Preparing for the DNP Interview

HomeAcademicsDoctoral ProgramsDNP: Doctor of Nursing PracticePreparing for the DNP Interview
Accepting Applications for Fall 2024

The application deadline for fall 2024 is Dec. 1. Completed applications received after this deadline are reviewed on a space-available basis.

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DNP students sit around a table and talk

After you submit your application for one of UMSON’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program specialties, the admissions committee will review your application. The next step, if you’re invited, is to interview with the committee.

Please note that the interview invite will be emailed to the email address that you have listed on your application.

What Happens During the Interview

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing suggests that prospective students should be prepared to share the following information during their DNP interview:

  • life experiences that have influenced an interest in nursing
  • personal strengths, skills, and aptitudes that will contribute to a continued career in nursing
  • personal academic challenges and successes that have affected your nursing goals
  • obstacles encountered while achieving career goals
  • your personal and professional goals and how earning a DNP will help you achieve them.

Preparing for Your Interview

Next Steps After Your Interview

After you have attended your interview, the admissions committee will deliberate, and you will receive an email regarding your application decision.

 

Additional Information

Interview Dates

Program Interview Dates

DNP: Post-Master's Option

Tuesdays

Thursdays

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Monday, Oct. 16, 2023
Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 
Monday, Nov. 20, 2023
Monday, Dec. 4, 2023

Monday, Jan. 1, 2024
Monday, Jan. 8, 2024
Monday, Jan. 15, 2024
Monday, Jan. 22, 2024
Monday, Jan. 29, 2024

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care

Monday, Nov. 27. 2023
Friday, Dec. 8, 2023

Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024
Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024
Friday, Jan. 19, 2024

Family Nurse Practitioner 

Monday, Oct. 16, 2023
Friday, Nov. 10, 2023 
Monday, Nov. 27, 2023
Friday, Dec. 8, 2023

Monday, Jan. 8, 2024
Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024
Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024
Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024
Friday, Jan. 12, 2024

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner 

Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023
Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023
Thursday, Dec.14, 2023

Thursday, Jan. 5, 2024
Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024
Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024

Nurse Anesthesia
*All applicants who were selected for interviews for the Nurse Anesthesia program have been notified through email.

Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023
Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023
Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023
Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023
Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023
Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023
Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023

Pediatric Acute Care 

Thursday, Oct.19, 2023
Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023
Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2023

Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024
Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024
Friday, Jan. 19, 2024
Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024
Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024

Pediatric Primary Care 

Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023
Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023
Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2023

Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Friday, January 19, 2024
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Psychiatric Mental Health 

Friday, Oct. 20, 2023    
Friday, Nov. 17, 2023
Monday, Dec. 4, 2023            
Friday, Jan. 5, 2024  
Monday, Jan. 8, 2024
Friday, Jan. 26, 2024

Advice from an Expert: Ronnie Quattrini, DNP, MS, FNP-BC, Senior Director, DNP Program

Veronica QuattriniWhat Personal Qualities Do You Look for in DNP Nurse Candidates?

  • Professionalism
  • Integrity
  • Leadership
  • Perseverance of excellence
  • Positive attitude
  • Sense of humor

What Makes a Prospective Student a Strong Applicant for UMSON’s DNP Program?

  • Strong clinical background
  • Flexibility
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to pivot
  • Team player (inter and intraprofessional)

What Kinds of Questions Do You Typically Ask NP Applicants in Such Interviews?

  • Areas of strength
  • Areas needed for growth
  • Most memorable experience with a patient and why
  • Most challenging situation with a patient or colleague and how they addressed it
  • Why are they interested in pursuing a DNP
  • Who is a mentor and why

What Advice Do You Have for NP Applicants on How to Best Prepare for the Interview?

  • Be prepared to interview with two to three faculty
  • Review the website for that specialty before interview so prepared to ask specific questions
  • Be able to explain why (with examples) you want to pursue a DNP
  • Be able to explain why you are a candidate for the chosen specialty
  • Be prepared to give description of how colleagues and leaders would describe them

Advice from an Expert: Shannon K. Idzik, DNP, CRNP, FAANP, FAAN, Associate Dean for the DNP Program

Shannon Idzik

What Personal Qualities Do You Look for in DNP Nurse Candidates?

  • Timelines
  • Kindness
  • Integrity
  • Positive attitude
  • Hard working
  • Flexibility
  • Determination

 What Makes a Prospective Student a Strong Applicant for UMSON’s DNP Program?

  • Involvement in professional organizations
  • Involvement in employee shared governance
  • Strong science foundation
  • Track record of resilience
  • Experience in the area of future study

 What Kinds of Questions Do You Typically Ask NP Applicants in Such Interviews?

  • Why do you want to be an NP?
  • Tell me what you see as the difference between an NP, PA and MD?
  • How do you manage stress?
  • Tell me about a time when you made a mistake and how you handled it.

 What Advice Do You Have for NP Applicants on How to Best Prepare for the Interview?

  • Dress for success
  • Be yourself
  • Think about your strengths and let them shine
  • Be aware of your weakness and know how you can improve them
  • Know about the degree you are applying
  • Know about the profession you are applying