Which MSN specialization is best for PsychNP? Out of the 3:

elkpark · Apr 6, 2011

None of them. The only way to become a psych NP is to complete a degree with a psych NP specialization/concentration.

Or are you referring to an additional MSN (post-Master's certificate) for someone who is already a psych NP?

luv_n_psych_nursing · Apr 6, 2011

I think I am confused, I was under the understanding you could have a MSN with any specialty but could always get an additional post masters with psych np specialization afterwards. I will have to do some research again! :idea:

ktliz · Apr 6, 2011

Nursing student and future psych nurse here as well!

I have found the American Psychiatric Nurses Association website to be very helpful: http://www.apna.org

They have a listing of graduate programs under "Resource Center."

elkpark · Apr 6, 2011

I think I am confused, I was under the understanding you could have a MSN with any specialty but could always get an additional post masters with psych np specialization afterwards. I will have to do some research again!

You're correct, that is a possibility -- but, in order to be a psych NP, at some point you'll have to complete an MSN (or DNP) or post-Master's certificate in a psych NP concentration. You can "always get an additional post-Master's ... afterwards," but that's not a small thing -- it's most of a second graduate degree.

If you know that you want to end up a psych NP, why would you not just go to a psych NP program in the first place? Why get a different graduate degree (that you don't want and isn't going to get you where you want to be) first, and end up putting in almost twice the time, effort, and $$$??