How to Write an Excellent NP School Personal Statement
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“Try not to rush this statement. We recommend taking some time to reflect on your nursing career accomplishments, as well as situations that perhaps were learning situations that did not end favorably. Use these to reflect on your motivation and priorities and how they apply to the topic that the school has provided.”
Dr. Doreen Rogers, DNS, RN, CCRN, CNE, Assistant Professor of Nursing & Graduate Nursing Program Director at Utica University
Anyone who’s ever applied to a nurse practitioner program knows two things: careers in nursing are in high demand and graduate school admissions are competitive. Nurse practitioner careers are one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States; in fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2023) predicts that 118,600 new NP jobs will be added to the economy between 2022 and 2032—a 45 percent increase.
So why are nurse practitioner admissions so competitive? A shortage of qualified nursing teaching faculty and an increasing number of retiring nurses are some possible reasons, according to CNN .
Despite these admissions barriers, a nationwide shortage of doctors is poised to restrict patients’ access to care. To address this problem, states are beginning to expand the scope of practice laws for nurse practitioners. The U.S. News & World Report shows that 22 states, the District of Columbia, and the Veterans Health Administration removed practice authority limitations for NPs, which resulted in expanded healthcare and decreased costs.
One thing is sure: applicants for nursing practitioner programs must put together flawless applications to rank high with an admissions committee. In addition, an aspiring nurse practitioner who wants to stand out and make a solid first impression needs to write an excellent nurse practitioner (NP) school personal statement.
To help out hard-working nurses who spend more time seeing patients than practicing academic writing skills, here are some tips for writing an excellent nurse practitioner (NP) school personal statement.

Follow the Five-Paragraph Essay Format
Drexel University has a video featuring several tips for writing a personal essay for admissions committees. The video recommends applicants organize their statements in a five-paragraph essay format and write no more than 500 words.
- First paragraph: Make an immediate impact in your introduction
- Second paragraph: Explain what attracted you to the program and field
- Third paragraph: Compare your short- and long-term goals with the program goals
- Fourth paragraph: Share your skills, experiences, and characteristics
- Fifth paragraph: Conclude by summarizing your five-paragraph essay
Drexel University also offers a downloadable infographic to illustrate what admissions committees are looking for in an applicant’s essay.
Write an Impactful Introduction
Pretty Nurse Ashley , a registered nurse who documented her experience getting into Vanderbilt University’s top-ranked nurse practitioner program, emphasizes the importance of an impactful introduction in a personal statement in her YouTube video:
That first sentence needs to be something spectacular, something that’s going to pull them in, so it needs to be very creative and something that’s going to get their attention. With your personal statement, you want to stand out from the other applicants. You want to create a story, create a vivid picture of who you are.
At a time when nursing schools are sending thousands of rejection letters to qualified applicants, Pretty Nurse Ashley’s advice to make a strong introduction is solid advice to help an applicant open their statement with what makes them unique.
Do Your Homework: Advice From an NP Career Coach
Renee Dahring is a nurse practitioner career coach , past president of the Minnesota chapter of the APRN Coalition, and a nursing university instructor with extensive experience in recruitment and admissions for nurse practitioner programs. When applying to NP schools, Ms. Dahring recommends that nurse practitioner applicants do their homework in three areas.
Show Your Commitment to Finish
Dahring said, “Every university wants its students to finish, especially in a nurse practitioner program. If you drop out, your spot in the NP cohort is empty. Mostly we like to know: ‘Have people thought this decision through?’”
In other words, when an NP program admission committee decides to admit a student, they are investing in that person to finish the program. Therefore, if it seems like a risky investment, they will not want to admit that individual.
Connect Your Career Goals to the NP Program’s Mission
“Understand what the program’s goals and missions are and align your personal statement with them. . .Also, consider the mission of the educational institution; most have a dedication to the underserved, but that will vary from place to place,” Dahring advised.
Addressing a program’s or an institution’s mission statement directly in a personal essay can catch the attention of an admission committee. They want to ensure that a person is a strong fit for their specific program. It’s also a benefit for applicants to be familiar with a school’s objectives and guiding philosophy, as it can help ensure that a program is the right fit for them.
Demonstrate Your Understanding of NP Scope of Practice Laws
Dahring also stated, “The other important thing is to have a really good understanding of the NP Scope of Practice Laws. . .You should have a clear idea of what you are allowed and not allowed to do in the states where you apply for NP school and intend to work as a nurse practitioner.”
NPs can practice more independently in some states than others—and a solid understanding of these regional nuances can inform one’s essay.
Take Time to Communicate Clearly
Above all, take the time to write and edit well. Admissions committees read through hundreds of personal statements, so communicating concisely and clearly can increase an applicant’s chances of admission to an NP program.
Dr. Doreen Rogers is an assistant professor of nursing and the graduate nursing program director at Utica University in New York. She advises applicants to use their best writing skills:
Remember, your personal statement is an opportunity for you to convey what motivates you and discuss your priorities as a healthcare professional while extending them to your future career as a nurse practitioner. Some aspects that are exceptionally important are the use of appropriate grammar, spelling, word selection, and sentence structure (including an introductory paragraph, transition sentences in between paragraphs, and a conclusion that ties everything together).
Dr. Rogers also recommended taking the time to communicate clearly: “Try not to rush this statement. Instead, we recommend taking some time to reflect on your nursing career accomplishments, as well as situations that perhaps were learning situations that did not end favorably. Use these to reflect on your motivation and priorities and how they apply to the topic that the school has provided.”

Rachel Drummond
Rachel Drummond is a freelance writer, educator, and yogini from Oregon. She’s taught English to international university students in the United States and Japan for more than a decade and has a master’s degree in education from the University of Oregon. A dedicated Ashtanga yoga practitioner, Rachel is interested in exploring the nuanced philosophical aspects of contemplative physical practices and how they apply in daily life. She writes about this topic among others on her blog (Instagram: @racheldrummondyoga).
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How to Write the Perfect NP School Personal Statement
Apr 7, 2020 | Job Search Tips

Most nurse practitioner (NP) schools require their prospective students to compose a personal statement. Often, these elusive essays cause applicants to panic, but with just cause: personal statements are one of the most important components of NP school applications.
Having applied to a BSN, MSN, and DNP program in my past, I have written more personal statements than I can count. In this article, I offer general advice for preparing, writing, and editing your essay.
To help temper your anxiety, this post elaborates on the importance of:
- Following directions
- Being honest
- Writing passionately and professionally
- Making your case
- Starting with an outline
- Offering a story
- Speaking the nursing language
- Addressing your “red flags”
- Giving yourself plenty of time
- Using correct syntax and grammar
- Reading it out loud
Follow Directions
First and foremost, follow directions. Each school has different guidelines for their personal statements, and you do not want your application thrown out just because you fell under their required word count. Some schools provide explicit information on the length, format, and content of the personal statement while others leave the task more open-ended.
For example, Vanderbilt University provides an open-ended prompt for the admissions essay: “The Statement of Purpose should reflect your understanding of the role of the advanced practice nurse and your interest in either a particular patient population, in healthcare leadership or in nursing informatics. Before writing your statement of purpose, please carefully review information about the specialty on our website so that you clearly indicate to the faculty that your career goals are a fit with the specialty.”
Drexel University also offers specific guidelines for their personal statement requirement: “Personal statement (under 1,000 words) that will give the admissions committee a better understanding of: (1) Why you are choosing this particular program of study; (2) Your plans upon completion of the graduate degree; and, (3) How your current work experience will enhance your experience in this MSN program.”
On the other hand, NP schools like Duke University and University of California San Francisco merely ask for a “personal statement” or “goal statement” with no further direction. Be aware that not every school calls your essay a personal statement. Allen College , for example, calls it a “biographical sketch,” and Johns Hopkins University calls it a “written expression of goals.”
Every application will be slightly different, so it is important to stay organized. Table 1 is an example of how I stayed organized during my NP school applications.
Make sure your answers line up with your resume or curriculum vitae. Do not exaggerate your skills or accomplishments. Instead, be proud of what you have achieved and speak enthusiastically about your desire to become an NP.
Never let someone else write your essay for you, and never plagiarize content from books, blogs, or journal articles. The admissions committee may scan your personal statement for plagiarism using an online program. Be sure to check your essay before you submit it using a website like PlagTracker , Turn It In , or Grammarly .
Write Passionately and Professionally
One of my favorite quotes is from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” If being an NP is your goal, pursue it with courage, determination, and passion. Become enthusiastic about all things nurse practitioning.
Writing professionally does not mean writing a bland, scientific paper. Be concise, be consistent, use clear examples, and make it sound like you. Make sure your personal statement succinctly and lucidly portrays your passion for becoming an NP. Do not use this essay as a means to criticize past professors or other NP programs.
Make Your Case
Think of your personal statement as your chance to convince the admissions committee to accept you. Why should they admit you? What makes you unique? Why will you succeed in graduate school? Why will you be an excellent nurse practitioner? Use your essay to make your case.
Make sure you tailor your answers to your chosen medical specialty. For example, if you are applying to become an emergency nurse practitioner, what characteristics do you have that will ensure your success? Are you quick on your feet, calm under pressure, and compassionate to all? Are you enthusiastic about this specialty? What have you done or what do you do that demonstrates your passion?
Start with an Outline
Sometimes the hardest part is figuring out where to begin. A mind map can help you start brainstorming. A mind map is a spidergram that offers a structured method for developing ideas.
When you are ready, use your mind map to create a topical outline. Typically, you will want to have an introduction and conclusion paragraph that sandwich a handful of body paragraphs. Your introduction and conclusion should include your thesis and summary of your subtopics. Each body paragraph should elaborate upon one subtopic. I use the following outline when beginning my articles.
Introduction Paragraph
- An attention-grabbing opening statement
- A thesis statement summarizing the theme and purpose of the paper
- Mention each subtopic covered in the body paragraphs
Body Paragraphs (one for each subtopic)
- Opening sentence that indicates subtopic to be discussed
- Multiple sentences that provide supporting details and examples
- A short explanation regarding how these details or examples relate to your thesis
Concluding Paragraph
- Begin with a restatement of your thesis
- Summarize your main topic and subtopics
- End with global statement
Offer a Story
You want the admissions team to remember you. You want to stand out. Try to incorporate a personal story that will make you memorable. The stories can usually be about anything you like: anything from a conversation with a mentor to a volunteer experience. Make the story interesting and use it to illustrate and emphasize your key points.
Choose a story that describes how you decided to become an NP or one that illustrates your personal values. You might also write about a particular challenge or experience that changed your perspective. Try to choose a story that gives the reader a clear impression of who you are and why you will be successful in NP school.
Consider beginning the story in your introduction, telling small pieces in each body paragraph, and ending the story in your conclusion paragraph. If you decide to tel a story in your personal statement, I suggest using the outline below.
- Open with a short vignette that introduces your story and the conflict or challenge
- With each new body paragraph, tell a little more of the story, relating each part of the anecdote to the subtopic
- Conclude the story with what you learned or by emphasizing the moral
- Restatement of your thesis and summarize your subtopics
Speak the Nursing Language
In your personal statement, speak the nursing language. This will give you credibility. For those new to the NP field, learn the language by reading as many books as you can. A good place to start is Stewart and DeNisco’s Role Development for the Nurse Practitioner . This text offers a broad overview of health policy, healthcare reform, mentoring, prescriptive authority, and the history of NPs. A newer book that I love is Carolyn Buppert’s Nurse Practitioner’s Business Practice and Legal Guide . This book will give you more detailed information about the scope of practice laws in each state.
It never hurts to touch on these seminal publications from the Institute of Medicine :
- The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health
- Assessing Progress on the IOM Report The Future of Nursing
- To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System
- Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century
- Health Professions Education: A Bridge to Quality
You might also consider citing these position papers published by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners :
- Quality of Nurse Practitioner Practice
- Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners
- Use of Terms Such as Mid-Level Provider and Physician Extender
- Clinical Outcomes: The Yardstick of Educational Effectiveness
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Discussion Paper
- Nurse Practitioner Curriculum
Address Your Red Flags
If you have a red flag in your application, explain it in your personal statement. Do you have a bad grade or low Graduate Record Exam score? Maybe you lack a full year of nursing experience. Rather than shying away from the topic, offer a clear, accurate explanation. Demonstrate humility, and write about how you have compensated for this mistake, challenge, setback, or flaw.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Do not procrastinate! Start your personal statement weeks in advance. Give yourself adequate time to brainstorm, write an outline, compose each paragraph, revise, and edit. A rushed essay might land your entire application in the rejected pile.
Use Correct Syntax and Grammar
Proofread, proofread, and proofread again! A clean, well-composed essay exemplifies your ability to succeed in a graduate program. My favorite website for checking grammar is Grammarly . They offer a free and premium service. They advertise that their software catches 250 errors that Microsoft Word does not detect. I also find their free Grammar Handbook helpful.
Throughout my DNP program, I started a list of general writing tips. Here are some of the most important:
- Use American Psychological Association (APA) formating
- Avoid generalities, cliches, and psychobabble
- Do not use the verb “to get”
- Do not use “very” as an intensifier
- Data is plural, so use a plural verb
- Use active voice whenever possible
- “Compare with” points out differences between two similar things
- Affect is a verb and effect is a noun
- Keep the subject and the verb close together
- Omit needless prepositions
- Use that if what you are saying cannot be eliminated without changing the meaning of the sentence
- Use which if you can delete the clause and the sentence will still have the same meaning
- Avoid using negative statements
- Write out numbers under 10 (e.g. three, seven, 10, 45)
- Be consistent with abbreviations and titles
- Avoid contractions
In general, avoid adverbs. Instead, use stronger verbs that imply the adverb. Here is a list of strong verbs to consider:
- Exemplifies
- Corroborates
- Approximates
There are a variety of websites that can help you with APA formatting, grammar, syntax, and checking for plagiarism. Some good resources include:
- http://www.apastyle.org/
- http://www.thesaurus.com/
- https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
- http://www.grammarbook.com/
- https://www.plagtracker.com
Read it Out Loud
After you have finished writing your essay, read it out loud. Most people have more experience listening and speaking than writing and editing. By reading your personal statement out loud, your brain will hear the information and new way and notice flaws you did not see before.
It helps to print a copy of your paper so that you can take notes as you read. Read at a slow to moderate pace. Try to be systematic about your reading: check for grammar the first time through, syntax the second time, and tone the third time.
As you listen to your paper, pay attention to the order of your ideas. Note any gaps in your explanations. Make sure you transition clearly from one main idea to the next. Do not be afraid to reorder sentences, paragraphs, or entire sections. Also, listen for grammatical and syntax errors. You will probably notice sentences that are awkward, too convoluted, and repetitive.
Finally, hearing your paper out loud will give you a sense of its tone. Does your paper sound too casual, too chatty, or too formal? This essay is the admission committee’s first impress of you. Consider reading your paper to a friend and asking them what impression they obtain from your answers.

Dr. Melissa DeCapua, DNP, PMHNP-BC
AuthorMelissa DeCapua is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who graduated from Vanderbilt University. She has a background in child and adolescent psychiatry as well as psychosomatic medicine. Uniquely, she also possesses a bachelor’s degree in studio arts, which she uses to enhance patient care, promote the nursing profession, and solve complex problems. Melissa currently works as the Healthcare Strategist at a Seattle-based health information technology company where she guides product development by combining her clinical background and creative thinking. She is a strong advocate for empowering nurses, and she fiercely believes that nurses should play a pivotal role in shaping modern health care. For more about Melissa, check out her blog www.melissadecapua.com and follow her on Twitter @melissadecapua .
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Nurse Practitioner Essay Examples/Tips that will Guide you to Success
Nurse Practitioner: Most nurse practitioner (NP) schools require their prospective students to compose a personal statement. Having applied to a BSN, MSN, and DNP program in my past, I have written more Nurse Practioner Essay than I can count.

Tips For Writing The Perfect Family NP Essay
- Get Specific – Most application essay questions are generic . This doesn’t mean your response should follow suit. Rather than describing how you feel about a topic, give details. Outline a specific example from your own personal experience. This makes your essay more interesting and memorable while highlighting your experience and personality.
- Keep it Simple – Admissions staff want to read an essay, not a novel. Avoid verbosity keeping your essay simple and succinct but complete. Make sure to stick to specified length guidelines. They are there for a reason.
- Understand the Role of a Nurse Practitioner -NP program faculty want to know that you understand the role of nurse practitioners. Make sure you accurately present the NP profession in your essay responses. If you aren’t quite sure what an NP does, job shadow an NP or two for a day to learn more about the career before applying.
- Be Concrete -Even if you aren’t 100% sure what your future holds, explain your future plans and goals as if they are set in stone. Saying you “might” do this or you “hope” to do that isn’t as powerful as saying you “will”.
- Keep Your Essay Appropriately Personal – Many essay topics ask you to explain a time you overcame an obstacle or hardship in life. If your life’s major challenge has been extremely personal, choose something else to discuss in your essay. Don’t mention your marriage woes or your teen’s problems with the law to admissions staff. Instead, choose something career or volunteer related (but not trivial) even if it isn’t actually your life’s most insurmountable obstacle.
- Follow Directions – Yes, you learned this in kindergarten but some of us still have trouble sticking to guidelines. If a school asks for an essay written in APA format, for example, make sure you exhaustively research APA requirements and format your essay appropriately.
- Brag Little -Application essays are your chance to shine. Highlight your career, education, and experience. If you have volunteered extensively or worked in the medical field, share examples of your experiences and how they have helped shape your interest in becoming a nurse practitioner.
- Stick with Facts Over Characteristics -When describing yourself in your application essay, examples and facts speak louder than description. Anyone can say, for example, they are hardworking. If you can describe your involvement in multiple nursing organizations while raising a family and working full-time in the ICU, however, this proves your industrious character.
- Edit, Edit, Edit -Nothing ruins an application essay like typos and misspellings. Look over your essay multiple times continuing to refine your work. Then, share it with family, friends, and colleagues asking for feedback. The more eyes you have read your essays before submitting your application, the better.
Nurse Practitioner Essay
Please describe your most meaningful achievements and how they relate to your future goals as a Nurse Practitioner: Rebekah Carey:
My most meaningful achievement as an MSN-prepared Nurse Practitioner has been the development of a free health center on the near north side of Milwaukee. Within a collaborative, evidence-based framework, our interdisciplinary team of nurses, physicians, pastors, congresswoman, alderman, business people, and community members strategized and created a health center to assist with the primary care needs of an uninsured population. Through a completely voluntary health provider workforce, we have served 30 to 40 patients on the second Saturday morning of each month. Additionally, the health center serves as a clinical site for nursing students whose awareness has been raised regarding the millions of Americans who seek care in such settings. Approximately half of our patients speak English as a second language. We have engaged numerous Spanish-speaking volunteers to assist these patients with navigating the healthcare system. Some patients have presented for free services, only to discover that they are eligible for insurance assistance programs. A social worker has provided assistance with entry into the insured healthcare system. In summer 2012, the Columbia-St. Mary’s Mammography Mobile requested to provide services at the health center every other month, has also identified the community as one which has poor access to breast health services. Because of community recognition by the Komen Foundation for our community service, we have been encouraged by this foundation to apply for a grant to enhance community services for breast health. In winter 2010, the Wisconsin Department of Health approached the clinic to be an urgent site for the administration of the H1N1 vaccine. The neighborhood had been identified as a high-risk area for not having equal access to vaccines. Three local television stations highlighted this immunization activity in their weekend news. Local physician leaders participated in urging the community to be immunized. As a nurse practitioner, it is gratifying to participate in this free health center endeavor, witnessing the participation of many to make a positive difference in the health of a resource-poor neighborhood. We have demonstrated that good care can be accomplished with a minimal financial investment if passion and commitment are harnessed.
Tricia Brunmeier:
The nursing profession brings forth many opportunities and achievements, but the most meaningful ones I received were through direct patient care. One of my first achievements was as a new graduate R.N. at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital . I was working on the B.M.T. Unit when my patient coded on my shift. During codes we allowed the family to stay in the room if they desired, and with this particular patient, the mother opted to stay in the background of the room. After relentless CPR, intubation, and ACLS utilization with no response, the attending physician called the time of death. Silence and sorrow filled the air within seconds of him confirming defeat. I remember fighting back the tears as I turned off the monitors, and began preparing the patient for her family to say goodbye. In the midst of me doing this, the Response Team cleared the room and the mother emerged from the background to say “Thank you”. She thanked me for the care I had given her daughter through her entire stay as well as when she passed. This moment will be forever engrained in my mind and heart.

Here a woman had just lost her baby girl, and in the moment of tragic loss, her first response was to display gratitude to me. This defining moment made me realize as a young nurse that we are privy to personal, profound parts of people’s lives and can make a positive impact even when the outcome is undesirable. One of my most recent achievements was a young college student that I triaged over the phone with a disposition of ED evaluation for his acute abdominal pain. The patient was reluctant and initially refusing ED evaluation related to being uninsured, but I further explained the degree of concern and why an ED evaluation was imperative. He agreed to the disposition at the end of the triage. The next day, as I locked the clinic door, this man ran up to the door and asked for “Tricia the nurse”. When I told him that I was Tricia, he proceeded to “thank me”. He said he had just gotten discharged from the hospital and wanted to thank me in person for my kind words and knowledge. The rewards in nursing are limitless, and in return, I want to have a positive impact on the lives of my patients and their families. Fulfilling my goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner will enable me to enhance my current nursing knowledge base, strengthen my relationship with my patients and their families, and contribute to a noble profession. Becoming a Nurse Practitioner unites the nursing’s compassion and skill with the autonomy to practice, diagnose, and treat patients holistically. I may not save a life every day, but I could make it a better day by listening, providing, and guiding my patients and their families to their desired goals.
Megan Reid:
Achievement, as defined by Dictionary.com: “something accomplished, especially by superior ability, special effort, great courage, etc.; a great or heroic deed”. When I think of this, I think of awards or recognition. Recognition that pertains to my future goals in nursing makes me think of the times I have been awarded for my nursing care. These times include “Pat of the Back” cards of appreciation from co-workers, “thank-you” cards from patients and families, a nomination and selection for a Daisy Award in nursing, or an Aurora Star I received for exemplary care. Yet, when you ask me to describe my most meaningful achievements, these are not what come to mind. Becoming a nurse is probably my most noteworthy achievement. Neither of my parents or my two sisters had ever been to college . My family was also not in the best life circumstances at the time of my leaving for college. Yet, I was privileged enough to be able to put myself through school financially, by working various jobs, including work as a CNA. Being able to achieve my Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school is a great achievement I am quite proud of. Becoming a nurse was the easy part though, the relationships that developed through my experiences have become my most meaningful and difficult achievements. Day in and day out I see people at their worst. People are stressed, hurt, and afraid. I love being able to give them strength, hope, and compassion. This relationship works both ways though. Patients, their families and their lives have taught me so much. The experiences nursing has given have become my most meaningful achievements. I know this might sound vague, but working in healthcare, you know you have felt the same way. There are limited words to describe the reward that is felt in doing what nurses do. My goal to pursue advanced practice nursing will only further these achievements. I hope to encourage people more, teaching them how to take control of their lives in whatever way they see fit. I know I cannot teach passion, but I hope to inspire people by having them witness the passion that I have, a passion that I have acquired by watching patients and their experiences. Nursing is a gift, a gift that keeps giving and growing, but only if you let it. I fully anticipate keeping giving my gift to wherever the road may take me. The experiences and relationships along the way will continue to contribute to the list of my most meaningful achievements.
Nursing Practitioner program faculty are looking at your essays as samples of your writing ability. Start your application essays early making sure you have enough time to review them thoroughly. You wouldn’t want a poorly written writing sample to hurt your chances of admission.
I hope you have a clue from the Nurse Practitioner Essay and you will make good use of the idea I’ve given to you. Do well to also share this article with your friends.
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9 Tips for Writing the Perfect NP Program Application Essay
While many NP program application deadlines are still months away, now is the perfect, stress-free time to start getting your application materials together. Filling out endless amounts of personal information, gathering transcripts and requesting letters of recommendations is easy. The application essay? Not so much.
We all hate responding to the types of questions NP program applications typically ask. “Why do you want to become a nurse practitioner?” and “Talk about a time you overcame a challenge” can be difficult questions to answer…eloquently at least. Responding by saying you want to become an NP “so you can make decent money and aren’t sure what else to do with your life” isn’t going to cut it.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make sure your admissions essays are top notch.
- Get Specific – Most application essay questions are generic. This doesn’t mean your response should follow suit. Rather than describing how you feel about a topic, give details. Outline a specific example from your own personal experience. This makes your essay more interesting and memorable while highlighting your experience and personality.
- Keep it Simple – Admissions staff want to read an essay, not a novel. Avoid verbosity keeping your essay simple and succinct but complete. Make sure to stick to specified length guidelines. They are there for a reason.
- Understand the Role of a Nurse Practitioner -NP program faculty want to know that you understand the role of nurse practitioners . Make sure you accurately present the NP profession in your essay responses. If you aren’t quite sure what an NP does, job shadow an NP or two for a day to learn more about the career before applying.
- Be Concrete -Even if you aren’t 100% sure what your future holds, explain your future plans and goals as if they are set in stone. Saying you “might” do this or you “hope” to do that isn’t as powerful as saying you “will”.
- Keep Your Essay Appropriately Personal – Many essay topics ask you to explain a time you overcame an obstacle or hardship in life. If your life’s major challenge has been extremely personal, choose something else to discuss in your essay. Don’t mention your marriage woes or your teen’s problems with the law to admissions staff. Instead, choose something career or volunteer related (but not trivial) even if it isn’t actually your life’s most insurmountable obstacle.
- Follow Directions – Yes, you learned this in kindergarden but some of us still have trouble sticking to guidelines. If a school asks for an essay written in APA format, for example, make sure you exhaustively research APA requirements and format your essay appropriately.
- Brag a Little -Application essays are your chance to shine . Highlight your career, education and experience. If you have volunteered extensively or worked in the medical field, share examples of your experiences and how they have helped shape your interest in becoming a nurse practitioner.
- Stick with Facts Over Characteristics -When describing yourself in your application essay, examples and facts speak louder than description. Anyone can say, for example, they are hardworking. If you can describe your involvement in multiple nursing organizations while raising a family and working full-time in the ICU, however, this proves your industrious character.
- Edit, Edit, Edit -Nothing ruins an application essay like typos and misspellings. Look over your essay multiple times continuing to refine your work. Then, share it with family, friends and colleagues asking for feedback. The more eyes you have read your essays before submitting your application, the better.
NP program faculty are looking at your essays as samples of your writing ability. Start your application essays early making sure you have enough time to review them thoroughly. You wouldn’t want a poorly written writing sample to hurt your chances of admission.
Questions about your NP program application essay? Ask other NP’s their opinions by commenting below.
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Tips for Writing a Great Nursing Personal Statement
When preparing to apply to a graduate nursing program, there are many requirements and submission guidelines to remember. The component that allows you to tell your unique story — your personal statement — is one of the most important.
Writing a compelling personal statement for an MSN program, like the Nursing@Simmons online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs, takes time and can be challenging for some applicants. Just as a poorly written essay can hinder your chances of acceptance, a great one can set you apart from other applicants. Below are three steps to writing a personal statement that will make a positive impression on any admissions committee.

1. Plan Your Story
Very few people can sit down at a keyboard and craft the perfect personal statement without preparation. It may take several weeks of thinking about how to communicate your story, so give yourself plenty of time to plan, jot down thoughts, and make an outline as ideas come to you. Use the following tips to gather the information you’ll need to create an excellent statement.
- Consider how your work experience as a registered nurse (RN) has influenced you and shaped your goals for the future. How will an advanced education promote your professional growth and help you transition into the role of an FNP or PMHNP?
- Think beyond your resume. What traits, strengths, and accomplishments aren’t captured there? Consider your interests, including how they will contribute to your success in the program. Provide examples of nursing goals, leadership, mentorship, or growth you have accomplished or experienced. Write these down and keep them in mind as you begin your draft.
- Choose appropriate topics for your statement. Avoid soapbox issues, and don’t preach to your reader. This kind of statement can come across as condescending and obscure the point you’re trying to make.
- Research the program. Make sure you understand the school’s values and reputation. Do they align with yours? How so?

2. Create Your Draft
- When it is time to start putting your thoughts on paper, try to avoid overthinking your work. Strive for a natural voice. Pretend you are talking to a friend and write without fear — you can edit and polish your piece to perfection in the next stage.
- Avoid cliches and nursing generalities. Generic descriptors, such as “caring,” “compassionate,” “people person,” and “unique,” have been so often overused that they no longer carry much weight with an admissions committee. They also don’t address your personal experience in the nursing sphere. Try not to start your story with phrases like “for as long as I can remember” or your audience may stop reading.
- Show, don’t tell. Strong storytelling is grounded in personal details that illustrate who you are, both as a nurse and a person. Be specific by describing how many patients you managed, how you earned promotions, or a time when your supervisor praised your professionalism and clinical abilities. Here are examples that illustrate the difference between telling and showing:
“I perform well under pressure.”
“Although my patient arrived for a different ailment, I suspected that her symptoms were consistent with a serious infection. As a result, I was able to advocate for a care plan that prevented further damage.”
- Use specific examples when talking about your experience with direct patient care and evidence-based practice. Provide details about how your clinical experiences have demonstrated patient advocacy, leadership, communication, or confidence.
- Discuss how earning a Master of Science in Nursing aligns with your career plans and why you want to become a FNP or PMHNP . Explain that you understand the commitment required and that you have the skills and dedication to become an FNP or PMHNP. Be sure to let the admissions committee know why you are choosing their program and what makes their program stand apart from the rest. Reflect on the school and program research you did during your planning stage.

3. Edit and Perfect
Even the best writers have to edit and polish their work. Reviewing and revising your personal statement ensures that the piece is clear, organized, and free of errors.
- Once you have written your first draft, take a break and distance yourself from your work. This will allow you to return to the draft with a clear head to review objectively and spot potential issues and errors.
- Read your statement aloud. Does it sound like you? Does it reflect your best qualities and the strengths you’ll bring to a nursing program?
- Always use spell check on your essay, but be careful as it won’t catch every spelling error.
- Use a grammar editing tool, such as Grammarly .
- Ask a friend, family member, or mentor to review your statement. This is a great way to catch errors or awkward phrasing that you may have missed.
Your nursing personal statement should be a window into your life. Use it to share specific experiences that have influenced your decision to advance your nursing education. Adhering to professional standards and presenting yourself in a positive, open, and honest way will help the admissions committee determine your fit and future in an FNP or PMHNP program.
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DNP Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement Tips
Writing a statement of purpose and personal history statement for any doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program can be a challenge, especially if you are not used to writing. However, it is an important opportunity to illuminate parts of yourself that may not be on your application.
Instead of detailing accomplishments on your curriculum vitae, your statement of purpose and personal history statement should be a compelling narrative of your personal and academic achievements.
By the end, the admissions committee should have a better understanding of who you are as a person, what drives you and what led you to apply for admission to the UCI Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing DNP program — Post Master’s or Family Nurse Practitioner tracks.
It is worth the time spent preparing to write a statement that truly makes you stand out.
Writing tips
- Before starting, make sure you carefully read the prompts provided by the program for the Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement.
- Brainstorm ideas and develop an outline.
- Review UCI Nursing’s mission and vision to ensure they align with your professional aspirations.
- Know your audience — you are writing to the admissions committee rather than a friend.
- Consult with a mentor about your professional development. Your mentors can be a great source of advice about your aspirations to become a doctorally-prepared nurse.
- Read other statements for inspiration.
- Adhere to any word limits and instructions outlined on the application.
- Capture the reader’s attention in your opening paragraph. The most compelling aspects of your story should be highlighted first.
- Show, don’t tell. Back up your statements with specific examples and evidence (e.g. “I demonstrate leadership capabilities in my role” vs. “Leadership comes naturally to me, as evidenced by…”).
- Be clear, concise and selective in your word choices.
- Show where you have come from and where you plan to go. Explain how the DNP program will help you achieve your goals.
- Use first person, “I” language (e.g., “I am interested in…” or “I would like to study…”).
- Avoid being overly general, clichés and informal (using slang).
- Make your statement of purpose and personal history unique.
- Review your writing closely for mistakes in grammar and spelling.
- Ask for feedback on your statement and history. Have colleagues, friends or family read it.
- Read your essays out loud.
The Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement are not:
- A list of activities
- A life story
- Fiction or creative writing
Note: While following this guide may be helpful, it does not guarantee admission to our program.
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Effective NP School Personal Statements to Consider
Table of Contents
A personal statement is an invaluable tool for creating a successful career in nursing. It serves as a reflection of one’s qualities, experience and ambition — demonstrating your commitment to the profession.
Crafting a standout personal statement requires skillful articulation of both dedication and knowledge. It must capture the reader’s attention while succinctly conveying what sets you apart from other candidates.
In this article, we will explore effective strategies for constructing a compelling personal statement that can elevate your candidacy above the competition. In addition, you’ll find a few NP school personal statement examples to guide you.
How to Craft an Effective NP School Personal Statement
Your NP school personal statement is an essential part of your application to any nurse practitioner program. You must pay attention and write a convincing essay.
Highlight Relevant Academic Qualification
First and foremost, the statement should highlight information on your academic achievements as well as any certifications or specialties you possess. This offers insight into your qualifications and allows readers to ascertain whether you are qualified for the program.
Additionally, being able to articulate your passion for nursing is critical. Discussing how you decided to toe this career path demonstrates commitment and shows readers that you have a genuine interest in nursing.
Adding stories about meaningful experiences or patients can help show the reader that you are compassionate and capable.
Highlight Your Soft Skills
Beyond the academic qualifications, your essay should also highlight your soft skills, like compassion, leadership and effective communication. It is important for nurses to have these skills as it aids their work.
Write Concisely
In addition to giving details regarding your background and aspirations, NP personal statements must also demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively .
Therefore, it is imperative to use clear and concise language throughout the piece. Writing in a conversational manner that reflects your personality is more likely to captivate the reader than overly formal wording.
Furthermore, if appropriate, including factual examples helps bolster arguments and display knowledge.
Format Appropriately
Once the content of the statement has been finalized, the focus turns towards ensuring proper formatting and structure. It is advisable to keep paragraphs short and maintain consistency across each section; an easy-to-follow structure will ensure readability.
NP School Personal Statement Examples

Check out these examples of NP school personal statements before writing yours.
Nursing has been my professional passion since I was a child, and becoming a Nurse Practitioner is the logical culmination of my lifelong goal. From shadowing in medical clinics to volunteering as an Emergency Medical Technician, I have devoted my time and energy to gaining invaluable care-related experience. My knowledge of nursing science and practice deepened through coursework during college and subsequently at various hospitals and healthcare facilities. Seeing the impact of excellent patient care on health outcomes, I’m confident that being a Nurse Practitioner will enable me to serve patients better.
I strongly believe that this profession is not only rewarding but also crucial for providing comprehensive primary care to communities. As a Nurse Practitioner, I look forward to leveraging my clinical acumen to diagnose and treat ailments. By combining evidence-based protocols with personal empathy and understanding, I aim to become a trustworthy ally for every patient.
I know that NP education requires considerable dedication. I’m ready to rise to the challenge by employing rigorous self-discipline and advanced studying techniques. Moreover, working together with like-minded people who share similar objectives would provide an indispensable impetus for amplifying my intellectual aptitude. With these qualifications and enthusiasm, I’m certain that a Nurse Practitioner program would be one of the most meaningful decisions in my life.
I seek admission to a nurse practitioner program in order to further my education and professional goals. With a passion for service, I want to read and learn more so that I can effectively care for patients in need. My plan is to build upon the knowledge and experience gained through my prior positions as a registered nurse. I hope to use those skills to provide competent and compassionate care.
I have had the pleasure of providing healthcare services on the frontline for over 10 years. During this time, I’ve developed expertise in many aspects of nursing. Furthermore, I believe strongly in collaborative practice, which has allowed me to form meaningful relationships with both colleagues and patients alike. These experiences have given me the confidence to take on greater responsibility within the field of nursing. Ultimately, it has led me here to pursue a nurse practitioner degree.
Not only do I possess knowledge of clinical practices and procedures, but I also am well-versed in health policy, advocacy, and team management. Additionally, I thrive when faced with challenges that require problem-solving or critical-thinking skills. As such, if accepted into your esteemed program, I will bring diverse perspectives and insights based on my past experiences. My ultimate goal is to provide excellent patient-centered care while advancing my professional career by expanding my scope of practice.
Final Thoughts
By taking into consideration these tips and referencing the provided samples, you can create a compelling personal statement.
If you need more help, you should consider using the new Hey INK tool . It is an AI-powered writing assistant that turns your simple instructions into well-written content.

Abir Ghenaiet
Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.
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Graduate Nursing: Nurse Practitioner, Essay Example
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A lesson learned throughout this journal is quoted by Maxwell (2013), “leaders must learn to adjust their plans while holding tenaciously to the vision.” This has never been more true. Working at Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare, has not tested my faith, but at times made me question my path. As a leader in the nursing field, the future is always as integral part of my daily activities. Dealing with patients day in and out, can make questioning the next step questionable. However, I love what I do, my responsibilities are to help create a better place for the patients, and find ways in which help to make finding patients solutions efficient and effective. I see what I am doing as a blessing to many individuals around me. As Maxwell stated again, “Individuals must see the benefits of the vision before they will commit to it.” (Maxwell, 2013, p.1428) When answering the question, “What does your future hold?” I answer that my future holds much more than I can envision. Getting this graduate degree will help to take my nursing career to the next level.
Obtaining additional education provides a way to not only stay up to date with the latest and innovative technology, but also provides a way to network with colleagues and build relationships Having faith in what God has planned is essential to not just talking about faith, but truly living it. Throughout this time getting my degree I know that it is extremely significant that I remain in the word of God, going to church, and staying involved with a group of positive individuals. In doing so, I will be able to stay on the path to where God has called me, because they will be individuals that can help hold me accountable. When working in a tumultuous and ever changing environment we must learn to live with integrity. Through each relationship I build I must genuinely show Christ’s love, because the smallest things I do have the greatest impact.
Maxwell, John. (2013). NKJV The Maxwell Leadership Bible: Lessons in Leadership from the Word of God. HaperCollins Christian Publishing.
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Graduate Application Guide for Nurses

NurseJournal Staff
Contributing Writer
Learn about our editorial process .
Updated April 26, 2022
After finding the right graduate program, prospective students can begin the application process. Learn how to successfully apply to graduate nursing programs.
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Earning a graduate degree in nursing allows nurses to apply for higher leadership positions, earn higher salaries, and further specialize in nursing. If a nurse wants to become a nurse practitioner or researcher, they need more experience and skills to provide the best care to patients.
Aspiring or prospective nursing students should know exactly what's required when applying for graduate programs. This guide covers graduate program admission requirements and what applicants should expect to provide with the applications.
Learn what really matters when applying to nursing graduate programs and the requirements for application.
Nursing Graduate Program Prerequisites
While these prerequisites apply to most graduate schools, keep in mind that different schools have different requirements. You can find graduate nursing school requirements on your preferred school's website or talk to the school's graduate admissions counselors.
Do I Need a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing to Earn a Nursing Graduate Degree?
While some graduate programs require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree in nursing, other programs are designed for RNs without a bachelor's degree. Many graduate nursing schools also offer accelerated or bridge programs for those who have a bachelor's degree in a discipline other than nursing.
An RN-to-MSN program offers a pathway for nurses who have an associate degree in nursing rather than a bachelor's degree. Some schools may also offer a direct-entry MSN which is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing.
Since bridge programs take longer to complete than BSN-to-MSN programs and are only offered by some schools, a BSN can reduce the amount of time spent in graduate school.
What Prerequisite Classes are Required for Graduate Nursing Programs?
Nursing graduate students must complete certain prerequisites to prepare for graduate-level coursework.
Prerequisites typically include:
- Undergraduate degree in nursing
- In some cases, at least one year of recent RN experience
- Microbiology
Students who have completed these courses at accredited schools can typically transfer the credits into their graduate program. Private, for-profit schools sometimes do not hold accreditation or hold national rather than regional accreditation.
Students who attended an undergraduate school without regional accreditation should research the transfer policy of their prospective graduate school to ensure the institution will accept their degree and credits. If the graduate program does not offer the required prerequisite courses and the student either has not completed the courses previously or cannot transfer them, the learner may be able to complete prerequisites through another accredited college.
Is Work Experience a Prerequisite to a Nursing Graduate Program?
Nursing is a complicated and ever-changing field. Even after years of school and clinical, graduates sometimes need more time to become comfortable in their roles. That's why many programs require applicants to submit a resume with their nursing graduate school application and may require a certain amount of relevant experience.
These programs are designed for nurses who want to specialize in a certain area. Applicants to RN-to-MSN programs , which do not require a bachelor's degree, may need additional experience. Students with professional experience closely related to their field of study are often the most competitive applicants. For example, applicants to a nurse anesthetist program may benefit from experience working in the operating room or ICU. Students who plan to pursue graduate education directly after earning their bachelor's degree should look for programs that do not require work experience.
Do I Have to Take the GRE or the MAT to Apply to Nursing School?
Many institutions require applicants to submit GRE or MAT scores. If a school accepts scores from either entrance exam , the applicant should choose the exam that best suits their unique situation, considering the subjects, costs, dates, and locations of each test.
The GRE tests students on analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. The mathematical section is high-school level and below, and all sections require critical-thinking skills. The MAT comprises 100 semantic analogy questions, which assess the test-taker's understanding of a variety of topics.
The GRE takes four hours to complete, and the MAT only takes one hour. The GRE costs $205, and students may incur additional fees for registering late or sending scores after the test. The cost of the MAT varies by location, with most testing centers charging about $100. Some schools require no entrance exam, while others waive the requirement for certain students.
MAT/GRE Waiver
Some students get nervous at the very thought of taking an entrance exam because they know they do not test well. Working nurses may also not have the time to study for an exam like this. Applicants with these concerns may be able to skip the tests with waivers.
Higher learning institutions may waive the requirement for GRE or MAT scores if a student has:
- High enough undergraduate GPA
- Specified number of years of experience or
- Previous graduate degree in any subject
Many schools make these exceptions because applicants with those qualifications have already proven they can excel at the graduate level or in nursing. To apply for a waiver, candidates should contact the admissions offices at their chosen schools. Each school has a different process, but they all require waiver candidates to fill out applications and provide proof of their eligibility.

Breakdown of MAT Scores
Pearson, the organization that oversees the MAT, scores each test digitally . Test-takers receive unofficial results immediately after completing the exam. Pearson sends official scores to each student's choice of three institutions. Test-takers also receive official scores, including scaled scores and percentiles.
To calculate a scaled score, Pearson begins with the student's raw score, which represents the number of questions missed, then uses statistical analysis to account for variations between tests. Each scaled score is between 200 and 600. The percentile illustrates how well the student performed compared to other test-takers. Students receive a percentile score between one and 99, which represents the percentage of learners who earned the same score or lower. For example, a student who scores in the 80th percentile did as well as or better than 80% of all MAT test-takers.
Nursing graduate schools evaluate exam scores differently. Many programs have a minimum score requirement of about 410. However, some universities have no minimum requirement and use the applicant's MAT score in context with the rest of the application when making admissions decisions.
Sometimes a test-taker recognizes a poor performance before completing the exam. When that happens, the student can take advantage of Pearson's no score option. The test-taker selects "do not process this score" on screen, and although the student does not receive a refund, Pearson will not send the suboptimal score to institutions.
Breakdown of GRE Scores
GREs have three sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Scoring is fairly straightforward . The verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections are multiple choice and scores range from 130-170 with one-point increments.
The analytical writing section is scored from 0-6, with half-point increments. This section comprises two essay questions. Two readers will score your entrance essay for the nursing program, and if their responses vary by more than one point, a third reader will also score your results. You receive the average of the scores.
The average/mean scores for each section are:
150.37 Verbal Reasoning
153.66 Quantitative Reasoning
3.6 Analytical Writing
In addition to your raw score, you receive a report that indicates your percentile, as described below.
GRE Scores and Percentiles
Percentiles indicate how your scores compare to other test-takers' scores. The tables below show how raw scores convert into percentiles. For example, a scaled score of 170 on the verbal reasoning section means that you scored in the 99th percentile. In other words, you scored higher than 99% of all other test-takers. A 170 for quantitative reasoning means you scored higher than 96% of all test-takers.
Nursing School Application Requirements
Graduate nursing school requirements ensure you can succeed in the program and as a nurse. This is why they include measurements of your academic achievements, such as your GPA for nursing school or other undergraduate degree, as well as letters of recommendation and a personal essay or statement. These indicate whether you have the personal characteristics required for nursing.
Transcripts
Almost all nursing master's programs require applicants to submit undergraduate transcripts, which must be official and unopened. In most cases, the undergraduate institution sends these official documents directly to the graduate school.
Admissions boards use transcripts to ensure the applicant holds the required degree, typically an ADN or BSN. Transcripts also reveal whether the applicant has taken prerequisite courses and provide insight into the academic areas in which the applicant excels. Many schools consider each applicant's overall GPA and nursing GPA separately.
Some schools have no minimum GPA, except for applicants who wish to waive the GRE or MAT requirement. Most schools that set minimum GPAs require at least a 3.0 GPA, but some selective universities require a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Test Scores
When submitting a nursing graduate school application, a strong resume is important, especially if the program requires professional experience.
Resumes should be concise and easy to read. Students should accurately describe each of their previous positions while emphasizing skills applicable to advanced nursing practice. Important items to include are:
- Education and training
- Licensure and Certification
- Awards and accomplishments
- Volunteer work
Applicants who lack experience or who have gaps in their work history can strengthen their resume by adding volunteer or clinical experience. Applicants should be ready to explain any gaps in employment during an interview if required.
Essays and Personal Statements
Graduate nursing school applicants may need to submit a personal statement, an essay, or both. For applicants, understanding how to write a personal statement for nursing school can provide you with an important advantage.
Because the essay or personal statement is an opportunity to explain or compensate for gaps or issues in the rest of the application, students should devote significant time and energy to this piece of writing. Applicants should ensure the essay is free of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. While a few misplaced commas may not result in a rejection, incoherent writing can ruin an application.
Each institution provides different prompts, but most essays focus on the applicant's strengths and future plans to illustrate why the school should accept them. Admissions officials look for essays and statements conveying the applicant's ambitions and motivations. Perhaps most importantly, the essay should be authentic and reflect the applicant's true feelings about the nursing profession .
Letters of Recommendation
While the essay or personal statement allows applicants to explain themselves, letters of recommendation provide the perspective of the candidate's colleagues and mentors. Recommenders should have experience with the applicant in an academic or professional setting. Some schools also ask applicants to provide letters of recommendation that speak to the student's moral character.
Candidates should avoid choosing family members as recommenders and instead ask current or previous professors and employers. Applicants should approach potential recommenders early and give them plenty of time to write letters, ideally a few months.
Near the beginning of the letter, the writer should clearly state their intention to endorse the applicant. The writers should then highlight the applicant's professional or academic prowess, dedication to nursing, and achievements. Like in essays, admissions boards prefer specific examples in letters of recommendation. UC Berkeley provides an example of an effective letter of recommendation.
English Proficiency Tests
International applicants from non-English-speaking countries must typically complete an English proficiency exam. These standardized tests demonstrate an applicant's ability to understand English-speaking teachers and succeed in courses taught in English.
Many schools will not issue the required visa documentation without English proficiency scores. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are both commonly accepted. Students should check with their prospective institution to learn about score requirements and which exams the school accepts.
Background Check and Drug Screening
How do you apply to nursing graduate school.
Nurses can advance their careers by applying to graduate school, but because the application process can take a year or longer, prospective students should begin researching early. Candidates should apply as soon as the documents are ready and the desired schools are accepting applications. Waiting until a week or two before the application deadline can be stressful, and even a minor setback can ruin the student's chances of acceptance.
The steps for applying to graduate nursing school are:
- Complete required prerequisites for nursing school
- Collect necessary applications materials
- Prepare for and take the GRE or MAT
- Apply to programs
- Prepare for nursing program interviews
- Receive acceptance or rejection letters
NursingCAS provides a simple application process for students applying to participating schools. The system is operated by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and allows students to apply to many schools at once. NursingCAS charges graduate students $70 for the first school and $40 for each additional institution to which they apply; this fee is comparable to individual schools' application fees. Both NursingCAS and individual schools may waive these fees for applicants who demonstrate financial need.
Rolling Admissions
Some graduate schools have a rolling admissions policy, which means they have no firm application deadline. Instead, they accept applications all year. Online schools often provide rolling admissions because of their scheduling flexibility. Prospective students who meet graduate school requirements can apply immediately. The school places applications in line for review as soon as they receive them and immediately notifies the student upon reaching a decision.
Because these schools process applications on a first-come, first-served basis, candidates can benefit from applying during less competitive seasons. The time between acceptance and enrollment depends on the number of available spots. The earlier students apply, the sooner they typically begin classes. The start date also depends on the program format. Students attending traditional universities generally wait until the end of the semester. Accelerated programs may offer classes lasting 5-8 weeks and usually offer more start dates per year.
Rounds Admissions
Some nursing programs may provide rounds admissions in order to better accommodate clinical schedules. Schools with this type of admissions policy have application deadlines throughout the year. Most schools offer deadlines in the fall, spring, and summer. Each deadline corresponds with a start date. For example, students who apply by September of 2021 may begin courses in January or August of 2022.
While undergraduate students may benefit from applying for spring and summer start dates, which often have less competition, this is not necessarily true for nursing graduate programs. Because many applicants are current professionals and are not on an academic schedule, some nursing graduate schools may receive applications throughout the year. Instead of waiting for a time with less competition, candidates should apply at a time that fits their schedule.
Waiting for Acceptance Letters
After applying, students should receive a confirmation that the university has received the application. Since most candidates submit online, this confirmation often comes in the form of an email containing instructions on how to check the status of the application and how long the applicant should expect to wait for a decision. Long wait times do not indicate acceptance or rejection. After waiting, applicants receive a letter with an acceptance, rejection, or placement on a waitlist.
Students who are admitted to more than one program should carefully evaluate their options before enrolling. Learners should consider cost, time, distance, and available specialties. Those who are placed on a waitlist may be admitted when accepted students choose other schools. Candidates who receive rejection letters can review their applications and talk to admissions specialists. After improving their applications, they may apply again and receive an acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Applying to Graduate Nursing School
What gpa do you need for nursing grad school.
Graduate nursing schools typically require a 2.75 GPA, and highly competitive schools require a 3.5 GPA minimum. With this in mind, other factors determine acceptance or rejection. A graduate program takes all of a student's test scores, letters of recommendation, and leadership roles into account. GPA is just one indicator of how well a student would fit into the nursing program.
Does nursing require graduate school?
Not all nursing jobs require a graduate degree to apply. However, nurses that earn an MSN benefit from higher salaries , more job opportunities, and better experience to help care for patients. Some graduate programs even prefer applicants that have already worked in the nursing field.
Is it hard to get into nursing grad school?
Some of the most rigorous nursing graduate programs require high test scores and various top-ranking qualifications, but not every program fits each student's goals. Each program varies and suits the needs of their respective nursing students.
How long does it take to get an MSN?
The fastest way to earn an MSN is to enroll in an accelerated BSN-to-MSN program that turns the typical six years of undergraduate and graduate classes into 4-5 years.
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Essay on Family Nurse Practitioner A family nurse practitioner is a trained person in the field of nursing that majors in looking at the wellbeing of a patient either a child or adult based on family context. The aim of this research is to focus on seven main key points, why be a family nurse practitioner, why choose Long Island University for the program, why become a nurse, busing experience, future plan after becoming a nurse practitioner, why the university should consider me and lastly the future plan after 5 years. 1. Why be a family nurse practitioner? There are a lot of careers to choose out there but again nursing is the best thing that would happen to me, I would love to be a family nurse practitioner and help people manage their diseases and give them hope in life for a starter. As a family nurse practitioner, I would interact with these patience and help them to know the causes of their illness, how deep the issue is and lastly how to go about it. This way I would be able to manage minor trauma when the physician is not around. 2. Why Long Island University for this program Long Island University will be the best choice because it offers full-time and part-time programs of which were allowed to have options. The university is well known to be great role models and mentors when it comes to the implementation of the concepts and in addition, the university offers a platform for growth and critical thinking that offers challenges and solutions through interaction with lectures. Lastly, the university offers room for practicals of what has been taught in classes which help to reduce guesswork while doing the career in the future. 3. Why become a nurse Nursing comes with a lot of benefits it is not only a career job but also a lifestyle, for instance, nurses have the freedom to move from one place to another depending on the emergency which makes the career not monotony but engaging instead. A nursing career is an endless learning process, it never ends as you are engaging with human beings chances of learning something new every day are very high. The best part of nursing career it’s like a basic need someone somewhere will always call for help which means that the career is high in demand if you are good at it. 4. Busing experience The main reason is signing up for this program is because I have had some experiences around my neighborhood through community program which has led to my urge of wanting to help other people where I came to have great knowledge of practical experience in nursing the patients. 5. Future plan after becoming a nursing practitioner My future plan is advancing my education to the highest level while still doing my career in order to have more knowledge and experience in the field. With the knowledge in my career, my plan would be to make sure that I take the career of my parents in all proper ways of health as they age well as my future children. 6. Why choose me? I have a lot of passion for helping other people without asking anything in return, as well as great communication skills of understanding the patients’ needs without necessarily having to talk. Lastly, I would be a great choice because being highly available and committed to helping others without ant distractions in my schedule. 7. Where do I see myself 5 years from now? In five years’ time if all is good I would love to advance in surgery and help not only to take care of small trauma but also the deep ones, I would love to have so much experience in my department so as in case of an emergency with the patience I won’t be worried of what to do next but instead take a quick step to help out. Conclusion In conclusion, I would say that family nursing practitioner will be a big impact on myself and will bring a lot of positivity and growth in my career, given a chance I will give it to my level best to ensure that the adult or child is administered to and no complaints are said. It is evident this university is the best choice when it comes to nursing program as they lead by examples and offer lecture practical as well seminar practical which will increase my practical experience.
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Admission Essay for Grad School
Specialties NP
Published Oct 22, 2012
- by mpolen6497 Specializes in Med-tele, Neuro.
Any advice for graduate school admissions essay? Aside from professional achievements and goals....what are they really for and how personal should I get?
- + Add a Comment

perioddrama
Did the school not give a prompt of what they wanted? Most schools do.
Perhaps you can mention why you want to go to grad school for that specialty.

Yes they had four questions that they want to know the answers too. I just wonder what more they want to know. When I try to tell them about myself and answer those questions, it's hard to keep it under 3 pages. It's supposed to be 2-3 pages. I am nervous because they say the essay is your chance to show them who you are. I don't want to ramble on about things they don't care about.
14,633 Posts
Advice? -- Follow the directions they gave you . Part of the point of the essay is to see how well you attend to and follow directions. Answer the questions they asked you to answer, and keep within the limit they gave you for length. Don't make the mistake of thinking you will impress them, or stand out from the other applicants, by getting creative and "thinking outside the box."
Also, get someone who really knows what s/he is doing to proofread for you before you submit.
Best wishes for your journey! :)
Thanks for your advice! I will totally give them what they asked for and only what they asked for!
Great points!
I will be watching this thread closely as I also am needing to write the same (type of) essay. The questions in mine are something to the affect of " tell us about the train of thought that lead you to this career/school choice" I.e... what in the past made you want to do this in the future. So vague yet so specific. And UP to 2 pages DOUBLE SPACED of course, as you can see from this one post I am a rambler. hehehe
Oh and how do you find someone credible to proof read?

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN
1 Article; 5,114 Posts
A good English teacher or professional editor (I am one) could do that for you. I think it likely that the program's admissions committee specifies how to answer because it wants comparable essays. I doubt that it wants to read rewrites by a professional, though-- it wants to evaluate your ability to express yourself and your objectives for your graduate education. They tell you they want to know who you are; take them at their word.
However: Am I the only one who is asking why an adult learner who is ready to apply to a graduate level program feels the need to ask this question? When I made out my application for grad school it never would have occurred to me to ask someone to help me interpret the directions and craft an answer.
Help me out here-- why would someone old enough for graduate school not feel competent or self-aware enough to do this unaided? Especially when they TELL YOU WHAT THEY WANT? Is this evidence of readiness for advanced education and, presumably, resulting autonomy in a profession?

A long time ago I was at the library looking at a book on essays for medical school thinking I wanted to become a MD. From that book I got great ideas on creative writing and ways to stand out from the other applicants. Basically, I wrote an essay that told a story about how I was a secretary for a burn unit and the experience I got watching the NPs work and what an inspiration they were to me. I got such positive responses from the schools on my essay and was accepted all over. I think that the more creative you are with your essay the better off you are. That's just my experience. Good luck!
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Post-Master's Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certification, Certificate
The Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) program prepares experienced FNPs to meet the growing urgent and emergent needs of patients across the lifespan, including urgent primary care needs, critical illnesses, injuries, and trauma.
Graduates are prepared to diagnose and treat patients with emergent needs as well as perform procedures in a culturally sensitive manner. The direct care provided by the ENP focuses not only on physical symptoms but also on psychosocial and environmental factors as well as protection of vulnerable patients, families, and populations.
The ENP is qualified to treat emergency and trauma episodes across the lifespan in an Emergency Department, Trauma Center, Emergency Department Fast-track, and Urgent Care Center. Students will receive certification in ATLS as part of the program.
ENP graduates are eligible to take the Emergency Nurse Practitioner Specialty Certification Examination offered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB). Graduates must hold certification as a Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner in order to apply and become eligible for the Emergency Nurse Practitioner board certification.
Important Program Information
- This is a three semester program - Fall, winter, spring
- This program is offered in a hybrid/Flex format
- Students who are FNP certified but not currently in clinical practice will have to take three additional courses
- ATLS certification as well as procedural training are held on campus
- About the Division of Nursing
- MSN & Nurse Practitioner Program Information
- Preceptor Information
Admissions Requirements
MSN Admissions Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN or CCNE accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- An active registered nurse license or eligibility for licensure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. New Jersey licensure as a registered nurse is also required prior to beginning the clinical sequence for all MSN programs.
- Evidence of the equivalent of 12 months full-time nursing practice within the last three (3) years
- For the Post-Graduate Certification Programs, evidence of a minimum of one (1) year of experience as a practicing licensed registered nurse within the past two (2) years
How to Apply
*For applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement, completion of the GRE or MAT will be required to be considered for admission to the program
*International applicants (regardless of citizenship) for whom English is a second language must submit English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, iBT, IELTS, or CAE) as part of their application. An official copy of test results must be sent by the testing agency directly to the Division of Nursing at DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034. Visit the following websites for up-to-date information:
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- The Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)
* All exams must have been taken within two years of application to a DeSales program.
The Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certification program is a 1 year program - fall, winter, and spring semesters.
- The deadline is August 1 for a fall semester start.
The admission process and entrance requirements are rigorous; demonstrating minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the MSN program.
Additional admission requirements for a Post-Master's Certificate program:
- Meeting the admissions requirements to the MSN program.
- Official documentation of the completion of an MSN or its equivalent from an ACEN or CCNE accredited institution.
- Minimum of one-year experience as a practicing licensed registered nurse within the past two years.
Graduates of the ENP program will be prepared for advanced practice positions in critical access hospitals, emergency departments, trauma centers, and urgent care centers.
The curriculum for the Emergency Nurse Practitioner program combines a blend of theoretical and applied learning in order to address all emergent and traumatic needs.
Post-Master's Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program Summary
For current practicing fnps.
- 1 ATLS/procedures course, offered on campus in October
- 3 lecture/clinical courses
- 675 clinical practicum hours
For non-current practicing FNPs
- 3 foundation courses/clinical lab (physical assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology)
Academic Catalog
- 2023-2024 Graduate Catalog
DeSales University is home to some of the most advanced simulation technology in a university setting.
Simulation captures the key characteristics and behaviors of real life clinical events and gives students the opportunity to practice clinical skills, repeat procedures, fine-tune processes, and observe the impact of their choices — all without harm to patients.

The DeSales family of Human Patient Simulators (HPS)
HPS, also known as high-fidelity manikins, are life-like models of the human body with software/computer equipment components to mimic human bodily functions. The HSC maintains several HPSs, including a pregnant mother and new-born infant.
Clinical Skills Lab
Our clinical skills suite provides both a 12 bed in-patient and a 12 bed out-patient practice environment. Students can practice a wide variety of clinical skills with low fidelity mannequins. Task Trainers help students gain expertise in technical procedures and clinical skills such as foley catheter placement or pelvic examination for undergraduate students and more advanced skills such as central line placement or peripheral IV insertion, for our graduate students.
Standardized Patient Program
This on-campus suite replicates a functioning healthcare office, complete with a waiting room, and 8 fully equipped examination rooms. Standardized Patients are real people who are specially-trained to portray different patient scenarios, where they are treated as real patients by DeSales students. They actively participate in the instruction, practice, and assessment of the physical examination skills of our students, nurses, and physician assistants. Become a standardized patient
Education Management
Our Education Management Solutions, Inc. system (EMS) provides a comprehensive solution for the labs;. Digital AV software and hardware allow faculty to capture both the simulations and standardized patient environments for further review. The results provide a digital video record of individual and team performance, which assist in evaluating a student’s performance when faced with realistic clinical challenges.

Video: See the Sim Center in Action
Tuition & Fees
Tuition and fees for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) are as follows.
- Tuition/credit hour: $945*
- Laboratory Fee: $250**
- Returned Check Service: $30
- Graduation Fee: $120
*Tuition/credit hours listed are for 2023/2024 academic year. Tuition and fees are reviewed each academic year and are subject to change with notice. **Average cost. Laboratory fees are due on registration.
View a comprehensive list of financial aid forms and graduate program information sheets
Tuition Deferment
DeSales University offers graduate students the opportunity to defer payment of their tuition when they will be receiving reimbursement from their employer or when they are eligible to receive financial aid. A copy of your employer's tuition reimbursement policy must be forwarded to the Treasurer's Office and/or all necessary financial aid paperwork must be filed with the Financial Aid Office before tuition deferment is granted.
Tuition deferment is a privilege given to graduate students at DeSales and can be revoked if this privilege is abused. Please note that you, as the student, are responsible for payment of your tuition balance in the event that your financial aid/loans or employer reimbursement is not received by the Treasurer's Office.
Tuition Reimbursement
When a student is eligible for tuition reimbursement from his/her employer, written evidence of eligibility is required. The student is responsible for requesting this reimbursement from his/her employer. In cases where reimbursement is contingent upon successful completion of the course(s) and the student either withdraws or does not achieve a grade sufficient to warrant maximum reimbursement, the student is ultimately responsible for payment for the course(s).
Refund on Withdrawal
A refund of tuition payments will be made to a student who withdraws from a course. In all cases, credits will be calculated from the date the student completed the official withdrawal form, and the rebate will be based on the schedule shown below.
Refunds apply to tuition only. If a student is allowed to enroll by use of the deferred payment procedure, any funds due the University are immediately due and payable upon withdrawal. Withdrawal during the add/drop period is 100% of tuition refunded. The schedule below is for withdrawal after the first class after the close of the add/drop period.
The refund policy is based upon the number of classes held up to the date of withdrawal.
- Withdrawal after 1st class: 80% of tuition refunded
- Withdrawal after 2nd class: 65% of tuition refunded
- Withdrawal after 3rd class: 50% of tuition refunded
- Withdrawal after 4th class: 25% of tuition refunded
- >Withdrawal after 5th class: No refund
Available Scholarship Opportunities
- Johnson & Johnson Nursing
- National Health Service Corps Scholarships Program
- National Black Nurse Association
- National Association of Hispanic Nurses
- Nursing Scholarships
- Oncology Nursing Society Foundation
- AACN Scholarships
- Nursing & Nurse Practitioner Scholarships
- Nurses Educational Funds
- American Cancer Society
- Scholarships for Doctor of Nursing Practice
Veteran & Military Student Discount Program
Beginning Spring of 2023, DeSales University will match the Federal Military Tuition Assistance Program (T.A.) of $250/credit, or $750 for a three-credit course. The TA match discount program will be available to students who are currently serving on military active duty, National Guard, Reserve service members, and to eligible spouses or dependents. Adult Studies students eligible for TA match discount program will receive a combined $1,500 course credit against an approximately $1,600 course cost.
For more information, contact the Office of Veterans and Military Services
*Veteran & Military discount match is not applicable for the Accelerated BSN program nor combinable with additional DeSales University discount offerings.
CCNE Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at DeSales University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( http://www.ccneaccreditation.org ).

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For the Record, Friday, Nov. 10, 2023
Article by UDaily Staff Photo by Kathy F. Atkinson November 10, 2023
University of Delaware community reports new presentations, awards and publications
For the Record provides information about recent professional activities and honors of University of Delaware faculty, staff, students and alumni.
Recent presentations, awards and publications include the following:
Presentations
Trevor A. Dawes , vice provost for libraries and museums and May Morris University Librarian, was the invited featured speaker at the 2023 Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) Conference in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday, Nov. 3. In his talk, “Building an Inclusive Hybrid Organizational Culture,” Dawes shared information about some of the organizational culture and climate work he and the team at the Library, Museums and Press have been focused on for the last several years and how some of this work can be applied in any library setting whether in person, remote or hybrid.
Matthew Trevett-Smith , director of the Center for Teaching and Assessment of Learning , will deliver one workshop and a separate presentation at the POD Network 2023 Annual Conference . Trevett-Smith has been an engaged member of the professional association for more than a decade. The theme of this year’s conference is “Envisioning the Future: Developing Equitable Opportunities for Success.” Trevett-Smith shared, “This important theme of equity emphasizes the role that centers like ours have across higher education institutions. I’m honored to be able to share how CTAL has helped UD address persistent equity gaps in educational outcomes and highlight our multi-faceted approach to improve equity and excellence, including increasing access and affordability, leveraging digital technology, and broadening adoption of high-impact learning experiences.” In line with this theme and in support of new professionals in his field, Trevett-Smith is part of a multi-institution team delivering a pre-conference workshop titled “Navigating Early Career Landscapes for Educational Developers.” In addition, Trevett-Smith will co-present a session titled “Educational Development and the Equity/Excellence Imperative.”
Sharon Dudley-Brown , Beatrice Gaynor and Caren Coffy-McCormick — all in the College of Health Science’s School of Nursing — presented at the Fall Continuing Education (CE) Conference hosted by the Delaware Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (DCNP) on Saturday, Oct. 28. The DCNP is a nurse practitioner organization affiliated with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, which certifies both family nurse practitioners and adult geriatric nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioners are required to take 100 CE hours every five years, with 25 of them being in advanced pharmacology. The conference provided seven CE hours, most of which were in pharmacology. Dudley-Brown led a presentation regarding pharmacology and its tie-in to inflammatory bowel disease. Gaynor spoke about pharmacology and the nurse practitioner role in medical aesthetics. Coffy-McCormick provided updates on antipsychotics and bipolar disorder. The conference was designed to encourage nurse practitioners and nurse practitioner students to think deeply when prescribing medicine, ensuring the best quality of care for their patients.
“This is a unique focus for a conference that provides an update on pharmacology within nurse practitioners' unique fields of practice,” Gaynor said. “Nurse practitioners focus on the whole patient, while this conference will spotlight opportunities to strategically factor in pharmacology further when addressing the needs of patients.”
On Saturday, Nov. 4, Margaret Stetz , Mae and Robert Carter Professor of Women's Studies and professor of humanities, delivered a paper at an international online conference organized in the UK by the Victorian Popular Fiction Association. Called "Ouida Study Day," this interdisciplinary event brought together scholars to consider the work and legacy of the bestselling 19th-century British woman novelist who published as "Ouida" (1839-1908). Stetz's paper, titled “'And to Ouida with His Love': Max Beerbohm and 'Literary Ladies,'" explored how gender issues shape literary reception, focusing on More , an 1899 volume of essays by the writer and visual artist Max Beerbohm that was dedicated to "Ouida" and contained an influential evaluation of her fiction. Stetz was also the chair of the "Ouida's Aestheticism" panel at the same conference.
Jennifer Peticacis , who graduated from the School of Nursing in the College of Health Sciences in 2021, recently won the DAISY Award . The international honor from the Daisy Foundation allows patients, families and co-workers to express gratitude to nurses for providing compassionate care. Peticacis, a labor and delivery nurse at ChristianaCare, was nominated for the award by a patient’s husband after his wife was admitted for severe preeclampsia.
According to ChristianaCare , in the application, the nominator wrote: “Jenn was fantastic in making sure my wife was cared for and doing well. Thank you for allowing my wife and I to have a pleasant experience in a moment where we weren’t sure what to expect.”
Peticacis called it a great honor to be recognized.
“At times, as nurses, we forget that this is a patient’s big experience, and they’re going to remember it forever,” Peticacis said. “So, it means a lot to me that this family appreciated the role I played in their story and that they’ll remember what can be a scary and anxiety-inducing experience in a positive way. We don’t do it for recognition, but when we get that positive feedback and see our positive impact as nurses, it makes a difference.”
Elizabeth Speakman , senior associate dean for the School of Nursing, said it’s wonderful to see a UD-educated nurse recognized so early in her career.
“We are so proud of Jenn,” Speakman said. “She truly exemplifies what we hope all our graduates become — the nurse who, during a patient's most challenging moment, provides excellent and compassionate care.”
John B. Bishop , professor emeritus in the College of Education and Human Development, recently received the President’s Award from the Association of College and University Counseling Centers Directors (AUCCCD) in recognition of his “dedication to AUCCCD and collegiate mental health” and for leading an effort to compile and publish a history of the organization. The AUCCCD organization previously presented Bishop with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his national leadership in the development and advancement of college and university counseling centers. His research has been published in numerous professional journals and book chapters, often with a major focus on the clinical and administrative aspects of mental health policies and practices in institutions of higher education. Bishop served as the director of the Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD) and associate vice president for Student Life at UD from 1976 to 2007. During that time, the CCSD received its initial accreditation from the International Association of Counseling Services and established a doctoral internship program in professional psychology that earned accreditation from the American Psychological Association. In addition, Bishop was instrumental in the establishment of the Student Services for Athletes Program and served as the principal investigator for multiple research grants received by the University from both the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to address binge drinking among college students. He also coordinated a master’s degree graduate program in Counseling in Higher Education from 1976 to 2012. Bishop has served as a consultant to colleges and universities across the country in matters pertaining to student mental health services.
The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) recently announced the UD IAEM Student Chapter as the IAEM-USA 2023 Student Chapter of the Year. The chapter was presented with the award on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the IAEM annual conference in Long Beach, California. The UD chapter, known as IAEM@UD , offers students already studying or interested in disaster and emergency management the opportunity for connection and collaboration across campus. Hosted by the Biden School’s Disaster Research Center (DRC) , IAEM@UD provides networking opportunities, volunteer experience and skill development for aspiring scholars and practitioners in the field. The chapter works closely with UD’s Office of Emergency Management, fosters community engagement and preparedness and provides strong practical experience for doctoral students currently enrolled in the disaster science and management program .
UDPD Sergeant Patrick McCloskey received the Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Delaware and Office of Highway Safety award during the law enforcement awards ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 2, in Dewey Beach. Over the past dozen years, McCloskey has significantly contributed to the reduction of impaired driving incidents in and around the University of Delaware campus. McCloskey serves on Delaware's Impaired Driving Prevention Task force, which is hosted by the Office of Highway Safety and tasked by the State of Delaware to address issues such as impaired driving enforcement, community engagement and proposed additions or amendments to Delaware law that have an impact on driving and drugged driving enforcement, among other areas. McCloskey is credentialed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) as a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) and DRE Instructor. He was an instructor for the 2022 Delaware DRE School (Delaware's 6th DRE class) and assisted in teaching throughout the whole 72-hour course, as well as the field certification process for 13 students. McCloskey also assisted in teaching the NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Test course in the Delaware State Police Academy for recruits in March 2022.
Kelvin Fu , assistant professor in the College of Engineering’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, received an Award for Composites Excellence (ACE) in the Innovation in Green Composites Design category. Hosted by the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) , this award recognizes outstanding innovations for unique composite applications. Fu was recognized for his group’s Wood Universal Feedstock for Forming (WuFF). This material uses a similar approach as the Tailored Universal Feedstock for Forming (TuFF) materials developed at UD’s Center for Composite Materials (CCM), but uses wood as a reinforming material instead of short carbon fibers. Fu was presented with this award at the annual Composites and Advanced Materials Expo (CAMX) , which took place Oct. 30-Nov. 2 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology (KAAP) placed #7 in an annual ranking conducted by the National Academy of Kinesiology (NAK). The ranking reflects data collected on program faculty such as productivity, funding and employment, as well as program student data like admissions, student support, publications, and employment. A total of 89 kinesiology doctoral programs were invited to participate in this year’s ranking. "We are very pleased to remain highly ranked in the NAK doctoral program rankings," said David Edwards, chair of KAAP. "This is a reflection of the outstanding scientific contributions of our faculty and doctoral students."
The College of Education and Human Development’s (CEHD) Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood (DIEEC) was designated as a Delaware Health Hero through the 2023 Lt. Governor’s Wellness Challenge for its Shining the Light on You program. This recognition honors the individuals, organizations and institutions that help make healthy choices the easiest choices for their communities. Designed by Rena Hallam, DIEEC director and professor in CEHD’s Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, and Laura Lessard, associate professor in the College of Health Sciences’s Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences, Shining the Light on You is an innovative health and wellness program tailored for family child care educators.
Publication
Aytaged (Ayta) Sisay Zeleke , a doctoral student in the College of Education and Human Development’s Ed.D. program, has published “A Reflection on Using a Cognitive Strategy with Selected Struggling Readers to Create Equitable Reading Comprehension Opportunity” in the fall 2023 issue of Maryland TESOL Quarterly , as well as a commentary titled “Cracks in the System: Unearthing Part of the Mysteries Behind Ethiopia’s National Exam Catastrophe” in Addis Standard .
Trevor A. Dawes , vice provost for libraries and museums and May Morris University Librarian, will serve as the 63rd president of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) effective January 2024, succeeding Susan Parker of the University of British Columbia. The president serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, along with the vice president/president-elect, the past president and the treasurer. Dawes has been serving as vice president since January 2023. The Board of Directors is the governing body of the Association and represents the interests of the 127 member libraries across the U.S. and Canada.
To submit information for inclusion in For the Record, write to [email protected] and include “For the Record” in the subject line.
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Follow the Five-Paragraph Essay Format Drexel University has a video featuring several tips for writing a personal essay for admissions committees. The video recommends applicants organize their statements in a five-paragraph essay format and write no more than 500 words. First paragraph: Make an immediate impact in your introduction
1. Be Specific When you receive your essay questions, you will notice that they are reasonably generic. What the university is looking for, however, is how you turn that into something specific. Don't just outline your overall feelings about a full topic.
Most nurse practitioner (NP) schools require their prospective students to compose a personal statement. Often, these elusive essays cause applicants to panic, but with just cause: personal statements are one of the most important components of NP school applications.
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Filed in Education by TMLT Editorials on April 13, 2021 Nurse Practitioner: Most nurse practitioner (NP) schools require their prospective students to compose a personal statement. Having applied to a BSN, MSN, and DNP program in my past, I have written more Nurse Practioner Essay than I can count.
9 Tips for Writing the Perfect NP Program Application Essay While many NP program application deadlines are still months away, now is the perfect, stress-free time to start getting your application materials together. Filling out endless amounts of personal information, gathering transcripts and requesting letters of recommendations is easy.
A good personal statement will highlight the applicants dedication to nursing, and understanding of the nurse practitioner role. It should be creative, concise and organized. It should begin with an intriguing introduction, continue with reflections of life experiences and explain why NP school is the next step in the applicants life.
Tips for Writing a Great Nursing Personal Statement When preparing to apply to a graduate nursing program, there are many requirements and submission guidelines to remember. The component that allows you to tell your unique story — your personal statement — is one of the most important.
Show where you have come from and where you plan to go. Explain how the DNP program will help you achieve your goals. Use first person, "I" language (e.g., "I am interested in…" or "I would like to study…"). Avoid being overly general, clichés and informal (using slang). Make your statement of purpose and personal history unique.
Write Concisely Format Appropriately NP School Personal Statement Examples Template 1 Template 2 Final Thoughts A personal statement is an invaluable tool for creating a successful career in nursing. It serves as a reflection of one's qualities, experience and ambition — demonstrating your commitment to the profession.
The New Professional Approach for a Nurse Practitioner Pages: 8 (2471 words) The Implementation of Just Culture for a Nurse Practitioner Pages: 5 (1600 words) Professional Goal Statement to be Achieved by Studying a Degree in Acute Care Nurse Practitioning Pages: 2 (565 words) Personal Statement about my Grandmother Pages: 3 (823 words)
A nurse practitioner letter of intent is a personal essay written by prospective nurse practitioner students. Many nurse practitioner programs require applicants to write and submit a letter of intent expressing their goals, relevant skills, nursing experiences and reasons for applying to the program. ... 6 Tips for Writing a Great Graduate ...
Graduate Nursing: Nurse Practitioner, Essay Example Pages: 1 Words: 350 Essay This Essay was written by one of our professional writers. You are free to use it as an inspiration or a source for your own work. Need a custom Essay written for you? HIRE A WRITER!
Why I Want To Be A Nurse Practitioner Essay 620 Words | 3 Pages. My Future Career, Nurse Practitioner A nurse practitioner is a nurse with a graduate degree in advanced practice nursing. When I was little I always said I wanted to become a nurse practitioner. It was something about being able to help patients overcome their illnesses that ...
Nursing graduate students must complete certain prerequisites to prepare for graduate-level coursework. Prerequisites typically include: Prerequisites typically include: Undergraduate degree in nursing In some cases, at least one year of recent RN experience Statistics Physiology Microbiology Psychology
Being A Nurse Practitioner Essay 520 Words | 3 Pages. There is a high significance for a nursing student completing their degree in nursing to start their career as a nurse practitioner. Nursing students must prepare to become nationally certified by an accredited body upon completion of their schooling in order to advance their career (AANP ...
Explanation Sample of nurse practitioner's entrance essay Wed 20 Sep 2023 In the report titled " The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health " the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in collaboration with Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) developed four key recommendations.
Family Nurse Practitioner Admission Essay. Factors contributing to the application of a master's program in nursing are to intellectually challenge myself, broaden my scope of practice and comprehension as a registered nurse. I recently graduated with my bachelors in nursing and have worked as a registered nurse for close to seven years.
Three significant and basic points for a nurse practitioner are: 1) Nurse practitioners can prescribe medicines by earning a license that is accepted in all 50 states, 2) All nurse practitioners all have master's degrees, or even doctorate degrees, along with clinical training and advanced medical education, and 3) It is known that patients who ...
Admission Essay for Grad School - Nurse Practitioners, NP Admission Essay for Grad School Specialties NP Published Oct 22, 2012 by mpolen6497 Specializes in Med-tele, Neuro. Any advice for graduate school admissions essay? Aside from professional achievements and goals....what are they really for and how personal should I get?
2. Describe your plans for graduate study and a professional career and how this program will contribute to them. I am pursuing the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP-AC) track within the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program.
Nurse Practioner Admission Essay. Since graduating in 2008 with my diploma in nursing, I have had many personal and clinical experiences. The challenges I have faced have facilitated my competency as a nurse and increased my desire to continue my education in nursing. My introduction to emergency room nursing was during my senior year as a ...
This 910 word admissions essay for family nurse practitioner essay example includes a title, topic, introduction, thesis statement, body, and conclusion. Support Available 24/7/365 Toll Free: 1-866-707-2737
Tuition & Fees. The Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) program prepares experienced FNPs to meet the growing urgent and emergent needs of patients across the lifespan, including urgent primary care needs, critical illnesses, injuries, and trauma. Graduates are prepared to diagnose and treat patients with emergent needs as well as perform ...
The DCNP is a nurse practitioner organization affiliated with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, which certifies both family nurse practitioners and adult geriatric nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioners are required to take 100 CE hours every five years, with 25 of them being in advanced pharmacology.