NYU or Hunter for PMHNP?

MichellesMusings · Apr 18, 2023

Hi. I'm also interested in PMHNP and I selected Maryville University in St. Louis, MO, after doing several months' research and talking to 5 other schools. I live in MO but tuition is the same. Approx $40k but that includes finishing up my BSN before applying to the MSN/PMHNP program. I'm not the primary breadwinner in my family; my husband makes well over 6 figures so some of my costs will come from student loans and out of my own pocket. I went to PRN at my current job and only work 3 shifts per MONTH. So I can attend school full-time and graduate a little sooner.

I can tell you that the 5 schools I interviewed, most of them said I was responsible for securing my own preceptors; it seems commonplace with the online schools. If you live near their B&M campuses, though, then they do seem to help more with finding you what you need to meet their requirements. Maryville has a team that will help me scope out and send necessary paperwork and records/permissions to help me secure my preceptors, but it is ultimately my responsibility. However, I've already spoken to medical directors at a couple clinics and hospitals and they stated they have been preceptors for others and to just come talk to them closer to time to start my clinicals.

In my state, I am unable to start a private practice; I'm required to always work under a physician, so which school I attend does not matter so much to me for prestige. I chose Maryville ultimately because they have a 97% first time board taker pass rate. And the cost was a bit less than other colleges I spoke with. And I can travel to their B&M and actually attend my graduation ceremonies. It will only take 4 hours to drive there. They do also require more clinical hours than most of the others but I actually prefer that; I'm a very hands-on learner so I liked that I would have more time out in the field, so to speak, to see many varied conditions/illnesses and get as much experience as possible.

So there is my 2 cents. The factors I considered when choosing my university. Best of luck to both you and me! ?

jules466 · Dec 18, 2023

As a graduate of Hunter's Pmhnp program and now relocated to Cali and working there, the first two pros you stated for NYU doesn't matter. Being a graduate of NYU is not going to be the reason you get a job, maybe in NY they'd consider it, but that doesn't matter anywhere outside of NY. So being 132k in debt over a degree is not a wise decision. I have colleagues who graduated from schools and programs I did not know existed and are working in big corporations and facilities. After you take your boards, the most important thing is landing a job and getting your experience! Your first job may not be something you're particular interested in but getting your foot in the door is so so important. Once you have your experience, the jobs will be the ones calling you! Good luck

FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP · Dec 19, 2023

I'm a bit confused by your post. You mention NYU, Hunter, then Hopkins. Have you been accepted? Or are you thinking about which school(s) to apply to?

My opinion is different than other responders. I earned my PMHNP through Johns Hopkins' Post-Master's Certificate program, finishing in 2022.

ONLY ATTEND A SCHOOL THAT FINDS YOUR CLINICAL SITES! I can't emphasize this enough. Hopkins's PMHNP program used to do this, but they changed leadership the year I started, and the new program head couldn't be bothered. I can't tell you how anxious this made me, and I almost was not able to get all my clinical placements. I don't care how cheap a school seems, if you can't get your clinical placements, you won't be able to finish.

Do not just go by the full "retail" price listed. There is financial aid available and most people do not pay the full price. The better schools, like NYU, usually have better financial aid.

For my initial primary care NP MSN, I won a HRSA scholarship, which was full ride, plus a living stipend, in return for working a certain number of years in an underserved area. These areas are everywhere, including in big cities. That was well worth it. I also won an additional $25K scholarship. HRSA also has loan repayment programs in return for service. Many states have similar programs for their residents, so check with New York state. I've also seen some county and city scholarships.

Some employers also offer their own loan repayment programs, like the Veterans Administration.

I've seen employers in the Western US offer loan repayment, along with sign-on bonuses, relocation up to $75K and mortgage subsidies up to $75K.

So only apply to schools that guarantee clinical placements, apply for financial aid, and see what it is actually going to cost.

As a PMHNP, you can literally work for an employer anywhere from the comfort of your own home via telehealth. That means you should have no trouble finding employers that quality for the HRSA scholarship or loan repayment program. You just have to get the requisite state NP license.

The HRSA and state-equivalent scholarships and loan repayment are competitive. Going to a better school improves your chances of winning one. Everyone from Hopkins that applied for a HRSA scholarship got one.