Graduates are expected to engage in research-based practice as acute care practitioners, educators, consultants, and to become leaders in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The family specialty prepares family nurse practitioners to provide primary health care for individuals throughout the life span. The focus is on collaborative, interdisciplinary practice to assure comprehensive quality health care and health maintenance in outpatient, work site, home health, nursing home, and hospital settings. Emphasis is on the assessment, treatment, and evaluation of the client's responses to actual or potential health problems, which may be chronic or acute, and includes primary prevention and health promotion. The gerontology specialty prepares nurses to assume an advanced practice role as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists to meet the increased demands for leadership in health care for older persons, particularly those challenged by chronic illness.
Emphasis is on the comprehensive assessment, treatment, and evaluation of the client and family.
Advanced knowledge and skills in pathophysiology and psychosocial concepts guide theory-based practice, with the goal of optimizing functional status. Interdisciplinary collaboration and care management are emphasized. Content includes finance, strategic planning, project management, leadership, quality improvement, risk management, human resource management, management for quality clinical and organizational outcomes, education and research. Practicums with outstanding administrative leaders are individualized to meet the goals of each student, and give practice experience in health services administration settings. Content includes occupational and environmental health, finance, strategic planning, project management, leadership, quality improvement, risk management, human resource management, management for quality clinical and organizational outcomes, education, and research.