Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Credit Certificate Program

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 2025
Expiration Semester: Fall 2030

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 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 three 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.

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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.
9. Demonstrate option-specific competencies based on the national guidelines for the role.

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.

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