Are you a registered nurse looking to advance your career and make a significant impact in acute care settings? Becoming an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) can open doors to a rewarding and challenging profession. In Tennessee, recognized for its excellent healthcare institutions, acute care NP programs in Tennessee are designed to equip nurses with the specialized skills and knowledge needed to excel in this demanding field. These programs, particularly those offered by esteemed institutions like the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), provide comprehensive training to manage complex patient cases in critical care environments.
What is an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)?
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in providing care to adult and older adult patients experiencing acute or critical illnesses. These patients are often physiologically unstable, technologically dependent, and at high risk for complications, requiring constant monitoring and immediate interventions. AGACNPs are crucial in today’s healthcare system, particularly in hospitals and intensive care units, where they deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care.
The scope of practice for an AGACNP is broad, encompassing a full spectrum of care. This includes not only managing acute and critical conditions but also focusing on disease prevention, chronic and long-term care management, and palliative care. A key aspect of their training is understanding the unique developmental and life-stage needs of adults across the entire age spectrum, ensuring holistic and personalized patient care.
AGACNPs are highly skilled professionals capable of performing a range of procedures essential in acute care settings. These procedures can include:
- Intubation to manage airway and breathing issues.
- Lumbar punctures for diagnostic purposes and pressure relief.
- Needle thoracentesis to remove fluid or air from the pleural space.
- Chest tube placement to manage pneumothorax or hemothorax.
- Central line placement for administering medications and fluids and for hemodynamic monitoring.
Beyond procedural skills, AGACNPs are adept at:
- Making differential diagnoses based on comprehensive assessments.
- Ordering and interpreting a wide array of diagnostic tests to inform treatment plans.
- Prescribing medications, including complex pharmacological regimens.
- Managing patients’ nutritional needs to support recovery and overall health.
Image alt text: A nurse practitioner in a hospital setting reviews a patient’s chart, highlighting the critical thinking and diagnostic skills required in acute care nursing practice.
AGACNPs find employment in diverse acute care settings, primarily within hospitals. Common workplaces include:
- Hospital medical and surgical units.
- Emergency rooms, providing immediate care for critical patients.
- Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and specialty ICUs (cardiac, neuro, surgical).
- Specialty offices in conjunction with hospital systems, such as cardiology and oncology practices, where they manage acutely ill patients within these specialties.
- With the increasing demand for hospitalists, AGACNPs are also expanding their roles within hospitalist teams, providing comprehensive inpatient care.
Why Choose Tennessee for Your Acute Care NP Program?
Tennessee is becoming a hub for healthcare excellence, and pursuing your acute care NP program in Tennessee offers several distinct advantages. The state is home to leading healthcare institutions and academic centers, providing rich clinical learning environments. Specifically, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis stands out due to its strategic location and program strengths.
UTHSC benefits from its proximity to a high concentration of advanced acute care facilities within Memphis and the broader Mid-South region. This geographical advantage translates directly into unparalleled clinical opportunities for students in their AGACNP program. Students gain hands-on experience in diverse and complex acute care settings, preparing them for the realities of their future practice.
The UTHSC AGACNP program distinguishes itself through its commitment to extensive clinical training. While many programs require a standard 500 hours of supervised clinical practice, UTHSC’s program goes above and beyond, mandating a minimum of 1020 clinical hours. This significant investment in clinical education ensures that graduates are exceptionally well-prepared and confident in their ability to manage acute and critically ill patients upon entering the workforce. These clinical hours encompass a broad range of specialty rotations, providing diverse experiences and a well-rounded skill set.
Furthermore, the UTHSC Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, which houses the AGACNP concentration, holds prestigious accreditations, affirming its high educational standards.
-
Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC): This regional accreditation ensures the overall quality and integrity of UTHSC as an institution awarding baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees.
-
Accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): The DNP program at UTHSC is specifically accredited by the CCNE, the leading accrediting body for baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs. This accreditation signifies that the program meets rigorous standards for curriculum, faculty, resources, and student outcomes, ensuring a high-quality nursing education. The CCNE accreditation is valid through December 31, 2034, highlighting the program’s sustained excellence.
-
Approval by the Tennessee Board of Nursing: The program is also approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing, ensuring graduates meet the state’s requirements for advanced practice nursing licensure.
Image alt text: The iconic entrance sign to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, emphasizing its established presence and reputation in Tennessee’s healthcare education landscape.
Choosing an accredited program like UTHSC’s AGACNP concentration is crucial as it assures prospective students of program quality and enhances their credibility as graduates when seeking employment and professional opportunities.
UTHSC DNP AGACNP Program: Curriculum and Coursework
The DNP Adult Gerontology Acute Care Concentration at UTHSC offers rigorous coursework designed to build expertise in advanced nursing practice. The curriculum is structured to accommodate nurses at different stages of their careers, offering pathways for both Post-BSN and Post-MSN students.
The DNP program integrates core courses that are fundamental to advanced nursing practice with concentration-specific courses focused on acute gerontology care. Below is a breakdown of the course requirements for both Post-BSN and Post-MSN pathways:
Post-BSN DNP Curriculum
The Post-BSN DNP pathway is designed for nurses holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree who are ready to pursue a doctoral degree and AGACNP certification. This pathway involves a comprehensive curriculum covering core DNP competencies and specialized AGACNP knowledge.
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 Curriculum
The Post-MSN DNP pathway is tailored for nurses who already hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. This pathway offers options for APRNs seeking to add AGACNP certification or for currently certified AGACNPs seeking to enhance their doctoral-level education.
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)
| 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 – Current AG-ACNP Certification)
| 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 |
This detailed curriculum ensures that graduates are not only academically prepared but also clinically proficient to meet the complex demands of acute care nursing.
Technical and Performance Standards
Students entering the DNP Adult Gerontology Acute Care Concentration Program at UTHSC must meet specific Technical and Performance Standards. These standards are in place to ensure that all students possess the necessary abilities to safely and effectively practice as advanced practice nurses in acute care settings. These standards encompass a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional capabilities.
General Technical and Performance Standards for all DNP Concentrations:
-
Physical and Sensory Abilities:
- Perform a comprehensive and systematic patient history and physical examination.
- Accurately assess and document subjective and objective findings.
- Possess adequate vision, hearing, and tactile senses to perform assessments and procedures.
- Exhibit sufficient strength and manual dexterity to manage equipment and assist patients.
-
Communication Skills:
- Effectively communicate examination findings to healthcare professionals and patients/families.
- Maintain effective interpersonal relationships and interact appropriately with diverse individuals and teams.
- Demonstrate leadership, collaboration, and decisiveness in communication.
-
Cognitive and Critical Thinking Skills:
- Analyze changes in patient functional patterns.
- Demonstrate advanced application of the nursing process: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
- Apply critical thinking to develop, implement, and evaluate patient care plans.
- Exercise sound judgment in patient care decision-making.
-
Emotional and Behavioral Attributes:
- Maintain emotional stability and flexibility when facing new, stressful, or unique situations.
- Demonstrate adaptability and resilience in demanding acute care environments.
- Exhibit ethical and professional conduct at all times.
Additional Technical and Performance Standards Specific to the AGACNP Concentration:
-
Anticipate and manage critical conditions:
- Anticipate common, acute, and life-threatening problems in critically ill patients.
- Demonstrate proficiency in managing complex medical emergencies.
-
Ethical Decision-Making:
- Identify ethical dilemmas in critical care practice.
- Participate in ethical decision-making processes using a systematic and thoughtful approach.
-
Education and Research Integration:
- Develop and contribute to theory-based educational programs for patients, families, and nursing staff.
- Analyze and critique critical care research and integrate evidence-based findings into clinical practice.
- Serve as a role model in promoting research utilization within acute care settings.
Students who believe they may not meet these standards, even with accommodations, are encouraged to contact the Disability Services office at UTHSC. UTHSC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities. Students needing accommodations should contact Disability Services at [email protected] to begin the process of evaluation and accommodation planning. However, it is crucial to understand that the fundamental requirement remains that all students must be able to ensure patient safety and welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UTHSC AGACNP Program
Prospective students often have questions about the AGACNP program, career prospects, and the learning environment at UTHSC. Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further clarity:
What specific skills will I gain as an AGACNP graduate from UTHSC?
Graduates of the UTHSC AGACNP program will be expertly trained to care for patients who are acutely ill, technologically dependent, or at high risk for complications. You will master advanced procedures such as intubation, lumbar puncture, chest tube placement, and central line placement. Crucially, you will develop advanced skills in differential diagnosis, interpreting complex diagnostic data, prescribing medications, and managing intricate nutritional support plans for acutely ill adults and older adults.
Where can I expect to work after completing the AGACNP program?
AGACNPs are in high demand across various acute care settings. Common employment locations include hospital intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments, and specialized units such as cardiology and oncology inpatient services. Many graduates also find roles within hospitalist groups, providing comprehensive care for hospitalized patients. The scope of practice can vary by state, so it’s important to consult the Tennessee Board of Nursing or the board in your intended state of practice for specific regulations.
What is the typical salary range for an AGACNP?
Compensation for AGACNPs can vary based on geographic location, experience, and practice setting. Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that nurse practitioners generally earn a median salary around $100,000, with starting salaries around $72,000 and potential maximum salaries reaching $150,000 or higher for experienced professionals in high-demand areas or specialized roles. Tennessee compensation rates are competitive and reflect regional cost-of-living factors and healthcare market demands.
What makes the AGACNP program at UTHSC particularly stand out?
The UTHSC AGACNP program benefits significantly from its location in Memphis, placing students in close proximity to leading acute care facilities in Tennessee and the Mid-South. This prime location facilitates exceptional clinical rotation opportunities. Furthermore, the program’s commitment to over 1000 hours of supervised clinical practice, far exceeding standard requirements, ensures graduates are exceptionally prepared for real-world acute care challenges. The rigorous didactic curriculum combined with extensive clinical immersion makes UTHSC a top choice for aspiring AGACNPs.
How long does it take to complete the AGACNP program at UTHSC?
The program duration depends on your entry point. For Post-BSN students, the DNP AGACNP program is a full-time course of study typically completed over several years. Post-MSN students have shorter program durations, especially if they are already certified APRNs. Program length can also be adjusted based on transfer credits for prior graduate coursework. UTHSC offers both full-time and part-time study plans to accommodate diverse student needs. It’s recommended to consult with the concentration coordinator to determine the most suitable plan of study for your individual circumstances.
Is it feasible to work while enrolled in the AGACNP program?
The UTHSC AGACNP program is academically rigorous and requires a substantial time commitment for both coursework and clinical rotations. Full-time employment is strongly discouraged due to the demanding nature of the program. Students needing to work are advised to seek flexible part-time positions or utilize leave options to dedicate sufficient time to their studies and clinical experiences. Prioritizing program demands is essential for successful completion.
What are the costs associated with the AGACNP program at UTHSC, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition costs vary based on 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. The Academic Common Market may offer reduced tuition for eligible out-of-state students. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement, and numerous private, regional, state, and national scholarships are available for graduate nursing students. Exploring online resources for graduate nursing scholarships and federal grant opportunities is highly recommended.
What books, equipment, and supplies will I need for the program?
Textbook requirements vary by semester, and many AGACNP-specific books are used across multiple courses. Electronic resources and library materials supplement textbooks, often at no cost. Students need reliable computer hardware and internet access. Essential health assessment equipment, including an otoscope, ophthalmoscope, and high-quality stethoscope, is required, but purchasing these closer to the start of clinical courses is advised. Lab coats are also necessary for clinical experiences, with specifications provided by the program.
Where and when will I complete my clinical experiences?
Clinical experiences are integrated throughout the program curriculum. Clinical hours vary by program plan, with one clinical credit equating to 60 clinical clock hours. UTHSC’s AGACNP program requires over 1000 clinical hours, offering substantial hands-on training. Faculty actively assist in securing high-quality clinical preceptors and placements, aligning with course learning objectives. Students outside Memphis collaborate with faculty to identify suitable clinical sites. Clinical placements with relatives are not permitted. Clinical contracts are required for all sites, so initiating this process early is important.
Are there on-campus requirements for this primarily online program?
While the AGACNP program is primarily online, some on-campus experiences are required for specific courses, particularly for intensive skills labs and simulation exercises. For example, the Advanced Health Assessment course includes on-campus sessions. Typically, on-campus visits are scheduled 3-4 times per year, lasting 1-3 days each, often in August, December, and May. Schedules are published well in advance on the CON academic calendar page. These on-campus components enrich the learning experience and provide valuable hands-on training.
How does online education at UTHSC differ from traditional on-campus programs?
Online education at UTHSC offers significant flexibility in terms of learning location and schedule, accommodating diverse lifestyles and learning preferences. It requires self-discipline, motivation, and strong computer and writing skills. The online format emphasizes active, participative learning with less traditional lecture-based teaching. Graduate coursework involves extensive reading and online discussions facilitated by faculty. While online learning can be less face-to-face, UTHSC fosters a supportive online community, and on-campus weeks provide opportunities for networking and building professional relationships. UTHSC CON faculty are experts in online education, ensuring a high-quality distance learning experience.
What are some tips to enhance my educational experience in the AGACNP program?
To maximize your learning, consider shadowing an AGACNP to gain firsthand insight into the role. Engage with professional organizations like the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and local NP groups such as the Greater Memphis Area APNs. Assess your learning style to tailor your study habits. Critically evaluate and prioritize your family, community, and work commitments, understanding that the program requires a full commitment and may necessitate adjustments in your personal and professional life for successful completion.
Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career
Ready to take your nursing career to the next level with an acute care NP program in Tennessee? The UTHSC DNP Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a path to professional fulfillment and advanced practice expertise.
REQUEST MORE INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY
For more detailed information about program policies, clinical guidelines, and faculty contacts, please refer to the Faculty/Student/Preceptor Manual.
Faculty/Student/Preceptor Manual
Conclusion
Choosing the right acute care NP program in Tennessee is a pivotal step in advancing your nursing career. The DNP Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center provides a robust, accredited, and clinically intensive program designed to prepare expert AGACNPs. With its prime location, extensive clinical hours, and commitment to student success, UTHSC offers an exceptional environment to achieve your professional aspirations in acute care nursing. Embrace the opportunity to become a leader in acute care – explore the UTHSC AGACNP program and transform your career trajectory today.
