Post-Master's Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Contacts and Leadership:
Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Kerry Garrett
Office: (478) 471-2761
Fax: (478) 471-2983
Email: kerry.garrett@mga.edu
Dean, School of Health: Dr. Tara L. Underwood
Chair, Department of Nursing: Dr. Patrice Pierce
Credit hours: 24
Delivery format: Online/asynchronous coursework with required on-campus immersion days and clinical/practicum requirements.
Curricular structure: Three sequential AGACNP courses
Audience: APRNs already certified in another specialty
Certification purpose: Provides education needed to sit for AGACNP certification
Program Overview:
The Post-Master’s Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is designed for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who need AGACNP-focused education to pursue AGACNP certification and acute care practice preparation.
Program Mission and Learning Outcomes:
The certificate emphasizes health promotion, differential diagnosis, disease management, and pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions for acute care settings.
Accreditation / Licensure / Certification:
The certificate provides the education necessary to sit for AGACNP certification. Students should verify certification-body requirements.
Admission Requirements:
Applicants should meet the admissions requirements applicable to the graduate post-master’s certificate and these specific requirements: (i) Master of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program, (ii) One year of advanced practice nursing experience, (iii) Unrestricted RN and Advanced Practice license in the State of Georgia, (iv) one recommendation from a professional or academic source, (v) Professional resume, (vi) Statement of purpose, 500+ words in APA style, describing the AGACNP role and rationale for pursuing the specialty.
Program Format:
The certificate is a three-semester program with online/asynchronous coursework, approximately two required on-campus immersion days each semester, and clinical/practicum requirements. It consists of three sequential courses totaling 24 credit hours. Clinical hour requirements are determined by a gap analysis.
Post-Master's Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Year One (8 hours)
Students must take the following course in sequence. A grade of "B" or better must be earned in each course to successfully complete certificate requirements.
Year Two (16 hours)
Students must take the following course in sequence. A grade of "B" or better must be earned in each course to successfully complete certificate requirements.
Total Hours: 24
Program-Specific Academic Standards and Progression:
Courses are sequential and require a grade of B or better.
Clinical / Fieldwork / Practicum / Internship Requirements:
Clinical expectations are embedded in the AGACNP coursework. Required clinical/practicum hours are determined by a gap analysis. Professional malpractice insurance is provided for students during required clinical/practicum experiences. 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.
Graduation / Certification / Completion Requirements:
Complete NURS 5400, NURS 6400, and NURS 6500 for 24 credit hours with grades of B or better.