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Master of Science with a Gerontological Nurse Specialization (CNS or NP)
Master's Degree
New students may begin January 2010
- 55-58 Credits
- 2+ Years to Complete
- Online
- Live Web Classes and/or Recorded Lectures
- Deadlines for Lessons/Exams
- In-State Tuition Regardless of Residency
With UND College of Nursing’s Master of Science (MS) with a Gerontological Nurse Specialization, you will be prepared to address the complex healthcare needs of older adults, including how to:
- provide interventions necessary for health promotion
- manage complex health conditions
- work effectively with interdisciplinary teams to provide care and services for older adults
Through online courses, you will gain extensive knowledge in theories of aging and gerontological nursing. You learn how to effectively provide care and services for older adults in:
- long-term care facilities
- transitional care units
- assisted living facilities
- acute care, independent or clinic settings
As a graduate of the Gerontological Nurse Specialization, you will be able to:
- integrate theory, research, and experiential knowledge into advanced gerontological nursing practice.
- provide healthcare for high priority older groups (minorities, underserved, indigent, or rural dwellers) within a community.
- demonstrate advanced practice skills consistent with American Nurses Association’s Scope and Standards of Practice for advance practice nurses.
- participate in the development of gerontological nursing as a science, through the use of theory and research.
- interpret relationships between social, cultural, political and economic issues and healthcare delivery for older adults and their families.
Certification Exam
After successful completion of your master's degree, you will be eligible to complete the national American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam for certification as a Gerontological Nurse Practicioner (GNP) or Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist (GCNS).
Note: If you are a registered nurse (RN) who does not have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you may pursue your Master’s with a Gerontological Nurse Specialization through the RN to MS Distance Degree Program.
This specialization was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service,
Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions, Division of Nursing.
