Post-Graduate Doctor of Nursing Practice Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)-Nurse Anesthesia Track
Students enrolled in the DNP Nurse Anesthesia program may consider the post-doctoral AGACNP track. This track prepares the graduate to become certified as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), in addition to a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
The students will first complete the Nurse Anesthesia program (36 months) and receive their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Students are then eligible to take the National Certification Exam (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) to become a CRNA. For those who wish to enroll in the post-graduate AGACNP program, the application process is simplified.
The AGACNP courses are offered via distance learning with synchronous and asynchronous formats, however students are required to return to campus during the NR 644 and NR 645 courses for training and skills assessments. Clinicals will be arranged by the program, and as much as possible will be located near your residence. Practicum hours must be with an AGACNP, physician intensivist, or physician hospitalist (critical care medicine).
After completing the required courses (14 credits) and clinical hours (minimum 500 hours) in the post-graduate AGACNP curriculum, the student will be eligible to take the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) certification exam. This exam is available through either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).