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 preventative 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 reading 12 Lead EKGs, and interpreting X-rays will be covered. Course assignments emphasize risk assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and evidence-based assessment across the lifespan.

Advanced practice nurses frequently apply epidemiologic concepts to inform evidence-based practice. Students in this course are provided with an overview of epidemiologic methods in the study of the distribution and etiology of disease and health-related conditions in human populations. Students examine select population health issues such as chronic and infectious diseases and effects of disasters and emergencies. Throughout this course, students gain a deeper understanding of the various research designs and methodologies professionals use in epidemiologic research and their relevance to population-based nursing practice. Consideration is given to study designs, primary and secondary data sources, epidemiologic measures, sources of error, and ethical issues relevant to research. Students apply epidemiologic methods to the development of a program proposal for a population health issue.

In this didactic course, students develop advanced knowledge and clinical reasoning skills for the evidence-based management of adult populations across the lifespan in primary care settings. Emphasis is placed on the pathophysiology, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of common acute and chronic health conditions. Students apply current clinical practice guidelines, differential diagnosis frameworks, and health promotion strategies to deliver safe, person-centered care. Through case studies, virtual simulations, and evidence-based analysis, learners refine clinical decision-making, diagnostic reasoning, and the integration of social determinants of health into care planning. The course also highlights interprofessional collaboration, cultural humility, and the use of informatics to enhance quality, safety, and equity in advanced clinical practice.

In this didactic course, students develop advanced knowledge and clinical judgment to manage the complex healthcare needs of older adults across the lifespan in acute and primary care settings. Emphasis is placed on planning, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic regimens that address the physical, cognitive, and functional changes associated with aging. Students apply evidence-based principles to conduct comprehensive assessments, identify age-related vulnerabilities, and promote healthy aging. The course also examines end-of-life care, caregiver support, and the influence of implicit bias on equitable care delivery. Learners engage in self-reflection and critical analysis to strengthen inclusive, person-centered practice and improve the quality of life for older adult populations.

In this final didactic course, students synthesize advanced professional knowledge to support the transition from registered nurse to advanced practice nurse. Emphasis is placed on professional identity formation, leadership development, ethical and legal decision-making, and regulatory preparation for certification and licensure. Students explore practice management, interprofessional collaboration, and strategies for delivering safe, high-quality, and equitable care. Learning activities foster self-assessment, reflective practice, and the development of individualized career and professional transition plans. The course prepares learners for successful entry into advanced clinical practice and lifelong professional growth as nurse practitioners.