Ranked among the best.
U.S. News & World Report ranks this specialty in the top 10 for programs of its kind.
We are still accepting applications for fall 2019. Apply now.
Ranked among the best.
U.S. News & World Report ranks this specialty in the top 10 for programs of its kind.
The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialty was established at UMSON in 1974. The specialty maintains broad interprofessional support and is currently ranked in the top 10 for programs of its kind in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Students are prepared at the doctoral level as advanced practice nurses in care of adults across the aging continuum, with expertise in:
The curriculum emphasizes coursework, case study analysis, and clinical experiences.
Students work with faculty members, nurse practitioners, and physician preceptors in a variety of primary care clinical practicum sites throughout the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area, including:
Graduates of the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialty are employed in a variety of clinical settings and independent practices.
Our Doctor of Nurse Practice program has an option that fits your goals and experience, whether you 1) have your BSN, 2) have your master's in nursing or a related field, 3) are already a nurse practitioner, 4) are looking to change your specialty. Focus your energy and resources on only those courses that you need to achieve your goals. Learn more about our DNP pathways.
Post-BSN:
Plans of Study for Fall 2016 and Beyond:
Plans of Study Prior to Fall 2016:
Post-MS:
Post-Doctoral Certificate:
Semester and Course Number/Title | Credit/Clinical Hours |
Fall Year 1 | |
NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
NURS 723: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Life Span | 3 Credits |
NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span | 4 Credits |
NRSG 785: Professional Writing | 1 Credit |
Total: | 11 Credits |
Spring Year 1 | |
NRSG 790: Methods for Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 Credits |
NRSG 795: Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
NDNP 830: Diagnosis and Management 1: Introduction to Diagnostic Reasoning | 2 Credits |
NDNP 831: Diagnosis and Management 1: Introduction to Diagnostic Reasoning Clinical | 2 Credits (90 Hours) |
Total: | 10 Credits |
Summer Year 1 | |
NRSG 780: Population Health and Promotion | 3 Credits |
NURS 810: Evidence-Based Health Policy | 3 Credits |
NDNP 720: Geriatric Syndromes Assessment and Management |
2 Credits |
Total: | 8 Credits |
Fall Year 2 | |
NDNP 804: Theory for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
NRSG 782: Health Systems & Health Policy: Leadership & Quality Improvement | 3 Credits |
NDNP 832: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic | 4 Credits |
NDNP 833: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 3 Credits (135 Hours) |
Total: | 13 Credits |
Spring Year 2 | |
NDNP 807: Information Systems and Technology Improvement/Transformation Health Care | 2 Credits |
NDNP 808: Information Systems and Technology Improvement/Transformation Health Care Practicum | 1 Credit (45 Hours) |
NDNP 810: DNP Project Identification | 1 Credit |
NDNP 834: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions | 4 Credits |
NDNP 835: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 3 Credits (135 Hours) |
Total: | 11 Credits |
Summer Year 2 | |
NURS 834: Translating Evidence to Practice | 3 Credits |
NDNP 836: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes | 2 Credits |
NDNP 837: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 2 Credits (90 Hours) |
NDNP 811: DNP Project Development | 1 Credit |
Total: | 8 Credits |
Fall Year 3 | |
NDNP 812: DNP Project Implementation | 1 Credit (45 Hours) |
NDNP 814: Practice Leadership Within Complex Adaptive Health Care Systems | 3 Credits |
NDNP 817: Practice Leadership Within Complex Adaptive Health Care Systems Clinical Practicum | 2 Credits (90 Hours) |
NDNP 838: Diagnosis and Management 5: Professional Practice Immersion: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 4 Credits (180 Hours) |
Total: | 10 Credits |
Spring Year 3 | |
NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination | 1 Credit (45 Hours) |
NDNP 839: Diagnosis and Management 6: Integration of Practice and Leadership: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 5 Credits (225 Hours) |
ELECTIVE or Necessary Specialty Course | 3 Credits |
Total: | 9 Credits |
TOTAL 80 CREDITS (56 Didactic/24 Clinical Credits [1,080 Clinical Hours]) |
Semester and Course Number/Title | Credit/Clinical Hours |
Fall Year 1 | |
NRSG 780: Health Promotion and Population Health | 3 Credits |
NRSG 790: Methods for Research and Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
NRSG 785: Professional Writing | 1 Credit |
Total: | 7 Credits |
Spring Year 1 | |
NRSG 795: Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
NRSG 782: Health Systems & Health Policy: Leadership & Quality Improvement | 3 Credits |
Total: | 6 Credits |
Summer Year 1 | |
NURS 810: Evidence-based Health Policy | 3 Credits |
Total: | 3 Credits |
Fall Year 2 | |
NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
NURS 723: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Life Span | 3 Credits |
NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span | 4 Credits |
Total: | 10 Credits |
Spring Year 2 | |
NDNP 830: Diagnosis and Management 1: Intro to Diagnostic Reasoning | 2 Credits |
NDNP 831: Diagnosis and Management 1: Intro to Diagnostic Reasoning Clinical | 2 Credits (90 Hours) |
NDNP 804: Theory for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
Total: | 7 Credits |
Summer Year 2 | |
NDNP 720: Geriatric Syndromes Assessment and Management | 2 Credits |
NURS 834: Translating Evidence to Practice | 3 Credits |
Total: | 5 Credits |
Fall Year 3 | |
NDNP 832: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic | 4 Credits |
NDNP 833: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 3 Credits (135 Hours) |
NDNP 807: Information Systems and Technology Improvement/Transformation Health Care | 2 Credits |
NDNP 808: Information Systems and Technology Improvement/Transformation Health Care Practicum | 1 Credit (45 Hours) |
Total: | 10 Credits |
Spring Year 3 | |
NDNP 810: DNP Project Identification | 1 Credit |
NDNP 834: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions | 4 Credits |
NDNP 835: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 3 Credits (135 Hours) |
Total: | 8 Credits |
Summer Year 3 | |
NDNP 836: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes | 2 Credits |
NDNP 837: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 2 Credits (90 Hours) |
NDNP 811: DNP Project Development | 1 Credit |
Total: | 5 Credits |
Fall Year 4 | |
NDNP 812: DNP Project Implementation | 1 Credit (45 Hours) |
NDNP 838: Diagnosis and Management 5: Professional Practice Immersion: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 4 Credits (180 Hours) |
NDNP 814: Practice Leadership Within Complex Adaptive Health Care Systems | 3 Credits |
NDNP 817: Practice Leadership Within Complex Adaptive Health Care Systems Clinical Practicum | 2 Credits (90 Hours) |
Total: | 10 Credits |
Spring Year 4 | |
NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination | 1 Credit (45 Hours) |
NDNP 839: Diagnosis and Management 6: Integration of Practice and Leadership: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 5 Credits (225 Hours) |
ELECTIVE or Necessary Specialty Course | 3 Credits |
Total: | 9 Credits |
TOTAL 80 CREDITS (56 Didactic/24 Clinical Credits [1,080 Clinical Hours]) |
Semester and Course Number/Title | Credit/Clinical Hours |
Fall Year 1 | |
NRSG 780: Health Promotion and Population Health | 3 Credits |
NRSG 782: Health Systems & Health Policy: Leadership & Quality Improvement | 3 Credits |
NRSG 785: Professional Writing | 1 Credit |
Total: | 7 Credits |
Spring Year 1 | |
NRSG 790: Methods for Research and Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
NURS 810: Evidence-based Health Policy | 3 Credits |
Total: | 6 Credits |
Summer Year 1 | |
NDNP 804: Theory for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
Total: | 3 Credits |
Fall Year 2 | |
NDNP 807: Information Systems and Technology Improvement/Transformation Health Care | 2 Credits |
NDNP 808: Information Systems and Technology Improvement/Transformation Health Care Practicum | 1 Credit (45 Hours) |
NRSG 795: Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
Total: | 6 Credits |
Spring Year 2 | |
NURS 834: Translating Evidence to Practice | 3 Credits |
ELECTIVE or Necessary Specialty Course | 3 Credits |
Total: | 6 Credits |
Summer Year 2 | |
NDNP 814: Practice Leadership within Complex Adaptive Health Care Systems | 3 Credits |
NDNP 817: Practice Leadership within Complex Adaptive Health Care Systems Clinical Practicum | 2 Credits (90 Hours) |
Total: | 5 Credits |
Fall Year 3 | |
NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
NURS 723: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Life Span | 3 Credits |
NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span | 4 Credits |
Total: | 10 Credits |
Spring Year 3 | |
NDNP 830: Diagnosis and Management 1: Intro to Diagnostic Reasoning | 2 Credits |
NDNP 831: Diagnosis and Management 1: Intro to Diagnostic Reasoning Clinical | 2 Credits (90 Hours) |
Total: | 4 Credits |
Summer Year 3 | |
NDNP 720: Geriatric Syndromes Assessment and Management | 2 Credits |
Total: | 2 Credits |
Fall Year 4 | |
NDNP 832: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic | 4 Credits |
NDNP 833: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 3 Credits (135 Hours) |
Total: | 7 Credits |
Spring Year 4 | |
NDNP 834: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions | 4 Credits |
NDNP 835: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 3 Credits (135 Hours) |
NDNP 810: DNP Project Identification | 1 Credit |
Total: | 8 Credits |
Summer Year 4 | |
NDNP 836: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes | 2 Credits |
NDNP 837: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 2 Credits (90 Hours) |
NDNP 811: DNP Project Development | 1 Credit |
Total: | 5 Credits |
Fall Year 5 | |
NDNP 812: DNP Project Implementation | 1 Credit (45 Hours) |
NDNP 838: Diagnosis and Management 5: Professional Practice Immersion: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 4 Credits (180 Hours) |
Total: | 5 Credits |
Spring Year 5 | |
NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination | 1 Credit (45 Hours) |
NDNP 839: Diagnosis and Management 6: Integration of Practice and Leadership: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 5 Credits (225 Hours) |
Total: | 6 Credits |
TOTAL 80 CREDITS (56 Didactic/24 Clinical Credits [1,080 Clinical Hours]) |
The Post Masters-DNP with Specialty plan of study is by definition variable credit based on the student’s individual educational experiences.
Students should work closely with their advisor to determine specific plans of study.
All of the below degree requirements must be completed at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, or through transfer credits that are directly equivalent to UMSON coursework.
Course Number/Title | Credit/Clinical Hours |
---|---|
NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
NURS 723: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Life Span | 3 Credits |
NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span | 4 Credits (May be satisfied by at least 3 credits of directly equivalent transfer credit) |
NRSG 790: Methods for Research and Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
NRSG 795: Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
NDNP 804: Theory for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
NRSG 785: Professional Writing | 1 Credit |
NDNP 807: Information Systems and Technology Improvement/Transformation Health Care | 2 Credits |
NDNP 808: Information Systems and Technology Improvement/Transformation Health Care Practicum | 1 Credit (45 Hours) |
NURS 834: Translating Evidence to Practice | 3 Credits |
NDNP 810: Project Identification | 1 Credit |
NDNP 811: DNP Project Development | 1 Credit |
NDNP 812: DNP Project Implementation | 1 Credit (45 Hours) |
NDNP 814: Practice Leadership Within Complex Adaptive Health Care Systems | 3 Credits |
NDNP 817: Practice Leadership Within Complex Adaptive Health Care Systems Clinical Practicum | 2 Credits (90 Hours) |
NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination | 1 Credit (45 Hours) |
NURS 810: Evidence-based Health Policy | 3 Credits |
Total Core: | 28 Credits |
Total APRN Specialty Courses: | 20 Credits (minimum)* |
Total Credits: | 48 – 93** |
*Additional credits as needed to meet certification and 1,000-hour requirement.
**All students must complete a minimum of 48 credits to receive a DNP with specialty. Credits necessary to meet certification and DNP requirements determined upon admission. Maximum credits for degree 93.
Course/Title | Credits/Clinical Hours |
NDNP 830: Diagnosis and Management 1: Introduction to Diagnostic Reasoning |
2 |
NDNP 831: Diagnosis and Management 1: Introduction to Diagnostic Reasoning Clinical |
2 (90 hours) |
NDNP 720: Geriatric Syndromes Assessment and Management | 2 |
NDNP 832: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic |
4 |
NDNP 833: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic Clinical Practicum/Seminar |
3 (135 hours) |
NDNP 834: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions |
4 |
NDNP 835: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions Practicum/Seminar |
3 (135 hours) |
NDNP 836: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes |
2 |
NDNP 837: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes: Clinical Practicum/seminar |
2 (90 hours) |
NDNP 838: Diagnosis and Management 5: Professional Practice Immersion: Clinical Practicum/Seminar |
4 (180 hours) |
NDNP 839: Diagnosis and Management 6: Integration of Practice and Leadership: Clinical Practicum/Seminar |
5 (225 hours) |
Total Credits |
33 |
Clinical Hours |
990 |
If the student has already taken some of the required courses, the option of lowering the number of credits is possible upon review by the program director.
Doctoral-prepared nurses who want to add or change their area of specialty only need to take the courses necessary for certification in that specialty. Your personalized plan of study will be determined at the time of admission.
Course/Title | Credits/Clinical Hours |
NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3 |
NURS 723: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Life Span | 3 |
NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span | 4 |
NDNP 830: Diagnosis and Management 1: Introduction to Diagnostic Reasoning |
2 |
NDNP 831: Diagnosis and Management 1: Introduction to Diagnostic Reasoning Clinical |
2 (90 hours) |
NDNP 720: Geriatric Syndromes Assessment and Management | 2 |
NDNP 832: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic |
4 |
NDNP 833: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic Clinical Practicum/Seminar |
3 (135 hours) |
NDNP 834: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions |
4 |
NDNP 835: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions Practicum/Seminar |
3 (135 hours) |
NDNP 836: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes |
2 |
NDNP 837: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes: Clinical Practicum/seminar |
2 (90 hours) |
NDNP 838: Diagnosis and Management 5: Professional Practice Immersion: Clinical Practicum/Seminar |
4 (180 hours) |
NDNP 839: Diagnosis and Management 6: Integration of Practice and Leadership: Clinical Practicum/Seminar |
5 (225 hours) |
Total Credits |
43 |
Clinical Hours |
990 |
If the student has already taken some of the required courses, the option of lowering the number of credits is possible upon review by the program director.
UMSON offers multiple opportunities to help you afford your graduate education.
Type of Aid | Award |
---|---|
Federal Financial Aid | various award amounts |
Merit Scholarships | $1,500-$3,000 per semester (You are automatically considered for a merit scholarship upon submitting a completed application for enrollment in an UMSON academic program.) |
Donor-Funded Scholarships | $500-2,000 per semester (offered during the fall and spring semesters) |
Conway Scholarship | full scholarship: tuition and fees (for those who will have completed 12 credit hours of graduate study by the start of the semester for which the Conway Scholarship is awarded and who have at least half of their credit hours remaining) |
Graduate Assistantships | stipend, tuition remission, in-state status, and paid student health insurance |
Learn More About Financial Aid and Scholarships
All students receiving funds through the University, including financial aid, merit awards, grants, and scholarships, must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The University of Maryland, Baltimore Student Financial Assistance and Education Office is available to guide you through the FAFSA application process and the financial aid award package.
Contact Us:
UMSON Scholarships and Grants Office
410-706-0489 | nrsscholarships@umaryland.edu
UMB Student Financial Assistance and Education Office
410-706-7347 | aidtalk@umaryland.edu
Note: The Nurse Anesthesia specialty accepts applicants for the summer session only and has different deadlines and requirements.
All other specialties and the Post-Master's DNP option accept students for fall admission.
In this section:
For best consideration, applicants are encouraged to have all required application materials submitted by the deadlines listed below.
Program | Deadline(s) |
---|---|
DNP Post-Master’s Option |
No longer accepting applications. |
DNP with Specialty |
Priority Deadline: Nov. 1, 2018
Admissions decisions are expected to be announced mid-February. |
Materials/Qualification |
Submission Guidelines |
Online Application and non-refundable $75 application fee. |
On the application drop down list:
|
Two recommendations. Recommendations must come from sources knowledgeable about your work performance and experience. Only the first two recommendations received will be considered. |
Complete this form to generate a request to a recommender you identify. For all Spring 2019 and later applicants, a form and letter will be required. |
Official transcripts. An official transcript from every institution previously attended or currently attending must be submitted in a sealed envelope, as prepared by the sending institution. Electronic transcripts from University System of Maryland institutions will be accepted in lieu of official, sealed transcripts. Returning students are required to submit UMSON transcripts via the Office of the Registrar. |
Submit by mail to: University of Maryland School of Nursing Office of Student and Academic Services 655 West Lombard Street, Suite 102 Baltimore, MD 21201-1579 |
Essay. You may submit the essay portion with your online application. We recommend that you compose the essay portion using word processing software and copy and paste it into the text box in the online application. Applicants are expected to submit a concise essay (no more than 350 words) addressing the following: How will earning this degree (or post-doctoral certificate) impact your care of the population you expect to serve after graduation? |
Submit these materials via our Supplemental Documents Form.
(Alternatively, we accept submissions via email.)
|
Typed résumé or CV. Be sure to include your full name with your résumé submission. |
|
A copy of your valid, unrestricted (current) RN license in the United States. For a current list of compact states, see the Maryland Board of Nursing website; if you hold an active Maryland RN license, send us a copy of your printable license verification, available on the Maryland Board of Nursing website. |
|
Residency classification. Applicants who are claiming in-state (Maryland) residency MUST apply for in-state status. |
Complete a residency application and submit it either by mail, e-mail, or fax to the Office of the Registrar using the instructions supplied at the bottom of the residency application. The completed application, signed and dated, should be submitted prior to the first day of enrollment for the term and program for which you are seeking admission. |
Verification of Nursing Practicum Hours Form (required for post-master's option applicants only). |
Complete the form and submit by mail to: |
An interview with selected applicants will be arranged after the applications are received and reviewed.
This program is not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship by the University of Maryland, Baltimore, due to the amount of online courses.
If you have questions regarding the admissions requirements or process, contact the Office of Admissions to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your application.
Learn more about our DNP Pathways.
Fall Admission
Spring Admission:
*For best consideration, applicants are encouraged to have all required application materials submitted by the priority deadline.
Materials/Qualification |
Submission Guidelines |
Online Application and non-refundable $75 application fee. |
On the application drop down list select NURS - Postdoc Certificate. |
Two recommendations. Recommendations must come from sources knowledgeable about your work performance and experience. Only the first two recommendations received will be considered. |
Complete this form to generate a request to a recommender you identify. For all Spring 2019 and later applicants, a form and letter will be required. |
Official transcripts. An official transcript from every institution previously attended or currently attending must be submitted in a sealed envelope, as prepared by the sending institution. Electronic transcripts from University System of Maryland institutions will be accepted in lieu of official, sealed transcripts. Returning students are required to submit UMSON transcripts via the Office of the Registrar. |
Submit by mail to: University of Maryland School of Nursing Office of Student and Academic Services 655 West Lombard Street, Suite 102 Baltimore, MD 21201-1579 |
Essay. You may submit the essay portion with your online application. We recommend that you compose the essay portion using word processing software and copy and paste it into the text box in the online application. Applicants are expected to submit a concise essay (no more than 350 words) addressing the following:
|
Submit these materials via our Supplemental Documents Form.
(Alternatively, we accept submissions via email.)
|
Typed résumé or CV. Be sure to include your full name with your résumé submission. |
|
A copy of your active, unrestricted State of Maryland or compact state RN license. For a current list of compact states, see the Maryland Board of Nursing website; if you hold an active Maryland RN license, send us a copy of your printable license verification, available on the Maryland Board of Nursing website. |
|
Residency classification. Applicants who are claiming in-state (Maryland) residency MUST apply for in-state status. |
Complete a residency application and submit it either by mail, e-mail, or fax to the Office of the Registrar using the instructions supplied at the bottom of the residency application. The completed application, signed and dated, should be submitted prior to the first day of enrollment for the term and program for which you are seeking admission. |
An interview with selected applicants will be arranged after the applications are received and reviewed.
This program is not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship by the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
If you have questions regarding the admissions requirements or process, contact the Office of Admissions to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your application.
Barbara Resnick, PhD, RN, CRNP, FAAN, FAANP, professor and Sonia Ziporkin Gershowitz Endowed Chair in Gerontology
Brenda Windemuth, DNP, CRNP, assistant professor
Margaret Hammersla, PhD, CRNP-A, senior director, DNP program
Elizabeth Galik, PhD, RN, CRNP, FAAN, FAANP, associate professor
Veronica Gutchell, DNP, RN, CNS, CRNP, assistant professor
Shannon Idzik, DNP, RN, CRNP, associate dean, DNP program
Molly Parsons, EdD, CRNP, assistant professor
Brenda Windemuth, DNP, RN, CRNP, assistant professor
The questions below relate directly to the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP specialty. You may also want to refer to our general FAQs regarding the DNP.
Students can choose from several options for completing their studies. Click the Sample Plans of Study tab to view each of the different options.
It is preferred that applicants have at least two years of post-BSN nursing clinical experience. Applicants will benefit from having recent clinical experience that requires a high level of patient assessment and critical thinking. For example, experiences working on general medical surgical units, urgent/emergency departments, primary care practices, student health settings, ambulatory and outpatient clinics, or long term care settings.
The minimum number of practicum hours required for the DNP degree is 1,000 hours. For University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) graduates to be eligible for their respective board certification exams, they must complete the DNP degree. Refer to the plans of study for the number of clinical hours required each semester.
Students are not required to find their own preceptor or clinical site. The UMSON faculty is committed to assigning students to clinical sites that are appropriate for course and program objectives. We are fortunate to have contacts with many nurse practitioner alumni and other providers who serve as preceptors. UMSON has clinical contracts with agencies in a variety of settings across the state of Maryland and in Washington, D.C. Students with a particular clinical site/preceptor of interest may forward the contact information to the course faculty member so the faculty member can determine whether the site is appropriate to meet the course objectives. Faculty members must approve any student-suggested site. Students should not complete their clinical rotations in the specific environments where they are employed due to a potential conflict of interest. Final approval of clinical site placement is at the faculty member’s discretion.
Students will be exposed to clinical experiences across the adult aging continuum and in a variety of clinical settings.
Graduates of the AGNP program are working in a variety of settings including primary care practices, specialty practices, long term care settings (assisted living or nursing home), senior housing sites, as members of clinically focused research teams, and in college and employee health clinics, among other settings.
Many variables are taken into consideration when reviewing a student’s application for admission. A strong foundation in courses such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment is one key to success. Retaking courses with weak grades is suggested, but does not guarantee admission. Writing and grammar skills are also critically important for graduate-level education. Taking a writing course, particularly a technical writing course, may be of assistance. You may take these courses at a university of your preference. In addition, an applicant’s involvement in professional and organizational activities, as well as other scholarly activities, is evidence of leadership capabilities and interests. Current clinical experience requiring a high level of patient assessment and critical thinking is ideal and completion of certification in your specialty area is strongly recommended. We highly recommend that you spend several hours shadowing an advanced practice nurse in the specialty you wish to pursue.
For more information regarding admissions to this specialty, please contact the UMSON Admissions Office at: 410-706-0501, option #2 or admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu.
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This program has met the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s certification eligibility educational requirements. When you complete this program, you’ll be prepared to sit for ANCC’s certification examination, provided you meet all of the eligibility criteria. |
Graduates of this specialty are also prepared for certification by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board, an independent, nonprofit certifying body that evaluates individuals wishing to enter, continue, and/or advance in the nurse practitioner profession. |