Post-Master's Certificate Program
Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (GNP)
The online Post-Master’s Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Program is designed to provide the master’s prepared nurse with the necessary skills and knowledge to assume the role of a geriatric nurse practitioner upon completion of the program. The patient population includes adults over age 65 (the young-old, old, frail, and old-old adults). Students will be prepared to manage both chronic and acute health care needs of older adults.
Practitioner skills include identification, screening and triage of acute episodic illnesses; nursing and medical management of commonly encountered acute and chronic illnesses in collaboration and consultation with an interdisciplinary team; development of a knowledge base of community needs and resources available for health promotion; health teaching, guidance, and counseling of geriatric clients and their families about illness and its prevention; and health promotion, maintenance, and management.
The Post-Master’s GNP Certificate Program is offered entirely on-line. Both synchronous and asynchronous learning activities will require frequent, yet flexible, course interactions. Students do not need to travel to Charlottesville, Virginia at any point during the program. All course requirements can be met from the students' home community.
The program consists of three seminar courses that are offered completely online and two preceptorship courses that permit students to meet the clinical component of the program within their home communities.
The program begins in late-May with Seminar I. Full-time students can complete the full program in 12 months (May to May). Part-time students complete the program in 24 months (seminars in the first year, preceptorships in the second year).
Students need to have completed graduate courses in pathophysiology, health assessment and pharmacology before progressing to GNP Seminar II (GNUR 593) or the first preceptorship. Students may enroll in the first summer course (GNP Seminar I, GNUR 592) while completing any outstanding prerequisite requirements.
Program Coordinator: Courtney Lyder, ND, GNP, (434) 982-3298, email: lyder@virginia.edu.
Clinicals
Students complete 504 clinical hours in experiences to focus on private practice, ambulatory clinics, long-term care facilities, and the patient’s home.
Certification
Students are qualified to sit for the Geriatric Nurse Practitioner certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the School of Nursing is competitive and based on evaluation of all portions of the application. To be considered for the Post-Master's Certificate, applicants must submit a completed application and:
- Have a master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited school
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate and graduate study
- Hold an unencumbered RN license for the state where you intend to do your practica
- Submit clear statements of educational/professional goals, as well as on diversity
- Submit three satisfactory academic and professional recommendations
- Submit a copy of your resume or CV
- Be available for an interview if requested
Application deadline:
Fall or Summer entry: April 1
Spring entry: November 1
International applicants are required also to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. Visit their websites for more information. The University of Virginia institutional code number is R-5820, nursing #0610.
Downloads, Prorgam of Study, and Links
For More Information
For additional information on admission to and programs of study at the UVa School of Nursing, please fill our our online form. You are also welcome to call the Office of Addmissions at (434) 924-0141 / (888) 283-8703.
Questions on admissions and financial aid should be directed to Clay Hysell, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Services, email hysell@virginia.edu