Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

The Master of Science in Nursing prepares students to enter clinical practice as Family Nurse Practitioners. The 47-credit-hour program may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Clinical requirements include practicum experiences in diverse outpatient settings to allow practical application of theories and development of clinical skills. A 1:6 faculty to student ratio is maintained during clinical experiences. Students are required to participate in a clinical research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor.

The mission of the master’s program in nursing is to prepare nurses for expanded nursing roles and to provide a foundation for doctoral studies. The program will prepare registered nurses to take certification examinations in advanced practice and to meet community and professional needs.

Educational Objectives

The program will prepare graduates to:

• Practice with confidence in an advanced nursing role in a variety of settings
   
• Make the professional commitment to independent and collaborative practice to improve the health of older adults, their families, and communities, especially the underserved and vulnerable populations
   
• Provide competent and comprehensive care including expert physical assessment, diagnosis and treatment to older adults and their families
   
• Educate paraprofessionals, professionals, clients, families and communities including cultural health care issues concerning the older adult
   
• Participate in clinical research that incorporates evidence-based care and extends knowledge in advanced nursing practice relevant to older adults and their families, especially issues of end of life care;
   
• Incorporate Christian values including conscience, compassion and ethical decision-making into geriatric clinical practice
   
• Assume leadership roles recognizing the value of comportment and incorporating caring attributes while influencing health policies that promote high quality, cost effective care for older adults and their families, and communities

Curriculum

Note: Numbers in parentheses indicate classroom: clinical credit hours.

* Practicum can be scheduled in fall, winter, or summer semester and would be variable based on experience. 9-12 hours