Master of Science in Nursing and Post-Master’s
Gerontological Nursing

The Master of Science in Nursing and Post-Master’s Gerontological Nursing clinical concentration prepares graduates to be specialists in the multidimensional care of older adults. The curriculum focuses on the optimization of the aging person’s well-being, both physical and psychosocial. A holistic and multidisciplinary approach to care is stressed. Students gain experience in working collaboratively with advanced practice nurses, physicians, and other health professionals to provide high quality care for older adults and their families.

Post-Master’s students must choose a functional role of Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner. MSN students choose from any of the following functional roles:

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist

    This role prepares advanced practice nurses to function in the areas of direct clinical practice, coaching and guidance, consultation, research, leadership, and collaboration. Students who complete the program are eligible to sit for national board certification exams as a Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist. Following board certification, graduates are eligible for recognition as an advanced practice nurse in Texas and meet the minimum educational requirements for participation in Medicare.

  • Nurse Practitioner

    This role prepares advanced practice nurses to care for older adults across the health care continuum. Students who complete the program are eligible to sit for national board certification exams as a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner. Following board certification, graduates are eligible for recognition as an advanced practice nurse in Texas and meet the minimum educational requirements for participation in Medicare.

  • Education

    This role prepares students to teach nurses in academic and clinical settings to assess and plan for the physical and psychosocial well-being of older adults, their families, and their communities. Students who complete the program meet initial academic educational requirements to sit for the National League for Nursing certifying exam. Candidates must complete at least two years of academic teaching prior to meet full eligibility for the exam.

Requirements for the degree or certification depend upon the chosen functional role. Non-thesis options are available for students seeking a MSN.

For information on clinical preceptorships, please see our Preceptor Guidelines (pdf).

Prospective students should be aware that all School of Nursing students are required to have a computer and must have basic computer skills. For more information on computer requirements see computer requirements and recommendations.

Clinical Track Director

Mary Pat Rapp PhD, RN, GNP-BC

Assistant Professor of Nursing-Clinical
Department of Nursing Systems
Office: SON 613
Phone: 713-500-2133
Fax: 713-500-0266
Email: Mary.P.Rapp@uth.tmc.edu

Additional Information

For more information:

Student Affairs Office
The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston
6901 Bertner, Room 220
Houston, Texas 77030
Phone: 713-500-2100 or 800-232-8876
Fax: 713-500-2107
Email: soninfo@uth.tmc.edu