M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing is a two-year postgraduate program that focuses on advanced mental health nursing practices. It is designed to prepare registered nurses with complete knowledge and clinical expertise in assessing, diagnosing, and managing individuals with psychiatric and mental health disorders.
The M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing program requires candidates to have a bachelor’s degree, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or Post Basic BSc Nursing with a minimum of 55% from a recognized university. Admission to the course is determined by the results of the entrance exam. For enrolment in a specific institution or university, students must first take some entrance exams. Some of the entrance tests are SRMJEEE, CUET PG, etc.
The total course fees for the M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing program depend on whether the college or university is a private or government institution. Generally, it ranges between INR 12,000-4,00,000. Some of the best colleges and universities that offer these programs are SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, The West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Sharda University, Parul University, Sumandeep Nursing College, and others.
Postgraduates who completed these M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing programs can have different types of job roles and responsibilities available in India. Some job roles are Psychiatric Nurse, Mental Health Nurse, Nursing Superintendent (Psychiatric), Psychosocial Rehabilitation Nurse, Forensic Psychiatric Nurse. They can get a high-paying salary that ranges between INR 3-10 LPA or more, depending on skills and knowledge.
Table of Contents
- M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing Key Highlights
- What is an M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing?
- Why study an M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing?
- Who should study an M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing?
- M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing Eligibility Criteria
- M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing Entrance Exams 2025
- M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing Colleges in India
- M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing Admission Process 2025
- M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing Syllabus
- M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing Job Opportunities in India
- M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing FAQs
M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing Key Highlights
The following is an overview of the key characteristics of the M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing programs in India:
What is an M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing?
M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing is a two-year postgraduate degree course for those candidates who want to work in mental health care. It provides students with how to understand and treat people with mental health problems. This course involves important topics such as counselling, giving suitable drugs, managing emergencies, and caring for persons with over time mental problems.
After completing the course, students can work as psychiatric nurses, counsellors, or clinical educators. They are trained to care for patients and also support families and communities by spreading awareness and promoting mental well-being.
Why study an M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing?
An M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing program provides a golden opportunity for candidates who want to care for people who have mental diseases. Candidates who belong to this program will learn about a variety of mental health issues, how to politely communicate with patients and their families, and how to tackle the challenging circumstances effectively. There are various reasons why one should pursue the course of study, which are listed below:
- After obtaining an M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing, candidates can work in roles like Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or even as a Nurse Educator.
- Completing this course opens up many career options in the healthcare field. You can work in hospitals, mental health clinics, and even local community centres, where mental health services are most needed.
- The training also helps you gain strong leadership skills. You’ll be able to guide healthcare teams, assist patients with proper care, and contribute to important research in the mental health field.
- Throughout the course, you’ll learn how to design treatment plans, handle medications responsibly, and support patients as they go through various kinds of therapies.
- One of the most important parts of the course is learning how to communicate with patients in a way that makes them feel comfortable and understood.
- Graduates can also become professors, passing on their skills to new nursing students and ultimately contributing to better mental health care.
Who should study an M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing?
The M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing is ideal for students who truly care about mental health and want to help people facing emotional or psychological problems. It's a great choice for those who are compassionate and want to support others in their daily lives. The best-fit candidates who should pursue this degree are as provided below:
- This course is perfect for nurses who enjoy working with people facing mental health problems and want to support them better.
- It helps you move into advanced roles like clinical nurse specialist, teacher, researcher, or even a manager in mental health services.
- If you already know the basics of nursing and want to understand mental health, therapy, and medicines better, this course is a good choice for you.
- Candidates will be trained to treat mental health conditions, give emotional support, and help patients heal through proper care and good communication skills.
- It also helps you improve your problem-solving and decision-making skills while dealing with different kinds of mental health situations.
- If your goal is to bring positive change to mental health care and improve patients’ lives, this course gives you the right training and tools to do that.
M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing Eligibility Criteria
Candidates who aspire to enter the M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing program must satisfy some initial requirements. The eligibility criteria for the M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing are as follows:
- Candidates need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or Post Basic BSc Nursing, from a recognized university.
- Candidates must obtain at least a minimum score of 55% in their graduation from a recognized university.
- Candidates also need to appear for some entrance examinations to enroll in a specific college or university. Some exams are SRMJEE, CUET-PG, etc.
M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing Entrance Exams 2025
Students who are interested in studying a M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing program have to pass various entrance exams if they want to get enrolled in specific colleges or universities. Hence, there are various entrance examinations with their complete details, such as the deadline, exam date, and application fee, which are listed below.
M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing Colleges in India
Some of the best colleges in India for pursuing M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing have been listed below along with location and approximate course fee.
M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing Admission Process 2025
Students interested in participating in the M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing program have to finish the admissions process at the college or university where they want to study. The following is a step-by-step admission procedure at SRM Institute of Science and Technology for your reference:
Step 1: First of all, all Candidates should request to visit the official website of SRM Institute of Science and Technology.
Step 2. Admission is based on the SRMJEE entrance exam.
Step 3. Candidates are requested to fill in the application form and pay the application fees.
Step 4. On the scheduled day, just go and appear for the SRMJEE exam.
Step 5. SRMJEE releases a merit-based selection list once the results are declared.
Step 6. Selected candidates receive seat allotment notification via email or the portal.
Step 7. Kindly pay the course fees and attend the classes.
Required Documents:
- Class X and XII mark sheets & certificates
- Graduation certificate
- Nursing registration proof
- Photo/signature
M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing Syllabus
Every Indian college providing an M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing uses the same course materials. Depending on the type of study the institute offers, the syllabus may change slightly. Given below is the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing syllabus for your reference:
Students can also check M.Sc in Nursing
M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing Job Opportunities in India
Students who completed their M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing course in India have a wide range of job opportunities in the government sector, private sector, and public sector. The overall summary of the available positions is mentioned below:
M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing FAQs
What skills are required for M.Sc psychiatric nursing?
Strong interaction with others and patience are important qualities. Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills are also necessary. It helps to understand psychology and pharmacology.
What are the career options in the government sector after M.Sc in the psychiatric nursing program?
Graduates can work in government hospitals, mental health missions, and defense services. They may be appointed by public service commissions or by direct recruitment. Some are also involved in policymaking and program creation.
Can I open a mental health clinic after this M.Sc psychiatric nursing course?
It is possible with the proper licenses and the cooperation of psychiatrists. Nurses may provide counselling, therapy, and community outreach. Prescriptions, on the other hand, must be issued by a licensed psychiatrist.
Are internships mandatory in this M.Sc psychiatric nursing program?
Yes, Internships in psychiatric departments are required. They offer practical experience in handling patients and therapy. It also helps increase professional confidence.
Can I be a lecturer after the M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing program?
Yes, you are to teach at nursing colleges and universities. Academic positions require a strong theoretical and research background. Some institutions can demand a Ph.D. or NET qualification.
Can students pursue this M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing course in a distance mode?
No, M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing is not available in distance learning mode. The course requires practical training in clinical environments. Personal interaction involvement is required for skill development.