Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate Requirements

Admission Requirements

1. A Master's degree with a major in nursing or Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from a nationally accredited program
2. Current, professional resume or curriculum vitae
3. Possess current certification from a U.S. National Certifying Board as a Nurse Practitioner (FNP, A/GNP, AGPCNP) or Adult-Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist
4. Current and unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) License from a state board of nursing
5. Minimum of one year advanced practice nursing experience as a Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or fellowship
6. Reside in a state where the University of North Dakota is approved to provide the program at time of admission and for its duration
7. Current U.S. unencumbered R.N. A.P.R.N. licensure (upload Nursys verification report in application)
8. Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the graduate catalog
9. Statement of goals: two-page summary of professional goals and how this program will assist in the achievement of these goals
10. Two letters of recommendation
11. Interview may be required (via web, phone, or in person)
12. Successful passage of criminal background check and drug screen will be required upon offer of admission
13. Satisfaction of current health and immunization requirements of the Department of Nursing will be required upon offer of admission
14. After admission, a gap analysis will be conducted to assess prior graduate level course work in the three Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) didactic courses: Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Pharmacology. If the three didactic courses are not evident in the transcript review, the courses will be required prior to enrollment in clinical courses.
15. *A maximum of 100 clinical hours may be waived depending on previous graduate clinical courses and/or work experience.

UND may not be able to accommodate clinical experiences in some states due to specific state regulations and competitiveness of placement. Please contact your state board of nursing PRIOR TO APPLYING to see if there are any restrictions or special requirements that could impact your attendance at an out of state online nursing program.

Students must have had the content listed in the following courses in their prior master’s program. Prior transcripts will be reviewed. Course descriptions from the college catalog may be requested to assist in this evaluation. Course content must cover the lifespan. These courses do not count against the transfer credit limit.

1. Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology (life span)* (3 credits)
2. Advanced Physical Assessment (3 credits)
3. Advanced Pharmacology* (3 credits)
4. Health Promotion and/or Maintenance (3 credits)
5. Role of the NP course* (If the student has not completed this course, it will be added to the required program of study for that student.)

*Must be listed as separate courses on the transcripts

Program of study plans are developed based on previous graduate coursework. Course descriptions from the college catalog may be requested to assist in this evaluation. Course work at the undergraduate level will not be considered for graduate credit.

Applicants who meet the minimum admission requirements are evaluated individually. The associated Track Director will make all the admission decisions.

Certificate Requirements

A total of 26 credits is required for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate. These courses meet the requirements of the American Nurses Credentialing Center.