Walden’s Nurse Practitioner Specializations
In the specialization for Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, students learn the essential skills to become nurse practitioners. They also gain advanced abilities needed in high-intensity healthcare settings like emergency rooms, intensive care units, trauma centers, and specialized medical practices. The courses help students get ready to handle the healthcare of teenagers and adults, whether they have acute or chronic illnesses. This involves everything from making the first evaluation and diagnosis to creating a treatment plan. After completing this program, students will be ready to use research and evidence-based practices to improve the quality of healthcare.
NURS 6501 – Advanced Pathophysiology* (5 credits)
5 credits
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Nurse practitioners need to have a deep understanding of how diseases affect the body at different stages of life. In this course, students concentrate on grasping the processes that happen in the body, how things can go wrong with those processes, and a thorough look at the scientific ideas connected to the biology of disease. Advanced practice nursing students use what they know about how the body’s organ systems normally work to help them return to a healthy state. By understanding how diseases affect the body, students can put together the knowledge required to create the right treatment plans for patients of all ages. They study various topics related to diseases that affect the body’s organ systems.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
NURS 6521 – Advanced Pharmacology* (5 credits)
5 credits
A strong grasp of the fundamental ideas and rules of drug therapy at all stages of life is crucial for advanced practice nurses. This course applies advanced pharmacological principles, including the study of how genes affect drug response (pharmacogenomics), how drugs move in the body (pharmacokinetics), and how they work (pharmacodynamics). Students analyze common drug classes that advanced practice nurses prescribe to patients of all ages. They take into account various factors that affect the success of therapy, like how well the treatment works, its safety, how acceptable it is to the patient, the cost, genetic and environmental influences, complementary treatments, and patient behaviors.
By studying this course, students get ready to make complex decisions in managing and treating different acute and chronic diseases across the lifespan using both medications and non-drug methods. Advanced practice nursing students will also gain a deeper understanding of the laws and regulations related to prescribing medications.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6501
NURS 6512 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning* (5 credits)
5 credits
Ensuring the overall health and well-being of patients and their families can be quite intricate and involve various aspects. Advanced practice nurses need to have the knowledge and skills to perform thorough, safe, and proficient physical health assessments. In this course, students concentrate on learning the principles and techniques required to evaluate patients of all ages. They discover how to use advanced communication, diagnostic reasoning, and physical assessment abilities to recognize changes in health conditions. Additionally, students delve into preventive health practices, which involves assessing the risk factors in healthy individuals, an essential aspect of clinical practice. They also gain proficiency in assessing patients with both short-term and long-term health issues.
The course also covers advanced techniques like suturing, interpreting 12 Lead EKGs, and understanding X-ray results. Course assignments place a strong focus on risk assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and using evidence-based assessment methods for patients of all ages. Through this course, students develop the expertise needed to provide comprehensive health assessments that ensure the well-being of individuals at different stages of life.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6521
NRNP 6566 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings I (3 credits)
3 credits
This course marks the beginning of a series of four clinical courses within the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care curriculum. During this course, students will delve into and combine principles related to pathophysiology, pharmacology, assessment, and collaborative care for adolescents, adults, and older adults who are either acutely or critically ill or are facing worsening chronic health conditions. The primary focus in this clinical setting is on the responsibilities of the acute care nurse practitioner as they collaborate with a multidisciplinary team in various healthcare settings to facilitate the patient’s journey toward regaining optimal health. Specific areas of study encompass cardiac, pulmonary, and renal issues, along with common diagnostic tests and medical procedures.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6501
- NURS 6512
- NURS 6521
- NURS 6052
PRAC 6566 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings I Practicum (2 credits)
2 credits
This course marks the initial stage of the four practicum courses in the Adult-Gerontology curriculum. During this course, students will put into practice the knowledge they’ve gained in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment to diagnose and manage acute/critical illness in adolescents, adults, and older adults. The primary emphasis in this course lies on advanced nursing practice within the acute care setting.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6501
- NURS 6512
- NURS 6521
- NURS 6052
Note: This course requires a minimum of 160 practicum hours.
NRNP 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults (3 credits)
3 credits
This course centers on the intricate healthcare and management requirements of older adults, as addressed by advanced nurse practitioners in both acute and primary care settings. Students acquire the skills to devise, execute, and assess treatment plans for older adults in diverse healthcare environments. Furthermore, students delve into topics connected to end-of-life care and caregiver concerns, equipping themselves with the knowledge and empathy necessary to make meaningful improvements in the quality of life for this vulnerable demographic.
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Prerequisites
- NURS 6501
- NURS 6512
- NURS 6521
- NURS 6052
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Prerequisites
- NRNP 6531
PRAC 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults Practicum (2 credits)
2 credits
This course is part of the Adult-Gerontology curriculum, consisting of four practicum courses. Here, students will put their understanding of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment into action, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that are frequently found in older adults. The primary emphasis of this course is on advanced nursing practice within both acute and primary care settings.
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Prerequisites
- NURS 6501
- NURS 6512
- NURS 6521
- NURS 6052
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Prerequisites
- NRNP 6531
- PRAC 6531
Note: This course requires a minimum of 160 practicum hours.
NRNP 6550 – Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings II (3 credits)
3 credits
This is the second clinical course in the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care curriculum, and it’s one of four such courses. In this course, students will be responsible for planning, executing, and assessing the care provided to patients who are either acutely or critically ill or are facing a worsening of a chronic health condition. The primary clinical emphasis is on the responsibilities of acute care nurse practitioners, working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams across different healthcare settings to help patients recover their optimal health. During the course, students will apply suitable diagnostic procedures and relevant laboratory tests to create effective treatment plans to address the health needs of patients in acute care settings.
Prerequisites
- NRNP 6540
- NRNP 6566
PRAC 6550 – Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings II Practicum (2 credits)
2 credits
This is the second practicum course in the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care curriculum, part of a series of four courses. During this course, students will put into practice their understanding of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment to diagnose and manage acute or critically ill patients, spanning across the age spectrum from adolescents to older adults. The primary focus of this course is to enhance the development of advanced clinical skills under the direct guidance of an approved preceptor within an acute care healthcare environment.
Prerequisites
- NRNP 6540
- PRAC 6540
- NRNP 6566
- PRAC 6566
Note: This course requires a minimum of 160 practicum hours.
NRNP 6560 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings III (3 credits)
3 credits
In this course, students will further develop their clinical skills in providing care to patients in acute care settings. This course marks a crucial step in the transition from being a student to becoming an advanced practice nurse. Through classroom activities and case studies, students will delve into the available resources and support systems for acutely ill patients, spanning from adolescents to older adults. The course highlights the application of knowledge in patient management and underscores the importance of collaboration between the advanced practice nurse, the patient, their family, and the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Prerequisites
- NRNP 6550
PRAC 6560 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings III Practicum (2 credits)
2 credits
This marks the last of four practicum courses in the Adult-Gerontology curriculum. During this course, students will put into action their knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment as they diagnose and manage acutely ill individuals, spanning from adolescents to older adults. The primary focus here is on advanced nursing practice within the acute care setting.
Prerequisites
- NRNP 6550
- PRAC 6550
Note: This course requires a minimum of 160 practicum hours.
Course Sequence
MSN – AGAC Course Sequence Example 1
One MSN – AGAC course sequence example is as follows. This quarter sequence is an example for BSN-Entry students. Please note that RN-MSN students must complete all RN Foundation and General Education courses before they can begin working on the MSN Core and Specialization courses listed below.
| Quarter | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 | NURS 6003 – Perspectives on Graduate Study for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 credits |
| NURS 6050 – Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 2 | NURS 6051 – Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology | 5 credits |
| NURS 6052 – Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 3 | NURS 6053 – Interprofessional Organizational and Systems Leadership | 5 credits |
| NURS 6501 – Advanced Pathophysiology | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 4 | NURS 6521 – Advanced Pharmacology | 5 credits |
| NURS 6512 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 5 | NRNP 6566 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings I | 3 credits |
| PRAC 6566 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings I Practicum | 2 credits | |
| Quarter 6 | NRNP 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults | 3 credits |
| PRAC 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults Practicum | 2 credits | |
| Quarter 7 | NRNP 6550 – Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings II | 3 cr |
| PRAC 6550 – Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings II Practicum | 2 credits | |
| Quarter 8 | NRNP 6560 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings III | 3 credits |
| PRAC 6560 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings III Practicum | 2 credits |
MSN – AGAC Course Sequence Example 2
Another MSN – AGAC course sequence example is as follows. This quarter sequence is an example for BSN-Entry students. Please note that RN-MSN students must complete all RN Foundation and General Education courses before they can begin working on the MSN Core and Specialization courses listed below.
| Quarter | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 | NURS 6003 – Perspectives on Graduate Study for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 credits |
| NURS 6501 – Advanced Pathophysiology | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 2 | NURS 6051 – Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology | 5 credits |
| NURS 6521 – Advanced Pharmacology | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 3 | NURS 6052 – Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice | 5 credits |
| NURS 6512 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 4 | NURS 6050 – Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health | 5 credits |
| NRNP 6566 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings I | 3 credits | |
| PRAC 6566 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings I Practicum | 2 credits | |
| Quarter 5 | NURS 6053 – Interprofessional Organizational and Systems Leadership | 5 credits |
| NRNP 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults | 3 credits | |
| PRAC 6540 – Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults Practicum | 2 credits | |
| Quarter 6 | NRNP 6550 – Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings II | 3 credits |
| PRAC 6550 – Advanced Practice Care of Adults in Acute Care Settings II Practicum | 2 credits | |
| Quarter 7 | NRNP 6560 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings III | 3 credits |
| PRAC 6560 – Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings III Practicum | 2 credits |
* Due to the nature of this practicum, it is strongly recommended that students take this practicum experience paired only with its didactic course (NRNP) or by itself.
*Note regarding NURS 6051 and NURS 6052: It is recommended that these courses are NOT be taken with a practicum experience.
* Note regarding PRAC 6550 and PRAC 6560: Due to the nature of these practicums, it is strongly recommended that students take these practicum experiences paired only with their corresponding didactic courses (NRNP) or by itself.
Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners, known as AGPCNPs, are advanced nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and advanced clinical training. They have the skills to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage various health issues in adult patients aged 13 and older. This specialization delves into ways to enhance health outcomes through effective communication and collaboration. The curriculum is designed in collaboration with experts and is firmly based on evidence-based practice, ensuring that students gain expertise in delivering high-quality, comprehensive, accessible, and cost-effective care.
By undertaking this specialization, students can equip themselves to create a positive impact in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape, whether they choose a clinical practice or a related health profession. This program can be a stepping stone for career advancement, and graduates have the opportunity to pursue national certification as adult-gerontology nurse practitioners and gain state credentials.
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