Questions regarding NP programs

Without going into too much detail (because I'm not an expert on each type of NP and their scope of practice), yes, each type of NP has a scope of practice and you would not be able to switch without getting the education necessary and obtaining the additional license. Currently these scopes of practice are defined somewhat differently in each state, i.e. each state has it's own laws which define the scope of practice and although they are mostly the same, there are variances between states. The consensus model is the proposed standardization for the scope of practice with the goal that all 50 states will at some point in time adopt this model.

Each type of NP has a specific scope, so PMHNPs can only really do mental health, pediatric NPs cannot see above age 18, Adult NPs cannot see children, etc. If you decide later you want to do a different type you can get a post masters certificate, which is usually a year, to give you certification in a different population.

There are some programs that allow you to dual-specialize, too, so that when you're done with the program, you're eligible to sit for both licensing exams. FNP/PMHNP, for example.

This is exactly why I chose FNP, to give me a wider range of places to work and all age groups. I plan on doing a post master or DNP in PMHNP after my MSN/FNP is done.

Thank you everyone for your responses! Tasha, I like your suggestions of FNP to DNP in PMHNP. My only concern is the expense of going for a DNP. The Master's will already put me in debt . I think I will plan on the adult geriatric specialty and if I want to do mental health I can go back and get certified in that area as well. Thanks again!

@scarykarrey, any suggestions of duel FNP/PMHNP programs?

There are a few threads on Allnurses if you search for "dual fnp/pmhnp". It looks like the University of Tennessee has one. I'm sure there are others.

Tasha,

Have you seen any programs out there that will allow you to specialize in a different track for DNP? I have only seen post-Master's cert options (or dual role programs) to achieve the different specialties. The DNP programs I have looked at require you to enroll in the same specialty as you are already certified in... so just curious! Have not run across any like that yet, perhaps because I am looking more locally/ regionally.

Cardiac-RN

University of Alabama has a dual FNP/PMHNP program.

I did fnp, because an fnp can do everything a gnp, anp can do. i mean why cut yourself short. Most practices want you to be able to see all ages. It may be a large hindrance to limit yourself. Mental health is a whole different ball park though, so i can't comment on that.

ACNP are preferred for inpatient stuff, but my current job which was also my first job is as an inpatient hospitalist, including ICU rounds, so FNP pretty much allows for everything. But then again I live in the middle of nowhere, it may be different in the cities. They don't really train you to take care of septic shock patients with multiple comorbidities in an FNP program, but i get at least 2-3 of those a week.

unless you want a secondary mental health degree, i think an extra year of work experience counts more than a post masters. they also have np residencies, which i don't know much about. but they look interesting.