Master of Science in Nursing

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track – MS1236

School of Nursing
Athens Campus (Main Office)
Grover Center E365
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio 45701
740-593-4494
800-560-0144 (toll free)
nursing@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Online

Terms of Entry: Summer

Program Overview

The Ohio University School of Nursing promotes excellence in the profession of nursing through education, scholarship, and service. The School provides quality educational experiences, utilizes clinical partnerships, and facilitates regional collaboration that will enhance the health of diverse communities.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program consists of both didactic and practice-based clinical performance courses. The didactic courses present the nursing knowledge, theoretical concepts, models, and research that inform patient care and evidence-based practice. The practice-based courses provide opportunities for students to apply knowledge; practice skills; plan, implement and evaluate interventions and programs; and learn the full scope of the role for which they are preparing.

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) track option prepares students to be eligible for certification as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP). AGACNPs provide direct patient management and patient care in acute and complex care settings.

Clinical practicum experiences occur in acute-cate settings under supervision of qualified preceptors for a minimum of 650 direct-care hours. The expected time for completion of the program is 6 semesters taking the typical two courses per semester.

Program Learning Outcomes 

Students will be able to:

• Synthesize knowledge derived from a scientific foundation and evidence-based practice to demonstrate expertise in advanced nursing practice.
• Analyze health care policies to enhance and improve population health outcomes across diverse clinical practice settings.
• Demonstrate leadership and interprofessional collaboration for improving clinical prevention and health outcomes.
• Synthesize and apply quality improvement strategies to promote positive health outcomes.  
• Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and confidence for entry-level advanced nursing practice.
• Integrate knowledge and skills related to healthcare informatics in the advanced nursing practice role.

Opportunities for Graduates

This certificate provides specific specialty content required for board eligibility for AGACNP certification. This national certification is required by many healthcare organizations for employment as a nurse practitioner in acute care settings such as:

• Trauma units
• Subacute (step down) care units
• Emergency rooms
• Highly specialized clinics
• Cardiac care units
• Schools of nursing
• Private practice

Graduates are also well-prepared and eligible for doctoral education programs such as the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD.

Further Information

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/chsp/nursing/graduate/masters/adult-gerontology-acute-care-nurse-practitioner

Admission Requirements

In addition to the standard Graduate College admission requirements, potential MSN students must also supply/document the following:

• Awarded Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from regionally accredited institution .
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0
• Statement of professional goals
• Resume or CV
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s ability to complete graduate-level coursework and practice abilities. A minimum of 2 of these must be from individuals prepared at or above the master’s level. One must be from an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or Registered Nurse
• Evidence of the equivalent of two years full-time experience working as an RN within the past five years.
• Residents of and evidence of valid, unencumbered RN licensure in an approved state (https://www.ohio.edu/chsp/nursing/graduate/masters/msn-application-process)
• A web-based admission interview with faculty

Pre-Clinical Requirements

See Graduate Nursing Handbook.

• Specified health status/clinical requirements (i.e., immunization status, ACLS certification)
• Federal and state background checks free from disqualifying offenses
• Evidence of malpractice insurance

International Students

This certificate program does not permit full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 cannot be issued based on admission to this program.

Graduation Requirements

Complete 46 credit hours as follows: