Program of Study: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP

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

  1. Testing123
  2. Shandell
  3. Program of Study AGCNS

Curriculum Overview

Seattle University’s Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS) DNP program is a three-year, full-time program designed for registered nurses employed within Virginia Mason Franciscan Health System (VMFH) who hold a bachelor’s degree and active RN license. The curriculum is delivered in partnership with VMFH 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.

Below are the programs of study for both the 2026–27 academic year (quarter calendar) and the 2027–28 academic year (semester calendar).

Program of study is listed as proposed to WABON, and currently subject to their review and approval. Nursing programs of study may change periodically to address state regulations, national accreditation, professional standards, licensing and certification requirements, and quality improvements to the curriculum. All nursing courses begin with prefix NURS.

Not Employed within Virginia Mason Franciscan Health?

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

2026-2027 Academic Year Program of Study

Below is the program of study for the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP program for the 2026-2027 academic year. 

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

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

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

2027-2028 Academic Year Program of Study

Below is the program of study for the Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP program under Seattle University's semester calendar, beginning with the 2027-2028 academic year.

Summer Semester Year 1 (0 credits)

No courses

Fall Semester Year 1 (12 credits)

6XXX Professional Roles and Ethics in Advanced Practice (course code TBD)

6020 Principles of Epidemiology and Biostatistics

6022 Advanced Pharmacology

6024 Advanced Pathophysiology

Spring Semester Year 1 (7 credits)

6XXX Healthcare Informatics and Financial Management for Advanced Practice (course code TBD)

6XXX Population Health and Health Policy (course code TBD)

6001 Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning Across the Lifespan Theory

6101 Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning Across the Lifespan Lab

Summer Semester Year 2 (9 credits)

6XXX Systems Leadership for Quality Improvement in Healthcare (course code TBD)

6401 Diagnostic Evaluation and Procedures in the Acute Care Setting Theory

6411 Diagnostic Evaluation and Procedures in the Acute Care Setting Lab

6XXX Acute and Critical Care Pharmacology and Clinical Reasoning (course code TBD)

Fall Semester Year 2 (9 credits)

6XXX DNP Project Planning and Preparation (course code TBD)

6402 Management of the Complex Geriatric and Adult Population I Theory

6412 Management of the Complex Geriatric and Adult Population I Lab

Spring Semester Year 2 (9 credits)

6901 DNP Internship I - Implementation and Evaluation

6404 Management of the Complex Geriatric and Adult Population II Theory

6414 Management of the Complex Geriatric and Adult Population II Lab

64XX Application of Advanced Health Assessment for the Adult Geriatric Population (course code TBD)

Summer Semester Year 3 (6 credits)

6602 Adult Geriatric Nurse Specialist Practicum I

Fall Semester Year 3 (13 credits)

6903 DNP Internship II - Analysis and Dissemination

6407 Management of the Complex Geriatric and Adult Population III Theory

6417 Management of the Complex Geriatric and Adult Population III Lab

6603 Adult Geriatric Nurse Specialist Practicum II

Spring Semester Year 3 (7-9 credits)

6905 DNP Internship III - Elective

6604 Role Transition for the Adult Geriatric Clinical Nurse Specialist

Transition to Semester Calendar

Beginning in summer 2027, Seattle University’s graduate programs will shift from a quarter system to a semester calendar. As the transition takes place, the university is committed to minimizing impact on your time to completion and program cost as you progress toward your degree. Learn more about the Graduate Programs Move to Semesters.

Get in Touch

We’re here to help. For information about DNP degrees at Seattle University, contact:

Oz Sener, MEd

A woman in a black shirt smiling for the camera.