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The Adult-Gerontology Nursing Track at the University of North Dakota is a comprehensive program designed to prepare registered nurses to provide advanced care to adult and older adult populations across diverse healthcare settings. This specialized track offers students the opportunity to develop expert clinical skills, engage in rigorous coursework, and acquire the leadership qualities necessary to excel in complex healthcare environments. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, health promotion, disease prevention, and management of chronic illnesses in adult and aging populations, ensuring graduates are equipped to meet the unique healthcare needs of these groups.
Students enrolled in this program will undertake advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment courses, complemented by specialized classes focusing on aging and adult health. Practical experience is gained through supervised clinical rotations in various healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations, providing real-world exposure and skill development. The program encourages interprofessional collaboration and critical thinking, preparing graduates for roles as Adult-Gerontology Certified Nurse Specialists (AG-CNS) or Nurse Practitioners (AGNP), depending on the chosen focus.
The faculty includes experienced clinicians and researchers dedicated to advancing nursing practice and improving patient outcomes. The program is designed to be flexible, accommodating working professionals through part-time and full-time pathways. Graduates of the Adult-Gerontology Nursing Track are well-prepared to obtain certification and to contribute meaningfully to healthcare teams, focusing on patient-centered care, health education, and advocacy for adult and older adult populations. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, the University of North Dakota provides an enriching educational environment that supports students throughout their professional journey, culminating in a rewarding career dedicated to improving lifespan health and wellness.
The Adult-Gerontology Nursing Track at the University of North Dakota is a comprehensive advanced practice program designed to prepare registered nurses for roles as either Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) or Nurse Practitioners (NP) specializing in adult and gerontology populations. The program equips students with the essential clinical expertise, leadership skills, and advanced knowledge required to provide high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community health environments.
Throughout the program, students engage in a rigorous curriculum that covers advanced health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and evidence-based practice. Special emphasis is placed on the unique health needs of adult and aging populations, addressing chronic disease management, health promotion, disease prevention, and health education. The curriculum integrates both classroom instruction and clinical practice, allowing students to develop critical thinking, diagnostic reasoning, and independent decision-making proficiency under the supervision of experienced faculty and practicing clinicians.
In addition to core nursing courses, the program offers specialized coursework tailored to the adult-gerontology population, such as managing complex health conditions, geriatric pharmacology, and ethical/legal issues in healthcare. Students are also trained in leadership, policy advocacy, and quality improvement initiatives to prepare for roles that influence healthcare delivery systems.
The program is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers in advanced practice nursing. The flexibility of the program accommodates working professionals through online learning components combined with intensive clinical practicums. Upon successful completion, graduates are prepared to obtain certification as Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners or Clinical Nurse Specialists, qualifying them to provide primary and specialty care services independently or collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
Graduates of the Adult-Gerontology Nursing Track are well-equipped to improve health outcomes for adult and older adult populations, contribute to healthcare innovation, and assume leadership positions in clinical practice, education, policy, and research. The University of North Dakota’s program fosters a supportive learning environment with experienced faculty committed to mentoring students through their transition into advanced nursing roles, ultimately shaping competent, compassionate, and highly skilled adult-gerontology healthcare professionals.
Program requirements for the Adult-Gerontology Nursing Track (CNS or NP) at the University of North Dakota include the completion of prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and statistics. Applicants must hold a current and active registered nurse license in the United States. A minimum of one year of clinical nursing experience in adult or gerontological settings is typically preferred or required. Prospective students are required to submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, demonstrating a strong academic record. Additionally, applicants must submit a completed application form, a résumé or curriculum vitae detailing clinical practice and employment history, a personal statement outlining their professional goals and motivation for pursuing graduate study in adult-gerontology nursing, and at least three letters of recommendation from professional or academic references familiar with the applicant's clinical and academic competencies.
International students are subject to additional requirements, including proof of English language proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores that meet the university’s minimum standards. The program also requires students to complete a criminal background check and a drug screening prior to enrollment, in accordance with clinical affiliate policies.
Once admitted, students must complete a specified curriculum consisting of core graduate nursing courses, specialized adult-gerontology content, advanced health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and leadership in healthcare. Clinical practicum experiences at approved healthcare facilities are integral to the program, providing hands-on training in adult and geriatric patient care where students develop assessment, management, and intervention skills under faculty supervision. Capstone projects or comprehensive exams are part of the graduation requirements, emphasizing the application of evidence-based practices. To maintain enrollment and progress, students must adhere to the university’s academic policies, including maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0, completing coursework within designated timeframes, and participating in program assessments.
The University of North Dakota offers various financing options for students enrolled in the Adult-Gerontology Nursing Track, whether pursuing a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) specialization. Students can explore federal financial aid programs, including Stafford Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized), which provide low-interest loans to eligible graduate students. Additionally, graduate students may qualify for Grad PLUS loans to cover the cost of tuition and related expenses. The university participates in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and prospective students are encouraged to submit their applications promptly to determine their eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Institutional scholarships and grants are also available for qualified students based on academic achievement, financial need, and special criteria. The UND Office of Financial Aid assists students in identifying suitable funding sources and guides them through the application process. Some students may also benefit from external funding sources such as private scholarships, professional organization grants, and employer sponsorships, especially if they are healthcare professionals working in relevant fields.
Furthermore, students enrolled in the Adult-Gerontology Nursing program can consider private student loans as a supplement if necessary. Many students also explore alternative financing options like payment plans offered by the university, which allow for manageable installment payments over the semester or academic year. It is recommended that students contact the UND Financial Aid Office early to discuss their individual circumstances and tailor a financial plan that suits their educational and personal needs.
The university emphasizes transparency and support throughout the financing process, ensuring students understand the total cost of attendance, potential debt obligations, and repayment options post-graduation. Overall, the combination of federal aid, institutional resources, and external funding options provides comprehensive support to help students finance their graduate studies in Adult-Gerontology Nursing at the University of North Dakota.
The Adult-Gerontology Nursing Track at the University of North Dakota offers advanced educational opportunities for registered nurses seeking to specialize in adult-gerontology nursing practice. This program is designed to prepare students for roles as either Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) or Nurse Practitioners (NP), focusing on providing comprehensive, patient-centered care to adult and older adult populations across various healthcare settings. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, healthcare policy, and advanced clinical skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to assess, diagnose, and manage complex health conditions.
Students engaging in this track can expect coursework that includes pathophysiology, pharmacology, advanced health assessment, and specialized clinical rotations that reflect the diverse needs of adult and geriatric patients. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical considerations in healthcare, and the utilization of technology and informatics in patient care. Through rigorous clinical practicum experiences, students gain hands-on skills under the supervision of experienced faculty and practicing clinicians, enabling them to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world practice effectively.
This adult-gerontology specialization caters to registered nurses aiming to enhance their clinical expertise, leadership abilities, and research skills. Graduates are prepared for certification as Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners or Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialists, depending on their chosen focus within the program. These roles are crucial in addressing the complex healthcare needs of the aging population, especially given the increasing longevity and prevalence of chronic diseases among adults and older adults.
The program is offered in flexible formats, including online and hybrid options, facilitating access for working professionals. It generally requires completion of both didactic coursework and clinical hours, with a typical duration spanning from 18 to 24 months, depending on enrollment status and prior qualifications. Admission requirements include a current U.S. RN license, a bachelor's degree in nursing, and relevant clinical experience.
Graduates of the Adult-Gerontology Nursing Track at the University of North Dakota are positioned to advance in their careers as independent, evidence-based practitioners capable of impacting patient outcomes positively. They are also prepared to contribute to nursing education, policy development, and ongoing research in adult-gerontology health. The program’s integration of advanced clinical practice with leadership and research prepares graduates to meet the evolving demands of healthcare delivery to aging populations, both regionally and nationally.