Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Program of Study

Learn more about the courses you will take in the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP program.

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Shandell
Nurse Specialist, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, DNP
Program of Study

Learn More

Seattle University’s Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Doctor of Nursing Practice program is a three-year, full-time program designed for registered nurses employed by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health who hold a bachelor’s degree and active RN license. The curriculum is delivered in partnership with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and is designed to prepare nurses to lead quality improvement efforts, support clinical teams and improve patient outcomes across complex health systems.

Coursework includes advanced practice nursing, leadership, health systems and evidence-based practice, followed by specialized Clinical Nurse Specialist coursework, practicum experiences and a DNP project. Throughout the program, students apply what they learn directly within the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health system through practicum placements and organizational project work.

This program of study reflects the planned course sequence for the 2026-2027 academic year; course sequencing may change to reflect certification requirements and program updates. All courses begin with the NURS prefix.

Not Employed by Virginia Mason?

Please note: This program is open only to nurses employed by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. If you are not a Virginia Mason employee, you can explore Seattle University’s other Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program options here.

AGCNS Curriculum

The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Doctor of Nursing Practice is a 3-year program of study. See below for a breakdown of coursework.

Program of study is listed as proposed to WABON, under current review and consideration as of April 2026.

AGCNS Year 1 Courses

Summer Quarter Year 1 (11 credits)

6004 Pharmacology for Registered Nurses

6024 Advanced Pathophysiology

6110 Ethical Care for Social Justice

Fall Quarter Year 1 (13 credits)

6020 Epidemiologic Analysis of Populations at Risk

6075 Clinical Reasoning

6130 Foundations of Nursing Knowledge

6190 Quality Improvement Process and Methodologies

Winter Quarter Year 1 (12 credits)

6017 Health Care Economics and Finance

6111 Health Informatics

6120 Population Based Health Care

6160 Leadership in Health Care Systems

Spring Quarter Year 1 (6 credits)

6010 Health Care Policy for a Just and Humane World

6014 Theory Informed Critical Inquiry I

AGCNS Year 2 Courses

Summer Quarter Year 2 (0 credits)

No courses

Fall Quarter Year 2 (9 credits)

6001 Advanced Health Assessment Lab

6101 Advanced Health Assessment Theory

6022 Advanced Pharmacology

Winter Quarter Year 2 (14 credits)

6015 Critical Inquiry II

6104 Management of Gynecological and Reproductive Health Lab

6204 Management of Gynecological and Reproductive Health Theory

6401 Diagnostics and Procedures

6411 Diagnostics and Procedures Lab

6406 Advanced Inpatient and Critical Care Pharmacology

Spring Quarter Year 2 (8 credits)

6018 Health Program Planning and Development

6402 Acute Care I: Management of Chronic Conditions in the Acute Care Setting

6412 Acute Care I Lab: Management of Chronic and Complex Conditions

AGCNS Year 3 Courses

Summer Quarter Year 3 (5 credits)

6403 Acute Care Practicum I

Fall Quarter Year 3 (13 credits)

6404 Acute Care II: Management of Acute and Complex Conditions

6414 Acute Care II Lab: Management of Acute and Complex Conditions

6602 AGCNS Practicum II

6901 DNP Internship I

Winer Quarter Year 3 (12 credits)

6407 Acute Care III: Management of Critical and Unstable Conditions

6417 Acute Care III Lab: Management of Critical and Unstable Conditions

6603 AGCNS Practicum III

6903 DNP Project Internship II

Spring Quarter Year 3 (7-9 credits)

6604 AGCNS Practicum IV: Specialty Focus

6905 DNP Internship III

DNP Project Presentation and Program Synthesis

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