Nurse Practitioner - APRN (Post-Graduate Certificate)
Admissions Criteria
A holistic review process is used when considering applications for admission. The holistic review considers multiple criteria for admissions, including the applicant's professional career goals, academic capabilities, grade point averages, work experience, leadership, and community engagement.
The University of Louisville School of Nursing participates in Nursing's Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS), which provides you with an online application. NursingCAS collects and processes your application documents and verifies your transcripts. The School of Nursing will receive your application information from NursingCAS and use it to make admission decisions.
Only registered nurses holding a Master of Science degree in nursing or a terminal degree (e.g., PhD, EdD, DNP) are eligible to apply. To be considered for admission to the post graduate APRN certificate program, the following items must be submitted:
To the Graduate School
- University of Louisville Graduate Admission Application with a reduced application fee.
To NursingCAS
- Official Transcripts representing all college course work. Graduate program degree in nursing must be from a regionally accredited institution and a CCNE-, ACEN-, or NLN-accredited nursing program. Recommended graduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Applicants who have attended a college or university outside of the United States are also required to submit a course-by-course evaluation of their transcripts through World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). Recommended graduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic and/or professional capabilities and potential. Recommendations should be requested from former faculty members, current or immediate past employers, or other nursing/health professionals. Recommendations must have been completed within the last year.
- Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) including RN license number.
- Unencumbered RN license from a US state board of nursing. (Prior to clinicals a RN license in the state of Kentucky or a compact state is required).
- Response to all questions asked on the Nursing CAS application.
- Students for whom English is not their primary language must show English Proficiency.
Additional requirements for acute care specialties:
Neonatal specialty: Minimum of one year of RN clinical experience in a Level III or Level IV NICU required prior to admission. All NNP applicants must have the equivalent of two years of full-time RN clinical experience (within the last 5 years) in Level III and/or IV NICU inpatient settings before beginning clinical courses.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care specialty: One year of RN experience in the ICU or one year of RN experience in any area and a commitment to complete one year of RN clinical practice in an ICU before beginning clinical courses. Applicants that do not have one year of RN experience at the point of application, but will complete one year prior to beginning clinical courses, will satisfy the work requirement.
Pediatric Acute Care specialty: One year of RN experience in an acute care setting or one year of RN experience in any area and a commitment to complete one year in an acute care setting before beginning clinical courses.
Prerequisite Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| NURS 740 | Advanced Pharmacology 1 | 3 |
| NURS 741 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 4 |
| NURS 742 | Advanced Physical Assessment 1 | 3 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 10 | |
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Specialty Requirements
Minimum clinical hour requirements: APRNs seeking an additional specialty will complete a minimum of 504 population-specific clinical hours. All other students will be required to complete a minimum of 672 patient care clinical hours and 84 professional role clinical hours. Pediatric acute care nurse practitioner specialty requires a minimum of 588 clinical hours if there is no documentation of well-child care in primary certification. 1 credit hour of clinical coursework is equivalent to 84 clinical clock hours.
A program of study for postgraduate applicants will be created based upon a gap analysis of all official college transcripts and professional credentials.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required in all course work to meet graduation requirements.
Adult Gerontology Acute Nurse Practitioner
Academic Plan Code(s): NUPRCNPAGA
The patient population of the adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner practice includes the entire spectrum of adults including adolescents, adults, and aging adults. Acute care nurse practitioners work in the intensive care unit (ICU), progressive care unit (PCU), other hospital units and specialty provider's offices.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses | ||
| NURS 754 | Clinical Reasoning in Advanced Practice Nursing 2 | 1 |
| NURS 777 | The Adult/Gerontology Acute Care NP Role | 1 |
| NURS 779 | Diagnosis & Management in Acute Care I | 5 |
| NURS 780 | Procedures and Diagnostics for the Acute Care NP | 2 |
| NURS 781 | Diagnosis & Management in Acute Care II | 3 |
| NURS 783 | Diagnosis & Management in Acute Care III | 2 |
| NURS 792 | Pharmacology for the Acute Care APRN | 1 |
| NURS 807 | The Professional Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse | 3 |
| NURS 726 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP I (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 727 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP II (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 728 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP III (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 729 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP IV (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 840 | Clinical Seminar I | 1 |
| NURS 841 | Clinical Seminar II | 1 |
| NURS 842 | Clinical Practicum in the Advanced Practice Role (84 clinical hours) 2, 5 | 1 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 29 | |
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Academic Plan Code(s): NUPRCNPAGP
The patient population of the adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner practice includes the entire spectrum of the adults including adolescents, adults and aging adults. An Adult-Gerontology NP could work in the following settings: internal medicine offices, health clinics, a specialty office, hospital rehab or a hospice unit; long term care facility, fast-track ER, or adult urgent care facility.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses | ||
| NURS 753 | Adolescent Well Child Theory | 1 |
| NURS 754 | Clinical Reasoning in Advanced Practice Nursing 2 | 1 |
| NURS 755 | Diagnosis and Management of Adult Health in Primary Care | 4 |
| NURS 756 | Procedures & Diagnostics for Adult Health | 1 |
| NURS 757 | Diagnosis and Management of Women's Health in Primary Care | 2 |
| NURS 758 | Diagnosis and Management of Mental Health in Primary Care | 2 |
| NURS 759 | Diagnosis and Management of the Older Adult in Primary Care | 3 |
| NURS 807 | The Professional Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse | 3 |
| NURS 726 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP I (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 727 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP II (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 728 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP III (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 729 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP IV (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 840 | Clinical Seminar I | 1 |
| NURS 841 | Clinical Seminar II | 1 |
| NURS 842 | Clinical Practicum in the Advanced Practice Role (84 clinical hours) 2, 5 | 1 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 28 | |
Family Nurse Practitioner
Academic Plan Code(s): NUPRCNPFNP
The family nurse practitioner (FNP) is prepared to care for individuals and families across the lifespan. An FNP could work in the following settings: health clinic, adult or pediatric primary care office, inpatient rehab or hospice unit, school, fast-track ER, or urgent care facility.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses | ||
| NURS 754 | Clinical Reasoning in Advanced Practice Nursing 2 | 1 |
| NURS 755 | Diagnosis and Management of Adult Health in Primary Care | 4 |
| NURS 756 | Procedures & Diagnostics for Adult Health | 1 |
| NURS 757 | Diagnosis and Management of Women's Health in Primary Care | 2 |
| NURS 758 | Diagnosis and Management of Mental Health in Primary Care | 2 |
| NURS 759 | Diagnosis and Management of the Older Adult in Primary Care | 3 |
| NURS 761 | Pediatric & Adolescent Well Child Theory | 2 |
| NURS 762 | Diagnosis & Management of Pediatrics in Primary Care | 2 |
| NURS 807 | The Professional Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse 2 | 3 |
| NURS 726 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP I (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 727 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP II (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 728 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP III (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 729 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP IV (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 840 | Clinical Seminar I | 1 |
| NURS 841 | Clinical Seminar II | 1 |
| NURS 842 | Clinical Practicum in the Advanced Practice Role (84 clinical hours) 2, 5 | 1 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 31 | |
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Academic Plan Code(s): NUPRCNPNNP
Neonatal nurse practitioners (NNP) provide health care to neonates, infants, and children through 2 years of age. The NNP role includes the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic illness in neonates, infants, and children.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses | ||
| NURS 763 | Advanced Neonatal Physiology & Pathophysiology I | 3 |
| NURS 764 | Neonatal Diagnostic Reasoning I | 1 |
| NURS 765 | Advance Neonatal Physiology & Pathophysiology II | 3 |
| NURS 766 | Neonatal Diagnostic Reasoning II | 1 |
| NURS 767 | Neonatal Residency I (252 clinical hours) 4 | 3 |
| NURS 768 | Neonatal Residency II (252 clinical hours) 4 | 3 |
| NURS 769 | Neonatal Residency III (252 clinical hours) 4 | 3 |
| NURS 784 | Advanced Neonatal Pharmacology | 3 |
| NURS 785 | Advanced Neonatal Assessment | 3 |
| NURS 786 | Human Embryology and Genetics | 3 |
| NURS 844 | Advanced Practice Care: Birth to 2 years of age | 2 |
| NURS 807 | The Professional Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse 2 | 3 |
| NURS 840 | Clinical Seminar I | 1 |
| NURS 841 | Clinical Seminar II | 1 |
| NURS 842 | Clinical Practicum in the Advanced Practice Role (84 clinical hours) 2, 5 | 1 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 34 | |
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Academic Plan Code(s): NURPCNPPSY
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP) focus on individuals across the lifespan, families, and populations across the lifespan at risk for developing and/or having a diagnosis of psychiatric disorders or mental health problems. This includes assessment, diagnosis, and management of mental health and psychiatric disorders across the lifespan.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses | ||
| NURS 770 | Adv. Psychiatric Assessment of Psychopathology and Clinical Interviewing Across the Lifespan | 2 |
| NURS 771 | Foundations of Individual and Group Psychotherapy for the Adv. Practice Psychiatric Mental Health NP | 2 |
| NURS 772 | Psychopharmacology | 2 |
| NURS 773 | Diagnosis and Management of Children and Adolescents in Adv. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 774 | Diagnosis and Management of Adults in Advanced Practice Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing | 3 |
| NURS 775 | Diagnosis and Management of Special Populations in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing | 2 |
| NURS 794 | The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role | 2 |
| NURS 726 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP I (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 727 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP II (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 728 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP III (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 729 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP IV (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 807 | The Professional Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse 2 | 3 |
| NURS 840 | Clinical Seminar I | 1 |
| NURS 841 | Clinical Seminar II | 1 |
| NURS 842 | Clinical Practicum in the Advanced Practice Role (84 clinical hours) 2, 5 | 1 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 30 | |
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Academic Plan Code(s): NURSCPGPAC
The pediatric acute care nurse practitioner (PACNP) is educationally prepared to provide advanced nursing care to meet the specialized needs of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults with complex, acute, critical, and chronic health conditions, including the delivery of acute care services, as delineated in the acute care nurse practitioner competencies. PACNPs work in hospital-based pediatric acute care areas, pediatric intensive care units, pediatric cardiac intensive care units, emergency departments, and pediatric specialty practices that manage acutely ill patients.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses | ||
| NURS 754 | Clinical Reasoning in Advanced Practice Nursing 2 | 1 |
| NURS 761 | Pediatric & Adolescent Well Child Theory 3 | 2 |
| NURS 762 | Diagnosis & Management of Pediatrics in Primary Care 3 | 2 |
| NURS 800 | Pathophysiology for Pediatric Acute Care | 1 |
| NURS 801 | Pharmacology for Pediatric Acute Care | 1 |
| NURS 802 | Procedures for Pediatric Acute Care | 1 |
| NURS 803 | Diagnosis and Management for Pediatric Acute Care I: Special Needs in Chronic Illness | 3 |
| NURS 804 | Diagnosis and Management for Pediatric Acute Care II: Acute Illness | 2 |
| NURS 805 | Diagnosis and Management for Pediatric Acute Care III: Critical Illness | 3 |
| NURS 806 | The Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Role | 1 |
| NURS 807 | The Professional Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse 2 | 3 |
| NURS 726 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP I (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 727 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP II (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 728 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP III (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 729 | Clinical Practicum for the MSN NP IV (168 clinical hours) 4 | 2 |
| NURS 840 | Clinical Seminar I | 1 |
| NURS 841 | Clinical Seminar II | 1 |
| NURS 842 | Clinical Practicum in the Advanced Practice Role (84 clinical hours) 2, 5 | 1 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 31 | |
- 1
Course not required for Neonatal specialty.
- 2
Course not required for APRNs seeking a second specialty.
- 3
Course not required for APRN with PNP or FNP certification and evidence of previous coursework.
- 4
This course contains population specific patient care clinical hours. These hours should be considered direct patient care clinical hours.
- 5
This course contains 84 advanced practice professional role clinical hours. These hours should not be considered direct patient care clinical hours.
Graduates from the APRN certificate program are eligible for national certification in an advanced practice specialty upon graduation; however, educational preparation does not guarantee professional licensure. If you have questions regarding Kentucky APRN licensure, please contact the Kentucky Board of Nursing. For APRN licensure questions in other states, please contact the respective state board of nursing (https://ncsbn.org/contact-bon.htm).
