Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
This certificate introduces you to the body of knowledge and skills necessary to practice as an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner. Tailored for MSN-prepared nurses looking for an online curriculum, the certificate gives students access to interdisciplinary faculty members. The coursework includes didactic and clinical experiences that focus on the primary care needs of patients, families, and communities from adolescence through adulthood.
Who Should Apply
If you’re already working as a nurse, have a master’s degree in nursing 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 Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP program.
Application Deadlines
Summer 2025
Application Open: 09/01/24
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Priority: 12/01/24
Final: 02/01/24
Fall 2025
Application Open: 09/01/24
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Priority: 12/01/24
Final: 05/01/25
Requirements
Overview
The Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program consists of 20 credit hours and 600 clinical hours. Questions about program requirements should be directed to the program director, Maggie Venzke.
Program of Study
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate program of study (Summer entry, part-time)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate program of study (Fall entry, part-time)
Courses
For full listing of courses and descriptions, please visit the University Bulletin.
Virtual New Student Orientation
You will be required to complete the Virtual New Student Orientation, which provides the knowledge and tools needed to be successful at GW Nursing. You will learn about the academic resources available to you, program requirements, course registration, online technology and other expectations.
On-Campus Requirements
Clinical Learning and Skills Intensive (CLASI)
- You will be required to attend CLASI prior to starting your clinical courses. You will demonstrate a head-to-toe history and physical on a standardized patient as well as 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 Certificate 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:
- Master’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
- Evidence of current nursing licensure
Note:
- GW Nursing is subject to state authorization requirements in order to offer an approved nursing curriculum. View available states.
Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology and Advanced Health Assessment are prerequisites for this program. These must be three separate courses, across the lifespan, and designed for advanced practice clinicians.
You must record a minimum of 600 hours of clinical experience with an approved preceptor. You are encouraged to find your own preceptor.
The following clinical courses are required
- NURS 6224: AGPCNP I – 120 clinical hours
- NURS 6225: AGPCNP II – 240 clinical hours
- NURS 6229: AGPCNP III – 240 clinical hours
Questions about clinical placement requirements should be directed to [email protected].
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:
- Master’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
- Evidence of current nursing licensure
Note:
- GW Nursing is subject to state authorization requirements in order to offer an approved nursing curriculum. View available states.
Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology and Advanced Health Assessment are prerequisites for this program. These must be three separate courses, across the lifespan, and designed for advanced practice clinicians.
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.
Questions about clinical placement requirements should be directed to [email protected].