Preparing for the DNP Interview

HomeAcademicsDoctoral ProgramsDNP: Doctor of Nursing PracticePreparing for the DNP Interview

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After you submit your application to one of the University of Maryland School of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) specialties, the admissions committee will review your application. If you are selected to move forward in the admissions process, you will receive an invitation to interview.

Please note that your interview invitation will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please monitor that email account regularly throughout the admissions process.

About the Interview

DNP specialty interviews are conducted face to face at the University of Maryland School of Nursing.

Most specialties offer approximately two interview dates per month during the interview period. Applicants selected to interview will receive the currently available dates for their specialty with their interview invitation and instructions for scheduling.

Applicants will arrive as a group for an approximately 2.5-hour interview block, but each applicant will participate in an individual 30-minute interview with faculty. Applicants should plan to remain available for the entire interview block. Specific arrival time, location, and other interview-day instructions will be provided after scheduling.

Preparing for Your Interview

Applicants should be prepared to discuss:

  • experiences that influenced their interest in nursing;
  • personal strengths, skills, and experiences that will contribute to their nursing career;
  • academic challenges and successes that have influenced their nursing goals;
  • obstacles encountered while working toward career goals; and
  • personal and professional goals, including how earning a DNP will support those goals.

Before the interview, we recommend that applicants review the AACN Essentials, attend a DNP online chat, review the Doctor of Nursing Practice FAQs, and review information about their selected specialty.

When are DNP interviews offered?

Most DNP specialties offer approximately two interview dates per month during the interview period. Applicants selected to interview will receive the currently available dates for their specialty with their interview invitation. Interview availability may change, so applicants should rely on the scheduling options provided with their invitation.

Additional Information

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

Shannon Idzik headshot

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

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

DNP Interview FAQs

Are DNP interviews virtual or in person?
DNP specialty interviews are conducted face to face at the University of Maryland School of Nursing.

How long is the interview?
Each applicant’s individual faculty interview is approximately 30 minutes. Applicants participate within an approximately 2.5-hour interview block and should plan to remain available for the entire block.

Why do I need to be available for 2.5 hours if my interview is only 30 minutes?
Applicants scheduled for the same date arrive as a group, but each applicant is interviewed individually. Specific interview-day instructions will be provided after scheduling.

How do I select my interview date?
If you are selected to interview, your invitation will provide instructions for viewing and selecting from the currently available interview dates for your specialty.

Are two interview dates available every month?
Most DNP specialties plan to offer approximately two interview dates per month during the interview period. Availability varies by specialty.

Can interview dates change?
Yes. Interview availability may change. Applicants should rely on the scheduling options provided with their interview invitation.

Are all applicants guaranteed an interview?
No. The admissions committee reviews applications and invites selected applicants to participate in an interview.

Where will my interview invitation be sent?
Your interview invitation will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please monitor that email account regularly throughout the admissions process.

What should I expect to discuss during my interview?
Be prepared to discuss your nursing experiences, strengths and skills, academic experiences, career goals, challenges you have encountered, and how earning a DNP supports your professional goals.

What should I bring to my interview?
Your interview invitation and confirmation will provide any specific interview-day instructions. Applicants should also review information about their selected DNP specialty and be prepared to discuss their academic and professional goals.

I am a military applicant and my military obligations affect my availability. What should I do?
Military applicants who need alternate scheduling due to military obligations should contact nrsinterviews@umaryland.edu as early as possible to discuss alternate scheduling options.

What if I require an accommodation for the interview?
Applicants who require an accommodation related to the interview process should contact nrsinterviews@umaryland.edu as early as possible so appropriate arrangements can be discussed.

What if none of the available interview dates work for me?
Please contact nrsinterviews@umaryland.edu to discuss your circumstances and available options. Alternate scheduling may depend on faculty and interview availability.

What happens after my interview?
After your interview, the admissions committee will complete its review. You will receive communication regarding your application decision.

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.