Pictured | Lilian Mwangi | Master of Science in Nursing | Elkhart, Indiana (hometown)

Master of Science in Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

42 credit hours; 525 clinical supervised hours

The adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist major prepares nurses to serve as an advanced practice nurse. As an adult-gerontology CNS, nurses will be a clinical expert in nursing. Their practice focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of illness and the promotion of wellness. Nurses use theory and research to guide and improve nursing care, and to make important and unique contributions to healthcare.

As a graduate of this program, nurses are eligible for certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses as an Adult-Gerontology CNS upon completion of the degree. Additionally, as an advanced practice nurse, nurses qualify to apply for prescriptive authority from the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.

Core Courses (12 cr.)

All courses are 3 cr., untless otherwise designated.

• NURS-N 502 Theory I
• NURS-N 504 Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice
• NURS-R 500 Nursing Research Methods I
• NURS-R 590 Scholarly Project

Courses in the Major (23 cr.)

All courses are 3 cr., untless otherwise designated.

Courses noted with an asterisk (*) denote courses requiring clinical experience.

• NURS-L 650 Data Analysis for Clinical and Administrative Decision Making (pending final approval)
• NURS-M 500 Scientific Basis for Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice * (pending final approval)
• NURS-M 559 Stress and Coping * (pending final approval)
• NURS-M 560 Enhancing Health Behavior Through Psycho-Educational Intervention * (pending final approval)
• NURS-M 565 Symptom Management and Functional Enhancement (4 cr.) * (pending final approval)
• NURS-M 575 Roles in Health Systems * (4 cr.) (pending final approval)
• NURS-R 505 Measurement and Data Analysis

Core Advanced Clinical Courses (7 cr.)

All courses are 3 cr., untless otherwise designated.

Possible focus area courses include those listed below; or any graduate course related to interest.

• NURS-J 692 Independent Study in Nursing
  VT: Pathophysiology (section for Clinical Nurse Specialist) (2 cr.)
• NURS-J 692 Independent Study in Nursing
  VT: Physical Assessment (section for Clinical Nurse Specialist) (2 cr.)
• NURS-Y 612 Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan