FAQ for the AG-CNS Program

Here you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about the Adult-Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG-CNS) program at University of Detroit Mercy.

The Post-BSN to DNP Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS)

Detroit Mercy's McAuley School of Nursing prepares you for advanced practice as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).

What you'll earn

  • MSN or DNP with a CNS concentration in Adult-Gerontology
  • Post-Graduate Certificate as an AG-CNS
  • Eligibility to practice as an APRN CNS after graduation and national certification
  • Opton to continue in the online DNP program or pursue a PhD for a research career

Program credits

  • MSN:  42 credits
  • DNP:  66 credits
  • Certificate:  24 credits
  • Financial-aid friendly:  at least 4.5 credits available each semester

Course format & flexibility

  • Full or part-time study
  • Flexible plans available (including one course per semester, if needed)
  • Core courses include advanced pathophysiology, assessment, and pharmacology
  • Students may transfer in select courses
  • CNS specialty courses and clinical hours occur at the end of the program
  • Advanced Pharmacology may be taken with the first CNS clinical courses


Online learning & support

  • Courses delivered online via Blackboard
  • Strong faculty presence through email, phone, and Zoom
  • Firefox or Chrome recommended for Blackboard
  • Tech support:  313-578-0580


Academic expectations

  • Maintain a 3.0 (B) GPA

Clinical experiences

  • Clinical coordinator assists with placements
  • Expect 14–16 hours/week (≈2 days/week) during clinical semesters
  • Full-time work is often not feasible during clinical rotations
  • Clinical sites include:
    • Acute care
    • Primary care
    • Long-term care
    • Clinics for underserved populations
    • Urgent care and other ambulatory settings
Clinical sites must be approved and contracted — this can take up to 4 months, so early planning is essential.


Clinical requirements

  • Annual registration with ACEMAPP
  • Background check and drug screen
  • Current CPR certification
  • Required health and immunization compliance


Working while enrolled

  • Most students work during the program
  • We run 100% on-line for flexibility
  • Clinical semesters require additional flexibility


Career preparation

Graduates are prepared to practice as Adult-Gerontology CNSs across settings, including:

  • Prescribing
  • Billing for services
  • Acute and non-acute care roles

Your preparation includes:

  • AG-CNS role (Generalist and Specialty Areas)
  • Advanced Older Adult Care
  • Advanced Holistic Nursing

Graduates are trained as generalist AG-CNSs, with continued specialization developed through practice and lifelong learning.


Certification

Graduates are eligible to sit for national AG-CNS certification through:

  • ANCC or
  • AACN


Professional support

Students are strongly encouraged to join the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) for:

  • Networking
  • Role development
  • Access to the CNS student community

Program contacts

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