Are you a registered nurse looking to advance your career and specialize in acute care? Nashville, TN, a thriving healthcare hub, offers exceptional opportunities for nurses seeking to become Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AGACNPs). These advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are critical in providing specialized care to adult and older adult patients facing complex health challenges. If you’re searching for the best Acute Care Np Programs In Nashville Tn, this guide will provide you with essential information to make an informed decision.
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration is designed to equip graduates with the expertise to deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care. AGACNPs focus on adults and older adults who are physiologically unstable, require advanced technology, or are at high risk for complications. These patients need vigilant monitoring and immediate interventions, making the role of the AGACNP vital in today’s healthcare landscape. AGACNP programs in Nashville prepare nurses to manage a comprehensive spectrum of care, from preventing illness to managing acute and critical conditions, chronic health issues, long-term care needs, and palliative care. The curriculum emphasizes the unique developmental and life-stage needs of adults across all ages.
For those aspiring to become AGACNPs, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs offer pathways for both initial certification and for current APRNs seeking to specialize or enhance their acute care skills.
Why Choose a DNP Acute Care NP Program in Nashville?
Nashville is not only the capital of Tennessee but also a major center for healthcare, boasting numerous renowned hospitals and medical facilities. Choosing to pursue your acute care NP program in Nashville TN offers several advantages:
- Access to Top Healthcare Institutions: Nashville’s robust healthcare system means you’ll have access to diverse clinical settings and potential job opportunities after graduation.
- Leading Academic Centers: Programs in Nashville are often affiliated with leading universities and medical centers, ensuring high-quality education and resources.
- Career Growth: The demand for AGACNPs is rising nationwide, and Nashville’s growing healthcare sector provides a promising job market for graduates of acute care NP programs.
University of Tennessee Health Science Center: A Leading Acute Care NP Program
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) in Memphis, while not geographically in Nashville, is a highly respected institution offering a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration. UTHSC’s program is a strong choice for those in or near Nashville looking for exceptional acute care NP programs in Tennessee.
Accreditation and Recognition:
UTHSC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring institutional quality and integrity. Furthermore, the DNP program itself is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a testament to the program’s rigorous standards and quality in nursing education. The program is also approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. This accreditation is crucial as it signifies that the program meets national standards for nurse practitioner education, which is important for licensure and certification after graduation.
DNP Adult Gerontology Acute Care Concentration Curriculum
The UTHSC AGACNP program offers comprehensive coursework designed to build advanced nursing knowledge and skills. The curriculum is structured for both Post-BSN and Post-MSN entry points, catering to nurses at different stages of their academic journey.
Post-BSN DNP Course Requirements
The Post-BSN DNP pathway is designed for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree who are ready to pursue a doctoral degree and AGACNP specialization. The curriculum is divided into core DNP courses and concentration-specific courses.
Core Courses (Post-BSN DNP)
| 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 Core Credits | 30 |
Concentration-Specific Courses (Post-BSN DNP)
| 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 Concentration Credits | 29 | |
| Post-BSN DNP Total Credits: | 59 |
Post-MSN DNP Course Requirements
For nurses who already hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), the Post-MSN DNP pathway allows them to earn their doctoral degree and specialize as AGACNPs more efficiently.
Core Courses (Post-MSN DNP)
| 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 Core Credits | 19 |
Concentration-Specific Courses (Post-MSN DNP) – New AG-ACNP Certification
This track is for MSN-prepared nurses seeking initial AGACNP certification.
| 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 Concentration Credits | 20 | |
| Post-MSN DNP Total Credits | 39 |
Concentration-Specific Courses (Post-MSN DNP) – Same Certification
For APRNs who already hold current AG-ACNP certification and are seeking a DNP to further 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 Concentration Credits | 14 | |
| Post-MSN DNP Total Credits | 33 |
Technical and Performance Standards
Students in the DNP AGACNP program at UTHSC must meet specific Technical and Performance Standards, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and abilities for this demanding role. These standards include:
- Physical and Mental Abilities: Performing comprehensive patient examinations, analyzing complex data, and responding effectively in stressful situations.
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Communicating effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams, demonstrating leadership and collaboration.
- Clinical Proficiency: Demonstrating advanced nursing process skills, including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care.
- Specific AGACNP Skills: Anticipating and managing acute and life-threatening conditions, addressing ethical dilemmas in critical care, and integrating research into practice.
These standards are in place to ensure patient safety and the competence of graduates entering the AGACNP profession. UTHSC provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities to meet these standards.
Frequently Asked Questions About the AGACNP Program
Prospective students often have questions about the AGACNP program. Here are some common FAQs to help you understand more:
What are the skills of an AGACNP?
AGACNPs are highly skilled advanced practice nurses capable of managing patients with acute and critical illnesses. Their skills include:
- Advanced Assessment and Diagnosis: Making differential diagnoses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests.
- Procedural Skills: Performing procedures such as intubation, lumbar puncture, and central line placement (depending on scope of practice and setting).
- Pharmacological Management: Prescribing medications and managing complex pharmacological regimens.
- Nutritional Management: Addressing the nutritional needs of acutely ill patients.
- Technological Proficiency: Managing patients who are technologically dependent.
Where can AGACNPs work after graduating from acute care NP programs in Nashville TN (or nearby)?
Graduates of acute care NP programs are highly sought after in various acute care settings, including:
- Hospitals (various units including ICU, ED, and specialty units)
- Emergency Rooms
- Specialty Offices with Hospital Affiliations (e.g., Cardiology, Oncology)
- Hospitalist roles
The demand for AGACNPs is expanding, particularly within hospital settings as hospitalist roles grow.
What salary can an AGACNP expect?
Salaries for AGACNPs vary based on location, experience, and practice setting. However, national data suggests a strong earning potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that nurse practitioners generally earn a median salary around $100,000, with potential earnings ranging from approximately $72,000 to $150,000 or higher depending on experience and specialization. Acute care NP programs in Nashville TN and surrounding areas prepare you for roles that command competitive salaries reflecting the advanced skills and critical nature of the work.
What makes the UTHSC AGACNP Program stand out?
The UTHSC AGACNP program benefits from its location in close proximity to high-acuity healthcare facilities in Memphis and the Mid-South region. Key differentiators include:
- Extensive Clinical Hours: The program requires a minimum of 500 hours in direct, supervised acute care settings, with a total of 1020 clinical hours encompassing diverse specialty rotations, ensuring broad and deep clinical experience.
- Dynamic Didactic Program: A challenging and comprehensive curriculum prepares students for the complexities of acute care.
- Location Advantages: Access to a wide range of acute care environments for clinical placements.
Program Flexibility and Duration:
- Program Length: Varies depending on whether you enter as a Post-BSN or Post-MSN student and prior graduate coursework.
- Full-time and Part-time Options: Both full-time and part-time plans of study are available to accommodate different student needs. However, the program is rigorous and requires a significant time commitment. Students are generally discouraged from full-time employment while enrolled.
Program Costs and Financial Aid:
- Tuition: Tuition costs vary based on residency status (in-state or out-of-state) and are subject to change. Refer to the UTHSC Financial Aid webpage for the most current information.
- Financial Aid and Scholarships: UTHSC offers financial aid information and resources. Explore options like the Academic Common Market for potential tuition benefits for out-of-state students. Employer tuition reimbursement, private scholarships, and federal government grants for nursing students are also valuable resources.
Clinical Experiences and Placements:
- Clinical Site Support: Faculty are actively involved in selecting high-quality preceptors and facilitating clinical placements to ensure valuable learning experiences.
- Flexibility for Out-of-Area Students: Students outside of Memphis collaborate with faculty to identify suitable clinical sites in their vicinity.
- Clinical Hours: Clinical experiences are integrated throughout the program, with clinical hour requirements detailed in the plan of study.
Online and On-Campus Components:
- Primarily Online Format: The program is primarily online, offering flexibility.
- Required On-Campus Experiences: Occasional on-campus visits are required for specific courses, including intensive skills labs and simulations, typically scheduled 4 times in the first semester for advanced health assessment and 3 times per year (August, December, May) for skills labs and simulations. These on-campus experiences enhance hands-on skills and learning.
Tips for Success in the AGACNP Program:
- Shadow an AGACNP: Gain firsthand insight into the role by shadowing an AGACNP in a clinical setting.
- Professional Engagement: Join professional organizations like the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and local NP groups (e.g., Greater Memphis Area APN group).
- Learning Style Assessment: Understand your learning style to optimize your study strategies.
- Prioritize and Manage Commitments: The program demands a significant commitment; prioritize your time and responsibilities accordingly.
Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career
If you are ready to advance your nursing career and specialize in acute care, consider the DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program. While UTHSC is located in Memphis, its strong reputation and comprehensive program make it an excellent choice for those seeking acute care NP programs in Tennessee, including those in the Nashville area.
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