Training and Education
Graduate Nursing Education
Advanced
education in nursing is done at the master's and
doctoral levels. It prepares the graduate for
specialization as an advanced practice registered
nurse (APRN) or for advanced roles in leadership,
management, or education. Areas of advanced nursing
practice include that of a nurse practitioner (NP),
a certified nurse midwife (CNM), a certified
registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), or a clinical
nurse specialist (CNS). Nurse practitioners work
assessing, diagnosing and treating patients in
fields as diverse as family practice, women's health
care, emergency nursing, acute/critical care,
psychiatry, geriatrics or pediatrics while a CNS
usually works for a facility to improve patient
care, do research, or as a staff educator. The
Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is an advanced
generalist who focuses on the improvement of quality
and safety outcomes for patients or patient
populations from an administrative and staff
management focus. Doctoral programs in nursing
prepare the student for work in nursing education,
health care administration, clinical research, or
advanced clinical practice. Most programs confer the
PhD in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
