What are some of the "easier" NP programs to get accepted to?

Published

Not exactly maybe for profit, but some that people have had success getting into with maybe not the best GPA or a ton of experience?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Behavioral health.

Don't look for the easiest program to get in. On paper, NP programs seem alike but each has their 'personality'. Look for the best program for your learning needs so you will succeed. Are you an independent learner or need structure and direction? Do you learn best through lectures or projects? Do you like to work alone or with others? Are single or have family obligations? Do you want to particiapte in nursing extracurriculars or not. Are you a recent graduate or been out of school for many years?

It takes some effort to find the answers but you don't want to be an attrition statistic.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).

Ignore all the fearmongering here. Many good primary care NP programs are now direct-entry (no RN experience required). Note: acute care NPs must have RN experience. All NP programs list their admission requirements right on their website. Your GPA is only one factor in the admissions process. You have an opportunity to sell yourself with your admissions essays and perhaps, an interview. And please don't go to a for-profit school what will accept anyone! Contrary to what many posters hear say, your school really does matter when getting your first job. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Ignore all the fearmongering here. Many good primary care NP programs are now direct-entry (no RN experience required). Note: acute care NPs must have RN experience. All NP programs list their admission requirements right on their website. Your GPA is only one factor in the admissions process. You have an opportunity to sell yourself with your admissions essays and perhaps, an interview. And please don't go to a for-profit school what will accept anyone! Contrary to what many posters hear say, your school really does matter when getting your first job. Good luck.

I have a 3.2 CUM with both degrees. I have a 3.3 last 60 hours during nursing school. I don't think that is great. I would love to get into the best school possible, but I think I am an average candidate at best because I have also only been out of school for a little under a year.

This didn't stop me with my BSN, my school was competitive but I still got in with a lower GPA. I am bound and determined to do this and I will do anything within my power to accomplish it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 15 years in ICU, 22 years in PACU.
Ignore all the fearmongering here. Many good primary care NP programs are now direct-entry (no RN experience required). Note: acute care NPs must have RN experience. All NP programs list their admission requirements right on their website. Your GPA is only one factor in the admissions process. You have an opportunity to sell yourself with your admissions essays and perhaps, an interview. And please don't go to a for-profit school what will accept anyone! Contrary to what many posters hear say, your school really does matter when getting your first job. Good luck.

How disappointing.

Just what we need. Yet another slacker looking for an "easy "program, no experience required.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

I cringe when I hear someone asking about "easy" programs to get into. You don't want to go to a program that has low admission standards. That may come back to haunt you when you can't find preceptors or have difficulty finding a job. If you are concerned about your GPA, then see if you can take a couple of graduate level classes without being formally accepted to a program. Do well, and show that you can handle grad level work. Then apply to the best programs you can afford.

I have nothing against Direct Entry programs, being a Direct Entry grad myself. But I went to a reputable program that only accepted 10% of applicants, found our clinical placements for us, and had very stringent standards for what constituted a passing grade. Stay away from programs that guarantee admission to anyone who can pay. The role of an NP carries enormous responsibility, and you owe it to yourself and your patients to get the best education you can. You have to earn the right to care for patients; not just pay for it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good Luck on your endeavors

Up Vote Up Vote ×
How disappointing.

Just what we need. Yet another slacker looking for an "easy "program, no experience required.

No experience as a RN does not necessarily mean a slacker. For my instance I have my bachelors in biology. A masters in Surgical Assisting. I assisted in surgery as a first assistant. I Taught at a medical school as a TA, worked as a Medical assistant for a non profit clinic that provided over 15 specialties, and conducted research with one published. On top of all that I have started a community outreach program for children in low income urban area in Hampton Roads. All that was done before nursing school. So when a student is looking for a direct entry program it does not mean they were sitting on their behind and then in the spur of the moment thought, "I want to enter into a NP program" I think there are students that have come from a variety of backgrounds, and I am sure that the Direct NP program are not in the business of selecting slackers to attend such a rigorous program. It's never good to generalize. This site is a wonderful place for encouragement and support. It should remain that way

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
How disappointing.

Just what we need. Yet another slacker looking for an "easy "program, no experience required.

I did not read the OP as being a slacker. There are plenty of good NPs that did not have a 4.0 GPA or tons of RN experience prior to their MSN program. There is a continuum of reputable NP schools, from extremely difficult to get into down through shady for profit programs. There are plenty of good solid state universities and colleges that offer good MSN programs that are not in the rarified echelon of extremely selective schools. In addition, RN experience is not a prerequisite for admission into most primary care NP programs, including the most selective schools.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Look for a good school... not an easier one because like many others have said nursing schools look at the whole pic not just the GPA. I know nurses that have less than stellar GPA's but they applied to a reputable school and got in while the 4.0 nurses didn't get in ...why? Because the had the GPA but they may have lacked in their eassay etc. Find a school that is a good fit for you and apply...present good app with excellent letters and essay. Also get involved with your unit such as unit practice council or do projects for your unit. You can always work and pursue your degree so you will get more nursing experience. Don't sell yourself short because you feel that your GPA is holding you back! Just my 2cents

Good luck!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
There is a continuum of reputable NP schools, from extremely difficult to get into down through shady for profit programs.

I seriously doubt there is a NP school that is "extremely difficult to get into".

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I seriously doubt there is a NP school that is "extremely difficult to get into".

I mean, I was waiting for someone to say this. I feel like I am always the one saying stuff like this and people's feelings get hurt and I end up as the bad guys in these threads.

There are some programs that are more stringent in their requirements and are therefore more difficult to gain entry into. Typically, the specialty APRN programs (psych, NNP, CNM, CRNA, ACNP) are much more difficult than FNP or AGNP, as they usually have experience requirements in related specialties. And certain well known universities have cohort size restrictions, so they are able to select higher caliber students to fill the limited number of seats (versus, let's say, Walden, that accepts a new cohort every month).

My program for example, an ACNP program, required 2 years ICU experience. That cut out a lot of people right there. Also everyone in my cohort had their CCRN and the average gpa was high because the university is just more selective. They also require "in person" (albeit virtual) lectures weekly, multiple mandatory on campus skills labs and testing, quite stringent clinical requirements, etc.

And let's be honest here, a certain type of person seeks out more difficult programs, and a certain type of person seeks out "easy" programs. Which type of provider do you think each of these people end up being?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion