Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin. ​

Program Description

This online graduate degree in nursing will provide students with the academic knowledge, skills, and expertise to apply for certification as an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Graduates will be prepared to have integrated praxis philosophy throughout multiple courses. Courses consist of core MSN courses, specialty concentration courses, and clinical courses. This program is for licensed registered nurses (current, unrestricted license) who have a Master of Science in Nursing degree and are interested in advancing their careers to become certified as an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.

Prior to enrollment, individuals considering a Post Master’s Certificate program (nurse practitioner tracks) should check with their applicable state board of nursing before enrolling in any graduate nursing program for any specific state requirements and required clinical courses for eligibility to apply for licensure.

Post Master’s Certificate Adult Gerontology - Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program Outcomes 

Students are expected to meet all the core MSN program outcomes as well as the Adult Gerontology-Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program outcomes. Upon completion of their program, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate critical thinking and holistic caring as an advanced practice nurse.

2. Analyze scientific literature for application to selected diagnoses and treatment plans.

3. Synthesize ethical principles into the management and evaluation of healthcare delivery concerns in culturally diverse care settings.

4. Articulate a personal philosophy and framework acknowledging professional and accrediting agency competencies relating to the role and scope of practice of the adult gerontology nurse practitioner.

5. Implement the role of the adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner in selected clinical settings.

Potential Occupational Titles 

Potential occupational titles for this program include, but are not limited to nurse practitioner, advanced practice nurse, advanced practice provider, and adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner.

Third Party Testing

Assessment and remediation are critical components of nursing education. Students in the graduate nursing program may be required to take proctored third-party, standardized exams in an electronic format throughout the curriculum. These standardized tests are valid and reliable predictors of success on certification examinations and provide valuable feedback concerning student strengths and weaknesses. Student learning outcome data identifies content areas that require remediation, allowing faculty to personalize student support and intervention. Courses that utilize third-party exams will incorporate the points based upon student performance as specified in the course syllabus.

Clinical Proficiency Exam and Policy

Students in the graduate nursing program are subject to a clinical proficiency exam following successful completion of the following courses: Advanced Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology and Advanced Pharmacology (3P’s). This exam is a comprehensive assessment of all content covered in the three courses completed.

The Clinical Proficiency Exam is administered, utilizing a proctoring program, while completing either NU 611, NU 671, or NU 664 depending on the student’s program.

If the “benchmark” score on the first attempt is not attained a plan for remediation will be developed in collaboration with the faculty/program chair/success coach and a second attempt will be provided. If the student is below the” benchmark” score on the second attempt, the student cannot enroll in the next semester clinical courses. The student will be enrolled in any outstanding didactic courses as well as a Nursing Remediation course to provide remediation of the content. At the end of the remediation course, students will be provided a final attempt to demonstrate competency on the Clinical Proficiency exam.

If the student is unsuccessful on the final attempt to demonstrate competency, the student will be dismissed from the program and will not be eligible to re-enter into another practice program. A student who is dismissed may appeal to transfer into any other non-practice program nursing track or non-nursing program offered at Herzing University.

Students who are successful on the final retake exam will be rescheduled by Registrar Services in the next available clinical course.

Program Content 

A minimum of 33.00 semester credit hours is required for graduation.