Will a post-master's certificate allow me to switch specialties?

[pmk19]

Hi all,

I am a college grad who applied to accelerated NP programs for non-nurses and was accepted to a few programs recently. I'm pretty sure I want to be a psych NP, unless if I find something I like better during clinical rotations. I am deciding between a top choice school that I'd love to attend, and another (also great) school that doesn't have a psych NP specialty. The school without the psych specialty offered me a full ride. I prefer the first school for many reasons but I feel silly to turn down a full ride.

I heard that a roundabout way to obtain my goal is to become a FNP then pursue a post-master's psych certificate to become a psych NP. I don't know much about post-master's certificates and am wondering if they hold the same weight as attending a typical psych NP MSN, or if I would be at a disadvantage when looking for PMHNP jobs with only a certificate. I googled some online certificate programs, but do those really If anyone has any insight or advice into this matter, I would love to hear it! Thanks!

[anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP]

There wouldn't be any difference to get the post masters certificate because you would still hold the same national certification.

I'd take the full ride if I had to choose. It may take an extra year or so to get the post masters certificate but unless you just like debt or have a lot of extra money lying around I think it'd be worth it. Plus you'd have more options if the job outlook changed in your area with a 2nd certification (FNP, ACNP, AGNP, etc.)

[Wolf at the Door, BSN]

Full ride....not sure how you pulled that off but, good job. TAKE THE FULL RIDE.

[missdeevah, NP]

What did you end up doing?