I am a BSN RN as well as a licensed mental health counselor. I work in my own private counseling practice but am now entertainng the idea of returning to school so that I may obtain prescriptive powers and treat my patients that require a medication component. Please advise: Am I best to enter a psych nurse practitioner program? How much more money can I expect to earn? What distance/on line programs are recommended for part time study that are reasonably priced and do not require many, many clinical hours? Is there a better academic program/degree to take in order to prescribe psychotropics? I am older and want to expedite my education at this stage of life, so please keep that in mind in responding. I will remain here to practice in the great mental health state of Florida. Any input would be helpful. I am overwhelmed with information on line. Thank you!!