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Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Post-Master's Certificate

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Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate Overview

Adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialists directly manage the care of adult-gerontology patients, including health promotion, symptom management, patient education and consultation.

Purdue University Northwest’s post master’s certificate in nursing with a concentration adult-gerontology clinical nursing allows you to advance nursing practice within your specialty and lead efforts to integrate evidence-based practices throughout the healthcare system. Clinical nurse specialists usually practice in hospitals or outpatient settings

Our adult-gerontology program prepares excellent graduates with diverse roles in healthcare. You’ll learn to improve patient outcomes by impacting patient care, nursing practice and organizational systems.

You’ll also acquire valuable experience embedding best evidence into your practice as you work with preceptors in clinical settings.

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nursing Post Master's Certificate Curriculum

Begin your program with courses in advanced nursing practice, evidence-based practice, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology and physical assessment. From this foundation, move into final-year courses where, in combination with class content, you’ll work with a preceptor of your choice to gain experience meeting CNS practice competencies.

As a part-time student, you’ll take core master’s nursing courses and begin your pathophysiology course sequence.

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nursing Post Master’s Certificate Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • NUR 50200 – Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing
  • NUR 50300 – Advanced Health Assessment
  • NUR 57400 – Pathophysiologic Concepts For Advanced Practice Nursing I

Complete the remaining core master’s nursing courses and advanced core courses in advanced pharmacology, assessment and health promotion.

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nursing Post Master’s Certificate Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • NUR 57500 – Pathophysiologic Concepts For Advanced Practice Nursing II
  • NUR 51100 – Health Promotion For Advanced Practice In Nursing
  • NUR 60000 – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist I

Take AGCNS courses and clinical practicum courses. Full-time students can complete all courses in two years.

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nursing Post Master’s Certificate Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • NUR 61800 – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist II
  • NUR 62000 – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum II
  • NUR 65800 – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum III: Clinical Synthesis

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nursing Post Master's Certificate Highlights

AGCNS graduates enter the marketplace with real-world experience and vital skills under the guidance of expert faculty. You’ll hone your ability to acquire, appraise, and implement best practices.

Our College of Nursing is home to the Indiana Center for Evidence Based Nursing Practice, an Affiliate Center of JBI.

A lion statute with a brick wall and windows in the background Two students pose in commencement regalia in front of the Nils Building

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nursing Post Master's Certificate Outcomes

As a graduate of this program, you’ll be able to:

  • Synthesize nursing knowledge, patient preferences and the best available evidence to make optimal decisions
  • Grow as a leader who can influence the delivery of healthcare
  • Develop a professional philosophy that reflects the humanistic values of nursing

AGCNS Post Master’s Certificate Career Paths

AGCNS graduates have a number of career options, including:

  • Management of patient populations
  • Leadership roles in nursing practice
  • Internal and external consulting

AGCNS Post Master’s Certificate Beyond the Classroom

We encourage you to get involved in organizations and activities like:

  • American Association of Nurse Practitioners
  • Society for Nurses in Advanced Practice
  • Sigma Theta Tau (by invitation to eligible students)

See All Student Organizations

AGCNS Post Master’s Certificate Employers

AGCNS alumni are usually employed by hospital systems but may work in a variety of other healthcare settings.

AGCNS Post Master’s Certificate Scholarships

Several scholarships are available for AGCNS students, including the Lorraine Kirkley scholarship for those with an interest in cardiovascular nursing. Graduate assistantships are also available.

See All Nursing Scholarships

AGCNS Post Master’s Certificate Accreditation

Our program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take ANCC’s AGCNS and ACCNS’ AG certification exams.

Meet the Faculty

Manisa Baker, D.N.P., APRN, RN, CCNS, CCRN-K

Assistant Professor

Baker is an assistant professor in the College of Nursing. Her teaching responsibilities include coursework in both the undergraduate and graduate programs.

Janet Garwood headshot

Janet Garwood D.N.P., M.S.N.-Ed, RN

Associate Professor

I am currently an associate professor and teach in both the graduate and undergraduate College of Nursing.

A student stands with their arms folded in a nursing lab room. They are wearing scrubs and have a stethoscope draped around their neck.

Earn a Post Master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nursing at PNW

Whether you just completed your master’s degree or are looking to take the next step to advance your career, Purdue University Northwest’s post master’s certificate adult-gerontology clinical nursing allows you the ability to level up your skills and directly manage the care of adult-gerontology patients.

Our graduate studies staff is ready to help you take the next step! Contact us at (219) 989-2257 or grad@pnw.edu to see how PNW can meet your needs.