DNP in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specializes in the care of patients in hospital settings such as, medical/surgical units, emergency departments, intensive care units, skilled nursing facilities, and in ambulatory specialty clinics managing diverse patients with complex acute and chronic health conditions across the entire adult age spectrum.

The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) strongly recommends obtaining a DNP as a pathway for preparation and entry into the nurse practitioner role.

The competencies of the AGACNP are centered on assessment and advanced care for critically ill patients to diagnose and treat chronic, acute, and critical medical conditions. The AGACNP curriculum is designed with in-depth content about pathophysiology and management of complex patient problems with various illnesses intended to help both the patient and family achieve the highest degree of wellness possible.

The adult-gerontology acute nurse practitioner is “job ready” based upon practice experience and nurse competency skills to find employment working in trauma, emergency care, critical care, surgical services, rehabilitation units, orthopedics, cardiology, pulmonology and oncology settings, and sports-medicine. Based upon the student interests, the graduate will have clinical training experiences in their area of interest to meet their career goals.

Scholarly Project

The program culminates in the successful completion of a practice-focused project completed over the course of several semesters.  This project must demonstrate a student’s ability to synthesize scientific evidence and develop new systems or population health approaches for improved outcomes in a practice settings.

Certification

Students are prepared to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners certification examinations as Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practioner.