Importance of NP Grades

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So I am curious how important, if at all, NP school grades are? I assume that they have some importance for NPs that want to get into a competitive DNP program. And also for DNP graduates that want to pursue tenure track appointments in academia. But how about for NPs that may want to work as an adjunct at some point in their career: do grades matter at all? How about for any other purpose? Do they matter for certain NP internships? What about for other jobs?

Although I am asking generally about NP school grades, I am particularly interested in FNP program grades, if that affects the answers. Thanks.  

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Typo: I meant to say residency, not internship

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Specializes in APRN, FNP-C.

Are you in a FNP program? Most programs, if not all, do not allow you to get below a B just to stay in the program. That said, if you get all Bs will that make you competitive for some post graduate programs? Probably not. The importance of grades really depends on what you aim to do post graduation. Most jobs do not ask for transcripts, but some may. Sometimes taking additional graduate classes, and doing well in them, may boost your overall GPA. I always say to do the best you can, aim for the A, but don't get discouraged if you don't quite make it. It's best to figure out what you want to do and what is needed to help you achieve your goal. 

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Thank you for your reply.

Yes, I am a new NP student, in a combined MSN/DNP program.  I plan to deliver primary care in an underserved rural community where I have some ties.

In addition, after I graduate in four years, I may want to look into doing a residency. Further down the road, I may also want to teach as an adjunct faculty member in a NP Program at a university a couple hours away. But I am not emotionally committed to either idea at this time. 

I want to do well in my NP Program and am used to working hard. I had a 4.0 in my BSN program, which helped get me in to my NP Program, which is among the very most competitive in the US.  But I am older and must decide how I will balance the competing demands on my time. Aiming for an A in every class would mean allocating hours towards school and away from other activities--including family time, volunteer work and community activities--that are also important to me.

So I am seeking clear-eyed assessments of exactly how important stellar grades in a very well regarded NP Program are. Since I am already in the combined MSN/DNP program--and these definitely will be my last degrees for my lifetime--I don't need to worry about how a grad school will view my transcript.  I also have no interest in a tenure track academic position. 

Thanks to all for any insights.  

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On 9/10/2021 at 6:42 PM, Looking Forward said:

Aiming for an A in every class would mean allocating hours towards school and away from other activities--including family time, volunteer work and community activities--that are also important to me.

Opinion: If you plan to practice as a clinician then the amount of time you invest is about your future patients, not (just) about grades. To the extent that aiming for As can be related to aiming for increased knowledge, it is important--especially in your 3Ps courses. Personally I would volunteer to study material for the benefit of future patients right now, instead of prioritizing most any other volunteering. Same with community activities. Ability to give major time to these things naturally varies throughout life anyway--according to an individual's personal needs that come and go. Right now you have a priority need to learn all that you can in your program. Reduce other responsibilities and defer or delay some personal preferences. Family time remains important but may look a little different in order to accommodate studying.

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Do jobs require you to show your grades at any point? If so, which kind of jobs?

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