Is ANP( completed MSN) Cert necessary to get into a PM in Psych program

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Specializes in Child/Adolescent Mental Health.

I completed a MSN in Adult Health but am not yet certified. Here is why- my intention was to become more familiar with to get a solid medical foundation and co-morbidities beyond that of RN and then pursue a PM in Family Psych. If I do not have to take the ANP cert exam and spend time and money on it then I'd rather not. I think having both certs would increase my malpractice insurances and additional licensing fees too.

I really want the Psych cert but not sure if I have to be certified in Adult health (after completing the ANP program) prior to being accepted in a PM program.

In a nutshell, does anyone know if one needs initial advanced practice certification before one can enter a PM certificate program?

Thanks!

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Is the test and associated fees really that much? Just take the test. I would. You don't have to use it, and I don't think malpractice increases because of knowledge, lol. You could also work in adult health while getting your PMHNP credential.

I had wondered about getting an adult health or FNP cert in addition to psych, but I've lost interest in treating physical health problems, i.e. COPD, CHF, HTN, DM, cellulitis, sinusitis, etc etc. I got into nursing for the sole reason of getting the psych NP position. I saw the ability to address biological matters and provide prescriptions as having preeminence over psychosocial methodologies of other master's trained therapists as interesting as they may be (and they are). I was once enrolled in another master's level therapist program but dropped out, before ever taking a single class, because I felt there were too many limitations. I think a Psy.D. would be awesome actually, but I'm not moving to do it, I'm not doing it online, I'm not paying for it, and still there'd be physiological limitations.

I think some day psychiatry/clinical psychology needs to merge and form its own professional program with both medical and psychological training yielding its own degree and own autonomous license. The MD and PhD route seem ill suited with the former spending exorbitant time in surgical, OB, gyn, and sundry clerkships (pre-residency) while the latter is engrossed in statistical and research training. I do feel training in internal medicine, pediatrics, and neurology is pertinent along with psychometric testing, psychotherapy, and both psychopharmacology and "systemic" pharmacology. We already have mouth doctors, foot doctors, and eye doctors so why not behavior doctors, lol?

As an aside, the actual reason I was interested in adult health and family health training is because I'm a prepper. Criticize if you must.

Enough of my early morning musings.

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I think some day psychiatry/clinical psychology needs to merge and form its own professional program with both medical and psychological training yielding its own degree and own autonomous license.

Thats actually a pretty good idea, I am picturing something similar to podiatrist's training. Doubt it ever happens though.

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Thats actually a pretty good idea, I am picturing something similar to podiatrist's training. Doubt it ever happens though.

Oh, I'm sure it won't either.

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The MD and PhD route seem ill suited with the former spending exorbitant time in surgical, OB, gyn, and sundry clerkships (pre-residency) while the latter is engrossed in statistical and research training.

Agree. Psych NP is (imo) the most efficient route towards being able to provide "total" mental health care.

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Specializes in Child/Adolescent Mental Health.

Thank you for the feedback. I am starting USI's PM PMHNP program this fall. Still not sure if I will sit for certification in Adult health but I did talk to my advisor at USI and certification is not required for admittance to their Psych PM program.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

It kind of exists: It's called a PMHNP with post-grad study in psychology.

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Specializes in AGNP.

I would keep in mind that with the new consensus model the ANP exam is going away so if you don't take the exam now, and do not qualify to take the AGNP exam, you may be out of luck in the future.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Agree with above poster. Before you just decide NOT to test, check with ANCC to see what the consensus model shows.. If you EVER EVER want to go back to the ANP, you need to have the certification first.

And...with the many changes coming from Medicare, its not unrealistic to find that you may someday need to handle more of the medical care of the psych pt.

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Specializes in Child/Adolescent Mental Health.

Still not sure if I will sit for ANP certification. I really do not like primary care and it sounds like more money I will have to spend on licensing and CEU's, etc. I don't see myself ever working PC and if I really wanted to I could take a few courses in a PM and sit for the ANP-Gero that will be replacing the ANP.

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Hi Myelin! Can you ellaborate on this? It is giving me brain pains trying to decide the smartest route if my 1st passion is very personal in depth couseling and my 2nd passion is science and medicine/neurobiology. I am a RN right now. Have been trying to gather for sometime if Psych NP is for me.

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