Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Gerontology (CNS-AG) Post-Graduate CertificateHenry Predolin School of Nursing, Business, Education, and Health Sciences
The Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Gerontology (CNS-AG) Post-Graduate Certificate is designed for MSN-prepared nursing professionals seeking to foster skills that enhance their ability to advance the care of middle-aged and older adult patients. The CNS-AG Post-Graduate Certificate curriculum is built upon the three spheres of influence (Patient, Nurse, System) model for CNS practice with courses in advanced pathophysiology, advanced physical assessment, advanced pharmacology, differential diagnosis, adult-gerontology concepts, and advanced clinical practice preparing graduates as expert practitioners who work with the middle-aged and older adult population. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Board Certified (AGCNS-BC) exam.
This certificate program is designed to prepare registered nurses who have completed a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing to function in the advanced practice role of a CNS.
Madison, WI
Virtual
12-24*
*Applicants holding an APN certification will be evaluated to determine course requirements (Please note, syllabi may be required for substitutions or waivers when NRS 680, NRS 701, 702, and 703 have been met).
Program Requirements
The Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Gerontology (CNS-AG) Post-Graduate Certificate consists of the following courses:
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Total |
| NRS 680 | Differential Diagnosis | 3 |
| NRS 690 | Caring for the Adult and Older Adult | 3 |
| NRS 701 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NRS 702 | Advanced Physical Assessment | 3 |
| NRS 703 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NRS 717 | CNS Advanced Practice Clinical I | 3 |
| NRS 718 | CNS Advanced Practice Clinical II | 3 |
| NRS 719 | CNS Advanced Practice Clinical III | 3 |
Mission information, course description and scheduling and accreditation information can be found in the MSN Handbook.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must provide the following:
a. Evidence of an MSN or DNP degree from a nursing program accredited by a national nursing accreditation body.
b. Provide evidence of a baccalaureate or more advanced degree from a nursing program accredited by a national nursing accreditation body with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for regular admission status. The cumulative grade point average is computed on the highest degree held at the time of application to the Edgewood College graduate program.
c. Complete and submit graduate application to Graduate and Professional Studies Admissions.
d. Request that official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate academic credits received from any post-secondary institutions be sent directly to Graduate and Professional Studies Admissions.
e. Provide two letters of recommendation from nursing supervisors, and/or colleagues who can focus on the candidate’s probability of success in graduate school.
f. Submit a written statement, no more than 500 words, addressing your ambition to be admitted specifically into Edgewood College’s MSN program. Please also comment on your past educational and professional experiences that will foster your growth and success in this program.
g. Currently hold a license as a registered professional nurse.
h. Prior to beginning the MSN program’s practicum requirements, students will be required to complete a health form, criminal background check, and proof of a current RN license from the state/country in which they plan to complete their practicum.
