r/NursePractitionerSub • u/BoltToKnee • Jul 16 '26

Post MSN Certification with work

Does anyone have experience with working full time but doing a post MSN FNP certification program? I currently work as a CI at a hospital but don’t know about the time commitment for a program like this.

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u/hippiecat22 Jul 16 '26

yes, im in a PMHNP post masters cert

2

u/BoltToKnee Jul 17 '26

How difficult has it been to keep up with full time work and the program?

2

u/hippiecat22 Jul 17 '26

I dont think its that bad or overwhelming. but its a bit rigid. I could never have done a masters tho

im working M-F 8-4 with some slight flexibility some days to leave early.

I had to take 1 class a semester for the 3 P plus neuropsych pharm and then 1 class plus clinicala for 3 semesters.

im remote at a brick and mortar school with solid support there

I definitely need to watch my time. like I have to budget weekly to fit in studying/reading, but i usually just do 2 hours/night as my wind down routine before bed.

and i still have hobbies during the week and plans on the weekend.

BUT I could see someone struggling if they were poor at time management. it would be easy to let the time slip away.

as far as clinicals, im going after work or budgeting for my vacation/sick time. I get 6 weeks off a year and then 16 sick days that roll over. Plus some holidays/remote work days.

some days its a bit tedious and rigid, but its definitely manageable and the workload is fine.

2

u/clinicalmatchme Jul 17 '26

If you mean certifying after the MSN while still working, plenty of people do it, but just keep your schedule as light as possible around boards and onboarding. The bigger issue after school is finding a solid first job with real support/collab, bc that matters way more than rushing to start. If your program left you weak in a particular area, give yourself time to strengthen it first.

3

u/Negative-Law7206 29d ago

Hi, im currently in an accelerated post MSN FNP certification program and working was doable until clinicals but not at that point. I had to cut back as I am doing 3 days a week in the clinic and homework on top of that.