- Additional Graduate
Admission Resources - Graduate Admissions
Office ContactPhone: 330-672-2661
Toll Free: 855-277-6952
Fax: 330-672-6262
www.kent.edu/graduatestudies
Domestic Email: gradapps@kent.edu
International: www.kent.edu/admissions/international
intladm@kent.eduFor information on all of Kent State’s degrees and majors, go online to www.kent.edu/gps
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Program
100% Online » MSN, Post-Graduate Certificate, & DNP
Adult-Gerontology CNS Program Overview
Kent State's Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS) program will prepare you for a unique, multi-faceted role in advanced nursing practice.
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) play an essential role in healthcare. Similar to their Nurse Practitioner (NP) colleagues, many CNSs provide specialized advanced nursing care. However, CNSs also work behind-the-scenes to ensure that patients in their units and across their organizations are receiving the highest quality care.
Every CNSs' responsibilities are unique. When they are not providing care, the CNS may be found advocating for patients and their families, leading interdisciplinary healthcare teams to promote patient and organizational outcomes, teaching and consulting nurses, conducting nursing research, and/or influencing policy both within their organization and across the healthcare system.
As the population in this country grows older, CNSs who have an adult and gerontological population-focus are increasingly called upon for their distinctive expertise in applying evidence-based practice guidelines and addressing skyrocketing health care costs.
In the CNS program, you will develop the necessary competencies to practice as a CNS for patients spanning the entire adult to older-adult spectrum. These include direct care, consultation, systems leadership, collaboration, coaching, research, ethical decision-making, moral agency, and advocacy.
Class and clinical experiences focus on providing advanced nursing care across the health continuum, from wellness to acute care. The Adult-Gerontology CNS program curriculum is verified by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses for the Acute Care CNS–Adult-Gerontological certification.
Why Kent State? We offer you:
-
Expert faculty. You will receive faculty mentorship and advising from nationally certified advanced practice nurses, as well as active researchers with decades of experience.
-
Excellent online courses. Classes in the AGCNS program are held 100% online and delivered by expert nurses via leading edge instructional technology.
-
Maximum flexibility. Choose the path that is best for you – MSN or DNP (or certificate for graduate-degree holding nurses). Start in the fall or spring semester and complete the program full or part-time.
-
Affordability. The Adult-Gerontology CNS program costs only $525 per credit hour, no matter where you live.*
-
Credibility. Kent State’s graduate program is recognized by employers and universities around the world for its excellence.
-
Hands-on learning. You will complete 525 clinical practicum hours with qualified clinical nurse specialist preceptors in your primary state of residence. Each practicum will expose you to the variety of opportunities that you will have after graduation.
- Top-notch preparation for certification. Graduates of this program meet educational eligibility requirements to sit for ANCC Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS-BC) certification or AACN Acute Care CNS–Adult-Gerontological (ACCNS-AG) certification. In 2020, Kent State graduates across all advanced practice programs attained a 94% average board certification pass rate.
Meet the Faculty
Learn more about the Adult-Gerontology CNS instructors:
Cindy Wilk
MSN, RN, CNS, CCRN, CNE
Concentration Coordinator
Tina Saunders
MSN, RN, CNE, GCNS-BC
Senior Lecturer
Proudly CCNE Accredited
The MSN, DNP, and Post-graduate APRN certificates at Kent State are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education†. Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Kent State: An NLN Center of Excellence
Kent State University is a two-time designated Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing (2013-2017, 2017-2022). We are recognized in the "Advancing the Science of Nursing Education" category for our dedication to innovative and evidence-based nursing education.
Program Outcomes
MSN & Post-graduate Certificates
Graduates will be able to:
-
Acquire educational eligibility to meet standards for advanced practice certification or other advanced professional distinction.
-
Acquire competencies based on professional standards to assume advanced roles in nursing, and for leadership and career advancement, including doctoral study.
-
Communicate, integrate and apply advanced nursing knowledge and skills to provide evidence-based, culturally sensitive nursing care and promote quality outcomes in nursing and health care.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Graduates will be able to:
- Develop systems and strategies to promote health and fiscal outcomes across the healthcare continuum.
- Provide expert, advanced nursing care to select populations within a variety of settings based on evidence, ethics, theory, professional standards and models of care.
- Provide leadership and interdisciplinary consultation and collaboration to plan, implement and evaluate programs of care delivery to improve health outcomes.
- Synthesize and translate evidence for implementation and dissemination to improve healthcare outcomes
* This program is only offered in select states. See the Admissions section for more information.
† The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Kent State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Admission to the Adult-Gerontology CNS Program
We invite you to apply if you meet the criteria for the degree in which you are interested:
Is the GRE required? Yes for BSN-to-DNP applicants. No for MSN and Post-graduate Certificate applicants.
International applicants: Under most student visas, international applicants are not eligible to complete online-based programs. We strongly encourage international applicants to discuss their eligibility with the Office of Global Education at +1-330-672-7980 or intladm@kent.edu prior to applying.
Priority Application Deadlines
Fall 2022: Apply now!
March 2023: October 1, 2022
Required Courses
Courses are 100% online – students are never required to come to campus.
Approved States for Online Learning
Kent State University is authorized to offer the Adult-Gerontology CNS program in the following states:*
Connecticut |
Georgia |
Hawaii |
Illinois |
Michigan |
Montana |
Ohio |
Pennsylvania |
Virginia |
West Virginia |
* In order to be compliant with federal and state laws related to online education and consumer protection, as well as State professional licensure/certification regulations, Kent State University may not be able to offer online programs to students residing in certain states. In addition, some state laws may impose limitations that could affect a program of study, including inability to offer clinical practicum courses. Since these regulations undergo continuous updates (1) non-Ohio residents interested in pursuing any College of Nursing online program are advised to consult with their State licensing/certification agency and official Kent State information on state authorization before applying to this program (2) any student that is planning to move or practice in a different state after having been admitted to either the RN BSN, MSN, Certificate, or DNP programs must immediately inform the Office of Student Services at 330-672-7911 to determine whether or not he/she can continue in the program.
Tuition & Aid
A top-tier education at an affordable price.
As a public institution, we see it as our duty to offer the highest-quality education at a cost that is within the reach of students from all backgrounds.
Please visit www.kent.edu/nursing/students/tuition to learn more about tuition details.
Financial Aid
At Kent State University, we try to make the financial aid process as simple as possible. Our financial aid services and scholarship programs help a wide range of students make their goals affordable. Financial aid options for Adult Gerontology CNS students include:
- Tuition Reimbursement: Many employers will pay some or all of the cost of a graduate degree program. Talk with your human resources department to find out if you qualify.
- Scholarships: Kent State University, the College of Nursing, and many nursing and health care organizations provide scholarship support for nursing students. See our Financial Aid & Scholarships page for more information.
- Federal Loans and Grants: You may be eligible for federal and/or private loans and federal/state grants. Contact the One Stop for Student Services at 330-672-6000 for more information.
Payment Options
-
Tuition can be paid online using a credit card or check, by mail with a check, or in-person with a check.
-
Monthly payment plan options are available.* Tuition can be spread out over 3, 4, or 5 monthly payments.
-
Students who are receiving tuition reimbursement through their employer can apply to defer tuition payment to after the semester ends.*
* Fall and spring semester only
Online Learning at Kent State
E-learning is unparalleled at Kent State University.
Kent State online students have access to the same resources as on-campus students, without ever stepping foot on campus. From applying to the program to applying for graduation, Kent State provides the tools to complete these tasks online.
Although there are no on-campus requirements, online students are more than welcome to visit our campus in Kent, Ohio (or take a virtual tour online). You will be invited to various events throughout your time at Kent State, including our pinning (Convocation) and graduation (Commencement) ceremonies.
Some of the benefits to earning your graduate degree online from Kent State include:
- Courses developed by expert faculty and delivered via Canvas, industry-leading learning management systems (LMSs).
- Small class sizes and individualized attention from nurse educators with decades of practical experience.
- Innovative learning activities tailored to the online environment.
- 24/7 technical support through Kent State’s TechHelp.
- Tests and exams proctored virtually – no need to go to a testing center.
- FlashLine, the university’s centralized portal system, will allow you to schedule classes, track your degree progress, schedule advising appointments, pay your tuition, and more right from your computer.