Psych NP vs Derm NP

[googs]

Hey everyone! So I'm currently in an NP program that offers FNP and PMHNP routes. I have completed several classes thus far and I am approaching the time when I'm going to have to decide which route I want to take. I am extremely interested in psychology and always read books on the subject. I also work in an ED and love medicine as well. Thusly, I'm very torn between doing psychiatric NP and FNP, which will afford me more options in terms of practice setting. Here are the facts: I live in Connecticut and plan on practicing here, or possibly in NY (where independent practice is allowed). In Connecticut, NPs can practice with a collaborative agreement with a physician, but most work in a physician's office or hospital. However, PMHNP's can independently practice and prescribe without a collaborative agreement. I would like to hear all of your insights on this. Which specialty has more job availablity and future job prospects? Which specialty is more lucrative? I've found such a myriad of different figures online and I'm really confused. Some say around 80k. Others I've talked to say they know NPs making 250k in private practice. I just want to know what the reality will be for me and the future earning potential. Please let me know what you think in terms of what the best option would be. Thanks!

[googs]

I chose fnp and I haven't regretted it!

[ForensicPMHNP, MSN, NP]

Take my advice with a grain of salt as I am just now starting the journey through NP school. From the research I have made most Dermatology practice generally go for PA's rather than FNP's. As a psych NP you would have more autonomy and power and in that specialist PMHNP's tend to be the go to while PA's tend to come in as second fiddle to Psychiatrists. In terms of security and options PMHNP would be safer, in derm you would compete with PA's who tended to the first choice by many dermatology practice.