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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

School of Public Service Leadership

Gerontology Nursing specialization (CCNE-accredited*)

In this specialization, part of Capella’s CCNE-accredited MSN program, you will prepare to meet the growing need for nursing professionals with advanced gerontology skills. The curriculum, which is modeled on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master's Nursing Essentials and the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Competencies, focuses on advanced theories, research, and evidence-based practices of caring for the aging client in various settings. You'll explore the physical, cognitive, emotional, and mental aspects of aging; examine alternative tools and strategies to assist in assessing, diagnosing, and delivering evidence-based care to aging clients; and expand your knowledge of health care laws and policies, health promotion and wellness, and the use of technology in gerontological care. Five field experiences, each connected to a specific course in your specialization, offer opportunities to put your courseroom learning into real-world action. Specialization faculty combine top credentials, leadership experience, and backgrounds in frontline nursing. Capella's multidisciplinary approach to nursing means you'll prepare to address gerontology issues by strategically collaborating with leaders across the public administration, public safety, and health care fields. People interested in this specialization include nurses pursuing roles as gerontology nurses, nurse managers, and nurse directors in nonprofit or for-profit health care organizations, long-term care facilities, community or government agencies, community colleges, or universities.

The BSN and MSN degree programs at Capella University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Learn more.

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Total Program: 57 quarter credits
Up to 12 quarter credits may be transferred into this specialization
Next Start Date: June 4, 2012
Credit: $361 §

Debbie Reich Debbie Reich

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CCNE accreditation matters
CCNE

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a nationally recognized accreditation agency approved by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Accreditation by CCNE serves as a statement of good educational practice in the field of nursing. The following Capella programs are accredited by the CCNE*:

*The BSN and MSN degree programs at Capella University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, http://www.aacn.nche.edu/ccne-accreditation.

Gain more value from your degree

Expand your educational and career opportunities by choosing one of Capella's degree enrichment options.

  • Add a concentration to gain deeper expertise

    Delve more deeply into a specific knowledge area by earning a concentration that will be included on your transcript and can enhance your career opportunities. If you have elective courses in your degree program, you may be able to use them to fulfill both your degree and concentration requirements at the same time. However, completing a concentration may extend your total credits beyond the requirements of your degree.

    Concentrations available as part of this specialization include:
    • Fire Service Administrations
    • Forensics
    • Health Policy and Management
    • Homeland Security
    • Nonprofit Management and Leadership
    • Public Administration
    • Public Health
    • Public Policy Management and Collaborative Goverance

Core Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • MSN6000 - Orientation to Graduate Nursing Study
  • MSN6003 - Professional Nursing Practice Framework, Scope, and Role*
  • MSN6004 - Policy, Regulations, and Ethics in Advanced Nursing Practice*
  • MSN6006 - Diversity and Advocacy in Professional Nursing Practice*
  • MSN6008 - Research and Technology for Advanced Nursing Practice*
  • MSN6010 - Advanced Nursing Leadership and Management*
  • MSN6012 - Evidence-Based Practice in Health Promotion and Disease Management and Prevention*
  • MSN6020 - Nursing Capstone Project*

Specialization Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

  • MSN6510 - Physical Aspects of the Aging*
  • MSN6501 - Gerontology Nursing Field Experience 1: Physical Aspects of the Aging (1 quarter credit)*
  • MSN6512 - Psychological and Psychopathological Care for the Aging*
  • MSN6502 – Gerontology Nursing Field Experience 2: Psychological and Psychopathological Care for the Aging (1 quarter credit)*
  • MSN6514 - Caring for the Aging Across the Lifespan*
  • MSN6503 - Gerontology Nursing Field Experience 3: Caring for the Aging Across the Lifespan (1 quarter credit)*
  • MSN6516 - Social, Ethical, and Legal Issues in Aging*
  • MSN6504 - Gerontology Nursing Field Experience 4: Social, Ethical, and Legal Issues in Aging (1 quarter credit)*
  • MSN6518 - Behaviors and Quality of Life of the Aging*
  • MSN6505 - Gerontology Nursing Field Experience 5: Behaviors and Quality of Life of the Aging (1 quarter credit)*
Review of this specialization is pending in ND and SC.
North Carolina are currently not eligible to enroll in this specialization.
The MSN Gerontology Nursing specialization requires certain conditions of enrollment that learners must maintain throughout the program, including a current, unrestricted RN license, submitting to an annual background check (fees apply), and providing documentation of a current CPR certification and certain immunizations. Learners should consult the Master of Science in Nursing Program Handbook for details about the conditions of enrollment.
Admission to the MSN Gerontology Nursing specialization requires learners to complete and submit the RN License Verification and Work Experience Acknowledgement Form with Field Experience.
Learners are responsible for the cost of their travel, accommodations, food, and other expenses associated with this course.
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.

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Annual TB Screening for background check

January 25, 2012Emily I currently work in the health field and am required to get annual TB testing. Our screening consists of a Quantiferon (blood) test. Would this suffice instead of the anuual TB skin test? I haven't been able to get an answer on this. We do the blood work instead of the skin test since we've been told that there is always the chance of obtaining a false positive.
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