Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Program Description

The School of Nursing offers an Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Graduate Certificate for nurses who have a minimum of a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from a nationally accredited nursing graduate program, or possess a minimum of a master’s degree in another acceptable discipline. This certificate is for nurses who wish to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). The AGACNP provides care to adults with acute, critical, and complex chronic physical and mental illnesses across the entire adult age spectrum from young adults (including late adolescents), to adults and older adults (including frail older adults). AGACNPs are prepared to provide services ranging from disease prevention to critical care to stabilize the patient’s condition, prevent complications, restore maximum health and/or provide palliative care. The AGACNP Graduate Certificate curriculum is delivered in an online format. The AGACNP Graduate Certificate Program is a series of courses totaling a minimum of 20 credit hours and a minimum of 500 clinical hours. Completion of the certificate program will prepare students to take the national AGACNP certification exam(s).

Application Process

The applicant should:

• Submit an application to Nursing CAS with all required documentation, including transcripts, and references. The application fee does not guarantee acceptance into the desired program of your choosing.
• Submit evidence of graduation with a minimum of a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from a nationally accredited nursing graduate program.
• Submit proof of a cumulative GPA of 3.25 (on a 4.00 scale).  
• Submit proof of completing a graduate course in advanced pharmacology that includes prescriptive practices, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced physical/health assessment. 
• Interview with a departmental selection committee.