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Post-MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate

Post-MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate

Prepare to provide expert care to adults across the lifespan

The post-master's graduate certificate option is available if you already hold a Master's degree or higher in Nursing and are seeking to become certified in an additional specialty area.

The number of credit hours and time to completion varies by specialty and coursework completed in your prior degrees. Each student receives an individualized plan of study that will ensure they meet the criteria for national certification in the specialty area.

Please note that, due to the time involved, faculty will develop a student's plan of study only after the student is admitted into the graduate certificate program. However, admissions staff can help give you an idea of what you might expect.

MSN Post-Graduate Certificate

Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MSN Post-Graduate Certificate - MSN Core
MSN Core
Description	Course	Credits
Measurement and Data Analysis	NURS-R505	3
Principles and applications of scientific measurement, data summarization, inferential statistics, and practical derivations of the general linear model. Considers the research purpose and the phenomenon under study as determinants of measurement techniques and data analysis.
Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan	NURS-Y515	3
This course examines advanced principles of human physiology and pathophysiology across the lifespan with an emphasis on cellular, genetic, and immunological foundations of disease. Students will analyze mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and progression of disease, linking pathophysiological changes to diagnostic and therapeutic decision making in preparation for evidence-based advanced nursing practice.
Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan	NURS-Y612	3
This course prepares graduate students to understand the principles of advanced pharmacology across the lifespan as it relates to advanced nursing practice.
Advanced Physical Assessment Across the Lifespan	NURS-Y625	4
This course prepares graduate students to perform individualized health histories and physical examinations for clients across the lifespan.
Total		13

Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MSN Post-Graduate Certificate - 20 Credit Hours with 525 Clinical Hours
20 Credit Hours with 525 Clinical Hours
Description	Course	Credits
Management of the Acutely Ill Adult /Gero I	NURS-S674	5
This course focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and collaborative management of adult & geriatric clients experiencing acute and exacerbation of chronic illness commonly seen across the continuum of acute care delivery systems. Through didactic information, clinical practice, and laboratory experiences students develop knowledge and skills fundamental to promoting health maintenance and disease prevention. 75 clinical hours.
S674 Adult/Gero I Clinical Hours		75
Management of the Acutely Ill Adult /Gero II	NURS-S675	6
This course focuses on assessment, comprehensive diagnosis, and collaborative management of adult & geriatric clients who are acutely ill or experiencing an exacerbation of chronic illness commonly seen across the continuum of acute care delivery systems. Through didactic information, clinical practice, and laboratory experiences students develop knowledge and skills fundamental to promoting health maintenance and disease prevention. 225 clinical hours.
S675 Adult/Gero II Clinical Hours		225
Management of the Acutely Ill Adult /Gero III	NURS-S676	6
S676 focuses on assessment, comprehensive diagnosis, and collaborative management of adult & geriatric clients who are experiencing complex chronic, acute and critical illness commonly seen across the continuum of acute care delivery systems. Through didactic information, clinical practice, and laboratory experiences students develop knowledge and skills fundamental to promoting health maintenance and disease prevention. 225 clinical hours.
*S676 Adult/Gero III Clinical Hours		225
Advanced Concepts in Gerontology	NURS-Y512	3
Introductory course which enables students to synthesize advanced theoretical concepts in the care of aging adults, using a multidisciplinary approach. Transitioning between institutional settings across the continuum of care is examined for older adults with complex health problems.
Total		20

Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MSN Post-Graduate Certificate - 17 Credit Hours with 525 Clinical Hours
17 Credit Hours with 525 Clinical Hours
Description	Course	Credits
Clinical Nurse Specialist I: Scientific Basis of Practice - Developing the Expert Nurse	NURS-M570	4
Understanding the clinical nurse specialist role as expert advanced practice nurse. Emphasis is on theory and science related to chronic illness prevention, risk reduction and management. Students diagnose problems amenable to nursing interventions. 150 clinical hours.
M570 CNS I Clinical Hours		150
Clinical Nurse Specialist II: Symptom and Functional Enhancement - Developing Problem Solver	NURS-M580	5
Application of theory and science to address clinical problems and improve patient outcomes related to symptoms and functional status in the context of wellness in chronic illness. 150 clinical hours.
M580 CNS II Clinical Hours		150
Clinical Nurse Specialist III: System Leadership for Innovation in Nursing Practice	NURS-M590	5
Prepares clinical nurse specialists to function as innovation leaders within complex health systems. Emphasis is on leading nurses and multidisciplinary teams in achieving safety, quality and cost-effective outcomes. 225 clinical hours.
M590 CNS III Clinical Hours		225
Advanced Concepts in Gerontology	NURS-Y512	3
Introductory course which enables students to synthesize advanced theoretical concepts in the care of aging adults, using a multidisciplinary approach. Transitioning between institutional settings across the continuum of care is examined for older adults with complex health problems.
Total		17

Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MSN Post-Graduate Certificate - 17 Credit Hours with 525 Clinical Hours
17 Credit Hours with 525 Clinical Hours
Description	Course	Credits
Advanced Concepts in Gerontology	NURS-Y512	3
Introductory course which enables students to synthesize advanced theoretical concepts in the care of aging adults, using a multidisciplinary approach. Transitioning between institutional settings across the continuum of care is examined for older adults with complex health problems.
Health Promotion and Wellness in Adult Gerontology Primary Care	NURS-Y552	2
This course emphasizes the concepts of health promotion, wellness, health maintenance and disease prevention when providing primary care to a diverse population, ranging from adolescence to the frail elderly. In this course, students are asked to apply principles of health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology in the management of individuals with acute and chronic health disorders.
Advanced Practice Management in Adult Gerontology Primary Care	NURS-Y554	2
This course enables the student to integrate the application of physical assessment, differential diagnosis, pathophysiology, and pharmacology in the management of adults and aging individuals with chronic, complex health problems. Evidence based research literature is used to support advanced nursing practice management interventions in primary health care.
Adult Gerontology Collaborative Primary Care Practicum II	NURS-Y555	4
Provides students with the necessary clinical skills to manage care of adults and aging individuals with chronic, complex health problems in a variety of primary care settings. 300 clinical hours.
Y555 Practicum II		300
Adult Gerontology Primary Care of Adolescences to Older Adults Practicum I	NURS-Y560	3
This course integrates the application of physical assessment, differential diagnosis, pathophysiology, and pharmacology in the management of adolescences, adults, and aging individuals with acute, minor health problems in a primary care population. 225 clinical hours.
Y560 Practicum I		225
Clinical Reasoning & Diagnostic Processes in Advanced Practice Nursing	NURS-Y600	3
Introduces students to clinical reasoning & diagnostic processes used in providing health care in primary & acute care settings. Students apply knowledge & skills from pathophysiology, physical assessment, & evidence-based practice to decision making in direct patient care. Issues related to third party reimbursement, regulation & scope of practice, and the ethics of diagnostic decision making are included.
Total		17

Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MSN Post-Graduate Certificate - 18 Credit Hours with 600 Clinical Hours
18 Credit Hours with 600 Clinical Hours
Description	Course	Credits
Family Nurse Practitioner I	NURS-F571	3
This introductory management course prepares the family nurse practitioner (FNP) student with a knowledge base for promoting health and making clinical decisions for the treatment of acute and chronic illnesses across the lifespan, in a primary care setting.
Family Nurse Practitioner I Practicum	NURS-F573	3
The family nurse practitioner (FNP) student will apply critical thinking skills to assess, diagnose and develop plans of care for patients across the lifespan in a primary care setting, under the direct supervision of an approved licensed health care provider. This course will apply content learned in FNP I didactic. 225 clinical hours.
F573 Practicum I		225
Family Nurse Practitioner II	NURS-F575	3
This advanced management course builds on the previous course (FNP I) and prepares the family nurse practitioner (FNP) student with knowledge to perform clinical decision making for common complex health problems across the lifespan, in a primary care setting.
Family Nurse Practitioner II Practicum	NURS-F577	3 clinical
The advanced family nurse practitioner (FNP) student will apply critical thinking skills to treat complex disease processes across the lifespan in a primary care setting, under the direct supervision of an approved licensed health care provider. This course will apply content learned in FNP II. 225 clinical hours.
F577 Practicum II		225
Family Nurse Practitioner III	NURS-F579	3
This terminal practicum for family nurse practitioners focuses on synthesis and application of knowledge and skills for autonomous practice across the lifespan. Students complete clinical experiences under supervision of a community based primary care provider preceptor. 150 clinical hours.
F579 Practicum III Clinical Hours		150
Clinical Reasoning & Diagnostic Processes in Advanced Practice Nursing	NURS-Y600	3
Introduces students to clinical reasoning & diagnostic processes used in providing health care in primary & acute care settings. Students apply knowledge & skills from pathophysiology, physical assessment, & evidence-based practice to decision making in direct patient care. Issues related to third party reimbursement, regulation & scope of practice, and the ethics of diagnostic decision making are included.
Total		18

Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MSN Post-Graduate Certificate - 20 Credit Hours with 525 Clinical Hours
20 Credit Hours with 525 Clinical Hours
Description	Course	Credits
Pediatric Primary Care for the APRN I	NURS-C640	3
This course develops pediatric clinical decision-making skills for advanced practice nurses managing primary health care needs of infants, children, and adolescents. Evidence-based pediatric wellness strategies and management of common health problems are emphasized using a developmental and psychosocial approach for child-centered care.
Pediatric Primary Care for the APRN II	NURS-C650	3
This course expands pediatric clinical decision-making skills for advanced practice nurses managing primary health care needs of infants, children, and adolescents. Evidence-based practice strategies for the management of chronic and complex clinical problems are emphasized using a developmental and psychosocial approach for child-centered care.
Clinical Nurse Specialist I: Scientific Basis of Practice - Developing the Expert Nurse	NURS-M570	4
Understanding the clinical nurse specialist role as expert advanced practice nurse. Emphasis is on theory and science related to chronic illness prevention, risk reduction and management. Students diagnose problems amenable to nursing interventions. 150 clinical hours.
M570 CNS I Clinical Hours		150
Clinical Nurse Specialist II: Symptom and Functional Enhancement - Developing Problem Solver	NURS-M580	5
Application of theory and science to address clinical problems and improve patient outcomes related to symptoms and functional status in the context of wellness in chronic illness. 150 clinical hours.
M580 CNS II Clinical Hours		150
Clinical Nurse Specialist III: System Leadership for Innovation in Nursing Practice	NURS-M590	5
Prepares clinical nurse specialists to function as innovation leaders within complex health systems. Emphasis is on leading nurses and multidisciplinary teams in achieving safety, quality and cost-effective outcomes. 225 clinical hours.
M590 CNS III Clinical Hours		225
Total		20

Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MSN Post-Graduate Certificate - 20 Credit Hours with 525 Clinical Hours
20 Credit Hours with 525 Clinical Hours
Description	Course	Credits
Neuro-Psychopharmacology	NURS-P510	3
Content is derived from neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, pathophysiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and the behavioral sciences. Emphasis is placed on the synthesis of knowledge of the interaction of neurobiological processes, underlying psychopathology and pharmacological interventions that are indicated for treatment and management of mental illness.
Substance Use/Abuse and Co-Morbid Disorders Across the Lifespan	NURS-P675	3
This course presents advanced concepts of substance use. Specific content of the course explores complex biology of psychoactive substances focusing on stimulants, depressants, inhalants, etc. along with substance use/abuse prevention and prevalence. Examines psychological and sociological theories to explain substance use/abuse. Explores policies on substance use/abuse and Medication Assisted Therapy.
Advanced Clinical Practice Family PMHNP I Across the Lifespan	NURS-P677	4
This course builds on advance health assessment knowledge with emphasis on the advanced psychiatric assessment. Utilizes individual and family frameworks, theories, research findings, and cultural perspectives. Experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, Psychiatrists, and other related mental-health providers provide learning experiences in clinical practicum. Includes introductory professional role socialization. 75 clinical hours.
P677 Lifespan I Clinical Hours		75
Advanced Clinical Practice Family PMHNP II Across the Lifespan	NURS-P680	5
This course builds on PMHNP I and provides further theoretical foundations and clinical practicum for population-based mental health care. Emphasis on assessment, diagnoses, psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacologic treatments of evidence-based outcomes. Integrates theoretical knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention to achieve optimal health outcomes. Includes intermediary professional role socialization. 225 clinical hours.
P680 Lifespan II Clinical Hours		225
Advanced Clinical Practice Family PMHNP I Across the Lifespan	NURS-P682	5
This course builds on PMHNP II and provides continuing theoretical foundations and clinical practicum for population-based mental health care. Emphasis expanded to include integrative health and mental health policy. Integrates theoretical knowledge of group dynamics and the development of evidence-based therapeutic strategies. Includes ethical and legal professional role socialization. 225 clinical hours.
P682 Lifespan III Clinical Hours		225
Total		20

Table lists courses and credit hours required for the MSN Post-Graduate Certificate - 17 Credit Hours with 300 Clinical Hours
17 Credit Hours with 300 Clinical Hours
Description	Course	Credits
Clinical Concepts for PNP Practice	NURS-C630	3
This foundational course develops diagnostic reasoning and advanced psychomotor skills needed for competent, child-centered primary care practice with a problem-oriented focus and hands-on simulated experiences. Emphasis is placed on assessment data, evidence-based practice concepts, and the social, economic, ethical, and cultural factors influencing health and care delivery in children.
Pediatric Primary Care for the APRN I	NURS-C640	3
This course develops pediatric clinical decision-making skills for advanced practice nurses managing primary health care needs of infants, children, and adolescents. Evidence-based pediatric wellness strategies and management of common health problems are emphasized using a developmental and psychosocial approach for child-centered care.
PNP Practicum in Primary Care I	NURS-C641	3
Under the supervision of an experienced preceptor, the student will apply evidence-based practice to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of infants, children and adolescents in a variety of pediatric health care settings. Emphasis is placed on content knowledge acquired in the co-requisite didactic course and expanding clinical decision-making skills. 225 clinical hours.
C641 Primary Care I Clinical Hours		225
Pediatric Primary Care for the APRN II	NURS-C650	3
This course expands pediatric clinical decision-making skills for advanced practice nurses managing primary health care needs of infants, children, and adolescents. Evidence-based practice strategies for the management of chronic and complex clinical problems are emphasized using a developmental and psychosocial approach for child-centered care.
PNP Practicum in Primary Care II	NURS-C651	5
Under the supervision of an experienced preceptor, the student will apply evidence-based practice to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of infants, children, and adolescents in a variety of pediatric health care settings. Emphasis is placed on advanced knowledge and independent clinical decision-making skills necessary for progression to competent practice. 300 clinical hours.
C651 Primary Care II Clinical Hours		300
Total		17

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Post-MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate

Prepare to provide expert care to adults across the lifespan

MSN Post-Graduate Certificate

MSN Core

MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)

MSN Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS)

MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)

MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

MSN Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (PCNS)

MSN Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)

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