Program Overview

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MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program

The accredited online MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program is designed to train nurse practitioners in the management of acute and critically ill patients with complex chronic medical conditions. This specialized MSN is conducted by Drexel University's nationally ranked College of Nursing and Health Professionals and provides the knowledge and skills needed to meet the specialized needs of this patient base.

Program Overview

The program places a special emphasis on diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision-making, and is designed to prepare acute care nurses for roles as clinicians, educators, researchers, and leaders in multi-disciplinary healthcare environments.

Program Features

• The master's degree in nursing at Drexel University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Ranked #45 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs by U.S. News & World Report
• Ranked #12 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report
• Synchronous online lectures offer a highly interactive learning format that challenges and engages students
• Experienced and board-certified faculty from Drexel's acclaimed College of Nursing and Health Professions
• Upon completion of the program, students are eligible for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification through ANCC or AACN

On-Campus Requirements

This high-quality program demands a major commitment of time, including multiple on-campus visits that are essential for transition into the NP role. During your time in the program, you will participate in mandatory on-campus and/or virtual intensives. The required intensives will be held during clinical courses.

Clinicals

The nurse practitioner programs in the Department of Advanced Practice Nursing at Drexel University provide you the flexibility of finding and coordinating your own clinical site and preceptor. The department also offers resources to assist you in this process.

Curriculum

The program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.

Core Courses

• NURS 500: Confronting Issues in Contemporary Health Care Environments (3.0 credits)
• NURS 502: Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care (3.0 credits)
• NURS 544: Quality and Safety in Healthcare (3.0 credits)
• RSCH 503: Research Methods and Biostatistics (3.0 credits)
• RSCH 504: Evaluation and Translation of Health Research (3.0 credits)

Support Courses

• NUPR 520: Nurse Practitioner Clinical Orientation Seminar (0.0 credits)
• NURS 548: Advanced Pathophysiology (3.0 credits)
• NURS 549: Advanced Pharmacology (3.0 credits)
• NURS 550: Advanced Clinical Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning (4.0 credits)
• NURS 554: Pharmacology for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (3.0 credits)
• NURS 664: Professional Issues for Nurse Practitioners (1.0 credit)

Clinical Courses

• NURS 570: Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP I: Introduction to Adult Gerontology Acute Care Medicine (5.0 credits)
• NURS 571: Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP II: Mgnt/Care of Patients in Acute/Crit Care Med Set (5.0 credits)
• NURS 572: Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP III: Mgnt/Care of Patients in Acute Surgical Setting (5.0 credits)
• NURS 573: Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP IV: Management of Care of Patients in Critical Care Settings (5.0 credits)
• NURS 580: Adult Gero Acute Care NP V: Mgmt/Care of Clients in Acute, Critical Care, Med or Surg Settings (5.0 credits)

Elective

• Nursing Electives can be any course with the prefix Nursing (NURS, NUPR), Interprofessional Studies (IPS), or Complementary and Integrative Health (CIT), with course number ranging from 500-699.

Admissions Criteria

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an institution accredited by CCNE, ACEN, or NLN CNEA
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above from your BSN
• Two years of current bedside acute care nursing experience is required; critical care experience is preferred
• A current, unrestricted United States RN license

Required Documents

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended
• Two professional letters of recommendation from either previous or immediate supervisors or former nursing faculty members
• Personal statement (under 1,000 words) that will give the admissions committee a better understanding of your reasons for choosing this program, plans upon completion, and how your current work experience will enhance your experience in this MSN program
• Resume including specific details of your responsibilities and job experiences
• A copy of your United States RN license

Tuition

The tuition rate for the academic year is $1169 per credit. This program is eligible for Financial Aid. Special tuition rates are available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of Partner Organizations.

Academic Calendar

The academic calendar includes four quarters: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Each quarter has specific start and end dates, as well as exam periods.