why do i want to be a family nurse practitioner essay

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, MEd

On NPschools.com, Rachel Drummond has leveraged her extensive background in education and mindfulness to provide valuable insights to nursing professionals since 2020. She explores how mindfulness and movement can be incorporated into the demanding routines of nurses, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical well-being for increased resilience and effectiveness in the challenging field of nursing.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog , inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.

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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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19 Top Reasons Why You Should Become a Family Nurse Practitioner

Family nurse practitioners play a significant role in healthcare. Family nurse practitioners typically provide primary and preventative care in a primary care setting—but may also work in various specialty clinics, urgent cares, and emergency departments. They provide care to all ages, including newborns to geriatrics. They assess, order, and interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose their patient and develop a treatment plan. So now you may be asking, why become a family nurse practitioner? Below you will find 19 top reasons why you should become a family nurse practitioner.

WHY BECOME A FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER?

Reason #1: greater autonomy, reason #2: greater responsibility, reason #3: provide preventative and primary care, reason #4: can pursue a career in a specialty field, reason #5: higher earning potential, reason #6: fnp’s are in in-demand, reason #7: prescriptive authority, reason #8: more management or leadership opportunities, reason #9: great hours, reason #10: positively impact your patient’s life, reason #11: help patient’s set goals and achieve those goals, reason #12: job satisfaction, reason #13: can work in a variety of settings, reason #14: provide care to patients across their lifespan, reason #15: possibility of opening your own practice, reason #16: complete your msn or dnp while working as an rn, reason #17: family medicine will continue to challenge you, reason #18: job security, reason #19: great work-life balance, my final thoughts.

Why Do You Want to be a Nurse Practitioner? Carson-Newman MSN-FNP Students Answer

Learn more about Carson-Newman's online family nurse practitioner program .

“Why do you want to be a nurse practitioner?” is a question many nurses hear and consider before taking the next step in their career. Each answer is personal and an important part of your professional journey.

At Carson-Newman University, we’ve interviewed six students in our online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program. We asked, “why do you want to be a nurse practitioner?” and our students’ responses are below. If you aspire to have greater influence and autonomy in your nursing practice as an FNP, read on to gain perspective as you consider your own path.

Earn Your MSN-FNP Part-Time For Less than $30k

Lauren crowe: why do you want to be a nurse practitioner.

When did you decide that you wanted to be a nurse practitioner?

I always knew I wanted to continue education [as a nurse]. Nursing is a constant field of learning, and I knew that I wanted to pursue a higher level. Nurse practitioner appealed to me because I wanted to care for my patients on a different level and give the whole perspective, already having the experience as a nurse, and to give provider care as well.

What's your favorite part about being a nurse?

My patients are my favorite part of being a nurse. I enjoy going to work every day to get to care for and love people spiritually, emotionally, and physically . So that's my favorite part.

What kind of impact would you like to have on the nursing profession?

I just want my patients to feel loved, heard, and cared about. I see a lot in the world that we have—we expect patients to come to us when we should go to them. Medical missions have always been a part of my heart, too, so I hope to be able to help in that aspect as well.

Mary Catherine Hefner: Why do you want to be a nurse practitioner?

Why did you decide you wanted to become a nurse practitioner?

It's been my goal for 20 years to be a nurse practitioner, and life happens. It just so happened that life fell into place and it worked out through Carson-Newman for me to join their first cohort of the online [FNP] program.

My favorite part about being a nurse is helping others improve their quality of life and in doing that, I try to leave patients in a better frame of mind or a better state of health than I find them in.

I certainly hope [with] my little piece of the puzzle that I can contribute to the big picture and will be impactful—not only on the side of patient care but also in representing family nurse practitioners positively... so we can practice at the upper end of our license and be a voice for patients and the profession .

“I certainly hope to be... a voice for patients and the profession.”

Miranda Kerley: Why do you want to be a nurse practitioner?

I actually started a program, but due to clinical placement , I stopped because I couldn't find anywhere to do clinicals. Then my husband pushed me to get my master's because he thought I’d be good at it. I agreed and... that was probably four years ago.

I work in the ER, so I get to deal with anything and everything. Every patient's different. Every experience is different. I just love the variety of what I get to deal with every day I go to work. [It’s] never the same.

What attracted you to the program at Carson-Newman and how did you know it was a good fit for you?

One of the big attractions was an advertisement for clinical placement. The area that I'm from -- Charleston, South Carolina -- we have probably five to seven different nursing programs, so there are students everywhere.

We have the Medical University also, so we're just jam-packed. Finding clinical placements is super hard. You could wait six months before you get in somewhere, so it really slows down your progress. When I saw Carson-Newman was willing to find placement for me, I jumped on board very quickly.

“Finding clinical placements is super hard… When I saw Carson-Newman was willing to find placement for me, I jumped on board very quickly.”

Amanda Lane: Why do you want to be a nurse practitioner?

I have my master's already in Nursing Administration, but I want to do more with patient care. I work in a free clinic one day a week in my hometown and I really enjoy providing that care . I want to do what nurse practitioners can [do]— provide mid-level care .

I love interacting with my patients and establishing a rapport with them.

It's close [to me]. I knew if there were any issues that I'd be only an hour and a half away.

I like the fact that it's online and only one class a semester , so it's doable with being able to be focused on my family and work. Family is the most important thing to me, so it's important to still be able to go to their games and concerts.

Nichole Luckshis: Why do you want to be a nurse practitioner?

I have wanted to be a nurse practitioner ever since I started nursing. Early on, I knew I'd love to teach… and I’d love to educate patients . In our field, I feel like education kind of lacks, especially with health care with patients—they're not given the education that they need [for] medicines or why they have disease processes.

I would love to be that person, especially as a nurse practitioner—to not only provide care and manage that care for them but to be able to educate and tell them why .

What is your favorite part about being a nurse?

There are so many parts that I love about being a nurse. Generally, [it’s] the relationships we gather with patients . You get to be there at special parts of their life—whether they're sick, whether they're happy. I'm an emergency room nurse, so it's just being there when patients are sick. You can comfort family members, you can comfort the patients, and just take care of them.

I'm huge on education—I love to teach other nurses and I love to educate patients. I want to, first, just provide good care, and second, just be able to make an impact with patients on the education of disease processes and everything that they're going through.

Rhonda McAnally: Why do you want to be a nurse practitioner?

When did you decide you wanted to be a nurse practitioner?

I’ve been away from bedside nursing for about 10 years and am in more of an education and administrator role at a hospital. The reason I wanted to become a nurse practitioner is [that] I really miss the patient interaction ... I have been looking for a flexible program where I could fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a nurse practitioner.

My favorite part of being a nurse is the patient interaction and the variety of patients that you see [each] day. Every day is a new challenge, a new expectation, a potential diagnosis or something to learn. Being a nurse is just continually learning and trying to improve your skill set and knowledge.

An impact that I want to make...is to show that individuals can get exceptional care and holistic care . I also [want to] be an adjunct to the physicians, or surgeons, in providing... more of a holistic approach to nursing . Also, to [be a mentor to] other nurses to fulfill their dreams— it's never too late to learn something new and acquire knowledge to help another individual. I believe that some of that is missing with the healthcare profession today.

People do not need to be treated like a number. They need to be treated with compassion; they need to be treated with respect.

I feel like the nurse practitioner role [expands] to where you're spending more time with your patients and truly educating them about their conditions.

“People do not need to be treated like a number. They need to be treated with compassion; they need to be treated with respect.”

It’s Your Turn: Why do you want to be a nurse practitioner?

There isn't just one answer to the question “Why do you want to be a nurse practitioner?” Still, here are several reasons to consider becoming one:

• Employment of nurse practitioners is expected to grow 28% through 2028 , almost six times the average growth rate of all other occupations.
• FNPs can work in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, and community health centers.
• In some states, FNPs can practice independently and open their own practice.
• FNPs can also pursue subspecialties including medical-surgical, cardiac, endocrine/diabetes, and more.
• In many states, nurse practitioners have what’s referred to as “full practice authority” , meaning they do not have to work under the supervision of a doctor and can provide complete patient care. This includes full exams, prescribing medicine, and more.
• The average annual income for FNPs is $110,030, substantially higher than RN positions. Even though pay varies by state, even in the lowest paying states, FNPs make $40,000 more than the national average for all other occupations.

It’s no wonder that U.S. News & World Report ranks nurse practitioner as #4 among “Best Healthcare Jobs” (one place ahead of physician) and among the top seven for “100 Best Jobs.”

Learn more about the benefits of becoming a nurse practitioner and broaden your impact in healthcare as a nurse practitioner.

Advance your nursing career with Carson-Newman's online MSN-FNP program or online post-master's FNP Certificate program .

Request Your Free Program Brochure

About carson-newman’s online fnp programs.

Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is a nationally ranked Christian liberal arts university. An online, yet personal, learning environment connects you with fellow students, faculty, and staff. Faith and learning are combined to create evidence-based online graduate nursing programs designed to transform you into a more autonomous caregiver.

Through its online program and student-centric curriculum, Carson-Newman provides a life-changing education where students come first. Designed for working nurses, Carson-Newman’s affordable FNP programs feature 100% online coursework with no mandatory log-in times, clinical placement service, and exceptional individualized support that prepare graduates to pass the FNP licensure exam.

If you’re ready for the next step in your nursing career, consider the online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner offered by Carson-Newman University and accredited by the CCNE.

For those who already hold an MSN degree, consider pursuing a Post-Master’s FNP Certificate to enjoy all the leadership opportunities, job satisfaction and autonomy of a family primary care provider. For more information, visit onlinenursing.cn.edu.

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WCU » Blog » 7 Reasons to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner

7 Reasons to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner

November 21st, 2019

Read Time 4 mins

A Family Nurse Practitioner is someone who offers more in-depth and comprehensive care compared to registered nurses. Being an FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) means added responsibility and a variety of career prospects.

Working toward becoming an FNP might be a natural progression to many practicing registered nurses. For those wondering if this is the right move for their career, read more to understand the reasons why registered nurses aspire to be Family Nurse Practitioners.

Reasons to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner

Greater Autonomy and Responsibility

Family Nurse Practitioners have a few duties that overlap with the duties of registered nurses; such as, examining patients, monitoring patient health, maintaining health records, etc. However, the duties of an FNP go beyond this as they can make a medical diagnosis, develop comprehensive health plans for patients, monitor chronic health conditions and supervise healthcare teams.

Since FNPs generally offer more in-depth and comprehensive care, they can assume greater healthcare management roles.

Prescription Authority

FNPs have greater autonomy when it comes to prescription authority. Currently 22 states and the District of Columbia allow full practice, which means nurse practitioners have similar prescriptive authority compared to physicians. In 16 states, there is reduced practice, where nurse practitioners can prescribe as long as they are in collaborative agreement with the physician, along with staying within the limitations of the medications they are allowed to prescribe. According to a survey by AANP, most nurse practitioners hold some form of prescriptive privileges, which includes controlled substances, in all 50 states and D.C.

Better Career stability

Jobs in healthcare are projected to grow around 36% From 2016 to 2026. With such a high demand, healthcare organizations and hospitals are keen to retain highly qualified family nurse practitioners. This offers greater stability (financial and professional) and growth opportunities in career.

Work While You Learn

Some colleges offer family nurse practitioner courses online. This means that registered nurse practitioners can continue working while studying to be FNPs. This ensures that a registered nurse does not have to take a break to pursue higher education.

West Coast University (WCU) offers an online MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner program. The University is institutionally accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). WCU’s online nursing education programs are programmatically accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE.)

Maintain Connections with Patients

Many registered nurses prefer and thrive in the connection with patients that their profession offers. As they obtain higher positions, many nurses lose out on that patient-connection. However, as FNPs, nurses continue to work closely with patients and physicians.

Leadership Roles

Many healthcare settings require FNPs. Apart From independent practice, family nurse practitioners can also look forward to increased leadership opportunities. Extended fields like patient education, research, and academia, and policy advocacy have seen a rising need for qualified healthcare professionals like FNPs to help their causes.

Family nurse practitioners can work actively in developing patient education programs, conduct medical research and have a say in healthcare policy matters. Qualified family nurse practitioners are also essential in academic roles like program administrators and mentoring.

Greater Fulfilment

A Family Nurse Practitioner is able to work across the entire spectrum of patients and assumes a greater responsibility in terms of patient care. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners,  87.1% of NPs are certified in an area of primary care, and 72.6% of all NPs deliver primary care. This means that most FNPs have a chance at having a greater impact on health communities. As many FNP’s have prescriptive authority, they offer healthcare services which are cost-effective and can be utilized by a larger percentage of the population.

Apart From these core reasons described above, a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner could make a difference in the lives of people.

WCU cannot guarantee employment.

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.

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What’s a Family Nurse Practitioner?

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Why Become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)?

A Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse that specializes in health care across the age spectrum. They have great autonomy within the medical field, often acting as primary care providers, and have advanced skillsets to carry out patient care. For instance, FNPs conduct physical examinations, create treatment plans, maintain medical records, and are able to prescribe medications. For this reason, becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner requires a graduate degree and certification.

As one Goodwin University FNP program student explained, “Being a Family Nurse Practitioner gets me close to being a doctor without losing my caring side as a nurse.” Aspiring FNPs may also feel this way, or are drawn to the family practice specialty for diverse reasons. For some, it’s the challenging coursework that piques some their interest. Others are motivated by the high earning potential that you can expect as an FNP. What else makes the FNP role so interesting, and why should you become a Family Nurse Practitioner? Let’s find out.

Family Nurse Practitioners: Popular for a Reason

Did you know that the majority of nurse practitioners (NPs) in the U.S. are in fact Family Nurse Practitioners? According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), almost 67% of NPs are actually FNPs . Many FNPs enjoy the diversity of their jobs, as they work with patients of all ages, shapes, and feathers. The focus of a Family Nurse Practitioner is to promote a healthy lifestyle throughout the lifespan, focusing on preventive care. Some further job responsibilities of FNPs include creating treatment plans, managing acute and chronic illnesses in patients, and ordering diagnostic exams. Educating patients is also a large part of the FNP job. The FNP option for RNs is attractive to many advanced practice nurses because of this deep engagement with patients.

Family Nurse Practitioners might work in private practice, at colleges and universities, or in community health. No matter the setting, the collaborative aspect of working with patients to maintain healthy lives is a fulfilling part of this career for FNPs. Many FNPs remark on how this career feels like being a doctor, without medical school bills, a long residency, and many of the stressors that come with such a level of responsibility (such as being on-call). The work/life balance might be more level for FNPs than for PhDs.

A Flexible Ladder

A bachelor’s degree and an unencumbered RN license are the major admission requirements for applying to a Family Nurse Practitioner program of study. Goodwin University also asks that applicants have obtained at least two years of direct patient care as an RN within the last five years. You’ll need to share transcripts, a resume, and a formal essay, but there are no other tests (such as the GRE) that need to be taken before you submit your application. If you’ve climbed this far but are concerned about other obligations, such as your job or family, then you need a flexible program that works for your lifestyle.

Besides Orientation, two Immersion Weekends, and clinical practice, the Goodwin University FNP program is available entirely online. This format allows you to study when you can, and continue to live your life and work while making big moves professionally.

An Unmatched Learning Opportunity

The depth of the curriculum included in Goodwin University’s FNP program is impressive and valuable. This makes sense, because the FNP job requires an in-depth understanding of health practices for adults (including complex cases), children, and women. At Goodwin University, you can expect to study a mixture of theory and clinical studies, including:

• Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice
• Theoretical Basis and Current Concepts/Professional Roles
• Policy, Politics and Organization of Healthcare
• Advanced Reasoning and Differential Diagnosis

In addition, you’ll spend 600 hours spread across three ‘Advance Practice through the Lifespan’ courses, which cover the following demographics: adults, women, pediatrics, and complex clients. This 47-credit master’s program can be completed in as few as 27 months when studying year-round.

Another important consideration for your future FNP program is accreditation. Being accredited means that the curriculum has been vetted and approved by an overseeing institution. Accreditation ensures the highest quality educational program. Goodwin University’s FNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Lucrative Compensation & A Great Job Outlook

On average, the Bureau of Labor Statistics tells us that nurse practitioners make about $109,820 annually, nationwide. However, more specific information about the Family Nurse Practitioner salary is available through the AANP, who found that full-time FNPs make on average $114,000 annually in 2019. Depending on the state in which you work, as well as the work environment, your earning potential will also adjust. In Connecticut, for example, the FNP salary can reach up to $136,580 annually .

Perhaps more impressive than the salary for FNPs is the job outlook. The average growth rate for all occupations in the United States is 4% between 2019-29. The growth rate for nurse practitioner employment during that same time range, however, is rising much faster than average, at a notable 52%. This means that employment of nurse practitioners is growing at 13 times the rate of the national average! The highest employment levels for nurse practitioners in a metropolitan area are found on the east coast. In the New York, Newark, Jersey City, and PA area, there are 13,910 FNPs! The mean wage of these nurses is also above the national average, at $128,720.

More of What You Love About Nursing

As you can see, becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner is a great choice for driven BSN graduates who want to grow their professional career, and live up to tall personal aspirations. To learn more about how to become a Family Nurse Practitioner , or why an FNP program may be the right route for you, consider contacting Goodwin University today at 800-889-3282.

Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.

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Why I Want To Be A Nurse Essay

Applying for nursing school is an exciting step towards a rewarding career helping others. The nursing school essay, also known as a personal statement, is a critical part of the application. This is your chance to showcase your passion for the nursing profession and explain why you want to become a nurse.

This guide will show you exactly what admission committees are looking for in a strong nursing school application essay. Let’s walk through how to plan, write, and polish your “why I want to be a nurse” personal statement so it stands out from the competition.

What To Include In Your Nursing Essay

Writing a compelling nursing school essay requires advanced planning and preparation. Follow these tips to create an effective personal statement:

Plan Your Nurse Essay

The first step is to carefully conceptualize your nursing school admissions essay. Jot down some notes answering these key questions:

• Why do you want to go into nursing?
• What personal experiences or traits draw you to the field of nursing?
• How have you demonstrated commitment to caring for others?
• What are your academic and professional qualifications for nursing?

From here, you can start mapping out a logical flow of key points to cover in your nursing school application essay.

Show an Emotional Connection to the Profession

Admission committees want to see that you have genuine passion and empathy for the nursing career choice. Dedicate part of your personal statement to describing your intrinsic motivations and positive impacts for desiring to become a nurse.

Avoid cliché reasons like “I want to help people.” Instead, get specific by sharing a personal anecdote that emotionally moved you towards nursing.

Here’s an example of how you could open your nursing school entrance essay by highlighting a meaningful patient-care interaction:

“Holding Mrs. Wilson’s trembling hand, I watched her fearful eyes relax as I reassured her that the medical team would take excellent care of her. At that moment, providing empathetic comfort to calm her nerves despite the clinical chaos around us, I knew deep down that nursing was my calling.”

This introduction immediately establishes an emotional pull towards the human side of healthcare. From here, explain how this or similar experiences instilled a drive in you to become a nurse.

Show That You Care

Much of nursing is providing compassionate, person-centered care. Therefore, your “why I want to be a nurse” essay should emphasize your ability to be caring, empathetic, patient, and comforting to others.

Share examples that showcase your natural inclination for caregiving:

“Volunteering at the Red Cross shelter after the wildfires by comforting displaced families demonstrated my patience and attentiveness to those suffering. Even as some evacuees grew frustrated by the chaos, I calmly reassured them that we would do everything possible to assist with their recoveries and ensure they felt cared for.”

This example highlights key soft skills needed in nursing as a career, like compassion, active listening, the desire to help, and providing a calming presence under pressure.

Share Your Aspirations

A strong application essay will also articulate your goals and vision for contributing to the nursing field. What are you hoping to achieve through a career in nursing?

Here is an example of discussing aspirations in a nursing school personal statement:

“My long-term aspiration is to become a nurse leader by earning an advanced degree and management experience. I aim to leverage my organizational, communication and critical thinking skills to mentor junior staff, improve operational workflows, and advocate for policies that enhance quality of care. In nursing, I’ve found my true calling – to provide critical care, and help others by being a source of compassion and driving excellence in healthcare delivery.”

This type of self-motivated, forward-looking vision demonstrates maturity, strong goals, and natural leadership qualities.

Describe Your Nursing Skills and Qualifications

Finally, your nursing school entrance essay should summarize the skills; profession offers, and experience that makes you an excellent candidate for the nursing program. Highlight relevant strengths like:

• Academic achievements (science/healthcare courses, GPA, etc.)
• Extracurricular activities (volunteering, internships, etc.)
• Relevant work experience (patient care roles like CNA, medical assistant, etc.)
• Other transferable skills (communication, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, etc.)

For example:

“My passion for science, healthcare experience as a CNA, and volunteering at a community health fair have prepared me to thrive in the intellectually stimulating and collaborative nursing curriculum. I bring dedication, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic as demonstrated by my 3.8 GPA studying Biology at the University of Michigan.”

With application essays, it’s all about showcasing why you would make an outstanding addition to the nursing program, making a difference through your qualifications and intangible traits.

How Do You Write an Introduction to a Nurse Essay?

Now that you’ve brainstormed content ideas, it’s time to turn them into a polished personal statement. Here are some tips for crafting an attention-grabbing introduction to your nursing school essay:

Hook the Reader with a Personal Story

One of the most engaging ways to start writing your essay is by recounting a brief personal story that illuminates your drive to become a nurse. This can immediately immerse the reader in your intrinsic motivations.

For example , you could open with an anecdote describing a meaningful instance of care and comfort you provided to someone in need:

“Tears streamed down Mrs. Hernandez’s face as she told me about losing her husband to cancer last year. As a hospice volunteer, I held her hand, listening intently to her painful story of grief and loss…”

This type of vivid introduction pulls the reader into the narrative straight away. From here, you can continue sharing details about the scenario and its influence on your desire to pursue nursing.

Illustrate the Human Impact of Nursing

Another compelling way to begin your nursing personal statement is by painting a picture of nursing’s profound impact on patients and their families. This highlights your understanding of the profession’s vital role.

For instance:

“Looking a trembling new mother in the eyes as she first held her newborn, relieved knowing both were safe and healthy after a complicated delivery – that is the human difference nurses make each and every day.”

This type of introduction emphasizes nursing’s profound emotional impact on patients during vulnerable yet joyful moments. It activates the reader’s empathy by bringing them into the vivid scene while showing your own insight into the medical field.

Articulate Passion for Helping Others

Finally, you can start your nursing application essay by asserting your resounding passion for caring for others. This clear expression allows you to succinctly introduce central values like empathy and compassion.

“Ever since I was a young volunteer candy striper in my local hospital, I’ve held an unwavering passion for helping those suffering through the profound act of nursing. I was born to care for others.”

This authoritative opening clearly states your emotional connection to nursing in a compelling yet concise way. You can then build on this assertion of passion through personal examples and further explanation.

No matter how you start your nursing school essay, the introduction should vividly showcase your motivation and why you chose nursing. Set the tone early with your authorship and emotion.

Why I Want To Be A Nurse Essay Examples 

Now let’s analyze some complete sample nursing personal statements for inspiration on crafting your own:

Why I Want to Be a Nurse at a Hospital: Essay

Essay on why i want to be a nurse assistant, 1000-word essay on why i want to be a nurse, essay on why i want to be a nurse, why i want to be a nurse: argumentative essay, mental health nursing personal statement, why i want to be a pediatrics nurse, why i want to be a nurse practitioner essay, writing a why i want to become a nurse essay.

To craft a standout nursing school application essay, prospective students should engage the reader with an emotional opening that illuminates their calling to the profession, whether through a compelling personal anecdote or vivid imagery expressing the profound impact of nursing. 

The conclusion should be resolved by painting an inspiring vision of how the writer’s skills, values, and determination will be channeled into excellence as a nursing student and future registered nurse, making an empathetic difference in patients’ lives.

With focused, mature writing that radiates passion and preparedness, a “why I want to become a registered nurse” personal statement can stand out amidst the competition as a window into a promising applicant’s commitment to this vital healthcare profession.

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Family Nurse Practitioner, Admission Essay Example

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My dream job is to become a Family Nurse Practitioner in an Emergency Room, Urgent Care, or Family Practice setting.  I am hoping to further my education as a student at this University so that I can care for patients at a higher level of autonomy and responsibility.  As a nurse, I’ve worked with patients who require different levels of care.  For some patients, I am the calm presence that offers reassurance in times of crisis.  For others, I lend an ear to their thoughts; providing a distraction in the midst of all the chaos. This heightened ability to empathize with those in need has developed into an unrelenting desire to provide care at an even higher level.

Growing up, I was curious to learn more about the practice of medicine.  I was intrigued by health care providers and found their refined medical skills an admirable pursuit.  When I was 5 years old, I lost my Mother to breast cancer.  I suffered through the feelings that accompanied this tragic event and promised myself I would one day take part in minimizing these human losses.  After graduating high-school, I pursued the medical field more intently.  I accepted a job with the U.S. Navy where medical experience was highly diversified. I worked in Postpartum/Labor & Delivery.  I was stationed on the front line, where I was responsible for assessing the health of newborns and facilitating each mother’s recovery.  On occasion, I would scrub in for C-sections; the OB/GYN allowed me to cut the umbilical cord and prepare the baby for its mother’s embrace.  I thrived in this role and felt blessed I could be a part of bringing new life into this world.  This marked a pinnacle moment in which all my efforts were legitimized.  After some time, I was relocated to the Anesthesiologist Department at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Okinawa Japan.  I was responsible for intubating, administering medications, and adjusting gas at the request of my. After returning from the Navy, I worked as a nurse on the Medical/Nephrology floor, followed by 4 years in critical care on the ICU Stepdown floor.  From 2004 to 2015, I worked on the Neuro, Trauma, and Surgical Intensive Care Unit.

Throughout the course of career, my desire to become a Nurse Practitioner has only grown stronger.  Never once was I deterred by my experiences or complacent in just one role.   I have acquired an enlightened perspective which has resulted in a profound understanding and appreciation for the health care profession.  Someone once told me, “nothing worth doing is easy;” a statement I have found to be a true as I fully accept the challenges that lie ahead knowing I am fulfilling my passion.  I can think of no better place to continue my education than at Sonoma State University’s Nurse Practitioner Program. Thank you for taking the time to read my heart on paper.

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Five Reasons Why Registered Nurses Become Family Nurse Practitioners

In the early stages of their careers, some nurses often feel like they will never learn enough to stay afloat. As they make mistakes and find small victories, just getting control of the basics can seem overwhelming. But with time and training, their confidence blooms — turning them into skilled, focused nurses who love to care for their patients and are driven to make a difference.

It is the drive to do more that prompts many nurses to pursue a path from a Registered Nurse to Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Going beyond the hospital bedside, FNPs have greater autonomy, career growth, and personal satisfaction.

Here are five reasons why nurses choose to become FNPs.

Improved Professional Responsibility and Flexibility

Nurse practitioners (NPs) work in a variety of settings including clinics, hospitals, schools, urgent care centers, and private practices. With the skills to treat patients from onset of illness through recovery, FNPs may assess, diagnose, order tests, and even admit patients to the hospital when necessary. Providing seamless care means more positive clinical outcomes for patients and a better bottom dollar for many medical facilities as well.

Increased Job Prospects

With a looming shortage of primary care physicians on the horizon, contributions from FNPs are being encouraged. With a steadily rising job market and recognition by multiple media sources, nurse practitioner programs have been ranked among the top 10 for potential job growth according to a 2009 ranking by  CNN Money . The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 23 percent increase in overall nursing jobs between 2008 and 2018 and steadily rising rates of NPs providing primary care.

Better Earning Potential

Nurse practitioners do make more money than RNs, and pay will vary based on the area of specialization, years of experience, and geographic location. According to the National Salary Survey, NPs reported an average salary of over $90,000 per year. In addition to pay, hard-to-fill positions are usually combined with lucrative benefit and bonus packages to entice practitioners to work in certain geographical areas.

Increased Autonomy

Nurse practitioners continue to take on greater responsibilities and have gained significant ground in the fight for patient autonomy. Seventeen states currently allow NPs to work without a supervising physician, and five other states are considering similar measures. With more than 30 million Americans set to receive health care in the near future, leaders are reassessing the value of NPs in managing this influx. This includes adopting additional licensing and a broader scope of practice.

Ability to Provide Primary and/or Preventive Care

According to the website  Health Affairs.org , primary care nurse practitioners (those working in pediatrics, geriatrics, family medicine, gerontology, and women’s health) made up 84 percent of all NP graduates in 2012. NPs come in far ahead of sagging medical school numbers for the same field, at just 11.6 percent of their overall enrollment. Not all nurse practitioners who train in a primary care field end up working there — estimates show about 50 percent usually do — but there’s still plenty of room for providers to find their spot.

Making a difference for patients is at the center of all that FNPs do. From birth through end of life, FNPs provide care across the life span and face a bright and promising future in this ever-changing health care system. There has never been a better time to get started on your own path to FNP training.  Nursing@Simmons  makes it easy to train with some of the country’s leading FNPs and gain top-notch experience in an interactive, online platform. With convenient online graduate programs available, there are plenty of compelling reasons to consider progressing from a Registered Nurse to Family Nurse Practitioner and take your career to the next level.

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7 Reasons Why You Should Become a Family Nurse Practitioner

Our healthcare needs are growing, and yet we are facing a massive shortage of primary healthcare providers. The good news, according to Reuters, is that nurse practitioners may be poised to fill that gap . The key may lie in state regulations and finding enough nurse practitioners to work in underserved areas.  

The Family Nurse Practitioner can fill this gap in healthcare by working within a diverse healthcare system including physicians, and other professional practitioners. In most states, nurse practitioners are able to write prescriptions and practice independently under a collaborative agreement with a physician. There is a growing list of states that allow the nurse practitioner to practice autonomously to the full extent of his/her education without physician oversight.  

A Family Nurse Practitioner provides primary healthcare to patients across the lifespan. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, you will have a positive impact on the health outcomes of your patients. If you are thinking about becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner, there are many advantages for doing so.  

Your Schooling May Not Cost You Anything  

Does this sound too good to be true? Family Nurse Practitioners are in high demand in areas where people may not have access to needed medical services (underserved or low resource community). The Health Resource and Services Administration (HRSA) offers the NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program to help pay off your student loans if you work for a certain amount of time in an underserved area or a critical shortage facility. In addition to being eligible for loan repayment, you will be serving a community in need.  

You Can Study Without Giving Up Your Current Job  

More universities are offering an online nurse practitioner program, meaning that you can take courses from anywhere you have an internet connection. For instance, you can participate in Baylor’s Family nurse practitioner program in Texas even if you live in another state. Because you will be going to school online and don’t have to move to be near campus, you can keep your current job, home, and lifestyle.  

How many years of schooling does it take to become a Family Nurse Practitioner with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree? To earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice, it will take three to four years beyond obtaining your Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing degree (BSN). Our program offers both a full-time and part-time option for students. Those who choose to go full time will finish sooner.  

Learn more about Baylor's Online DNP-FNP program

Family Nurse Practitioner is a Growing Career  

The number of nurse practitioners in the United States nearly doubled from 2007-2017 from 120,000 to 234,00 and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics is expected to grow another 31% before 2026. This growth is spurred in large part due to a few things.  

• Emphasis on preventative care - Holistic care before someone gets sick is much more desirable and economical than the treatment of disease.
• An aging population - More people are living longer, and the need for preventative care into their senior years is spurring the demand for more nurse practitioners.
• The changing face of healthcare - Government regulations, insurance changes, and public perceptions are leading to a healthcare transformation that family nurse practitioners are at the center of.  

In a growing field, it’s unlikely that graduating students will have any trouble finding work.  

You Can Work Anywhere  

As a Family Nurse Practitioner, there is equal demand in both urban and rural settings. There are also other changes coming to healthcare, like the growing field of telemedicine, which means that you may be able to see patients and work with them at a distance.  

As wearables and smart devices become more popular, you may soon have fewer patients visiting your offices for appointments. These exciting changes mean you can work from anywhere in the world and be in on bringing new levels of collaboration and care .  

You’ll Have Higher Earning Potential  

The median income for Family Nurse Practitioners in 2017 was $110,930 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Comparatively the median salary for a Registered Nurse is $70,000 annually. In addition, family nurse practitioners have a lot more control over their career paths with options to open their own practice or practice as part of a larger healthcare group.  

You Work Directly with People of All Ages

As a Family Nurse Practitioner , you will have a diverse patient population. You will provide care to entire families and individuals across the age span from infants to grandparents. Often families will choose one primary care provider for everyone in their household and that could be you!  

You’ll Hold a Respected Profession 

A Family Nurse Practitioner serves their community and is very well respected for the services they provide. As a family nurse practitioner, you can take pride in what you do and the people you help each day.  

Whether you pursue your Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner degree online or on-campus, where you attend school matters. Baylor University's Louise Herrington School of Nursing Online program is nationally ranked and nationally certified. The school of nursing has faculty who are nationally recognized and experienced in providing an Advanced Practice education. This outstanding faculty along with a comprehensive curriculum will guide you to be a knowledgeable and competent healthcare provider. While most of your work will be done online, the program does have on-campus immersions spread throughout the program to help develop your assessment and management skills.  

If you already have your BSN or another advanced nursing degree, consider enrolling in our online dnp-fnp today. Now is the time to take charge of your future!

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Career Goals — Why I Want to Be a Nurse Practitioner

Why I Want to Be a Nurse Practitioner

• Categories: Career Goals Nurse

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Words: 765 |

Updated: 6 November, 2023

Words: 765 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

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Works Cited

• Hamric, A. B., Hanson, C. M., Tracy, M. F., & O'Grady, E. T. (2018). Advanced Practice Nursing: An Integrative Approach. Elsevier.
• Gardner, G., & Gardner, A. (2016). Nursing and Nursing Education : Public Policies and Private Actions. Springer.
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2021). About NPs: What Is an NP? Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org/about/all-about-nps/what-is-an-np
• Hagan, T. L., & Persaud, D. (Eds.). (2017). Nurse Practitioner's Business Practice and Legal Guide. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Buppert, C. (2021). Nurse Practitioner's Business Practice and Legal Guide. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• DiCenso, A., Guyatt, G., & Ciliska, D. (2005). Evidence-Based Nursing: A Guide to Clinical Practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.
• Lachman, V. D. (2016). Ethical Challenges in the Care of Older Adults. Springer Publishing Company.
• Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice. Wolters Kluwer.
• International Council of Nurses. (2021). Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nursing: Definition and Characteristics. Retrieved from https://www.icn.ch/nursing-policy/nurse-practitioneradvanced-practice-nursing-definition-and-characteristics
• Stanley, D., & Stanley, K. (2019). Clinical Leadership in Nursing and Healthcare: Values into Action. John Wiley & Sons.

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Essay on Why Do You Want To Be A Nurse Practitioner

Students are often asked to write an essay on Why Do You Want To Be A Nurse Practitioner in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Why Do You Want To Be A Nurse Practitioner

Helping people heal.

Being a nurse practitioner means I can help people feel better. Imagine seeing someone sick and knowing exactly how to help them. That’s what nurse practitioners do. They use their knowledge to make others’ lives better.

Learning Every Day

This job is for those who love to learn. Medicine always changes with new discoveries. As a nurse practitioner, I would keep learning about these changes to provide the best care.

Making a Difference

Nurse practitioners make a big difference in their communities. They are trusted by people. I want to be someone who can be trusted to take care of others and improve their health.

250 Words Essay on Why Do You Want To Be A Nurse Practitioner

Why do you want to be a nurse practitioner.

Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with advanced education and clinical training who provide primary and specialty healthcare services. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Nurse practitioners can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and perform procedures. They also provide preventive care and health education.

There are many reasons why someone might want to become a nurse practitioner. Some of the most common reasons include:

A Desire to Help Others

Nurse practitioners are driven by a desire to help others. They are passionate about caring for people and making a difference in their lives. They are committed to providing high-quality healthcare to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

A Strong Educational Background

Nurse practitioners have a strong educational background in nursing and healthcare. They have completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in nursing. They have also completed clinical training in a variety of settings.

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning

Nurse practitioners are committed to lifelong learning. They stay up-to-date on the latest healthcare trends and research. They also participate in continuing education courses to maintain their skills and knowledge.

A Rewarding Career

Nurse practitioners have a rewarding career. They are able to make a difference in the lives of their patients and their families. They also have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings and to learn new skills.

If you are interested in a career in healthcare, you may want to consider becoming a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, to have a rewarding career, and to learn new skills.

500 Words Essay on Why Do You Want To Be A Nurse Practitioner

A passion for helping others.

The essence of a nurse practitioner’s role lies in providing care, compassion, and support to those in need. It is a profession driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. The opportunity to alleviate suffering, ease pain, and promote well-being is what truly sets this career path apart.

The Intellectual Challenge

Nurse practitioners are required to possess a comprehensive understanding of human physiology, pharmacology, and various medical conditions. The intellectual stimulation of diagnosing and treating illnesses, along with the ability to learn and adapt to new medical information, fuels the passion of many nurse practitioners.

Autonomy and Collaboration

As nurse practitioners, we have the autonomy to diagnose and treat patients, order and interpret tests, and prescribe medications. This level of independence allows us to provide holistic care to our patients while collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Versatility and Flexibility

The versatility of the nurse practitioner role allows us to work in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, schools, and long-term care facilities. This flexibility enables us to tailor our careers to our personal and professional goals, while making a difference in diverse communities.

Being a nurse practitioner is a deeply rewarding career. The ability to make a tangible difference in the lives of our patients, to witness their progress and recovery, and to receive their gratitude is an incredibly fulfilling experience. The opportunity to build long-lasting relationships with patients and their families is what truly makes this profession so special.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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7 Tips for Writing the Perfect Family Nurse Practitioner Essay

If you are pursuing a career as a family nurse practitioner, you will likely be required to submit a personal essay. Your nurse practitioner personal statement explains why you want to become a family nurse practitioner (FNP) and is an important step in the graduate nursing program application process.

What you say in your nurse practitioner essay should tell the admissions committee who you are as a person and why you will make an effective and ethical nurse practitioner.

When answering the section on “why I want to be a nurse practitioner,” your response may come easily. Others might struggle with putting their reasons into words in an original and clear way. This guide will show you how to convey who you are and why you make an excellent candidate.

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. Instead, go into detail and use specific examples from your personal experience that truly demonstrate your capabilities. Not only is this a better way of answering the question, but it also means your essay will be far more interesting. It will properly showcase your personality, which is a very important part of nursing.

2. Be Concise

Always remember that you are writing an essay and not the next great saga. Oftentimes, there will be a word count limit. However, if there isn’t, you shouldn’t write every little detail you come up with. What matters is that the information is complete and doesn’t go off-topic. Stick to the guidelines provided, as they have been given for a good reason (one of them is to test you on how well you can follow instructions). You must be concrete in your answers.

Admissions committees must get through dozens or hundreds of applications. If your nurse practitioner essay is too long, they’ll likely lose focus. In addition, nursing requires concise communication in daily work. If you come across as taking a long time to get to the point, this may leave an unprofessional impression.

3. Demonstrate Your Passion and Commitment

When you describe why you want to be a nurse practitioner, your passion and commitment should leap off the page and make the admissions committee excited to offer you a place. They should see you as the kind of student and colleague that they want to represent their school. You can do this by making sure that your nurse practitioner essay:

• Shows how your experience and education motivate you
• Describes specific motivators, such as mentors, experiences with nurses, or even experiences as a patient
• Shows that you are committed to all aspects of nursing, including patient care, collaboration, cultural competence , and continual learning and improvement
• Clearly summarizes these elements to match your background and passion to the school’s culture, as well as to nursing

Avoid clichés or general statements about why nursing is important. They already know that. What they don’t know — what you have to tell them — is why your passion will make you an excellent FNP.

4. Tell a Story

Storytelling is the most powerful and memorable form of communication. The stories we’ve lived shape who we are. Leverage the power of storytelling in your nurse practitioner essay.

• Choose the right story and apply it to nursing. It doesn’t have to be about nursing specifically, but it needs to apply to nursing. Talk about instances where you’ve demonstrated teamwork, perseverance, crisis response skills, or communication successes.
• Start with a vivid hook that makes the reader want to know what happens next.
• Use clear language that helps the reader understand and identify with the choices you made.
• Make stories about more than just yourself. Nursing is a team practice, and if you write as though you’re the only important character in the story, it can seem arrogant or self-involved.
• Show empathy. Empathy doesn’t mean having a lot of feelings or dwelling on them. It means understanding others and meeting them where they are.
• Customize your nurse practitioner essay to the program. What values does the school hold? How does the school site describe learning, teachers, and current students? Make these values and priorities stand out in your writing.

5. Highlight Your Strengths

Your essay is an opportunity for you to show what you are made of. Highlight all the things that are good about you, such as your education, your career, your background, and other experiences. Perhaps you have done volunteer work, or you have already been employed in the medical field. It is always a good idea to give some examples of the experiences you have had to demonstrate why you are good at what you do and why you want to become an FNP.

When highlighting these strengths, it is best to be specific and include examples. For instance, saying you are hardworking may sound like a good trait to focus on, but it could be more impactful to provide a specific example of how you have worked hard during your career. This will add credibility to your essay and reinforce your claims.

6. Keep it Professional

You want your nurse practitioner personal statement to be memorable, but only in the right way. Keep your tone professional and individual. Think of your essay as though you were a stranger reading it. Would you want the person who wrote this essay to be in charge of your or a loved one’s care?

Never make a colleague or patient look bad in your nurse practitioner essay. This is a surefire way to get rejected, as it comes across as unprofessional, unfair, and potentially unethical. While a sense of humor is invaluable for a nurse practitioner, humor is very difficult to convey to an audience you don’t know.

Avoid exaggerating, even for dramatic effect. While exaggerating might improve the story, obvious exaggeration will cast doubt on your professional judgment.

Lastly, don’t use foul language in your nurse practitioner essay. Just like humor, while many nurses use it as a coping method, they are careful about their intended audience.

7. Edit Again and Again

Finally, once you have completed your essay, proofread it. After that, give it to someone else to proofread and then edit it once more yourself. Spelling errors, typos, and layout problems are certain to have your application denied because they show a lack of attention to detail. Share your essay with as many people as possible and ask for their suggestions and edits before you finally submit it.

Remember that the faculty members of the FNP program you are applying for also look at how well you can write. Clear communication will be an important skill for successful FNPs. Hence, you must make sure that your essay is well-reviewed and well-written. This is also why you should start developing your essay as early as possible, as this is not a job that can be rushed.

Putting Pen to Paper

Think of your nurse practitioner essay as a way to show who you are, to reflect what is most important to you, and why you will be an excellent FNP.

If you’re not sure where to start, try having a conversation with a friend who is a good listener and have them ask you questions about why you want to be a nurse practitioner. Ask them to probe into what you say and tell you when something comes across as especially meaningful or significant.

Begin by writing anything at all about “why I want to be a nurse practitioner.” Turn your inner editor off. For this first step, the goal is quantity, not quality. Either as you keep writing or when you review it later, you’ll usually find something valuable you can use.

A few final tips:

• Start early. Even if you’re not sure when you’ll want to earn your MSN, you can start keeping notes now. Once you know when you want to apply, outlining your nurse practitioner essay months ahead will pay off.
• Ask a variety of people to review your writing. Different people bring different perspectives.
• Think of it not just as an essay but as a chance for reflection. This is another reason to start early, since this kind of reflection can bring new insights that you’ll want to use.
• Remember that the better your nurse practitioner personal statement reflects you, the better the decision the committee can make. Be your best self, but be yourself.

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What is a nurse practitioner? 

By Michael Feder

This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.  Read more about our editorial process.

Reviewed by  Raelene Brooks , Dean, College of Nursing

In this article

• Nurse practitioner vs. other practitioner roles
• Day-to-day responsibilities of an NP
• Types of nurse practitioners
• How to become an NP: Educational pathways
• Nurse practitioner salary information
• Learn nursing skills at University of Phoenix

The United States is experiencing a physician shortage . American Medical Association President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH, cites “critical strains” on physicians and considers “an urgent crisis … hitting every corner of this country.” The physician shortage can limit access to vital healthcare for millions of Americans.

How can healthcare professionals — including nurses — reduce the impact of the shortage?

Part of the answer may lie with nurses who want to grow their skills and continue their education and career by becoming nurse practitioners (NPs).

Nurse practitioners fulfill a vital role in the healthcare system. An NP is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed additional training beyond that required of registered nurses (RNs). Nurse practitioners can provide either primary or specialty care, depending on their focus, education and experience.

Explore degrees that expand your skills and prepare you to lead in nursing. 

NPs work with patients of all ages and in various settings, including hospitals, clinics and private practices. NPs have extensive training that enables them to provide many of the same services as physicians, often at a lower cost . Depending on the state, they may also be able to practice independently without physician oversight, further increasing their ability to meet patients’ needs. In fact, an NP might be a patient’s primary healthcare provider.

Nurse practitioners undergo training to perform various duties , including:

• Conducting physical exams
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
• Diagnosing acute and chronic conditions
• Prescribing medications
• Providing health education
• Making necessary specialist referrals

Becoming a nurse practitioner involves substantial training and certification, including active licensure as an RN, a graduate degree in nursing and advanced clinical training. Read on to learn more about nurse practitioners, including their daily responsibilities, practices and differences from other healthcare professionals.

Nurse practitioner vs. other practitioner roles 

While nurse practitioners can share many of the same responsibilities as physicians or physician assistants, critical differences between professions go beyond experience and salary.

Nurse practitioners vs. doctors 

Even though nurse practitioners and physicians have overlapping responsibilities, key differences between the roles include education, training and scope of practice.

Medical doctors must complete a four-year undergraduate degree, four years of medical school and three to seven years of residency. NPs typically need a bachelor’s degree in nursing , a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing practice and to pass an NP board exam.

University of Phoenix requires all nurse practitioner students to attend a five-day, in-person residency. This is to ensure the efficacy of their training, says Raelene Brooks, PhD, RN.

Brooks is the dean of the College of Nursing, and she points to the importance of this program differentiator. During their residency training, students perform exams on live models as a way to put theory into practice and gain skills that will benefit them in healthcare settings.  

While NPs and medical doctors can diagnose conditions, prescribe treatments and act as primary care providers, the scope varies for NPs based on state laws. In some states, NPs can practice independently; in others, they must have a collaborative agreement with a physician.

Because of their shorter training period, NPs can often cost less to employ than medical doctors . This can help make healthcare more affordable and accessible in underserved areas.

Nurse practitioners vs. physician assistants 

Nurse practitioners and physician assistants (PAs) provide patient care services, but there are big differences in their education, training, practice model and areas of specialization.

Compared with the nursing background of NPs, which emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care, PAs usually focus on a disease-centered medical model.

To illustrate this difference, Brooks refers to a diabetes diagnosis. A physician or PA might focus on managing the illness through medication, she says, whereas a nurse practitioner will try to understand the patient’s community, diet and lifestyle as well. Does diabetes run in the family? Are there other ways, such as diet and exercise, to mitigate the effects of the disease? Understanding this will help them diagnose, educate and treat patients for their diseases.

Most PAs hold a master’s degree in physician assistant studies . Their education typically mirrors that of doctors, focusing on diagnosis and treatment, and the scope of care is greater. For example, nurse practitioners cannot provide surgical care, but physician assistants who work with surgeons may, for example, be able to close incisions and perform duties before, during and after surgery.

Areas of specialization and practice can overlap between NPs and PAs. NPs often serve specific populations like pediatrics, women’s health, mental health and older adults, while PAs also work in areas such as family medicine, emergency medicine and psychiatry. 

Nurse practitioners vs. registered nurses 

While NPs and RNs are types of nurses who play crucial roles in patient care, nurse practitioners have more education and responsibilities than RNs.

RNs usually hold a diploma, associate degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing. After completing the degree or program, they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed RNs .

Although NPs all begin as RNs they must go on to complete a master’s or doctoral degree and additional clinical training. They must also pass a national certification exam in their specialty .

The responsibilities of NPs and RNs differ significantly. Consider the following job duties of RNs:

• Provide direct patient care
• Administer medications
• Monitor patient progress
• Educate patients and families

NPs have a broader scope of practice. They can diagnose and treat acute or chronic conditions, prescribe medication and perform certain procedures.

RNs and NPs can both work in different medical settings and gain experience in various fields. RNs might specialize in critical care or trauma, for example, and NPs can specialize in areas like family practice, pediatrics, adult gerontology, mental health and women’s health, among others.

Day-to-day responsibilities 

What does a nurse practitioner do each day? Like any nursing-focused profession, the answer depends on where they practice and what they specialize in. Generally speaking, however, NPs often perform the following tasks :

• Take medical histories and conduct exams
• Diagnose acute and chronic illnesses
• Develop treatment plans and prescribe medication
• Educate their patients on health promotion

Remember, the scope of an NP’s practice can vary based on their location, autonomy and specialty.

Types of nurse practitioners 

While not exactly among the many related but alternative careers to nursing , working as an NP does offer a discrete professional experience. That’s especially true if you want to specialize in a particular branch of care. Some nurse practitioners focus on family medicine, while others might devote their practice to pediatrics. Other specialties include psychiatric and mental health care, acute care and neonatal care.

NPs specialize in particular areas of focus and their education is tailored to their chosen focus. Let’s walk through a couple of specialties for NPs below.

Family nurse practitioner 

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) focus on providing care for patients of all ages throughout their lives. That includes holistic care, disease prevention, counseling and more. FNPs often act as advocates who help their patients navigate the healthcare system, and they can coordinate care among specialists or other health providers. The role of an FNP can vary widely, depending on the state in which they practice and the healthcare setting they choose. Some FNPs may choose to work in a busy physician’s office, for example, while other FNPs dedicate their careers to caring for patients in rural areas.

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner 

Nurse practitioners focusing on psychiatric mental health help patients manage their mental health conditions with therapy and medication. Known as psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), these professionals conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations to identify mental health issues, including substance use disorders, depression and anxiety. They’re also able to provide various forms of crisis intervention, including psychotherapy and medications.

The MSN/PMH program at University of Phoenix was launched in 2022 in response to national health trends outlined by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion , Brooks says. The UOPX program not only teaches disorder assessment and prevention, self-care management and psychotherapeutic intervention, she explains, but it also emphasizes the importance of identifying possible physical causes behind mental health disorders.

For example, Brooks mentions that hyperthyroidism can appear as substance abuse or even a mental health disorder. Having a solid understanding of physical health factors and assessing for those first can help PMHNPs provide more effective and accurate care. 

Educational pathways 

The educational pathways to becoming a nurse practitioner are relatively straightforward. It all starts with earning your RN license.

• If you’re an RN with an associate degree or nursing diploma, you’ll need to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). BSNs strengthen relevant skills and help continue your progress toward graduate-level coursework.

The University of Phoenix RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing helps you build on what your experience has taught you while empowering you to focus on advanced skills.

• If you already have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and wish to earn your Master of Science in Nursing, the UOPX nurse bridge program could be right for you. This program begins with required nursing bridge courses that prepare students to choose one of five available master’s degree tracks. Two of these prepare students for nurse practitioner roles.
• If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and have three years of  full-time work experience within the past 10 years (two years of which are clinical-based RN experience), you can apply to either the Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner or Master of Science in Nursing/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs.

In addition to the standard degree pathways, every prospective NP must successfully complete supervised clinical hours. University of Phoenix requires students to complete 600 hours of clinical experience through designated program courses.

After that, you’ll need to pass your state’s licensing exam and earn the appropriate certification(s) from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (each requires periodic renewal). UOPX’s nurse practitioner programs academically prepare students for this step, Brooks notes.

Nurse practitioner salary 

Nurse practitioner salaries can vary based on many factors, including location, experience and specialty. As of May 2022, those who worked in hospitals and outpatient care centers earned more than NPs who worked in doctor offices or with other health practitioners. As of May 2022, nurse practitioners salaries ranged between $91,250 and $208,080 , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

Consider a nurse practitioner role 

Because of their versatility and skill set, NPs fulfill a vital role in the communities they serve. Becoming a nurse practitioner is an excellent way for RNs to grow their knowledge and enhance their careers, especially in rural or other underserved areas.

Prospective NPs can leverage their existing skills and competencies to grow their education in one of UOPX’s two nurse practitioner programs:

• Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner : In this program, you’ll gain such skills as research analysis, policy analysis, diagnosis formulation, treatment planning, patient education, holistic care, advanced assessment and much more.
• Master of Science in Nursing/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner : Learn how to treat psychiatric disorders within diverse populations. Areas of focus include assessment, intervention and pharmacological management.

To learn more about online nursing degrees at UOPX — including those that lead to a fulfilling career as a nurse practitioner — contact University of Phoenix.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at University of Phoenix where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.

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DNP Admission Requirements

Students should be prepared to provide documentation of any national certifications, such as an APRN, Nurse Executive, etc.

Upon admission, students should be prepared to provide documentation of any precepted practicum/clinical hours earned through a graduate nursing program.

Prior to clinical/practicum experiences, students must also provide proof of the following:

• Specified health status requirements (immunization status, TB screening, etc. as delineated in the current Graduate Nursing Student Handbook);
• State and Federal background checks free from disqualifying offenses;
• Malpractice insurance. Students in the APRN program tracks are required to have nurse practitioner malpractice insurance; students in the Nurse Leader/Executive or Nurse Educator program track are required to have registered nurse malpractice insurance. Insurance provided by the employer is not acceptable.

The DNP application program codes:

• DN1234 – Post MSN to DNP
• MS1235 – BSN to DNP

The Ohio University Graduate College manages the application process for all Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. Applicants utilizing Ohio University Education Benefits should contact the School of Nursing by emailing [email protected] for specific information prior to applying.

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Generally, students that reside outside of the United States are not eligible to enroll in an OHIO Online program. Additionally, Ohio University is unable to provide immigration support to international students regardless of where they reside. If you would like to discuss your specific situation in order to determine eligibility, please reach out to an OHIO Online enrollment counselor before applying.

Transfer Credit

Ohio University's BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs allow students to transfer up to 9 credits toward the completion of their degree. It may also be possible to transfer previous graduate credits to meet a program's requirements. That said, there are limitations to the number, age, and types of credits students may transfer.

It is also possible to waive certain courses based on previous coursework. If required coursework is waived, however, students may need to take additional classes to meet the required credit hours for graduation.

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