Are you a registered nurse with a passion for critical care and a desire to advance your career? The University of South Alabama’s College of Nursing offers a comprehensive online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program specializing in Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner studies. This rigorous program is designed to equip experienced RNs with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to excel in acute care settings and become leaders in the nursing profession.
The University Of South Alabama Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program is tailored for nurses who have a strong background in acute care environments such as Emergency Departments, Intensive Care Units (ICUs), or Medical-Surgical units. To be eligible, applicants must possess at least two years of recent direct patient care experience in acute care, with one of those years specifically in an ICU setting. This ensures that students enter the program with a foundational understanding of the demanding and fast-paced nature of acute care nursing.
This MSN program is delivered primarily online, offering flexibility for working nurses to pursue advanced education without disrupting their careers. The curriculum is built upon a strong foundation of core nursing concepts, theory, and research, all delivered through an engaging online learning platform. Students will delve into advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, preparing them for the complexities of acute care practice.
A distinctive feature of the University of South Alabama Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program is the mandatory on-campus orientation session at the beginning of the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care specialty courses in the Fall semester. This valuable in-person experience allows students to connect with faculty and peers, fostering a supportive learning community. Furthermore, students may be required to return to campus for subsequent semesters for intensives, final exams, and presentations, ensuring a well-rounded and comprehensive educational experience.
The curriculum is meticulously designed to cover essential areas for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners. Coursework includes:
- Advanced Nursing Assessment: Developing expert assessment skills crucial for acute care.
- Physiopathological Basis of Advanced Nursing: Understanding the complex disease processes in acute settings.
- Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses: Mastering medication management for acutely ill patients.
- Introduction to Adult-Geron Acute Care NP: Foundational knowledge specific to the ACNP role.
- Health Promotion/Disease Prevention & Issues for Adult-Geron Acute Care NP: Addressing preventative care and relevant health issues in the acute care population.
- Adult-Geron Acute Care NP I, II, III: Progressive, in-depth study of acute care nursing practice.
- Adult-Geron Acute Care NP Practicum I, II, III: Extensive clinical hours (totaling 600 hours) providing hands-on experience in diverse acute care settings.
To further enhance practical skills, the program incorporates Advanced Practice Clinical Skills Intensives (CSI). These mandatory sessions, held during the fall term alongside AHN 568 and AHN 571 courses, provide hands-on training in essential advanced practice assessments and procedures relevant to acute care. Instruction is delivered by the University of South Alabama Simulation Program, utilizing state-of-the-art simulation technology to create realistic learning environments.
Graduates of the University of South Alabama Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program are eligible to sit for the national certification exam offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). Successful certification as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner opens doors to a wide range of advanced practice roles in hospitals, critical care units, emergency departments, and other acute care facilities. The MSN degree also provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue doctoral studies in the future.
For more information about the University of South Alabama Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program and how to apply, please contact the College of Nursing Office of Graduate Studies at [email protected]. Take the next step in your nursing career and become a highly skilled and sought-after Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at the University of South Alabama.
