Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post Master’s Certificate
The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate seeks to prepare advanced practice nurses with the knowledge and skills to provide patient-centered, evidence-based care in hospitals and other acute care settings. Education for such advanced nursing practice is grounded in theoretical and practical knowledge that is culturally sensitive and prepares practitioners in advanced nursing, medical and pharmacological practices. The content courses for this concentration are offered online. Required student clinical practice experiences are arranged in the students’ geographic area.
The Post-Master’s Certificate in the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration is a 20-semester hour curriculum that prepares nurses who hold certifications as nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists (Family, Adult, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners, etc.) to deliver comprehensive and evidence-based care to adults and older adults with complex acute and critical health conditions. This program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experience, emphasizing diagnostic reasoning, advanced assessment skills, and evidence-based interventions in acute care settings. Graduates will be equipped to diagnose and manage acute and episodic illnesses, collaborate with interprofessional teams, and navigate the dynamic healthcare landscape. Upon completing the certificate program, graduates are prepared to take the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Admissions and Anticipated Enrollment
Admissions to the program will occur in the Spring of each academic year. Qualified applicants to the Post-Master’s Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner must have an earned MSN, DNP, or PhD and certification as an advanced practice registered nurse.
Application criteria includes:
- An unencumbered license from North Carolina (or a compact state) to practice as a registered nurse
- A GPA of 3.2 or greater on a 4.0 scale
- A completed and approved application to the ECU Graduate School
- Basic computer competency with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and other components, development and use of databases, patient information systems, statistical software, and excellent command of internet search strategies.
Faculty
The following faculty members will be your instructors as you move through the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration:
- Dr. Julie Linder, Interim Director
- Dr. Kristie Hertel, Concentration Director
Curriculum
A minimum of 20 s.h. is required for graduation in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner post master’s certificate concentration. The Adult gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a part-time plan of study. The curriculum plan is referenced below are a suggested course sequence. Once admitted to the program, students will develop a plan of study with their Advisor.
The following new course numbers are available and their use has been approved by the Office of the Registrar.
| Semester | Course # | Course Name | Course Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 1 | NURS 6893 | Diagnostic Reasoning in the Acutely Ill Patient | 2 Hour (didactic) |
| NURS 6895 | Common Acute Care Management | 3 Hour (didactic) | |
| Summer 1 | NURS 6896 | Complex Acute Care Management | 3 Hour (didactic) |
| NURS 6897 | Practicum 1 - Introduction to Acute Care | 3 Hour (clinical) | |
| Fall 1 | NURS 6894 | Nurse Practitioner Roles in Healthcare Settings | 3 Hour (didactic) |
| NURS 6898 | Practicum 2 - Advanced Care of Acutely Ill Adults | 3 Hour (clinical) | |
| Spring 2 | NURS 6899 | Practicum 3 - Acute Care NP Clinical Competency | 4 Hour (clinical) |
| NURS 6993 | Advanced Nursing Synthesis | 1 Hour |
For more information, please visit the ECU Graduate Catalog.