Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Credit Certificate Program

Person-in-ChargeSheri Matter
Program CodeAGACNP
Campus(es)World Campus

The purpose of the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate is to prepare individuals with a master’s degree or higher in nursing seeking additional certification as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The goal of this certificate is to prepare nurses to provide direct care of adults/older adults with acute and complex illness in acute care health care settings. Applicants will have an individualized plan of study based on review of graduate transcripts.

Effective Semester: Fall 2022
Expiration Semester: Fall 2027

Admission Requirements

Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies. International applicants may be required to satisfy an English proficiency requirement; see GCAC-305 Admission Requirements for International Students for more information.

Applicants are required to have a master’s degree in nursing from an ACEN or CCNE accredited institution. In addition, undergraduate chemistry and statistics are required. Students need to submit two recommendations, a goal statement, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. Applicants are required to have two years of experience as an RN in an acute care hospital setting.

Certificate Requirements

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in Graduate Council policy GCAC-212 Postbaccalaureate Credit Certificate Programs.

Required Courses
NURS 860Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Role I3
NURS 861Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Role II3
NURS 862DAdult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Doctoral Practicum I3
NURS 863DAdult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Doctoral Practicum II3
NURS 864DAdult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Integrative Doctoral Practicum5
NURS 865Pharmacology for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners1
NURS 866Health Assessment of the Adult Gerontology Population in Acute Care1
NURS 867Clinical Practice Synthesis for Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner3
Additional Course Work May Be Required 1
Advanced Practice Core
Advanced Health Assessment of Adult Populations
Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Nurse
Pharmacologic Therapy for the Advanced Practice Nurse
DNP Core
Theoretical and Scientific Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice
Evidence-Based Practice I: Inquiry and Research Methods
Total Credits22
1

Any or all of these courses may be waived based on the certificate program chair’s evaluation of transcripts and prior courses completed.

Courses

Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 699 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Design and evaluate new models of care based on integration of theoretical and empirical knowledge from nursing and related disciplines.
  2. Translate evidence to guide practice and improve outcomes of care.
  3. Analyze data which predicts and explains variations in practice.
  4. Provide inter-professional leadership within an increasingly complex health care delivery system.
  5. Prepare leaders to use information systems and technology to support and improve patient care and health care systems.
  6. Prepare leaders to direct and deliver high quality, cost-effective care for diverse populations.
  7. Shape health policy and systems of health care in the local, regional, state, national, and international forums.
  8. Perform independently at the most advanced level of ethical specialty nursing practice.

Professional Licensure/Certification

Professional Licensure/Certification

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.

Contact

Campus World Campus
Graduate Program Head Sheri Matter
Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) or Professor-in-Charge (PIC) Susan Leight
Program Contact

Cassidy Shull
crh5490@psu.edu
(814) 865-0368

Program Website View