Are you a registered nurse passionate about providing expert care to adult and aging patients facing acute and complex health challenges? The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) track within the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at the University of Washington (UW) School of Nursing in Seattle is designed to propel your career forward. This program is meticulously crafted to equip you with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to diagnose, treat, and manage the intricate healthcare needs of adults and seniors across the acute care spectrum.
Ranked as a premier institution, the UW School of Nursing offers an AGACNP program that stands out for its comprehensive curriculum, dedicated faculty, and commitment to student success. Our graduates are prepared to excel in demanding acute care environments, providing critical interventions and compassionate support to patients and their families during vulnerable times.
Why Choose UW’s AGACNP Program in Seattle?
Selecting the right acute care nurse practitioner program is a pivotal step in your advanced nursing career. The University of Washington’s DNP-AGACNP program offers compelling advantages that set it apart:
Nationally Recognized Excellence:
The UW School of Nursing is proud to be ranked #2 among public schools offering a Doctor of Nursing Practice, a testament to our program’s quality, faculty expertise, and student outcomes. This prestigious ranking underscores our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience that prepares you to lead in the field of acute care nursing.
Significant Funding Opportunities:
Investing in your education is a significant decision, and we are committed to making it accessible. In 2023-24, $3.8 million in scholarships were awarded to 147 DNP students. We actively seek and secure funding to support our students, reducing the financial burden of pursuing a DNP degree and allowing you to focus on your studies.
Pre-Arranged Clinical Placements:
Clinical experience is the cornerstone of nurse practitioner education. Unlike many DNP programs, the UW School of Nursing manages your clinical placements. Our dedicated Office of Clinical Placements collaborates with a vast network of leading healthcare providers in Seattle and beyond, including the renowned UW Medicine system. This unique service ensures you gain diverse and high-quality clinical experiences without the stress of finding placements yourself.
What You Will Learn in Our Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program
The AGACNP curriculum at UW is rigorous and comprehensive, designed to build upon your RN experience and elevate your practice to an advanced level. You will develop expertise in:
- Comprehensive Health Assessment & Diagnostics: Mastering advanced health assessments, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests to inform clinical decision-making.
- Essential Procedures: Gaining proficiency in critical procedures such as point-of-care ultrasound, endotracheal intubation, central venous and arterial line insertion, thoracentesis, paracentesis, and chest tube insertion.
- Differential Diagnosis & Management: Developing advanced skills in generating differential diagnoses and managing acute, complex, and chronic illnesses and their complications in adult and geriatric populations.
- Patient-Centered Care: Learning to partner with patients and families, utilizing developmental and family-centered approaches to promote health, prevent disease, and deliver holistic treatment.
- Therapeutic Interventions: Prescribing and evaluating a wide range of therapies, including both medication and non-medication based approaches, to optimize patient outcomes.
- Advocacy & Leadership: Becoming a strong advocate for the nursing profession and the crucial role of the AGACNP in today’s healthcare landscape.
Diverse Career Paths for AGACNP Graduates in Seattle and Beyond
Graduates of our AGACNP program are highly sought after and practice in a wide array of acute care settings, both independently and as integral members of interdisciplinary healthcare teams. Career opportunities include:
- Hospitalist Medicine: Providing comprehensive care to hospitalized patients.
- Inpatient and Outpatient Specialty Services: Working in specialized areas such as cardiology, gastroenterology, infectious disease, neurology, and surgical subspecialties.
- Emergency Medicine: Delivering rapid and expert care in fast-paced emergency departments.
- Critical Care Units: Managing critically ill patients in intensive care settings.
The UW DNP curriculum begins with a shared first-year core, establishing a strong foundation in advanced practice and healthcare leadership. Specialized AGACNP coursework then allows you to cultivate targeted expertise and drive advancements in patient care within your chosen field.
Unique Features of the UW AGACNP Program
Beyond our rankings and resources, the UW School of Nursing offers unique assets that enhance your learning experience:
DeTornyay Center for Healthy Aging: Benefit from the resources of the deTornyay Center, a leading institution focused on advancing healthy aging. This center provides unique research, mentorship, and professional development opportunities in geriatric care, a crucial component of acute care for adult and aging populations.
State-of-the-Art Simulation Center: Hone your clinical skills in our cutting-edge Simulation Center. This safe and controlled environment allows you to practice essential procedures and patient care scenarios, building confidence and competence before entering real-world clinical settings.
Is the UW Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program Right for You?
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track at the University of Washington is ideal for registered nurses who are committed to advanced practice in acute care and meet the program’s admission requirements. It is highly recommended that applicants possess at least one year of recent direct patient care experience as an RN in acute, critical, emergency, or similar settings.
If you are ready to take the next step in your nursing career and become a leader in acute care, we encourage you to learn more about our program.
I’m Ready to Apply
I Want to Learn More at an Info Session
What Funding is Available?
Join us for an upcoming online information session to discover if the University of Washington’s AGACNP program in Seattle is the perfect fit for your advanced nursing aspirations. You can also contact us at [email protected] with any questions about the program and application process.
