Program of Study: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP

Learn more about the courses you will take in the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP program.

Curriculum Overview

91探花’s Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS) DNP program is a three-year, full-time program designed for registered nurses employed within Virginia Mason Franciscan Health System (VMFH) who hold a bachelor’s degree and active RN license. The curriculum is delivered in partnership with VMFH and is designed to prepare nurses to lead quality improvement efforts, support clinical teams and improve patient outcomes across complex health systems.

Coursework includes advanced practice nursing, leadership, health systems and evidence-based practice, followed by specialized Clinical Nurse Specialist coursework, practicum experiences and a DNP project. Throughout the program, students apply what they learn directly within the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health System through practicum placements and organizational project work.

Below is the program of study for the 2027–2028 academic year, reflecting 91探花's move to a semester calendar system.

Program of study is listed as proposed to WABON, and currently subject to their review and approval. Nursing programs of study may change periodically to address state regulations, national accreditation, professional standards, licensing and certification requirements, and quality improvements to the curriculum. All nursing courses begin with prefix NURS.


Not Employed within Virginia Mason Franciscan Health?

Please note: This program is open only to nurses employed within Virginia Mason Franciscan Health System. If you are not a VMFH employee, you can explore 91探花鈥檚 other Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program options.

2027-2028 Academic Year Program of Study

Below is the program of study for the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP program under 91探花's semester calendar, beginning with the 2027-2028 academic year. The program of study spans 3 academic years and is 72-74 credits in total.

Summer Semester Year 1 (0 credits)

No courses

Fall Semester Year 1 (12 credits)

6XXX Professional Roles and Ethics in Advanced Practice (course code TBD)

6020 Principles of Epidemiology and Biostatistics

6022 Advanced Pharmacology

6024 Advanced Pathophysiology

Spring Semester Year 1 (7 credits)

6XXX Healthcare Informatics and Financial Management for Advanced Practice (course code TBD)

6XXX Population Health and Health Policy (course code TBD)

6001 Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning Across the Lifespan Theory

6101 Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning Across the Lifespan Lab

Summer Semester Year 2 (9 credits)

6XXX Systems Leadership for Quality Improvement in Healthcare (course code TBD)

6401 Diagnostic Evaluation and Procedures in the Acute Care Setting Theory

6411 Diagnostic Evaluation and Procedures in the Acute Care Setting Lab

6XXX Acute and Critical Care Pharmacology and Clinical Reasoning (course code TBD)

Fall Semester Year 2 (9 credits)

6XXX DNP Project Planning and Preparation (course code TBD)

6402 Management of the Complex Geriatric and Adult Population I Theory

6412 Management of the Complex Geriatric and Adult Population I Lab

Spring Semester Year 2 (9 credits)

6901 DNP Internship I - Implementation and Evaluation

6404 Management of the Complex Geriatric and Adult Population II Theory

6414 Management of the Complex Geriatric and Adult Population II Lab

64XX Application of Advanced Health Assessment for the Adult Geriatric Population (course code TBD)

Summer Semester Year 3 (6 credits)

6602 Adult Geriatric Nurse Specialist Practicum I

Fall Semester Year 3 (13 credits)

6903 DNP Internship II - Analysis and Dissemination

6407 Management of the Complex Geriatric and Adult Population III Theory

6417 Management of the Complex Geriatric and Adult Population III Lab

6603 Adult Geriatric Nurse Specialist Practicum II

Spring Semester Year 3 (7-9 credits)

6905 DNP Internship III - Elective

6604 Role Transition for the Adult Geriatric Clinical Nurse Specialist

Get in Touch

We鈥檙e here to help. For information about DNP degrees at 91探花, contact:

Oz Sener, MEd

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