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Discussion

Does it make sense for me to get an MSW before applying to PMHNP program?

Hi everyone - I need some advice! Some background first: i have been a stay home mom for a long time and have no medical background.I have always been interested in doing something in mental health and have thought about going back to school to be a LICSW or clinical psychologist, and more recently have become very interested in becoming a PMHNP. I applied to 2 programs and was not accepted at one and wailisted at the other (and rightly so - I was not properly prepared and not a very competitive applicant in any other way besides my non-science GPA, which is good.)

I started to think that maybe I would just do an MSW and become a therapist. I think I would do very well in MSW classes, and I know I would enjoy the classes and the work, but it takes at least 2 years of full time work after the MSW degree to become licensed to be an independent therapist. I'm also very concerned at what I'm reading regarding salary prospects for a LICSW in private practice. I have a large family and a good amount of debt already, and don't want to take on more debt if it won't make sense financially.

Almost everything about the PMHNP seems like it would be perfect for me, but I am very concerned about getting through the science classes and some of the nursing clinicals. I am not naturally good at science and honestly the "gross" parts of bedside nursing have me worried - I don't know if I will be able to handle certain things without actually vomiting. But I also hope that I could just get through it with my end goal in mind.

So the reason for this long winded post? I'm thinking that maybe I should get an MSW first, then apply to NP schools? This might be helpful in that it would show that I can succeed in graduate level work, show that I'm suited to working in mental health (I took several SW classes in college and got As), and may allow me to waive the GRE. I also love the idea of incorporating talk therapy into my own private practice in the future, so the MSW will certainly help with that.

With all that said - I'm in my early 40s, and I'm worried that ill take too long to finally have the career I want! My youngest child just started school this year, so I have free time during the day for the first time in a LONG time, but it would be great if I could start earning money sooner rather than later. My husband has supported a family of 7 by himself and I'd love to be able to make a real financial contribution to my family.

So sorry if this is a long and meandering post - I' m typing on my phone! I'd love to hear any advice you have :)

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    • Author

    Any advice :)

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    • Experts

    I would suggest you become an RN first, and get some actual experience in psychiatric nursing. IMO, that would be more helpful for you than an MSW.

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    I don't think an MSW will help you at all. What will help you is to take a year and begin taking all those science pre-req classes and really trying to do well in them. I also was not very good at science classes. They require different study methods, namely rote memorization, so you have to find what works for you. I would read every chapter I needed to, made outlines, and then made flash cards to quiz myself. I did very well using those methods, and I'm sure you will too. Also, during this year, you should go shadow a PMHNP in your area. Try to volunteer in a psychiatric ward in a hospital or an outpatient clinic. This will help you not only with admissions but also to see if you even like the role.

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    I'm a little confused. Are you a registered nurse? I am not aware of any psych NP programs that are direct entry. Either way, I do not believe that the MSW is going to make you happy. It takes a while to get licensed. I only know about my own state, but you must have 3000 hours of clinical supervision after you complete your MSW in order to sit for the licensing exam. That's roughly 2 years. The salary of a MSW is no where near that of any NP. Not that anyone should go into anything just for the money, but you invest a lot of it to get your education, right! So get the best bang for your buck!

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    There are plenty of psych NP programs. I applied to 5 but know of at least 10

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    I know there are many psych NP programs. I was specifically asking about direct entry programs where the applicant does not need to be an RN already in order to apply.

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    • Author

    Thank you for your comments so far! Yes there are many direct entry PMHNP programs in Massachusetts alone (where I am). I am not an RN and have no medical experience. Schools that I'm interested in applying to include Boston College and Regis.

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    I know there are many psych NP programs. I was specifically asking about direct entry programs where the applicant does not need to be an RN already in order to apply.

    Let me rephrase. There are plenty of direct-entry psych NP programs. I applied to 5 but know of at least 10. It takes 2 seconds to google "direct entry psych NP" and see all the results.

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    I know there are many psych NP programs. I was specifically asking about direct entry programs where the applicant does not need to be an RN already in order to apply.

    Yale

    Columbia

    MGH

    UPenn

    Vanderbilt

    UIC

    UCSF

    OHSU

    Boston College

    the list goes on. All these places offer direct entry Psych NP programs designed for non-RNs, some having been around 20+ years.

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    Yale

    Columbia

    MGH

    UPenn

    Vanderbilt

    UIC

    UCSF

    OHSU

    Boston College

    the list goes on. All these places offer direct entry Psych NP programs designed for non-RNs, some having been around 20+ years.

    UIC unfortunately is getting rid of PMHNP and switching to a generalist FNP program, or that's what I've been hearing.

    Also, just to add to the list off the top of my head: USM, U of Rochester, Northeastern, Seattle U, UT Austin, and OSU

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    I once explored this too. The consensus I got was it wouldn't be worth it.

    1. A MSW is general degree. Sure you can take electives in mental health but it would be small part of your education. A better bet would a graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling.

    2. Most of your training would be learned on the job not in school.

    3. Do you really want the time and expense of obtaining a graduate degree for a field you don't plan to stay in long term?

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