Are you a registered nurse looking to expand your expertise and career opportunities? The Fnp And Acute Care Dual Program offers a unique pathway to become a versatile and highly sought-after advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). This comprehensive Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares graduates for dual certification as both a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and an Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP). This dual specialization allows you to provide comprehensive care across the lifespan in both primary care and acute care settings.
Program Overview: Dual Expertise in Family and Acute Care
The Dual Role (FNP/AGACNP) program is meticulously designed to equip nurses with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to excel in today’s complex healthcare environment. Graduates will be prepared to synthesize advanced nursing theories, research, and evidence-based practices to deliver exceptional patient care. This program not only positions you for leadership roles within the nursing profession but also serves as a strong foundation for doctoral studies, should you wish to further your academic journey.
A key requirement for admission to the Dual Role (FNP/AGACNP) track is a minimum of one year of recent direct patient care experience within the last five years in a critical care setting such as the Emergency Department (ED) or Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Experience in specialty areas like Cath labs or Radiology, while valuable, does not meet this specific prerequisite, ensuring all students have a robust foundation in acute care nursing before commencing the advanced practice curriculum.
Flexible Curriculum and Clinical Skills Development
The program’s curriculum is structured to provide maximum flexibility and accessibility for working nurses. Core graduate courses and the didactic components of the Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Gerontological Acute Care NP) specialty courses are conveniently offered online. These didactic courses are paired with co-requisite clinical courses, which are designed to be completed within your home community, under the guidance of qualified preceptors. This localized clinical experience allows you to apply your learning in real-world settings while maintaining your personal and professional commitments.
Prior to commencing the first clinical course, AHN 549, all Dual Role (FNP/AGACNP) students are required to attend a mandatory on-campus orientation. This essential orientation includes intensive basic skills and simulation workshops, providing hands-on training and building confidence before entering clinical practice.
Advanced Practice Clinical Skills Intensives (CSI)
A distinctive feature of the Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Geron Acute Care NP) specialty is the mandatory attendance of two on-campus Clinical Skills Intensives (CSI). These intensives take place in the summer, preceding each phase of the Dual Role program.
Each CSI session provides focused, hands-on instruction in advanced practice assessments and procedures that are directly relevant to the clinical rotations starting in the fall semester. The University’s Simulation Program delivers this crucial training, ensuring you are proficient in essential skills.
Students must register for one session for each phase – Family Phase 1 and Acute Phase 2 – with dates allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Detailed sign-up information is communicated via JagMail approximately three months prior to the scheduled dates by the Simulation Program team. It’s important to note that these dates are specifically for the Clinical Skills Intensives and are separate from any general program orientation dates that may be provided by the track coordinator.
Curriculum Breakdown: A Dual Focus Approach
The BSN-MSN program for the Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Gerontological Acute Care NP) specialty comprises 57 credit hours, encompassing support courses, MSN core courses, and specialized dual role courses. The MSN degree must be completed within a five-year timeframe, offering a manageable pace for working professionals.
| Curriculum Category | Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Support Courses | NU 518 – Advanced Nursing Assessment | 3 |
| NU 545 – Physio-pathological Basis of Advanced Nursing | 3 | |
| NU 578 – Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses | 3 | |
| MSN Core Courses | NU 607 – Scientific Underpinnings of Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NU 608 – Evidence-Based Practice and Quality Improvement in Healthcare | 3 | |
| NU 610 – Healthcare Policy and Finance | 3 | |
| NU 613 – Organizational & Systems Leadership | 3 | |
| Dual Role (FNP/AGACNP) Specialty Courses | AHN 538 – Health Promotion/Disease Prevention & Issues for Dual Role | 2 |
| AHN 548 – Family Primary Care NP I | 4 | |
| AHN 549 – Family Primary Care NP Practicum I – 240 Clinical Hours | 4 | |
| AHN 550 – Family Primary Care NP II | 4 | |
| AHN 551 – Family Primary Care NP Practicum II- 300 Clinical Hours | 5 | |
| AHN 552 – Adult-Geron Acute Care NP I | 4 | |
| AHN 553 – Adult-Geron Acute Care NP Practicum I – 240 Clinical Hours | 4 | |
| AHN 554 – Adult-Geron Acute Care NP II | 4 | |
| AHN 555 – Adult-Geron Acute Care NP Practicum II – 300 Clinical Hours | 5 | |
| RN to MSN Courses (for non-nursing bachelor’s) | NU 506 – Evidence-Based Practice & Informatics for Professional Nurses | 4 |
| NU 507 – Leadership & Management Roles for Professional Nurses | 4 | |
| NU 508 – Clinical Prevention and Population Health for Professional Nurses | 4 |
Note: RN to MSN students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline must also complete the RN-MSN courses.
APRN Certification and Career Advancement
Upon graduation from the University of South Alabama MSN program, you will possess the skills and knowledge to pursue national certification exams as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and an Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Successful completion of these certifications may qualify you to apply for licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), opening doors to a wide array of advanced practice roles and increased earning potential.
Take the Next Step
For more detailed information about the FNP and Acute Care Dual Program or assistance with your graduate degree program setup, please contact the CON Office of Graduate studies at [email protected].
