Affordable Psych NP Programs in & near North Carolina

[OnwardEver]

I find myself more and more interested in pursuing an advanced practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner post-master's certificate or DNP degree. I'm a North Carolina resident with 8 years of nursing experience ranging from med-surg to home health and critical care looking at affordable in-state and online out-of-state programs. While I already have a good idea what NC has to offer, I'm curious about hybrid or online programs at schools like Frontier, U or Ark, U of Missouri Kansas City, etc. I have read mixed reviews about programs through U of Southern Alabama. I'm hoping for a program that is authorized to provide education to North Carolinians as well as one that strikes a balance between quality education, reputation, and affordability. What programs do you think might be a good fit and what are the pros and cons of going for a low residency hybrid/online program vs. a traditional sit down especially when considering out of state offerings and clinical placements in or near-state?

[Jules A, MSN]

My advice would be get a job on an inpatient acute locked psychiatric unit. Get some experience in psych, see if you enjoy it and have any talent for this area before deciding you want to specialize in it.

[chare]

I agree with Jules A. However, if you are determined to start school, I believe that the University of South Alabama has been approved by the UNC Board of Governors.

Regarding South Alabama, my opinion is that many of those complaining would have the same complaints with any online program.

[OnwardEver]

Thank you both for the advice. From my rotations in nursing school and experiences across the various specialties I have worked in I feel the PMHNP would be a great direction to go in for me. Nursing colleagues have told me I have a way with and seem to be a "whisperer" of sorts with the PMH patients I've had the opportunity to work with.

That said, I agree with you and understand it's not the same as having locked down unit experience. I'm aware that psychiatric mental health nursing is a very different kind of nursing, just like any specialty priorities and goals and how you practice changes to meet the needs of the population you are working with. In addition, as far as I understand, PMHNPs work in a variety of settings, some locked down in-patient and others outpatient, etc. I appreciate the feedback regarding USA's program!