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LEAVITT SCHOOL OF HEALTH | ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Directions for Completing FNP Application Documents

Application Essay

The purpose of the application essay is to demonstrate to the FNP Admissions Committee your understanding of the family nurse practitioner role, justifications for the family nurse practitioner role in delivering high-quality and cost-effective healthcare, and how the WGU FNP programs might prepare you to meet the healthcare needs of your local community or population of interest. This is an opportunity for you to communicate directly with the admissions committee, highlighting how your life and professional experiences have prepared you for the transition from the role of Registered Nurse to Family Nurse Practitioner.   

Directions

Select at least two (2) academic resources (articles/online literature) that describe the health, social, and economic benefits related to nurse practitioner practice in the United States. Note: All sources are critically reviewed, documented, and formatted following standard practices of the field (APA 7th Edition) and are within a 5-year time frame of the application date.

Use the information from your sources and your own personal and professional preparation to answer the following questions in your application essay for the WGU FNP programs:  

  • How have your life and professional experiences prepared you for this WGU FNP program? 
  • How can this WGU FNP program prepare you to deliver healthcare to the community in which you live?  
  • Please describe the type of clinical practice you will pursue upon graduation from this WGU FNP program (e.g. family practice, outpatient internal medicine, etc).
  • How can your future clinical practice as an FNP affect the quality and cost of care for patients and their families? 
  • Please add this statement to the bottom of your Application Essay. You may include a typed signature. 
    I have reviewed and understand the scope of practice of the Family Nurse Practitioner role in my state of ____.
    Signature Line: ______________________

As you answer the questions above, we will examine your application essay to ensure your writing meets the following criteria: 

  • Plagiarism will result in an automatic decline during the competitive selection process
  • Originality and uniqueness are expected. Writing is self-reflective, creative, innovative, and diverse.
  • Writing directly addresses all four application essay questions.
  • Writing is clear and appropriate for the purpose of the assignment. 
  • All evidence and examples are used effectively and are specific and relevant. 
  • Ideas are coherently and logically organized with well‐developed paragraphs and effective transitions. 
  • All sentences are well written with varied sentence structure and are free of errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. 
  • Maintains appropriate tone, diction, and vocabulary for various modes of writing. 
  • Work demonstrates clear understanding of the target audience.  
  • All sources are critically reviewed, documented, and formatted following standard practices of the field (APA 7th Edition) and are within a 5-year time frame of the application date. Note: Online blogs are not an acceptable source.

Formatting: 

  • Title Page, Abstract, Main Body, and References  
  • Include header/page numbers  
  • 3-4 pages (main body), double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font
  • APA 7TH Edition 

CV/Résumé

The purpose of the CV/résumé is to directly tie your previous and current life and professional experience, as noted in your résumé or CV, to the WGU FNP program.   

CV/Résumé Criteria

  • Audience and purpose of the résumé are strong and clear.
  • Format of the résumé is clear. Each major section includes required information (objective statement, names, dates, locations, etc.).
  • Résumé shows a very professional appearance, tone, and style.
  • Writer follows all guidelines for spelling, grammar, usage, mechanics, etc. Sentences are strong and have a varied structure.