Admission Criteria as Predictors of Success in a Family Nurse Practitioner Program

Abstract

Background & Significance Nurse practitioner (NP) jobs are expected to increase by 31% over the next ten years. To fill these positions, educational programs are increasing their enrollments to produce more graduates. However, selecting candidates who will be successful in NP programs is inexact and a percentage of students enrolled in NP programs do not graduate or are delayed in their completion due to academic issues. This causes distress for both students and faculty, limits enrollment and impacts the financial bottom line of the institution. Research Aim This study looked at admission criteria that predicted successful completion of an FNP program at a private university in Northeast Florida. The expectation was that this information could then be applied to future admission cycles to identify candidates who would be successful in completing the program. Methods A retrospective review of student files was conducted using a correlational design. IRB permission obtained. No student consent was required. Files were accessed by researcher only and data collected only in aggregate format. Information obtained included student age, year of entry into NP program, years nursing experience, type of nursing experience, initial RN education, undergraduate GPA, undergraduate scientific GPA, successful completion of undergraduate pathophysiology course and GRE. Data was analyzed using SPSS software using logistic regression and ANOVA. Measures No instruments or measures other than data collection sheets were used in this research Results Undergraduate GPA and GRE scores significantly predicted successful completion of the FNP program. While not statistically significant, age and successful completion of an undergraduate pathophysiology course demonstrated a positive relationship with successful completion of the FNP program. Other admission criteria, including years of nursing experience, type of nursing experience and initial educational preparation, did not. Conclusion This information is useful for nursing educational programs selecting candidates to fill NP seats.