Coursework
Prerequisites
Students enrolling in the Parent-Child CNS and PNP specialty may need to first complete prerequisites before they begin the course requirements listed below. Nurses who already have an MSN from APU or another institution may enroll in Post-Master’s Credential programs to obtain the Parent-Child CNS and/or PNP specialty.
Course Requirements
The CNS includes 11 clinical units equalling 528 clinical hours; the PNP includes 12 clinical units equalling 576 clinical hours. The GNRS 511 clinical unit and the GNRS 541 clinical units are counted twice. Note: Units shown in parentheses are theory units/clinical units.
| Academic Core Courses | 10 units | |
|---|---|---|
| GNRS 504 | Bioethics and Health Policy | 3 |
| GNRS 506 | Spiritual Care | 3 |
| GNRS 508A | Research and Theory in Advanced Practice Nursing | 4 |
| Advanced Practice Core Courses | 13 units | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GNRS 510 | Family Theory in Health Care | 2 | |||||||||
| |||||||||||
| GNRS 513 | Advanced Nursing Practice Role | 2 | |||||||||
| GNRS 515 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 2 | |||||||||
| GNRS 594 | Pharmacology in Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 | |||||||||
| 1. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Courses | 12 units | |
|---|---|---|
| GNRS 530 | Theory and Practice in Parent-Child Nursing | 6 (2/4) |
| GNRS 531 | Clinical Specialization in Parent-Child Nursing | 6 (2/4) |
| 2. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Courses | 18 units | |
|---|---|---|
| GNRS 532 | Advanced Nursing Practice in Pediatrics | 5 (2/3) |
| GNRS 589 | Adolescent Health Care | 2 (2/0) |
| GNRS 590A | Primary Health Care of the Young Family | 6 (3/3) |
| GNRS 590B | Clinical Practicum in Pediatrics | 3 (0/3) |
| Specialization Option Courses | 1 course with 2 units clinical | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||||||
| Concluding Courses | 1-3 units | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||||||
| GNRS 598 | Thesis* | 1 | |||||||||
*Students must choose either the thesis or comprehensive exam option for one unit of credit to complete the program. For students choosing the thesis, the two-unit course GNRS 514 is a prerequisite to proposing a thesis.
| Total | 56-58 units | |
|---|---|---|
Elective Courses
Students may select additional elective courses to support their programs of study as directed by faculty. To read more about the electives available, see the online course descriptions listing.
Combined Programs
The School of Nursing also offers these other unique combined programs:
- Adult CNS and Adult NP
- School Nurse Services Credential (SNSC) and Family NP
- School Nurse Services Credential (SNSC) and Pediatric NP
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a semester?
15 weeks (12 in the summer)
How many evenings per week do I attend classes?
Students generally attend class one to two nights per week, depending on
the number of classes in which they are enrolled.
How soon can I finish this program?
Most students complete the program in three years, including the specialty.
How are clinicals arranged?
The School of Nursing faculty and staff arrange clinical settings with some student
input as needed.
What kind of clinical settings are available?
The School of Nursing identifies appropriate clinical settings based on the student’s specialty. Settings may include hospitals, primary
care clinics, churches, and schools, to name a few.
How do I figure out my schedule?
Knowledgeable faculty advisors assist students with a comprehensive course planner to ensure course continuity throughout the program.
