Due to the hands-on clinical requirements of
the curriculum, there are currently no fully online programs for
becoming an acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP). However, some schools
offer a hybrid option; many of the classes can be taken online, while
other program requirements are completed in classrooms or healthcare
facilities.
Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Program Overview
The majority of nursing schools tend to include acute care nurse
practitioner (ACNP) certification training as a specialization or track
within the curriculum for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
program. Subsequently, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and active
registered nurse (RN) license are typical prerequisites. However, some
programs permit students to attain both the BSN and RN training as part
of the ACNP course of study. Graduates are formally recognized as
advanced practice
nurses (APNs) and are prepared to sit for the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner National Certification Exam.
A computer with Internet connection is a basic technical requirement
of the program. Students are able to communicate with fellow students
and the instructor in various ways, including e-mail, online chat room
sessions and message boards within the school's online learning website.
There may be some flexibility with course sequence, but there is a
general order in which courses are taken. Master of Science in Nursing
programs generally aren't offered fully online, and students can expect
to complete clinical experiences and other hands-on training in person
or on campus.
Common Course Descriptions
ACNPs specialize in the treatment of critically ill patients and much
of the required coursework reflects this. Many classes build upon
skills learned in previous nursing degree programs, whereas others delve
more specifically into acute care clinical theories and methods.
Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice Course
This introductory course provides a broad overview and critique of
many different types of advanced nursing theories. Methods of
effectively implementing these theories and research into practice are
also discussed.
Advanced Pharmacology Course
This course is designed to build upon the basic pharmacology
education that students are expected to possess at the start of the
class. The application of scientific knowledge to various clinical
situations within the scope of the ACNP is the curriculum's primary
focus.
Biostatistics Course
Students are introduced to the fundamentals of biostatistics - the
application of statistics to various topics in biology - as it relates
to the nursing profession. Students complete lessons within typical
spreadsheet and statistical analysis program formats.
Research Methods Course
Upon completion of this course, students should be capable of
analyzing and interpreting research findings relevant to ACNPs, using
the methods discussed throughout the class. The advancement of nursing
practices, general clinical issues with possible solutions and the
improvement of quality of healthcare in general are typical topics of
interest for research purposes.
Advanced Pathophysiology Course
This course begins with the expectation that students have already
acquired an appropriate basic nursing education in pathophysiology, and
proceeds to build upon that knowledge at an advanced level. Relevant
case studies and other teaching tools are utilized by the instructor in
explaining how to assess, diagnose and manage patients. By course
completion, students have learned how to apply learned pathophysiologic
concepts to various health problems.
Employment Statistics and Career Outlook
Per
Salary.com, the average national median income for nurse
practitioners who focus in a specialty area like acute care is
approximately $90,000 yearly. The 25% percentile earns around $82,000,
and 75% percentile averages $98,000 per year. Salaries can vary greatly
depending on location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
overall job opportunities for all registered nurses are expected to be
excellent, with 581,000 new jobs expected to become available between
2008 and 2018 (
www.bls.gov).
Continuing Education
Continuing education is required by law for all practicing nurses,
including ACNPs. Attainable in the form of continuing education units
(CEUs), requirements vary from state to state. Some employers may
require ACNPs to maintain CEUs above and beyond state minimums.
No comments:
Post a Comment