From what you describe you would definitely want to try to obtain an ACNP certification. A year or two back I believe they changed this certification from ACNP to Adult Gerontology ACNP or (AGACNP)....
You are not required to obtain a doctorate degree to become a Nurse Practitioner. There is a recommendation that all NP programs offer a DNP degree by 2015. You may still obtain a Masters degree and...
You have the right GPA and experiences to be competitive. For the University of Utah I know they also require an Advanced Physiology course that you would want to take. I think the essay you are...