College of Health Professions and Social Work

School of Nursing

The program leading to a post-master's certificate in Acute Care is designed to prepare registered nurses who possess MSN degrees to become certified as Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNP). This program is available on a part-time or full-time basis.

Program Admission Requirements

1. Submission of a FGCU Post-Baccalaureate Non-Degree Application to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
2. Master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program with cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on 4.0 scale.
3. Submission of official transcripts from each post secondary institution attended.
4. Current and unrestricted RN license with eligibility for Florida Licensure.
5. Provide evidence of a minimum one year current experience within an acute care setting which incorporates use and interpretation of advanced monitoring techniques based on knowledge of physiological and pharmacological principles.
6. Three references, one from applicant's current supervisor, one from an ACNP or physician familiar with the applicant's professional expertise, and one from applicant's academic faculty.
7. Completion of the following graduate courses:
   • Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology
   • Advanced Health Assessment (Competency Validation Required)
   • Concepts and Roles of Advanced Practice (Taken within past five years)

Program Requirements

Program Prerequisites

1. Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology
2. Advanced Health Assessment (Competency Validation Required)
3. Concepts and Roles of Advanced Practice (Taken within past five years)

Required Courses (45 hrs)

• NGR 6140 Pathophysiology I (2)
• NGR 6144 Pathophysiology II (2)
• NGR 6156 Anatomy and Physiology I (2)
• NGR 6165 Advanced Anatomy and Physiology II (2)
• NGR 6460 Pharmacology I (4)
• NGR 6461 Pharmacology II (4)
• NGR 6149 Advanced Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology III (1)
• NGR 6143 Advanced Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology IV (1)
• NGR 6031L Advanced Diagnostic Reasoning & Assessment (3)
• NGR 6210 Acute Care I (4)
• NGR 6210L Acute Care I - Practice (2)
• NGR 6211 Acute Care II (4)
• NGR 6211L Acute Care II - Practice (2)
• NGR 6213 Acute Care III (4)
• NGR 6213L Acute Care III - Practice (2)
• NGR 6214 Acute Care IV (2)
• NGR 6214L Acute Care IV - Practice (4)

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS REQUIRED: 45 HRS

Additional Graduation Requirements

• Earn a minimum of 35 semester hours with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on all course work attempted at FGCU.

Progression Requirements

Students must meet specific progression, clinical, and graduation requirements. See the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) Program Guidebook.

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