FNP direct entry advice

[lumen4]

Note- if this kind of thing is not allowed (this is my first post) please just let me know instead of down voting into oblivion. I honestly just need some input!

I was going to wait until next winter to apply to direct entry MSN/DNP programs, but realized I didn't want to wait. I am completely unsure of what my chances are of getting in (so many of you have such amazing credentials!!), and I would like to know if there are other schools I should be looking into, if I should be aiming lower, etc. I am planning to apply to Seattle U, UVM, UMass Worcester, and Emory (going for FNP at all). My stats:

Health Education major, Bio minor

overall GPA: 3.5 (graduated cum laude, last 2 years' GPA is 3.8)

prereq GPA: I've not calculated this, but all in A-B range, except O Chem is B-

GRE: not taken yet but it's estimated to be ~153-157 quant, ~157-160 verbal

LORs: have several people lined up who all know me well (I asked them flat out if they can write me a strong LOR) who I am going to sit down and discuss with them my goals, give them copies of my resume, etc.

I did a full time internship at a well known/respected teaching hospital this summer in the Health Education dept, 3+ years experience as a peer female health educator, experience as a research assistant doing EKGs, taught an A&P lab section, have given numerous health presentations in diverse community settings, and I spent 9 months volunteering at a therapeutic horse riding center helping individuals with disabilities ride horses. I also just got a hospice volunteer position. I am also recently got my CNA cert, but have not found a job yet.

So, any and all advice is appreciated. I'm just not sure if I need to apply to more schools, look at different schools, or just keep going on this path. Thank you!

[himilayaneyes]

Hello. It sounds like you've been keeping yourself busy which is a good thing. Do you have any RN experience at all? For the most part, people applying to NP programs tend to have an average of about 10 years of clinical experience if I'm not mistaken. As far as your chances of getting into the program, you won't know until you try. There are people who have been admitted into NP programs without any RN experience at all. Good luck.

[lumen4]

Hi there, thanks for the reply!

No, I do not have any RN experience. The programs that I'm applying to are designed for people who have a Bachelors in a field other than nursing (aka people who are not nurses/have no nursing experience). They are direct entry programs. Thanks again!

[BlackSkimmer]

lumen, I don't know much about academic #s and how those translate into acceptance rates, but all the schools I've been looking at have minimum or average scores/grades listed on their websites. I think yours are within range. Your work and volunteer experience I'm sure is valuable. I'm sure you know UVM's program is 4.5 yrs for a doctorate and that they are no longer doing the direct-entry MSN. I've talked to several UVM students and the one thing they say that you should probably know is that if you get B- in two classes in the program, you are kicked out. I don't know if that happens at other MSN programs, but I think it does.

[lumen4]

Thanks BlackSkimmer! Yes I am aware than UVM is now only DNP. UMass also told me unofficially that they will likely not be accepting GEPN-MSN students anymore, that they will only be accepting GEPN-DNP. That's also good to know about the grades. Seems like a blessing and a curse, it's good because it keeps the standards high and you on your toes, but stinks if you have trouble with a particular class or are having a bad qtr/semester. Thanks again.

Edit: yes, my scores are all above the minimum posted requirements for grades/GPA (and hopefully GRE- taking it in a few weeks), however I know that these programs are fiercely competitive, so I'm not sure if just being above the minimum is enough for admission.

[ToTheStudent]

Your scores will be fine. Strong essay that conveys your interest and goals and good recommendation letters are key have those and you will more than likely receive an acceptance.

[ToTheStudent]

Oh and don't worry weather it's doctorate or masters. Just apply to whatever there is now, it'll all work out.

[olvr00]

I finished my bachelors from another country with average grades and had 2 years of experience as RN. I believe my strong essay and good recommendation letters (1 from my dean) got me into the NP program. Good luck.