Drexel PMHNP - info from past students wanted!

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Specializes in Psychiatric/Mental Health.

Hey all -

I am currently awaiting my decision for the fall 2015 semester at Drexel for their PMHNP program. The more I think about it, the more questions I have. I have read all of the threads on allnurses pertaining to Drexel but I can't find any supplemental information anywhere else. Any past/current students willing to provide me information would be greatly appreciated. I have the following questions/concerns (so far) - and thanks in advance!

Drexel is a b&m school but all of their MSN degrees are offered online. I was initially hesitant to apply to an online-based school because of my previous experience with online classes being comprised of mostly "busy work" and group discussions. How does Drexel compare to a b&m school in terms of class structure and work load? Did you feel like you learned as much as you would have by sitting in a real lecture? How about testing?

I chose Drexel due to its flexibility, cost, and seemingly good reputation but don't get me wrong, I am looking for a good school and I am looking for a challenge. Do you feel that you were as prepared as a student who went to a traditional, classroom-based school? I have read a thread where an NP's practice stopped accepting students from online schools, because their knowledge and preparation was not up to par. That is my worst nightmare. Becoming a nurse practitioner is a huge deal that carries a lot of responsibility, and it is important that I receive a quality education.

Lastly, the big doozy, PRECEPTORSHIP. I'm already having anxiety from all of the horrible "I can't find a preceptor!" posts I am seeing online. Assuming I find a preceptor, what does the actual preceptorship process entail and where will I have to precept (e.g. all specialty areas, or just within psych?)

Thanks again to anyone taking the time to read this and respond. I realize I could ask faculty these questions but it is always better imo to hear from people who have been there & done that as opposed to someone who might not necessarily have my best interests in mind.

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Hi! I am also an applicant for Fall 2015 PMHNP. I'm curious about all of the above as well!! I'm getting nervous just about admissions. I had my application in before the 5/1 deadline, but still have not heard anything. I know someone who was accepted months ago without any psych nursing experience. She was told that if you have a full year's experience by the time you start clinicals, you'd be ok. Do you have a strong mental health background? I'm not really sure what the school is looking for in terms of admission! Any insight would be appreciated.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.

I did the Drexel PNP program. I'll try and answer questions but let me know if I miss anything.

Once you hit the NP specific classes you will have an online class one night a week. The instructor is there and other students. We would have actual lecturers. We also have to go to on campus intensives.

I feel my education was excellent. It was crazy hard. I heard that another program locally the students had no stress because it wasn't that bad. I've also heard people say they trust Drexel students because they know the education is there.

Preceptors...it's a tough subject but i know we all found somebody.

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Have you guys heard yet? I applied for the fall start and still haven't heard anything:(

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I haven't heard anything! I was told by someone when I called the school that I would hear something by June 23, but from looking at past threads I can see that some people heard of acceptance as last as August. I called this morning and again was told by the end of June. I can't wait, although I'm not really optimistic anymore!

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Hi! I haven't heard either, I just want to know either way. Where have you seen people have been accepted for this fall?

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I have seen a few people post that said they were entering Fall '15 on some message boards. I looked backed through topics referring to Drexel PMHNP from previous years and noticed that people had posted about their acceptance later into the summer. I'm still hearing 6/23 from the admissions office, though. And I heard they take like 50 out of about 200 applicants. It sounds pretty competitive! I'm a psych nurse and felt that I had strong references, but I'm not sure how they weight practical experience vs GPA...

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Hello Guys,

If I can be of any assistance I will try my best. I am currently enrolled at Drexel University in their PMHNP program. I had 1 yr experience in psych but have been a nurse for 15 yrs. I applied later than most and got acceptance notification in June. I will be at the campus next week for my 1st on campus intensives. I will say this, you will earn your degree, it is doable, and I think for me it was more of the fear unknown. You will learn and so far the professors have been great. I will keep you posted. Please start networking on finding a preceptor & don't be afraid to just pick up the phone and do cold calls. It works!

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Specializes in Psychiatric/Mental Health.

I don't know why, but I never got any notifications that this thread had any comments! I just caught up, and I appreciate all of the feedback, however I just checked my portal and I was not accepted. I am disappointed. I wish they gave feedback as to what your application was lacking so I can improve it and reapply in the future. Good luck to everyone else~!

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Specializes in PCICU, Cardiac Cath Lab.
On 6/1/2015 at 8:07 PM, IrishIzCPNP said:

I did the Drexel PNP program. I'll try and answer questions but let me know if I miss anything.

Once you hit the NP specific classes you will have an online class one night a week. The instructor is there and other students. We would have actual lecturers. We also have to go to on campus intensives.

I feel my education was excellent. It was crazy hard. I heard that another program locally the students had no stress because it wasn't that bad. I've also heard people say they trust Drexel students because they know the education is there.

Preceptors...it's a tough subject but i know we all found somebody.

Hi there! (and hopefully you see this as I know this post is very old, but you do seem to be a valuable resource when it comes to information regarding Drexel's PNP program!)

I am nervous about the idea of having to find clinical sites (especially as I will be out-of-state and NY unfortunately does not allow clinical in NY - therefore diminishing what connections I currently have here). I was wondering if you found finding sites difficult? It states on their website that they have resources to help with clinical sites - did you find the university helpful in that aspect? If you had to choose again, would you choose a program that found your sites for you?

Thanks in advance if you (or anyone who can speak to Drexels program!) sees this ?

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