Are you a registered nurse looking to specialize in acute care and advance your career? The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) offers a comprehensive Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program designed to equip you with the expert knowledge and skills needed to excel in this demanding and rewarding field. This program is tailored for ambitious nurses seeking to provide advanced healthcare to acutely and critically ill patients, from young adults to the elderly.
Program Overview: Shaping Future Acute Care Leaders
The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program Uta is meticulously crafted to transform experienced registered nurses into Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) capable of managing the complex healthcare needs of diverse adult populations facing acute, chronic, or critical illnesses. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on restoring health, managing intricate acute and chronic conditions, and overseeing the health of late adolescents, adults, and older adults.
Graduates of this program will be adept at addressing the needs of patients who are physiologically unstable, reliant on advanced medical technology, and susceptible to complications. As an AGACNP, you will take on a leadership role within interprofessional healthcare teams, championing the use of research-backed practices to optimize healthcare delivery for patients and their families.
Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible for recognition as an advanced practice nurse by the Texas Board of Nursing. Furthermore, you will be fully prepared to undertake the National Certification Exam for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners, offered by both the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
This program is built upon a foundation that enables graduates to:
- Assume autonomous responsibility as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in secondary and tertiary healthcare environments, catering to the needs of late adolescents, adults, older adults, and their families.
- Exhibit exceptional clinical proficiency in managing acutely ill patients, encompassing diagnostic reasoning, sophisticated patient monitoring, and advanced therapeutic interventions.
- Apply research and theoretical frameworks in the implementation of treatment strategies aimed at health restoration, complication minimization, and effective risk factor management.
- Orchestrate seamless patient care across the spectrum of acute care services, collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, families, and patients to ensure holistic and coordinated treatment.
Curriculum and Courses: A Deep Dive into Acute Care Expertise
The acute care nurse practitioner program UTA boasts a rigorous curriculum designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of acute care nursing. You will engage in advanced coursework covering areas such as advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, specifically tailored to the acute care setting. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, ensuring you are equipped with the latest clinical guidelines and research findings to deliver optimal patient care.
For a detailed list of courses within the AGACNP program, please refer to the course list.
Admission Requirements: Setting the Stage for Your Success
To be considered for the acute care nurse practitioner program UTA, prospective students must first satisfy the university’s basic admission criteria. This involves submitting an application to the university through the Office of Admissions, remitting the application fee, and providing official transcripts to UT Arlington’s Graduate Admission’s Office. It’s important to note that the Graduate Admission’s Office is responsible for calculating the admission GPA, and all application steps, including transcript submission and fee payment, must be completed before your application can progress further.
In addition to the general university requirements, applicants should carefully review the College of Nursing and Health Innovation (CONHI) graduate program specific requirements. A dedicated CONHI Graduate Academic Advisor will assess your application for nursing-specific prerequisites. Detailed program requirements can be found in the University Catalog – Nursing, Graduate Programs.
Upon acceptance into the program, you will receive an official acceptance form that requires your signature and return to confirm your place. Applicants who are not accepted have the option to appeal the admission decision. Once the acceptance form is processed, an official notification will be sent to your personal email address from the university. Accepted students with prior graduate-level coursework eligible for transfer credit should submit a transfer request form to their CONHI Academic Advisor at this stage.
Clinical Requirements: Real-World Acute Care Experience
A cornerstone of the acute care nurse practitioner program UTA is its robust clinical component. The MSN Nursing Education and MSN and Certification Nurse Practitioner programs at UTA are intentionally designed to provide students with invaluable experiential learning opportunities. These clinical placements are crucial in facilitating a smooth transition into the advanced role of a nurse practitioner.
Each clinical experience emphasizes active, hands-on practice under the guidance of a licensed preceptor who is an expert in their advanced nursing practice specialty. Clinical placements at UTA are a collaborative endeavor. Students are encouraged to proactively identify potential preceptors that align with their program requirements. However, the Department of Graduate Nursing is committed to supporting students in securing clinical placements when they encounter difficulties. Comprehensive clinical placement policies are readily available to all admitted students through the Graduate Nursing clinical management system, InPlace.
It is essential for all applicants to familiarize themselves with the Graduate Nursing Clinical Clearance Requirements to ensure they meet all necessary health and safety standards for clinical practice.
Note: Please be aware that some graduate programs may include required courses and events scheduled on Saturdays. It is advisable to consult with the program director of your program of interest before finalizing your application for admission to understand any specific scheduling commitments.
Nursing License Verification: Ensuring Professional Standards
Verification of an unencumbered nursing license is a mandatory requirement for acceptance into the Nursing program. The College of Nursing and Health Innovation utilizes NURSYS, a national database, to efficiently verify student license credentials. NURSYS is a primary source equivalent database, maintained by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s (NCSBN) and populated with data directly from Nursing Commissions. To gain a deeper understanding of NURSYS and its functionalities, please click or tap here.
To expedite the verification process of your credentials, please ensure your information is readily accessible within the NURSYS database. Furthermore, we highly recommend enrolling in NURSYS e-notify. This valuable service provides nurses with license expiration reminders, updates on license status changes, and streamlined tracking of nurse license verifications for endorsement, among other benefits.
Resources for Student Success: Your Journey to Becoming an AGACNP
UTA is committed to providing comprehensive resources to support students throughout their academic journey in the acute care nurse practitioner program UTA.
Policies and Guidelines
While faculty and staff offer academic advising and support, students are ultimately responsible for their education and professional development. It is crucial for each student to be fully acquainted with and adhere to the academic and disciplinary policies outlined in the university catalog and MSN handbook. This includes understanding regulations regarding workload, academic standards for continued enrollment, scholastic probation and dismissal procedures, and enforced withdrawal protocols.
Students are expected to be proactive in familiarizing themselves with university policies, deadlines, and regulations. Ignorance of these policies will not be accepted as grounds for exemption. Should you have any questions regarding policies, you are encouraged to consult your academic advisor for clarification and guidance.
All students are expected to be familiar with the following key resources:
- UTA University Catalog
- CONHI Graduate Nursing Handbook
Managing Your Course Load and Study Time
Graduate nursing education demands significant time commitment for studying, completing assignments, preparing for clinical rotations, and managing overall coursework. Students in the acute care nurse practitioner program UTA are strongly advised to carefully evaluate their work schedules and personal commitments in light of the program’s rigorous demands and make necessary adjustments. External commitments that compete with graduate studies may negatively impact academic performance and potentially jeopardize a student’s academic standing.
As a general guideline, for every graduate nursing semester credit hour, students should allocate approximately 5 hours of study time outside of scheduled class time. For instance, a 3-semester credit hour course may reasonably require 15 hours of study outside of class, in addition to the time dedicated to clinical practice. It is generally recommended that student employment not exceed 16-20 hours per week during regular or summer semesters to maintain a healthy balance and ensure academic success.
Tuition, Financial Aid, and Academic Calendar
Understanding the financial aspects of your education is crucial. Detailed information regarding program costs for the acute care nurse practitioner program UTA is readily available.
Students seeking financial aid assistance are encouraged to explore the resources offered by the Financial Aid and Scholarships offices at UTA, as well as the MAV ScholarShop platform for scholarship opportunities.
It is also important to review the academic calendar prior to enrolling to stay informed about important dates, deadlines, and holidays throughout the academic year.
Student Success: We’re Invested in Your Future
UTA is uniquely dedicated to student success. MSN Student Success resources are available to all students to help them achieve their academic goals. The faculty are committed to assisting students across various subject areas. The Department of Graduate Nursing provides exceptional resources dedicated to student support, including assistance with coursework and writing/speaking skills.
Academic Advising: Personalized Guidance
Students enrolled in the MSN program are encouraged to engage with academic advisors. Upon admission to UTA, you will receive a degree plan from your advisor, which will guide you in course enrollment and registration. Do not hesitate to contact your advisor with any questions you may have throughout your program. Learn more about Graduate Nursing Advising.
UTA’s commitment to student success, particularly within the Department of Graduate Nursing, sets it apart. Explore the resources available to support your coursework and writing/speaking skills. and embark on your journey to becoming a highly skilled and sought-after Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at UTA.
