As a Fisher Nursing Online student, you will complete the same courses as students in our on-campus M.S. in Nursing pathway. Our online courses were thoughtfully designed by Wegmans School of Nursing faculty, in collaboration with a skilled production team, to build engaging course content you can access from wherever you are.

The curriculum is designed to prepare you to pursue licensure or certification as a nurse practitioner (NP) in your chosen specialty. All students will complete the Scholarship Core and Direct Core, which are standard courses that provide a foundation for advanced practice nursing education. You will then take one of our four Specialty Clinical Core groupings based on your selected program of study, and complete your degree by taking courses that will prepare you to work with specific patient populations. In addition, you’ll put your new skills into practice during on-campus immersion experiences and clinical rotations in your own community.

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Foundations in Nursing Research (3 credits)

This course examines how philosophy provides a framework within which science and theories develop. Theory formulation and the influence of theories on the development of nursing practice from philosophical, structural, theoretical, and epistemological perspectives will be explored. Students will participate in an in-depth examination of the research process and the critical role of research in evidence-based practice. Steps of the quantitative process and the use of descriptive statistics, including an introduction to databases and statistical software, are discussed. Qualitative research methods and their applicability in nursing knowledge are explored. This course is the first in the sequence of research coursework for the graduate program.

Capstone Development (2 credits)

This course allows the student to demonstrate synthesis of the graduate nursing core courses and apply this knowledge to a clinical question in their specialty program focus. Students in the capstone course will work independently on their synthesis project, while progressing through the steps of problem identification, literature review, IRB proposal, project implementation, and evaluation. The associated faculty-led seminars will facilitate student sharing of both process and content issues as students complete their individual capstone projects. The results of the capstone will be documented and published according to syllabus guidelines. 

Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice & Applications in Advanced Practice Nursing (3 credits)

This course examines and explores the role of professional stewardship in advanced practice to facilitate the development and application of evidence-based knowledge in health care. The course prepares the advanced practice nurse for the role of change agent to promote, translate, and generate research-based nursing practice while working in interprofessional teams. Methods for clinical practice improvement using evidence-based practice (EBP) are examined. Content includes critical appraisal of research evidence, interpretation of statistical analyses, and methods of research application and synthesis. The course will explore practice areas where evidence-based integration is needed and facilitate the movement of evidence-based quality initiatives.

Advanced Technology and Information Systems in Support of Clinical Management (3 credits)

This hybrid course includes an exploration of the advanced practice nurse’s role in health care planning using current technologies and information systems to monitor and improve the efficacy, quality, and safety of health care. Trends in legislation impacting the growth of information technology are investigated along with the ethical and legal dimensions of informatics and the access to patient information. Consideration is given to technologies that support communication, administrative systems, research, education, and clinical decision-making. Theory is applied through a clinical experience with targeted projects in conjunction with professionals using health information technology in practice.

Health Care Systems, Policy, and Law (3 credits)

This course analyzes the role of government in managing and servicing the health care needs of the United States; explores the legal foundation for the health care system under the constitution, state and federal laws, and the common law; details the critical U.S. health care policy issues and the various state, federal, and private health care delivery systems; analyzes the various forms of health care delivery here and abroad and the role of advocates in the development and implementation of those systems; and examines and encourages the role of advanced practice nurses in all of these facets of the nation’s health care system.

Biostatistics and Epidemiology (3 credits)

This course uses clinical epidemiology and biostatistics to inform advanced practice nursing. The purpose of the course is to teach epidemiologic and intermediate biostatistical methods in clinical research within an integrated framework and to develop SPSS proficiency for performing the analysis of clinical datasets. Analysis of patient populations using epidemiological methods will be conducted. The use of epidemiological theories will be applied to disease processes, disaster preparedness, and bioterrorism that may affect local, state, national, and international populations.

Complex Systems and Leadership (3 credits)

This course examines organizational and systems theories. The role of organizational cultures and their importance in affecting change are examined. Emphasis is placed on the development of skills essential to manage change, empower others, and influence organizational processes in health care environments; health system assessment and intervention design is included. Leadership models and strategies, based on contemporary science from nursing and other disciplines, are examined. Conflict management, strategic planning, and interprofessional and intraprofessional teamwork will be evaluated, including the influence of group process, power structures, and negotiation in maximizing nursing’s contribution to the dynamic health care system. Students have the opportunity to apply economic and finance principles necessary to analyze practice quality and costs, as well as evaluate the cost-effectiveness of care when redesigning effective and realistic care delivery strategies. Leadership ethics are integrated throughout the course. To further acquire leadership knowledge and skills, students actively participate in experiential learning with select leaders in a variety of health care systems and settings. 

NP Comprehensive Exam (1 credit)

This seminar-based course focuses on preparing the graduate student for success on national certification, transition to practice, and completion of state certification application.

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Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)

This course focuses on disruptions of cell, organ, and system physiology involved in acute and chronic illness. The course covers selected disorders of the following systems: hematologic, respiratory, fluid and electrolyte, endocrine, reproductive, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, urinary, renal, and digestive. Emphasis is placed on risk factors and contributing causes leading to the disease state and the transitions that occur in the human organism during illness.

Pharmacology (3 credits)

This course builds upon basic knowledge in pharmacology and provides essential content for nurses in advanced practice roles. Topics include physiochemical properties of drugs; mechanisms of drug action; pharmacokinetics (drug absorption, distribution, and mechanism of action, metabolism, and excretion); drug interactions; prescription implications; and ethical, legal, and financial considerations of pharmacotherapies across the life span, including special populations such as pediatric and geriatric clients. Federal and state laws as well as guidelines for writing prescriptions are included, preparing the advanced practice nurse for prescribing medications and counseling clients about drug therapy.

Diagnostic Reasoning (3 credits)

This course is taught as a 2-credit theory course with a 1-credit lab component. A prescreening undergraduate health assessment competency must be met to take the course. This course addresses the development of advanced health assessment skills and the diagnostic reasoning process to gather and analyze data from patients across the life span. Interventions focus on prevention, health promotion and protection, screening, and risk reduction. In order to develop advanced health assessment skills, lab practice in addition to scheduled class time is required. Skill development in the labs will occur through simulation comprehensive and focused health assessments and the use of the diagnostic reasoning process. 

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You will complete your degree by taking courses in one of four clinical core groupings:

Advanced Concepts in the Care of Adults (3 credits)

This course focuses on the biological and behavioral phenomena of concern in the care of adults. The clinical presentation, diagnostic reasoning, management, and evaluation of common health needs and problems of adults are considered. Discussion will include current evidence-based practice addressing common health problems of adults.

Advanced Concepts in the Care of Older Adults (3 credits)

This is the foundational course for the care of the older adult. The course focuses the unique dimensions of care of the older adult within the context of normal aging. Health promotion, disease prevention, physical, functional and health restoration across the continuum of care are emphasized. Students will apply and integrate evidence-based clinical decision-making skills to develop, implement, and evaluate the management of common health problems in older adults. Patient advocacy, interprofessional collaboration, identification and integration of community resources, the role of family, caregivers, and cultural diversity are integrated and addressed.

Issues in Acute Care (3 credits)

This course considers the unique aspects of caring for clients across adulthood as they interact with the acute care environment. Building upon foundational adult and gerontology concepts, this course focuses on disease and complication prevention and management and health restoration in the acute care setting. The clinical presentation, diagnostic reasoning, management, and evaluation of common acute care problems of the population are considered. Discussion will include current evidenced-based practice to provide and improve care across the continuum. Knowledge of the advanced practice competencies will be integrated in the care of this population, including but not limited to direct care, consultation, collaboration, leadership, expert coaching and guidance, research, and ethical decision-making.

Complex Care of Chronically Ill Adults (3 credits)

This course will provide students with the advanced practice knowledge to care for complex clients across adulthood. Focus will be on the management of complex, chronic, and multisystem illnesses including co-morbidities and functional impact. Emphasis is on the application of theory and the use of current evidence-based practice guidelines in addressing complex health problems in this population. Students will explore the impact of chronic illness on the individual, family, and community and identify community resources to support and improve care. This course will prepare the advanced practice nurse to care for clients across adulthood and improve outcomes in the acute and outpatient setting.

AGACNP Acute Care Diagnosis & Management Adult (1 credit)

In this 150-hour clinical experience, adult/gerontology nurse practitioner students collaborate with preceptors to provide care for adult clients and their families. Students apply the principles of health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of common episodic and chronic health issues of adults in an outpatient or inpatient clinical practice site. Patient education, advocacy, and evidence-based practice are incorporated in a holistic approach to providing comprehensive care. Students will meet periodically throughout the semester in a seminar designed to support achievement of learning outcomes and to build upon diagnostic reasoning skills.

AGACNP Acute Care Diagnosis & Management Acute Care (1 credit)

In this 150-hour clinical experience, adult/gerontology nurse practitioner students will provide direct patient care and collaborate with preceptors to provide care for patients requiring acute interventions across adulthood. Students will apply the principles of health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of acute health issues and exacerbation of chronic diseases requiring acute intervention in a clinical practice site. Patient education, advocacy, and evidence-based practice are incorporated in a holistic approach to provide comprehensive care. Students will meet periodically throughout the semester in a seminar designed to support achievement of learning outcomes.

AGACNP Acute Care Diagnosis & Management Older Adult (1 credit)

In this 150-hour acute care clinical experience, adult/gerontology acute care nurse practitioner students collaborate with preceptors to provide care for older adults and their families in the acute care setting. Students apply the principles of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and episodic health issues of older adults in a clinical practice site. Patient education, advocacy, and evidence-based practice are incorporated in a holistic approach to providing comprehensive care. Students will meet periodically throughout the semester in a seminar designed to support achievement of learning outcomes. 

AGACNP Acute Care Diagnosis & Management Complex Care (1 credit)

In this 150-hour acute care clinical experience, adult/gerontology nurse practitioner students will provide direct patient care and collaborate with preceptors to provide care for patients requiring acute interventions across adulthood. Students apply the principles of health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of acute health issues and exacerbation in the management of complex and chronic illness in the clinical practice site. Patient education, advocacy, and evidence-based practice are incorporated in a holistic approach to providing comprehensive care. Students will meet periodically throughout the semester in a seminar designed to support achievement of learning outcomes.

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Advanced Concepts in the Care of Adults (3 credits)

This course focuses on the biological and behavioral phenomena of concern in the care of adults. The clinical presentation, diagnostic reasoning, management, and evaluation of common health needs and problems of adults are considered. Discussion will include current evidence-based practice addressing common health problems of adults.

Advanced Concepts in the Care of Older Adults (3 credits)

This is the foundational course for the care of the older adult. The course focuses on the unique dimensions of care of the older adult within the context of normal aging. Health promotion, disease prevention, physical, functional and health restoration across the continuum of care are emphasized. Students will apply and integrate evidence-based clinical decision-making skills to develop, implement, and evaluate the management of common health problems in older adults. Patient advocacy, interprofessional collaboration, identification and integration of community resources, the role of family, caregivers, and cultural diversity are integrated and addressed.

Issues in Acute Care (3 credits)

This course considers the unique aspects of caring for clients across adulthood as they interact with the acute care environment. Building upon foundational adult and gerontology concepts, this course focuses on disease and complication prevention and management and health restoration in the acute care setting. The clinical presentation, diagnostic reasoning, management, and evaluation of common acute care problems of the population are considered. Discussion will include current evidenced-based practice to provide and improve care across the continuum. Knowledge of the advanced practice competencies will be integrated in the care of this population, including but not limited to direct care, consultation, collaboration, leadership, expert coaching and guidance, research, and ethical decision-making.

Complex Care of Chronically Ill Adults (3 credits)

This course will provide students with the advanced practice knowledge to care for complex clients across adulthood. Focus will be on the management of complex, chronic, and multisystem illnesses including co-morbidities and functional impact. Emphasis is on the application of theory and the use of current evidence-based practice guidelines in addressing complex health problems in this population. Students will explore the impact of chronic illness on the individual, family, and community and identify community resources to support and improve care. This course will prepare the advanced practice nurse to care for clients across adulthood and improve outcomes in the acute and outpatient setting.

AGPCNP Primary Care Diagnosis & Management Adult (1 credit)

In this 150-hour clinical experience, adult/gerontology nurse practitioner students collaborate with preceptors to provide care for adult clients and their families. Students apply the principles of health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of common episodic and chronic health issues of adults in an outpatient or inpatient clinical practice site. Patient education, advocacy, and evidence-based practice are incorporated in a holistic approach to providing comprehensive care. Students will meet periodically throughout the semester in a seminar designed to support achievement of learning outcomes and to build upon diagnostic reasoning skills.

AGPCNP Primary Care Diagnosis & Management Older Adult (1 credit)

In this 150-hour primary care clinical experience, the adult/gerontology nurse practitioner students collaborate with preceptors to provide primary care for older adults and their families. Students apply the principles of health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of common and episodic health issues of older adults in a clinical practice site. Patient education, advocacy, and evidence-based practice are incorporated in a holistic approach to providing comprehensive care. Students will meet periodically throughout the semester in a seminar designed to support achievement of learning outcomes.

AGPCNP Primary Care Diagnosis & Management Acute Care (1 credit)

In this 150-hour clinical experience, adult/gerontology nurse practitioner students will provide direct patient care and collaborate with preceptors to provide care for patients requiring acute interventions across adulthood. Students will apply the principles of health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of acute health issues and exacerbation of chronic diseases requiring acute intervention in a clinical practice site. Patient education, advocacy, and evidence-based practice are incorporated in a holistic approach to provide comprehensive care. Students will meet periodically throughout the semester in a seminar designed to support achievement of learning outcomes.

AGPCNP Primary Care Diagnosis & Management Complex Care (1 credit)

In this 150-hour primary care clinical experience, adult/gerontology nurse practitioner students will provide direct patient care and collaborate with preceptors to provide care for patients requiring acute interventions across adulthood. Students apply the principles of health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of acute health issues and exacerbation in the management of complex and chronic illness in the clinical practice site. Patient education, advocacy, and evidence-based practice are incorporated in a holistic approach to providing comprehensive care. Students will meet periodically throughout the semester in a seminar designed to support achievement of learning outcomes.

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Advanced Concepts in the Care of Adults (3 credits)

This course focuses on the biological and behavioral phenomena of concern in the care of adults. The clinical presentation, diagnostic reasoning, management, and evaluation of common health needs and problems of adults are considered. Discussion will include current evidence-based practice addressing common health problems of adults.

Advanced Concepts in the Care of Older Adults (3 credits)

This is the foundational course for the care of the older adult. The course focuses on the unique dimensions of care of the older adult within the context of normal aging. Health promotion, disease prevention, physical, functional and health restoration across the continuum of care are emphasized. Students will apply and integrate evidence-based clinical decision-making skills to develop, implement, and evaluate the management of common health problems in older adults. Patient advocacy, interprofessional collaboration, identification and integration of community resources, the role of family, caregivers, and cultural diversity are integrated and addressed.

Diagnosis and Management of Adults (1 credit)

In this 150-hour clinical experience, family nurse practitioner students collaborate with preceptors to provide primary care for adults and their families. Students apply the principles of health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of common episodic and chronic health issues of adults in a clinical practice site. Patient education, advocacy, and evidence-based practice are incorporated in a holistic approach to providing comprehensive care. Students will meet periodically throughout the semester in a seminar designed to support achievement of learning outcomes.

Diagnosis and Management of Older Adults (1 credit)

In this 150-hour clinical experience, family nurse practitioner students collaborate with preceptors to provide primary care for older adults. Students apply the principles of health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of common episodic and chronic health issues of the older adult in a clinical practice site. Patient education, advocacy, and evidence-based practice are incorporated in a holistic approach to providing comprehensive care. Students will meet periodically throughout the semester in a seminar designed to support achievement of learning outcomes.

Advanced Concepts in the Care of Women (3 credits) 

This course focuses on the biological and behavioral phenomena of concern in the care of women. The clinical presentation, diagnostic reasoning, management, and evaluation of women’s common health needs and problems are considered. Discussion will include current evidence-based practice addressing common health problems of women across the life span.

Advanced Concepts in the Care of Children (3 credits) 

This course focuses on the biological and behavioral phenomena of concern in the care of children and adolescents. The clinical presentation, diagnostic reasoning, management, and evaluation of common health needs and problems of children and adolescents are considered. Discussion will include current evidence-based practice addressing common health problems of children and adolescents.

Diagnosis and Management of Women (1 credit)

In this 150-hour clinical experience, family nurse practitioner students collaborate with preceptors to provide primary care for women and their families. Students apply the principles of health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of common episodic and chronic health issues of women in a clinical practice site. Patient education, advocacy, and evidence-based practice are incorporated in a holistic approach to providing comprehensive care. Students will meet periodically throughout the semester in a seminar designed to support achievement of learning outcomes.

Diagnosis and Management of Children (1 credit)

In this 150-hour clinical experience, family nurse practitioner students collaborate with preceptors to provide primary care for children and their families. Students apply the principles of health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of common episodic and chronic health issues of children and adolescents in a clinical practice site. Patient education, advocacy, and evidence-based practice are incorporated in a holistic approach to providing comprehensive care. Students will meet periodically throughout the semester in a seminar designed to support achievement of learning outcomes.

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Psychopathology & Differential Diagnosis (3 credits)

This course will facilitate understanding of psychopathology using both traditional and strengths-based strategies to assess and diagnose mental disorders across the life span for counseling and PMHNP students. These strategies will help students develop skills in differential diagnosis for use in role-specific treatment planning. Detailed knowledge of the DSM-5 and the methods used in determining the diagnostic classification of a client will be the major focus of the course.

Advanced Psychopharmacology (2 credits)

This course takes a comprehensive, life span approach to the full array of pharmacologic agents available for the treatment of mental health and addictive disorders. The role of the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with prescriptive authority is examined, with special emphasis on target symptoms, medication education, and use of evidence-based guidelines and protocols in treating acute symptoms and preventing relapse.

Foundations of Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice (3 credits)

This course focuses upon the principles and concepts that form the basis for advanced practice in psychiatric mental health nursing, including standards and models for practice, and the promotion of mental health and prevention of psychiatric and addictive disorders across the life span. Emphasis is placed on the neurobiology of stress and trauma in the formation of mental health and/or addictive disorders, and the role of the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in implementing culturally relevant and trauma-informed person/family-centered practices within collaborative systems of care. Legal/ethical issues are examined in relation to privacy; client preferences; and client, family, and community safety.

Advanced Concepts in Child & Adolescent Mental Health (3 credits)

This course will review advanced assessment and treatment processes used by mental health counselors and PMHNPs who work with children and adolescents. Assessment-related topics will include interviewing strategies for use with children, adolescents, and their families, along with formal testing procedures that will culminate in preparation of a comprehensive clinical report. Students will also learn a variety of intervention strategies for use in individual, group, and family settings, designed to help children and their families cope with the various behavioral, social, and emotional issues that children and adolescents can face, including trauma, ADHD, and family transitions.

Advanced Neuropsychiatric Assessment & Intervention (2 credits)

This course focuses upon the knowledge and skills required to perform a comprehensive assessment of adults and older adults with psychiatric and addictive disorders, and to appropriately evaluate and manage emergency situations arising from acute symptomatology. Strategies for a trauma-informed therapeutic relationship facilitated by motivational interviewing techniques are presented as a basis for the conduct of a comprehensive neuropsychiatric assessment.

Advanced Concepts in Psychotherapy With Individuals, Groups, & Families (3 credits)

This course focuses on the principles and concepts that form the basis for a variety of traditional and evidence-based psychotherapies. The theoretical principles of the major approaches to psychotherapy, including psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, trauma-focused therapies, and others of significance, are applied to individuals, groups, families, and/or special populations. The role of the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in the integration of psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological interventions is examined. Ethical issues, multicultural considerations, intervention techniques, and specific practical issues related to psychotherapy will also be examined.

Advanced Concepts in Health Integration (3 credits)

This course focuses upon the principles and concepts that form the basis for advanced psychiatric mental health practice in a primary care or other setting integrating physical and behavioral health care across the life span. Emphasis is placed on interprofessional collaboration and the management of complex and/or chronic comorbidities, facilitated by the use of behavioral therapy techniques, motivational interviewing, and psychoeducational groups. The role of the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in mental health consultation, supervision, and education, and the use of technology in health maintenance and relapse prevention, are examined as strategies to improve health outcomes for populations with complex needs.

PMHNP Clinical Practicum I: Trauma-Informed Assessment & Intervention (1 credit)

This course focuses on the integration of knowledge from the biopsychosocial sciences in order to perform a comprehensive assessment of psychiatric and/or addictive disorders and formulate an appropriate disposition. Students will apply knowledge of trauma-informed approaches and motivational interviewing techniques to the assessment process in an acute clinical setting, and appropriately assess and manage emergency situations under the guidance of a clinical mentor. Students will also begin to develop their clinical portfolio and reflective journal, and participate in regular seminars that focus on case presentations and readings related to the application of motivational interviewing techniques to the interview process, the management of acute symptoms of mental illness and/or addiction, and the implementation of person-centered treatment planning/referral.

PMHNP Clinical Practicum II: Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities (1 credit)

This course focuses on the integration of knowledge from psychopathology and psychopharmacology in order to implement two or more time-limited, evidence-based psychotherapies in the treatment of psychiatric and/or addictive disorders. Students also implement two or more treatment modalities under the guidance of a clinical mentor and document contacts in their clinical portfolio. Students will also participate in regular seminars that focus on case presentations and readings related to promising and alternative therapies, the integration of pharmacology with psychotherapy, and psychotherapy supervision/peer review.

PMHNP Clinical Practicum III: Interactive Management of Complex Co-morbidities (1 credit)

This course focuses on the integration of behavioral, physical, and social determinants of health in the management of complex comorbidities in a psychiatric, primary care, or rehab setting, as part of the interprofessional team. Students will implement a variety of therapeutic interventions under the guidance of a clinical mentor and document contacts in their clinical portfolio. Students will also participate in regular seminars that focus on case presentations and readings related to integrative treatment of co-occurring medical and behavioral health conditions, issues and trends in chronic care management, and implementing and evaluating outcomes.

PMHNP Clinical Practicum IV: Advanced Strategies for At-Risk Populations (1 credit)

This course focuses on the integration of knowledge from the PMHNP curriculum in order to promote health/prevent illness and disability among vulnerable individuals, families, and/or groups thorough the implementation of screening; client/family/group education; and consultative, collaborative, supervisory, and educational strategies to practitioners, groups, and/or organizations. Students will implement both direct and indirect interventions under the guidance of a clinical mentor, document contacts in their clinical portfolio, and process interactions in their reflective journal. Students will also participate in regular seminars that focus on case presentations and readings related to the application of mental health consultation strategies and the evaluation practice improvement processes. 

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