Are you an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) looking to specialize in acute care in North Carolina? The evolving healthcare landscape demands highly skilled professionals in acute care settings. Post-graduate Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) certificate programs offer a pathway for MSN or DNP-prepared APRNs to expand their expertise and advance their careers.
Advance Your Nursing Career with Acute Care NP Certification
For APRNs seeking to enhance their skills and broaden their career opportunities, specialized post-graduate certificate programs are invaluable. These programs are designed for nurses who already hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and wish to gain expertise in a new patient population or clinical area. Completing an acute care NP program allows nurses to pursue roles in hospitals, intensive care units, trauma centers, and other acute settings.
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Online Post-Graduate Acute Care NP Programs at UNC School of Nursing
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) School of Nursing offers online, part-time post-graduate certificate programs, including a highly regarded Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program. This program is tailored for working APRNs, providing flexibility with online coursework while maintaining rigorous academic standards.
Program Highlights:
- Online and Part-time: Designed to fit the schedules of working professionals.
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Focus: Specializes in the care of adult and older adult patients with acute and complex health conditions.
- Post-Graduate Certificate: Requires prior MSN or DNP degree, allowing experienced APRNs to specialize efficiently.
- Eligibility for National Certification: Graduates are eligible to sit for the national AGACNP certification exam.
- North Carolina Practice Eligibility: Program completion and national certification enable graduates to apply for APRN practice approval in North Carolina.
Curriculum and Program Structure
The UNC AGACNP post-graduate certificate program features a personalized approach to education. Upon admission, the program’s lead faculty reviews each student’s prior graduate coursework to create an individualized plan of study. This ensures that all students meet current NP education and national certification requirements.
The curriculum gap analysis includes a review of transcripts and course syllabi for advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment. These core courses must be comparable to those offered in UNC’s existing advanced practice programs. Additional coursework or alternative courses may be required based on this analysis.
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For APRNs new to practice or those returning after a break, specific requirements apply:
- New APRNs: Must demonstrate completion of advanced pathophysiology (lifespan), advanced pharmacology (lifespan), and advanced health assessment courses within the past three years.
- APRNs Out of Practice: Those who have not practiced as an APRN for more than two years may need to retake advanced pharmacology at a minimum.
All individualized study plans are reviewed and approved by the Assistant Dean of the MSN and DNP Programs, ensuring academic rigor and program quality.
Program Duration and Application Information
The AGACNP post-graduate certificate program at UNC is designed for completion in twelve months, or one academic year (fall, spring, and summer semesters).
Application Deadlines:
- Acute Care Deadline: April 8, 2025 (Please note program availability is subject to sufficient enrollment).
Prospective students are encouraged to visit the UNC School of Nursing website for detailed information on eligibility criteria, the application process, and how to apply. The application portal is currently open, and all materials must be submitted by the specified deadlines.
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Take the Next Step in Your Acute Care Nursing Career
An acute care NP post-graduate certificate from UNC School of Nursing can be a significant step towards advancing your career in acute care settings in North Carolina. With its online format, personalized curriculum, and focus on preparing graduates for national certification and practice, this program offers a strong foundation for success in this demanding and rewarding field. Apply Now to begin your journey.
