Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, MSN

The Master of Science in Nursing curriculum includes a minimum of 30 credit hours of study depending on the specialty track. The advanced practice tracks include Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Child and Adolescent Health Nursing (Primary, Acute, Dual). Graduates are prepared for advanced practice as nurse practitioners. 

Admission Requirements

  • Baccalaureate degree in a nursing program accredited by the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA), the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or AACN’s Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a foreign institution must be recognized by The University of Akron.
  • 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale for BSN and all previous nursing degrees.
  • Two letters of reference from a recent employer; a member of the nursing profession; a former faculty member.
  • 300-word essay describing professional goals.
  • Current unrestricted State of Ohio Registered Nurse license.
  • Interview prior to admission to the program.

Applicants for the clinical tracks are required to have a minimum of 12 months registered nurse experience current within the last five years prior to entrance into the graduate program. The RN experience must be relevant to the area of interest.

Admission Procedures

The student should access the online graduate application through the Graduate School webpage. Questions regarding admissions may be directed to the School of Nursing Graduate Program Office (330) 972-7555.

The School of Nursing Graduate Admission and Progression Committee and the Assistant Director of Graduate Programs will review and make decisions for applications. The admit decision will be sent to the Graduate School. Applicants will receive notification of the admission decision via an e-letter from the Graduate School and a letter from the School of Nursing.

Program Specific Requirement:

STAT 661 Statistics for Life Sciences or equivalent graduate level statistics course. Receives no credit toward the degree.

Nursing Core

The curriculum consists of a core of 14 credit hours. These courses encompass advanced theory, evidence-based practice, information management in nursing, health policy, and pathophysiological concepts. Core courses are required of all students.

Note: Students are required to obtain a 'B-' or better in any given course in order to progress in the program while maintaining good academic standing.

NURS 606Information Management in Advanced Nursing Practice3
NURS 607Policy Issues in Nursing2
NURS 608Pathophysiological Concepts of Nursing Care3
NURS 619Principles of Evidence Based Practice3
Total Hours11

Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track

Meets eligibility requirements for certification through American Nurses Credentialing Center [ANCC] and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners [AANP]. 

Note: Students are required to obtain a 'B-' or better in any given course in order to progress in the program while maintaining good academic standing.

Courses required to progress in the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track:

NURS 610Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan3
NURS 612Advanced Clinical Pharmacology Across the Lifespan3
NURS 620Adult/Gerontological Health Nursing NP I2
NURS 621Adult/Gerontological Health Nursing NP II2
NURS 622Adult/Gerontological Health Nursing NP III2
NURS 624Adult/Gerontological Health Nursing NP IV1
NURS 627Adult/Gerontological Health Nursing NP I Practicum2
NURS 628Adult/Gerontological NP II Practicum2
NURS 629Adult Gerontological Health Nursing NP III Practicum2
NURS 631Adult/Gero Health Nursing NP IV Practicum2
NURS 690Clinical Management I3
NURS 692Clinical Management II3
NURS 694Clinical Management III3
Total Hours30