New Master of Science in Nursing program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide acute care for pediatric, adult and geriatric patients, with particular value for rural communities
Concordia University Wisconsin is expanding its graduate nursing offerings with a new program designed to prepare advanced practice nurses to care for patients across the lifespan, from children to older adults.
The new Master of Science in Nursing: Dual Acute Care Pediatric and Adult/Gerontology program integrates pediatric and adult-gerontology acute care preparation into one 50-credit graduate program. Designed for BSN-prepared registered nurses seeking to advance into acute care nurse practitioner roles, the program provides preparation to assess, diagnose and manage complex acute health conditions in pediatric, adult and geriatric populations.
Students will also prepare to pursue two national board certifications, one in pediatric acute care and another in adult-gerontology acute care.
“This program prepares nurses to serve people of all ages with confidence and compassion,” said Jennifer Nicpon, DNP, FNP-BC, director of Graduate Nursing and assistant professor. “That breadth of preparation gives graduates greater flexibility to respond to complex needs in acute care.”
Greater flexibility in urban and rural healthcare
The dual acute care program is designed to address needs in both urban and rural healthcare settings.
As acute care credentials become increasingly important in urban hospitals, preparation in two acute care specialties can give nurse practitioners greater flexibility to serve pediatric and adult populations within larger health systems.
That versatility may be especially valuable in rural communities, where hospitals need providers who can serve patients across a broader continuum of care. Preparing nurse practitioners to work with patients from childhood through older adulthood can help equip them to meet the varied needs of the communities they serve.
“Rural hospitals need practitioners with the versatility to serve people of all ages,” said Jessica Leiberg, PhD, DNP, dean of the School of Nursing. “By preparing nurse practitioners in both pediatric and adult specialties, we’re helping strengthen the healthcare workforce in communities where that range of expertise can make a strong impact.”
One program, two acute care specialties
The 50-credit program is designed to be completed over eight semesters and combines online coursework with in-person clinical experiences in high-acuity healthcare settings.
Students will study advanced pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, advanced health assessment, evidence-based nursing practice, diagnostic skills for advanced practice registered nurses, healthcare policy and pediatric and adult-gerontology acute care.
Concordia nursing professionals also help match students with clinical locations, allowing students to focus on developing the knowledge and advanced practice skills they will need in their careers.
Graduates may pursue opportunities in settings such as hospital emergency departments, trauma centers, intensive care units and pediatric intensive care units.
Christ-centered care when patients need it most
The new program builds on Concordia’s approach to graduate nursing education by combining rigorous clinical preparation with a Christ-centered understanding of service.
Students in the Master of Science in Nursing: Dual Acute Care Pediatric and Adult/Gerontology program will integrate evidence-based practice, advanced clinical knowledge and interprofessional collaboration as they prepare to care for patients and families during some of their most critical moments.
That approach reflects Concordia’s mission as a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
Applicants must hold a BSN from an accredited institution and possess a current, unencumbered registered nurse license. Additional admission requirements apply.
For more information about the Master of Science in Nursing: Dual Acute Care Pediatric and Adult/Gerontology, visit https://www.cuw.edu/academics/programs/dual-acute-care-msn/.
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.