Who are these programs for?
The Post-MSN Family and Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificates are for MSN-prepared nurses who wish to enter advanced practice in the specialty areas of family health or primary care of adult/elderly populations.
The Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate for MSN-Prepared Adult and Geriatric NPS is a certificate program designed for the master’s prepared certified nurse practitioner with a specialty in Adult or Geriatric Primary Care who wishes to complete a course of study leading to a Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate.
How long is the program?
The Family Nurse Practitioner Post-MSN Certificate program includes 33 credits. The Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program consists of 37 credits. Students in either certificate program must complete the program within six years of being accepted into the program.
The Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate for MSN-Prepared Adult and Geriatric NPs program consists of 11.5 credits.
How many practicum hours are required for each program?
The Post-MSN Family NP program requires a total of 715 practicum hours. The Post-MSN Adult/Gerontological Primary Care NP program requires a total of 585 practicum hours. Each NP student also completes an additional 35 hours of health assessment clinical. Practicum hours for each specialty take place in various settings as appropriate to the specialty and population.
The Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate for MSN-Prepared Adult and Geriatric NPs program requires a total of 200 hours of specialty clinical practicum completed concurrently with NURS 638 Primary Care II.
How many days per week are spent at each practicum site?
Time commitments vary by course and by specialty but average about two days each week during clinical courses.
Where will I do my practicum?
Practical experiences take place under the guidance of experienced NP or physician preceptors in various settings including hospital units (for NP students), hospital clinics, private and group practices, and community health clinics.
What is the average class size?
Typical classes are small, ranging from an average of 6 students to 15 per class.
Where and when do they meet?
All lecture and seminar classes are held on The College of New Jersey campus. Practicum sites vary (see below). Most classes are offered on weekdays during the evening (beginning at 5:00).
What should I know about the faculty?
The Faculty comprises dedicated nursing professionals representing a wide range of roles. All MSN clinical courses are taught by advanced practice nurses who currently practice within their own area of clinical specialization. Our faculty members are highly student-focused, making themselves available and approachable to students in and out of the classroom.
What options do you offer for distance learning or online classes?
TCNJ does not currently offer distance learning options. The Department of Nursing places great emphasis on its role in developing a community of nursing professionals through intensive mentoring and the fostering of collegial relationships. We have found that the interactions necessary to achieve these goals occur best in an interactive classroom setting.
Do you offer weekend courses?
The College of New Jersey does not currently offer any weekend course option.
How do I apply for the program?
Students must apply for this program by completing a Graduate Studies Application.