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Online Adult & Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program

Master of Science in Nursing Degree

Postgraduate Adult & Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate

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Become an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioners (AGACNP's) assess and manage acutely ill patients within the in-patient or hospital setting. They work across departments from clinics to hospital environments such as ER, ICU, acute care wards, and many other specialties.

Graceland’s online AGACNP program is one of the top acute care nurse practitioner programs in the industry. Our RN to AGACNP track prepares today’s RN to provide complex monitoring, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and develop composite treatment options based on current evidence-based practices to alleviate patient suffering and augment their overall health.

Our AGACNP online program prepares students to become expert clinicians by participating in clinical practicums spanning a multitude of acute care settings including emergency medicine, critical care medicine, hospitalist medicine, pulmonology, neurology, and cardiology.

Additionally, AGACNP students pick specialty practicums which may include orthopedics, endocrinology, oncology, rheumatology, and hematology. This diverse mix of specialties ensures that our AGACNP program graduates are more than qualified, not only to sit for the certification exam but are prepared to practice from day one after graduation.

Offerings
Certificate, Graduate
Field of Study
Nursing
Format
Online Campus
Best Online Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program
2013 Best Online AGNP Post-Masters Certificate 2024 Best Online Master's Degrees
AGACNP Program Curriculum

By enrolling in Graceland’s Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program, you’ll encounter various courses designed to prepare you for a number of specialized careers in the field. You’ll get hands-on experience and work with the best acute care nurse practitioner program faculty.

  • MSN Degree – Adult & Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Core Courses (16 s.h. required for all specialty tracks)

    MSN Specialty Track: Adult & Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (28 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.

    • NURS6940Applied Theory and Research for Advanced Nursing Practice
      NURS6940 Applied Theory and Research for Advanced Nursing Practice - 4 s.h.

      This course focuses on applying theory and research evidence for advanced nursing practice. The relationships among theory, research, and practice will be discussed. Principles and applications of quantitative and qualitative research designs will be explored. Students will analyze, compare, and evaluate selected nursing theories for their use in clinical practice. Ethical and legal issues in conducting research will be examined. Students will learn a research process by engaging in formulating a clinical question, database search, critically appraising existing evidence, and developing a plan for practice change.

    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 NURS6940Applied Theory and Research for Advanced Nursing Practice
    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.

    NURS6940 Applied Theory and Research for Advanced Nursing Practice - 4 s.h.

    This course focuses on applying theory and research evidence for advanced nursing practice. The relationships among theory, research, and practice will be discussed. Principles and applications of quantitative and qualitative research designs will be explored. Students will analyze, compare, and evaluate selected nursing theories for their use in clinical practice. Ethical and legal issues in conducting research will be examined. Students will learn a research process by engaging in formulating a clinical question, database search, critically appraising existing evidence, and developing a plan for practice change.

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

    Graceland’s certification program is currently on a “show cause” status, per the CCNE due to substandard pass rates for the certification exams. The Graceland School of Nursing is instituting several recommendations to address the pass rate issues. The program continues to hold its accreditation from the CCNE.

    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.

Exceptional Faculty
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NPHub Helps You Find Preceptors

Graceland has partnered with NPHub, a technology company specializing in pairing graduate nursing students with experienced preceptors for their clinical practicum placements. Through its innovative marketplace platform, NPHub considers the nature of the clinical rotation, gives you access to geographical preferences, and specific areas of interest.

Finding clinical practicum placements is one of the most challenging parts of completing your coursework. Graceland’s relationship with NPHub gives you access to clinical placements that are critical for your success.

Applying is Easy (and Free)!

Admission Requirements:

  • baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from an NLNAC, ACEN or CCNE accredited program. For students with foreign transcripts, an evaluation* is required with GPA equivalency and TOEFL score;
  • current unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in the U.S. and its territories;
  • grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above in the BSN cumulative GPA
More admission details and graduation requirements.

Employed in Field

78%

Nursing graduates

Estimated Salary

$79,400

Nursing graduates

Why Graceland's AGACNP Program?

Graceland’s online AGACNP specialty track prepares today’s RN to provide complex monitoring, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and develop composite treatment options based on current evidence-based practices to alleviate patient suffering and augment their overall health. AGACNP, Graceland’s newest graduate nursing program, prepares students to become expert clinicians by participating in clinical practicums spanning a multitude of acute care settings including emergency medicine, critical care medicine, hospitalist medicine, pulmonology, neurology, and cardiology. Students pick specialty practicums which may include orthopedics, endocrinology, oncology, rheumatology, and hematology. This diverse mix of specialties ensures that our AGACNP graduates are more than qualified not only to sit for the certification exam but are prepared to practice from day one after graduation.

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Tuition & Aid
ProgramCost
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and AGACNP Post-Master's Certificate$830 per semester hour
Family Nurse Practitioner Program and FNP Post-Master's Certificate$830 per semester hour
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and PMHNP Post-Master's Certificate$830 per semester hour
Graceland Alumni eligible for - 15% tuition reduction$705 per semester hour
Nurse Educator Post-Master's Certificate$550 per semester hour
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School of Nursing

Our nursing program offers prospective students a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate-level degrees. From face-to-face instruction to online learning, the Graceland School of Nursing’s outstanding faculty and staff are eager to assist you in reaching your goals, whatever they may be. Whether you are beginning a career in nursing or advancing your nursing career, we are dedicated to preparing professional nurses to meet the healthcare needs of our communities.

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