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Master of Science in Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Help address the complex nature of mental illness from a clinical perspective

According to a recent study, 25% of U.S. adults experience some form of mental illness each year. It’s a national issue that can no longer be ignored.* It’s a national issue that can no longer be ignored.* Through Norwich’s online Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN PMHNP) track, you’ll explore the latest in research theory combined with experiential learning and proven methodologies that can help provide treatment and relief for individuals with mental or neurological disorders.

Program graduates also earn the knowledge and skills required to be prepared to sit for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certification exam, administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

*National Alliance on Mental Illness

Professional Licensure Disclosure 
The Master of Science in Nursing, with specializations in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, is designed to prepare students for advanced practice. The requirements for professional licensure or certification vary by state. Norwich University has determined that the Norwich nursing program meets or does not meet the educational requirements for state licensure. Please review our Professional Licensure Disclosure. 

Accreditation & Recognition

NECHE Accredited

 Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.).

 

accreditation

The master's degree program in nursing and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Norwich University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Next Master's Session Start Dates: 

June 2, 2024

September 1, 2024

December 1, 2024

Program & Details

At a Glance

No GRE/GMAT required Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher

 

 

Contact Admissions

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT    
Extended hours available by appointment

Call: 1-866-684-7237    
learn@norwich.edu

Transfer Credits


You may receive the equivalent of up to 12 semester credits for study conducted elsewhere. Norwich complies with VA regulations and guidelines as it pertains to transfer credits.
Learn more »

International Admissions


Norwich University welcomes students from all countries who want to study through our online programs. You must complete all steps in the admissions process.
International Admissions »

Norwich Alumni Benefits


Reconnect with Norwich to complete your master's degree. As apart of our alumni community, you are eligible for a $2,500 scholarship and other benefits.
Connect with our advisors »

Non-Discrimination Statement

Norwich University, in compliance with Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, or physical handicap in any of its policies, practices, or procedures.

Eligibility Requirements

 

  • A bachelor's degree from a nationally accredited (either by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)) undergraduate nursing program, or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution, as evaluated by a NACES approved agency. 
  • An active license as a registered nurse in your state of practice that is unencumbered.
  • If English is not your first language, proof of English language proficiency is required.  This can be demonstrated in one of three ways:
    • TOEFL - a minimum score of 550 (paper-based test) or 80 (Internet-based test) is required.*
    • IELTS – a minimum composite score of 6.5 is required.*
    • The applicant holds a baccalaureate or master’s degree from a college/university/institution in which the primary language of instruction was English.
  • International applicants who are not licensed as registered nurses in the U.S. must achieve a passing score on both the English and nursing sections of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination.
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater on a 4.00 scale. (Applicants with a GPA below 3.00 must demonstrate a GPA of 3.00 or higher for the last 60 undergraduate hours of his/her nursing program.)
  • Undergraduate courses in statistics and research.
  • Graduate testing is not required.

Please Note:  All eligibility requirements are expected to be met unless noted in specific articulation agreements or memoranda of understanding (MOUs).

Application Process

We encourage you to contact an admissions advisor (see below) if you need help at any stage of the application process. You will be required to submit the following items:

  • Application form
  • RN license
  • Resume
  • Official transcript of your conferred undergraduate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited university
  • Letter of intent: This letter should include an introduction of yourself and your professional goals. In addition, it should cover the following areas: Current area of nursing practice, Reason for pursuing additional education, Ways you plan to apply your degree
  • One letter of recommendation from a nurse leader/manager or supervisor that can attest to your readiness for all graduate-level work
    • The letter of recommendation should be submitted on professional letterhead
    • An additional letter of recommendation may be requested by the Program Director during the application review process

To contact an admissions advisor:

Call: 1-877-348-8153
Email: info@online.norwich.edu

Norwich’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program begins with six 3-credit core courses that focus on the roles of the advanced nurse, health care systems, practice and policy, theoretical foundations of practice, research for evidence-based practice and quality improvement practice, and technology. Each core course is 11 weeks in length. The remaining courses are focused on your concentration, healthcare systems leadership. 

To view additional program details such as course offerings, requirements, and curriculum maps for this MSN program, visit the Norwich University Course Catalog using this link.

Online Master's

2024-25 Tuition and Fees

Norwich provides a top-notch educational experience. We work hard to make it affordable. Financial aid and several strategies can help finance your education. Norwich is committed to making this often-difficult process easier for you.

Term tuition varies based on the number of credits taken. Total tuition is based on a full-credit load per term.

*Tuition may differ based on semesters enrolled and number of transfer credits. First semester is comprised of two courses and subsequent semesters are four courses.

Tuition at a Glance

  • Credit Hours: 45
  • Cost Per Credit Hour: $825; $550 (military; veteran; first responder) 

Financial Aid Resources

2024-25 Tuition and Fee Schedule

Master's Program

Rate Per Credit 2024-25Tuition Additional Expenses Total
$825; $550 (military; veteran; first responder) $2,811-$4,217 /term

Technology - $300/term
Library - $75/term
Graduation Application Fee - $150
Clinical - $600

$28,825-$41,175

Quick Info

0

Entrance Exams

No GRE/GMAT required

4

Starts Per Year

Choose when to begin your studies

15

Students

Maximum number of students per class

Alumni Testimonials

Benitha's photo

The faculty provided a learning experience that was student-centered and rich with support. I believe that I am well prepared to take on the new challenges ahead in my career as a nurse educator because of the education that I gained at Norwich University

Benitha Garrett

'15 Master of Science in Nursing: Healthcare Systems Leadership

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Michelle's photo

I have been promoted to the job that I wanted but didn’t think I could have the opportunity to get previously.

Michelle Tavares

'18 Master of Science in Nursing: Healthcare Systems Leadership

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Faculty members incorporated academics with real-world clinical practice. Each faculty member mentored me to acquire the knowledge and develop skills to take on the complexities of a dynamic healthcare industry.

Emmanuel Pigon

'15 Master of Science in Nursing: Healthcare Systems Leadership

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vincent cold headshot

The professors became my mentors and gave me an edge in conducting viable academic research that will pay dividends throughout my next career.

Vincent Cole

'22 Master of Arts in History

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andy anderson headshot

A master’s degree transformed me into an even more effective international military operations planner and provided a broader strategic perspective in future assignments with a focus on international security.

Andy B. Anderson

'19 Master of Arts in International Relations

Read Story
Benitha's photo

Benitha Garrett

Michelle's photo

Michelle Tavares

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Emmanuel Pigon

vincent cold headshot

Vincent Cole

andy anderson headshot

Andy B. Anderson

Faculty & Staff

Careers & Outcomes

As a growing number of health organizations work towards early detection and treatment of mental and neurological disorders through solutions-based therapy, the demand for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners continues to rise — along with the opportunities for nurses who are skilled in this area. In fact, the average salary for a PMHNP is $108,000, with significant increases based on years of experience and geographic location.*

Along with the higher salary, additional credentials, and increased professional respect, program graduates can experience career mobility that provides greater flexibility in the workplace. Due to the highly specialized nature of their field, PMHNP nurses are well positioned to pursue secure and fulfilling roles and are highly sought by organizations that include:

Places of work:

  • Hospitals
  • The U.S. Armed Forces and Veterans Admin
  • Urgent care facilities
  • State- or locally-operated health departments
  • Colleges/universities
  • Pharmaceutical manufacturers
  • Nursing and rehabilitation centers
  • Privately-operated doctor’s offices

*PayScale