Search
Academics separator Academic Catalogs separator Graduate Catalog Home

Postgraduate Adult & Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Decoration Graphic

Postgraduate Certificate Program

The Postgraduate Certificate program enlarges the focus of nursing, using as its foundation the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Students admitted to the Postgraduate certificate program are not matriculated for a graduate degree. A certificate is received upon completion of the coursework and graduates are eligible to sit for national certification/credentialing exams. The Postgraduate certificate program is primarily provided via the internet. It is designed to allow practicing RNs to pursue further graduate work within their home community. Students complete the requirements for certification through a combination of online courses and preceptor guided practicums in the student s community. All students are required to attend a focus session at the Independence campus.

Postgraduate Certificate Admission Requirements

  1. Master’s of nursing degree (MN, MSN) from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited program. For students with foreign transcripts, a CGFNS evaluation is required with GPA equivalency and TOEFL score.
  2. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in the nursing master’s degree program.

Postgraduate Adult & Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Certificate Program

The AGACNP concentration focuses on preparing nurses to perform in the expanded APN role caring for adult & gerontology populations in acute and chronic care settings. The student’s area of study incorporates a blend of theory and research with an emphasis on guided practice in clinical areas. The curriculum builds on the core master’s courses with the addition of essential FNP courses. All didactic and clinical courses are planned following the guidelines of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) to meet the requirements for national certification.

Postgraduate Certificate Completion Requirements

To qualify for a postgraduate certificate, each candidate must have:

  1. Completed sufficient credit to meet the total required graduate semester hours within 6 years of enrollment for the Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentrations or 4 years of enrollment for the Nurse Educator concentration.  Students may petition one time for a 1 year extension.
  2. Completed at Graceland University:
    • 37 total graduate semester hours with a minimum of 13 at Graceland for Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult & Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentrations;
    • 28 total graduate semester hours with a minimum of 28 at Graceland for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration – already have a MSN/FNP degree;
    • 45 total graduate semester hours with a minimum of 25 at Graceland for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration – already have a MSN/AGACNP or other master’s degree;
    • 12 total graduate semester hours with a minimum of 8 at Graceland for the Nurse Educator concentration.
  3. Earned a final course grade of B or better in every course.
  4. Fulfilled all financial obligations to Graceland University.
  5. Filed online Application for Certificate with the Office of the Registrar at least 6 months prior to the anticipated certificate completion date.
  • Postgraduate Adult & Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Certificate

    Postgraduate Adult & Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Certificate (40 s.h.)

    Courses Offered
    • NURS5010Introduction to MSN and Post-graduate Certificate Programs
      NURS5010 Introduction to MSN and Post-graduate Certificate Programs

      Focuses on preparing the MSN and post-graduate certificate student to be successful in an online graduate program of study. Includes mandatory completion of selected tutorials, review of academic policies, pre-clinical HIPAA and Standard Precaution requirements, and participation in pre-scheduled Live Chat sessions. Information related to university resources and services available to support successful progression and completion of the selected program of study is provided. Successful completion within the first term of enrollment is required for progression in the selected program of study. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

    • NURS5100Pharmacotherapeutics
      NURS5100 Pharmacotherapeutics - 4 s.h.

      Provides the graduate advanced practice nursing student foundational knowledge and application of pharmacotherapeutics to meet the health care needs of clients, from childhood through the older years. Content focuses on the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and provides an overview of selected therapeutic drug classes and complementary/alternative treatments, which allows students to evaluate client situations and determine therapy within the context of the overall treatment plan. Prerequisite: NURS5440.

    • NURS5143Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
      NURS5143 Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning - 4 s.h.

      Builds on health assessment skills developed during the professional nurses basic educational program. The course teaches students how to obtain a comprehensive assessment and use this information to develop and/or evaluate evidence based treatment plans for diverse patients with common acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis is placed on the process of clinical/diagnostic reasoning to enable the student to identify problems and make accurate diagnoses. The use of technology and electronic medical records are important components of this course.

    • NURS5192Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures I
      NURS5192 Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures I - 2 s.h.

      Focuses on skill development in diagnostic and treatment modalities utilized in acute & critical care settings. Content includes fluid replacement, hemodynamic monitoring, defibrillation, ventilation. Analysis of relevant laboratory data and interpretation of radiographs and ECGs. Laboratory practice will include procedures such as suturing, intubation, line insertion. Pre-requisites: NURS5440, NURS5100.

    • NURS5195Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures II
      NURS5195 Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures II - 4 s.h.

      Focuses on assessment of selected advanced practice competencies during a mandatory, face-to-face focus session (24 hours competency skills lab) held at the Independence Campus during Week 6. Graded on Pass/Fail basis. Prerequisite: NURS5192.

    • NURS5270Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations
      NURS5270 Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations - 2 s.h.

      Focuses on comprehensive care of adult-gerontology (AG) populations. Examines common acute and chronic health problems using a body system scheme and a physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual, intellectual and cultural approach. Advanced pathophysiology, assessment and diagnostic strategies, and evidence based-practice specific to common acute and chronic conditions are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5100, NURS5143.

    • NURS5280Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations I
      NURS5280 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations I - 2 s.h.

      Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of acute/critical health alterations. Emphasis is on the most common and highest acuity of cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and orthopedic/mobility disorders. Nursing strategies to restore, maintain and enhance health are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5270.

    • NURS5290Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II
      NURS5290 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II - 2 s.h.

      NURS5290 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II 3 s.h. Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of acute/critical health alterations. Emphasis is on the most common and highest acuity of neurologic, hematology/oncology, GI/GU and rheumatic disorders. Nursing strategies to restore, maintain and enhance health are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5280.

    • NURS5440Advanced Pathophysiology
      NURS5440 Advanced Pathophysiology - 4 s.h.

      Provides the graduate nursing student with a well-grounded understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease to serve as a foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and management. Content focuses on etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of selected altered health states across the lifespan.

    • NURS5450AGACNP Practicum: Chronic Care
      NURS5450 AGACNP Practicum: Chronic Care - 4 s.h.

      Focuses on the development and application of knowledge and skill in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Management of chronic health problems of AG populations is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (225 practice hours) 1 didactic/3 clinical) Prerequisite: NURS5280, Corequisite: NURS5290.

    • NURS5460AGACNP Practicum: Acute Care
      NURS5460 AGACNP Practicum: Acute Care - 4 s.h.

      Focuses on the development and application of knowledge and skill in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Management of acute health problems of AG populations is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (225 practice hours) 1 didactice/3 clinical) Prerequisite: NURS5450.

    • NURS5470AGACNP Practicum: Final
      NURS5470 AGACNP Practicum: Final - 5 s.h.

      Focuses on integration, application and development in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Comprehensive management of acute and chronic health problems is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (300 practice hours) 1 didactic/4 clinical) Prerequisites: NURS5460.

    • NURS6800Roles and Issues for Advanced Practice Nurses
      NURS6800 Roles and Issues for Advanced Practice Nurses - 3 s.h.

      Exploration, development and implementation of advanced roles for nurses. Emphasis will be placed on the standards of practice, requirements for, regulation of, and socialization into advanced nursing roles. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for nurses in advanced roles and propose a plan for transitioning into their new role. Encourages leadership roles and fostering of collaboration with other disciplines to improve health care outcomes. Promotes the use of scientific inquiry, evidence-based practice, and joining professional organizations to influence advanced nursing practice and enhance health care outcomes of a population focus. Emphasis on the organization of health care delivery systems, health care finance, health care policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting health care planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in complex settings. Sociopolitical and legal issues will be examined as they impact the formation of policies and the nursing profession.

    NURS5010Introduction to MSN and Post-graduate Certificate Programs NURS5100Pharmacotherapeutics NURS5143Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning NURS5192Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures I NURS5195Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures II NURS5270Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations NURS5280Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations I NURS5290Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II NURS5440Advanced Pathophysiology NURS5450AGACNP Practicum: Chronic Care NURS5460AGACNP Practicum: Acute Care NURS5470AGACNP Practicum: Final NURS6800Roles and Issues for Advanced Practice Nurses
    Course Descriptions
    NURS5010 Introduction to MSN and Post-graduate Certificate Programs

    Focuses on preparing the MSN and post-graduate certificate student to be successful in an online graduate program of study. Includes mandatory completion of selected tutorials, review of academic policies, pre-clinical HIPAA and Standard Precaution requirements, and participation in pre-scheduled Live Chat sessions. Information related to university resources and services available to support successful progression and completion of the selected program of study is provided. Successful completion within the first term of enrollment is required for progression in the selected program of study. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)

    NURS5100 Pharmacotherapeutics - 4 s.h.

    Provides the graduate advanced practice nursing student foundational knowledge and application of pharmacotherapeutics to meet the health care needs of clients, from childhood through the older years. Content focuses on the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and provides an overview of selected therapeutic drug classes and complementary/alternative treatments, which allows students to evaluate client situations and determine therapy within the context of the overall treatment plan. Prerequisite: NURS5440.

    NURS5143 Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning - 4 s.h.

    Builds on health assessment skills developed during the professional nurses basic educational program. The course teaches students how to obtain a comprehensive assessment and use this information to develop and/or evaluate evidence based treatment plans for diverse patients with common acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis is placed on the process of clinical/diagnostic reasoning to enable the student to identify problems and make accurate diagnoses. The use of technology and electronic medical records are important components of this course.

    NURS5192 Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures I - 2 s.h.

    Focuses on skill development in diagnostic and treatment modalities utilized in acute & critical care settings. Content includes fluid replacement, hemodynamic monitoring, defibrillation, ventilation. Analysis of relevant laboratory data and interpretation of radiographs and ECGs. Laboratory practice will include procedures such as suturing, intubation, line insertion. Pre-requisites: NURS5440, NURS5100.

    NURS5195 Acute Care Diagnostics and Procedures II - 4 s.h.

    Focuses on assessment of selected advanced practice competencies during a mandatory, face-to-face focus session (24 hours competency skills lab) held at the Independence Campus during Week 6. Graded on Pass/Fail basis. Prerequisite: NURS5192.

    NURS5270 Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations - 2 s.h.

    Focuses on comprehensive care of adult-gerontology (AG) populations. Examines common acute and chronic health problems using a body system scheme and a physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual, intellectual and cultural approach. Advanced pathophysiology, assessment and diagnostic strategies, and evidence based-practice specific to common acute and chronic conditions are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5100, NURS5143.

    NURS5280 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations I - 2 s.h.

    Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of acute/critical health alterations. Emphasis is on the most common and highest acuity of cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and orthopedic/mobility disorders. Nursing strategies to restore, maintain and enhance health are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5270.

    NURS5290 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II - 2 s.h.

    NURS5290 Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations II 3 s.h. Focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of acute/critical health alterations. Emphasis is on the most common and highest acuity of neurologic, hematology/oncology, GI/GU and rheumatic disorders. Nursing strategies to restore, maintain and enhance health are emphasized. Prerequisites: NURS5280.

    NURS5440 Advanced Pathophysiology - 4 s.h.

    Provides the graduate nursing student with a well-grounded understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease to serve as a foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and management. Content focuses on etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of selected altered health states across the lifespan.

    NURS5450 AGACNP Practicum: Chronic Care - 4 s.h.

    Focuses on the development and application of knowledge and skill in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Management of chronic health problems of AG populations is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (225 practice hours) 1 didactic/3 clinical) Prerequisite: NURS5280, Corequisite: NURS5290.

    NURS5460 AGACNP Practicum: Acute Care - 4 s.h.

    Focuses on the development and application of knowledge and skill in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Management of acute health problems of AG populations is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (225 practice hours) 1 didactice/3 clinical) Prerequisite: NURS5450.

    NURS5470 AGACNP Practicum: Final - 5 s.h.

    Focuses on integration, application and development in the advanced practice role under the direct supervision of an approved preceptor in a practice setting. Comprehensive management of acute and chronic health problems is emphasized. Develops skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and effective utilization of community resources. (300 practice hours) 1 didactic/4 clinical) Prerequisites: NURS5460.

    NURS6800 Roles and Issues for Advanced Practice Nurses - 3 s.h.

    Exploration, development and implementation of advanced roles for nurses. Emphasis will be placed on the standards of practice, requirements for, regulation of, and socialization into advanced nursing roles. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for nurses in advanced roles and propose a plan for transitioning into their new role. Encourages leadership roles and fostering of collaboration with other disciplines to improve health care outcomes. Promotes the use of scientific inquiry, evidence-based practice, and joining professional organizations to influence advanced nursing practice and enhance health care outcomes of a population focus. Emphasis on the organization of health care delivery systems, health care finance, health care policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting health care planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in complex settings. Sociopolitical and legal issues will be examined as they impact the formation of policies and the nursing profession.

toggle sub navigation

Jump to...