Adult - Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG CNS)

The AG CNS focuses on acute health care, health-restoration and health-promotion, including physiological and psychosocial concepts and research underlying self-care and needs of individuals with multiple complex medical conditions. The CNS emphasizes a holistic view of patients and clients, family relationships, environmental influences, program development, advocacy, education and leadership. Students complete 615 hours of supervised clinical practice with advanced practice nursing and medical providers to develop advanced nursing skills. Clinical experiences are tailored to the individual student's goals and program objectives. Students complete Clinical Nurse Specialist nurse faculty are doctoral prepared.

The educational experiences are led by doctorally prepared Clinical Nurse Specialist nurse faculty. Faculty assist students in individualizing their education by facilitating work in clinical areas in the specialization courses. Practicum experiences provide opportunities for testing new approaches and developing advanced skills.

The MSN is for BSN prepared students and the PMSN certificate is for students who have obtained a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in another specialty. By completing this program, graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for recognition as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. The curriculum also includes coursework required by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners (TxBON) to be qualified as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN).

A gap analysis of previous master’s level courses will be completed for applicants to the AG CNS PMSN certificate program upon admission to determine exact course requirements to complete this program.