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University of Washington

Adult Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate Program

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For general application and admissions questions, contact:

Academic Services
UW School of Nursing
Phone: (206) 543-8736 or 1 (800) 759-NURS
E-mail: Contact Us


This Graduate Certificate Program in Advanced Practice Nursing (GCPAPN) offers an opportunity for nurses who have earned, or are in process of earning, a graduate degree in nursing (DNP or PhD) to develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide primary care management to adults.

Students complete 15 months of part-time study, and are eligible to apply for either ANCC or AANP certification as an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner: Primary Care and for licensure and an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) in Washington and many other states. Faculty advisors assist students to plan a curriculum.

While most ANP Certificate courses include some Technology Enhanced and Distance Learning (TEDL) methods, there are some courses that require in-person, classroom attendance. Currently, approximately 80% of courses required for the ANP certificate program are offered via TEDL. Some higher cost TEDL methods (specifically, video conferencing and web conferencing) are reserved for students living a significant distance from the UW. However, everyone in the ANP certificate program can use most TEDL methods, such as video streams and web-based courses — often helpful for students with scheduling constraints.

Course plans generally require one or two days of study or clinical practicum weekly. Program development and fieldwork placements are individualized. Clinical practice experiences are offered in urban and rural locations.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Conduct comprehensive health assessments, including ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests such as laboratory tests, ECGs, and chest radiographs
  • Diagnose and manage health problems and disease-related symptoms
  • Prescribe and evaluate drugs and treatments
  • Coordinate care during setting transitions
  • Work collaboratively and independently to enhance access to and quality of care for patients and families through cost-effective, outcome-oriented, risk-appropriate practice
  • Assume primary responsibility to promote health, assess and manage common acute and chronic health conditions in adults
  • Analyze, articulate, and facilitate resolution of health care issues (economic, societal, legislative, ethical, and legal)
  • Synthesize knowledge and skills to provide advanced nursing care among diverse, multi-cultural, and medically under-served patients in various health care settings
  • Develop and use leadership strategies to improve health care