Advice for which PMHNP program?

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Hi everyone. I am currently a psych RN applying to Psych NP schools. I am so stuck on which program to pursue. I am planning to work full time during school if possible
 

1. Hofstra's DNP program- 3 years, will be well over $70k. Good reputation, but so expensive 

2. Molloy University- 3 years part time, masters. Will cost me around $30k. Finds preceptors.

3. Pace- 2.5 years, masters program. Will cost also around $30k. Does not find preceptors. 

4. CUNY Hunter. Will be free! 3 years full time for a master's program. My concern is the commute (about an hour and a half from me) and they do not find preceptors for students. 
 

 

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Specializes in Labor & Delivery.

Hey. I have never posted on this site, so hopefully this is how I reply to your post. I am currently a PMHNP student at the university of Missouri Columbia. I felt obligated to reply. Go with Molloy! I know nothing about the school, but if they find preceptors for you that is absolutely crucial!! I would definitely talk with an advisor to make sure that they actually are doing all the work to find you preceptors first. If they do, I can't tell you how much stress you will avoid. 

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).

First, you need to apply to multiple schools because you won't get into every school and you also need to see which school gives you the best financial aid package.  Just because the "list price" for a school is expensive does not mean it will actually be the most expensive, due to financial.

Second, focus on schools that find preceptors, unless you have a lot of contacts and feel confident you can easily find preceptors by yourself.  No preceptors = no graduation plus a boatload of stress.

Good luck.

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FullGlass said:

First, you need to apply to multiple schools because you won't get into every school and you also need to see which school gives you the best financial aid package.  Just because the "list price" for a school is expensive does not mean it will actually be the most expensive, due to financial.

Second, focus on schools that find preceptors, unless you have a lot of contacts and feel confident you can easily find preceptors by yourself.  No preceptors = no graduation plus a boatload of stress.

Good luck.

My bad for not wording this correctly. These are the schools I was accepted to and the prices listed will be the amount I have to pay. Thank you for your advice!

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
ki1717 said:

My bad for not wording this correctly. These are the schools I was accepted to and the prices listed will be the amount I have to pay. Thank you for your advice!

Thank you for clarifying.  CONGRATULATIONS!  

Honestly, CUNY is very tempting as it is free.  Perhaps contact them to ask if they have an assistance with finding preceptors.   In addition, schools with large alumni networks can be helpful in finding preceptors.  Since you have been working as a psych RN, you should also have some personal contacts that can assist you with precepting.  Network, network, network.  With the money you would save on tuition, then you could afford to stay in a hotel when necessary.

Don't rule out Hofstra.  In addition to the financial aid provided by the schools, there is a boatload of unclaimed scholarships every year - do some research and find more scholarships.

There are also federal and state programs that provide full-ride scholarships and even a living stipend.  HRSA has these and I'm sure NY State has their own similar program.  HRSA and probably NY State also have loan repayment programs.  In return for the scholarships and loan repayment, you agree to work in an underserved area for a certain number of years.  Those aren't just rural areas; there are many urban areas that qualify.  I think AmeriCorps or the US Health Service or Corps has similar programs.  Some counties and cities also offer scholarships.

Once you are a PMHNP, some employers, such as the Veterans Administration, have their own student loan repayment benefits.

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CUNY if it is free, You can pay an NP service for preceptors if you had to, which would run you less than any of the other programs.

I take it, it is not an online program if you need to consider commute?

 

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