Advanced practice nurses must be equipped with an in-depth understanding of pathophysiological disease processes across the life span. In this course, students focus on understanding the bio-physiological processes, the deviations from these processes, and an in-depth examination of the scientific concepts related to the biology of disease processes. Advanced practice nursing students build on their knowledge of normal organ systems functioning to help organ systems return to optimal homeostasis. Through knowledge of pathophysiological disease processes, students synthesize the information needed to develop appropriate treatment plans for patients across the lifespan. Students explore a variety of topics regarding organ system diseases.

A solid foundation in the concepts and principles of drug therapy across the life span is essential to the work of advanced practice nurses. This course applies the advanced principles of pharmacology, including pharmacogenomics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, by analysis of common drug classes prescribed by advanced practice nurses across the life span. Factors influencing successful therapy, such as effectiveness, safety, acceptability, cost, genetic/environmental influences, complementary regimens, and patient behaviors are considered. Through this course, students prepare to examine complex decisions in the management and treatment of selected acute and chronic diseases across the life span through pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic agents. Advanced practice nursing students will have a more in-depth understanding of drug legislation and regulation for prescribing drugs.

How can a nurse practitioner master the art and science of clinical decision making among pediatric populations? This course provides students with the opportunity to answer this question as they examine content related to the primary healthcare of pediatric patients, from newborn through adolescence (up to age 21), while focusing on growth and development, health promotion, and common primary care health problems. Students learn how to identify, diagnose, and manage these problems. They also gain confidence in clinical experience in a primary healthcare setting that provides opportunities to assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate therapeutic regimens for acute and chronic illnesses commonly found in children and adolescents. 

The physical and emotional well-being of patients and families can be complex and multifaceted. Advanced practice nurses need to have the knowledge and ability to provide safe, competent, and comprehensive physical health assessments. Students in this course focus on concepts and skills to assess patients across the lifespan. They learn to use diagnostic reasoning, advanced communication, and physical assessment skills to identify changes in health patterns. Students also will explore preventive health through risk evaluation of healthy individuals as a central theme of clinical practice in addition to the assessment of patients with acute and chronic health problems. The advanced skills of suturing, reading 12 Lead EKGs, and interpreting X-rays will be covered. Course assignments emphasize risk assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and evidence-based assessment across the life span.

In this final practicum course, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) students synthesize and apply the full scope of advanced practice competencies developed throughout the program. Under the supervision of qualified preceptors and faculty, students provide comprehensive, person-centered, and evidence-based primary care for individuals and families across the lifespan, managing acute and chronic health conditions in diverse outpatient settings. Clinical experiences emphasize autonomy, complex clinical decision-making, and systems-based practice while fostering interprofessional collaboration, quality improvement, and equitable healthcare delivery. Learners demonstrate readiness for independent practice, certification, and professional transition through reflective analysis, self-assessment, and the integration of leadership, policy, and advocacy principles.