Path to Psych NP

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Hi all,

I've been trying to read as much as I can on this forum (there's a ton of info). I currently have a masters degree in psychology but have realized that I want to become a psych NP. I'm hard pressed to quit my FT job at the moment to go back to school full time, but I was wondering what my options are for reaching this goal. I've started to look into WGU, but would appreciate any help.

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum,

hb

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Direct entry psych NP program, where you do an accelerated RN and then do directly into the NP program. Most programs take 3 years, but a few can have you done in two (Vanderbilt and BC). This is after you complete prereqs and apply.

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The problem with a direct entry program is you couldn't keep your job. They do 4 years of BSN in one year, so it's usually 5 days a week of full day class. There is no way to become a PMHNP without becoming an RN first...and I don't know how you could become an RN while still working full time. (Once you're an RN you could probably work full time while doing the master's part, especially since you work in psych which is beneficial to you when you graduate, but I just don't see how you can get the BSN..)

It seems WGU does offer an online BSN program if you already have a Bachelor's, but there is a disclaimer:

NOTICE: There will be limited clinical opportunities available in select hospitals in Southern California, Texas, Florida, Indiana and Utah. Because of limited clinical opportunities, this is a highly selective program. Future expansion is planned in all five states and in additional states this year and beyond.

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Excellent advice, thank you to both posters. I'm in a state where there is clinical opportunities at WGU and am thinking I would explore that option a little more. Are there any threads I should make sure to read? This is probably a silly questions, but do I need a BSN to become a NP or would a bachelors (in different area) + RN be enough?

Again, sorry if I sound naive, I am and want to learn!

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You have to have a BSN. If you go to a school that does allow an RN plus another bachelors, they will make you take extra courses to bridge to a BSN.

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The problem with a direct entry program is you couldn't keep your job. They do 4 years of BSN in one year, so it's usually 5 days a week of full day class. There is no way to become a PMHNP without becoming an RN first...and I don't know how you could become an RN while still working full time. (Once you're an RN you could probably work full time while doing the master's part, especially since you work in psych which is beneficial to you when you graduate, but I just don't see how you can get the BSN..)

It definitely is not 4 years of RN courses fit into one year. Most BSN programs in large colleges have so many general education classes mixed in that actual nursing classes maybe make up 4-6 semesters. Some of the grad-entry programs are actually fitting RN courses in about a 4-5 semesters (including summers), some of which may even be online, may omit some of the "fluff", and some of the semesters are including NP courses at the same time.

I've known a number of people who have worked at least part-time while going through grad-entry programs. They thought it was completely manageable. But of course, depends completely on the job's flexibility!

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Excellent advice, thank you to both posters. I'm in a state where there is clinical opportunities at WGU and am thinking I would explore that option a little more. Are there any threads I should make sure to read? This is probably a silly questions, but do I need a BSN to become a NP or would a bachelors (in different area) + RN be enough?

Again, sorry if I sound naive, I am and want to learn!

Grad-entry programs are typically setup so that you will have to take the NCLEX and become a registered nurse as part of the NP curriculum (typically 3 years long, full-time). You will not be rewarded a BSN as part of the program. These programs are designed for people like you with non-nursing bachelors.

About working: I've known quite a handful of people who were capable and comfortable with working part-time (about 20 hours a week) during their GE program. But, it definitely depends on the job's flexibility and the program's structure. I think you could definitely explore becoming part-time at your current job, they may be willing to work around your class schedule. Won't hurt to ask!

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Oh, my bad. I didn't see that you were planning on keeping your job. Yeah, the direct entry programs require full-time schooling, especially during the accelerated RN year. You will be expected to eat and sleep bedside nursing for that first year.

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The problem with a direct entry program is you couldn't keep your job. They do 4 years of BSN in one year, so it's usually 5 days a week of full day class. There is no way to become a PMHNP without becoming an RN first...and I don't know how you could become an RN while still working full time. (Once you're an RN you could probably work full time while doing the master's part, especially since you work in psych which is beneficial to you when you graduate, but I just don't see how you can get the BSN..)

It seems WGU does offer an online BSN program if you already have a Bachelor's, but there is a disclaimer:

NOTICE: There will be limited clinical opportunities available in select hospitals in Southern California, Texas, Florida, Indiana and Utah. Because of limited clinical opportunities, this is a highly selective program. Future expansion is planned in all five states and in additional states this year and beyond.

The BSN portion in all actuality is 16 months condensed into 12 months for accelerated MSN programs. After that, you may receive your MSN in pmh in between 1 to 3 years. If you want to work part time, that could happen in the masters portion of the program. I have just completed my BSN, and made some sacrifices like selling my townhouse and downgraded my vehicle. I also prepared for not working for a full year by working 2 jobs and saving money and living frugally ANYTHING is possible, so my advice is to go for it and don't listen to anyone that says otherwise. GOOD LUCK....it's an amazing journey that will teach you a lot about your inner strength and determination.

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Specializes in Emergency.

There are actually many routes, most require a BSN at some point, some do not. It is program dependent. No matter what program you take, getting your RN will be very difficult while still working a fulltime job. I think that will be the most difficult part of the process to keep the job during. If you can do that in a BSN program, great, that would give you the most options for the next phase.

If not, but you can with an ADN program then you how a couple of paths from there....1) do an RN-> BSN and then get your advanced degree; 2) do a program that will take your RN + BS degree and get an advanced degree. Unfortunately there are so many different programs that you will have to search them out and determine which path is best for your situation. Don't be afraid to reach out to the admissions people at a program, that's what they are there for and they will give you feedback on if their program is a good fit for you.

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Sounds like WGU is a possibility for my BSN and then I could work as a RN as I complete a NP program?

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Specializes in Mental Health.
You have to have a BSN. If you go to a school that does allow an RN plus another bachelors, they will make you take extra courses to bridge to a BSN.

This is incorrect. BSN is not required and many programs don't give one. The direct entry Psych program that I'm doing is RN and MSN only.

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