MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Online Program

In this course, the student encounters advanced content in pathophysiology and human physiologic responses across the lifespan. The student explores, analyzes, applies, and evaluates the normal and abnormal human responses to selected pathophysiologic mechanisms and conditions. 

This course expands the knowledge of health assessment principles specific to the role of the APN. The student will develop assessment techniques related to history and physical examination of clients across the lifespan, including psychiatric-mental health and related supportive assessment. Student will explore, analyze, apply, and evaluate these principles in the classroom setting. This course includes approximately 25 hours of lab practicing physical assessment skills using both a virtual and on-ground learning environment. A remote hands-on physical examination check-off will also occur in the course. The student will submit a video recording to complete this assignment. Additionally, an immersion skills lab will occur in this course. The student is responsible for completing and certifying at least 25 hours practicing physical assessment skills in the course. The remote physical examination check-off and the immersion lab are graded as pass/fail and are not factored into the course GPA. Students must pass each of these in order to pass the course and progress in the program. If either are failed the course grade will revert to a failing grade (F). 

In this course, the student focuses on mastering pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenomics, fundamental pharmacology, and therapeutics, covering broad categories of agents used to treat common conditions encountered by the advanced practice nurse. Emphasis is placed on the decision-making process utilized to prescribe and monitor pharmacotherapeutics for the treatment of acute and chronic diseases appropriate to the patient’s situation safely and effectively. 

In this course the student builds expanded knowledge of pharmacology in acute and chronic diseases in adolescents, adults, and older adults while applying foundational principles from previous courses. Specific issues in the pharmacologic management of acute and chronic health conditions will be addressed including the effects of culture, ethnicity, age, gender, and funding on pharmacologic management. Polypharmacy, legal, and ethical aspects of prescribing will be also addressed. 

In this course the student will master content regarding formulating differential diagnoses of individuals within the primary care setting, along with an introduction to critical reasoning and diagnostic skills to cultivate evidence-based behaviors. An emphasis will be placed on processing patient information in a logical, progressive manner and formulating differential diagnoses for adolescents, adults, older adults, and women in a practicum experience in a precepted primary care setting. 

In this course the student will gain knowledge needed to manage the multidimensional care of adolescents, adults, women, and at-risk and marginalized populations specific to the role of the adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) with a focus on common acute and chronic diseases. The student will explore, analyze, apply, and evaluate acute and chronic health conditions frequently encountered in primary care of adolescents, adults, and women. Students will further develop their skills related to patient education, protocol development, follow-up, and referral through a practicum experience in a precepted primary care setting. 

In this course the student will gain knowledge needed to manage multidimensional care of older adults specific to the role of the AGPCNP with a focus on common acute and chronic diseases. The student will explore, analyze, apply, and evaluate acute and chronic health conditions frequently encountered in primary care of older adults. Students will further develop their skills related to patient education, protocol development, and referral through a practicum experience in a precepted primary and long-term settings. 

In this course the student will apply an evidence-based approach to provide in-depth examination of palliative care principles specific to the role of the adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) with a focus on palliative care. The student will explore, analyze, apply, and evaluate serious, life-limiting, incurable health conditions frequently encountered in primary care of adolescents, adults and older adults at any stage of illness or development. Students will examine the obstacles and opportunities to provide palliative care from a practice and policy perspective within current and emerging models of care. Students, in collaboration with other disciplines, integrate physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of care for the patient, family, and communities through a practicum experience in a precepted hospice, palliative care, or rehabilitation setting. 

The student will synthesize all elements of management skills and knowledge and continue to independently analyze, apply, and evaluate diverse aspects of patient assessment, and healthcare intervention. This precepted practicum will be with an approved provider in an adult-gerontology primary care practice setting. Focus topics include independent practicum management skills, revolving case studies, chart reviews, and practice critiques. At the end of the capstone practicum the student will be prepared for entry into practice providing advanced healthcare to adolescents, adults, and older adults after first passing the primary care adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner national certification exam. An on-ground intensive review session occurs during the course.