aparnell

My GPA coming into the program was 3.3/3.4 (I can't remember exactly). My bachelor's is in microbiology and cell science but there are a wide variety of degrees amongst our classmates, from education to calculus. I had really great references and had been working in a primary care office, so I imagine that helped me to get in. The essay is really important for the application process though because that is their chance to "get to know you", an interview before the interview, you could say.

The program is stressful at times but it isn't unmanageable. As far as the work load, it's just a lot of information. The concepts aren't that hard but the amount of material we are expected to learn can be intimidating sometimes. Being a part of a study group is key to making it through this program. As far as the interview process, I don't really have much advice. To be quite honest, I don't really remember what they asked me. I do remember that the questions weren't your standard interview questions, which was what I was prepared for. Just be prepared to answer what specialty you want to go in and why, challenges you've overcome, etc. I am an out of state student so my interview was over the phone; there were 2-3 people interviewing me. From what my fellow classmates have said, they each had 2 faculty members interview them. They will give you the opportunity to ask them questions too, so definitely utilize that. I hope this is somewhat helpful! I would recommend starting a forum for UAB AMNP Spring 2015, that way you and the other applicants can communicate. One of our classmates did that last year and it was really helpful. A lot of people had been communicating months before we all actually met. Once ya'll get accepted, I would also recommend starting a facebook group. It is very helpful, especially when anyone has any questions. And, people from the previous cohort were members and answered any questions we had. If you have anymore questions, please feel free to ask! If you get that 2015 forum going, I will definitely get some friends involved so that you and the other applicants can have multiple perspectives. Your most valuable information will come from previous cohorts; the faculty always seemed to respond with vague answers but the students will tell you the truth! Lol! :)

I am a current student in the AMNP program; started in spring 2014. Feel free to ask any questions!

BamaRN14, I am in the program now, started in spring 2014. I wouldn't worry too much about your GPA. They selected a wide variety of students for this cohort. My GPA was not stellar but I still got in. From what I can tell, they look at everything when picking students, not only your GPA. I also applied for the 2nd Degree BSN just in case it didn't go my way, so that's good that you're doing that. Feel free to ask any questions you may have! I wish there was people I could have asked questions back when I was applying. :)