Transitioning to the advanced practice role is a wonderful opportunity for the RN who wants to do more. As a nurse practitioner, you are a nurse first and bring to the advanced role all the aspects about nursing that are so fulfilling. The acute care graduate program allows students to become an acute care nurse practitioner. Acute care refers to hospital- based nursing. It may include the ICU, ED, OR, SDU or other hospital-based service.
Graduates of this major meet criteria to take certification exams for AGAC NP and have achieved an outstanding pass rate. Graduates find jobs in settings such as neurology, cardiology, surgery, oncology, pain management, trauma, orthopedics, radiology, nephrology, pulmonology, hospitalist service or emergency department. The market for AGAC NP jobs continues to expand, largely owing to recent changes that limit the hours of medical residents. Many hospitals and physician groups have discovered that employing AGAC NPs to help provide care to patients makes sense. Students are often hired in the setting of their last practical experience.
Students spend a minimum of 510 practicum and 120 lab hours with NP or MD preceptors. Clinical placements are determined by students’ areas of interest and career goals. Practical experience may be completed in most geographical locations based on the ability to meet course objectives and state licensure requirements.
There are no specific requirements for prior clinical experience. We encourage students to have excellent assessment skills at the generalist level before undertaking advanced practice, and offer a part-time program option to allow nurses to continue working while gaining valuable skills.
The program can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students can complete the program in six quarters ( 2 academic years). Part-time students can progress at their own speed.
| Year 1 Fall Semester Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| NURS8020 Advanced Health Assessment | 3 (2+1) credits |
| NURS8022 Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology | 4 credits |
| NURS8004 Biostatistics | 3 credits |
| TOTAL | 10 credits |
| Year 1 Spring Semester Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| NURS8002 Theoretical Basis for Clinical Reasoning | 3 credits |
| NURS8026 Differential Diagnosis | 3 credits |
| 8024 Pharmacology for APN | 3 credits |
| ANNP8010 Practicum I | 3 credits (12 clinical hrs per wk) |
| ANNP8020 Seminar I | 1 credit |
| TOTAL | 13 credits |
| Year 2 Fall Semester Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| ANNP8030 Clinical Management I | 3 credits |
| NURS8006 Research and Best Evidence for Clinical Reasoning | 4 credits |
| ANNP8012 Practicum II | 3 credits (12 hrs/wk) |
| ANNP8022 Seminar II | 1 credits |
| ANNP8002C Acute Care Special Topics I | 3 credits |
| TOTAL | 14 credits |
| Year 2 Spring Semester Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| ANNP8032 Clinical Management II | 3 credits |
| NURS8008 Health Care Policy | 3 credits |
| ANNP8014 Practicum III | 3 credits (12 hr/wk) |
| ANNP8024 Seminar /Capstone III | 2 credits |
| ANN8004c Acute Care Special Topics II | 3 credits |
| TOTAL | 14 credits |
Click here to receive more information or to register for an interest session.
Contact the Office of Student Affairs at nursing1@uc.edu or (513) 558-3600.