MSN

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Format & Location

On-Campus (Fairfield, CT)

Students sitting in a circle of chairs in a classroom speaking to each other and gesturing.

Start Dates

Fall (September)

Application Deadline

July 1

Completion

3 years

Schedule

Part-Time

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The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP) prepares students to be compassionate clinicians in a wide variety of settings. Our graduates work with all populations and are ready to lead in this in-demand specialty.

By the Numbers

Top 100

Best Grad Program in Nation
- U.S. News & World Report

Top 5%

Best Nursing Schools in the Nation
- College Factual

Top 2

Master of Science in Nursing in Connecticut
– U.S. News & World Report

What You'll Learn and Do

Leaders in the field

Fairfield Egan’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Program was the first of its type in Connecticut and one of the first in the U.S. The Egan PMHNP is an advanced practice specialty that offers personalized instruction in a state-of-the-art facility.  

Treat all ages and stages

This highly ranked degree program prepares nurses to assess, diagnose, and treat acute and chronic disorders in children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.

Follow your own path

Graduates of our program work in a wide variety of settings, including private practice, home care, emergency rooms, integrated behavioral clinics, extended care facilities, residential treatment centers, and community mental health centers.

Develop skills that matter

Students develop competencies in prescribing psychotropic medications, crisis and case management, conducting psychotherapy, and leading therapeutic groups.

Find Out More

Contact Us

Graduate Admission
gradadmis@fairfield.edu
(203) 254-4184

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Fairfield University School of Nursing and Health Studies

Fairfield University's Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies offers students a strong liberal arts education along with the theory-based knowledge and skills to work in the expanding fields of nursing and health studies. Students grow personally and professionally and become committed and compassionate nurses, capable of providing professional care to people in any setting.

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Fairfield University's Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing Simulation Center

The Nursing Simulation Center offers state-of-the-art technology and realistic clinical environments to enhance student learning. The center provides hands-on experience through high-fidelity patient simulators, enabling nursing students to practice and refine their skills in a safe and supportive setting.

Learn From Industry Experts

Fairfield University’s Egan School boasts experienced faculty who inspire students to become leaders across social and healthcare environments. These students actively engage with faculty in practice, policy, scholarship, and service.

View all Faculty

Karen Corcoran
Assistant Dean | PMHNP Program Director | Assistant Professor of the Practice, Nursing
Samantha Mraz
Samantha Mraz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Faculty Specialist, Nursing

Admission Information

From your first admission conversation to graduation and beyond, you’ll find support at every turn. The Fairfield University student support network is dedicated to meeting your needs. You’ll receive personal, academic, and financial guidance as you complete your MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree.

Admission Requirements

Tuition & Costs

Financial Aid

Career Outlook

The nationally-ranked programs offered by the Egan School allow graduates to pursue jobs in a range of locations with various employers.

Employers

Recent Placements

  • Bridgeport Hospital
  • Stamford Health
  • VA Hospital
  • Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital
  • Yale New Haven Hospital

I chose Fairfield because it was the first school in the state to have this program and for its reputation overall. Specifically, I appreciate the program's focus on trauma and lifespan development. My professors have been easy to communicate with and their support and direction has been excellent.

- Chloe Poloukhine

News & Highlights

More News

Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals can complete either a DNP or a masters’ program in their chosen area of specialty in order to become certified as a nurse practitioner. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners apply for board certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC); visit their website for more information on the requirements for certification.

The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties is responsible for developing the nurse practitioner competencies. This is true for both MSN and DNP preparation.

Upon completing the program at Fairfield University, a certified psychiatric nurse practitioner can work with clients across the lifespan and in all clinical settings including acute care, community clinic, federally qualified health centers, corrections facilities, academic health centers, and private practice.

Students can transfer up to six core credits if the courses are similar. Evaluation of transfer credits are approved by the associate dean for Graduate Studies.

The Egan School has developed a special program allowing certified family nurse practitioners to complete all required didactic and clinical coursework as well as DNP coursework as full-time students in two years and as part-time students in three years.

Call or email Dr. Karen Corcoran, karen.corcoran@fairfield.edu or (203) 254-4000, ext. 2708 for more information.

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