Post-Master's Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Certificate Level: Graduate
Certificate Type: Post-Master's
Number of Credits to Completion: 34.0
Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code: 51.3801
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 29-1141

About the Program

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Post-Master’s Certificate program prepares graduates to deliver safe, evidence-based, and person-centered care to acutely and critically ill adults across the continuum of acute and specialty care settings. The curriculum integrates advanced clinical knowledge, diagnostic reasoning, and interprofessional collaboration to promote health equity and optimize outcomes for diverse acute-care populations. Students develop the competencies required to manage complex and rapidly changing clinical situations in acute care environment. Emphasis is placed on leadership in clinical decision-making, application of evidence-based practice, and use of health informatics and technology to enhance quality and safety. Graduates are prepared to assume advanced practice roles within acute care population settings, functioning as expert clinicians, leaders, and advocates who can navigate complex health systems, reduce disparities in care, and contribute to innovation in acute care delivery.

Admission Requirements

A Master's degree with a major in nursing from a regionally accredited program.

Cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 on a scale of 4.0

Transcripts:
Official transcripts must be sent directly to Drexel from all the colleges/universities that you have attended. Transcripts must be submitted in a sealed envelope with the college/university seal over the flap. Please note that transcripts are required regardless of number of credits taken or if the credits were transferred to another school. An admission decision may be delayed if you do not send transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
Transcripts must show course-by-course grades and degree conferrals. If your school does not notate degree conferrals on the official transcripts, you must provide copies of any graduate or degree certificates.
If your school issues only one transcript for life, you are required to have a course-by-course evaluation completed by an approved transcript evaluation agency

References:

Two professional references required from previous or current supervisors, managers, nursing faculty members or program directors who can attest to applicant's clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study. References will not be accepted from colleagues or family members. You may use our electronic letter of recommendation service

Personal Statement/ Essay:
A personal essay (under 1,000 words) emphasizing your professional goals.

Interview/Portfolio:
A personal interview via phone or in-person may be required.

CV/Resume:
Required.

Licenses:
A copy of your current, unrestricted United States RN license or eligibility for licensure as a registered nurse. License verification from your nursing license registry website are acceptable. Applicants must have a current RN license in the state of Pennsylvania. In addition, students are required to have a RN Nursing License for the state in which the clinical practicum rotations are being completed.

International Students:
Additional information can be found here.

Program Requirements

Core Courses
NURS 6000Introduction to Advanced Practice Nursing: Professional and Self-Development3.0
NURS 6001Advanced Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice3.0
NURS 6002Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics4.0
NURS 6003Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning4.0
Clinical Courses
NURS 7500Evidence-Based Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Decision Making for the AGACNP I 5.0
NURS 7501Evidence-Based Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Decision Making for the AGACNP II 5.0
NURS 7502Evidence-Based Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Decision Making for the AGACNP III5.0
NURS 7503Evidence-Based Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Decision Making for the AGACNP IV5.0
Total Credits34.0

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please contact the College of Nursing and Health Professions