Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
The Gerontological program is offered as one of threeMaster of Science in Nursing programs within the Adult and Elder Health Department. Areas of curriculum content and clinical experience include primary care of older adults, home and long-term care. Students gain specialized knowledge in management of acute and chronic conditions as well as wellness promotion. Specific content is taught in the areas of wound and continence management. Forty-three credit hours are required for degree completion. The program can be completed within one year of full-time study or may be pursued part-time. The RN/MSN option is offered.
Degree Options: Students may prepare for the Gerontological Nurse Practitioner certification exam. Students may choose to pursue a dual MSN/MPH degree through the School of Nursing and the Rollins School of Public Health. A Post-master’s option is available.
Clinical Experience: Graduates have a minimum of 500 hours of directly supervised clinical practice. Sites available for clinical experience include, but are not limited to, Wesley Woods Center of Emory Healthcare, Emory University Hospital and Clinics, Atlanta Veteran’s Administration, Evercare, Grady Memorial Hospital, and DeKalb Medical Center.
Unique Highlights: The Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurse program focuses on the unique aspects of providing health care to older adults and their families. Students are trained to work both as independent practitioners and as members of an interdisciplinary team collaborating with other health care professionals. As the population of older adults grows exponentially, graduates of this program of study are prepared to improve the care of this entire population – not only individual patients.
Career Opportunities: Graduates are prepared for advanced practice roles in a wide variety of settings where health care is provided to older adults. Opportunities are available in primary health care clinics and hospitals, independent private practice, and research institutions. Advanced practice in gerontology also provides graduates an opportunity to be nurse educators and consultants to health care organizations, law firms, and social service agencies.
Full-Time Program of Study, 43 credit hours
Semester 1, Fall, 13 credit hours
NRSG507 Theory and Research Applications (3 hours)
NRSG528 Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology (3 hours)
NRSG544 Advanced Health Assessment (3 hours)
NRSG554 Primary Care of Adults (4 hours)
Semester 2, Spring, 16 credit hours
NRSG503 Advanced Practice Nursing: Ethical, Legal, and Leadership Issues (3 hours)
NRSG522 Advanced Pharmacology (3 hours)
NRSG549 Management of Acute and Chronic Illness in Adults (5 hours)
NRSG559 Genetics and Embryology for Advanced Clinical Practice (3 hours)
NRSG566 Gerontological Seminar (2 hours)
Semester 3, Summer, 14 credit hours
NRSG501 Health Policy and Finance for Advanced Practice Nursing (3 hours)
NRSG636 Gerontological Seminar - Advanced (1 hour)
NRSG644 Advanced Management of Bowel/Bladder (2 hours)
NRSG646 Advanced Management of Skin/Wound (2 hours)
NRSG650 Advanced Practice Integration & Specialization (6 hours)
Part-time program of study is available.
