Are you a registered nurse looking to expand your expertise and career opportunities? The Fnp And Acute Care Dual Program, also known as the Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Gerontological Acute Care NP) program, is designed for ambitious nurses like you. This advanced Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares graduates to excel in two distinct yet complementary roles: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP). This dual specialization not only broadens your skill set but also significantly enhances your career prospects in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Program Overview: Dual Role FNP/AGACNP
The Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Gerontological Acute Care NP) program is meticulously structured to equip you with the advanced knowledge and clinical skills necessary for both family primary care and adult-gerontological acute care settings. Graduates of this comprehensive MSN program are eligible for certification as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and an Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Furthermore, the program lays a solid foundation for those aspiring to pursue doctoral studies in nursing.
This program emphasizes the synthesis and application of advanced nursing theories, research, and specialized knowledge. As a graduate, you will be empowered to function as a leader in nursing practice, contributing significantly to the advancement of the profession.
Admission Requirements:
A key prerequisite for the Dual Role (FNP/AGACNP) track is practical experience. Applicants must have a minimum of one year of recent (within the last five years) direct patient care experience in a demanding environment such as an Emergency Department (ED) or Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Experience in specialized areas like Cath labs, GI labs, Radiology, Operating Rooms, or Recovery Rooms does not meet this specific requirement, ensuring all students have a foundational understanding of acute care settings before commencing the program.
Curriculum and Clinical Skills Intensives
The Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Gerontological Acute Care NP) program offers a flexible learning environment by delivering core graduate courses and specialized didactic courses online. The NP specialty courses are paired with co-requisite clinical courses, which are designed to be completed within your local community, under the guidance of qualified preceptors.
Clinical Skills Intensives (CSI):
A unique and crucial component of the program is the mandatory on-campus Clinical Skills Intensives (CSI). Students are required to attend two CSIs, one before each phase of the Dual Role Program (Family Phase 1 and Acute Phase 2). These intensives are typically held in the summer and provide invaluable hands-on training in advanced practice assessments and procedures relevant to the upcoming clinical rotations. Instruction is delivered by the University’s Simulation Program, ensuring high-quality, realistic training.
Prior to the first clinical course, AHN 549, all students must attend a mandatory on-campus orientation, which includes essential basic skills and simulation workshops to prepare them for the clinical aspects of the program.
Curriculum Breakdown (BSN-MSN Students):
The BSN-MSN curriculum requires a total of 57 credit hours, encompassing support courses, MSN core courses, and Dual Role (FNP/AGACNP) specialty courses. The MSN degree must be completed within a five-year timeframe.
| Curriculum Category | Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Support Courses | NU 518 – Advanced Nursing Assessment | 3 |
| NU 545 – Physio-pathological Basis of Advanced Nursing | 3 | |
| NU 578 – Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses | 3 | |
| MSN Core Courses | NU 607 – Scientific Underpinnings of Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NU 608 – Evidence-Based Practice and Quality Improvement in Healthcare | 3 | |
| NU 610 – Healthcare Policy and Finance | 3 | |
| NU 613 – Organizational & Systems Leadership | 3 | |
| Dual Role (FNP/AGACNP) Specialty Courses | AHN 538 – Health Promotion/Disease Prevention & Issues for Dual Role | 2 |
| AHN 548 – Family Primary Care NP I | 4 | |
| AHN 549 – Family Primary Care NP Practicum I – 240 Clinical Hours | 4 | |
| AHN 550 – Family Primary Care NP II | 4 | |
| AHN 551 – Family Primary Care NP Practicum II – 300 Clinical Hours | 5 | |
| AHN 552 – Adult-Geron Acute Care NP I | 4 | |
| AHN 553 – Adult-Geron Acute Care NP Practicum I – 240 Clinical Hours | 4 | |
| AHN 554 – Adult-Geron Acute Care NP II | 4 | |
| AHN 555 – Adult-Geron Acute Care NP Practicum II – 300 Clinical Hours | 5 | |
| RN to MSN Courses (for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders) | NU 506 – Evidence-Based Practice & Informatics for Professional Nurses | 4 |
| NU 507 – Leadership & Management Roles for Professional Nurses | 4 | |
| NU 508 – Clinical Prevention and Population Health for Professional Nurses | 4 |
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Certification
Upon successful completion of the MSN program, you will possess the skills and knowledge to pursue national certification exams. Graduates are well-prepared to become certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and are typically eligible to apply for licensure to practice as APRNs. This dual certification as both an FNP and AGACNP sets you apart, offering greater flexibility and expertise in the advanced nursing field.
Take the Next Step
The Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Gerontological Acute Care NP) program is an excellent choice for nurses seeking to maximize their impact and career potential. By combining family practice and acute care specializations, you will become a highly versatile and sought-after healthcare provider.
For further information about the program and assistance with your graduate degree planning, please contact the CON Office of Graduate Studies at [email protected].
