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MSN: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

This MSN: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program option at the George Washington University School of Nursing provides the theoretical and practical foundations for registered nurses to become leaders in their role as advanced practice nurses, specifically working with adolescent (ages 13 and older) and adult patients. With an aging populace, adult-gerontology is an expanding area with abundant opportunities in home health, long-term care, assisted living and other fields. Completing this program will qualify you to sit for the ANCC and AANP certification exams.

Highlights

  • AGPCNP program simulation events provide both in-person and virtual experiences with standardized patients for students to develop their advanced practice skills reviewed for consideration.
  • The AGPCNP faculty are experienced educators and clinicians.
  • Clinical Experience Faculty provide individualized support for students during their clinical rotations.
  • Small cohort size provides a cohesive and supportive learning environment for students.
  • Advanced technology resources and services support student success in our on-line academic program.
  • Clinical experiences in adult/geriatric specialties provide an enhanced student expertise.
  • Online access to GW Health Sciences library services and apps.

Who Should Apply

If you’re already working as a nurse and are interested in advancing your education to become the primary care provider your patients come to know and trust, with opportunities in home health, long-term care and other fields, you should consider our MSN: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP program.

Application Deadlines
 

Spring 2025

Application Open: 05/01/24
–
Priority: 08/01/24
Final: 12/01/24

Fall 2025

Application Open: 09/01/24
–
Priority: 12/01/24
Final: 07/01/25

Requirements

Overview

The MSN: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program consists of 48 (54 for RN to MSN) credit hours and 600 clinical hours. Questions about program requirements should be directed to the program director, Maggie Venzke.

Programs of Study

MSN Options

RN to MSN options

*Please note, the RN to MSN Option is being sunsetted and is no longer accepting students. If you are a current RN to BSN student admitted before Spring 2020 and would like to pursue the RN to MSN Option please contact [email protected]. Thank you for your interest.

Courses

For full listing of courses and descriptions, please visit the University Bulletin.

On-Campus Requirements

You must complete two on-campus components, for which you will be responsible for all travel-related expenses.

  • Campus Learning and Skills Intensive (CLASI)

    • Students come to campus before they start their first clinical course to participate in CLASI.  Students participate in simulation-based learning and workshops to progress toward clinical competency

  • Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)

    • While enrolled in NURS 6225 and NURS 6229 you are required to attend a series of simulation-based learning events designed to augment the AGPCNP curriculum. These events also allow faculty the opportunity to objectively evaluate student clinical skills in taking patient history, physical examination, critical thinking, diagnostic reasoning, formulation of differential diagnoses, patient management and interpersonal communication while working with standardized patients (SPs). OSCEs also provide opportunities for professional development, networking, mentorship and one-on-one coaching from course faculty in preparation for program completion.

Technology Requirements

Each student admitted to the MSN program is expected to own and have ready access to a laptop or tablet with basic productivity software for classroom use. View Policy.

Complete applications that are submitted by the priority deadline will be reviewed first. Applications do not have to be verified by the priority deadline, only completed and submitted. Questions? Contact the Office of Admissions at [email protected]

A completed application includes the following components:

  • Bachelor's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Preferred scholastic GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Official transcripts (from all post-secondary schools)
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Current resume
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Active and unencumbered nursing licensure

Note:

  1. GW Nursing is subject to state authorization requirements in order to offer an approved nursing curriculum. View available states.

No Prerequisites

At the conclusion of this MSN program, you will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate leadership based upon advanced knowledge.
  2. Promote and improve quality in the workplace through quality improvement practices.
  3. Synthesize knowledge of nursing practice, theory and research as a foundation for advanced nursing practice.
  4. Demonstrate continued professional development through ongoing education.
  5. Build an interdisciplinary professional network that includes collaboration and teamwork.
  6. Promote positive changes in health care delivery and nursing practice.
  7. Engage in caring and collaborative relationships with patients/clients for shared decision-making.

You must record a minimum of 625 hours of clinical experience with an approved preceptor. You are encouraged to find your own preceptor, but we can provide information on local clinical sites if needed.  A clinical site visit will be conducted, usually during your second or final clinical course, by a faculty member.

The following clinical courses are required

  • AGPCNP I (145 clinical hours) – Internal Medicine
  • AGPCNP II (240 clinical hours) – Internal Medicine, Family Practice, or Primary Care
  • AGPCNP III (240* clinical hours) – Nursing Homes, Long-term Care Facilities

*At least 120 clinical hours MUST be spent in Nursing Homes or Long Term Care facilities.

Questions about clinical placement requirements should be directed to [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions