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Discussion

Online PMHNP school programs

Hey all,

Has anyone graduated from an online out of state-accredited PMHNP school and had difficulty finding a job in California?

I am currently a new grad RN, BSN since February, and got my first job in a psych hospital. I am super excited and I am really enjoying the experience so far. I have 9 years of mental health experience in an outpatient facility and have always enjoyed working with the mental health population.

I've done a bunch of research on PMHNP programs but have only had success with finding out of state online PMHNP programs (Maryville, Regis, ect). I've heard mixed reviews about online programs and I am a bit hesitant. I understand that you have to find your own preceptor in most graduate programs. I called most of the California nursing programs and most of them are on campus (UCSF, Loma Linda) which I can't do while working a fulltime job in Sacramento.

Any advice/tips would be appreciated.

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    Have you tried Brandman University (offers a DNP in psych), and Charles Drew (PMHNP). I believe you meet a few times in the semester but it's mostly online.

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    • Author

    Thanks for the info about Brandman University and Charles Drew. I haven't heard of those schools so I'll have to check those out. I appreciate the info!

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    Here are a few online programs: Vanderbilt, Rush University, Ohio State University, U. of Cincinnati, and U. of Alabama. Duke also has online PMHNP but its admission requires med-surg experience.

    In general, if you just want a PMHNP job, it doesn't matter whether you went to a questionable online program. You should be able to find a job regardless.

    That said, if you ever want to get PMHNP jobs at more competitive facilities (research hospitals, well known clinics etc.) or PMHNP jobs that include academic responsibilities such as instructing residents/fellows or research, you'll likely be competing with PMHNPs from big-name NP programs (especially in large cities). Physicians do tend to care more about the name of the school people went to.

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    • Author

    I appreciate the info umbdude! What you said makes a lot of sense. I'm going to keep researching and looking around for PMHNP programs. I'll definitely keep in mind the schools that you suggested. I'm mainly looking for a great learning experience and hoping to find a school that will prepare me for the journey ahead while being able to work fulltime. I would like to keep my options open about working at a competitive facility so I plan on prioritizing more well-known NP schools.

    Thank you for taking the time to comment!

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    On 5/18/2020 at 1:47 PM, umbdude said:

    Here are a few online programs: Vanderbilt, Rush University, Ohio State University, U. of Cincinnati, and U. of Alabama. Duke also has online PMHNP but its admission requires med-surg experience.

    In general, if you just want a PMHNP job, it doesn't matter whether you went to a questionable online program. You should be able to find a job regardless.

    That said, if you ever want to get PMHNP jobs at more competitive facilities (research hospitals, well known clinics etc.) or PMHNP jobs that include academic responsibilities such as instructing residents/fellows or research, you'll likely be competing with PMHNPs from big-name NP programs (especially in large cities). Physicians do tend to care more about the name of the school people went to.

    YES, all of the above

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