Psych NP vs Derm NP

Published

Hey everyone! So I'm currently in an NP program that offers FNP and PMHNP routes. I have completed several classes thus far and I am approaching the time when I'm going to have to decide which route I want to take. I am extremely interested in psychology and always read books on the subject. I also work in an ED and love medicine as well. Thusly, I'm very torn between doing psychiatric NP and FNP, which will afford me more options in terms of practice setting. Here are the facts: I live in Connecticut and plan on practicing here, or possibly in NY (where independent practice is allowed). In Connecticut, NPs can practice with a collaborative agreement with a physician, but most work in a physician's office or hospital. However, PMHNP's can independently practice and prescribe without a collaborative agreement. I would like to hear all of your insights on this. Which specialty has more job availablity and future job prospects? Which specialty is more lucrative? I've found such a myriad of different figures online and I'm really confused. Some say around 80k. Others I've talked to say they know NPs making 250k in private practice. I just want to know what the reality will be for me and the future earning potential. Please let me know what you think in terms of what the best option would be. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The reality is to pick what makes your heart zing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Derm NP makes a lot more money.

I would encourage you to do FNP. You will have a lot more jobs and options to choose from in FNP route. In psych, you will be stuck with one specialty. You can continue with DNP with Psych specialty later when you get settled. I regret not going that route (FNP then psych NP).

Mental health services rely on government and state funding. The reimbursement for medicaid and uninsured patients is horrible in "some states." I don't know about CT/NY. So your salary is dictated by the reimbursement regardless of the controversial demand.

Derm NP is much more lucrative because many patients are self-pay or have private insurance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Harmonizer, Is there a need for Derm APRN's though? I spoke with a doctor whose wife just graduated FNP school and she has 18 years ED RN experience and she couldn't get a job with a dermatologist. Do you know any Derm APRNs and what they make and how hard getting a job was for them? Where do you live?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Also, is derm typically a field mostly females go into? I'm a male, and don't know if women would come to me for asthetic stuff?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've never had a female dermatologist ever. Not because of choice...just because. Women will go to whoever is going to fix their dermatological problems. If a monkey or a robot had the ultimate beauty fix and was qualified to administer it....we'd line up in hoardes Your gender won't be a problem.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hey everyone! So I'm currently in an NP program that offers FNP and PMHNP routes. I have completed several classes thus far and I am approaching the time when I'm going to have to decide which route I want to take. I am extremely interested in psychology and always read books on the subject. I also work in an ED and love medicine as well. Thusly, I'm very torn between doing psychiatric NP and FNP, which will afford me more options in terms of practice setting. Here are the facts: I live in Connecticut and plan on practicing here, or possibly in NY (where independent practice is allowed). In Connecticut, NPs can practice with a collaborative agreement with a physician, but most work in a physician's office or hospital. However, PMHNP's can independently practice and prescribe without a collaborative agreement. I would like to hear all of your insights on this. Which specialty has more job availablity and future job prospects? Which specialty is more lucrative? I've found such a myriad of different figures online and I'm really confused. Some say around 80k. Others I've talked to say they know NPs making 250k in private practice. I just want to know what the reality will be for me and the future earning potential. Please let me know what you think in terms of what the best option would be. Thanks!
Do what makes you happy. Focus on the market in your region. In my area FNPs have a hard time because the market is saturated. Psych, on the other hand, does very well ad commands a higher salary. It depends.
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Myelin, where do you live?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Isn't derm one speciality that many docs try to get into? I don't consider being "stuck" in psych. It was what I wanted and I was clear on that. In my area I think most every psychiatrist takes cash only and they are all full up even charging over $200 an hour.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm planning on practicing in the pacific northwest or maybe the south west. Really, I also find the idea of being "stuck" in psych to be strange. I mean, you should be doing what will make you happy and interests you. The idea of being "stuck" treating nothing but DM, HTN, and STDs all day long gives me the creeps, so I actually find FNP not nearly as appealing. I'm thrilled with the idea of being a psych NP. It all depends on your individual preferences.

The PMHNPs in private practice that I know (this is in the pacific northwest) make a lot of money (over 100k) and aren't even taking patients, they're so inundated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well, FNPs have a wide range of specialties to choose from...dermatology, ortho, surgery, etc. But psych limits you to only psych. I really love psychology but I love medicine as well so I can't decide. That's why I need to take into consideration job availability in Connecticut and surrounding areas and pay.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What program did you decide to complete? I am interested in the same areas and am nearing a point where I must make a decision. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion