Child and Adolescent Health Nurse Practitioner Primary/Acute Care Track, 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 resume or CV
• Current unrestricted State of Ohio Registered Nurse license.
• Interview prior to admission to the program.

Applicants for the Child and Adolescent Health Nurse Practitioner (clinical) Tracks are required to have 12 to 24 months current, hospital-based Pediatric Registered Nurse experience prior to acceptance into the graduate program. The Graduate Admissions and Progressions Committee will make the final determination for acceptance should there be concerns regarding the suitability of clinical experience.

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.

Child and Adolescent Health Nurse Practitioner Primary/Acute Care Track

The Child and Adolescent Health Nurse Practitioner track (Primary/Acute Care) (38 credit hours) focuses on the integration of evidenced based knowledge and skills in primary and acute care with children with complex, acute, critical, and chronic health conditions. Emphasis is on advanced practice in emergency departments, sub-specialty clinics, acute areas of hospitals, and intensive care units with children with complex, acute, critical, and chronic health conditions.

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 Child and Adolescent Health Nurse Practitioner Primary/Acute Care Track: