Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

What were your reasons for choosing Fairfield University for your advanced degree?
I searched far and wide for an APRN PMHNP program. I was willing to move in order to attend a program that offered everything I was looking for. I wanted to attend a program with a strong reputation and a presence within the local community. I also sought a program that offered small class sizes that were held on campus and taught by supportive professors who had my back. Fairfield University provided me with all of this and more. Many large and well known universities have moved to an entirely online program and no longer find clinical placements for their students. In contrast, Fairfield University provides its PMHNP students with clinical placements and does their best to offer students the exact placements they want. I moved from Maryland to Connecticut to attend the MSN program, and I don’t have any regrets about this decision.

What have you liked about your Fairfield education?
I am highly satisfied with my Fairfield education. The quality of the instructors, and specifically instructors for the PMHNP speciality courses, was outstanding. I felt supported and always knew that If a problem arose, that my professors would be there to help me through it. Coursework was challenging, but manageable, and I was able to continue working throughout the program. Furthermore, my clinical sites were great. Students were able to list their top choices for clinical placements, and I was placed at my top choice of clinical site. I also really appreciated the trauma focus of the program and the focus on psychotherapy skills. Additionally, the program included clinical simulations, case discussions, presentations, and journal clubs. These prepared me well for my first APRN position.

What would you tell someone considering an advanced degree at Fairfield?
I highly recommend the PMHNP program! I consider attending Fairfield to be walking down the ‘road less traveled.’ This is because there are a plethora of widely available PMHNP programs that are 100% online and less expensive than Fairfield. If you attend Fairfield’s program, it will be more challenging than these programs, but you will learn much more and be better prepared for the responsibilities that come with your new APRN role. I considered the online programs, but I’m so glad I chose Fairfield for my PMHNP education.

How has working toward your advanced degree at Fairfield affected your life?
I wanted to attend a PMHNP program that prepared me for the real world of APRN practice and allowed me to have a job before graduating. Attending Fairfield University’s PMHNP program allowed me to reach both of these goals. I had accepted an APRN position several months before graduation. I studied for about 2 weeks for my ANCC PMHNP boards, and passed with no problems. Since starting at my new job, I have felt very well prepared for my new role and my supervisors have given me positive feedback about my level of preparedness. If I could go back in time and was given the option to attend Fairfield or another program, I would 100% choose to attend Fairfield again.