The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with a significant rise in the aging population and a persistent shortage of healthcare professionals across the nation. North Carolina is no exception, and the demand for specialized care, particularly for older adults in acute care settings, is greater than ever. To address this critical need, East Carolina University (ECU), in collaboration with ECU Health, is taking proactive steps to strengthen the healthcare workforce in eastern North Carolina.
This strategic partnership between ECU’s College of Nursing and ECU Health is designed to enhance health outcomes and improve access to specialized medical attention for older adults within these communities. By focusing on advanced nursing education, specifically through Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) programs, ECU is committed to developing highly skilled professionals ready to meet the complex healthcare demands of the region.
ECU Health recognizes the importance of investing in its workforce. Pam Rudisill, vice president of nursing excellence at ECU Health, emphasizes the strong alliance with ECU and the College of Nursing in tackling the national healthcare workforce deficit. She states, “Our success as an academic health system relies on bridging clinical and academic excellence to provide high-quality care to eastern North Carolina. Eastern North Carolina depends on collaborative solutions from institutions like ECU Health and ECU to meet the needs and improve the health and well-being of our region.” Demonstrating this commitment, ECU Health’s Chief Nursing Office will offer tuition reimbursement opportunities to its employees who enroll in the AGACNP certificate program, encouraging professional development and skill enhancement.
Launching ECU’s Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program
ECU’s innovative Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate program is set to welcome its first cohort in Spring 2025. This post-master’s program is meticulously designed for advanced practice nurses seeking to specialize in acute care for adult and older adult populations. Students following the recommended study plan are expected to graduate in May 2026, positioning them to take the specialty certification exam to become certified Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners.
The curriculum is structured to provide students with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to excel in demanding acute care environments such as intensive care units, emergency departments, and specialized hospital units. For prospective students who may need to fulfill prerequisite coursework, ECU offers options to complete these requirements prior to commencing the core certificate program curriculum. Dr. Linder from ECU’s College of Nursing encourages interested individuals to reach out if they require prerequisite courses to ensure they are fully prepared for the program’s rigorous academic content.
A Strong Partnership for a Healthier Eastern North Carolina
The AGACNP certificate program is further strengthened by the robust academic-practice partnership between ECU’s College of Nursing and ECU Health. This collaboration is underpinned by a significant $1.5 million investment from ECU Health over five years. This financial commitment empowers ECU College of Nursing to recruit expert faculty, support dedicated staff, and acquire essential resources that directly benefit students enrolled in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate program.
The inaugural cohort will consist of approximately 12 students, with a minimum of six positions specifically reserved for ECU Health employees. The remaining slots are available to other qualified applicants who are passionate about advancing their careers in the dynamic field of critical care nursing. It’s worth noting that ECU will be one of only four institutions in North Carolina offering the AGACNP certification, making it a unique and valuable opportunity for nurses in the region.
For those ready to take the next step in their nursing career and specialize in acute care, the application deadline for the first cohort is December 15, 2024. Detailed information regarding application requirements, procedures, and the comprehensive program curriculum can be found here. This program offers a direct pathway to becoming a highly sought-after Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in North Carolina, contributing significantly to the well-being of communities across the state.
Please replace “placeholder_image_url_1.jpg” and “placeholder_image_url_2.jpg” with actual image URLs and create relevant alt text following the guidelines provided.
