Online MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN-AGPCNP)

Program Overview

The University of Indianapolis's online MSN-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program equips nurses with advanced clinical skills, leadership abilities, and evidence-based practice knowledge to provide comprehensive primary care to adults across the lifespan, particularly addressing the unique health concerns of older adults. Through a combination of online and on-campus learning, students develop expertise in health assessments, diagnostics, procedures, and interprofessional collaboration, preparing them for successful careers in geriatric healthcare settings.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The University of Indianapolis online MSN-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN-AGPCNP) program combines the knowledge and clinical skills needed for certification and professional development as an advanced practice nurse specializing in adult-gerontology primary care.

Objectives:

• Prepare nurses to provide comprehensive primary care to adults across the lifespan, with a focus on the unique health concerns of older adults.
• Develop advanced clinical skills, including health assessments, diagnostics, and procedures.
• Foster leadership and collaboration skills to effectively manage patient care teams.
• Promote evidence-based practice and lifelong learning to stay current with industry advancements.

Outline:

Module 1: Advanced Health Assessment (4 credits)

• Comprehensive health assessments of patients throughout the lifespan.
• Detailed health histories, family histories, physical examinations, and preventive care.
• Clinical reasoning development and differentiation of normal and abnormal findings.

Module 2: Diagnostics and Procedures in Primary Care (2 credits)

• Evidence-based diagnostics and procedures used in primary care.
• Interpretation of diagnostic information and appropriate diagnostic procedures.
• Laboratory tests, clinical data analysis, and follow-up care for acute and chronic conditions.
• Psychomotor skills for common primary care procedures (e.g., sutures, incision and drainage).

Module 3: Role Transformation and Scientific Underpinning for Advanced Practice (3 credits)

• Theoretical and scientific foundations of advanced nursing practice.
• Role transformation, interprofessional collaboration, and leadership development.
• Exploration of clinically relevant phenomena from theoretical, ethical, and conceptual perspectives.
• Management of ethical dilemmas in patient care and healthcare organizations.

Module 4: Health Policy and Advocacy (3 credits)

• Health policy analysis and advocacy skills.
• Influence on policy change at local, state, and national levels.
• Laws and regulations within the U.S. health system.
• Economic, financial, and political influences on policymaking.
• Interprofessional collaboration in improving health outcomes through policy.

Assessment:

• Written assignments (e.g., essays, case studies)
• Clinical performance evaluations
• Quizzes and exams
• Participation in class discussions and online forums

Teaching:

• Online asynchronous courses (non-clinical)
• Synchronous online courses (clinical)
• On-campus clinical intensive for hands-on skill development
• Expert faculty with clinical and research experience
• Collaborative learning environment that fosters student engagement and peer support

Careers:

• Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner in various healthcare settings (e.g., clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities)
• Clinical nurse specialist in gerontology
• Nurse manager or director of nursing in geriatric care units
• Consultant or educator in the field of geriatric healthcare