Ranked Among the Best
45 Years (And Counting)
The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialty was established at UMSON in 1974.
100% Pass Rate
Congrats to our 2023 Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner graduates, who earned a 100% pass rate on the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board and the American Nurses Credentialing Center Board exams.
Are you looking for an advanced practice specialty that makes you highly marketable and allows you to work in almost any practice setting? UMSON’s Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialty prepares you to provide care to adolescent and adult patients, ages 13 and up, in addition to an expanding senior population.
With today's enormous strain on the physician-based primary care workforce in the United States, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners are needed to fill the gap. Nearly 20 million Americans gained health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act, which included provisions to bolster primary care provided by nurse practitioners.
Read more about how adult-gerontology primary care NPs promote adolescent health.
In this specialty, you are prepared at the doctoral level as an advanced practice nurse in caring for adolescents and adults across the lifespan and through the continuum of care, with expertise in:
You will be prepared to work in practice settings including:
This program is offered as a great mix of face-to-face, supportive instruction and online classes, all with faculty who are experts in their areas of specialty. The curriculum emphasizes coursework, case study analysis, and clinical experiences.
You will work with faculty members, nurse practitioners, and physician preceptors in a variety of primary care clinical practicum sites throughout the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area to gain the hands-on clinical experience you need.
Our DNP program has an option that fits your goals and experience.
This program’s curriculum is aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, which focus on competency-based education (CBE). CBE is a student-centered approach that is built on the science of how we learn and provides multiple opportunities for you to demonstrate and use what you are learning as you learn it.
Our Doctor of Nurse Practice program has an option that fits your goals and experience, whether you 1) have your BSN, 2) have your master's in nursing or a related field, 3) are already a nurse practitioner, 4) are looking to change your specialty. Focus your energy and resources on only those courses that you need to achieve your goals. Learn more about our DNP pathways.
For financial aid purposes, there are credit minimums for full-time status that may differ from the plans of study. See details.
Post-BSN:
Plans of Study for Fall 2016 and Beyond:
Plans of Study Prior to Fall 2016:
Post-Master's:
Postdoctoral Certificate:
| Semester and Course Number/Title | Credit/Clinical Hours |
| Fall Year 1 | |
| NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
| NURS 723: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Life Span | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span | 4 Credits |
| NRSG 785: Professional Writing | 1 Credit |
| Total: | 11 Credits |
| Spring Year 1 | |
| NRSG 790: Methods for Research and Evidence-Based Practice | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 795: Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 830: Diagnosis and Management 1: Introduction to Diagnostic Reasoning | 2 Credits |
| NDNP 831: Diagnosis and Management 1: Introduction to Diagnostic Reasoning Clinical | 2 Credits (90 Hours) |
| Total: | 10 Credits |
| Summer Year 1 | |
| NRSG 780: Population Health and Promotion | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 710: Evidence-Informed Health Policy and Advocacy | 3 Credits |
|
NDNP 720: Geriatric Syndromes Assessment and Management |
2 Credits |
| Total: | 8 Credits |
| Fall Year 2 | |
| NDNP 804: Theory for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 782: Health Systems & Health Policy: Leadership & Quality Improvement | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 832: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic | 4 Credits |
| NDNP 833: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 3 Credits (135 Hours) |
| NDNP 809A: DNP Project Readiness | 0 Credits |
| Total: | 13 Credits |
| Spring Year 2 | |
| NDNP 807: Healthcare Informatics for Advanced Practice | 3 Credits (45 Hours) |
| NDNP 810: DNP Project Identification | 3 Credit (90 Hours) |
| NDNP 834: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions | 4 Credits |
| NDNP 835: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 3 Credits (135 Hours) |
| Total: | 13 Credits |
| Summer Year 2 | |
| NURS 834: Translating Evidence to Practice | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 836: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes | 2 Credits |
| NDNP 837: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 2 Credits (90 Hours) |
| NDNP 811: DNP Project Development | 1 Credit |
| Total: | 8 Credits |
| Fall Year 3 | |
| NDNP 812: DNP Project Implementation | 1 Credit (45 Hours) |
| NDNP 814: Practice Leadership Within Complex Adaptive Health Care Systems/Practicum | 3 Credits (45 Hours) |
| NDNP 838: Diagnosis and Management 5: Professional Practice Immersion: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 4 Credits (180 Hours) |
| Total: | 8 Credits |
| Spring Year 3 | |
| NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination | 1 Credit |
| NDNP 839: Diagnosis and Management 6: Integration of Practice and Leadership: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 5 Credits (225 Hours) |
| ELECTIVE or Necessary Specialty Course | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 9 Credits |
| TOTAL 80 CREDITS (56 Didactic/24 Clinical Credits [1,080 Clinical Hours]) | |
| Semester and Course Number/Title | Credit/Clinical Hours |
| Fall Year 1 | |
| NRSG 780: Health Promotion and Population Health | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 790: Methods for Research and Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 785: Professional Writing | 1 Credit |
| Total: | 7 Credits |
| Spring Year 1 | |
| NRSG 795: Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 782: Health Systems & Health Policy: Leadership & Quality Improvement | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 6 Credits |
| Summer Year 1 | |
| NDNP 710: Evidence-Informed Health Policy and Advocacy | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 3 Credits |
| Fall Year 2 | |
| NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
| NURS 723: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Life Span | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span | 4 Credits |
| Total: | 10 Credits |
| Spring Year 2 | |
| NDNP 830: Diagnosis and Management 1: Intro to Diagnostic Reasoning | 2 Credits |
| NDNP 831: Diagnosis and Management 1: Intro to Diagnostic Reasoning Clinical | 2 Credits (90 Hours) |
| NDNP 804: Theory for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 7 Credits |
| Summer Year 2 | |
| NDNP 720: Geriatric Syndromes Assessment and Management | 2 Credits |
| NURS 834: Translating Evidence to Practice | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 5 Credits |
| Fall Year 3 | |
| NDNP 832: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic | 4 Credits |
| NDNP 833: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 3 Credits (135 Hours) |
| NDNP 807: Healthcare Informatics for Advanced Practice | 3 Credits (45 Hours) |
| NDNP 809A: DNP Project Readiness | 0 Credits |
| Total: | 10 Credits |
| Spring Year 3 | |
| NDNP 810: DNP Project Identification | 3 Credit (90 Hours) |
| NDNP 834: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions | 4 Credits |
| NDNP 835: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 3 Credits (135 Hours) |
| Total: | 10 Credits |
| Summer Year 3 | |
| NDNP 836: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes | 2 Credits |
| NDNP 837: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 2 Credits (90 Hours) |
| NDNP 811: DNP Project Development | 0 Credit |
| Total: | 5 Credits |
| Fall Year 4 | |
| NDNP 812: DNP Project Implementation | 1 Credit (45 Hours) |
| NDNP 838: Diagnosis and Management 5: Professional Practice Immersion: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 4 Credits (180 Hours) |
| NDNP 814: Practice Leadership Within Complex Adaptive Health Care Systems/Practicum | 3 Credits (45 Hours) |
| Total: | 8 Credits |
| Spring Year 4 | |
| NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination | 1 Credit |
| NDNP 839: Diagnosis and Management 6: Integration of Practice and Leadership: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 5 Credits (225 Hours) |
| ELECTIVE or Necessary Specialty Course | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 9 Credits |
| TOTAL 80 CREDITS (56 Didactic/24 Clinical Credits [1,080 Clinical Hours]) | |
| Semester and Course Number/Title | Credit/Clinical Hours |
| Fall Year 1 | |
| NRSG 780: Health Promotion and Population Health | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 782: Health Systems & Health Policy: Leadership & Quality Improvement | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 785: Professional Writing | 1 Credit |
| Total: | 7 Credits |
| Spring Year 1 | |
| NRSG 790: Methods for Research and Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 710: Evidence-Informed Health Policy and Advocacy | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 6 Credits |
| Summer Year 1 | |
| NDNP 804: Theory for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 3 Credits |
| Fall Year 2 | |
| NDNP 807: Healthcare Informatics for Advanced Practice | 3 Credits (45 Hours) |
| NRSG 795: Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 6 Credits |
| Spring Year 2 | |
| NURS 834: Translating Evidence to Practice | 3 Credits |
| ELECTIVE or Necessary Specialty Course | 3 Credits |
| Total: | 6 Credits |
| Summer Year 2 | |
| NDNP 814: Practice Leadership Within Complex Adaptive Health Care Systems/Practicum | 3 Credits (45 Hours) |
| Total: | 3 Credits |
| Fall Year 3 | |
| NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
| NURS 723: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Life Span | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span | 4 Credits |
| Total: | 10 Credits |
| Spring Year 3 | |
| NDNP 830: Diagnosis and Management 1: Intro to Diagnostic Reasoning | 2 Credits |
| NDNP 831: Diagnosis and Management 1: Intro to Diagnostic Reasoning Clinical | 2 Credits (90 Hours) |
| Total: | 4 Credits |
| Summer Year 3 | |
| NDNP 720: Geriatric Syndromes Assessment and Management | 2 Credits |
| Total: | 2 Credits |
| Fall Year 4 | |
| NDNP 832: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic | 4 Credits |
| NDNP 833: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 3 Credits (135 Hours) |
| NDNP 809A: DNP Project Readiness | 0 Credits |
| Total: | 7 Credits |
| Spring Year 4 | |
| NDNP 834: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions | 4 Credits |
| NDNP 835: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 3 Credits (135 Hours) |
| NDNP 810: DNP Project Identification | 3 Credit (90 Hours) |
| Total: | 10 Credits |
| Summer Year 4 | |
| NDNP 836: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes | 2 Credits |
| NDNP 837: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 2 Credits (90 Hours) |
| NDNP 811: DNP Project Development | 1 Credit |
| Total: | 5 Credits |
| Fall Year 5 | |
| NDNP 812: DNP Project Implementation | 1 Credit (45 Hours) |
| NDNP 838: Diagnosis and Management 5: Professional Practice Immersion: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 4 Credits (180 Hours) |
| Total: | 5 Credits |
| Spring Year 5 | |
| NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination | 1 Credit |
| NDNP 839: Diagnosis and Management 6: Integration of Practice and Leadership: Clinical Practicum/Seminar | 5 Credits (225 Hours) |
| Total: | 6 Credits |
| TOTAL 80 CREDITS (56 Didactic/24 Clinical Credits [1,080 Clinical Hours]) | |
The Post Masters-DNP with Specialty plan of study is by definition variable credit based on the student’s individual educational experiences.
Students should work closely with their advisor to determine specific plans of study.
All of the below degree requirements must be completed at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, or through transfer or waiver of credits that are directly equivalent to UMSON coursework.
| Course Number/Title | Credit/Clinical Hours |
|---|---|
| NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
| NURS 723: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Life Span | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span | 4 Credits (May be satisfied by at least 3 credits of directly equivalent transfer credit) |
| NRSG 790: Methods for Research and Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 795: Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 804: Theory for Evidence-based Practice | 3 Credits |
| NRSG 785: Professional Writing | 1 Credit |
| NDNP 807: Healthcare Informatics for Advanced Practice | 3 Credits (45 Hours) |
| NURS 834: Translating Evidence to Practice | 3 Credits |
| NDNP 809A: DNP Project Readiness | 0 Credits |
| NDNP 810: Project Identification | 3 Credit (90 Hours) |
| NDNP 811: DNP Project Development | 1 Credit |
| NDNP 812: DNP Project Implementation | 1 Credit (45 Hours) |
| NDNP 814: Practice Leadership Within Complex Adaptive Health Care Systems/Practicum | 3 Credits (45 Hours) |
| NDNP 813: DNP Project Evaluation/Dissemination | 1 Credit |
| NDNP 710: Evidence-Informed Health Policy and Advocacy | 3 Credits |
| Total Core: | 28 Credits |
| Total APRN Specialty Courses: | 20 Credits (minimum)* |
| Total Credits: | 48 – 80** |
*Additional credits as needed to meet certification and 1,000-hour requirement.
**All students must complete a minimum of 48 credits to receive a DNP with specialty. Credits necessary to meet certification and DNP requirements determined upon admission. Maximum credits for degree 80.
| Course/Title | Credits/Clinical Hours |
|
NDNP 830: Diagnosis and Management 1: Introduction to Diagnostic Reasoning |
2 |
|
NDNP 831: Diagnosis and Management 1: Introduction to Diagnostic Reasoning Clinical |
2 (90 hours) |
| NDNP 720: Geriatric Syndromes Assessment and Management | 2 |
|
NDNP 832: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic |
4 |
|
NDNP 833: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic Clinical Practicum/Seminar |
3 (135 hours) |
|
NDNP 834: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions |
4 |
|
NDNP 835: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions Practicum/Seminar |
3 (135 hours) |
|
NDNP 836: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes |
2 |
|
NDNP 837: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes: Clinical Practicum/seminar |
2 (90 hours) |
|
NDNP 838: Diagnosis and Management 5: Professional Practice Immersion: Clinical Practicum/Seminar |
4 (180 hours) |
|
NDNP 839: Diagnosis and Management 6: Integration of Practice and Leadership: Clinical Practicum/Seminar |
5 (225 hours) |
|
Total Credits |
33 |
|
Clinical Hours |
990 |
If the student has already taken some of the required courses, the option of lowering the number of credits is possible upon review by the program director.
UMSON offers multiple opportunities to help you afford your graduate education.
| Type of Aid | Award |
|---|---|
| Federal Financial Aid | various award amounts |
| Merit Scholarships | $1,500-$3,000 per semester (You are automatically considered for a merit scholarship upon submitting a completed application for enrollment in an UMSON academic program.) |
| Donor-Funded Scholarships | $500-2,000 per semester (offered during the fall and spring semesters) |
| Conway Scholarship | full scholarship: tuition and fees (for those who will have completed 9 credit hours of graduate study by the start of the semester for which the Conway Scholarship is awarded and who have at least half of their credit hours remaining) |
| Graduate Assistantships | stipend, tuition remission, in-state status, and paid student health insurance |
Learn More About Financial Aid and Scholarships
All students receiving funds through the University must:
The UMB Office of Student Financial Assistance & Education is available to guide prospective and current students through the FAFSA application process and the financial aid award package.
Contact Us:
UMSON Scholarships and Grants Office
410-706-0489 | nrsscholarships@umaryland.edu
UMB Student Financial Assistance and Education Office
410-706-7347 | aidtalk@umaryland.edu
The Nurse Anesthesia specialty accepts applicants for the summer session only and has different deadlines and requirements.
All other specialties and the Post-Master's DNP option accept students for fall admission.
For best consideration, applicants are encouraged to have all required application materials submitted by the deadlines listed below.
| Fall 2025 Timeline | |
|---|---|
| Priority Deadline/Deadline for UMSON Scholarship Consideration | Nov. 1, 2024 Completed applications received after this deadline are reviewed solely on a space-available basis. Only applicants who apply by this deadline will be eligible for consideration for merit scholarships (no additional application required). Federal financial aid eligibility is not impacted by this deadline. |
| Final Deadline | July 1, 2025 All applications and supplemental documents must be received by this date. Incomplete applications after this deadline will be canceled. |
Should the deadline fall on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted through the subsequent business day.
Work experience requirements, if applicable, are included under the Required Work Experience dropdown on each DNP specialty page.
|
Materials |
Submission Guidelines |
|
Online Application and non-refundable $75 application fee. |
Start your application now via the Admissions Dashboard. The Admissions Dashboard is where you will:
You can save your progress and return to your application at a later date. We recommend that you continue to log in for regular updates. |
|
Two recommendations. Recommendations must come from sources knowledgeable about your work performance and experience. Only the first two recommendations received will be considered. |
Submit/request these materials via the Admissions Dashboard. |
|
Essay. You may submit the essay portion with your online application. We recommend that you compose the essay portion using word processing software and copy and paste it into the text box in the online application. Applicants are expected to submit a concise essay (no more than 350 words) addressing the following: How will earning this degree (or postdoctoral certificate) impact your care of the population you expect to serve after graduation? |
|
|
Typed résumé or CV. Be sure to include your full name with your résumé submission. |
|
|
A copy of your valid, unrestricted (current) RN license in the United States. For a current list of compact states, see the Maryland Board of Nursing website; if you hold an active Maryland RN license, send us a copy of your printable license verification, available on the Maryland Board of Nursing website. |
|
|
Official transcripts. An official transcript from every institution previously attended or currently attending must be submitted in a sealed envelope, as prepared by the sending institution. Returning students are not required to submit UMSON transcripts; we will upload a copy of your UMSON transcript to your application. Please note that UMSON is listed two ways in the Academics area. Please make sure you choose one of the following:
|
Have each institution submit electronically to admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu. |
|
Residency classification. Applicants who are claiming in-state (Maryland) residency MUST apply for in-state status. |
Complete a residency application and submit it either by mail, e-mail, or fax to the Office of the Registrar using the instructions supplied at the bottom of the residency application. The completed application, signed and dated, should be submitted prior to the first day of enrollment for the term and program for which you are seeking admission. |
An interview with selected applicants will be arranged after the applications are received and reviewed.
This program is not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship by the University of Maryland, Baltimore, due to the amount of online courses.
If you have questions regarding the admissions requirements or process, contact the Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your application.
You must have at least two years of inpatient registered nursing experience by the time of admission.
Doctoral-prepared nurses who want to add or change their area of specialty only need to take the courses necessary for certification in that specialty. Your personalized plan of study will be determined at the time of admission.
| Course/Title | Credits/Clinical Hours |
| NPHY 612: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NURS 723: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Across the Life Span | 3 |
| NDNP 819: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span | 4 |
|
NDNP 830: Diagnosis and Management 1: Introduction to Diagnostic Reasoning |
2 |
|
NDNP 831: Diagnosis and Management 1: Introduction to Diagnostic Reasoning Clinical |
2 (90 hours) |
| NDNP 720: Geriatric Syndromes Assessment and Management | 2 |
|
NDNP 832: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic |
4 |
|
NDNP 833: Diagnosis and Management 2: Common Health Conditions, Episodic and Chronic Clinical Practicum/Seminar |
3 (135 hours) |
|
NDNP 834: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions |
4 |
|
NDNP 835: Diagnosis and Management 3: Acute and Chronic Complex Conditions Practicum/Seminar |
3 (135 hours) |
|
NDNP 836: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes |
2 |
|
NDNP 837: Diagnosis and Management 4: Integration of Multiple Health Problems and Complex Clinical Syndromes: Clinical Practicum/seminar |
2 (90 hours) |
|
NDNP 838: Diagnosis and Management 5: Professional Practice Immersion: Clinical Practicum/Seminar |
4 (180 hours) |
|
NDNP 839: Diagnosis and Management 6: Integration of Practice and Leadership: Clinical Practicum/Seminar |
5 (225 hours) |
|
Total Credits |
43 |
|
Clinical Hours |
990 |
If the student has already taken some of the required courses, the option of lowering the number of credits is possible upon review by the program director.
For postdoctoral certificate program outcomes, please see the What You’ll Do drop-down on the Doctor of Nursing Practice webpage.
Learn more about our DNP and Postdoctoral Certificate Pathways.
Fall Admission
Spring Admission:
Should the deadline fall on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted through the subsequent business day.
|
Materials/Qualification |
Submission Guidelines |
|
Online Application and non-refundable $75 application fee. |
Start your application now via the Admissions Dashboard. The Admissions Dashboard is where you will:
You can save your progress and return to your application at a later date. We recommend that you continue to log in for regular updates. |
|
Two recommendations. Recommendations must come from sources knowledgeable about your work performance and experience. Only the first two recommendations received will be considered. |
Submit/request these materials via the Admissions Dashboard. |
|
Official transcripts. An official transcript from every institution previously attended or currently attending must be submitted in a sealed envelope, as prepared by the sending institution. Returning students are not required to submit UMSON transcripts; we will upload a copy of your UMSON transcript to your application. Please note that UMSON is listed two ways in the Academics area. Please make sure you choose one of the following:
|
Have each institution submit electronically to admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu. |
|
Essay. You may submit the essay portion with your online application. We recommend that you compose the essay portion using word processing software and copy and paste it into the text box in the online application. Applicants are expected to submit a concise essay (no more than 350 words) addressing the following:
|
Submit/request these materials via the Admissions Dashboard. |
|
Typed résumé or CV. Be sure to include your full name with your résumé submission. |
|
|
A copy of your active, unrestricted State of Maryland or compact state RN license. For a current list of compact states, see the Maryland Board of Nursing website; if you hold an active Maryland RN license, send us a copy of your printable license verification, available on the Maryland Board of Nursing website. |
|
|
Residency classification. Applicants who are claiming in-state (Maryland) residency MUST apply for in-state status. |
Complete a residency application and submit it either by mail, e-mail, or fax to the Office of the Registrar using the instructions supplied at the bottom of the residency application. The completed application, signed and dated, should be submitted prior to the first day of enrollment for the term and program for which you are seeking admission. |
An interview with selected applicants will be arranged after the applications are received and reviewed.
This program is not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship by the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
If you have questions regarding the admissions requirements or process, contact the Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your application.
The questions below relate directly to the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP specialty. You may also want to refer to our general FAQs regarding the DNP.
Students can choose from several options for completing their studies. Click the Sample Plans of Study tab to view each of the different options.
You must have at least two years of registered nursing experience by the time of admission.
Applicants will benefit from having recent clinical experience that requires a high level of patient assessment and critical thinking; for example, experiences working on general medical surgical units, urgent/emergency departments, primary care practices, student health settings, ambulatory and outpatient clinics, or long term care settings.
The minimum number of practicum hours required for the DNP degree is 1,000 hours. For University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) graduates to be eligible for their respective board certification exams, they must complete the DNP degree. Refer to the plans of study for the number of clinical hours required each semester.
Students are not required to find their own preceptor or clinical site. The UMSON faculty is committed to assigning students to clinical sites that are appropriate for course and program objectives. We are fortunate to have contacts with many nurse practitioner alumni and other providers who serve as preceptors. UMSON has clinical contracts with agencies in a variety of settings across the state of Maryland and in Washington, D.C. Students with a particular clinical site/preceptor of interest may forward the contact information to the course faculty member so the faculty member can determine whether the site is appropriate to meet the course objectives. Faculty members must approve any student-suggested site. Students should not complete their clinical rotations in the specific environments where they are employed due to a potential conflict of interest. Final approval of clinical site placement is at the faculty member’s discretion.
Students will be exposed to clinical experiences across the adult aging continuum and in a variety of clinical settings.
Graduates of the AGNP program are working in a variety of settings including primary care practices, specialty practices, long term care settings (assisted living or nursing home), senior housing sites, as members of clinically focused research teams, and in college and employee health clinics, among other settings.
Many variables are taken into consideration when reviewing a student’s application for admission. A strong foundation in courses such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment is one key to success. Retaking courses with weak grades is suggested, but does not guarantee admission. Writing and grammar skills are also critically important for graduate-level education. Taking a writing course, particularly a technical writing course, may be of assistance. You may take these courses at a university of your preference. In addition, an applicant’s involvement in professional and organizational activities, as well as other scholarly activities, is evidence of leadership capabilities and interests. Current clinical experience requiring a high level of patient assessment and critical thinking is ideal and completion of certification in your specialty area is strongly recommended. We highly recommend that you spend several hours shadowing an advanced practice nurse in the specialty you wish to pursue.
For more information regarding admissions to this specialty, please contact the UMSON Admissions Office at: 410-706-0501, option #2 or admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu.
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This program has met the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s certification eligibility educational requirements. When you complete this program, you’ll be prepared to sit for ANCC’s certification examination, provided you meet all of the eligibility criteria. |
Graduates of this specialty are also prepared for certification by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board, an independent, nonprofit certifying body that evaluates individuals wishing to enter, continue, and/or advance in the nurse practitioner profession. |