Saint Joseph's Post-Master’s Certificate in Family/Individual Across the Lifespan aims to equip nurses with the necessary skills to provide comprehensive care to individuals and families throughout their lifespan. The coursework emphasizes developmental theories, family dynamics, and health promotion, preparing graduates to address diverse healthcare needs across various stages of life and to pursue board certification in the family and individual across the lifespan population focus. We also offer a Post-Master’s Certificate in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care as well as a Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Practitioner (MSN).
Post-Master’s Certificate in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care
Saint Joseph's Post-Master’s Certificate in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care is designed for nurses holding an MSN who seek to enhance their clinical skills in the care of adult and geriatric patients with acute and complex health conditions. A gap analysis is conducted at the time of admission to develop an individualized plan of study based on previous coursework and clinical experiences, allowing for potential waivers of didactic and practicum requirements. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practices, advanced assessment, diagnostic reasoning and management strategies to prepare graduates for advanced practice as a nurse practitioner in acute care settings. Graduates are eligible to sit for board certification in the adult-gerontology acute care population focus.
We also offer a Post-Master’s Certificate in Family/Individual Across the Lifespan as well as a Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Practitioner (MSN).
100% Pass Rate
We currently have a 100% pass rate on the ANCC/AANP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and AACN/ANCC Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) exams.
What Sets Our Post-Master’s Certificate in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Program Apart
Flexible Online Classes with an Onsite Clinical Component
Embrace the flexibility of our online PMC program where you will attend classes virtually while maintaining your full or part-time employment. The program offers an onsite clinical component, allowing you to fulfill your clinical requirements at a location of your choice.
Prepares Students to Sit for the Nursing Board Certification Exam
At the successful completion of the Post-Master’s Certificate in Family/Individual Across the Lifespan program, students are eligible to take the certification exam. We currently have a 100% pass rate on the ANCC/AANP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and AACN/ANCC Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) exams.
Gain Extensive Real-World Experience with Required Clinical Hours
We provide you with the clinical support you need to complete clinical hours at premier locations in Pennsylvania. You’ll have the opportunity to experience working in clinical settings with expert preceptors and faculty, helping you apply the knowledge and skills from the classroom to in-person patient experiences.
Taught by Experienced Nursing Faculty
At Saint Joseph’s University, our nursing faculty members represent a cadre of seasoned nursing professionals dedicated to fostering excellence in education and clinical practice. What sets our faculty apart is their extensive experience and expertise, not only as educators but also as active practitioners in their respective specialty areas. Each faculty member brings a wealth of real-world insights and up-to-date knowledge, having made significant contributions to the field through their ongoing clinical practice and scholarship endeavors.
Why Study this Program in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is home to top-tier hospitals and clinics seeking nurses, including:
- Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital
- Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
- Lehigh Valley Hospital
- University of Pittsburg Medical Center (UPMC)
- Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian
- Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute
- Haven Behavioral Health
- WellSpan Health
What is the Average Salary Nurse Practitioners Can Expect to Earn?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of a Nurse Practitioner in 2022 is $125,900 per year.
Program Details
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Explore the required courses and sample curriculum for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.
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The master’s degree program in nursing and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Saint Joseph's University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
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Saint Joseph's University in Lancaster’s tuition structure includes both per-credit tuition and program-specific fees.
PER-CREDIT TUITION:
The cost of the Post-Master’s Certificate in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care program is $954 per credit for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For a detailed breakdown and additional information, visit our Tuition & Fees page.
Admission Information
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Requirements to Apply to the Post Master's Certificate Program:
- Reside in Pennsylvania
- Have unencumbered RN and CRNP licensure in Pennsylvania
- Hold a BSN and MSN degree from a regionally-accredited institution
- Have a 3.0 GPA
To learn more about the admission process and required materials or ask any questions, please email the admission office.
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- Apply online.
- Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended.
- Provide a written statement clearly identifying the applicant’s career goals and how admission to the program will facilitate professional goals.
- Submit resume.
- Provide two (2) letters of recommendation: at least one from an NP/MD/DO/MSN/ doctorate-prepared nurse who can attest to the applicant’s clinical knowledge, and one from a nursing leader with an MSN or doctoral degree (nursing supervisor/manager/ nursing professor).
Visit our Admission Information page to learn more about admission requirements, key deadlines, additional requirements for international students and how to submit your application. -
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. New students may enroll in courses during the fall, spring or summer semesters.
Start Terms:
- Fall: August
- Spring: January
- Summer: May
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If you are not a United States citizen, you must show proof of permanent resident visa status. Students educated in another country may be admitted if they:
- Satisfy general admission requirements
- Earn a minimum of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based) on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey
Students from English-speaking countries may choose to take the SAT or ACT instead of the TOEFL exam. An evaluation of foreign transcripts by the World Education Service or other approved agency is required.
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Saint Joseph’s is a military-friendly institution and offers assistance and services to veterans and their dependents who are utilizing educational benefits. Benefits include:
- Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®
- Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
- Chapter 33 Post 911 GI Bill®
- Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Assistance
- Chapter 1606 National Guard or Reserves
- Chapter 1607 National Guard or Reserves (REAP) (*if eligible, must be utilized by November 25, 2019)
- Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)
- Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)
Explore Other Degree Programs
Are you ready to add to your nursing skill set and become an advanced practice nurse? Saint Joseph’s University will prepare you for the next step in your nursing career with our Master of Science in Nursing–Nursing Practitioner (MSN-NP).
Saint Joseph’s University offers a top-ranked four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in Philadelphia and Lancaster and the region’s only three-year accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Lancaster. In addition to our four-year and accelerated three-year BSN programs, we also offer a flexible RN to BSN pathway program for students who want to advance their career in the healthcare field.