Former MS Specialties

The information below only applies to students admitted prior to fall 2013.

AGNP

Adult and Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)

Overview

This master's specialty offered through the Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health was established in 1974. The specialty maintains broad interprofessional support and is currently ranked eighth in the nation. Students are prepared as advanced practice nurses in adult and gerontology care, with expertise in the diagnosis and management of common acute illnesses, disease prevention, and management of stable chronic illnesses across the lifespan.

The curriculum emphasizes coursework, case study analysis, and clinical experiences. Students work with faculty, nurse practitioners, and physician preceptors in a variety of primary care clinical practicum sites including college health services, health maintenance organizations, community clinics, long-term care, assisted living, continuing care retirement communities, occupational health settings, and private practices throughout the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area.

Graduates of the Adult and Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialty are employed in a variety of clinical settings and independent practices and are eligible for certification as adult and gerontological nurse practitioners by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Web-based courses may be available.

Sample Plans of Study

Adult and Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Sample Plan of Full-Time Study

First Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NPHY 612 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology 3
NURS 605 Comprehensive Adult Health Assessment (Clinical Hours: 40) 3
NURS 687 Comprehensive Health Assessment of the Older Adult (Clinical Hours: 45) 1
NURS 701 Science and Research for Advanced Nursing Practice 4
NURS 723 Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 3
  Semester Total 14
Second Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NURS 777 Diagnosis and Management of Adults Across the Lifespan 4
NURS 768 Clinical Practicum for Adults Across the Lifespan (Clinical Hours: 225) 5
NPHY 614 Physiology of Aging 2
  Semester Total 11
Third Semester (Summer)
Course Title Credits
NURS 788 Complex Clinical Practicum for Adults Across the Lifespan (Clinical Hours: 180) 4
NURS 622 Systems and Populations in Health Care 3
  Semester Total 7
Fourth Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NURS 659 Organizational and Professional Dimensions 
of Advanced Nursing Practice
3
NURS 789 Advanced Diagnosis and Management of Adults Across the Lifespan 4
NURS 794 Advanced Clinical Practicum for Adults Across the Lifespan (Clinical Hours: 225) 5
NURS 795 Clinical Syndrome Management of Older Adults (Clinical Hours: 90) 2
  Semester Total 14
Total Credits 46
Clinical Hours
805

Adult and Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Sample Plan of Part-Time Study

First Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NPHY 612 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology 3
NURS 723 Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 3
  Semester Total 6
Second Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NURS 701 Science and Research fpr Advanced Practice Nursing 4
NPHY 614 Physiology of Aging 2
  Semester Total 6
Third Semester (Summer)
Course Title Credits
NURS 622 Systems and Populations in Health Care 3
  Semester Total 3
Fourth Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NURS 659 Organizational and Professional Dimensions 
of Advanced Nursing Practice
3
NURS 605 Comprehensive Adult Health Assessment 
(Lab/Clinical Practicum: 8 hr/week)
3
NURS 687 Comprehensive Health Assessment of the Older Adult
(Clinical Practicum: 40 hr/semester)
1
  Semester Total 7
Fifth Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NURS 777 Diagnosis & Management of Adults Across the Lifespan 4
NURS 768 Clinical Practicum for Adults Across the Lifespan
(Clinical Practicum: 225 hr/semester)
5
  Semester Total 9
Sixth Semester (Summer)
Course Title Credits
NURS 788 Complex Clinical Practicum for Adults Across the Lifespan
(Clinical Practicum: 180 hr/semester)
4
  Semester Total 4
Seventh Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NURS 789 Advanced Diagnosis & Management of Adults Across the Lifespan 4
NURS 794 Advanced Clinical Practicum for Adults Across the Lifespan
(Clinical Practicum: 225 hr/semester)
5
NURS 795 Clinical Syndrome Management of Older Adults
(Clinical Practicum: 90 hr/semester)
2
   Semester Total 11
Total Credits 46

Adult and Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Plan of Study

Second Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NURS 777 Diagnosis and Management of Adults Across the Lifespan 4
NURS 768 Clinical Practicum for Adults Across the Lifespan 
(Clinical Practicum: 225 hr/semester)
3-5
  Semester Total 7-9
Third Semester (Summer)
Course Title Credits
NURS 788 Complex Clinical Practicum for Adults Across the Lifespan 
(Clinical Practicum: 180 hr/semester)
1-4
  Semester Total 1-4
Fourth Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NURS 789 Advanced Diagnosis and Management of Adults Across the Lifespan 4
NURS 794 Advanced Clinical Practicum for Adults Across the Lifespan 
(Clinical Practicum: 225 hr/semester)
3-5
NURS 795 Clinical Syndrome Management of Older Adults 
(Clinical Practicum: 90 hr/semester)
2
  Semester Total 9-11
Total Credits 17-24
The following courses may also be required depending on previous degree and education:
NPHY 612 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology 3
NURS 723 Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics 3
NURS 701 Science and Research for Advanced Practice Nursing 4
NURS 605 Comprehensive Adult Health Assessment
(Lab/Clinical Practicum: 8 hr/week)
3
NURS 687 Comprehensive Health Assessment of the Older Adult
(Clinical Practicum: 40 hr/semester)
1
NURS 659 Organizational & Professional Dimensions of Advanced Nursing Practice 3
NURS 622 Systems and Populations in Health Care 3
NPHY 614 Physiology of Aging 2

FNP

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Overview

This master's specialty prepares advanced practice nurses to work as primary health care providers for individuals of all ages and their families. With over 800 clinical hours, students develop expertise in the management of care for individuals across the life span, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention, as well as diagnosis and management of acute and chronic diseases. Graduates of this specialty are eligible for certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Web-based courses may be available. Full-time, part-time, and post-master's (non-degree) options are available.

Sample Plan of Full-Time Study

Fall  (Semester I)
Course Title Credits
NPHY 612 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology 3
NURS 660 Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan 4
NURS 630 FP I: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 2
NURS 631 FP I: Practicum: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (Clinical Hours: 45) 1
  Total 10
Spring  (Semester II)
Course Title Credits
NURS 701 Science and Research for Advanced Nursing Practice 4
NURS 723 Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 3
NURS 632 FP II: Clinical Management of Common 
Health Care Problems
3
NURS 633 FP II: Practicum – Clinical Management of Common 
Health Care Problems (Clinical Hours: 180)
4
  Total 14
Summer (Semester III)
Course Title Credits
NURS 622 Systems and Populations in Health Care 3
NURS 703 Specialty Topics in Family Practice (Clinical Hours: 45) 2
  Total 5
Fall (Semester IV)
Course Title Credits
NURS 640 FP III: Management of Complex Health Care Problems 2
NURS 644 FP III: Practicum: Management of Complex
Health Care Problems (Clinical Hours: 135)
3
NURS 659 Organizational and Professional Dimensions of 
Advanced Nursing Practice
3
NURS 755 Families in Crisis 2
  Total 10
Spring (Semester V)
Course Title Credits
NURS 731 FP IV: Integrative Management of 
Primary Health Care Problems
2
NURS 741 FP IV: Practicum: Integrative Management of 
Primary Health Care Problems (Clinical Hours: 315)
7
  Total 9
Total Credits 48
Clinical Hours 720

Note: FP = Family Practice

Post-Master's Option Sample Plan of Full-Time Study*

First Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NPHY 612 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology 3
NURS 630 FP I: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 2
NURS 631 FP I: Practicum – Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 2
NURS 660 Advanced Health Assessment: Family 4
  Total 11
Second Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NURS 723 Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 3
NURS 632 FP II: Clinical Management of Common Health Care Problems 3
NURS 633 FP II: Practicum – Clinical Management of Common Health Care Problems 5
  Total 11
Third Semester (Summer)
Course Title Credits
NURS 640 FPIII: Management of Complex Health Care Problems 2
  Total 2
Fourth Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NURS 644 FPIII: Practicum:  Clinical Management of Complex Health Care Problems 3
NURS 755 Families in Crisis: Theory and Intervention 2
  Total 5
Fifth Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NURS 731 FP IV: Integrative Management of Primary Health Care Problems 2
NURS 741 FP IV: Practicum – Integrative Management of Primary Health Care Problems 7
  Total 9
Total Credits 38

*The plan may vary in relation to an individual student’s background in terms of previous coursework.

 

NA

Nurse Anesthesia (NA)

Overview

This full-time, 28-month specialty prepares students to provide anesthesia services to a diverse diagnostic and surgical population. The curriculum is offered in a multidisciplinary framework and is front-loaded with the majority of the didactic instruction being completed during the first two semesters. In the third semester, students begin their clinical education in Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area hospitals and return to the University for classes one day a week. The curriculum includes content in physiology, pathophysiology, chemistry, physics, and pharmacology. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination offered by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Web-based courses may be available.

Sample Plan of Full-Time Study

First Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NPHY 612 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology 3
NURS 613 Principles of Anesthesia Nursing I 3
NURS 616 Chemistry of Anesthesia Nursing 2
NURS 605 Comprehensive Health Assessment of Adults 3
NRSG 603 Introduction to Pharmacology for NA 3
  Total 14
Second Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NPHY 620 Pathophysiology Alterations in the Critically Ill 2
NURS 614 Principles of Anesthesia Nursing II 3
NURS 617 Technology and Physics of Anesthesia Nursing 3
NURS 701 Science and Research for Advanced Nursing Practice 4
NURS 604 Advanced Pharmacology for NA 3
  Total 15
Third Semester (Summer)
Course Title Credits
NURS 637 Anesthesia Nursing Practicum I 3
NURS 654 Principles of Anesthesia Nursing III 3
  Total 6
Fourth Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NURS 657 Anesthesia Nursing Practicum II 5
NURS 615 Regional Anesthesia and Practicum 3
NURS 642 Professional Aspects of Anesthesia Nursing 1
  Total 9
Fifth Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NURS 622 Systems and Populations in Health Care 3
NURS 672 Principles of Anesthesia Nursing IV 3
NURS 673 Anesthesia Nursing Practicum III 5
  Total 11
Sixth Semester (Summer)
Course Title Credits
NRSG 670 Anesthesia Nursing Seminar I 2
NURS 674 Anesthesia Nursing Practicum IV 3
  Total 5
Seventh Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NURS 659 Organizations and Professional Dimensions of 
Nursing Practice
3
NURS 675 Anesthesia Nursing Seminar II 4
NURS 676 Anesthesia Nursing Practicum V 5
  Total 12
Total Credits 72

PNP

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)

Overview

Students in the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specialty must choose either the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care or the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care option.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care Option

This master's specialty option prepares nurse clinicians to provide advanced nursing care across the continuum of acute care services. Graduates of the pediatric acute care curriculum have the knowledge and clinical skills necessary to provide quality, comprehensive care to acutely, critically, and chronically ill children and their families. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board Acute Care Exam. Web-based courses may be available. Full-time, part-time, and post-master’s options are available. Nurse practitioners educated in primary care and certified nurse practitioners are eligible to apply as post-master’s students. All students must be Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care Option

This master's specialty option prepares nurse clinicians to provide advanced nursing care across the continuum of primary care services. The pediatric primary care curriculum focuses on prevention and management of common acute and chronic pediatric illness and the promotion and maintenance of healthy children and their families. Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board’s exams. Web-based courses may be available. Full-time, part-time, and post-master’s options are available. Nurse practitioners educated in acute care and certified nurse practitioners are eligible to apply as post-master’s students.

Sample Plans of Full-time Study

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care Option Sample Plan of Full-Time Study

First Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NURS 701 Science and Research for Advanced Practice Nursing 4
NPHY 612 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology 3
NURS 611 Pediatric Assessment in Advanced Practice Nursing (Clinical Hours: 45) 3
NURS 626 Primary Health Care of the Newborn and Neonate 2
  Total 12
Second Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NRSG 709 Management of the Well Child and Adolescent in the Primary Care Setting 4
NURS 713 Common Health Problems of Children I 2
NRSG 716 Primary Care Clinical I (Clinical Hours; 135) 3
NURS 743 Neonatal and Pediatric Pharmacology 3
  Total 12
Third Semester (Summer)
Course Title Credits
NURS 643 Advanced Nursing of Children I: Diagnostic Reasoning 2
NRSG 624 Advanced Nursing of Children I: Clinical Practicum (Clinical Hours: 135) 3
  Total 5
Fourth Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NRSG 730 Pediatric Acute Care II: Management and Evaluation 2
NRSG 731 Pediatric Acute Care II: Clinical Practicum (Clinical Hours: 180) 4
NURS 622 Systems and Populations in Health Care 3
  Total 9
Fifth Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NURS 645 Advanced Nursing of Children II: Clinical (Clinical Hours: 225) 5
NURS 646 Advanced Practice Roles Seminar 2
NURS 659 Organizational and Professional Dimensions of Advanced Nursing Practice 3
  Total 10
Total Credits 48
Clinical Hours 720

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care Option Sample Plan of Full-Time Study

First Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NURS 701 Science and Research for Advanced Practice Nursing 4
NPHY 612 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology 3
NURS 611 Pediatric Assessment in Advanced Practice Nursing (Clinical Hours: 45) 3
NURS 626 Primary Health Care of the Newborn and Neonate 2
NURS 648 Newborn Clinical (Clinical Hours: 45) 1
  Total 13
Second Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NRSG 709 Management of the Well Child and Adolescent in the Primary Care Setting 4
NURS 713 Common Health Problems of Children I 2
NRSG 716 Primary Care Clinical I (Clinical Hours: 135) 3
NURS 743 Neonatal and Pediatric Pharmacology 3
  Total 12
Third Semester (Summer)
Course Title Credits
NRSG 721 Primary Care Issues and the Child with a Chronic Illness or Special Care Needs 2
NRSG 722 Primary Care Clinical II: Primary Care Issues and the Child with a Chronic Illness or Special Care Needs (Clinical Hours: 135) 3
  Total 5
Fourth Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NRSG 732 Advanced Issues in Adolescent Care (Clinical Hours: 45) 1
NURS 714 Common Health Problems of Children II 2
NRSG 733 Primary Care Clinical III  (Clinical Hours: 90) 2
NURS 622 Systems and Populations in Health Care 3
  Total 8
Fifth Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NURS 715 Advanced Primary Care of Children (Clinical Hours: 135) 3
NRSG 646 Advanced Practice Seminar 2
NURS 659 Organizational and Professional Dimensions of Advanced Nursing Practice 3
  Total 8
Total Credits 46

Post-Master's Option (non-degree) Acute Care Sample Plan of Part-time Study

First Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NPHY 612 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology 3
NURS 611 Pediatric Assessment in Advanced Practice Nursing 3
  Total 6
Second Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NURS 709 Management of the Well Child and Adolescent in the Primary Care Setting 4
NURS 713 Common Health Problems of Children I 2
NRSG 716 Primary Care Clinical I 3
NURS 743 Neonatal and Pediatric Pharmacology 3
  Total 12
Third Semester (Summer)
Course Title Credits
NURS 643 Advanced Nursing of Children I: Diagnostic Reasoning 2
NRSG 624 Advanced Nursing of Children I: Clinical (Clinical Hours: 135) 3
  Total 5
Fourth Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NRSG 730 Pediatric Acute Care II: Management and Evaluation 3
NRSG 731 Pediatric Acute Care II: Clinical Practicum (Clinical Hours: 180) 4
  Total 7
Fifth Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NURS 645 Advanced Nursing of Children II 5
NURS 646 Advanced Practice Roles Seminar 2
  Total 7
 Total Credits 37

PMHNP

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Focus (PMHNP)

Overview

The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) Psychiatric Mental Health (PMH) master’s specialty prepares nurse practitioners to enter the workplace with the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to implement the full scope of practice of a licensed independent nurse practitioner (NP).  The curriculum builds upon four core PMHNP competencies: advanced health assessment (physical and psychosocial); diagnosis (diagnosis of mental disorders, pathophysiology, and neurophysiology); psychotherapy (individual, group, and family); and medication management (pharmacology and psychopharmacology). Other courses develop competencies in health care systems, best-practice research utilization and translation, and health care quality improvement.

Clinical opportunities for sub-specialization related to high-risk populations, e.g., geriatric, children and adolescents, severe and persistent mental disorders, and persons with substance use disorders, are available by pairing students with faculty specialists and preceptors. UMSON’s location in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C.-Annapolis triangle provides a rich and varied selection of clinical sites. Graduates are prepared to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Family) certification examination. Full-time, part-time, and post-master's (non-degree) options are available.

Fall 2013 Update

Adult psychiatric nurse practitioners seeking eligibility for the Family Psychiatric Nurse Certification Exam must:

  1. Apply to the specialty for fall 2013 before the posted deadline and be admitted. This cohort of students will be the last admitted to the Post-MS program in this specialty.
  2. After being admitted, complete an individualized gap analysis with the faculty advisor and specialty director. All coursework must be evident in academic transcripts with a lifespan approach.
  3. Currently have an active Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center

Coursework is individualized but must include;

  • NURS 660   Advanced Physical Assessment Through the Lifespan (4 credits)
  • NPHY 612   Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology (3 credits)
  • NURS 752   Neurophysiology of Mental Disorders (2 credits)
  • NURS 751   Psychopharmacology (3 credits)
  • NURS 754   Seminar in Psychopharmacology for Child and Adolescent (1 credit)
  • NURS 740   Advanced Practice Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Internship (4 credits)

A minimum of 250 supervised clinical hours for the diagnosis and treatment of required populations will be obtained in NURS 740 as arranged with assigned academic advisor.  Some students may require additional hours for completion of the competencies in the specialty.

Sample Plan of Full-Time Study

First Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NPHY 612 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology 3
NURS 660 Advanced Health Assessment across the Lifespan
(Clinical Hours: 90)
4
NRSG 668 Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders across the Lifespan 3
NRSG 669 Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Practicum
(Clinical Hours: 90)
2
  Total 12
Second Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NURS 701 Science and Research for Advanced Nursing Practice 4
NURS 752 Neurophysiology of Mental Disorders 2
NRSG 765 Development and Psychopathology: Issues Through the Lifespan 
in Advanced Practice Nursing
2
NURS 664 Therapeutic Interventions across the Lifespan in Mental Health Nursing 2
NURS 665 Therapeutic Interventions across the Lifespan in Mental Health 
Nursing Practicum (Clinical Hours: 135)
3
  Total 13
Third Semester (Summer)
Course Title Credits
NURS 622 Systems and Populations in Health Care 3
  Total 3
Fourth Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NURS 723 Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 3
NURS 751 Psychopharmacology 3
NURS 754 Seminar in Psychopharmacology for Child and Adolescent 1
NURS 655 Conceptual Foundations in Family Therapy 2
NURS 656 Conceptual Foundations of Family Therapy: Practicum
(Clinical Hours: 135)
3
  Total 12
Fifth Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NURS 659 Organizational and Professional Dimensions of Advanced Nursing 
Practice
3
NURS 740 Advanced Practice Psychiatric and Mental Health 
Nursing Internship (Clinical Hours: 180)
4
  Total 7
 

Total Credits

47

Total Clinical Hours

630

AGNP/CNS

Adult & Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist: Trauma/Critical Care/Emergency Nursing (AGNP/CNS)

Overview

This specialty prepares nurse clinicians to provide advanced nursing care across the continuum of acute care services. The specialty incorporates coursework, laboratory, and clinical experiences in a variety of acute care settings. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Graduates are also eligible to take the Adult-Gerontology Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist certification examination offered by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Web-based courses may be available. Full-time, part-time, and post-master's (non-degree) options are available.

Sample Plans of Study

Sample Plan of Full-Time Study (Fall Start)

First Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NPHY 612 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology 3
NURS 605 Comprehensive Adult Health Assessment
(Clinical Hours: 40)
3
NURS 623 Advanced Assessment of the Critically Ill
(Clinical Hours: 45)
3
NURS 622 Systems and Populations in Health Care 3
NURS 723 Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 3
  Total 15
Second Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NURS 701 Science and Research for Advanced Nursing Practice 4
NPHY 620 Pathophysiological Alterations in the Critically Ill 2
NURS 647 Diagnosis and Management of Common
Acute Care Problems (Clinical Hours: 200)
5
  Total 11
Third Semester (Summer)
Course Title Credits
NURS 726 Diagnosis and Management of Complex Acute 
Care Problems (Clinical Hours: 150)
4
  Total 4
Fourth Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NURS 659 Organizational and Professional Dimensions 
of Advanced Nursing Practice
3
NURS 679 Advanced Practice/Clinical Nurse Specialist Roles in
Health Care Delivery Systems (Clinical Hours: 150)
3
NURS 727 Advanced Acute Care Management
(Clinical Hours: 150)
4
NURS 755 Families in Crisis 2
  Total 12
Total Credits 42

Sample Plan of Full-Time Study (Spring Start)

First Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NPHY 612 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology 3
NURS 622 Systems and Populations in Health Care 3
NURS 723 Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 3
  Total 9
Second Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NURS 605 Comprehensive Adult Health Assessment
(Clinical Hours: 40)
3
NURS 623 Advanced Assessment of the Critically Ill
(Clinical Hours: 45)
3
NURS 701 Science and Research for Advanced Nursing Practice 4
  Total 10
Third Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NPHY 620 Pathophysiological Alterations in the Critically Ill 2
NURS 647 Diagnosis and Management of Common Acute
Care Problems (Clinical Hours: 200)
5
NURS 659 Organizational and Professional Dimensions of 
Advanced Practice Nursing
3
  Total 10
Fourth Semester (Summer)
Course Title Credits
NURS 726 Diagnosis and Management of Complex Acute
Care Problems (Clinical Hours: 150)
4
  Total 4
Fifth Semester (Fall)  
Course Title Credits
NURS 679 Advanced Practice/Clinical Nurse Specialist Roles
in Health Care Delivery Systems (Clinical Hours: 150)
3
NURS 727 Advanced Acute Care Management
(Clinical Hours: 150)
4
NURS 755 Families in Crisis 2
  Total 9
Total Credits 42

Sample Plan of Part-Time Study (Fall Start)

First Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NPHY 612* Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology 3
NURS 723** Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 3
  Total 6
Second Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NURS 701 Science and Research for Advanced Nursing Practice 4
NURS 755 Families in Crisis 2
  Total 6
Third Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NURS 605 Comprehensive Adult Health Assessment
(Clinical Hours: 40)
3
NURS 623 Advanced Assessment of the Critically Ill
(Clinical Hours: 45)
3
  Total 6
Fourth Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NPHY 620 Pathophysiological Alterations in the Critically Ill 2
NURS 647 Diagnosis and Management of Common Acute
Care Problems (Clinical Hours: 200)
5
  Total 7
Fifth Semester (Summer)  
Course Title Credits
NURS 622 Systems and Populations in Health Care 3
NURS 726 Diagnosis and Management of Complex Acute
Care Problems (Clinical Hours: 150)
4
  Total 7
Sixth Semester (Fall)  
Course Title Credits
NURS 659 Organizational and Professional Dimensions of
Advanced Nursing Practice
3
NURS 679 Advanced Practice/Clinical Nurse Specialist Roles
in Health Care Delivery Systems (Clinical Hours: 150)
3
NURS 727 Advanced Acute Care Management
(Clinical Hours: 150)
4
  Total 10
Total Credits 42

*Students must have completed NPHY 612 before taking NURS 605 and NURS 623.
**Students must have completed NURS 723 before taking NURS 647.

Sample Plan of Part-Time Study (Spring Start)

First Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NPHY 612* Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology 3
NURS 723** Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 3
  Total 6
Second Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NURS 701 Science and Research for Advanced Nursing Practice 4
NURS 755 Families in Crisis 2
  Total 6
Third Semester (Spring)  
Course Title Credits
NURS 622 Systems and Populations in Health Care 3
NURS 659 Organizational and Professional Dimensions of 
Advanced Nursing Practice
3
  Total 6
Fourth Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NURS 605 Comprehensive Adult Health Assessment
(Clinical Hours: 40)
3
NURS 623 Advanced Assessment of the Critically Ill
(Clinical Hours: 45)
3
  Total 6
Fifth Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NPHY 620 Pathophysiological Alterations in the Critically Ill 2
NURS 647 Diagnosis and Management of Common Acute
Care Problems (Clinical Hours: 200)
5
  Total 7
Sixth Semester (Summer)  
Course Title Credits
NURS 726 Diagnosis and Management of Complex Acute
Care Problems (Clinical Hours: 150)
4
  Total 4
Seventh Semester (Fall)  
Course Title Credits
NURS 679 Advanced Practice/Clinical Nurse Specialist Roles
in Health Care Delivery Systems (Clinical Hours: 150)
3
NURS 727 Advanced Acute Care Management
(Clinical Hours: 150)
4
  Total 7
Total Credits 42

*Students must have completed NPHY 612 before taking NURS 605 and NURS 623.
**Students must have completed NURS 723 before taking NURS 647.

Post-Master's Option (non-degree)

This post-master’s specialty prepares nurse clinicians to provide advanced nursing care across the continuum of acute care services. The specialty incorporates coursework, laboratory, and clinical experiences in a variety of acute care settings. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). Graduates are also eligible to sit for the Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist certification examination offered by the AACN. Web-based courses may be available. 

Sample Plan of Full-Time Study

First Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NPHY 612* Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology 3
NURS 605* Comprehensive Adult Health Assessment 3
NURS 623* Advanced Assessment of the Critically Ill 3
  Total 9
Second Semester (Spring)
Course Title Credits
NPHY 620* Pathophysiological Alterations in the Critically Ill 2
NURS 723* Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 3
NURS 647 Diagnosis and Management of Common Acute Care Problems 5
  Total 10
Third Semester (Summer)
Course Title Credits
NURS 726 Diagnosis and Management of Complex Acute Care Problems 4
  Total 4
Fourth Semester (Fall)
Course Title Credits
NURS 727 Advanced Acute Care Management 4
  Total 4
Total Credits 13-27

*These courses may be waived based on evidence of successful completion of similar master’s courses.