MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AGACNPs) provide care for patients with acute, critical or complex chronic health conditions in diverse health care settings. The AGACNP concentration at Goldfarb School of Nursing focuses on preparing students for intensivist roles in critical care. In collaboration with experienced AGACNPs and Washington University Physicians, students are immersed in the critical care environments at Barnes-Jewish Hospital , including the surgical/burn/trauma, neuro, cardiothoracic and medical intensive care units (ICUs). Additional clinical time is gained in telemedicine and in the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, emergency medicine, and the diabetes service at Barnes-Jewish. Elective hours are also included to allow students the ability to tailor the program to their identified needs and interests.

Graduates of the AGACNP concentration will:

• Obtain health histories and perform physical exams,
• Order and interpret laboratory and imaging studies,
• Diagnose and design plans of care,
• Integrate invasive and noninvasive technologies, interventions and procedures into plans of care, as well as perform invasive procedures and
• Collaborate and communicate with patients, families, and other members of a multidisciplinary health care team.

This is a unique master’s degree program for post-BSN students. You'll be prepared for the complex and evolving roles of independent practitioners in intensive and acute care environments, including the business aspect of nurse practitioner practice. A post-master’s certificate is also available for MSNs interested in pursuing this specialty.

The MSN AGACNP program is currently being offered in a hybrid format with a planned transition to online beginning spring, 2024.

Our Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration has many benefits for students.

Pre-Arranged Clinical Sites & Preceptors

Clinical experiences are pre-arranged by faculty and emphasize gaining competence as a practitioner in the critical care environment, with an additional focus on urgent care and diabetes management at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Students work with an experienced group of acute care nurse practitioners, other advanced practice providers, and Washington University School of Medicine critical care and emergency medicine physicians.

Experienced Faculty

From the classroom to clinical settings, our highly skilled clinical faculty bring their real-world experience to bear throughout the full learning process and maintain an active clinical practice in critical care. Our students also benefit from expert guest faculty from Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, which complement the program’s didactic and lab components.

Small Class Sizes and Individual Support

Our small class sizes allow for personalized attention as each student progresses through the program and our curriculum.

Convenience for Working Students

Core courses are online, offering both flexibility and convenience for busy students. Face to face courses are offered on the same day of the week.

Goldfarb is conveniently located on the Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital campus where most of our clinical experiences take place.

State-of-the-Art Clinical Simulations

We offer high-fidelity patient simulation through our world-class Clinical Simulation Institute. Simulated learning experiences provide students with additional exposure to problems frequently seen in acute and critical care settings or those that may result in significant morbidity and mortality. The Clinical Simulation Institute also provides the perfect environment for gaining hands-on experience with procedures and skills commonly utilized in these settings.

Dedicated Invasive Procedures & Skills Course

Gain additional support and experience through a dedicated course where you’ll perform invasive procedures like central line insertion, arterial line insertion, airway management, and lumbar puncture in a simulated environment. Students are also introduced to critical care ultrasound, ECG interpretation, and mechanical ventilation management. An introduction to the interpretation of chest and abdominal radiology is provided by Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology physicians followed by designated clinical hours in the radiology reading rooms at Washington University School of Medicine.

Accreditation 

Graduates of the accredited Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration will be prepared to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) certification exam to become certified in the field. 

Career Prospects

Our students secure jobs in a variety of settings and with a variety of patient populations and can typically be found practicing in critical care, emergency medicine, and acute care services within hospitals.

Successful Program Outcomes

• Certification exam pass rate for first-time takers: 99%  
• Overall certification exam pass rate: 100%
• Employment rate within 6 months of graduation: 96%
• Student retention rate: 96%.

Faculty

Beth Beyatte DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, ANP-BC

Faculty

Assistant Professor, Director of Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program

Email: [email protected]

Ann Cage ACNP-BC, ANP-BC

Faculty

Email: [email protected]

The following items are required when applying to the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all undergraduate coursework
• Satisfactory completion of an undergraduate or graduate statistics course
• Active RN license in good standing
• 1 year recent experience as an RN in an ICU setting
• Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) provider status
• An email with additional information regarding compliance requirements will be sent three months prior to the start date