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Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nursing Capstone

Capstone Certificate in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nursing

Is this program right for you?

Expand your practice with the Capstone Certificate in Adult/Gerontology at the UW–Madison School of Nursing. This program enhances your scope of practice, enabling you to provide comprehensive care to adults and older adults in diverse health care settings, including those in rural community settings. 

  • Our hybrid program offers flexibility, 500 clinical hours and variable credit hours
  • Curriculum focuses on advanced clinical decision-making and leadership in adult and geriatric care
  • Address the need for acute care nurse practitioners in hospitals like UW Health, Vanderbilt and Mayo Clinic

Education that works for you

Meet the rising demand for advanced practice nurses with acute care training. This certificate prepares you to meet the ANCC Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner board certification examination requirements and gain the AGACNP credential.

Program type

Capstone certificate

Collection of courses in a single discipline, does not result in a degree

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Certificate awarded

Capstone Certificate in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nursing

Commitment

3 semesters

Tuition

Resident: $670.47 per credit
Nonresident: $1,503.40 per credit

Format

Face-to-face

On-campus, in-person courses

Hybrid

Mix of on-campus and online courses

Credits

18 graduate-level credits

Admission terms

Program admits for fall term

Offered by

STEM opt eligible

No

Supports F-1 Visa

Application deadlines

Fall 2026

  • Deadline: December 1, 2025

Fall 2027

  • Deadline: December 1, 2026

Fall 2028

  • Deadline: December 1, 2027

Your questions, answered

Have questions? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

Admissions and events

Program requirements

All applicants must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program
  • Have a master’s degree from an accredited nursing program
  • Have an RN license
  • Have certification as an advanced practice nurse or be eligible to apply for certification as an advanced practice nurse
  • Complete the prerequisite courses in advanced assessment across the lifespan, pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutics prior to starting the certificate

All applicants are advised to determine whether this program meets requirements for licensure in the state where they live. See the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website for contact information for state licensing boards.

Application materials required

  • Online application
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Photocopy of nursing license from your current state of residence
  • Photocopy of advanced practice certification (if you are an APN)

February 4, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Student Panel: Pharmacy Professional Graduate Programs

Join students from the Pharmacy Professional Graduate Programs as they discuss their experiences in their program, how it meets their academic needs, why it is a good fit, and how it might help you in your future pursuits.

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March 11, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Program Overview: Pharm Sci: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation

Learn more information about the Pharmaceutical Sciences: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation programs, including curriculum, application process, and potential career paths.

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March 18, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Program Overview: Pharmaceutical Sciences: Applied Drug Development

Learn more about the Pharmaceutical Sciences: Applied Drug Development programs, including curriculum, application process, and potential career paths.

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March 18, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Program Overview: Biotechnology MS

Get more information about the in-person MS in Biotechnology, UW–Madison’s flagship biotechnology master’s degree designed for working professionals. Information shared will include details on curriculum, career outcomes, and the application process.

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March 25, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Program Overview: Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs in Biotechnology

Join program staff to get more information about the online Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs in Biotechnology Capstone Certificate. Information shared will include details on curriculum, career outcomes, and the application process.

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April 9, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Virtual Office Hours: Pharmaceutical Sciences Professional Programs

Join Enrollment Coach Anna Denucci during virtual office hours to ask your questions about the Pharmaceutical Sciences Professional Programs.

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April 15, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Career Outlook: Pharm Sci: Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation

Join Cody Wenthur, director of the Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation professional programs, for a conversation on the career outlook of the program field.

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Results that work for you

Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nursing Capstone

#19

Best Undergraduate Nursing Program

U.S. News & World Report, 2025

What you’ll learn

Sharpen your clinical expertise in adults and geriatric populations with the Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nursing Capstone program. Through lectures and clinical experiences you’ll become a confident and effective leader in the adult/gerontology healthcare field.

  • Evidence-based approaches to health and illness during adulthood and old age
  • Clinical decision-making
  • Clinical leadership skills
  • Coordination of complex care across systems
  • Advanced health promotion, assessment and clinical management

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