Program Overview

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Graduate Certificate

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG ACNP) certificate is an 18-credit post-graduate program that prepares students for certification and licensure as Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners. Upon completing the certificate requirements, students will be eligible to sit for the AG ACNP national certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).

Overview

This certificate program is designed to provide advanced practice registered nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for adult-gerontology patients with acute and chronic illnesses. The program includes three theory courses and three practicum courses, totaling 18 credits.

Admission Requirements

• Application deadlines vary by program.
• Students must declare their intention to obtain the certificate by applying to the program office or director.
• All graduate certificate applicants must apply to the Graduate School through the Panthera Admission Application.
• Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree and have a minimum 2.75 cumulative undergraduate grade point average.
• Additional requirements for the College of Nursing include:
  • A master's or doctoral degree in Nursing from an accredited program.
  • Certification in their current advanced practice registered nurse specialty.
  • Completion of graduate-level courses 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.
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Personal statement.
  • Personal interview with a faculty member may be requested.
  • One year of clinical experience relevant to the chosen specialty.

Credits and Courses

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post Graduate Certificate includes:

• Theory courses:
  • NURS 702: Advanced Practice Nursing Adult-Gerontology Chronic Illness (3 credits)
  • NURS 703: Advanced Practice Nursing Adult-Gerontology Acute Illness (3 credits)
  • NURS 704: Advanced Practice Nursing Adult-Gerontology Critical Illness (3 credits)
• Practicum courses:
  • NURS 822: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum I (3 credits)
  • NURS 823: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum II (3 credits)
  • NURS 824: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum III (3 credits) Total credits: 18

Additional Requirements

• Transfer credit: One 3-credit course from an institution other than UWM may be transferred to meet requirements of the certificate program.
• Completion requirements: Students must complete all courses with at least a B- or better and a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater.
• Time limit: Students are expected to complete the certificate within one year from the time of enrollment.
• Certificate conferral: The certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of the requirements.
• Articulation with degree programs: Credits and courses required for a certificate may double count toward meeting UWM graduate degree requirements, subject to certain restrictions.