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title: 5 Pieces of Advice for Being a Competitive Accelerated NP Program Applicant | ThriveAP
description: Whatever you call them, accelerated nurse practitioner programs, bridge programs, or MEPN programs, are a quick way for students without a healthcare background to become nurse practitioners (see more about How to Become a Nurse Practitioner Without Nursing Experience). These programs are typically two to three years long, and confer both a RN and MSN … 5 Pieces of Advice for Being a Competitive Accelerated NP Program Applicant Read More »
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# 5 Pieces of Advice for Being a Competitive Accelerated NP Program Applicant

Whatever you call them, accelerated nurse practitioner programs, bridge programs, or[ MEPN programs](https://thriveap.com/blog/what-are-mepn-programs), are a quick way for students without a healthcare background to become nurse practitioners (see [more about How to Become a Nurse Practitioner Without Nursing Experience](https://thriveap.com/blog/how-become-nurse-practitioner-without-nursing-experience)). These programs are typically two to three years long, and confer both a RN and MSN degrees. There are very few of these programs in the country, meaning a competitive admissions process for interested applicants. How do you make yourself stand out among the pack?

**1. Do Professional Due Diligence**

One thing admissions teams want to know, is that applicants truly understand what they are signing up for – a career as a nurse practitioner. Make your application shine by demonstrating a clear understanding of the NP profession in your personal statement and application responses (these [9 Tips for Writing the Perfect NP School Application Essay](https://thriveap.com/blog/9-tips-writing-perfect-np-program-application-essay) will help). Spending some time job shadowing a practicing NP can help give you content for showing your understanding of the profession that packs a punch.

**2. Submit Multiple Applications**

Your acceptance to an accelerated nurse practitioner program is certainly based on your academic and professional credentials. But, it’s[ also a bit of a numbers game](https://thriveap.com/blog/are-nurse-practitioner-programs-competitive-they-seem). You may be a highly qualified applicant, however few schools in the country offer such programs, and they can only accommodate a certain number of students. Applying to multiple NP programs increases your overall chances of admission, not to mention, gives you more options should you be selected to multiple schools ([How Many NP Program Applications Should You Submit?)](https://thriveap.com/blog/nurse-practitioner-programs-how-many-applications-should-you-submit).

[![](https://static.hsstatic.net/BlogImporterAssetsUI/ex/missing-image.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/7035341)**3. Make a Personal Connection**

Most accelerated nurse practitioner programs require that qualified applicants interview with faculty members. If you get the opportunity to interview, if at all possible, do so in person. Making a personal connection gives faculty a face to put with the name on the application. It makes you more memorable. A solid in-person interview might even be enough to overcome weaknesses in other areas on your app (here’s[ How to Answer Any NP Program Interview Question](https://thriveap.com/blog/clutch-answer-any-np-program-interview-question)).

**4. Show Dedication to a Healthcare Career**

Applicants to[ Masters Entry Programs in Nursing](https://thriveap.com/blog/what-are-mepn-programs) (MEPN), or bridge programs, are not required to have a background in nursing. Sowing dedication and interest in the healthcare field, however, never hurts. Volunteer for a healthcare organization in advance of submitting your application.[ Job shadow physicians, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners](https://thriveap.com/blog/6-steps-job-shadowing-nurse-practitioner-boss), to get a clear picture of each provider’s role. Don’t forget to mention your experience on your application and/or resume so faculty are aware of your interest in and dedication to patient care.

**5. Start the Process Early**

Accelerated nurse practitioner programs have [very specific admissions requirements](https://thriveap.com/blog/navigating-np-program-prerequisites). They require that applicants have completed a lengthy set of prerequisite courses, not to mention the usual set of application essays, paperwork, and recommendations. If you think you might be interested in becoming a nurse practitioner, get started on your prerequisite requirements immediately. Research your schools of interest, so you make sure you can comply with any additional admissions requirements, [like taking the GRE](https://thriveap.com/blog/gre-coming-how-will-you-prepare). The earlier you start the research and application process, the more time and effort you can devote to meeting (and exceeding!) admissions standards.

 

You Might Also Like:[ Avoid These 4 Mistakes on Your NP Program Application](https://thriveap.com/blog/avoid-these-4-mistakes-your-np-program-application)

 

[Nurse Practitioner Students](https://provider.thriveap.com/blog/tag/nurse-practitioner-students)

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