Nursing (MSN)

Program Contacts and Leadership:
Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Kerry Garrett
Office: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Dean, School of Health: Dr. Tara L. Underwood
Chair, Department of Nursing: Dr. Patrice Pierce

Credit hours: 45
Delivery format: Online/asynchronous coursework with required on-campus immersion days and clinical/practicum requirements.
Program length: Five consecutive semesters
Clinical hours: 855 clinical hours
Certification eligibility: Graduates are eligible to sit for ANCC or AACN AGACNP certification exams
Accreditation: ACEN-accredited MSN program
 
Program Overview
The MSN-AGACNP prepares BSN-holding registered nurses for advanced practice as adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioners serving young adult through geriatric populations. The curriculum combines online graduate coursework, required immersions, and 855 clinical practice hours.
 
Program Mission and Learning Outcomes
To prepare professional nurses through high-quality education. The MSN-AGACNP curriculum focuses on health promotion and maintenance, differential diagnosis, disease management, and pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.
 
Accreditation / Licensure / Certification
The MSN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Graduates are eligible to sit for the AGACNP certification examination through ANCC or AACN, subject to certification-body requirements.
 
Admission Requirements
Applicants should meet the general admissions requirements for graduate study and these specific requirements: (i) One year of experience as a registered nurse with adult populations is preferred, (ii) Unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Georgia, (iii) Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited program, (iv) Overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0. (v) Grade of C or better in an undergraduate statistics course, (vi) Grade of C or better in a 3000- or 4000-level physical/health assessment course, (vii) Interview, (viii) Professional resume (ix) Statement of purpose, (x) Three professional recommendations, (xi) 500+ word APA-style statement describing the AGACNP role and rationale for the specialty.
 
Applicants are not eligible for admission if they have earned a grade of C, D, F, or WF in any two or more graduate nursing courses.
 
Program Format
The program is 45 credit hours over five consecutive semesters. Courses are provided online, with approximately two required on-campus immersion days each semester. Students complete 855 clinical practice hours at Atrium Health Navicent or another Georgia healthcare facility of their choice, pending approval from the MSN Program Coordinator.

Master of Nursing Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Curriculum

Year One (24 hours)

NURS 5000	Advanced Pathophysiology	3
NURS 5100	Professional Concepts	2
NURS 5200	Advanced Health Assessment/Diagnostic Reasoning	3
NURS 5300	Advanced Pharmacology/Therapeutic Interventions	3
NURS 5400	Adult/Gerontology Acute Care I	8
NURS 5500	Research and Evidence Based Practice	3
NURS 5600	Quality/Safety/Improvement Processes	2

Year Two (21 hours)

NURS 6200	Leadership/Management & Healthcare Policy	2
NURS 6400	Adult/Gerontology Acute Care II	8
NURS 6500	Adult/Gerontology Acute Care III	8
NURS 6600	Project Management in Health Care	3

Total Hours: 45

Program-Specific Academic Standards and Progression
Students must maintain nursing academic standards, including a grade of B/80 or higher. Grades are not rounded. Students must demonstrate clinical competence. Courses are valid for 60 months. A student who fails with a C, D, or F in two graduate nursing courses will be dismissed and will not be eligible for re-entry into the MSN program.
 
Clinical / Fieldwork / Practicum / Internship Requirements
Students must meet clinical requirements including health history/physical, immunizations, TB screening, criminal background check, drug screen, American Heart Association CPR certification, and Southern Regional Education Board essential abilities. Random background and drug screens may be required. Denial by a clinical affiliate may prevent continuation in the program. Professional malpractice insurance is provided for students during required clinical/practicum experiences.
 
Graduation / Certification / Completion Requirements
Complete 45 credit hours, required immersions, 855 clinical hours, and all academic/clinical requirements. Graduates are eligible to sit for the AGACNP certification examination through ANCC or AACN.
 
Readmission / Re-Entry / Cohort Interruption Policy
A student who fails with a C, D, or F in two graduate nursing courses is dismissed and not eligible for re-entry into the MSN program.