Duquesne vs Frontier

[Lou25, BSN]

Hi, 

It is very difficult to find anyone that has gone to Duquesne University for the PMHNP program or any NP specialty. I am currently at Chamberlain and finished my BSN and  my initial MSN courses but definitely want to switch as the NP Program reviews at Chamberlain are absolutely terrible.

I have applied to Duquesne and Frontier University. I was accepted at Duquesne for January 2024 start and waitlisted at Frontier. I know FNU has an excellent PMHNP program but was curious about Duquesne. Besides the cost that is about twice that of FNU.....does anyone have any feedback of knowledge of their program??

[kellyrose, BSN]

Hi Lou25, 

I just completed my first year as a PMHNP student in Duquesne's online program. So far I am loving it and feel it's a great fit for me.

I encountered the same thing when I was applying; I could not find anyone here who could speak to their experience at Duquesne. So I went on LinkedIn and DM'd alumni who had gone to Duquesne for either forensics or PMHNP-all had positive things to say. 

I just finished my last semester of the 3P's (Adv. patho, pharm and phys. assessment) and will be starting the first of my psych/mental health courses in the Spring of 2024. All challenging, but doable. I am not sure how other PMHNP programs handle this, but for Duquesne, you have to travel to the campus twice-once for adv. physical assessment and then again for one of your psych/mental health clinical courses. I went in October for phys. assessment and it was an intensive 3 days of hands-on learning. I really got a lot from this experience and I liked meeting my professors and peers in person. The only downside was that we had our 2nd exam the week following and was pretty brutal in that it covered a ridiculous amount of content. My experience so far is that all the faculty and professors are very supportive and available for questions/clarifications.

Unfortunately, like a lot of NP programs, you do have to secure your own preceptor. They do have a very helpful online clinical coordinator who has an extensive list of preceptors. You just have to tell her what your requirements are and how far you are willing to travel and any preferences. Not sure of your home state, but I'm in Indiana and was able to secure my preceptor through her list of previously used clinical sites. She also gave me several contacts to reach out to once it comes time for my psych/mental health clinical hours. 

Good luck to you! I hope this helps and if you have any further questions please reach out!

Best,

Kelly

p.s.-one more thing and you may already be aware of this, but their PMHNP program is relatively. I am not sure how may graduating classes they have had, but that could be why we had trouble finding folks to speak to their experience.