Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 University Catalog 
    
2024-2025 University Catalog

Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Non-Degree Certificate


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The Postgraduate Non-Degree certificate is intended for nurses who already have an advanced practice graduate degree in nursing (MSN or DNP) who wish to specialize in a different clinical area. The Postdoctoral Non-Degree Certificate is intended for nurses who already have an advanced practice doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) degree who wish to specialize in a different clinical area.

Students are expected to take the courses outlined in the program(s) of study provided below. In addition, it is expected that the student already has the equivalent to the Rush graduate core courses as part of their previous graduate program, as well as the specified additional courses listed for each certificate program. If these courses or their equivalent have not been completed prior to admission, then they may be taken as part of the program of study. Review of these courses for equivalence and transfer credit will be done upon admission into the program.

Postgraduate Advanced-Practice Certificate Options

  • Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (AC PNP)
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)

Postdoctoral Advanced Practice Certificate Option

  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)

Post-Graduate Advanced Practice Certificate Options


Area of Focus: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (ACPNP)


Program Student Learning Outcomes

  • Function as an advanced practice nurse in a specialty area of practice.

  • Analyze and monitor the quality and cost-effectiveness of clinical decisions.

  • Provide culturally competent care within multidisciplinary health care systems.

  • Apply ethical and legal principles to complex health care environments.

  • Utilize research to provide quality health care to initiate change and improve nursing practice.

  • Assume the role of advocate, educator and change agent for consumers within health care systems

  • Function as an advanced practice nurse in a specialty area of practice.

Graduation Requirements

The following are prerequisite graduate level coursework (or equivalent) to be completed prior to, or as part of, the PGC program of study. These courses may be from an APRN graduate program from another institution or completed at Rush University. A gap analysis and individualized program of study will be completed for each matriculating student.

  • Advanced pathophysiology
  • Advanced pharmacology/applied pharmacology
  • Advanced physiology
  • Advanced health assessment/diagnostics
  • Palliative care Training: ELNEC pediatric, palliative care certification or palliative care coursework to be completed prior to 557A
  • Advanced primary care of the child (didactic)
  • Transition to the APRN role

Specialty Curriculum Content


Subtotal: 6

Specialty Practica


Subtotal: 6

Total: 12


Area of Focus: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)


Program Student Learning Outcomes

  • Function as an advanced practice nurse in a specialty area of practice.

  • Analyze and monitor the quality and cost-effectiveness of clinical decisions.

  • Provide culturally competent care within multidisciplinary health care systems.

  • Apply ethical and legal principles to complex health care environments.

  • Utilize research to provide quality health care to initiate change and improve nursing practice.

  • Assume the role of advocate, educator and change agent for consumers within health care systems

  • Function as an advanced practice nurse in a specialty area of practice.

Graduation Requirements

The following are prerequisite graduate-level coursework (or equivalent) to be completed prior to, or as part of, the NNP PGC program of study. These courses may be from an APRN graduate program from another institution or completed at Rush University. A gap analysis and individualized program of study will be completed for each matriculating student.

  • Advanced pharmacology
  • Advanced physiology
  • Transition to the APRN role
Subtotal: 6

Subtotal: 15

Specialty Practica


Subtotal: 7

Total: 28


Area of Focus: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)


Program Student Learning Outcomes

  • Function as an advanced practice nurse in a specialty area of practice.

  • Analyze and monitor the quality and cost-effectiveness of clinical decisions.

  • Provide culturally competent care within multidisciplinary health care systems.

  • Apply ethical and legal principles to complex health care environments.

  • Utilize research to provide quality health care to initiate change and improve nursing practice.

  • Assume the role of advocate, educator and change agent for consumers within health care systems

  • Function as an advanced practice nurse in a specialty area of practice.

Graduation Requirements

The following are prerequisite graduate-level coursework (or equivalent) to be completed prior to, or as part of, the PGC program of study. These courses may be from an APRN graduate program from another institution or completed at Rush University. A gap analysis and individualized program of study will be completed for each matriculating student.

  • Advanced pathophysiology
  • Advanced pharmacology
  • Advanced health assessment
  • Transition of APN role course

Postdoctoral Advanced-Practice Certificate Option


Area of Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)


Program Student Learning Outcomes

  • Function as an advanced practice nurse in a specialty area of practice.

  • Analyze and monitor the quality and cost-effectiveness of clinical decisions.

  • Provide culturally competent care within multidisciplinary health care systems.

  • Apply ethical and legal principles to complex health care environments.

  • Utilize research to provide quality health care to initiate change and improve nursing practice.

  • Assume the role of advocate, educator and change agent for consumers within health care systems

  • Function as an advanced practice nurse in a specialty area of practice.

Graduation Requirements

All plans of study are individualized to the student, and additional courses may be required based on the student’s previous graduate coursework.

The following are prerequisite graduate-level coursework (or equivalent) to be completed prior to, or as part of, the PDC program of study. These courses may be from an APRN graduate program from another institution or completed at Rush University. A gap analysis and individualized program of study will be completed for each matriculating student.

  • Advanced pathophysiology
  • Advanced pharmacology/applied pharmacology
  • Advanced health assessment across the life span
  • Diagnostics for the APRN
  • Transition to the APRN role
  • Health promotion
Subtotal: 15

Specialty Practica


Subtotal: 6

Note: Additional practicum hours may be required by the area of concentration and/or individual student needs.

Total: 21


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