Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Post-Master’s Certificate

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Post-master’s (PM) certificates are available for the advanced practice (APRN) roles of clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and family (individual across the lifespan) CRNP.

A post-master’s certificate for the CNS role is available for adult–gerontology. The focus of the certificate is on the development of the APRN role of the CNS for those individuals with a master’s degree in another nursing area. Length of time for completion varies based on a portfolio assessment of prior coursework, continuing education, and experience. The certificate can be completed in 18–24 months of part-time study. Required credits vary depending on prior education. A minimum of 500 hours of faculty-supervised advanced clinical practice is required for certification as a CNS.

Admission

Registered nurses with a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program are eligible to apply for the post-master’s certificate programs. To apply, arrange for a personal interview and submit the following to the graduate nursing office:

Completed online application.
Transcript from the master’s degree program.
Two recommendations regarding applicant’s practice and potential for the FNP or CNS advanced practice role.
Valid U.S. license as a registered nurse. NP option requires PA State Board of Nursing licensure or as appropriate.
Goal statement related to FNP or CNS role.

Information and an application may be obtained online by visiting our web site at www.widener.edu.

International Students Admission Process

International nursing students must submit the “Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Credentials Evaluation” at the time of admission. Information is available from:

CGFNS
3600 Market Street, Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19014-2651 USA
Phone: 215-349-8767
Web site: www.CGFNS.org

Curriculum

Required 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)

Note(s)

Graduate-level courses (3 credits) in each of the following—advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology—are prerequisites to the certificate options.

The program of study that appears here applies to students who were admitted for the summer session of this catalog year and later. Students admitted prior to that term should select the appropriate catalog year of their admission. Choose previous catalogs from the Home, Graduate, or Undergraduate Catalog Page at http://Catalog.widener.edu.