Purdue University Northwest

What you'll study

The program begins with advanced practice core courses and moves into AGCNS-specific coursework and supervised practica. Foundational and sample courses listed by the program include:

• NUR 50200 – Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing
• NUR 50300 – Advanced Health Assessment
• NUR 57400 – Pathophysiologic Concepts For Advanced Practice Nursing I
• NUR 57500 – Pathophysiologic Concepts For Advanced Practice Nursing II
• NUR 51100 – Health Promotion For Advanced Practice In Nursing
• NUR 60000 – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist I
• NUR 61800 – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist II
• NUR 62000 – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum II
• NUR 65800 – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum III: Clinical Synthesis

Typically offered part-time across multiple years (full-time students may complete in two years), coursework covers advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, evidence-based practice and progressive AGCNS practica to meet CNS practice competencies.

Entry requirements

• Graduation from an accredited baccalaureate program in nursing
• Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent “B” average)
• Current U.S. RN licensure
• Evidence of successful completion of an introductory statistics course
• International applicants whose native language is not English must meet Purdue University graduate school requirements
• Application deadlines: spring admission by September 15; fall admission by February 1

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to manage adult-gerontology patient populations, influence nursing practice and lead system-level improvements. Typical roles include population management, nursing practice leadership, and internal or external consulting; most alumni work within hospital systems but may find opportunities across varied healthcare settings. Graduates are eligible to sit for ANCC’s AGCNS and ACCNS’ AG certification exams.

Scholarships & funding angle

Several scholarships are available to students in the program; the listing specifically cites the Lorraine Kirkley scholarship for those interested in cardiovascular nursing. Graduate assistantships are also offered. The College of Nursing houses the Indiana Center for Evidence Based Nursing Practice, which may provide academic and professional development resources for students.