Online Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Program - RN to MSN
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RN to Master of Science in Nursing in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
RN to Master of Science in Nursing (RN-MSN) Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner | 62 Credits
College of Nursing & Public Health
The online RN to Master of Science in Nursing program at South University is designed for registered nurses to study advanced topics and further their skills and careers. The Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialization focuses on promoting health and preventing disease in aging adults. Through the online RN to MSN coursework, you’ll have the opportunity to refine your clinical judgment, critical thinking, and communication in diverse primary care settings. By working through the curriculum, you’ll develop skills in preventing, diagnosing, and treating common health problems, focusing on at-risk and vulnerable populations.
The RN to MSN program allows qualifying RNs to take fewer undergraduate courses by replacing them with certain graduate courses. RNs who meet the admissions requirements may transfer 45 nursing credits and up to 78 general education credits.
South University’s Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program meets the core competencies for Adult Health Nurse Practitioners outlined by the National Organization for Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and allows you to develop and practice the skills required for the national certification exams (ANCC; AANP). The program also incorporates key elements from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master's Essentials.
Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment or salary amounts.
Programs, including all Clinical/Medical programs, have a required in-person, practicum, or externship. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.
Why Choose Our Program?
● CCNE-Accredited: The RN to MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
● Improve Nursing Skills: Take your nursing skills to the next level with courses on advanced nursing practices and techniques.
● Dedicated Mentorship and Support: The RN to MSN Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner team are available to offer their support and mentorship.
● Fewer Undergraduate Courses: Students who qualify are able to replace certain undergraduate courses with graduate level ones.
● Multiple Specializations: Choose one of five specializations (adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, nurse administrator, nurse educator, or nurse informatics) for your RN to MSN degree.
Your Path to Success: South University’s online RN-MSN degree program is designed to help nurses advance to the next level of their professional careers. The Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialization focuses on caring for aging adults and helping improve their quality of life. You’ll have the chance to put your skills into practice through your practicum, which South University will arrange in a local, clinical setting.
How You’ll Learn: All courses of the RN to MSN program are 100% online, allowing you more options in approaching your education. For any in-person courses, such as your practicum, that will be arranged by South University.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs at South University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Admission Requirements
Procedure for Admission to the RN to Master of Science in Nursing Degree Program
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information. The criteria to determine admission to the Master of Science in Nursing degree program include:
- Completion of the application for admission.
- Satisfy one of the following:
- Earned an associate's degree in nursing from an accredited institution,
- have an equivalent accredited associate's degree in nursing from a foreign institution, or
- hold a nursing diploma AND a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- A cumulative CGPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale.
- Submission of official transcripts from every college or university attended within 5 weeks of the class start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance).
- A valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state 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).
Note: In order to progress into Graduate level nursing courses, a student must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students with a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 may transition to the RN to BSN program to complete their BSN and then apply for the MSN program.
For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.
Course Requirements
A block transfer of 78 quarter credits applies per the General Education Course Transfer Credit RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN and RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) policy.
78 quarter credits included in Transfer of Credit for Associate of Nursing Degree or Bachelor’s Degree.
Offered at Online Programs.
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
Specialization Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Formulate and document for various differential and presumptive diagnoses in the adult or gerontological patient with meticulous detail, so coders and billers can apply the correct codes for appropriate reimbursement.
- Develop plans of care based on theories of ageing, assessment findings, and best-practices to provide holistic, patient-centered care for the adult gerontological populations.
- Collaborate with interprofessional associates to provide culturally competent, and sensitive patient-centered care for the adult gerontological client.
*If the student receives a failing grade in NSG6021, the student must enroll in and pass the following four (4)-credit hour course: NSG6023 Nurse Practitioner Enhancement.
*If the student is unsuccessful in NSG6998_A please refer to Program Progression Policy for Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Students
Offered at Online Programs.
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
Specialization Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Formulate and document for various differential and presumptive diagnoses in patients across the lifespan with meticulous detail, so coders and billers can apply the correct codes for appropriate reimbursement.
- Develop plans of care based on theories of development, assessment findings, and best-practices to provide holistic, patient-centered care across the lifespan.
- Collaborate with interprofessional associates to provide culturally competent, and sensitive patient-centered care for individuals and families across the lifespan.
*If the student receives a failing grade in NSG6021, the student must enroll in and successfully pass the following four (4)-credit course NSG6023 Nurse Practitioner Enhancement
*If the student is unsuccessful in NSG6998_F please refer to Program Progression Policy for Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Students
Offered at Online Programs.
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
Specialization Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Develop strategic plans and systems which guides practices that support patient centered care for culturally diverse populations.
- Organize inclusive interprofessional relationships which assist in the development of innovative and effective care for diverse communities and settings.
- Construct quality improvement plans which integrate concepts of economics and fiscal stewardship in the leadership and management of a variety of healthcare settings.
Offered at Online Programs.
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
Specialization Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Contribute too all phases of the curriculum development for a variety of educational and healthcare settings.
- Develop quality healthcare contributions through the development of evidence-based policies for creating change and advancing the profession.
- Develop educational quality improvement plans which contribute to the creation of evidence that underlies best practices in teaching and learning.
Note: Students who have successfully completed Pharmacology, Pathophysiology and Physical Assessment courses can receive credit towards NSG6104. Students must have successfully completed all three courses with a B or better to receive this credit.
Offered at Online Programs.
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
Specialization Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Formulate principles and concepts of project management for the implementation of information systems in the provision of patient-centered care for various healthcare settings.
- Extract data from clinical data sets to provide evidenced-based support for identification of potential problems and trends.
- Evaluate documentation within healthcare information systems to provide insight for quality improvement and strategic planning.
Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
Synthesize current scientific research, theories, and concepts from nursing and other disciplines in the practice of professional nursing.
Collaborates directly with other healthcare professionals using evidence-based resources and technologies in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
- Apply critical thinking skills in establishing priorities, delegating responsibility, formulating decisions, and maintaining accountability in the practice of professional nursing through the application of nursing standards.
- Demonstrate proficiency using the nursing process and systematic inquiry to deliver evidenced-based, comprehensive, and holistic nursing care which promotes health and quality of life for diverse populations.
- Demonstrate professionalism using ethical and legal standards of practice in the decision-making process to assist with the development of quality improvement in the healthcare setting(s).
Model a professional leadership role to formulate comprehensive plans of action for ongoing contributions to healthcare system improvements.
Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
Demonstrate ethical and legal standards of practice in the decision-making process to assist with the delivery of quality care associated with a specialty area of advanced nursing practice
Career Outlook
After completing your degree, you can pursue a career* as an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner in a number of healthcare settings.
*Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment or salary amounts.
Online Classroom
Haven’t experienced online learning before or wondering what it’s like to earn your degree online at South University? While the mode of learning is different from the traditional classroom experience with added convenience and flexibility, we hold the same high standards of academic excellence in the online classroom.
South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:
- Advanced media content
- Personalized navigation
- Simplified online learning atmosphere
- Access to digital books
- Emailing and instant messaging options
We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.
Read more about online requirements here.
Comments and Concerns
All Fields Are Required
The purpose of this form is to provide a process for the general public to submit comments, concerns, or complaints regarding their interaction with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, or Doctor of Nursing Practice program. A record of all complaints will be maintained and secured by campus administration. If you are a South University student, please submit your comments, concerns, or complaints according to the process outlined in the University Catalog or programmatic handbook. Please contact your Program Director or Academic Counselor if you need additional guidance.
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