MSN-PMHNP Program Recommendations?

Specialties Psychiatric

Published

Looking for suggestions regarding online PMHNP prgrams that are still offered at the master's level. Right now, I'm considering the Drexel program primarily because of it's nearby location (there are several campus visits required) and the more-or-less reasonable tuition after the alumni discount of 30%.

While I'm looking for other similar fully accredited programs to consider, I should mention that reasonable tuition is one of the most important criteria. This rules out many good programs such as JH, Georgetown, Penn, Norwich or Vanderbilt, all of which have tuition levels that are north of a grand per credit. Some of the more reasonably priced programs, such as Ohio U, do not offer the program to PA residents like me.

Alternatives that seem worth further consideration are: EaKentuckyU, UTexas-Arlington, USoAlabama and UWyoming. Any and all comments on these programs as well as suggestions for others are appreciated.

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I would like to know more, too. Have you began a program yet?

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Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

EKU is going well for me. You might look into their program

Online Nursing Programs || Eastern Kentucky University

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Is it reputable in Kentucky as a good university? Does the product seem adequate in preparing you? Thanks for all the advice and comments :-)

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Specializes in BC in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing.

chuckster. I just got accepted myself into the PMHNP program at EKU. I liked that format of one class every 8 weeks. It is an accredited program, and its "brick and mortar portion" has had high passaged for NP certification. All this that I share with you is from what I have read. I am scheduled to start Spring 2015. I, too, am looking for more info on this program. I hope someone posts more specifics of how they like it.

However, I am happy to pass on to you what I know so far. By the way, the UT Arlington program isn NOT online at this time. Unless that has recently changed in the past month when I last checked.

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Specializes in Psych.

UTArlington's PMHNP is not online. They do have an online FNP program through the academic partnership people.. and I haven't talked to a single person who is really happy with the quality of instruction they are receiving. I love UTA, but I would not recommend them for an online NP at this time.. and in my own educational experience, the in class meetings have been where I picked up the bulk of instruction, including hands on. Preceptors are not falling all over themselves to teach a student the basics, they hardly have time to help us take the basics to the office level.

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The University of North Dakota has an outstanding program. You take additional coursework in Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Psychopharmacology and Epidemiology - meaning more units than most programs - but you'll come out knowing your stuff.

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I have applied for Spring 2015 admission for EKU's PMHNP program - just waiting to hear back...

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I am an FNP. I received my MSN from a traditional program ten years ago. It was difficult to work during the program due to the program layout but I knew what I was getting into.

Fast-forward ten years. I wanted to go back for my PMHNP certification. I found a program in North Texas that was supposed to be online - only had to go the campus three times during the program. What they failed to tell us was that were only allowed to complete the clinical portion of the program Monday-Friday, 8-5. This information did not come to light till it was too late to drop the semester. Also there was no support in arranging clinical experiences (no list of potential preceptors). We were very much on our own. Even for seasoned NPs, starting a new field of study places you in the novice role. NP programs should make all efforts to fully disclose requirements before registration and to have systems in place that foster success. My advice would be to be sure that they present you with a very clear layout of the clinical requirements, when clinicals are allowed, what kind of agreements are needed and a potential list of preceptors before you start the program. Most importantly, talk to people who have completed the program but you will want to do this away from the campus. Alumni are not always free to speak their minds when they talk to you on campus.

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I am an FNP. I received my MSN from a traditional program ten years ago. It was difficult to work during the program due to the program layout but I knew what I was getting into.

Fast-forward ten years. I wanted to go back for my PMHNP certification. I found a program in North Texas that was supposed to be online - only had to go the campus three times during the program. What they failed to tell us was that were only allowed to complete the clinical portion of the program Monday-Friday, 8-5. This information did not come to light till it was too late to drop the semester. Also there was no support in arranging clinical experiences (no list of potential preceptors). We were very much on our own. Even for seasoned NPs, starting a new field of study places you in the novice role. NP programs should make all efforts to fully disclose requirements before registration and to have systems in place that foster success. My advice would be to be sure that they present you with a very clear layout of the clinical requirements, when clinicals are allowed, what kind of agreements are needed and a potential list of preceptors before you start the program. Most importantly, talk to people who have completed the program but you will want to do this away from the campus. Alumni are not always free to speak their minds when they talk to you on campus.

This is how the clinical "requirements" are at my school. They didn't say it was a requirement but they "want" clinical to occur during day shift hours M-F. They do not send out a list of possible preceptors unless you ask for one. My friend and fellow student asked for the list and it was not up to date and did not help her find a preceptor. The places they will allow us to do clinical, especially the FNP students, is very limited. No hospitals, no immediate or urgent cares. Must be a traditional doctor's office. This info was not disclosed to me prior to enrollment.

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Hi, SCSTxRN

I just got accepted into this program. Can you remember how much the total cost was? Also, how many days a week did you have to go to class. Did you work full time? I live in Houston and I am contemplating relocating.

Thanks!

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TheOldGuy

Is the program @ The University of

North Dakota online or in person?

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