ACNP Programs?

ToTheStudent · Jul 24, 2014

I made a post that may be helpful to you so here's the link!

https://allnurses.com/post-graduate-nursing/all-direct-entry-924276.html

Also I visited Vanderbilt and heavily researched UCSF (really wish I had the opportunity to apply to UCSF, but their application is due much earlier than I could prepare) both are excellent. You seem very sure about the critical care setting, which is great, and those are great places but is definitely make some calls around and research other programs, most can still get you were you want to be if they have strong preceptor locations such as big hospital or medical center affiliations. Since you're willing to travel that's a huge plus you've got lots of places to explore options. Read my earlier post and I think it'll help!

ToTheStudent · Jul 24, 2014

Oh and obviously mine was for direct entry students but the MSN application process is all very similar.

MallysMama · Jul 24, 2014

Thank you!!! Great advice!!

The school you ended up choosing- was it one that needed the GRE? You said you didn't do too well on it...did you get accepted to any of the schools that required it? I'm nervous about taking it- I'm horrible at math!!!

ToTheStudent · Jul 24, 2014

I did end up choosing one that required the GRE although the two that did not require it where I was also accepted were equally excellent programs. I bombed the math portion of mine so with that said, forget the English portion of the GRE. Studying for that was a waste of time. You'll be fine. Study the math. Actually study it, practice it, it will suck, maybe hire a tutor. And practice the writing. There's basically a method to the writing and if you follow it and don't have any grammar mistake then you will score well! I'd almost recommend depending on time and money leaving yourself enough time to take it twice. Because I was super nervous and wished I could've done it a second time with a more cool head. I never get nervous on tests, so when I did flip out a bit it was reflected in my score! Overall the GRE seems to be more of a formality, just score reasonably!

MallysMama · Jul 25, 2014

Good to know! Thanks for the tips!! I'm working my way through a study book now...but I think I may need to get a math tutor. Ugh!

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jul 25, 2014

Vanderbilt is really the only program that advertises an "intensivist" track as a subspecialty within the AGACNP program. Realize that all graduates of AGACNP programs must take boards that test for competencies in the full spectrum of adult and gerontology acute care, not just critical care. All programs must provide didactics that cover this spectrum. I think the Vanderbilt program is ideal for someone interested in critical care because it does guarantee critical care skills training and rotations.

However, there are other schools that are more than capable of providing a similar student experience "unofficially" because their affiliated hospitals have critical care nurse practitioners on staff that could serve as preceptors. I think you could start researching and asking specific programs how much critical care exposure you could possibly get in their program and that would be a good way to start.

MallysMama · Jul 25, 2014

Thanks Juan! I need to start calling around and not just looking at websites!

TammyG · Jul 25, 2014

Agree completely with Juan that any AGACNP program will prepare you to work in the critical care setting. Both Hopkins and Georgetown have excellent reputations in my area for their AGACNP programs. As for getting into these places, who knows what they are looking for, but obviously GPA and GRE scores are large components. I did not get into Georgetown despite having excellent "numbers", so who knows.

MallysMama · Jul 26, 2014

Um yeah....there's no way I could get into Hopkins or Georgetown! In my dreams maybe! )

MallysMama · Jul 26, 2014

Oops- didn't realize it would turn my smiley face into an emoticon! Haha!

ToTheStudent · Jul 26, 2014

Always apply! I got into Johns Hopkins, and I sure wasn't the top of my class, just meet the requirements they ask for and put in the effort, didn't apply to Georgetown, but they are great also consider the University of Maryland as far as trauma goes they also have an excellent reputation. Remember the schools aren't necessary looking for the best student (grades, scores, whatever), they are looking for the right student. And the same goes for you selecting a school once you've been accepted, you choose the right school for you, not necessary what's considered the best, and if hey if they happen to be considered the best and they are the right fit of a school for you too then that's always nice!