
South Carolina | $109,130 | +$22,360 | +20.49% | ||
Arkansas | $107,110 | +$24,380 | +22.76% | ||
West Virginia | $106,790 | +$24,700 | +23.13% | ||
Alabama | $106,610 | +$24,880 | +23.34% | ||
Tennessee | $99,330 | +$32,160 | +32.38% | ||
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |||
Number | % | ||||
Nurse Anesthetist | $240,580 | -$109,090 | -45.34% | ||
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $131,490 | $0 | 0.00% | ||
Nurse Midwife | $112,960 | +$18,530 | +16.40% | ||
Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $99,850 | +$31,640 | +31.69% | ||
Registered Nurse | $94,260 | +$37,230 | +39.50% | ||
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $62,620 | +$68,870 | +109.98% | ||
Nursing Assistant | $38,280 | +$93,210 | +243.50% | ||
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |||
Number | % | ||||
Physician | $276,290 | -$144,800 | -52.41% | ||
Podiatrist | $210,340 | -$78,850 | -37.49% | ||
Optometrist | $144,550 | -$13,060 | -9.03% | ||
Physician Assistant | $143,280 | -$11,790 | -8.23% | ||
Veterinarian | $138,700 | -$7,210 | -5.20% | ||
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $131,490 | $0 | 0.00% | ||
Pharmacist | $130,910 | +$580 | +0.44% | ||
Physical Therapist | $103,920 | +$27,570 | +26.53% | ||
Chiropractor | $97,620 | +$33,870 | +34.70% | ||
Occupational Therapist | $95,400 | +$36,090 | +37.83% | ||
Speech-Language Pathologist | $94,380 | +$37,110 | +39.32% | ||
Audiologist | $83,340 | +$48,150 | +57.78% | ||
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
6 |
$63.22 |
$2,529 |
$10,960 |
$131,490 |
10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
+47.89% |
(Source: Careeronestop.org) |