MTSA DNP Program 2020

dreed44 · Dec 11, 2019

13 hours ago, shanneliz123 said:
I was an alternate that got called and was accepted. Interview was much more laid back than previous years. Know your unit specialty like the back of your hand and you will do fine. If you list medications in your app, then know those meds down to the molecular pathways. They interview you based on what you say so be mindful of that. And just be yourself. They’re super nice and know you’re nervous. Practice out loud, prepare and prepare some more. Because the interview is your ticket in. My stats weren’t great at all but I had strengths in other areas and studied my butt off For the interview.

Thank you for the quick feedback! I am currently in my first year of working in a medical ICU. I graduated from a 12 month ABSN in August with a 3.3. My previous degree at my 4 year university was in Biopsychology and my overall GPA when graduating was a 3.45. I believe my science GPA was around a 3.2. I am waiting until February to get my ACLS and PALS done because my hospital pays for it then. Would you consider my statistics to have a fair chance on an application? If not, what would you recommend in order to grab their attention and score an interview?

Shanneliz SRNA, DNP · Dec 11, 2019

10 hours ago, dreed44 said:
Thank you for the quick feedback! I am currently in my first year of working in a medical ICU. I graduated from a 12 month ABSN in August with a 3.3. My previous degree at my 4 year university was in Biopsychology and my overall GPA when graduating was a 3.45. I believe my science GPA was around a 3.2. I am waiting until February to get my ACLS and PALS done because my hospital pays for it then. Would you consider my statistics to have a fair chance on an application? If not, what would you recommend in order to grab their attention and score an interview?

I would,suggest some specialty certifications like CCRN. Not required but with how competitive programs are today I would look at it as required. I also made a post on my stats and what I did to prepare if you’re interested!

dreed44 · Dec 11, 2019

Thank you so much for going out of your way to help my life be a little easier!

Shanneliz SRNA, DNP · Dec 11, 2019

2 hours ago, dreed44 said:
Thank you so much for going out of your way to help my life be a little easier!

You’re welcome! I know it’s overwhelming so any help I can give I try to!

Defibn', RN, EMT-P · Dec 17, 2019

On 12/10/2019 at 3:43 AM, dreed44 said:
Updates? Who all got in and what was the interview like?

I was accepted. Interview was not bad. They did ask me one unit specific question and then had some follow up questions after my answer. They did not try and break me down some I have heard some programs do. It was also a question that right in my wheelhouse and I was able to respond well to the follow up questions. Everyone was respectful and nice. Pam really is super helpful in the application process. A friend of mine who graduated from the program told me about his interview process. His was long and grueling. Mine was nothing like that.

All this being said, the same rules apply here as elsewhere. Know your stuff before getting there and do not try to appear more knowledgeable than you are.

Defibn', RN, EMT-P · Dec 17, 2019

On 12/10/2019 at 9:32 PM, dreed44 said:
Thank you for the quick feedback! I am currently in my first year of working in a medical ICU. I graduated from a 12 month ABSN in August with a 3.3. My previous degree at my 4 year university was in Biopsychology and my overall GPA when graduating was a 3.45. I believe my science GPA was around a 3.2. I am waiting until February to get my ACLS and PALS done because my hospital pays for it then. Would you consider my statistics to have a fair chance on an application? If not, what would you recommend in order to grab their attention and score an interview?

It doesn't hurt to apply. If they don't offer you an interview, you're only out like 100 bucks. I think that a GPA of 3.3 is fine to get an interview. It's not a "competitive" GPA but I wouldn't consider it a weakness. Your science GPA is a little low. You could try to take a chemistry and get an A before application deadline. PALS is a good idea. Get your CCRN; just do it. It's not that hard and most people you will be competing against have it. It's hard to give you much more information on improving chances. Your options are usually limited with <1yr experience. I applied with right at a year to a different program, interviewed well, and was told by the director that the only thing my application lacked was more time in the ICU.

dreed44 · Dec 17, 2019

Thank you all,

I do plan on taking the CCRN as soon as I have enough hours to get into the class. I’m also taking an online physics class to help because a lot of schools have it as a preference on their list.

Defibn', RN, EMT-P · Dec 17, 2019

1 hour ago, dreed44 said:
Thank you all,
I do plan on taking the CCRN as soon as I have enough hours to get into the class. I’m also taking an online physics class to help because a lot of schools have it as a preference on their list.

Good on you for taking physics! Get an A. It will look good! Also, start studying for the GRE. It sucks hard.

Shanneliz SRNA, DNP · Dec 17, 2019

18 minutes ago, Defibn' said:
Good on you for taking physics! Get an A. It will look good! Also, start studying for the GRE. It sucks hard.

So, so hard ? Worst test ever

k_benei, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2019

On 12/17/2019 at 10:18 AM, dreed44 said:
Thank you all,
I do plan on taking the CCRN as soon as I have enough hours to get into the class. I’m also taking an online physics class to help because a lot of schools have it as a preference on their list.

Hi! I want to take an online physics class, which school did you go through? How long was it and how hard was it? Thank you!

dreed44 · Dec 25, 2019

1 hour ago, k_benei said:
Hi! I want to take an online physics class, which school did you go through? How long was it and how hard was it? Thank you!

Hey, I am taking my class through Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville. It’s a 3 week class and it’s currently a breeze. I have only missed one point in it. It’s all online.

hcurry9 · Dec 10, 2020

Hi all! I’m applying to the program next year and was wondering how everyone did during the application process? Generally what do most GPA and GRE scores look like? How was the interview? I’ve met with one of the recruiters already and have decided to retake a couple of courses to help my GPA, hoping that’s enough to get me an interview!