The healthcare landscape is continuously evolving, demanding highly skilled professionals who can provide complex care to acutely and critically ill patients. For registered nurses looking to elevate their expertise and impact patient outcomes in Tennessee, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) programs offer a robust pathway. These advanced degree programs, particularly those focusing on Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AGACNP), are designed to equip nurses with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to manage the intricate needs of adult and older adult patients facing acute health challenges.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs In Tn are rigorous academic experiences that prepare graduates to deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care. The curriculum focuses on adults and older adults who are physiologically unstable, require advanced technology, or are at high risk for complications, necessitating vigilant monitoring and swift intervention. Graduates from these programs are ready to provide comprehensive care, encompassing disease prevention, acute and critical care management, long-term care strategies, and palliative care approaches, all while considering the unique developmental and life-stage needs of adult patients across the age spectrum.
Comprehensive Curriculum for Aspiring AGACNPs in Tennessee
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a concentration in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner provides multiple entry points to accommodate diverse educational backgrounds. Programs offer pathways for nurses seeking initial AGACNP certification as well as for current Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), including those already holding AGACNP credentials who wish to further specialize or enhance their expertise.
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) offers a well-regarded DNP program with an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration. The program is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring high educational standards and quality. Furthermore, it is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing, affirming its compliance with state-specific nursing education requirements.
Course Requirements for the DNP AGACNP Concentration at UTHSC
The DNP AGACNP program at UTHSC is structured with core courses providing a foundational base in advanced nursing practice and concentration-specific courses that delve into the specialized skills and knowledge required for acute care. The curriculum is designed to be comprehensive and adaptable for both Post-BSN and Post-MSN students.
Post-BSN to DNP – Core Courses
These courses form the bedrock of the DNP program, providing essential knowledge and skills applicable across advanced nursing roles.
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NSG 876 | Leadership and Health Policy | 3 |
| NSG 877 | Healthcare Economics | 3 |
| NSG 824 | Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnosis | 3 |
| NSG 827 | Epidemiology for Clinical Practice | 3 |
| NSG 855 | DNP Advanced Practice Role Development | 2 |
| NSG 910 | Philosophy of Science & Theory in Nursing | 4 |
| NSG 831 | Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NSG 830 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NSG 947 | DNP Project Seminar 1 | 1 |
| NSG 948 | DNP Project Design and Methods | 2 |
| NSG 949 | DNP Project Implementation and Evaluation | 2 |
| NSG 950 | DNP Project Seminar II | 1 |
| Total | 30 |
Post-BSN to DNP – Concentration-Specific Courses
These specialized courses focus on the core competencies of an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACNP 804 | Advanced Gerontology Acute Care Advanced Nursing Practice | 4 |
| ACNP 805 | Diagnostic Reasoning for the AGACNP | 3 |
| ACNP 807 | AGAC Advanced Critical Care | 3 |
| ACNP 809 | AGAC Advanced Practice Practicum | 4 |
| ACNP 810 | Professional Strategies of AGAC Advanced Practice | 3 |
| ACNP 811 | Advanced Clinical Assessment AGACNP | 4 |
| ACNP 812 | AGAC Advanced Clinical Management | 2 |
| NSG 926 | DNP Synthesis Practicum: AGACNP | 6 |
| Total | 29 | |
| Post-BSN DNP Total Credits: | 59 |
Post-MSN to DNP – Core Courses
For APRNs entering the DNP program, the core course requirements are adjusted to recognize prior graduate-level coursework.
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NSG 876 | Leadership and Health Policy | 3 |
| NSG 877 | Healthcare Economics | 3 |
| NSG 827 | Epidemiology for Clinical Practice | 3 |
| NSG 910 | Philosophy of Science & Theory in Nursing | 4 |
| NSG 947 | DNP Project Seminar 1 | 1 |
| NSG 948 | DNP Project Design and Methods | 2 |
| NSG 949 | DNP Project Implementation and Evaluation | 2 |
| NSG 950 | DNP Project Seminar II | 1 |
| Total | 19 |
Post-MSN to DNP – Concentration-Specific Courses (New AG-ACNP Certification)
For Post-MSN students seeking initial AGACNP certification, the concentration coursework is tailored to build upon their existing advanced practice foundation.
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACNP 804 | Adult Gerontology Acute Care Advanced Acute Care | 4 |
| ACNP 805 | Acute Diagnostic Reasoning for the AGACNP | 3 |
| ACNP 807 | AGACNP Advanced Critical Care | 3 |
| ACNP 811 | AGACNP Advanced Clinical Assessment | 2 |
| ACNP 812 | AGAC Advanced Clinical Management | 2 |
| NSG 926 | DNP Synthesis Practicum: AGACNP | 6 |
| Total | 20 | |
| Post-MSN DNP Total Credits | 39 |
Post-MSN to DNP – Concentration-Specific Courses (Current AG-ACNP Certification)
For APRNs already certified as AGACNPs, the program offers focused studies to deepen their expertise.
| Course ID | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACNP 813 | Adult Gerontology Acute Care Advanced Strategies for Focused Studies | 4 |
| ACNP 815 | Adult Gerontology Acute Care Focused Study and Dissemination | 4 |
| NSG 926 | DNP Synthesis Practicum | 6 |
| Total | 14 | |
| Post-MSN DNP Total Credits | 33 |
Technical and Performance Standards for AGACNP Candidates
Students entering Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs in TN must meet specific technical and performance standards. These standards ensure that all graduates possess the necessary physical, cognitive, and emotional capabilities to effectively practice in demanding acute care settings.
These standards include the ability to:
- Perform comprehensive patient histories and physical examinations.
- Communicate complex findings clearly to interdisciplinary teams and families.
- Accurately document and interpret subjective and objective patient data.
- Establish effective professional relationships demonstrating leadership and collaborative skills.
- Analyze changes in patient functional health patterns.
- Apply advanced nursing process skills, including assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and evaluation.
- Maintain emotional stability and adaptability in stressful and dynamic situations.
Specific standards for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration also include the ability to:
- Anticipate and manage common and life-threatening acute conditions.
- Navigate ethical dilemmas in critical care using systematic decision-making.
- Contribute to the development of educational programs for patients, families, and staff.
- Critically evaluate and integrate research into acute care practice.
Students who cannot meet these standards, with or without reasonable accommodations, may be ineligible for admission or continued enrollment in the DNP program. UTHSC provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, determined by Disability Services.
FAQs about AGACNP Programs in Tennessee
Prospective students often have questions about the role of an AGACNP and the specifics of these advanced programs. Here are some common inquiries and answers to provide further clarity.
What skills do AGACNPs possess?
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners are highly skilled in managing patients with complex acute and critical illnesses. They are proficient in performing advanced procedures such as intubation, lumbar punctures, chest tube placement, and central line placement. AGACNPs are also experts in differential diagnosis, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and managing patient nutritional needs.
Where can AGACNPs work after graduation in TN?
Graduates of Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs in TN are prepared to work in a variety of acute care settings, primarily hospitals, emergency departments, and specialized hospital-based or office-based practices. Common specialties include cardiology and oncology, but AGACNPs can be found across diverse medical and surgical specialties. The expanding role of hospitalists has also increased opportunities for AGACNPs within hospital settings. Scope of practice is defined by state legislation and individual State Boards of Nursing, emphasizing education and experience as key determinants.
What is the expected AGACNP salary in Tennessee?
Salaries for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners in Tennessee, and nationally, vary based on location, experience, and practice setting. However, national data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates a general salary range for nurse practitioners, with starting salaries around $72,000, median salaries near $100,000, and potential maximum earnings reaching $150,000 or higher depending on experience and specialization.
What distinguishes the UTHSC AGACNP Program?
The AGACNP program at UTHSC benefits from its location in close proximity to high-acuity medical centers within Tennessee and the broader Mid-South region. This advantageous location provides students with access to diverse and challenging clinical experiences. The program combines a rigorous academic curriculum with extensive clinical practice, requiring a minimum of 500 direct, supervised acute care clinical hours. UTHSC’s AGACNP program extends beyond this minimum, requiring a total of 1020 clinical hours to ensure broad exposure across various specialty rotations and patient populations.
What is the program duration?
The length of AGACNP programs varies depending on the entry point – Post-BSN DNP or Post-MSN DNP. Prior graduate coursework or previous APRN certification can also influence program length. UTHSC offers flexible program plans to accommodate different student backgrounds and needs.
Can the program be completed part-time or full-time?
Both full-time and part-time study plans are available for the UTHSC AGACNP program. Prospective students should consult with the concentration coordinator to determine the most suitable plan to meet their individual circumstances and academic goals.
Is it possible to work while enrolled in the program?
The UTHSC AGACNP program is academically demanding and requires a significant time commitment for both coursework and clinical rotations. While flexibility is offered through part-time options, full-time employment is strongly discouraged. Students needing to work are advised to consider flexible part-time roles and utilize leave options to dedicate sufficient time to program success.
What are the program costs?
Tuition costs at UTHSC are determined by residency status (in-state or out-of-state) and are subject to change. Detailed tuition and fee information is available on the UTHSC Financial Aid webpage under “Cost of Attendance.” The Academic Common Market may offer tuition benefits for eligible out-of-state students. Additionally, many employers offer tuition reimbursement. Students should also budget for books, supplies, health assessment equipment (otoscope, ophthalmoscope, stethoscope), lab coats, travel, and on-campus accommodation expenses. Scholarship and loan opportunities are also available through various organizations and government programs.
Where and when are clinical experiences conducted?
Clinical experiences are integrated throughout the AGACNP program curriculum. Clinical hours vary based on the chosen program plan and concentration. One clinical credit equates to 60 clock hours. UTHSC ensures clinical placements in diverse acute care settings, and faculty actively assist with site selection and preceptor assignments to align with course objectives and student learning needs. Students outside of Memphis collaborate with faculty to identify suitable clinical sites. Clinical contracts are required for all sites, and this process is initiated early in the program.
Is on-campus attendance required?
Yes, the UTHSC AGACNP program includes mandatory on-campus components for specific courses, particularly in the Advanced Health Assessment course during the first semester (approximately 4 times). Intensive skills labs and simulations are held three times annually (August, December, May), and on-campus sessions can range from 1 to 3 days. Schedules are published well in advance on the CON academic calendar.
How does online education enhance learning in this program?
The primarily online format of the UTHSC AGACNP program provides significant flexibility, allowing students to learn from diverse locations and manage their studies alongside other commitments. Online education in this program emphasizes active learning, discussions, and faculty guidance, moving away from traditional lecture-based formats. Strong computer, writing, and communication skills are essential for success. While online learning offers flexibility, the program also incorporates on-campus weeks to foster community and professional networking.
What are some tips for maximizing the educational experience?
Prospective AGACNP students are encouraged to shadow an AGACNP to gain firsthand insight into the role. Engaging with professional organizations like the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and local NP groups (e.g., the Greater Memphis Area APN group) can provide valuable networking and learning opportunities. Self-assessment of learning styles and proactive time management, considering family, work, and community commitments, are crucial for program success. UTHSC also provides resources such as learning style assessments and health assessment skills reviews to support students.
Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs in TN, like the DNP program at UTHSC, offer a transformative path for registered nurses seeking to specialize in acute and critical care. These programs combine rigorous academics with extensive clinical training to develop highly competent and compassionate advanced practice nurses ready to meet the complex healthcare needs of adults and older adults.
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