Adult-Gerontology CNS BSN to DNP Major

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The Adult-Gerontology (CNS) major prepares nurses as expert providers of care to patients/families across the continuum of healthcare services (from wellness through acute care). The CNS functions as a developer and manager of programs of care for populations of patients; as a mentor who provides support to nurses caring for patients at the bedside; as a leader of multidisciplinary groups driving change throughout the organization; and as a developer of evidence-based projects to ensure best patient outcomes.

CNS students choose a clinical emphasis of choice to focus their studies such as: general medicine or surgery, cardiopulmonary, critical care, oncology, or trauma and emergency preparedness (TEP). Students may study full time or part time. The BSN to DNP curriculum is only offered onsite on the main campus in Pittsburgh. Selected core courses may be transmitted to students who live a distance from campus. A sample program plan for full-time study is provided below. A minimum of 1000 clinical hours is included.

Graduates are eligible for national certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).