Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program at the Duke University School of Nursing offers seven advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) majors and three non-clinical majors. MSN students in APRN majors also have the option of adding a specialty to their course of study. APRN Majors All of the following majors are offered as distance-based programs. Although many courses are offered online, all APRN majors will have required on campus activities for a few of their courses. In these courses, students will be required to come to the Duke School of Nursing campus at least once every semester for two- to five-day intensives with faculty and other experts where face-to-face interactions, simulation and hands-on activities will be conducted. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Pediatric NP Acute Care Major The pediatric nurse practitioner–acute care (PNP–AC) major in the Duke MSN Program is specifically designed to prepare graduates to meet the needs of infants and children with complex and rapidly changing clinical conditions across acute care settings. Emphasis is placed on family-centered, culturally sensitive care. Students receive one-on-one clinical practice experience in diverse settings such as pediatric intensive care units, pediatric surgery, pediatric step-down units, inpatient units, emergency departments, pediatric/neonatal transport, and ambulatory, rehabilitative, and specialty-based clinics. Employment Preparation Graduates of the PNP-AC major are prepared to work with patients and families in a variety of pediatric acute care settings including specialty clinics, in-patient/hospitalist services, emergency departments, intensive care units and as part of critical care transport teams. Clinical Core Courses and Clinical Residency Each APRN major requires the student to complete 11 credit hours of clinical core courses. As a final synthesis experience, students are required to complete a final clinical residency under the mentorship of an experienced clinician in their respective area of expertise. The minimum number of credit hours required for completion of the MSN degree varies by major, ranging from 42 to 49 credit hours. Clinical experience requirements for the MSN degree in all APRN majors meet or exceed the requirements of national credentialing organizations such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP), American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), National Certification Corporation (NCC) and Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). Upon graduation, students are qualified to sit for the appropriate certification examination. Specialties for APRN Majors Groupings of courses pertaining to an advanced practice specialty are available within certain APRN majors. Students who wish to include a specialty in their course of study should consult their advisors in order to determine if the specialty is appropriate for and available in their majors. The following specialties are currently available: Cardiology HIV/AIDS Oncology Orthopedics Veterans Healthcare Concentration (for AGNP-primary care students) Non-Clinical Majors The Duke University School of Nursing offers the MSN degree in the following advanced practice nursing non-clinical majors: Health Informatics Nursing and Health Care Leadership Nursing Education