Advanced Practice Gerontological Nursing FAQs

How is the program set up or how does the program work?
Students in the Post-Master’s Certificate Option program for Advanced Practice Gerontology will participate in one week of intensive coursework during the summer term to which they have been admitted. The intensive classes will run for one week, Monday through Friday, from 8am to 5pm. These intensive classes will be held at the OHSU School of Nursing on the Marquam Hill campus in Portland. Following the intensive week of coursework, students will complete a seven week online coursework component. The final portion of the program involves a clinical practicum.

How long will it take me to complete?
The program will take up to one year.

Will the didactic courses ever be offered fully online as opposed to the current intensive-online format?
At this point, we do not have plans to make the didactic courses totally online. The weeklong intensive is an important part of introducing students to faculty, of orienting students to the cases and the online format, and for practice of some of the assessment skills in our simulation lab. In addition, we have some films and discussion opportunities that work better as a group in a face-to-face environment. We also believe that the online coursework is enhanced by students knowing the faculty and students involved.

How many credits does the program entail?
The program involves nine credits of didactic and up to seven credits of clinical practica.

What certificate/degree will I have when I'm done?
PMCO students will receive a certificate in Advanced Practice Gerontology following the intensive and pending any additional clinical course work needed (evaluated on an individual basis).

Does this certificate qualify students for the National Geriatric Nurse Practitioner exam?
If students are already an ANP, FNP, or ACNP, this program would allow them eligibility to sit for the GNP certification exam if there were sufficient clinical hours (2000 hours with older adults). This time does not need to be precepted and the clinician’s clinical practice hours will meet this requirement. For nurses who are not nurse practitioners (or who are Pediatric or Psychiatric Mental Health NPs), this program will NOT lead to eligibility for GNP certification. This program does not offer the other courses needed to be an NP. Similarly, we do not offer courses that would lead to certification/licensure as a clinical nurse specialist. If someone is already an adult CNS, they could sit for the Geriatric CNS following completion of the program.

In April 2007, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) approved a mechanism to expedite the process for certain advanced practice nurses to become nationally certified as Geriatric Nurse Practitioners.  The PMCO in Advanced Practice Gerontological Nursing program has both clinical and didactic requirements that allow FNPs, ANPs, and ACNPs to sit for the exam for national certification as a GNP.  This program satisfies the didactic requirement for national certification as a GNP through the ANCC.  At this time, this program does not provide a route to state certification as a GNP.  If you have further questions, please contact Dr. Terri Harvath at 503-494-3855.

Is it a full time or part time program? Can I work while I participate?
The one week long intensive is 40 hours. The seven week online follow-up will be intense as well, but students will be able to work. The clinical practicum can be done on a part-time basis throughout the year.

What types of clinical, internship, and/or externship opportunities are there?
We can explore what kind of clinical opportunities are needed on an individual basis.

Does the clinical have to be done in Oregon or can students find an acceptable preceptor in the state in which they live?
The clinical practicum does not have to be done in Oregon. We anticipate that we will attract students from other parts of the country and plan to offer an online clinical supervision with a local preceptor. OHSU faculty in the program can help you find someone in your home state who could mentor your clinical practicum.

Who are the faculty for the program?
• Terri Harvath
• Lily Lee
• Heather Young

What are the requirements and qualifications needed to apply to the program?
A master’s degree in nursing or current enrollment in a graduate program with at least one year of coursework completed is required. Students must have their RN licensure, a minimum GPA of 3.0, three (3) letters of recommendation, and must complete the online application (includes an essay portion). The GREs and a statistics course are NOT needed for this program.

How do I apply?
Applications to this program are only offered online. The online application is available throughout the year (until all spaces are filled) for a summer term entry. Please see the school’s Application Web page for specific details or contact the Office of Admissions at the information posted below.

Are there scholarship opportunities?
Hearst Endowment scholarships are available. The scholarship application is available online, and consideration is given to admitted students who have returned a completed scholarship application as well as the FAFSA form. The scholarship application is available at: http://www.ohsu.edu/son/academic/cst-financialaid.shtml.

Is the program accredited? If so, by whom?
The OHSU SON is an accredited school and can explore additional credentialing with students on an individualized basis.

For more information we encourage you to contact:

OHSU School of Nursing
Office of Recruitment, Admissions and Progression
3455 S.W. U.S. Veterans Hospital Road, SN-ADM
Portland, Oregon 97239-2941
Phone: (503) 494-7725
E-mail: proginfo@ohsu.edu
Web Site: www.ohsu.edu/son

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