How to Answer: Can you tell me about your academic background and any additional training or certifications?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Entry-Level Nursing job interview.
31. Can you tell me about your academic background and any additional training or certifications?
How to Answer
Share with the interviewer more insight into where you completed your nursing program, what degree you graduated with, and if you received any honors during your program. If you won any awards as a student or received any other recognition, now is the perfect time to share that. If you've obtained any certifications or additional training upon graduation, give the interviewer some details about that as well. If you worked in healthcare prior to becoming a nurse and possess(ed) any certifications that would add value, feel free to include that information in your response.
Written by Jaymie Payne on June 26th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I recently graduated from Ohio State University where I completed my BSN and graduated in the top 5% of my class. I am CPR certified. Prior to becoming a nurse, I worked as a nursing assistant and had my CNA certification for six years."
Written by Jaymie Payne on June 26th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I recently graduated from X community college with my BSN. I carried a 4.0 GPA and graduated with honors, which I'm extremely proud of. I am CPR certified and passed my NCLEX about two months ago. I'm looking forward to completing my BLS soon and eventually, I would like to pursue my ACLS."
Written by Jaymie Payne on June 26th, 2023
About the Author
I began my healthcare career when I was a sophomore in high school and became an STNA (state-tested nursing assistant) at a local long-term care facility. I then went on to work as a nursing assistant at a local hospital and home healthcare agency. During that time, I pursued my Bachelor's in Business Administration: Human Resource Management and transitioned to working for one of the largest long-term care and post-acute rehab companies in the country. I supported the talent acquisition function and in the span of 8 years, I screened and interviewed over 1,500 nurse aides, LPNs, and RNs.
I hold a very special place in my heart for nurses, as it's often a thankless and tiresome job. Not everyone is cut out to be a nurse and I have great respect and admiration for those that choose this career path. As a content writer and interview coach for MockQuestions, my goal is to help you prepare and succeed in your upcoming interview. This article offers interview tips and advice along with 40 practice interview questions and answer examples to help you better understand what to expect and prepare for interview day! Wishing you the best of luck!
Learn more about Jaymie Payne