Getting A License In Florida
Florida is part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact , so becoming an RN in Florida means youre also eligible to work as a nurse in 24 other states.
To become an RN, youll need to:
- Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
- Pass a criminal background check and submit your fingerprints
- Apply to become a nurse via the Florida Board of Nursing
If you complete a BSN from an accredited Florida university, you should be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. After that, youll just need to submit some extra information and pass a background test. Then youre set to begin your nursing career!
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Applying To An Online Nurse Practitioner Program In Florida
Applying to online NP programs in Florida requires advanced planning, which may include scheduling the GRE exam, ordering official transcripts, asking for reference letters, writing personal statements, and completing prerequisite courses. Preparing for interviews, updating resumes or CVs, and selecting writing samples may also be required.
Admission Requirements:Program Length:GPA Requirement:
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University Of North Carolina
Tuition: $34,535 for full program in-state tuition $61,124 for full program out-of-state tuition
A part of UNCs Master of Science nursing program, psychiatric-mental health is an advanced practice area that students can focus their studies on. This all-around education will require students to be able to attend in-person practice, something to keep in mind before applying.
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Dr Melissa Decapua Dnp Pmhnp
Dr. Melissa DeCapua is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. She has a background in child and adolescent psychiatry, as well as psychosomatic medicine. Uniquely, she also possesses a bachelors degree in studio arts, which she uses to enhance patient care, promote the nursing profession, and solve complex problems. Dr. DeCapua currently works for Microsoft as a design researcher on their Research & Insight team. She has also served as a healthcare strategist, curriculum developer, consulting psychiatric nurse practitioner, and mental health specialist. Dr. DeCapua graduated with a DNP from DeSales University in 2015. For more about Melissa, check out her blog at www.melissadecapua.com.
Accelerated Msn Psychiatric Np Programs

Who is it right for? Those with anon-nursing bachelors degree
Many graduate nursing programs also allow you to enroll directly if you have your RN license and a bachelors in a non-nursing-related field.
Some schools may also accept non-nurses with bachelors degrees to fast-track them into a masters program by the end of the program, you will have earned your RN and be eligible to sit for the NP certifying exam as well.
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Paying For Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Tuition is the biggest cost for most online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs. The program length and whether you are eligible for in-state tuition affect tuition costs. Consider books, supplies, and travel costs for any on-campus components. If you plan to work, you may want to budget for less hours before and during exam times.
Because of the demand for nurses, paying for a nursing degree is easier than for many other professions. Financial aid options include grants and scholarships, traditional loans, and loans with forgiveness programs, usually involving working in an under-served area after graduation Some government programs pay your full expenses, including a living stipend, in exchange for your commitment to practice in an under-served area.
All Np Specialty Tracks
The FIU Graduate Nursing programs integrate teaching, learning, advising and professional advancement into one synthesized academic experience to help each student achieve their fullest potential on their road to becoming an Advance Practice Registered Nurse .
Our curriculum guides students in the process of self-development to pursue excellence in their scholarly endeavors, fulfill their professional aspirations and answer the call to lead change and advance health through advanced nursing care, patient education and advocacy.
To learn more about the curriculum framework, objectives and organization of our advanced nursing practice programs, download the FIU MSN Curriculum Overview document.
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Department Of Nurse Anesthesiology
The nurse anesthetist profession has its roots in the Civil War when nurses first administered anesthesia to wounded soldiers. Today, the specialization of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists safely administer approximately 43 million anesthetics to patients each year in U.S. hospitals, surgical centers, physicians offices and other healthcare settings.
In most urban and suburban settings, CRNAs work in a collaborative team practice with physician anesthesiologists. In less populated areas, they are the sole anesthesia providers in most rural hospitals, enabling these facilities to offer obstetric, surgical and trauma stabilization and other services.
If you feel the calling to become a CRNA and lead the way in safe, cost-efficient, quality care in anesthesia practice, FIU NursingsDoctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia is for you. Our full-time education and training program can lead to a degree in nine consecutive semesters. You will learn best practices, advanced skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration in classroom, clinical and high-tech simulation settings.
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Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Nurses with a passion for mental health who want to take their careers to a higher level can opt to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner. With both Master’s of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice pathways, students have a wealth of educational program options for the specialty. With just a few years of schooling, a rewarding psychiatric nurse practitioner career can be achieved.
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What Is The Fastest Way To Become A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
The fastest way to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner depends on your current level of education. If you have a BSN and nursing experience, some MSN programs take just 24 months. If you have an ADN or a degree in a field other than nursing, you can enroll in a bridge or accelerated MSN program, rather than spending four years on a BSN plus an MSN program.
University Of North Florida
The University of North Florida, located in Jacksonvilles historic district, is another component of the Florida public education system. The nursing school was chosen as the flagship program of the University of North Florida a little more than a decade ago.
As a result, four BSN track choices, including an expedited BSN, and four graduate degree programs, have been developed. The care they offer to all nursing students is tough to compare, and with fantastic in-state tuition, UNF is a school that any Floridian should consider.
Annual in-state tuition is $6,368 per year, and the university has an NCLEX pass rate of 96.40 percent.
The University of North Florida strives to be a nursing education center of excellence, recognized for innovation and service in the preparation of professional nurses who advocate for the health and collaboratively care for individuals, families, communities, and populations across the life cycle in a variety of settings.
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Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Prospective psychiatric nurse practitioner students are often incredibly busy with work, family, and other obligations. This has prompted many schools to offer online programs to accommodate these students. Keep in mind, however, that some online programs may still require a few trips to campus for various orientations, and clinical hours will still need to be completed in person.
Fiu Nursing Program Requirements

The program is highly competitive and has limited enrollment due to Florida Board of Nursing regulations and agency requirements. We only admit 100 students annually in the Fall semester.
The AO BSN is comprised of three semesters of full-time coursework, beginning with an intensive mini-semester of nursing fundamentals immediately prior to the start of the program. Students are admitted into the AO BSN program once a year in the fall semester and begins during the fall B session.
As the Generic BSN is a limited access and highly competitive major, the Admissions Committee reviews all applications to determine acceptance decisions. Transfer students must submit an FIU Undergraduate Application and a NursingCAS application.
Florida International University admissions is more selective with an acceptance rate of 58%. Half the applicants admitted to FIU have an SAT score between 1110 and 1280 or an ACT score of 23 and 28.
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Adn Programs In Florida
The ADN or the Associates Degree in Nursing pathway is a great option for those students who wish to complete their diploma and become an RN in the shortest period of time possible. Generally, 2 years in length, ADN courses are widely available at community colleges throughout the state. Successful completion of an accredited ADN program enables students to write the NCLEX-RN licensure examination post-graduation and start their exciting careers as a nurse. With almost 150 colleges that offer this type of program, its easy to find the nursing program that matches your needs.
Christine E Lynn College Of Nursing
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This concentration provides graduates with advanced knowledge and skills to assume the role of a PMHNP. Assessment, diagnosis and treatment of adults, children and families across the lifespan with psychiatric mental health needs are the foci of the concentration. This concentration is offered as a Post Graduate Certificate of BSN-DNP.
The PMHNP Post Graduate Certificate requires a total of 22 credit hours and a 3-credit core course in Advanced Caring Science. The program of study is offered online. The curriculum contains a total of 600 hours of required clinical practice. Attainment of competencies may require more than 600 hours. Clinical placements may occur in acute care settings, private practice offices, substance treatment centers, community-based health centers, and other settings providing mental health care.
Graduates of the program are eligible for the Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Holistic Nursing Credentialing Corporation Advanced Holistic Nursing examination.
The application deadline for the Post Graduate certificate option for the fall 2022 cohort is February 15, 2022 and the application deadline for the BSN to DNP program is February 1, 2022 for summer applications.
- Public Health Facilities
- Private Practice
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Advantages Of An Online Program
Online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs offer the most convenience and flexibility. Students enrolled in these programs are able to take courses from the comfort of their own home, at times that suit their schedules. This is particularly ideal for those who don’t have a university within feasible commuting distance. Speaking of commuting, online programs also eliminate the expenses associated with transportation, including gas, parking fees, and more.
Post Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Option
Applicants holding an earned Master of Science degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing program and who meet all MSN admission requirements and have successfully completed Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology and Advanced Pathophysiology may seek specialization as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner by applying for a Post Masters Certificate . PMC applicants may be considered for a fall admission.
Once applicant has been accepted into a concentration, a gap analysis will be completed to determine the required courses for each student. PMC programs require a minimum of 10 credits for FAU MSN graduates a minimum of 13 credits is required for applicants from other institutions. Students must provide syllabi and/or course descriptions from other institutions for all transfer courses.
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University Of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida, one of the most affordable options on this list, takes pride in having accessible nursing programs, particularly for online students and veterans. This, however, does not diminish the quality of their undergraduate and graduate nursing programs for on-campus students.
The conventional BSN is still the programs centerpiece, and all recent graduates passed the NCLEX on their first try. Considering the cost and the outcome, UCF should be on the short list of any Florida citizen.
Annual in-state tuition is $6,368 per year, and the university has an NCLEX pass rate of 96.64 percent.
The mission of the University of Central Florida College of Nursing is to provide students with great individualized nursing care, to do research and scholarship that has an influence on practice and advances health justice, and to produce graduates who care, lead, and inspire.
Orange County, Florida, is home to the University of Central Florida. Orange County is bursting with excitement, arts, culture, sports, recreation, and economic opportunity, in addition to its world-class international airport, the second-largest convention center in the United States, and blockbuster theme parks and entertainment alternatives.
Tackling The Tuition Of Your Online Np Program
The costs of online nurse practitioner programs vary. While some tuitions may seem initially prohibitive, its important to remember that there are plenty of highly affordable online nurse practitioner programs as well as other funding options to help offset costs and help learners avoid student loan debt. Check out the options below, but also speak with admissions personnel at potential schools to learn if any other options exist, such as fellowships or teaching assistantships. Our can help get you on the right path, too.
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Can I Really Get My Nurse Practitioner Degree Online In Florida
Yes! Earning your nurse practitioner degree online in Florida has never been more popular or widely available. Many schools offer online or hybrid options and, like other healthcare programs, the only major caveat has to do with in-person clinical practice requirements late in the program. In some cases, you may even be able to incorporate them in your current work situation.
These programs deliver all didactic coursework entirely online and many use evening and weekend sessions to accommodate busy work schedules. Most students complete all class requirements within several terms and then move to clinical rotation placements. These opportunities take place across Florida and most schools work to find a placement in your local area.
Nurse Practitioner Certification & Licensure

After finishing an online NP program, graduates are eligible to sit for exams from two nursing certification agencies. While not necessarily required, certifications can help newly minted nurse practitioners stand out from the competition and provide more options for individuals to network and continue building their specialized skills. Students looking to understand more about their options can read about the two credentialing agencies below.
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Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Certification
Once you complete your education program, you will have to pass the PMHNP certifying exam, issued by the American Nurses Credentialing Center . According to the ANCC, upon successful completion of the exam, you will be Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified . Once you earn your license, the credential is valid for 5 years.
What Does A Pmhnp Do
Some of the duties that a PMHNP could take on include:
- Create healthcare plans, based on outpatient or home-based care for acute or chronic mental health care conditions
- Provide consultations
- Prescribe medications per their state laws
- Prescribe and offer various treatments, such as psychotherapy, medication therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, etc.
- Work alongside doctors for referrals and to provide patient care
- Participate and/or initiate research
- Education on mental health disorders
- Contribute to policy development, quality improvement, practice evaluation, and healthcare reform
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Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Faqs
What Do Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Wear on the Job?
Depending on where a psychiatric nurse practitioner works, the dress code can be variable.
Psychiatric NPs working in acute care may wear scrubs and a lab coat with the facility logo. They can also wear professional, business attire with or without a lab coat. It depends on the facility.
Psychiatric NPs working in the clinic setting can wear business attire. A lab coat may or may not be required by the organization. Some feel that providers who do not wear scrubs and a lab coat are more “approachable” therefore allowing patients to be more receptive to care. It helps place patients at ease and makes them feel more comfortable. Many psychiatric nurse practitioners prefer a less âclinicalâ environment when treating patients, and shunning the scrubs and lab coat helps build a quiet, comforting environment.
Regardless of the setting, psychiatric nurse practitioners must also consider safety when choosing professional attire. Sometimes patients experience acute mental illnesses and may view the provider as a threat. Dangling jewelry, lanyards, strings, neckties, and even belt loops can be grabbed and used to harm a provider. Dressing for safety as well as professionalism is essential in the field of mental health.
Why Is Online Psychiatric Np Program Accreditation Important
Accreditation is important for any college, but even more important for your online psych NP program.
- Certification requires graduating from an accredited program.
- Even if you have an MSN, DNP, or post-graduate certification from another accredited program, you can take the certification examination.
- Accreditation is a sign of quality for online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs.
- Many government loans do not apply to non-accredited programs.
- Many employers only consider graduates of accredited programs.
- Even if an unaccredited program appears to be cheaper or faster, it is likely to be a waste of the time and money you invest in your education.
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