Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners (AG ACNP) provide a variety of patient care needs from disease to prevention. The role of the AGACNP is to care for patients with complex, acute conditions.
They focus on preventing future complications while improving the health of the patient. The AG ACNP role can also include teaching, leadership and research.
Program Type
Graduate Certificate
Program Format
Hybrid
The AGACNP Post-Graduate Certificate is a 21-credit program designed to provide advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with preparation as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. This specialty certificate builds upon existing education and broadens the scope of practice of current advanced practice prepared nurses. Employment in acute care environments such as inpatient hospital units, ICU, ED or PACU is highly preferred.
Graduates are eligible for national certification exams (ANCC or AACN) and pursue licensure nationwide.
Program Facts:
- Format: Hybrid
- Credits: 21
- Length: 3 semesters (12 months)
- Clinical Hours: 550 minimum + 140 simulation hours
- Dedicated clinical placement support
- Start Term: Spring only
- Estimated Tuition: 7 credits per semester $5,760.13 for three semesters.
Outcomes and Competencies
The AGACNP Post Graduate Certificate Program will prepare students consistent with the national nurse practitioner core competencies and the nurse practitioner competencies (NONPF, 2022; AACN, 2021).
Gainful Employment
This certificate program is subject to federal gainful employment regulations.
Due to new federal financial aid regulations, beginning with the summer 2017 term, students who had not previously been awarded federal financial aid at UWM and are enrolled in a standalone certificate program will no longer be eligible for federal Title IV aid. Students in a standalone certificate program who are seeking financial assistance may be eligible for private loans. Private loans are not guaranteed as they are subject to lender approval including a credit check.
FastChoice is a tool that will help you learn what to look for when shopping for a private loan. At the end of the short tutorial, it will provide a comparison shopping tool allowing you to sort, filter, and compare up to five lenders at one time.
Upon applying for the loan of your choice and being approved, the UWM Financial Aid Office will be notified by the lender to provide enrollment information. At such time the loan will be added to your financial aid award.
For previously enrolled students who have been awarded federal financial aid, see the Gainful Employment Certificate Disclosure Information: Gainful Employment Certificate Disclosure Information.
Students take each theory corse concurrently with a practicum course.
| Course | Course Number | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Practice Nursing Adult- Gero Chronic Illness | NURS 702 | 3 |
| Adult-Gero Acute Care NP Practicum I | NURS 822 | 4 |
| Advanced Practice Nursing Adult-Gero Acute Illness | NURS 703 | 3 |
| Adult-Gero Acute Care NP Practicum II | NURS 823 | 4 |
| Advanced Practice Nursing Adult-Gero Critical Illness | NURS 704 | 3 |
| Adult-Gero Acute Care NP Practicum III | NURS 824 | 4 |
Grade Point Average Requirement
A minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average in certificate courses taken at UWM is required.
Time Limit
Certificate program time is one year from the time of enrollment.
The admission requirements of the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care graduate certificate are consistent with those requirements specified by the UWM’s Graduate School. The admission requirements for the advanced practice certificate programs are in transition. Contact School of Nursing Student Affairs Academic Advisor prior to submitting an application. In addition, students must also meet the following requirements for the School of Nursing (more details in the application)
- A master’s or doctoral degree in Nursing from an accredited program providing preparation as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife, or certified registered nurse anesthetist.
- Certification in their current advanced practice registered nurse specialty as applicable.
- Completion with a grade of B or better of a graduate-level course in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment. Evidence of current prescriptive authority in the state of Wisconsin will be accepted in place of advanced pharmacology.
- Current registration as a Registered Nurse in the state of Wisconsin.
- One year of clinical experience relevant to the chosen specialty, such as adult medical surgical units, ICU, PACU or ED
The admission requirements of the Post Graduate Certificates are consistent with those requirements specified by the Graduate School of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In addition, nurses must meet the following requirements for nursing:
- Apply through the UWM Graduate School by June 1st for spring start
- Hold a master’s degree or doctoral degree in nursing from an accredited program with APRN preparation (CNS, NP, CRNA, or midwife)
- Maintain current APRN certification and current RN license in WI
- Certification in current advanced practice registered nurse speciality
- Completed advanced graduate coursework with a B or better in the following:
- Across the Lifespan Pathophysiology
- Across the Lifespan Pharmacology
- Across the Lifespan Health Assessment
- Evidence of prescriptive authority in the state of Wisconsin will be accepted in place of graduate pharmacology
- Submit the following:
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
- Updated resume/CV
- Personal statement that includes rationale for certificate study and professional goals
- Complete an interview. A faculty member may reach out to you to schedule a virtual interview.
- Have at least one year of clinical experience relevant to the chosen speciality
- One year of practice as an advanced practice nurse at the time of starting certificate program coursework. Employment or prior experience in speciality is highly preferred.
Time Limit
The certificate program time limit is one year from the time of enrollment.
Early Action Application: June 1st (spring start)
After June 1: pending space availability
(Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis per space availability)
Upcoming Information Sessions
Join an upcoming virtual information session to discuss certificate details and application questions.
- Mar30March 30, 2027, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
- May13May 13, 2027, 4:00pm - 5:00pm