There are a number of programs offered by the College of Nursing to prepare nurses with knowledge and skills in gerontological nursing.

Bachelors of Science in Nursing

• Undergraduate Program for High School Graduates [1]

Students in the BSN program have the opportunity to gain excellent basic preparation to care for older persons in a variety of settings, including long term care and acute care. All students take a required course in Gerontological Nursing and can choose a clinical practicum in a variety of settings, including older person’s homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, and other agencies that serve elders.

• RN to BSN Program

This program enables registered nurses to complete a bachelors in nursing in a fast-track program on campus or in sites closer to their homes around the State. The program is also organized to enable students to fast-track directly into a Master’s program in nursing.

Master’s Programs in Gerontological Nursing

• Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner - Doctor of Nursing Practice [2]

Today’s quickly evolving health care environment demands professionals who have the knowledge and skills to get the job done. At The University of Iowa we have a new curriculum designed to prepare the next generation of advance practice nurses and leaders. Nurses interested in adult and gerontologic primary care are prepared to sit for American Nurses Credentialing Center Certification and obtain Advanced Registered Nurse licensure in Iowa.

• MSN-CNL [3]

The Master’s in Nursing Degree that prepares gerontological advanced practice clinical nurse specialists may require more credit hours than the 33 credit hour program mostly because of the requirements for certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and for licensure as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner in Iowa. To remain current with ANCC requirements contact their website. (http://nursingworld.org) [4]

The Clinical Nurse Leader or CNL is an evolving nursing role developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in collaboration with leaders from the education and practice arenas. AACN is advancing the CNL as a clinical expert focused upon improving the quality of patient care and helping professional nurses to thrive in the health care system. The CNL role has demonstrated effectiveness in improving outcomes, elevating current evidence-based practice and enhancing quality.

• Long-Term Care Administrator Master’s in Nursing Degree Option

This option is available to all nurses who enroll in the 33 credit hour master’s degree: gerontological nursing, the master’s degree in gerontological nursing that prepares for advanced practice certification and licensure, or the master’s degree in nursing management. By planning a specific selection of required and elective courses, the requirements to sit for the Long-Term Care Administrator licensure examination can also be met. Depending on the program of study selected, the student may be required to take some courses in addition to those required for the master’s in nursing degree, however, these will be few at most. Thus both the master’s in nursing and licensure as a Long-Term Care Administrator can be obtained without duplicating credit hours and at less cost.

Doctoral (PhD) Programs in Aging/Gerontological Nursing

• PhD in Aging/Gerontological Nursing: Master’s Degree in Nursing Entry [5]

The University of Iowa College of Nursing PhD program prepares scholars to move nursing science forward and helps students build on their knowledge base relevant to nursing and contribute to the body of nursing knowledge. The program strengths include student participation with nursing and interdisciplinary faculty engaged in research teams, focused coursework, involvement in presentation and publication of research based knowledge, and interdisciplinary learning experiences. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers as researchers, college and university faculty members, consultants, and as nursing leaders in the profession.

• PhD in Aging/Gerontological Nursing: Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Entry

This is a fast-track program that requires fewer credit hours to complete the PhD than if the student completes a master's degree and then completes the requirements for a PhD in Nursing.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP is a clinical doctorate which prepares advanced practice nurses for leadership roles by educating them in evidence-based practice, economics, finance and policy.

Dual Degree Programs

• MSN/Master's in Business Administration

The joint program of the Colleges of Nursing and Business Administration is designed for students with previous clinical and administrative experience. Students must be accepted for graduate study in both colleges.

Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Scholarship opportunities through the John A Hartford Foundation.

• The American Academy of Nursing, with support from the John A. Hartford Foundation¹ of New York City, seeks applicants for Pre-doctoral and Post-doctoral Scholarships in gerontological nursing. The Scholars Program offers grant support up to $50,000 per annum for two years to successful Pre-doctoral candidates and $60,000 per annum for two years to successful Post-doctoral candidates who will commence or continue education or research training. In addition to pre and post-doctoral scholarships, there is a program for applicants who wish to pursue a master of business administration to focus on the management/leadership of institutions serving older persons (separate application).

• All applicants must be registered nurses, hold degree(s) in nursing, and be United States citizens or permanent U.S. residents. This program seeks and supports diversity in its applicants and requires all candidates to demonstrate potential for long-term contribution to the field of geriatric nursing.

  - BAGNC Predoctoral Scholarship information [6]
  - MBA Scholarship information [7]