Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, MSN

We’ll train you to deliver care that meets patients’ needs, regardless of setting. You’ll be comfortable working in community health clinics, private medical practices, specialty clinics, Veteran’s Administration facilities, home care, assisted living facilities, long-term care settings, rehabilitation centers, and urgent care.

In many cases, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners follow their patients across care settings, acting as a guardian to protect care quality and patient safety during transitions. These nurses are the backbone of our profession, caring for patients in sickness and in health, and they are in demand today more than ever. We base the program around five core courses, and supplement with three theory and four clinical courses. The clinical courses include classroom case studies and clinical preceptorships that focus on physical assessment and pathophysiology, health maintenance, and the management of common acute and chronic health problems. 

Curriculum

A total of 12 course units are required.

Core Courses
NURS 6070Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology1
NURS 6080Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics for Nursing Practice1
NURS 6560Professional Role Issues for Nurse Practitioners1
NURS 6570Advanced Physical Assessment and Clinical Decision Making1
NURS 5470Scientific Inquiry for Evidence-based Practice 11
or NURS 6370 Introduction to Research Methods and Design
Theory Courses
NURS 6440Health Care in an Aging Society1
NURS 6460Primary Care: Diagnosis and Management of Adults Across the Lifespan1
NURS 6480Primary Care: Complex Diagnosis and Management of Adults across the Lifespan1
Clinical Courses
NURS 6470Primary Care Clncl Practicum: Diagnosis & Mgmt of Adults across the Lifespan1
NURS 6490Primary Care Cln Practicum: Complex Diagnosis & Mgmnt of Adults across the Lifespan1
NURS 6610Clinical Management of Primary Care with Adults1
NURS 6630Advanced Concepts in Primary Care1
Total Course Units12
1

NURS 5470 is a graduate-level research methods course approved for Penn BSN students only.


The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.


Full Time Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
SummerCourse Units
NURS 6070 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology 1
NURS 6370 Introduction to Research Methods and Design 1
NURS 6570 Advanced Physical Assessment and Clinical Decision Making 1
 Course Units3.00
Fall
NURS 6080 Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics for Nursing Practice 1
NURS 6460 Primary Care: Diagnosis and Management of Adults Across the Lifespan 1
NURS 6470 Primary Care Clncl Practicum: Diagnosis & Mgmt of Adults across the Lifespan 1
NURS 6560 Professional Role Issues for Nurse Practitioners 1
 Course Units4.00
Spring
NURS 6440 Health Care in an Aging Society 1
NURS 6480 Primary Care: Complex Diagnosis and Management of Adults across the Lifespan 1
NURS 6490 Primary Care Cln Practicum: Complex Diagnosis & Mgmnt of Adults across the Lifespan 1
 Course Units3.00
Second Year
Summer
NURS 6610 Clinical Management of Primary Care with Adults 1
NURS 6630 Advanced Concepts in Primary Care 1
 Course Units2.00
 Total Course Units12.00

Part Time Plan of Study - 2 Years

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
SummerCourse Units
NURS 6070 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology 1
 Course Units1.00
Fall
NURS 6080 Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics for Nursing Practice 1
NURS 6560 Professional Role Issues for Nurse Practitioners 1
 Course Units2.00
Spring
NURS 6370 Introduction to Research Methods and Design 1
NURS 6440 Health Care in an Aging Society 1
 Course Units2.00
Second Year
Summer
NURS 6570 Advanced Physical Assessment and Clinical Decision Making 1
 Course Units1.00
Fall
NURS 6460 Primary Care: Diagnosis and Management of Adults Across the Lifespan 1
NURS 6470 Primary Care Clncl Practicum: Diagnosis & Mgmt of Adults across the Lifespan 1
 Course Units2.00
Spring
NURS 6480 Primary Care: Complex Diagnosis and Management of Adults across the Lifespan 1
NURS 6490 Primary Care Cln Practicum: Complex Diagnosis & Mgmnt of Adults across the Lifespan 1
 Course Units2.00
Third Year
Summer
NURS 6610 Clinical Management of Primary Care with Adults 1
NURS 6630 Advanced Concepts in Primary Care 1
 Course Units2.00
 Total Course Units12.00