Master of Science in Nursing with a Specialization in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (RN to MSN)

A Streamlined Path to a Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Degree

This RN to MSN program with a focus in adult-gerontological nursing provides an intensive curriculum that moves from foundational nursing theory to advanced practice concepts as you earn both a BSN and MSN degree. Our online classes are built to help strengthen your clinical judgment, critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills, and the practicum courses offer in-depth clinical experiences, supervised by supportive, knowledgeable mentors.

Our RN to MSN Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner degree program can be completed in under 4 years online. After finishing your program, you’ll be prepared to practice preventive care, promote healthy behaviors, and diagnose and treat health problems in your patients. As a graduate, you’ll be eligible to sit for examinations* through national certifying bodies (American Nurses Credentialing Center [ANCC]; American Association of Nurse Practitioners [AANP]).

RN to MSN Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Curriculum

Our courses are carefully designed to prepare you for advanced nursing practice. First, your general education and foundational RN to MSN requirements will include courses in communications, professional development, math and statistics, natural sciences, arts and humanities, and social and behavioral sciences.

Upon entering the undergraduate nursing portion of the program, your courses will cover topics such as:

• Foundations for professional nursing
• Foundations of nursing research
• Information management and technology
• Concepts of teaching and learning
• Leadership in a diverse society
• Illness and disease management across the life span
• Gerontological nursing
• Trends in healthcare policy
• Health promotion and clinical prevention

Later, your core MSN courses will explore:

• Role of the advanced practice nurse
• Advanced theoretical perspectives for nursing
• Advanced pathophysiology
• Health policy and health promotion in advanced nursing practice
• Nursing research methods

Your adult gerontology nurse practitioner specialization courses will focus on:

• Advanced nursing practice
• Pharmacology
• Advanced health and physical assessment

After passing pre-specialty and pre-clinical evaluations, you’ll also be required to complete practicum courses in several areas of adult health, including:

• Adults and gerontology
• Women's health
• Primary care

Finally, you’ll conduct a scholarly project in which you combine and apply the advanced nursing knowledge, critical thinking, and research skills you’ve acquired in this program.

RN to MSN Adult Gerontology Degree Program Admissions

Admissions requirements to our RN to MSN Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program include:

• Completion of the application for admission.
• An associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited collegiate institution, or a diploma in nursing from an accredited institution, with a minimum cumulative CGPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
• Submission of official transcripts from every college or university attended (within 10 weeks after the initial start date).
• A valid unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the US state or territory in which the student completes all assignments for the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure). An unencumbered license must be maintained throughout the program.
• Meet the Core Performance Standards and essential function related to the profession of nursing as described in the South University academic catalog>
• An interview with Chair/Program Director or designated faculty for campus based students.
• Submission of the following:
  • Three references using the Nursing Graduate School Appraisal Form. At least one of your references should hold a master’s in Nursing or higher degree in nursing.
  • An essay (goal statement) of 1-2 pages (typed, double-spaced) explaining your career goals, reasons for your choice of specialization, and why you want to pursue an advanced degree in nursing.
  • A resume describing relevant work, professional, and volunteer experiences.

For answers to questions about our RN to MSN requirements, contact us at 1.800.688.0932. Financial aid and scholarships are available to those who qualify.

BSN-prepared nurses who are interested in pursuing gerontological nursing should explore our MSN with a Specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program.

Nurses who already hold a master’s degree in nursing that equipped them to practice in another advanced role or nursing specialty may be better suited for our shorter Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Post Graduate Certificate program.

The Role of an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Exactly what does an adult gerontology nurse practitioner do? Adult gerontology nurse practitioners specialize in community-based care, providing health promotion, health protection, disease prevention, and treatment services for at-risk and vulnerable populations. Adult gerontological nurse practitioners can help patients to manage acute or chronic illnesses, including conducting physical exams, performing diagnostic tests and procedures, and writing prescriptions, and may work in doctor’s offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, or walk-in clinics. In some states, they may also operate their own private practices.

Nurse practitioners are a vital part of our nation’s healthcare system, known for providing primary care and health education to their patients.

RNs moving into adult gerontological nurse practitioner careers may discover many benefits, including nurse practitioner level salary and a strong job growth predicted as the US population ages. Standard adult gerontological nurse practitioner salary varies by factors like experience level, employment type, and geographic region.

*Note: South University does not guarantee third-party certification/licensure. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University.