Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP)

Allen College offers the Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) track in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. The goal of the ANP track is to prepare advanced practice nurses with the expertise needed to meet the primary care demands of adults. The ANP track will provide a broad foundation in adult primary care with a significant emphasis on (1) disease prevention, (2) health promotion and (3) care of adults with chronic diseases and health conditions. Graduates gain the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, diagnose and manage common acute and chronic adult health problems.  Students also gain an understanding of the healthcare delivery system in this country. The ANP collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care in a range of settings. Graduates will complete a minimum of 600 hours of directly supervised clinical practice. Clinical practicum sites are arranged as close as possible to home areas for students.The ANP track will allow graduates to gain certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) as an Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP). Graduates who achieve this national certification are also eligible for licensure as advanced practice nurses in the state of Iowa.

A post-mater's certification program is available for individuals who already hold an MSN degree.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the role of the Adult Nurse Practitioner?
The Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) has a broad scope of practice which includes ages 13 to death, with the exclusion of women during pregnancy. Graduates of Allen College ANP program are prepared to work in primary care settings but may work in a variety of clinic settings or specialties. Regulations required for practice and prescriptive authority vary from state to state. National certification through examination by either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (AACN) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is required prior to state licensure. For further information regarding specific state requirements, please contact your state’s Board of Nursing.

Who can apply for the Allen College Adult Nurse Practitioner Program?Registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a  regionally accredited school may apply.  (Students who hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing may also apply  They will be required to take undergraduate courses in statistics, nursing research and community health prior to enrollment in certain master's level courses in addition to holding an associate's degree in nursing).  A minimum overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale is required. A minimum of one-year of clinical nursing experience as a registered nurse is required for enrollment in courses with a clinical/practicum requirement.

How many clinical hours are required to be certified as a nurse practitioner?
600 hours

Do ANPs have difficulty finding employment?
ANPs have generally found work in an advanced practice role within months of their certification. Willingness to work in rural or underserved areas or in specialty areas increases job opportunities.  Students are apprised of area job opportunities via emails and many students have job offers prior to graduation.

How are my clinical preceptors chosen?
Each student will chose their own preceptors based on their clinical interests. ANP students may only see patients 13 years and older, so it is important to be certain that their preceptor sees patients in this age range as well. If you have difficulty finding a preceptor, we are able to help locate them for you.

Is nurse practitioner certification currently available?  What are its requirements?  Where would I find out more information?
Steps to become certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner.

  • Please note that the current Adult Nurse Practitioner and Gerontological Nurse Practitioner programs are in the process of being revised.  Anticipated revisions include the combination of these two programs into one Adult – Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program. Once the necessary approvals have been received, the revised program information will be updated to reflect the revisions.