The University of Providence’s Post-Master’s Nursing Concentration Certificates provide advanced practice registered nurses with a Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing degree the opportunity to advance their nursing career through one of two rapidly growing disciplines. Both concentration certificates combine online, didactic coursework with in-person practicum hours to best prepare students for advanced practice nursing in nurse education or adult-gerontology primary care. Graduates of either concentration certificate will also be eligible to sit for professional certification.
Explore questions about our Post-Master’s Nursing Concentration Certificates.
What two concentration certificates are available?
UP offers two concentration certificates. The adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) concentration certificate and the nurse educator concentration certificate.
How long will it take to complete each concentration certificate?
Students who enroll in either the AGPCNP or nurse educator concentration certificates will receive a unique, personalized curriculum plan based on an analysis of their transcripts. Completed times are dependent upon the number of courses a student takes per semester, their enrollment status, and the number of transfer credits applied to their respective concentration.
Are in-person courses required?
No. All didactic curriculum is completed online through synchronous or asynchronous learning formats. Practicum hours are completed in person specific to the student’s location.
Can I transition into a DNP after completing the concentration?
Graduates of either concentration certificate can go on to earn their DNP.
Can I work full-time while completing the concentration?
Due to the time commitment necessary to complete all required practicum rotations, students are encouraged to refrain from full-time employment while completing them for either program.
Do I need a specific type of computer/technology upon enrollment?
Since the majority of coursework is completed online, students are encouraged to have access to a personal computer or laptop containing high-speed internet and webcam.
Are the concentration certificates accredited by a recognized accrediting body?
UP is regionally accredited by both the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and the Montana Board of Nursing. The Post-Master Nurse Educator Concentration Certificate is also nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Post-Master Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration Certificate is seeking to be accredited by the CCNE.
Will I be required to take any pre-requisite courses?
Upon admission to each concentration certificate, students will undergo a transcript evaluation. The results of the evaluation will determine whether pre-requisite courses will be required.
How many classes are in each concentration certificate?
Nurse Educator: Students can expect to complete four (4) CORE Master of Science in Nursing courses and four (4) nurse educator concentration courses for eight (8) courses total.
AGPCNP: Students can expect to complete four (4) CORE Master of Science in Nursing courses and eight (8) AGPCNP concentration courses for twelve (12) courses total.
Are there clinical components for each concentration certificate?
Students in both the nurse educator and AGPCNP concentration certificates are expected to complete all required practicum hours in order to meet eligibility for graduation:
AGPCNP: The concentration requires students to complete 570 practicum hours.
Nurse Educator: The concentration requires students to complete 90 hours of teaching practicum
What student support services are offered by UP?
The University of Providence offers a variety of services available to online students. Support services include accessibility and disability services, the academic success, writing and math center, library research services, and more. Read more on the Academic Support page.
Are there financial aid options or scholarships available?
UP’s financial services can guide students interested in pursuing financial aid opportunities. Financial services can provide additional information on eligibility, applications, and requirements for scholarships, payment plans, federal aid, and military/veteran student aid.
What are practicums and how are they different from clinicals?
Nursing practicums provide students with the opportunity to apply hands-on experience in a specialized area of nursing practice while under the direct supervision of an experienced professional while clinicals include multiple areas of focus.
Can I enroll in a concentration certificate if I don’t have a Master of Science in Nursing?
No. Requirements for UP’s Master of Science in Nursing concentration certificates stipulate that all students must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited university.
What is the difference between a concentration and a concentration certificate?
The primary difference between a concentration and a concentration certificate is that students who enroll in a concentration certificate have an MSN from an accredited university earned prior to enrollment. Master of Science in Nursing concentration students do not have an MSN.
Do faculty support students in obtaining practicum locations?
Students and faculty will work in collaboration to secure practicum rotations at approved sites.
Can students in the AGPCNP concentration certificate pursue an acute care position?
No. The AGPCNP concentration certificate will only prepare students to work in non-hospital, primary care settings. The concentration does not prepare students to work in acute care settings.
Do nurse educator certificate applicants require a teaching degree for admission?
No. While prior teaching experience can enhance the concentration certificate, students are not required to possess academic or professional experience in teaching prior to enrollment.
What is adult-gerontology primary care?
Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses responsible for administering primary care services to patients from across their adult lifespan. Some common tasks include diagnosing and treating patients will illnesses, conducting routine checkups and assessments on patients, and offering patient education on general health and nutrition.
What teaching opportunities are available for nurse educator graduates?
Graduates of the nurse educator concentration can find positions across a broad spectrum. Positions can include working at universities, training schools, or colleges. Nurse educators can also work in the private sector, including workforce development, professional development and training, for certification bodies, or accreditation and certifying boards.
What post-graduation certifications are available in adult-gerontology primary care?
Graduates of the AGPCNP concentration will be eligible to apply for certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination upon graduation.
Can graduates of the nurse educator concentration certificate pursue certification?
Yes. Graduates will be qualified to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator Certification through the NLN.
