The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program prepares the nurse to provide health care services to acutely ill adults and gerontology patients with complex health problems.

The Certificate of Graduate Study, AGACNP  program is a minimum of 18 credits (31 for non-APRNs) and takes a minimum of three semesters (five semesters for non-APRNs) to complete. Program includes didactic, clinical and immersion requirements.

Semester 1

• NURS 702 - Pharmacological Management of Pediatric, Adult and Gerontological Patients Across the Lifespan ^
• NURS 707 - Advanced Pathophysiology for Nurses ^

Semester 2

• NURS 704 - Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning  ^+ 
• NURS 718 - Diagnostic Interpretation and Therapeutic Modalities ^
• NURS 772 - Introduction of Acute Care Adult and Gerontological Health Problems + 

Semester 3

• NURS 773 - Principles of Acute Care Adult and Gerontological Health Problems I *

Semester 4

• NURS 774 - Principles of Acute Care Adult and Gerontological Complex Health Problems II *

Semester 5

• NURS 778 - Advanced Practice Role:  Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP)
• NURS 778A - Practicum of Advanced Practice Role:  Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP) ^*

+ On campus immersion
* Course requires clinical hours (672 total clinical hours required)

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program prepares the nurse to provide primary health care across the lifespan.

The Certificate of Graduate Study, FNP program is a minimum of 18 credits (32 for non-APRNs) and takes a minimum of three semesters (six semesters for non-APRNs) to complete. The program includes didactic, clinical and immersion requirements.

Semester 1

• NURS 702 - Pharmacological Management of Pediatric, Adult and Gerontological Patients Across the Lifespan ^
• NURS 707 - Advanced Pathophysiology for Nurses ^

Semester 2

• NURS 704 - Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning  ^+ 
• NURS 718 - Diagnostic Interpretation and Therapeutic Modalities ^

Semester 3

• NURS 756 - Advanced Primary Care of Children for the FNP
• NURS 757 - Advanced Primary Care of Women for the FNP +

Semester 4

• NURS 758 - Acute Problems in Primary Care for the FNP *

Semester 5

• NURS 759 - Management of Common Chronic Health Problems for the FNP +* 

Semester 6

• NURS 760 - Family Nurse Practitioner Legal, Ethical, and Role Transition
• NURS 760A - Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum ^*

+ On campus immersion
* Course requires clinical hours (672 total hours required)

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program prepares the nurse to provide psychiatric mental health services to clients/patients across the lifespan in various settings.

The Certificate of Graduate Study, PMHNP  program is a minimum of 18 credits (32 for non-APRNs) and takes a minimum of four semesters (six semesters for non-APRNs) to complete. The program includes didactic, clinical and immersion requirements.

Semester 1

• NURS 702 - Pharmacological Management of Pediatric, Adult and Gerontological Patients Across the Lifespan ^
• NURS 707 - Advanced Pathophysiology for Nurses ^

Semester 2

• NURS 704 - Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning  ^+ 
• NURS 718 - Diagnostic Interpretation and Therapeutic Modalities ^ 

Semester 3

• NURS 761 - Neurological Basis of Behavior and Psychopharmacological Treatment

Semester 4

• NURS 763 - Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practicum I: Management of Psychiatric/Mental Health Conditions*

 Semester 5

• NURS 764 - Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practicum II: Management of Complex Psychiatric/Mental Health Conditions * 

Semester 6

• NURS 768 - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Legal, Ethical, and Role Transition*
• NURS 768A - Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practicum III: Role Development ^*

+ On campus immersion
* Course requires clinical hours (672 total hours required)

The Healthcare Leadership program prepares the nurse to be a key leader in health organizations.

The Certificate of Graduate Study, Healthcare Leadership program can be completed within one year, either through full-time or part-time study.

• Full-time: two courses per seven-week term; two terms per academic semester
• Part-time: one course per seven-week term; two terms per academic semester 

Projected Curriculum

• NURS 720 - Clinical Application of Population Analysis
• NURS 734 - Conceptual Basis of Health Systems
• NURS 738 - Financing Health Care
• NURS 740 - Facilitative Processes in Health Care Leadership (Pre-requisite to NURS 741)
• NURS 741 - Coordinating Processes in Health Care Leadership* (Pre-requisite to NURS 742)
• NURS 742 - Integrative Processes in Healthcare Leadership*

* NURS 741 and NURS 742 require a precepted leadership experience of 112 hours each in an approved clinical or other healthcare organizational setting, for a total of 224 hours.

The Nursing Education program prepares the graduate nurse to work in nursing academics or in clinical nursing education. 

The Certificate of Graduate Study, Nursing Education program can be completed in five semesters and 27 credit hours for the nurse with a graduate degree that did not include Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology or Advanced Assessment. Those who have successfully completed those courses above with a B or better, may complete the program in five semester and 18 credit hours.

Fall semester 1

• NURS 707 – Advanced Pathophysiology
• NURS 710 – Role of the Nurse Educator ^B

Spring semester 2

• NURS 702 – Pharmacological Management of Pediatric, Adult and Gerontological Patients Across the Lifespan
• NURS 724 – Education in Nursing ^B

Summer semester 3

• NURS 704 – Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning ⁺
• NURS 725 – Nursing Education: Curriculum and Evaluation

Fall semester 4

• NURS 739 – Online Instruction and Technology in Nursing Education 
• NURS 743 – Advanced Nursing Practicum for the Educator *

Spring semester 5

• NURS 727 – Nurse Educator Practicum *

TOTAL 27 credit hours / 500 clinical hours

^Aindicates A term, ^Bindicates B term. If not noted, full semester course.                                                                                                                              +on campus immersion                                                                                    *course requires  clinical hours 

Projected Curriculum:  Accelerated PMGC NE (5 semesters, 18 credit hours)**

(**for those with advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology and health/physical assessment)

Fall semester 1

• NURS 710 – Role of the Nurse Educator ^B

Spring semester 2

• NURS 724 – Education in Nursing ^B

Summer semester 3

• NURS 725 – Nursing Education: Curriculum and Evaluation 

Fall semester 4

• NURS 739 – Online Instruction and Technology in Nursing Education 
• NURS 743 – Advanced Nursing Practicum for the Educator *

Spring semester 5

• NURS 727 – Nurse Educator Practicum *

TOTAL 18 credit hours / 500 clinical hours

^Aindicates A term, ^Bindicates B term. If not noted, full semester course.                                                                                                                              +on campus immersion                                                                                    *course requires  clinical hours 

The Nursing Informatics program prepares the nurse to identify and manage health care data to support clinicians and patients in decision making and improve health outcomes.

The Certificate of Graduate Study, Nursing Informatics program is a total of 18 credits and takes three semesters to complete.

Fall Year 1

• NURS 775 - Foundations in Nursing Informatics ^A
• NURS 734 - Conceptual Basis of Health Systems ^A
• ITEC 764 - Project Management for Health Information Systems ^B

Spring Year 2

• ITEC 770 - Health Database Systems ^A
• NURS 738 - Financing Health Care ^B

Fall Year 2

• NURS 777 - Nursing Informatics Practicum*

TOTAL 18 credit hours / 224 clinical hours

^Aindicates A term, ^Bindicates B term. If not noted, full semester course. 

* Course requires clinical hours

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees from a nationally accredited program and evidence of credentialing within the applicant’s specialty
• Preferred cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for graduate coursework (official transcripts for all graduate coursework are required). Applicants who attend(ed) a graduate program that issued pass or fail grades for all classes will not be considered competitive applicants.
• Preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate coursework (official transcripts for all nursing coursework are required). Applicants who attended a BSN or MSN program that issued pass or fail grades for all classes will not be considered competitive applicants.
• Minimum of 2400 hours of nursing experience within the past 24 months. This includes full time or part time nursing experience. AGACNP and FNP applicants: preferred clinical experience in an acute care setting (ICU, critical care, medical/surgical or emergency department). PMHNP applicants: preferred clinical experience includes psych or related field.
• Submit a personal statement addressing the following: Describe the advanced practice role (FNP, AGACNP, PMHNP) and scope for which you are seeking certification. Describe how this program will advance your professional goals.
• Current CV or Resume (In addition to your education and professional experiences, include any certifications, leadership experiences, experiences with diverse or underserved population, paid or volunteer healthcare experiences.)
• Provide evidence of completion of graduate level courses in Health/Physical Assessment (across the lifespan), Physiology/Pathophysiology (across the lifespan) and pharmacology (broad categories of drugs). These must be three separate courses that meet current criteria for content based on the Consensus Model for APRN regulation (AACN, 2008).
• Three (3) recommendations that attest to the applicant’s academic ability, professional competency and personal character. These letters must be from master’s or doctoral-prepared health care professionals.
• AGACNP program applicants: current BLS and ACLS.
• FNP and PMHNP program applicants: current BLS.
• Copy of current APRN specialty certification.
• Unencumbered, active advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license in state where clinical experiences will occur.
• GRE not required.

• BSN and MSN degree from a nationally accredited program.
• Preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for graduate coursework (official transcripts for all graduate coursework are required). Applicants who attend a graduate program that issued pass or fail grades for all classes will not be considered competitive applicants.
• Preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate coursework (official transcripts for all post-secondary school coursework are required). Applicants who attended a BSN or MSN program that issued pass or fail grades for all classes will not be considered competitive applicants.
• Minimum of 2400 hours of nursing experience within the past 24 months. This includes full time or part time nursing experience. AGACNP and FNP applicants: preferred clinical experience in an acute care setting (ICU, critical care, medical/surgical or emergency department). PMHNP applicants:  preferred clinical experience includes psych or related field.
• Submit a personal statement addressing the following: Describe the advanced practice role (FNP, AGACNP, PMHNP) and scope for which you are seeking certification. Describe how this program will advance your professional goals.
• Current CV or Resume (In addition to your education and professional experiences, include any certifications, leadership experiences, experiences with diverse or underserved population, paid or volunteer healthcare experiences.)
• Three (3) recommendations that attest to the applicant’s academic ability, professional competency and personal character. These letters must be from a master’s or doctoral- prepared health care professional.
• AGACNP program applicants: current BLS and ACLS.
• FNP and PMHNP program applicants: current BLS.
• Unencumbered, active registered nurse license in state where clinical experiences will occur. This includes telehealth visits (South Carolina) for PMHNP Certificate of Graduate Studies.
• GRE not required.

• BSN and MSN degree from a nationally accredited program and evidence of credentialing within the applicant’s specialty.
• Preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for graduate coursework (official transcripts for all graduate coursework are required). Applicants who attend(ed) a graduate program that issued pass or fail grades for all classes will not be considered competitive applicants.
• Preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate coursework (official transcripts for all nursing coursework are required). Applicants who attended a BSN or MSN program that issued pass or fail grades for all classes will not be considered competitive applicants.
• Submit a personal statement that addresses the following: Describe your plan for obtaining a preceptor and/or project site. In addition, describe your plan for your project.
• Current CV or Resume (In addition to your education and professional experiences, include any certifications, leadership experiences, experiences with diverse or underserved population, paid or volunteer healthcare experiences.)
• Three (3) recommendations that attest to the applicant’s academic ability, professional competency and personal character. These letters must be from a master’s- or doctoral- prepared health care professional.
• Unencumbered, active registered nurse (RN) license in state where clinical experiences will occur.
• GRE not required.

• BSN and MSN degree from a nationally accredited program.
• Preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for graduate coursework (official transcripts for all graduate coursework are required). Applicants who attend(ed) a graduate program that issued pass or fail grades for all classes will not be considered competitive applicants.
• Preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate coursework (official transcripts for all nursing coursework are required). Applicants who attended a BSN or MSN program that issued pass or fail grades for all classes will not be considered competitive applicants.
• Submit a personal statement addressing the following: Describe your plan for obtaining a preceptor and/or project site. In addition, describe your plan for your project. Describe what interests you in nursing education and why want to pursue an advanced role and scope in nursing education (NE). Be sure to indicate how the USC NE program will advance your professional goals and how your past experiences have informed and prepared you for applying for this program. Describe your experience with educational roles if any. Please address any obstacles you encountered in your academic career and how you overcame these obstacles. Please keep this brief but professional; please limit your personal statement to two pages.
• Current CV or Resume. Include your record of employment, academic history, certifications, awards, honors, honorary or professional organization membership, teaching and/or leadership experience, volunteer, or community service. Also mention experience with diverse and/or underserved populations and paid/volunteer healthcare experiences.
• Three (3) recommendations that attest to the applicant’s academic ability, professional competency and personal character. These letters must be from a master’s- or doctoral- prepared health care professional.
• Unencumbered, active registered nurse (RN) license in state where clinical experiences will occur.
• GRE not required.

• BSN and MSN degree from a nationally accredited program and evidence of credentialing within the applicant’s specialty.
• Preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for graduate coursework (official transcripts for all graduate coursework are required). Applicants who attend(ed) a graduate program that issued pass or fail grades for all classes will not be considered competitive applicants.
• Preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate coursework (official transcripts for all nursing coursework are required). Applicants who attended a BSN or MSN program that issued pass or fail grades for all classes will not be considered competitive applicants.
• Submit a personal statement that reflects certificate program outcomes.
• Current CV or Resume (In addition to your education and professional experiences, include any certifications, leadership experiences, experiences with diverse or underserved population, paid or volunteer healthcare experiences.)
• Three (3) recommendations that attest to the applicant’s academic ability, professional competency and personal character. These letters must be from a master’s- or doctoral- prepared health care professional.
• Unencumbered, active registered nurse (RN) license in state where clinical experiences will occur.
• GRE not required.

All application materials (except official transcripts) will be submitted via the College of Nursing's graduate application portal. 

Official transcripts must be sent to The Graduate School. Review the degree requirements before you apply.

 

When completing your application, please make sure to select the correct program name. Program names listed through the Graduate School and corresponding CON programs: Certificate of Graduate Study (Post Master’s) (CGS) (These include the concentrations of):

• Adult Gerontology - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) 
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) 
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Healthcare Leadership (HL)
• Nursing Education (NE)
• Nursing Informatics (NI)

Applicants for the AGACNP, FNP and PMHNP program should apply for summer admission and matriculation. If, after application review, the candidate qualifies for the advanced standing in the CGS program, the student may matriculate in the fall rather than the summer.

Each CGS program has separate application deadlines and program start dates.

• Clinical specialty programs (AGACNP, FNP and PMHNP): Classes start in the summer semester. Applications may be submitted June 1 – October 31 (early decision August 15).
• Healthcare Leadership program: Classes start during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Applications may be submitted July 1 – October 31 for spring entry, November 1 - March 31 for summer entry, and November 1 - March 31 for fall entry.
• Nursing Education program: Classes start during the fall semester. Applications may be submitted November 1 – June 30 for fall entry.
• Nursing Informatics program: Classes start during the fall semester. Applications may be submitted November 1 – June 30 for fall entry.

Certificates of Graduate Study program costs depend on several factors. For estimated costs, view:

Graduate Programs Cost Estimates 2023-2024

---

The Office of Financial Aid provides the full breakdown of the estimated cost to attend. For additional tuition and fee information, visit the Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees website.

The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges to disclose a variety of information for any financial aid eligible program that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation. The Graduate School provides these details about the College of Nursing’s Post Masters Graduate Certificate programs.