Program Overview

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Nursing, Certificate

College of Nursing

If you already have a nursing master's degree, you can augment prior graduate study through advanced practice preparation to provide direct patient management in acute and complex care settings.

Prepare for professional work in a variety of acute care settings such as critical care, trauma, cardiology, pulmonary, nephrology, gastroenterology, and surgery.

Program Highlights

• Nursing Specialization: Ready for specialization or advanced certification in the high-demand field of gerontology acute care.
• Immersive Learning: Prepare for an expanded health care team role through innovative, two-day skills immersion training.
• Schedule Flexibility: Take advantage of convenient online coursework that offers learning flexibility while working professionally.
• Practice Care: Demonstrate professionalism at the advanced nursing level through required clinical rotations.

What You’ll Study

In a minimum of three semesters, the program prepares you to provide health care services to acutely ill adults and gerontology patients with complex health problems. This certificate curriculum prepares nurses to sit for national certification as an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

• Critical Thinking: Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments
• Manage Complex Patients: Provide expert care using advanced diagnostics and treatment modalities
• Intercultural Competence: Developing the skills to communicate effectively and work collaboratively across cultures
• Decision-making Expertise: Applying critical thinking and analytical skills to make informed and effective decisions

Using Your Degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Potential Careers

• Hospitalist
• Cardiologist
• Pulmonary and Critical Care Specialist
• Palliative Care and Hospice Specialist

Workplace Settings

• Hospital Inpatient
• Outpatient Private Practice
• Long-Term Acute Care
• Urgent Care

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

Doctorate

• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Nursing Practice, D.N.P. College of Nursing

USC fosters a robust environment for education, mentorship, and leadership. I believe that my advisor and my professors truly value my success as a future DNP-AGACNP.

Lauren Steffen