PMHNP DNP online programs

[catherine simmons]

Hi all,

 

I'm new to this group and was referred here by someone on allnurses.  I am 3 semesters away from graduation with my MSN from California State University Dominguez Hills.  I had to do the MSN pathway program as my bachelors is in business.  I was in the clinical nurse specialist role option, but the adviser there told me that I'd be better off completing the Masters in Nurse Administration.  Her reasoning is that I work as a Behavioral Health Case Manager (CCM) for TRICARE, so I've been out of clinical - hospital setting practice for almost 7 years.  She said that as a CNS I would be expected to be an expert clinically.  Previously I worked in ICU and telemetry.  I really enjoy behavioral health so her recommendation to me was to finish the MSN as a nurse administrator (something I don't think I am interested in doing as a professional goal) and then (since I said my plan was to go on immediately for the DNP) to go to a DNP program that offers the PMHNP specialty and DNP together.  I live in San Diego and have been looking at different programs, but it is very confusing.  I will probably need to continue working fulltime during the majority of my program, so I will need online programming with the 3-day /semester immersion options, and to do my practicum here in San Diego.  I was considering Brandman in Irvine, but they are not yet CCNE accredited (although they say they will soon be).  I believe the program would take 2+ years and cost $60,000+.  I am open and interested in any suggestions for workable distance DNP programs that offer the PMHNP specialty.  In searching online, it appears that since my MSN will not be as a CNS or NP, I may have to do the BSN to DNP program at several of the options, which will of course take longer.  I want to complete my coursework in the shortest time possible, but have an excellent educational experience, and also not mortgage my home to do it.  I'll graduate from the MSN program in fall, 2012, so looking at program admission for the PMHNP DNP for spring 2013.  Planning ahead.  I will appreciate any suggestions or ideas of good programs.  Thanks.  I really enjoy this website.

 

Catherine Simmons, RN, BS, CCM

[Charles Medina, DNP]

I'm a little confused.  Are you wanting to be a DNP in a non-advanced practice role?

- Charles  DNP, NP-C

[catherine simmons]

Charles,

 

Thanks for asking.  No.  My MSN will be in the Nurse Administrator role option.  That is because California State Dominguez Hills does not have a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner role option, and I don't want to be a FNP or a CNS in geriatrics (which are my other 2 choices).  So I will graduate with the MSN and then will go to a DNP program that also does the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specialty.  Even though I'll already have the MSN it will take longer in the DNP program, because I'll also be getting the PMHNP specialty.   It only makes sense because I'm half way through my MSN, so I might as well finish, and then do the PMHNP at the same time as I do the DNP.