This Graduate Certificate Program will allow certified advanced practice registered nurses, who have graduated with a clinical MSN or DNP to acquire the nationally-specified adult-gerontology acute care content and clinical skills needed to take the national adult-gerontology acute care certification exam and then to function competently within the adult-gerontology acute care scope of practice. It will require satisfactory completion of 18 credits of didactic content and clinical hours per a gap analysis. The certificate provides nurses with essential knowledge and skills to assume adult-gerontology acute care roles in a myriad of settings. Courses focus on integrating advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and acute clinical care and management. Students will be expected to acquire a minimum of 500 hours of acute care experience as required to meet the specialty competencies and the requirements to take the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Acute Care national certification exam.

Admission Requirements

Admission to this program is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School and availability of College of Nursing resources. Students must also meet the following criteria for admission:

1. Completion of a graduate (M.S.N or D.N.P.) clinical degree in Nursing from a nationally accredited institution; academic transcripts. If the student is currently enrolled in the D.N.P program, the certificate will not be awarded until the D.N.P. is posted on the transcript.
2. Current Michigan Registered Nurse licensure.
3. Two professional letters of recommendation.
4. Resume.
5. A personal goal statement.
6. Specialty certificate.

This certificate requires courses which must be taken in sequence over one calendar year with no transfer credit accepted. This certificate requires a minimum of 18 credits which must be earned within three years. A grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained. All course work must be completed in accordance with the academic procedures of the College of Nursing and the Graduate School governing graduate scholarship and degrees. Additional courses may be required based on a gap analysis.

Required Courses