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Post-Graduate APRN (DNP) Certificates

The College of Nursing offers five Post-Graduate APRN (DNP) certificates for DNP-prepared APRNs who are certified in another specialty. General certificate requirements follow the certificate descriptions.

 

Post-Graduate APRN (DNP) Certificates and Descriptions

Click on certificate title to view its respective information below.

The Post-Graduate APRN (DNP) Adult Gerontology/Acute Care certificate prepares DNP-prepared APRNs to provide patient-centered care to adults across the lifespan who are physiologically unstable, technologically dependent, or highly vulnerable to complications, and require frequent monitoring and intervention. Didactic and clinical practica prepare the student to provide a full-spectrum of care ranging from disease prevention to acute and critical care management and palliative care, with consideration to the developmental, life-stage needs of adults across the age spectrum. This 20 credit, one year certificate prepares advanced practice nurses, who are certified in another specialty, to write the AG-ACNP certification exam.

Course work is conducted primarily online with intensive on-campus sessions twice per year for competency training and testing and advisement. Clinical experiences are scheduled in proximity to the students' residence. Student placement in clinical sites is verified by preceptors, and faculty conduct clinical site visits or videoconferencing sessions with the student and preceptors.

Course Requirements

Course ID Title Credits
ACNP 804 Advanced Acute Care

 

4

ACNP 805 Advanced Diagnostic Reasoning  3
ACNP 807 Advanced Critical Care 3
ACNP 809 Advanced Practice Practicum 4
ACNP 811 Advanced Clinical Assessment: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner 2
ACNP812 Advanced Clinical Management: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner 4
  Total 20

This Post-Graduate APRN (DNP) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate prepares DNP-prepared APRNs to independently diagnose and treat a wide variety of mental health conditions across the lifespan. In addition, graduates are prepared to provide integrative practice across a spectrum of mental health and physical health conditions.

Course work and supervised clinical experiences provide the knowledge, skills and abilities to provide at least two different approaches to psychotherapy, in-depth understanding of psychopharmacology, and expertise in treating patients across the lifespan who are experiencing both mental health and physical health problems. Graduates are eligible to take the ANCC certification examination for Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. Applicants who have a clinical background in understanding psychiatric and mental health care issues may be given preference.

Course Requirements

Course ID Title Credits
NSG 837 Assessment Strategies in Psychiatric/Mental Healthcare 3
NSG 930 Biological Treatments for Psychiatric Disorders 3
PMH 800 Individual, Group and Family Therapy 2
PMH 802 Psychiatric Mental Health Disorders 3
PMH 804 Child & Adolescent Mental Health Care in Advanced Psychiatric Nursing 3
PMH 809 Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Practice I 4
PMH 811 Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Practice II 5
  Total 23

This Post-Graduate APRN (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner certificate prepares DNP-prepared APRNs to independently diagnose and treat individuals of all ages with acute, chronic and complex health problems as well as provide a broad array of health promotion and disease prevention activities.

Coursework and supervised clinical experiences assist students to develop expertise in primary care across the life span. Graduates are expected to contribute to the delivery of quality health care through their implementation of evidence-based care and their ability to foster independence in an individual’s management of health. Graduates are eligible to take national certification examinations as Family Nurse Practitioners. Applicants who have a clinical background in understanding family practice healthcare may be given preference.

Course Requirements

Course ID Title Credits
FNP 804 Advanced Practice Practicum 4
FNP 806 Integrated Behavioral Health Care 3
FNP 807 Management of Complex Health Problems 4
FNP 808 Health Promotion for Family Nurse Practitioners 2
FNP 810 Integrated Concepts of Advanced Family Nursing 6
FNP 811 Integrated Concepts of Advanced Family Nursing Practicum 4
  Total 23

This Post-Graduate APRN (DNP) Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certificate prepares DNP-prepared APRNs with specialized knowledge and skills to provide primary care for children and adolescents. The PPCNP is prepared to independently diagnose and treat newborns through late adolescence (0-21 years of age), provide comprehensive health assessment, developmentally appropriate health promotion activities, family counseling, and management of commonly encountered acute and chronic illness.

Coursework and supervised clinical experiences assist students to develop expertise in pediatric primary care. Graduates are expected to contribute to the delivery of quality health care through their implementation of evidence-based care and their ability to foster independence in children and their parent’s management of health. Graduates are eligible to take national certification examinations for Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioners. Applicants who have a clinical background in understanding pediatric health care may be given preference.

Course Requirements

Course ID Title Credits
NAPS 874 Pediatric Primary Care Health Promotion 4
PNP 803 Advanced Primary Care Pediatrics I 4
PNP 804 Advanced Primary Care Pediatrics I Practicum 4
PNP 805 Advanced Primary Care Pediatrics II 4
PNP 806 Advanced Primary Care Pediatrics II Practicum 4
PNP 807 Child & Adolescent Mental Health Care in Advanced Pediatric Nursing 3
  Total 23

This Post-Graduate APRN (DNP) Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate program prepares DNP-prepared APRNs with specialized knowledge and skills to provide care for acutely ill children and adolescents. The PACNP graduate is prepared to independently diagnose and treat newborns through late adolescence (0-21 years of age), provide comprehensive health assessment, developmentally appropriate health promotion activities, family counseling, and management of acute and chronic illness with special emphasis on the seriously ill, hospitalized child.

Coursework and supervised clinical experiences assist students in developing expertise in pediatric acute care. Graduates are expected to contribute to the delivery of quality health care through their implementation of evidence-based care and their ability to foster independence in an individual’s management of health. Graduates are eligible to take national certification examinations for Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners. Applicants who have a clinical background in understanding pediatric health care may be given preference.

Course Requirements (Post-DNP APRN [non-PNP] to PACNP)

Course ID Title Credits
PANP 800 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Pediatrics 3
PANP 802 Advanced Acute Care Pediatrics I 3
PANP 803 Advanced Acute Care Pediatric Practicum I 3
PANP 804 Advanced Acute Care Pediatrics II 3
PANP 805 Advanced Acute Care Pediatric Practicum II 4
PANP 806 Advanced Acute Care Pediatrics III 3
PANP 807 Advanced Acute Care Pediatric Practicum III 4
  Total 23

 

Course Requirements (Post-DNP PNP to PACNP)

Course ID Title Credits
PANP 806 Advanced Acute Care Pediatrics III 3
PANP 807 Advanced Acute Care Pediatric Practicum III 4
PANP 876 Acute  and Complex Pediatrics 4
  Total 11

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Post Graduate APRN (DNP) Adult Gerontology/Acute Care Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate, and Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate is once per year. Applications are due March 1 for admission into the fall class. All application materials (for example, application, application fee, recommendations, essay, official transcripts, copy of active advanced practice nurse licensure) must be submitted by the deadline in order for students to be considered for admission. Applications are submitted through NursingCAS, a centralized, online application system. Please be sure to review the supplemental application checklist provided with your NursingCAS application. NursingCAS application fee is $70. These are the major areas considered in admissions decisions. Acceptances will be offered based on all the criteria listed below with no single criterion having more importance than another.

  • College academic preparation and achievement
  • Professional recommendations
  • Personal statement included in the NursingCAS application

Post-Graduate APRN (DNP) Certificate Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate proficient clinical reasoning in advanced nursing practice.
  2. Lead within health care systems to deliver safe, quality care for diverse populations.
  3. Disseminate findings from evidence-based practice and research for optimal health care outcomes.
  4. Integrate health information and patient care technologies to transform health care outcomes across the lifespan.
  5. Advocate for social justice and equity through strategic initiatives to influence public policy.
  6. Lead interprofessional teams to improve patient and population health outcomes.  
  7. Integrate concepts of social determinants of health, epidemiology and ethics to improve population health.
  8. Design, implement, and evaluate quality care based on science to facilitate optimal patient outcomes.

Accreditation

The Post-Graduate APRN (DNP) Certificates at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education,  655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, 202.887.6791, http://www.ccneaccreditation.org, through December 31, 2034, and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing, 665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN, 37243. https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/nursing-board.html .

Technical and Performance Standards

All students in the Post-Graduate APRN (DNP) Certificates must meet the Technical and Performance Standards for admission and progression.

View Technical and Performance Standards

Technical and Performance Standards: All DNP Concentrations and Certificates

In addition the technical and performance standards expected of all students in educational programs in the College of Nursing, students in the DNP program are also expected to possess the mental, auditory, visual, sensory, strength, manual dexterity, and communication skills to:

  1. Perform a systematic and complete history and physical examination on a patient.
  2. Communicate significant examination findings to other professionals and patient/family.
  3. Appropriately assess and record subjective and objective findings.
  4. Maintain effective relationships and interact appropriately with other professionals and clients/families, demonstrating skills of leadership collaborations and decisiveness.
  5. Accurately analyze alterations in functional patterns.
  6. Demonstrate advanced use of the nursing process: assess, develop, implement, educate and counsel clients, prescribe appropriate therapy, demonstrate self-care skills and evaluate appropriate plans of action for diagnosed problems.
  7. Maintain flexibility and emotional stability in response to novel, unique situations and stress.

Additional Technical and Performance Standards Specific to Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner,  Adult Gerontology/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

  1. Anticipate potential common, acute self-limiting, and selected chronic problems.
  2. Develop insight into own emotional functioning to evaluate the ability to provide therapeutic intervention for a client.

 

Post-Graduate APRN (DNP) Certificate General Requirements

Additional requirements may be identified in the specific certificate descriptions above.

View Requirements
Apply Early
The application process involves a number of different components. Please begin your application early in the cycle, well before the earliest deadline.  This will allow the necessary time to verify and process your application.  There are different deadlines for some programs so be sure and check the dates.
Academic Preparation and Achievement
Applicants must hold a DNP degree from an accredited university with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.  Applicants must hold national certification as an NP or CNS; a current, unencumbered RN License; and the appropriate APRN approval from their state of practice.  Applicants may submit additional documents to demonstrate professional scholarship and leadership abilities that could make them more competitive.
Work Experience

No specific work experience is required.  See individual certificates for recommendations.

Personal Attributes

Personal qualities are assessed in three ways: (1) an essay; (2)  required recommendations; and (3) an interview.

  1. Essay - Applicants will submit an essay through NursingCAS about how they expect earning the Post-Graduate APRN (DNP) certificate will affect their future practice. 
  2. Recommendation Forms - Applicants must submit at least three Recommendation Forms from doctorally-prepared nurses or previous faculty members who can address the applicant’s potential or ability for functioning as an APRN in the areas of clinical skills, critical thinking, independent decision making, leadership, and collaboration skills with other health professionals.
  3. Interview - Selected applicants are invited for interviews to further assess their personal qualities. Academic achievement, GPA, previous experiences, and written essay are considered in determining who will be invited to interview. The interview will be in-person or through the use of virtual conference technology such as Zoom®. 
Application Process 
Prospective students MUST apply to the DNP program through NursingCAS, a national nursing centralized application service endorsed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Specific instructions are provided on the UTHSC NursingCAS Information page. 
Minimum Requirements for Post-Graduate APRN (DNP) Certificate Admission

The Post-Graduate APRN (DNP) Certificate applicant must:

  1. Submit official copies of transcripts for all college and university work to NursingCAS. Submit of a copy of an unencumbered Tennessee RN license or have unencumbered authority to practice as an RN via the multi-state privilege at the time of application. Accepted students must maintain an unencumbered RN license for the duration of their program.
  2. Have earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice from a regionally accredited college or university. 
  3. Have earned a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in the DNP or a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 earned during the applicant’s most recently completed degree program.
  4. Students who were previously enrolled, but did not complete a nursing program, must submit a letter of good standing from the Director of the Nursing Program. Students dismissed from another nursing program are ineligible to apply to the UTHSC College of Nursing.
  5. Submit three recommendation letters from doctorally-prepared nurses who can address the applicant's potential as a nurse practitioner in the certification area including clinical skills, critical thinking, independent decision making, collaborative skills with other health professionals, and leadership.
  6. Have ready access to a Web-connected, personal computer. Computer literacy and adequate computer skills are required.
  7. Demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants will be required to present evidence of proficiency in English if a) their native language is not English. Evidence of proficiency in the English language is established through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum acceptable scores are 550 on TOEFL paper version, 213 on TOEFL computer version, and 80 on TOEFL web-based version. TOEFL scores must have been earned within two years prior to application for the current UTHSC program. Any application for exemption from the TOEFL examination requirement must be submitted before the application deadline to the Director of Student Affairs, (901) 448-6125.
  8. Complete a successful criminal background check and drug screen within 30 days of official acceptance to the program. Background checks may be repeated during the student’s program of study.
 
Official Transcript 
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended will be needed to complete the online application.  Transcripts from any non-U.S. institution must be sent to and verified by a NACES accredited agency, for example, the World Education Services (WES).
Personal Technology and Skill Requirements
  • Must own a web-connected laptop capable of running modern software and streaming media including web-conferencing applications such as ZOOM.
  • Computer/web-based literacy skills including keyboarding skills are expected.  Post-DNP students are expected to be able to use the Microsoft Office suite including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.  Other software is specified in various courses.
Native Tongue not English (TOEFL scores required)
  • Evidence of English proficiency is mandatory part of application process.
  • Official minimum TOEFL Score earned within two (2) years prior to application to College of Nursing.
  • Three versions of TOEFL: Paper-based Test (minimum score 550), Computer-based (minimum score 213), and Internet/web-based (minimum score 80).
If Not U.S. Citizen
  • Applicant must provide photocopy of immigration documentation showing “legal immigration status” (e.g., Green Card).
  • Copy of Immigration Status Document.
Fees
NursingCAS fees are $70 to apply for Post-DNP admission. After acceptance, students are required to submit a $75 Application Processing Fee and a $200 Guaranteed Enrollment Deposit (GED). The GED is a non-refundable fee due within 30 days of acceptance and is held in escrow and applied to the student’s first term of study.

Applicants must pay for and complete a successful criminal background check and drug screen within 30 days of official acceptance to the DNP Program.  Background checks and drug screens may be repeated throughout the student’s program of study.

Oct 10, 2024