The healthcare landscape is continuously evolving, and North Carolina is experiencing a significant increase in its aging population alongside a persistent shortage of healthcare professionals. To address these critical needs, East Carolina University (ECU) and ECU Health have strengthened their partnership to enhance the healthcare workforce in eastern North Carolina. This collaboration aims to improve health outcomes and increase access to specialized care for older adults within these communities through innovative programs like the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) certificate program at ECU.
Addressing the Healthcare Workforce Shortage with Specialized NP Programs
Pam Rudisill, Vice President of Nursing Excellence at ECU Health, emphasizes the importance of the partnership between ECU Health and ECU’s College of Nursing in tackling the national healthcare workforce shortage. She stated, “Our success as an academic health system relies on bridging clinical and academic excellence to provide high-quality care to eastern North Carolina. Eastern North Carolina depends on collaborative solutions from institutions like ECU Health and ECU to meet the needs and improve the health and well-being of our region.” This collaboration underscores the commitment of both institutions to proactively address healthcare challenges within the region.
Recognizing the importance of investing in their employees’ professional growth, ECU Health’s Chief Nursing Office will offer tuition reimbursement for its employees who enroll in the AGACNP certificate program. This financial support demonstrates ECU Health’s dedication to fostering the education and skill advancement of their nursing staff, directly contributing to a more qualified and specialized healthcare workforce.
ECU’s Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program: A Pathway to Advanced Practice
ECU’s College of Nursing is set to launch its Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate program in Spring 2025, with the first cohort of students commencing classes. Students following the recommended study plan are expected to graduate in May 2026, positioning them to take the specialty certification exam to become certified Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners upon graduation.
The deadline to apply for the inaugural cohort is December 15, 2024. Prospective applicants can find detailed information regarding application requirements, procedures, and the curriculum’s required courses on the ECU College of Nursing website. This program is designed as a post-master’s certificate, meaning applicants must already hold recognition as an advanced practice nurse, ensuring a cohort of experienced professionals seeking to specialize in acute care. For those needing prerequisite coursework, ECU provides options to complete these requirements before starting the core program curriculum.
Dr. Linder from ECU’s College of Nursing encourages interested individuals to reach out if they require prerequisite courses to ensure they are fully prepared for the program’s rigorous coursework.
Building on a Strong Foundation: ECU and ECU Health Partnership
The AGACNP certificate program is a significant expansion of the existing academic-practice partnership between ECU’s College of Nursing and ECU Health. This partnership was initially established with a $1.5 million investment from ECU Health over five years. This substantial investment has been instrumental in enabling ECU’s College of Nursing to recruit expert faculty, support staff, and acquire essential resources to support students enrolled in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate program. This financial backing highlights the deep commitment to developing the future of nursing care in eastern North Carolina.
The initial cohort for the AGACNP certificate program will consist of approximately 12 students. Importantly, a minimum of six seats are specifically reserved for ECU Health employees, reflecting the health system’s direct investment in its workforce. The remaining slots are open to other qualified applicants who are passionate about advancing their careers in critical care nursing and seeking top-tier Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs In Nc.
With the introduction of this program, ECU joins a select group of only four nursing programs in North Carolina offering the AGACNP certification, solidifying its role as a leading institution in nursing education and healthcare workforce development within the state and beyond.
