I'm looking for top ranked accelerated BSN to NP programs

Published

I'm trying to find a place that will rank the top programs that allow a person to get a BSN and then work into an NP in the fastest amount of time yet still provide a great education and experience. I currently have a degree in psychology and neuroscience. I would like to complete an accelerated nursing program in either Boston, Philadelphia or San Francisco. My top two choices right now are Drexel and Thomas Jefferson. I'm looking for as much advice as possible. I know I want an NP as the end result but getting there is still a bit foggy. I'm 28 years old with a degree in psych and neuroscience. I'm a really hard worker. I currently work 50+ hours a week in a hospital in research and take classes on the side. I love patients and I love academia. I need resources so I can better understand this process. I would like to further my education so I can continue to advance my career in psychiatry. Thanks!!!

End result: I want to have my own patients, be able to prescribe and work in an academic hospital with the ability to have as much patient interaction as possible but also still have the opportunity to do research and potentially teach.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

Depends what kind of NP specialty you are interested in. Psychiatric NP programs should be ranked in the US News and World Report annual guide to the best colleges. I have no idea who has the best PsychNP program. You are probably interested in a direct-entry, BS->MSN/NP degree, of which many programs offer. I'm at Columbia in NYC, and I hear that their PsychNP program is excellent, with many clinical opportunities at the NY Psychiatric Institute which is on-campus. I would check out the US NWR guide, should be on the shelf at Barnes & Noble.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi SteveRN21,

I am just finishing Columbia's Entry to Practice program and am probably going straight into their psych program.

How has it been so far? I have heard some people are not thrilled with their clinical placements. Do you have any say at all about where you are placed? What are some pros and cons of the program? Any info you can share would be extremely helpful.

Do you know anything about NYU's program? I am applying there as well.

Thanks!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm going to suggest another option. Get your ABSN first. Then work for a medical center associated with a University that will pay your MSN/NP tuition. This may take a year more of calendar time, but will save you tens of thousands of dollars in loans.

For example, I know of many medical centers that will pay up to $15,000 a year in tuition benefits for your MSN as long as you are working fulltime as a RN. In such a way, you work three 12-hour shifts, and go to school 1-2 days a week. A free MSN is nothing to sneeze at.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

OHSU (Oregon Health and Science Univ) , specialty = PMHNP (Psych-mental health np) 7th best in U.S. and it is relatively cheap.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i went to ohsu pmhnp grad entry prgram and it was chaos. they admitted a bunch of students (i think 16 or more in my class) and then couldn't find practicum sites for everyone. there were some really fabulous instructors, but overall it was a very chaotic program. ohsu as converted their program to dnp, so if you go there it would be dnp (doctorate) as only option. in 2015 all np programs are supposed to convert to dnp (though i don't know how on schedule this is), since you're interested in academics, research, and teaching this would be a good option for you anyway.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt.

VIOLA-

Hi, I am looking at applying to the PMHNP track at OHSU. Can you tell me more about your experience there? I am currently and RN working at a community health center in Southern Ore. Some concerns I have are: getting in as OHSU is very competitive, and job placement after school. I love the many options the PMHNP degree give you. I don't have any in patient pscyh experience, but I have heard many people that go into the program without that experience. However, Im wondering if it would affect my chances of getting into the program. What was your background in?

....with the crappy hospital job market in p-land Grad school is looking like a good option to a fairly new RN...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion