WGU MSN then postgrad NP cert

benegesserit · Dec 7, 2014

At my local state university, BSN to FNP is 46 units, and the post-master's FNP cert is 35 units.

WGU's RN to MSN program is 27 units more than the BSN portion, so doing WGU MSN and then the post-master's cert would be 62 units total.

So I decided that the post-master's route did not seem particularly cost or time efficient if a clinical degree such as FNP was the end goal. Maybe it would be cost effective for someone who is a total WGU speed-demon, which I am not, but it seems like a lot of extra work regardless.

But it might be significantly more cost effective if you were comparing it to a more expensive FNP program.

kodc · Jan 5, 2015

Thank you, Jess. That makes a lot of sense. Since I'm just starting the program I don't know if I fit into the "speed demon" category. So I'll keep it on the table, now seeing that what you pointed out makes a lot of sense.

Angeljho, MSN, NP · Mar 3, 2015

This is my dilemma right now. I plan on attending a post master's PMHNP program, but it will take me approximately 2 to 3 years to complete. It would have been more cost-effective and timely if I would have gone through a PMHNP program from the start. On the plus side, I finished my MSN at WGU in the time frame that it would have taken a person to finish their BSN. Still, I hate the thought of going through a whole other MSN program - that's basically what I'll be doing. I'm in New York so I don't have the luxury of choosing through online programs out of state (with the exception of two, I believe).

Kathy H · Mar 4, 2015

This is my dilemma right now. I plan on attending a post master's PMHNP program, but it will take me approximately 2 to 3 years to complete. It would have been more cost-effective and timely if I would have gone through a PMHNP program from the start. On the plus side, I finished my MSN at WGU in the time frame that it would have taken a person to finish their BSN. Still, I hate the thought of going through a whole other MSN program - that's basically what I'll be doing. I'm in New York so I don't have the luxury of choosing through online programs out of state (with the exception of two, I believe).

Hi newboy,

I'm just starting out with WGU, enrolled in the RN-MSN Leadership to begin May 1. I am also considering and searching for a PMHNP-family program. Doing my homework now so I know what's out there and what's feasible. Looking for a primarily online program as well. The programs are so varied and can be complicated by where they are located and your own state of residence.

What 2 programs are you currently considering online?

Some programs I noticed only accept you if you're a resident of certain states. I was looking at EKU and their post masters required you to already have your MSN as an NP or CNS - (it's only 8-10 credits however). If you go for the PMHNP masters level then you need to take the GRE. The masters program is 46 credits. University of North Dakota has a great reputation and I was seriously considering. They told me that they accept WGU grads but since the 3.0 GPA is their minimum and they favor applicants from surrounding states and that it is a very competitive applicant pool that essentially it won't be easy to get accepted there. It was discouraging to get that response.

Not sure where you are in NY but Fairfield University in CT has an excellent PMHNP program- it is traditional not online but very expensive and they don't have a post masters cert. They were very responsive and not discouraging about the 3.0 max gpa from WGU.

I'm not certain that I'll go for the PMHNP and have been torn with going for RN-BSN vs. RN-MSN at WGU. Since I was accepted for the MSN and it shouldn't take that long to complete I decided to stick with it. As time goes on and I have a better sense of my path I can always request the BSN and move on to a PMHNP program.

I will be following your thread and hope to get some good info along the way. Please keep your progress posted. I wish you the best of luck!

Kathy

Kathy H · Mar 4, 2015

Thank you, Jess. That makes a lot of sense. Since I'm just starting the program I don't know if I fit into the "speed demon" category. So I'll keep it on the table, now seeing that what you pointed out makes a lot of sense.

Hi kodc

I have also been considering the NP route (psych) so I have been doing a lot of research on what is out there. There are so many things to consider: credits needed, WGU gpa of 3.0- which is usually the minimum, state of residency limitations, cost, campus visit requirements for online programs, etc.

I was unsure whether to just go for the BSN at WGU, but with all the uncertainty I also decided to "table it" as you said. I'm going to wait and go for the WGU MSN and will decide once I have a better sense of my plan going forward (and as Jess6 noted if you're a speed demon at WGU) whether to petition for my BSN early.

When do you start WGU and which concentration are you in? I'm starting RN-MSN Leadership May 1.

Kathy

Angeljho, MSN, NP · Mar 9, 2015

Hi newboy,
I'm just starting out with WGU, enrolled in the RN-MSN Leadership to begin May 1. I am also considering and searching for a PMHNP-family program. Doing my homework now so I know what's out there and what's feasible. Looking for a primarily online program as well. The programs are so varied and can be complicated by where they are located and your own state of residence.
What 2 programs are you currently considering online?
Some programs I noticed only accept you if you're a resident of certain states. I was looking at EKU and their post masters required you to already have your MSN as an NP or CNS - (it's only 8-10 credits however). If you go for the PMHNP masters level then you need to take the GRE. The masters program is 46 credits. University of North Dakota has a great reputation and I was seriously considering. They told me that they accept WGU grads but since the 3.0 GPA is their minimum and they favor applicants from surrounding states and that it is a very competitive applicant pool that essentially it won't be easy to get accepted there. It was discouraging to get that response.
Not sure where you are in NY but Fairfield University in CT has an excellent PMHNP program- it is traditional not online but very expensive and they don't have a post masters cert. They were very responsive and not discouraging about the 3.0 max gpa from WGU.
I'm not certain that I'll go for the PMHNP and have been torn with going for RN-BSN vs. RN-MSN at WGU. Since I was accepted for the MSN and it shouldn't take that long to complete I decided to stick with it. As time goes on and I have a better sense of my path I can always request the BSN and move on to a PMHNP program.
I will be following your thread and hope to get some good info along the way. Please keep your progress posted. I wish you the best of luck!
Kathy

I was looking into Stony Brook post master's PMHNP program which is online with some campus requirements and Hunter College which is traditional. Both programs will take about 2 to 3 years. WGU now has the 3 P's so a MSN graduate should not have too much of a problem when it comes to transferring those courses (The 3 P's weren't in my curriculum). I don't think being accepted into post master's programs is the problem when it comes to WGU. The problem lies in whether you will have to repeat the generic theory, research, and leadership courses you already took because of schools not accepting those credits. The only online schools available to NY students that's out of state are Frontier and one other one (the name escapes me at the moment).

ode2BeRN · Mar 16, 2015

I am interested in WGU MSN Leadership program and possibly continuing in obtaining a post master's FNP certificate from a different school. Since WGU's grade system is PASS or DID NOT PASS, wouldn't it be difficult in applying to college's for Post Master's FNP Program?

Angeljho, MSN, NP · Mar 16, 2015

I am interested in WGU MSN Leadership program and possibly continuing in obtaining a post master's FNP certificate from a different school. Since WGU's grade system is PASS or DID NOT PASS, wouldn't it be difficult in applying to college's for Post Master's FNP Program?

It depends on the requirements of the school you plan on going to for post master's FNP. WGU's pass = 3.0 which puts your GPA at 3.0. Although a lot of people stress that other prospective students will have competitive GPAs greater 3.0, there have been plenty of WGU students who were accepted into post master NP programs.

kodc · Mar 29, 2015

Hi kodc
I have also been considering the NP route (psych) so I have been doing a lot of research on what is out there. There are so many things to consider: credits needed, WGU gpa of 3.0- which is usually the minimum, state of residency limitations, cost, campus visit requirements for online programs, etc.
I was unsure whether to just go for the BSN at WGU, but with all the uncertainty I also decided to "table it" as you said. I'm going to wait and go for the WGU MSN and will decide once I have a better sense of my plan going forward (and as Jess6 noted if you're a speed demon at WGU) whether to petition for my BSN early.
When do you start WGU and which concentration are you in? I'm starting RN-MSN Leadership May 1.
Kathy

I'll be starting the 6/1 cohort in IN for pre-licensure BSN. It will be 2 1/2 years. I currently specialize in chronic brain-based and neurological conditions. I plan to integrate both in future practice. I'm strongly leaning towards FNP currently. But could also see great benefit from pursuing PMHNP credentials as I work a lot with attention, anxiety, and chronic pain.

KO

empatheticRN · Mar 29, 2015

This is my dilemma right now. I plan on attending a post master's PMHNP program, but it will take me approximately 2 to 3 years to complete. It would have been more cost-effective and timely if I would have gone through a PMHNP program from the start. On the plus side, I finished my MSN at WGU in the time frame that it would have taken a person to finish their BSN. Still, I hate the thought of going through a whole other MSN program - that's basically what I'll be doing. I'm in New York so I don't have the luxury of choosing through online programs out of state (with the exception of two, I believe).

Which online schools have you looked at? I'll be starting my RN-BSN with WGU next month. My eventual goal is to become a PMHNP. I've been looking at Drexel university in PA its online, with the exception of the last 4 semesters you have to go in for 2 consecutive days at the start of the Semesters for I guess some sort of simulation exercise . I prefer solely online courses but since I'm in NJ , it should be so hard to take two days off each quarter to drive over to PA.

Bmore718 · Apr 21, 2015

you know any NP programs that accept WGU BSN i am also in New York