Adult/Gerontological Acute Care, Nurse Practitioner, Post-Master's Certificate

Adult/gerontological acute care nurse practitioners work in emergency departments, tertiary care settings, intensive care units, trauma centers and specialty medicine areas treating patients with acute, critical and chronic illness, as well as those with disabilities or injuries. 

Students will learn to use complex monitoring and invasive therapies, high-intensity interventions, and continuous vigilance within the range of high-acuity care to help meet the specialized physiological and psychological needs of adults of all ages, including the frail elderly.

Curriculum Overview

The post-master's nurse practitioner certificate programs are conducted almost completely online, requiring only two visits to the St. Louis campus.

A minimum of 15 credits are required for completion of a post-master's nurse practitioner certificate program. The total number of credits varies, depending on the particular certificate pursued.

At the School of Nursing’s discretion, students may transfer three to six credits of graduate-level coursework to be applied toward their post-master's certificate program of study.

Student files are individually reviewed and may be able to petition for "advanced standing" in courses such as “Advanced Health Assessment,” “Advanced Pathophysiology” and “Advanced Pharmacology.”

Careers

Upon completion of the post-master's N.P. certificate program, you will qualify to take certification exams through the American Nurses Credentialing Center, Pediatric Nursing Certification Board or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Admission Requirements

Saint Louis University School of Nursing accepts applications to its Master of Science in Nursing program from students living in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

• A master's degree in a nursing specialty, preferably from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency
• A college cumulative grade point of 3.2 or higher
• Completion of a graduate-level physiology or pathophysiology course and a beginning health assessment course, or the equivalent thereof
• Experience in an advanced practice role in nursing is preferred
• Proof of completion of an American Heart Care Provider course is required after acceptance.

Application Requirements

• Post-Master's NP Certificate application and fee
• Transcript(s)
• One letter of recommendation
• Résumé
• Professional goal statement
• Copy of current unencumbered Registered Nurse license in the state in which clinical experience will be done.

Requirements for International Students

International students on a F1 or J1 Student visa are not eligible for admission, as these programs are conducted entirely online. For additional information, contact the Office of International Services.

Application Deadlines

Application for admission and all supporting documents must be received by March 31 for the fall semester and Aug. 1 for the spring semester.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The Saint Louis University School of Nursing offers scholarship and graduate research assistantship opportunities to eligible graduate students. Financing for this program may be available through grants, scholarships, loans (federal and private) and institutional financing plans.  Additionally, most nursing students will participate in a tuition assistance program provided through their employer.

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.

Gainful Employment Disclosure

The U.S. Department of Education requires (per 34 CRF Part 668) that all institutions participating in the federal Title IV student financial assistance programs (Pell Grants, federal student loans, etc.) publicly disclose certain data regarding all academic programs designated as "Gainful Employment" programs per DOE definitions.  

Gainful Employment Disclosure

1. Graduates will be able to implement collaborative strategies to provide ethical, high quality, safe, effective, patient- centered care. 
2. Graduates will be able to use scholarly inquiry including evidence-based practice and research application to improve decision-making and health outcomes.
3. Graduates will be able to integrate advanced competencies, skills, theories, and cultural sensitivity in relationships with patients and professionals.
4. Graduates will be able to design culturally sensitive patient care that includes health promotion and disease prevention.
5. Graduates will be able to facilitate the improvement of health care through leadership within health care systems and communities.
6. Graduates will be able to demonstrate competence in a specialized area of advanced practice nursing that builds on foundational nursing knowledge.
7. Graduates will be able to utilize health care informatics and technologies to support practice.
8. Graduates will be able to advocate for policies that improve the health of the public and the profession of nursing.