PMHNP program - please help me choose

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  1. Brick & mortar DNP program or online MSN program? The DNP program is 3 years, the school finds preceptors for the students. The MSN program is 2 years, students must find preceptors themselves. Cost is approximately the same. Both are reputable programs. Any input will be appreciated. Thanks!

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      Brick & mortar DNP, 3 years, school finds preceptors
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      Online MSN, 2 years, student finds preceptors

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Brick & mortar DNP program or online MSN program? The DNP program is 3 years, the school finds preceptors for the students. The MSN program is 2 years, students must find preceptors themselves. Cost is approximately the same. Both are reputable programs. One additional factor is the DNP program will make me take multiple classes I have already taken recently at the same school, for no apparent reason. Any input will be appreciated. Thanks!

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

I strongly encourage going with a program that will find your clinical placements for you and/or offer significant support in helping you obtain placements, you only need look around this site to see how many students end up screwed over by not being able to secure a clinical placement and who have no support from their programs around this.

I would clarify with the DNP program that you actually need to retake the coursework if you've already taken it - it is possible they may allow you to waive some coursework if you've already completed it recently through the same university.

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Specializes in Psych/Mental Health.

^^ Agree with this. Go to a program that secures clinical placement.

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Thanks for the responses, folks. It looks like there is a pretty clear consensus. I'm still hung up on the school requiring re-taking of courses - and no, they will not waive these courses, I have asked. Plus I was mistaken about the cost. Faulty math on my part - turns out the DNP program is about twice the cost. Wondering if anyone with experience having to acquire their own preceptors could discuss this. Are the pros associated with not having to find a preceptor really worth the cons of this program?

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I am a PMHNP with a DNP and I had to find my own clinical placements. There are few things that are as stressful as having to find your own placements. This is especially true for PMHNP programs due to the lack of providers in most areas. Knowing that your clinical placements are secure is worth the extra cost alone.

Additionally, it is my opinion that the DNP is worth the extra year of school. Having to take courses a second time is pretty ridiculous, but it's not surprising and also not the end of the world. I wish you the best!

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