The purpose of this post-master's certificate program is to the prepare the advanced practice nurse (APRN)to perform as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) and increase access to acute care medical and surgical services within the region. With backgrounds as either nurse practitioners or master's prepared nurses with significant acute or criticalcare clinical experience, graduates can apply newly learned knowledge and skills within the acute care setting, including and not limited to hospitals and ambulatory care centers. Training will help increase the qualified workforce within the New England region to meet acute and critical medical needs, particularly in rural areas where recruitment and retention has been a significant challenge.
This program is designed for the APRN with a master's degree within nursing., those already holding a nurse practitioner certification, APRNs with a master's degree and significant clinical experience in an acute or critical care setting will also be considered. The aim of this program is to prepare APRNs at an advanced level to successfully diagnose and manage medical-surgical patients who are acutely or critically ill through prescribing of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, coordination of consultations and care, and continued management of chronic illnesses, comorbidities, and end of life needs.
Courses will focus on the adult-gerontological population with an emphasis on integration of prior coursework, such as pathophysiology and physical assessment, to build skills in diagnostic reasoning and subsequent management of the acutely ill patient using evidenced based practice. In addition, coursework will also include interdisciplinary work with case management and social work to improve comprehension and future utilization in transitions in care.