Psychiatric Nursing Course: Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Exams, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Updated on Oct 10, 2024 04:22 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaSenior Executive Content

Psychiatric Nursing is a specialization that can be pursued after completing a BSc in Nursing. Psychiatric Nursing course duration is 2 years which is focused on the care of individuals with mental health disorders. Psychiatric Nursing graduates play a critical role in administering medication, providing therapeutic interventions, and offering emotional support.  

To be eligible for Psychiatric Nursing, candidates must pass BSc Nursing with a minimum of 50%. Admission to Psychiatric Nursing is based on KEAM scores as well as Class 12 scores. Popular colleges that offer Psychiatric Nursing courses are JIPMER, Amity University (Gurugram), SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, etc. The average Psychiatric Nursing course fee ranges between INR 1 Lakh and INR 5 Lakh. 

On graduating with a Psychiatric Nursing course, candidates can opt for job profiles such as Psychiatric Nurses, Mental Health Counselors, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Psychiatric Ward Nurses, Community Mental Health Nurses, etc. The average salary that a Psychiatric Nursing graduate can earn ranges between INR 2 LPA and INR 7 LPA.

Psychiatric Nursing Latest Updates:

KEAM 2024 exam to be held from 01 Jun '24

Table of Contents
  1. Psychiatric Nursing Course Details
  2. All About Psychiatric Nursing
    • 2.1 Why Study Psychiatric Nursing?
  3. Psychiatric Nursing Eligibility Criteria
  4. Psychiatric Nursing Entrance Exams 
  5. Psychiatric Nursing Syllabus
    • 5.1 Psychiatric Nursing Courses
  6. Best Colleges for Psychiatric Nursing 
    • 6.1 Best Government Colleges for Psychiatric Nursing 
    • 6.2 Best Private Colleges for Psychiatric Nursing 
  7. Psychiatric Nursing Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
    • 7.1 Psychiatric Nursing Salary in India
    • 7.2 Psychiatric Nursing Top Recruiters
  8. Online Psychiatric Nursing 
  9. FAQs Related to Psychiatric Nursing

Psychiatric Nursing Course Details

Psychiatric Nursing graduates play a critical role in administering medication, providing therapeutic interventions, and offering emotional support.

Candidates can check the table below to check the Psychiatric Nursing course details.

Particulars

Psychiatric Nursing Course Details

Psychiatric Nursing Course Level

PG

Psychiatric Nursing Course Duration

2 years

Psychiatric Nursing Course Fees

INR 1 Lakh - INR 5 Lakh

Psychiatric Nursing Admission Process

Entrance-Based

Psychiatric Nursing Entrance Exams

KEAM

Psychiatric Nursing Eligibility Criteria

BSc Nursing or any other relevant UG courses
Psychiatric Nursing Popular Colleges

JIPMER, Amity University (Gurugram), SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, etc.

Psychiatric Nursing Jobs

Psychiatric Nurses, Mental Health Counselors, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Psychiatric Ward Nurses, Community Mental Health Nurses, etc.

Psychiatric Nursing Salary 

INR 2 LPA - INR 7 LPA

Psychiatric Nursing Top Recruiters

Ocala Regional Medical Center West Marion, Community Hospital, Apollo Hospital, Fortis, Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre, Tata Memorial Centre, LifeStance Health, Cross Country Nurses, Wellpath

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Suggested Links for Psychiatric Nursing Courses:

GNM Nursing Admission: Application Form Date, Eligibility & Admission Process

AIIMS Nursing: Quick and Easy to Follow Preparation Tips

All About Psychiatric Nursing

Psychiatric Nursing is a specialist branch of Nursing practice that involves the care of patients suffering from mental health illnesses and psychological disorders to help them recover and improve how they live their lives.

A Psychiatric Nursing graduate's primary responsibility is to care for patients with psychiatric disorders, mental health problems, or behavioural issues. A Psychiatric Nursing graduate's duties are comparable to those of a psychiatrist, including diagnosis, treatment, and drug prescription.

To become a specialist, an individual must pursue additional studies and complete the postgraduate course MSc Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing.

Why Study Psychiatric Nursing?

  • Impactful Care: Psychiatric Nursing provides an opportunity to make a significant impact on people's lives. By assisting individuals with mental health challenges, candidates contribute to their well-being and quality of life.
  • Holistic Approach: Psychiatric Nursing emphasizes a holistic approach to care, addressing not only the symptoms but also the underlying factors contributing to mental health issues. 
  • Demand for Mental Health Services: The demand for mental health services is continually growing due to various factors such as increased awareness, reduced stigma, and societal pressures. 
  • Diverse Career Opportunities: Psychiatric Nursing offers diverse career opportunities in various settings, including hospitals, community health centres, rehabilitation facilities, correctional institutions, and schools.

Recommended Readings for Psychiatric Nursing Courses:

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Psychiatric Nursing Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the Psychiatric Nursing courses in their desired universities, candidates must make sure that they fulfil the eligibility criteria set by these universities.

Candidates can find the Psychiatric Nursing eligibility criteria given below in the table:

Psychiatric Nursing Course Levels Psychiatric Nursing Eligibility Criteria
UG
  • All candidates must be at least 17 years old as of December 31st of the year they apply for Psychiatric Nursing.
  • Individuals must have finished their Class 12 in the Science stream, preferably with Chemistry, Physics, and Biology with 50%.
  • Candidates must have taken state-level, university-level, or national-level entrance exams as required by the university and received the desired mark score.
PG
  • Candidates must have received an aggregate grade point average of 55% to 60% on their previous bachelor's degree in Psychology and Mental Health Nursing.
  • They must have finished their previous degree in the Science stream on their own.
  • Candidates must take entrance tests as specified by the university.

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Helpful Links for Psychiatric Nursing Courses:

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Psychiatric Nursing Entrance Exams 

Several universities need candidates to take certain entrance examinations to get admitted to their colleges for psychiatric and mental health nursing courses, however, many colleges admit students based on merit.

Consider some of the entrance examinations for psychiatric and mental health nursing degree programmes.

Entrance Exams Exam Dates Exam Schedule
KEAM Jun '25 KEAM Schedule

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

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Psychiatric Nursing Syllabus

Psychiatric Nursing courses typically cover a range of topics including psychopathology, therapeutic communication, pharmacology, therapeutic interventions, and mental health promotion. Undergraduate and postgraduate degree students in Psychiatric Nursing study a variety of course subjects.

Candidates can check the semester-wise syllabus of Psychiatric Nursing in the table below.

Psychiatric Nursing Semester 1
Introduction to Psychiatric Nursing Advance Nursing Practice
Clinical Speciality – I Nursing Research & Statistics
Psychiatric Nursing Semester 2
Nursing Management Clinical Speciality –II
Nursing Education Mental Health and Mental Illness
Psychiatric Nursing Semester 3
Therapeutic Communication Psychiatric Assessment
Psychiatric Disorders Psychopharmacology
Psychiatric Nursing Semester 4
Therapeutic Interventions Mental Health Promotion and Prevention
Legal and Ethical Issues in Psychiatric Nursing Special Populations in Psychiatric Nursing
Psychiatric Nursing Semester 5
Psychiatric Emergencies Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Trauma-Informed Care Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Psychiatric Nursing Semester 6
Contemporary Issues in Psychiatric Nursing De-escalation strategies
Mental status examination Theories of mental health and illness

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Psychiatric Nursing Courses

Psychiatric Nursing courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care for individuals with mental health issues.

The following are the degrees offered in Psychiatric Nursing courses.

Psychiatric Nursing Courses

Psychiatric Nursing Course Duration

Average Fees (in INR)

BSc Psychiatric Nursing

3 years

1-2 Lakh

BSc (Hons) Psychiatric Nursing

3 years

5 Lakh

MSc Psychiatric Nursing

2 years

1.75 - 3.5 Lakh

Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing

3 years

1.5 - 2.5 Lakh

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Best Colleges for Psychiatric Nursing 

In India, several institutions offer programs in Psychiatric Nursing. It's important to research each program thoroughly to find the one that best fits one's career goals and interests.

Here are some of the top colleges known for their Psychiatric Nursing courses in India:

Best Government Colleges for Psychiatric Nursing 

When it comes to government colleges offering Psychiatric Nursing courses in India, several reputable institutions stand out. These government colleges are known for their quality education, infrastructure, and clinical exposure in the field of psychiatric nursing. 

Here are some of the top government colleges for Psychiatric Nursing courses:

Psychiatric Nursing Colleges Psychiatric Nursing Course Fees
JIPMER Puducherry  2,400
SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre 1.8 Lakh
AIIMS Delhi 1,400
Jamia Hamdard 2.2 Lakh
NIMHANS 20,000
AIIMS Jodhpur 2,930
Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research 2.1 Lakh
MUHS  1 Lakh
Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences 2 Lakh

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Best Private Colleges for Psychiatric Nursing 

Private colleges in India also offer Psychiatric Nursing courses, providing quality education and clinical training. These private colleges offer Psychiatric Nursing courses that are on par with government institutions, providing students with opportunities for academic excellence and professional growth in the field of mental health nursing.

Here are some of the top private colleges for Psychiatric Nursing in India:

Psychiatric Nursing Colleges Psychiatric Nursing Course Fees
Amity University, Gurugram 1.4 Lakh
Parul University 1.92 Lakh
IIMT University 2.3 Lakh
Manipal Academy of Higher Education 2.5 Lakh
Rama University, Kanpur 2 Lakh
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research 2 Lakh - 81 Lakh
CMC Vellore 350 - 2,000
St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences 2.29 Lakh

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Suggested Psychiatric Nursing Courses Reading:

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Psychiatric Nursing Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

Psychiatric Nursing in India offers a promising career path with increasing opportunities and demand. With growing awareness about mental health issues in India, there's a greater need for qualified mental health professionals, including psychiatric nurses.

The Indian government has been emphasizing the importance of mental health care through various initiatives and policies. This has led to an increased focus on mental health services and consequently more opportunities for psychiatric nurses. Further, mental health services are expanding across India, including in both urban and rural areas. This expansion creates more job opportunities for psychiatric nurses in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, and community health centres.

Overall, Psychiatric Nursing in India presents a dynamic and rewarding career option for those passionate about mental health care and making a positive impact on individuals and communities.

Psychiatric Nursing Salary in India

Many famous institutions from the government and private medical sectors recruit graduates of psychiatric and mental health nursing courses once they complete their residential internship during their master's degree semester. Some of the job profiles a Psychiatric Nursing candidate can opt for are as follows.

Psychiatric Nursing Jobs

Job Description

Psychiatric Nursing Salary 

Psychiatric Nurses

A Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse organises and delivers medical nursing care to patients suffering from a variety of mental health problems.

INR 2.8 LPA

Nurse Supervisors

A Nurse Supervisor attends to a patient's needs and provides comprehensive care, from scheduling and assigning nurses and personnel to ensuring that their work schedules are followed. 

INR 5.2 LPA

Psychologists

A Psychologist assesses the patient's needs and adapts treatment and diagnosis to meet those needs. 

INR 4.6 LPA

Nurse Educators

A nurse educator is a teacher who works in both academic and medical contexts. 

INR 4.8 LPA

Staff Nurses

A Staff Nurse is a registered nurse who assists and offers quality care to company employees as well as residents and patients in hospitals. 

INR 3.1 LPA

Note: The average salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.

Helpful Links for Psychiatric Nursing Courses:

Psychiatric Nursing Top Recruiters

Several prominent healthcare organizations, hospitals, mental health institutions, and government agencies often recruit Psychiatric nurses. Here are some entities that frequently offer opportunities for Psychiatric Nurses in India:

Psychiatric Nursing Top Recruiters
Ocala Regional Medical Center West Marion Community Hospital Apollo Hospital
Fortis Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre
Tata Memorial Centre LifeStance Health
Cross Country Nurses Wellpath

Recommended Reading for Psychiatric Nursing Courses:

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Online Psychiatric Nursing 

Online Psychiatric Nursing refers to the practice of psychiatric nursing delivered through digital platforms, such as telemedicine, online therapy sessions, or virtual consultations.

Candidates can check the list of Psychiatric Nursing courses in the table below:

Online Psychiatric Nursing Offered by Total Fees
Graduate certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner The University of Alabama INR 7,66,038  
Advanced Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner University of Nevada-Las Vegas INR 7,46,894  
Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner University of Cumberlands INR 21,42,284  
Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing Deakin University INR 58,75,013  
Certificate in Mental Health & Wellbeing in Schools The University of Auckland INR 1,77,775  

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

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FAQs Related to Psychiatric Nursing

Q. What is the distinction between a psychiatric nurse and a psychiatrist?

A. Psychiatric Nurse typically refers to a nurse who specializes in the care of individuals with psychiatric disorders. Psychiatric nurses are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental illnesses, administer medications, provide therapeutic interventions, and offer support to patients and their families. 

While similar to psychiatric nursing, mental health nursing can encompass a broader scope of practice. Mental health nurses may work not only with individuals diagnosed with psychiatric disorders but also with those experiencing various levels of psychological distress or emotional difficulties. 

Q. What is the level-wise annual salary of MSc Psychiatric Nursing in India?

A. The salary of an MSc in Psychiatric Nursing in India can vary depending on several factors, including the specific employer, location, years of experience, and additional qualifications or certifications. 

  • Entry-Level: INR 3-5 LPA
  • Mid-Level: INR 6 - 12 LPA
  • Senior-Level: INR 12-15 LPA

Q. What do mental health nurses do?

A. Mental health nurses play a crucial role in supporting individuals experiencing mental health issues and promoting overall mental well-being. 

Mental health nurses assess the mental health needs of individuals through interviews, observations, and standardized assessment tools. They gather information about the individual's symptoms, medical history, social circumstances, and any risk factors.

Overall, mental health nurses provide holistic, person-centred care to individuals across the lifespan, addressing their mental, physical, and social needs to support recovery and enhance the quality of life.

Q. What skills do I need to be a mental health nurse?

A. Here are some essential skills for Mental Health Nursing:

  • Empathy and Compassion
  • Communication Skills
  • Therapeutic Relationship Building
  • Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgment
  • Crisis Intervention and De-escalation
  • Cultural Competence
  • Collaboration and Teamwork
  • Self-care and Resilience

Q. Can you become a mental health nurse with a Psychology degree?

A. Yes, it's possible to become a mental health nurse with a Psychology degree, although it may require additional education and training in nursing. 

If you're interested in becoming a mental health nurse, you'll need to pursue Nursing education.

One can pursue a Nursing course. Candidates can enrol for BSc Nursing which provides the education and training necessary to become a registered nurse (RN) and specialize in areas such as psychiatric-mental health nursing.

Q. Is the job profile of Psychiatrist Nursing high in demand? Should I apply for this career?

A. Yes, psychiatric nurses are in high demand. Because of the strong demand for this job profile, psychiatric nurses get to earn really competitive pay in the industry nowadays. They also get provided with the perks of health insurance, dental care, and eye care in many situations.

Popular Psychiatric Nursing Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Psychiatric Nursing Colleges in India. Learn more about these Psychiatric Nursing colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
9 Courses
1.12 L - 5.84 L
3.6 - 4 LPA
13 Courses
50 K - 4.5 L
4.6
80 K
5.0
1 Course
5.08 L
4.3
1 Course
38.32 K
5.0
35 K - 6 L
2.85 - 5.95 LPA

Popular Private Psychiatric Nursing Colleges in India

8 Courses
1.8 L - 5.6 L
4.5
13 Courses
50 K - 4.5 L
4.6
74 K - 2.49 L

Nursing Applications open. Apply Now

2.07 L - 2.85 L
4.3
9 Courses

Nursing Applications open. Apply Now

9 Courses
1.12 L - 5.84 L
3.6 - 4 LPA

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular Psychiatric Nursing courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Psychiatric Nursing.

Popular Psychiatric Nursing UG Courses

Following are the most popular Psychiatric Nursing UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Psychiatric Nursing PG Courses

Following are the most popular Psychiatric Nursing PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Psychiatric Nursing. Students interested in pursuing a career on Psychiatric Nursing, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

26 Nov ' 24 - 29 Nov ' 24

RUHS BSc Nursing Round-2 Counselling: Printing of...

25 Nov ' 24

RUHS BSc Nursing Round-2 Counselling: Seat Allotm...

26 Oct ' 24 - 30 Oct ' 24

JCECE Counselling Downloading of Seat Allotment L...

25 Oct ' 24

JCECE Counselling Seat Allotment

Sep '24

Indian Army BSc Nursing Exam 2024

TENTATIVE

29 Jul ' 24 - 9 Aug ' 24

Indian Army BSc Nursing Application Forms (Extend...

Mar '25 - Apr '25

AIIMS BSc (Hons.) Nursing Basic registration

TENTATIVE

Mar '25

AIIMS BSc Nursing Final Registration

TENTATIVE
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Answered 2 months ago

Hi,

AIHS's M.Sc. in Nursing (Psychiatric Nursing) is a 2 years course offered at the PG level.

Eligibility for Acharya Institute of Health Sciences for M.Sc. in Nursing (Psychiatric Nursing) ;

Pass in B.Sc Nursing Basic / B.Sc Honors in Nursing / Post Basic B.Sc in Nursing / Post Certificate B.Sc Nursi

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