Are you a registered nurse looking to advance your career and specialize in acute care? Tennessee offers excellent opportunities for nurses seeking to become Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AGACNPs). These advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are crucial in today’s complex healthcare environment, providing expert care to adult and older adult patients facing acute and critical health conditions. This guide explores Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs In Tennessee, focusing on Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs that can propel your career to the next level.
Why Choose an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program in Tennessee?
Tennessee is home to renowned healthcare institutions and universities, making it a prime location for pursuing advanced nursing education. Acute care nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee prepare graduates to deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care to adults and older adults who are physiologically unstable, technologically dependent, or at high risk of complications. These programs emphasize comprehensive care, encompassing disease prevention, acute and critical care management, chronic and long-term care strategies, and palliative care approaches.
Graduates of acute care nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee are equipped to manage the complex health needs of adult patients across the lifespan. The curriculum integrates the unique developmental and life-stage considerations of adults, ensuring holistic and individualized patient care.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care at UTHSC
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) offers a distinguished Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a concentration in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. This program is designed to prepare nurses for initial AGACNP certification and also offers pathways for current APRNs seeking to enhance their acute care expertise.
UTHSC’s DNP AGACNP program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring high-quality education and rigorous standards. This accreditation signifies the program’s commitment to excellence and prepares graduates for national certification and practice.
Curriculum and Course Requirements for AGACNP DNP at UTHSC
The DNP Adult Gerontology Acute Care Concentration at UTHSC features comprehensive coursework and supervised clinical experiences. The program is structured for both Post-BSN and Post-MSN students, with tailored curricula to meet diverse educational backgrounds.
Post-BSN DNP Coursework
The Post-BSN DNP pathway includes core DNP courses and concentration-specific courses, totaling 59 credits.
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 | 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 | 29 | |
| Post-BSN DNP Total Credits: | 59 |
Post-MSN DNP Coursework Options
For nurses already holding a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), UTHSC offers Post-MSN DNP pathways. These pathways are designed for APRNs seeking initial AG-ACNP certification or those who are already certified and want to deepen their expertise.
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 | 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 | 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 | 14 | |
| Post-MSN DNP Total Credits | 33 |
Technical and Performance Standards
Students in the DNP Adult Gerontology Acute Care Concentration Program at UTHSC must meet specific Technical and Performance Standards. These standards ensure that students possess the necessary mental, auditory, visual, sensory, strength, manual dexterity, and communication skills for successful practice.
These standards include the ability to:
- Perform comprehensive patient assessments.
- Communicate effectively with healthcare teams and patients/families.
- Analyze complex patient data.
- Demonstrate advanced nursing process skills.
- Maintain emotional stability in stressful situations.
- Anticipate and manage acute and life-threatening conditions in critically ill patients.
- Address ethical dilemmas in critical care.
- Integrate research into practice.
Reasonable accommodations are available for students with disabilities. However, all students must be able to meet these standards to ensure patient safety and program progression.
Career Paths and Salary Expectations for AGACNPs
Graduates of acute care nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee are highly sought after in various healthcare settings. Common workplaces include:
- Hospitals (various units including intensive care, emergency departments)
- Emergency rooms
- Specialty offices combined with hospital affiliations (e.g., cardiology, oncology)
The demand for AGACNPs is growing, driven by the increasing complexity of patient care and the expanding role of hospitalists. Salaries for AGACNPs are competitive and vary based on location, experience, and setting. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that nurse practitioners generally earn a median salary around $100,000, with potential earnings ranging from $72,000 to $150,000 or higher. Tennessee, with its robust healthcare sector, offers strong earning potential for AGACNPs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the AGACNP Program at UTHSC
What skills do AGACNPs have?
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners are experts in managing patients with acute and critical conditions. They possess advanced skills in:
- Differential diagnosis
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
- Prescribing medications
- Managing nutritional needs
- Performing procedures such as intubation, lumbar puncture, and central line placement
Where can I work after graduation?
AGACNPs primarily work in acute care settings like hospitals and emergency rooms. Specialty areas such as cardiology and oncology are also common. The scope of practice for AGACNPs is determined by individual state legislation, so it’s important to consult the Tennessee Board of Nursing for specific regulations.
What salary can an AGACNP expect to earn?
Salaries vary regionally, but the median salary for nurse practitioners is approximately $100,000. Starting salaries are around $72,000, with experienced AGACNPs potentially earning up to $150,000 or more.
What makes the AGACNP Program at UTHSC different?
UTHSC’s AGACNP program benefits from its location in close proximity to high-level acute care facilities in Memphis and the Mid-South region. Students gain extensive clinical experience, requiring a minimum of 500 hours in supervised acute care settings, with the program overall requiring 1020 clinical hours for diverse specialty rotations. The program’s rigorous didactic curriculum and emphasis on clinical practice provide a strong foundation for AGACNP careers.
How long is the program?
Program length varies depending on whether you enter as a Post-BSN or Post-MSN student, and can be influenced by prior graduate coursework or APRN experience. Both full-time and part-time study plans are available to accommodate student needs.
Can I work while going to school?
The UTHSC AGACNP program is rigorous and requires a significant time commitment. Full-time employment is strongly discouraged. Part-time work may be manageable, and students are advised to prioritize their program commitments.
How much will this program cost?
Tuition costs are determined by residency status (in-state or out-of-state) and are subject to change. Refer to the UTHSC Financial Aid webpage for the most current Cost of Attendance. Financial aid options, including scholarships and employer tuition reimbursement, should be explored.
What books, equipment, and supplies will I need?
Book requirements vary by semester. Essential equipment includes a computer with internet access, basic health assessment tools (otoscope, ophthalmoscope, stethoscope), and lab coats for clinical experiences. It’s recommended to delay equipment purchases until closer to the start of clinical courses.
Where/when do I do my clinical experiences?
Clinical experiences are integrated throughout the program. Faculty facilitate clinical site placements to ensure high-quality learning opportunities. Students outside Memphis collaborate with faculty to identify suitable clinical sites. A minimum of 60 clinical clock hours is required per clinical credit.
How do I find a clinical site?
Faculty actively assist in clinical site selection and preceptor placement to align with course objectives. Students are supported in finding appropriate clinical sites, but relatives cannot serve as preceptors.
Do I have to come to campus?
Yes, on-campus experiences are required for specific courses, including simulation and intensive skills labs, typically 4 times in the first semester for advanced health assessment and 3 times per year in August, December, and May. These on-campus sessions can last 1-3 days, with schedules provided well in advance.
How is a primarily online education different?
Online education offers flexibility but demands self-discipline and motivation. It involves participative learning, extensive reading, and online discussions. Strong computer and writing skills are essential. UTHSC faculty are experienced in online education and utilize technology to enhance learning.
What are some tips to enhance my educational experience?
- Shadow an AGACNP to learn about the role.
- Join professional organizations like the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
- Assess your learning style.
- Prioritize your commitments and allocate sufficient time for the program.
Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career
Acute care nurse practitioner programs in Tennessee, particularly the DNP AGACNP program at UTHSC, offer a path to advanced practice and rewarding careers. If you are passionate about providing expert care to acutely ill adults and older adults, explore the UTHSC program and embark on your journey to become a highly skilled and impactful AGACNP.
REQUEST MORE INFORMATION
HOW TO APPLY
