I want to advance my nursing career to become a PMHNP. Currently I am BSN, RN, PMH-BC, 11 years psych experience (3.5 yrs in long term care, 7.5 years in acute, 3 years clinical instructor, 2.5 years house supervisor). MSN or DNP? Affordable? Online?
I went to Rush University... ranked #1 for their PMHNP program. They only offer the DNP. However, it is all online and many nurses in my cohort came from states other than Illinois. The program requires a total of 2-3 days on-campus for graded clinical simulations. They will also help you find clinical preceptors in your area. Compared to other programs, their tuition is quite reasonable. Total cost is about $1100.00 per credit and expect to take about 5-6 credits per semester for 7-8 semesters. There are NO other fees. Your pre-credit hour fee is the only thing you will have to pay for aside from books. You don't even have graduation fees and copies of your transcript are also free. Depending on where you live starting pay for a DNP is about 120-130K per year - well worth the time and effort!
I’m currently in school for AGPCNP online. I will not recommend the online program due to clinical placement issues. And if you don’t have any plans to do research or teach, no point in getting a DNP.
You do not need a DNP for PMHNP route. You will need concurrent or post Masters Certificate for PMHNP. You will be an Advanced Practice Nurse, Licensed, Credentialed. If your goal is an NP, a DNP will not give you that alone. So be careful about your selection. My advice would be to do a MSN/PMHNP certificate track concurrently. Later you can work on a DNP if you choose. Some think all advanced practices will eventually need the DNP. Im not sure.
read the AACN DNP Essentials. https://www.aacnnursing.org/DNP/Fact-Sheet
I start my online program next month through Maryville University for PMHNP. DNP usually costs more and is even more work so I don’t feel the need for it especially when there are so many jobs out there with having your masters in this area.
First, let me congratulate you on your experience and credentials, but my question is does the DNP include getting your MSN ? It is if that is your path then you should pursue your MSN. My understanding from the ANA is that Nurse Practitioners must be Mastered Prepared in Nursing, so it ould appear that is the path for you.
Donna Karaffa RN, MSN, MBA
A friend re ently looked and found one of the UABs to be the best price and school rep combo. You can get cheaper but you don't get as good an education and MSN , going dnp is only needed if you want to go into administration.
Use the knowledge you already have, relax and live.
DNP
There are a variety of on line opportunities, but you will still need to do an internship and that is for some a bigger challenge depending on your demographics. Not sure about affordability, but the educational providers always have affordable plans.
Hello , my advice is for you to go in a program of DNP . Which gives you a wide road of practices since you already have lots of clinical and Managment experiences , it will be an asset to your
Career in Nursing , good luck , go for it ..
I would suggest to check out Chamberlain university!
MSN is the shortest and cheapest way to become psych NP.
The answer depends upon what you want to do in your career.
DNP is pretty e pensive. Depending on what u want to , might be better off getting an MSN and let a company or University pay for your DNP
