The Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study has a competitive admissions process.  Successful applicants will meet the following additional admissions criteria:

• Master’s degree from a nationally accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA (on a 4-point scale).
• Submission of a resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
• Evidence of a minimum of 1,000 RN clinical hours worked prior to admission. Clinical hours must have been worked within the past five years.
• An active unrestricted U.S. RN license, that can be verified and is recognized by the State Board of Nursing where the applicant is licensed. Experienced RNs must have held an active unrestricted RN license for two years prior to application, and provide their license number to SJC for verification. RNs who have been licensed for less than two years must hold an active and unrestricted RN license since the time of licensure.
• Proficiency in English (SJC/GPS requirements for TOEFL).
• Ability to meet clinical agency requirements for health status verification, malpractice insurance and background checks.
• Submission of course descriptions for graduate level work that the applicant would like considered for up to six credits of transfer credit.
• Submission of three letters of reference required, two professional and one personal.
• Submission of a five hundred (500) word essay.
  
  The essay provides the Admissions Committee a first-hand example of writing skills and ability to present ideas in a clear, logical and coherent manner. In lieu of a face to face interview, the essay provides the Admissions Committee with a personal perspective on professional contributions, academic and clinical strengths as a student, and prior professional experiences. Proofread your essay carefully! Please address the following items in the 500 word essay:
  
  1. Define your professional goals and how this program will contribute to achieving them.
  2. Explain why you have chosen the advanced nursing practice FNP track in the MSN program.
  3. Discuss how your professional experiences have prepared you for success in the FNP certificate program.
  4. Discuss your academic and clinical strengths and weaknesses.