Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Description

The Graduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology CNS (AG-CNS) prepares graduates for advanced practice nursing in the role of the AG-CNS. The AG-CNS program curriculum is based on the Criteria for the Evaluation of Clinical Nurse Specialist Master’s, Practice Doctorate, and Post-Graduate Certificate Educational Programs (NACNS, 2019) and The Essentials (AACN, 2021). The patient population of the AG-CNS is adults and older adults. A CNS is an APRN prepared by a master’s, doctoral, or post-graduate certificate level CNS program. CNSs diagnose, prescribe, and treat patients and specialty populations across the continuum of care. The CNS improves outcomes by providing direct patient care, leading evidence-based practice, optimizing organizational systems, and advancing nursing practice (NACNS, 2024). 

The AG-CNS certificate program requires a total of 24 credit hours and 600 clinical hours. One-third of the program credits or seven credits may be accepted for transfer. 

Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the national AG-CNS certification examination administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.

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    Graduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology CNS Outcomes

    The following program outcomes will be achieved at completion of the Graduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology CNS:

    1. Demonstrate professional role practice consistent with the competencies of the unique specialty at the master’s level.
    2. Translate theoretical and conceptual knowledge into advanced nursing practice actions that promote optimal health care quality and patient safety outcomes.
    3. Integrate informatics, health care technology, and interpersonal collaboration in the delivery of person-centered nursing practice for individuals and populations.
    4. Engage in systems leadership with a focus on preventive care, policy development and patient advocacy.
    5. Integrate the Jesuit and Mercy traditions in providing culturally-competent, compassionate, holistic, and person-centered care with a commitment to human dignity in the contemporary world.
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    Admission Criteria

    1. A graduate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program.
    2. An unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Michigan or in the state of home residence.
    3. Official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended.
    4. One letter of professional recommendation from someone in a supervisory capacity.
    5. An autobiographical statement of personal goals and objectives.
    6. A current resume or professional CV.
    7. An interview with graduate faculty.
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    Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology CNS (24 credits)

    Advanced Practice Core

    • NUR 5162 Advanced Health Assessment for the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (3 credits)
    • HLH 5900 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
    • NUR 5800 Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses (3 credits)

    AG-CNS Major Courses

    • NUR 5748 Adult-Gerontology CNS Role and Theory I (3 credits)
    • NUR 5749 Adult-Gerontology CNS Practicum I (includes 200 practicum hours) (2 credits)
    • NUR 5752 Adult-Gerontology CNS Role and Theory II (3 credits)
    • NUR 5753 Adult-Gerontology CNS Practicum II (includes 200 practicum hours) (2 credits)
    • NUR 5755 Adult-Gerontology CNS Role and Theory III (3 credits)
    • NUR 5756 Adult-Gerontology CNS Practicum III (includes 200 practicum hours) (2 credits)

    Total credits:  24

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    Accreditation

    The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, Master of Science in Nursing degree, Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, and Post-graduate APRN Certificates at ±«Óãtv, McAuley School of Nursing are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW Suite 750, Washington, DC  20001.  Phone:  202-887-6791.
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    Program Contact Information

    Mitzi M. Saunders, PhD, APRN, CNS-C
    Adult-Gerontology CNS Coordinator
    College of Health Professions
    McNichols Campus
    Telephone: 734-355-2792
    Email: saundemm@udmercy.edu

    Julie Bazydlo, Graduate Recruiter
    College of Health Professions, 121
    McNichols Campus
    313-993-1828
    Email: bazydlju@udmercy.edu

±«Óãtv Catalogs


Graduate Catalog
2025-2026