AG-ACNP

Care for our most experienced patients.

Education

DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

At The University of New Mexico College of Nursing, we educate students to provide holistic health care for rural and underserved patients, providing acute care for adults across their lifespan. As an independent practitioner, you will have the skills to address the health and health equity needs of the state’s most vulnerable when they need you most.

You will be able to:

Independently perform comprehensive health assessments.
Order and interpret the full spectrum of diagnostic tests and procedures.
Manage health conditions by diagnosing and collaboratively formulating treatment plans with patients.
Order, provide and evaluate outcomes of interventions.

We coordinate our students’ clinical rotations and provide faculty liaison support to ensure student development and experiences working with diverse populations. As a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited program, you know you will be educated to the highest standards of quality and integrity.

Your Education

8 consecutive terms completed in under 3 years
65 credits in total, 750 clinical hours, 50 lab/simulation hours and 300 systems thinking/project hours
Courses are delivered in hybrid format
Clinical rotations at various inpatient and outpatient sites around New Mexico
When you complete this program, you will earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice
Graduates will be eligible to take the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certifying examination through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)

Curriculum

Our program is designed to help you achieve your goal of becoming an AG-ACNP. Our curriculum not only prepares you but also empowers you to thrive in your future career.

Designed with you in mind.

With a mix of online classes and on-site simulation experiences, the AG-ACNP program is designed for you. You will learn to work collaboratively with other health care professionals to stabilize and improve the health of your patients. Clinical experiences help you apply what you have learned into practice – all while gaining skills that help you be an effective nurse practitioner.

DNP Core Courses (9 credits)

NURS 700: Introduction to Professional Inquiry (3 credits)
NURS 707: Formulating Strategies for Systemic Health Inquiry (3 credits)
NURS 709: Integrating Innovative Strategies for Systemic Health Change (3 credits)

Evidence-Based Practice Core (9 credits)

NURS 701: Introduction to Translational Evidence-Informed Care (3 credits)
NURS 708: Evidence-Informed Practice and Scholarship (3 credits)
NURS 710: Translation of Evidence for Health Care Practice, Policy, and Evaluation (3 credits)

DNP Systems Thinking and Project Core (6 credits)

NURS 796: Systems Thinking for Healthcare Transformation I (2 credits, 100 project hours)
NURS 797: Systems Thinking for Healthcare Transformation II (1 credit, 50 project hours)
NURS 798: Systems Thinking for Healthcare Transformation III (1 credit, 50 project hours)
NURS 799: Systems Thinking for Healthcare Transformation IV (2 credits, 100 project hours)

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Core (9 credits)

NURS 711: Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
NURS 712: Pharmacological Principles of Clinical Therapeutics (3 credits)
NURS 713: Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits, 50 lab hours)

Didactic AG-ACNP Courses (17 credits)

NURS 760: Advanced Diagnostic Test Interpretation (2 credits)
NURS 761: Managing the Acute & Complex/Chronically Ill Adult/Gerontology Patient I (5 credits)
NURS 762: Managing the Acute & Complex/Chronically Ill Adult/Gerontology Patient II (5 credits)
NURS 763: Managing Emergency & Critical Illness in the Adult/Gerontology Patient (5 credits)

Clinical AG-ACNP Courses (15 credits)

NURS 764: AG-ACNP Practicum I (4 credits, 200 Clinical Hours)
NURS 765: AG-ACNP Practicum II (5 credits, 250 Clinical Hours)
NURS 795: Advanced Nursing Fieldwork (6 credits, 300 Clinical Hours)

Upon completion of the curriculum, you will finish with a total of 65 credits including 750 clinical hours, 50 lab/simulation hours, and 300 systems thinking/project hours.

Course descriptions can be found in the University Catalog.

Academic Calendars and Register for Classes

Discover More

You Will Be Prepared.

Completing the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program prepares you to:

Provide full-scope care in managing acute, complex/chronic, and critical health issues of the adult/gerontology population that is ethical, equitable and person-centered.
Advocate for systems & policies that promote health equity, diversity & inclusion, social justice and facilitate access to care to improve the health of the adult/gerontology population.
Participate in nursing scholarship that contributes to & advances knowledge to improve health outcomes of the adult/gerontology population.
Apply evidence-informed research as the basis for advanced nursing practice.
Disseminate evidence to the adult/gerontology population and health care professionals through multiple modalities.
Assume professional responsibility for maintaining and advancing clinical practice competencies.
Collaborate with professional partnerships to optimize care for the adult/gerontology population, focusing on wellness & disease prevention, chronic disease management, regenerative/restorative care and hospice/palliative care.
Utilize informatics & healthcare technologies that engage, manage and improve the health conditions of the adult/gerontology population.

Our Clinical Experiences

From hospitals to inpatient clinics and everything in between. You will have diverse clinical experiences from our highly qualified preceptors – faculty in the community. Your faculty liaison and our staff will support you along the way.

Explore More

Student Handbook

Find essential resources, academic progression information, guidelines and program-related requirements to make the best of your nursing education.

Explore the Handbook

Simulating Real-World Experiences

From retinopathy trainers to otoscope cameras. Our simulation labs allow for clinical experiences in a safe, low risk environment.

Explore More

Ensuring Your Success

With small class sizes and a hands-on learning approach, we are focused on supporting you. We know each student is different, and we have the resources to ensure your success.

Your faculty will provide tailored feedback and support. Students also have access to our Office of Academic Advising, Office of Academic Success and all of the University support centers available to students.

Learn More

FAQs

There is a lot of information to consider as you prepare to apply to our DNP program. We know you have questions. We have answers.

Your Questions Answered

Why a DNP at UNM?

Going back to school for your DNP is a big decision. Learn why UNM is the right place for you.

Explore DNP AG-ACNP

AG-ACNP Program Contact

Admissions & Recruitment Office

College of Nursing
Building 214
Suite 1501
1 University of New Mexico

505-272-4721

HSC-CON-Admissions@salud.unm.edu

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Program Coordinator, Clinician Educator, and Assistant Professor.

Michele Head, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, FNP