Rush University Logo Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program
Rush University stands out as a leading institution for nurses seeking to advance their careers through Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. With options for both BSN and MSN entry, Rush provides registered nurses a robust pathway to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in various specialties. While the university boasts a wide array of Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) specializations, this article focuses specifically on the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) program at Rush University, a program designed to equip nurses with the expertise to care for the adult and older adult populations in primary care settings.
Rush University’s commitment to accessible and advanced nursing education is evident in its online program offerings. For nurses aspiring to specialize as Adult Gerontology Primary Care NPs, Rush provides a comprehensive curriculum delivered with flexibility to accommodate working professionals. Graduates of the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program Rush University are prepared to deliver holistic, patient-centered care, meeting the growing demand for specialized primary care for adults across the lifespan.
What to Expect from the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program at Rush University
The Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program at Rush University is rigorous and designed to meet the evolving healthcare landscape. Prospective students can expect a curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical clinical skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for certification and practice.
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program rush university must hold a current, unencumbered RN license in the U.S. For the BSN to DNP track, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution is required. MSN to DNP applicants must possess a Master of Science in Nursing degree or higher, maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Notably, the GRE is not mandatory for DNP applicants who meet specific GPA criteria: a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher, a prelicensure GPA of 3.0 or higher, or a graduate GPA from a completed degree of 3.5 or higher. Post-master’s certificate program applicants must also hold a master’s in nursing degree or higher with the same minimum 3.0 GPA. The GRE is also waived for post-master’s programs.
Professional nursing experience is a prerequisite for all tracks within the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program at Rush University. While specific experience requirements may vary, applicants are generally expected to have relevant clinical experience that will contribute to their success in advanced practice nursing studies.
The application process includes submitting official transcripts, responses to personal essay questions, a resume or CV, proof of U.S. RN licensure, GRE scores (if applicable based on GPA), and three professional letters of recommendation. These recommendations should include one from a supervisor or manager and two from individuals in leadership positions who can attest to the applicant’s clinical abilities. For applicants whose primary language is not English, proof of English language proficiency is also required. Interviews may be part of the admission process, and while in-person interviews are encouraged, virtual options are available for applicants residing more than 50 miles from the campus.
State Restrictions: Rush University welcomes students from most states; however, it’s crucial for applicants residing outside of Illinois to confirm their eligibility for the nursing programs with the admissions department. Currently, Rush University is unable to offer online programs to residents of Louisiana or Tennessee, and APRN programs are not available to residents of New York. Prospective students for the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program rush university should contact their state’s licensing board to ascertain if the program fulfills state requirements for NP licensure.
Study Plan: The BSN to DNP program, including the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialization, can be completed full-time in approximately three years or part-time over 3.3 to 3.5 years. MSN to DNP options can be finished in two to three years. The flexibility of part-time and full-time study options caters to the diverse needs of working nurses seeking to advance their education while maintaining their professional commitments.
Post-graduate certificate programs offer a more focused study plan, typically completed in two-thirds to one year of part-time study, depending on an individual GAP Analysis. Many programs, including potentially the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certificate, operate in a cohort model, with limited class sizes to foster a close-knit learning environment. Start dates are offered in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters, varying by program specialty and level. Clinical practicums are integral to the program, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in approved sites within their local area, subject to certain restrictions.
BSN to DNP Core Curriculum: The BSN to DNP curriculum, which includes the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialization, ranges from 68 to 77 credits, in addition to required clinical hours. The core graduate nursing coursework provides a foundational understanding of key areas, potentially encompassing: Organizational and Systems Leadership; Research for Evidence-Based Practice; Applied Epidemiology Biostatistics Nursing; and Health Promotion in Individuals and Clinical Populations. The advanced practice nursing core builds upon this foundation with courses such as Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Physiology, Advanced Pathophysiology, Transition to the APRN Role, Diagnostics for the APRN, and Advanced Health Assessment- APRN Across the Lifespan and Lab.
The DNP core courses within the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program rush university prepare graduates for leadership and advanced practice roles, and may include: Leadership in Evolving Healthcare Environments; Program Evaluation; Healthcare Economics, Policy, and Finance; DNP Project Planning and Implementation; and DNP Project Proposal Seminar. DNP practica and project courses, tailored to the AGPCNP specialization, involve DNP Specialty Practicum: Adult Gerontology Primary Care; DNP Immersion Residency; and DNP Project Practicum A-C. Specific course titles and content may be subject to variation based on the chosen specialization and program updates.
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP Specialty: While the original article doesn’t detail specific credit hours for AGPCNP, it’s reasonable to expect the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program at Rush University to align with the credit ranges of other DNP specializations, likely around 68-77 credits and approximately 1000+ clinical hours. Specialty courses would be specifically focused on adult and geriatric primary care, potentially including Advanced Health Assessment of the Older Adult, Chronic Disease Management in Adult and Geriatric Populations, and Geriatric Pharmacology. (Note: Specific course titles are examples and would need verification from Rush University program details).
MSN to DNP for APRNs and non-APRNs Curriculum: The curriculum for the MSN to DNP pathway, including the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program rush university, is adapted from the BSN to DNP curriculum. A Gap Analysis is conducted to determine the specific courses required for each student, considering their prior education and experience.
For APRNs entering the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN to DNP program, the credit requirements may be reduced compared to non-APRN entrants, acknowledging their existing advanced practice nursing foundation. The specific credit hours and clinical hours for both APRN and non-APRN MSN to DNP AGPCNP students would be determined by Rush University and the Gap Analysis.
Online Experience: Rush University utilizes Canvas as its online Learning Management System (LMS) for programs like the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program. The majority of coursework is delivered fully online, offering asynchronous learning opportunities to accommodate students’ schedules. While primarily online, some programs may incorporate limited campus visits. Collaboration among students and faculty is facilitated through email, discussion boards, and online multimedia platforms. Students enrolled in the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program rush university have access to comprehensive support services, including admissions and career counseling, academic advising, library and bookstore resources, and 24/7 technical support.
On-Site Requirements: Campus visit requirements for Rush University’s DNP programs vary by specialization. While the original article does not specify on-site requirements for the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program, it’s advisable to expect a few visits to the Chicago campus. These visits may include orientation, intensive skills labs, or DNP project presentations. Prospective students should consult the specific program details for the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program rush university to understand the exact on-site requirements.
Graduates of the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program rush university are eligible to sit for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam, typically administered by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The DNP and certificate programs at Rush University hold accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring high educational standards. Rush University itself is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), further affirming its commitment to academic excellence.
For registered nurses seeking a flexible and rigorous path to becoming an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Rush University’s program offers a compelling option. With its strong academic reputation, comprehensive curriculum, and online delivery format, the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program rush university prepares graduates to excel in providing primary care to adult and older adult populations, meeting a critical need in today’s healthcare system.
