Program Overview

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Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG ACNP) certificate is a 18-credit graduate program that prepares students for certification and licensure as adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners. The program focuses on providing care for patients with complex, acute conditions, and includes coursework and practicum placements to prepare students for this role.

Program Description

The AG ACNP certificate program is designed for APRN-prepared nurses who want to specialize in adult-gerontology acute care. The program includes coursework in advanced practice nursing, adult-gerontology acute care, and practicum placements to provide hands-on experience.

Program Format

The program is offered on campus and online, with courses available every semester (spring, summer, and fall).

Curriculum

The curriculum includes the following courses:

• Advanced Practice Nursing Adult-Gero Chronic Illness (NURS 702, 3 credits)
• Adult-Gero Acute Care NP Practicum I (NURS 822, 3 credits)
• Advanced Practice Nursing Adult-Gero Acute Illness (NURS 703, 3 credits)
• Adult-Gero Acute Care NP Practicum II (NURS 823, 3 credits)
• Advanced Practice Nursing Adult-Gero Critical Illness (NURS 704, 3 credits)
• Adult-Gero Acute Care NP Practicum III (NURS 824, 3 credits)

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the AG ACNP certificate program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A master's or doctoral degree in Nursing from an accredited program providing preparation as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife, or certified registered nurse anesthetist.
• Certification in their current advanced practice registered nurse specialty as applicable.
• Completion with a grade of B or better of a graduate-level course in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment.
• Current registration as a Registered Nurse in the state of Wisconsin.
• Three letters of recommendation, two of which are from persons most knowledgeable about the applicant's recent academic and work experiences.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Personal statement that includes rationale for certificate study and career goals.
• Personal interview with a faculty member may be requested.
• One year of clinical experience relevant to the chosen specialty, such as adult medical surgical units, ICU, PACU, or ED.

Grade Point Average Requirement

A minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average in certificate courses taken at UWM is required.

Time Limit

The certificate program must be completed within one year from the time of enrollment.

Gainful Employment

The certificate program is subject to federal gainful employment regulations. Students who have not previously been awarded federal financial aid at UWM and are enrolled in a standalone certificate program may not be eligible for federal Title IV aid. Private loans may be available, but are subject to lender approval, including a credit check.

Application Deadline

The early action application deadline is June 1st for spring start. Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis per space availability.