Yale School of Nursing Online MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
Yale School of Nursing (YSN) offers a part-time online master of science in nursing (MSN) with a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) specialization. The program includes three in-person immersions and four clinical practice practicums.
The immersions occur once per year at Yale University’s West Campus in New Haven, Connecticut, lasting four days each, including weekends. Here, students demonstrate their PMHNP skills through simulation experiences, participate in in-depth instruction, and receive feedback from faculty. Travel expenses are not included in tuition costs.
Throughout the curriculum, students are taught to think critically, focus on whole health, and bring together physical and mental health care. PMHNP students learn to:
- Screen for substance use and mental health disorders
- Diagnose patients
- Educate individuals and families
- Coordinate and conduct therapy interventions for patients in crisis
- Prescribe medications
- Perform mental health assessments
- Deliver psychotherapy
- Coordinate care within healthcare teams, including social workers, psychologists, practitioners, and other healthcare team members.
The MSN-PMHNP curriculum and clinical experiences align with the PMHNP competencies published by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and meet the Essentials of Master’s Education in nursing published by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
Psychiatric-mental health NPs may work in acute care hospitals, private practice, outpatient clinics, schools, physician offices, correctional facilities, substance use disorder facilities, domestic violence shelters, assisted-living facilities, and emergency departments. Graduates can apply for the lifespan PMHNP certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and state licensure where applicable.
Yale School of Nursing is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
What to Expect from the Yale School of Nursing Online MSN-PMHNP Program
Admission Requirements: To be considered for the online Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have earned a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and possess an active RN license.
No GRE or GMAT is required unless the applicant has a cumulative GPA below 3.0.
Application materials include an online application and application fee, a current resume or CV, three letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, one 600-word essay, and two 300-word essays. WES evaluations are required for coursework outside the US or Canada, and English language proficiency test scores may be required for those whose first language is not English.
State Restrictions: Yale School of Nursing accepts students who are residents of any state other than New York or Tennessee. Interested students should inquire with the Yale University Registrar and their state/territory licensure board to ensure eligibility.
Study Plan: The MSN-PMHNP program can be completed in three years of part-time study. Start dates land in the fall, spring, and summer. Students complete three, weekend immersions (one per year), plus four local clinical practicums in various settings across the lifespan.
MSN-PMHNP Curriculum: The MSN-PMHNP program comprises 45 credits plus 915 clinical hours. Core MSN courses include advanced pathophysiology; promoting health in the community; psychopathology across the lifespan I-II; advanced health assessment; mental health assessment across the lifespan; psychiatric mental health clinical practice across the lifespan I-IV; advanced pharmacology; statistics and research for evidence-based practice nursing; clinical psychopharmacology across the lifespan; applied psychopharmacology across the lifespan; clinical outcome management in psychiatric-mental health nursing; therapeutic modalities; and transitions to professional practice.
Online Experience: Yale University delivers courses through the Canvas online learning management system (LMS). Live, weekly classes, are supplemented with asynchronous coursework, practicum experiences, and three in-person immersions. As the program is designed for working professionals, PMHNP students can apply learned skills immediately to current work situations and demonstrate learned knowledge and skills through real-world interactions at practicum sites.
On-Site Requirements: MSN-PMHNP students come to the New Haven, Connecticut, campus for three, weekend immersion experiences. All other coursework is online and clinical practicums are completed locally by the student.
Paying for the Yale School of Nursing Online MSN – Psychiatric Mental-Health NP Program
Yale University online MSN-PMHNP program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below, and do not include fees or the travel, hotel, and food costs for the three immersions. Prospective students should contact the Yale School of Nursing for cost clarifications and updates.
Yale University offers military tuition benefits, and students may be eligible for unsubsidized federal Stafford Loans or Graduate PLUS loans through the FAFSA. Additionally, students may seek funding through employer reimbursement programs, tuition discounts, private loans, and outside scholarships and grants. Students should contact the Yale School of Nursing Financial Aid Office for financial aid information.
The Yale School of Nursing MSN – PMHNP program teaches students to think critically, focus on the whole health of the individual, and bring together physical and mental health care; three campus immersions and practicums are included.
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
433 Temple Street
New Haven, Connecticut 06511
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, and Summer
No
3
51.5
787.5
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Require if GPA ≥ 3.0
3.0 or higher
NY, TN
Program Tuition
51.5
$2,001.00
$103,051.50
$2,001.00
$103,051.50
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Sara Navratil
WriterSara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She’s the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online NP programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.