Scope of Psych. NP

zenman · Jul 19, 2012

how is the future of Psych. NP? where can they be hired?
and will they be in high demand after 2-3 years?

Really great as the world is going to hades in a handbasket so you'll have job security for a long time.

harmonizer · Jul 19, 2012

how is the future of Psych. NP? where can they be hired?
and will they be in high demand after 2-3 years?

Who know? There are lots more jobs in other specialties, even now. Remember the perceived demand is relative to the supply. You can figure out what can affect the supply side of the equation.

myelin · Jul 20, 2012

It depends. The demand in the areas I plan on practicing in is pretty great, according to the psych NPs I know who are currently in practice. A big part of this is independent practice, though. It makes things a lot easier. They make a lot more than those in other specialties (compare starting offers of PMHNPs vs. FNPs, etc.). Of course, this is quite regional. You might have to go rural for a little while to build up some experience, which might not pay as well. Honestly, in the areas I'm interested in, psych NPs are in very high need. Check out your state's statistics on APRN jobs (psych specialty), what psych NPs and other providers in your area are saying, look at job listings in that area, etc. That should help you get an idea.

Oh, and 70% of psychiatrists are 50 years or older. That is significant.

harmonizer · Jul 21, 2012

The demand and supply can shift easily within a year or two. I was in another heatlhcare field and experienced the result of free market education. The schools can easily increase the enrollment based on the perceived demand. Yes, it may seem to be good now. But who know what it will be within the next few years..

My school just suddenly increased the enrollment for psych NP by 50%. Will there be jobs for that 50% of graduating class in the next 2 years? I am not sure. When the number of Psych NP graduates was increased to be the same as FNPs, I will make a plan to switch career or to other specialties. Logically speaking, psych NP openings still represent a very small percentage of all NP/APRN jobs. That's why all generalists like FNP grads I know still get jobs despite having higher number of new grads. The only reason we can still get jobs is because Psych NP grads are still kept at that small percentage. Remember that we are also competing with PAs. Right now PA has minimal training in psych. Once the post-master psychiatric fellowships for PAs are more well-established, it will be harder for Psych NPs to find jobs.... We'll be competing with PAs like FNPs. So 2-3 years from now.. Things can change... Nothing is forever... so remember about the supply as well :) not just the demand.. it is not ethical for me to discourage people to go into the field but I am just trying to play devil's advocate... I don't want people to get too invested on high cost private school education when there is a chance that the return of investment may not be as great as they think.. I saw it happened with other fields..

myelin · Jul 21, 2012

one of the PA psych residencies takes NPs as well, if people are worried about being competitive and getting more training. Also, in my program, we have a really small class in the psych specialty this year... dunno why, but there's half of us in comparison to last year. To be honest, psych will always be somewhat of a niche. It's just not a lot of people's "thing", kwim?

Macann · Jul 22, 2012

Thank you all for responding!!