Program: Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Option, MSN - Widener University

Apr 07, 2025

2020-2021 Graduate Catalog

Curriculum

The master’s program in adult-gerontology CNS focuses on preparing graduates as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) for the clinical nurse specialist role. The program of study provides a broad foundation in health promotion/disease prevention, concepts of illness care, and clinical decision making grounded in evidence-based practices. The focus is on caring for late adolescents, adults, and senior adults in wellness through acute care settings, including emergency and critical care environments. Graduates are prepared for leadership in improving patient care outcomes and the quality of health care.

Curriculum

Required Courses (16 Credits)

NURS 611 - Introduction to Nursing Science 3 Credit(s)
NURS 634 - Nursing Leadership for Advanced Practice 3 Credit(s)
NURS 663 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Current Perspectives 1 Credit(s)
NURS 664 - The Health Care Environment: Technology and Health Policy 3 Credit(s)
NURS 684 - Using Research for Evidence-Based Practice 3 Credit(s)
NURS 690 - Population Health and Epidemiology 3 Credit(s)

Advanced Practice Core Courses (9 Credits)

NURS 601 - Advanced Pathophysiology 3 Credit(s)
NURS 608 - Advanced Health Assessment 3 Credit(s)
NURS 639 - Advanced Pharmacology 3 Credit(s)

Advanced Practice CNS Courses (15 Credits)

NURS 602 - Adult-Gerontology CNS Practice Role Seminar and Practicum I 5 credit Course; 2 credits didactic; 3 credits clinical based on graduate 56 hours of clinical = 1 168 clinical hours Credit(s)
NURS 603 - Adult-Gerontology CNS: Management of the Late Adolescent through Older Adult Patient 5 credit Course; 2 credits didactic; 3 credits clinical based on graduate 56 hours of clinical = 1 168 clinical hours Credit(s)
NURS 604 - Adult Gerontology CNS Practicum III in the Critical Care Environment 5 Credit(s)

Total Credits: 41

This 41-credit program is available at the Main Campus and the Harrisburg Campus.

A minimum of 500 hours of faculty supervised AP clinical hours is required. The program can be completed in 18–24 months of full-time study or at the student’s pace for part-time study within the five-year time limit post matriculation. Graduates are prepared to sit for the ANCC adult-gerontology CNS certification examination and/or the AACN adult-gerontology acute care CNS certification examination. A post-master’s certificate is also available (see section titled “Post-Master’s Certificates ”).