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

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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!

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Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.

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.)

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Specializes in ICU.

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

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What did you end up doing?

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