Ambulatory care nursing has emerged as one of the most important fields in the healthcare system, focusing on providing care to patients who do not require overnight hospitalization. As the healthcare landscape continues to shift towards outpatient care, ambulatory care nurses play a pivotal role in managing chronic diseases, providing preventive care, and ensuring smooth transitions between healthcare settings. This growing field offers nursing professionals an opportunity to enhance their skills and expertise in a variety of settings, ranging from outpatient clinics to specialized healthcare facilities.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 ambulatory care nursing courses offered by universities across the United States, outlining each program’s key features, the university’s reputation, and the specialized training they provide to prospective students.

1.University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) – Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on Ambulatory Care

University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is renowned for its cutting-edge medical and nursing programs. Its MSN program with a focus on Ambulatory Care is designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice roles in a wide range of outpatient settings. Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in clinics, physician offices, and other non-hospital-based environments.

Key Features of UCSF’s MSN Program:

• Focuses on patient management in outpatient and ambulatory care settings.
• Advanced clinical practice with a special emphasis on primary care.
• Offers training in chronic disease management, health promotion, and disease prevention.
• Clinical rotations in real-world ambulatory care environments.

UCSF’s reputation as one of the leading nursing schools in the country makes it an excellent choice for nurses seeking a career in ambulatory care nursing. Some international conferences such as the one held in KHNA 2016 Nurse Leadership Conference UCSF School of Nursing held the Korean Hospital Nurses Association’s (KHNA) Nurse Leadership Conference for the second time.

2. Johns Hopkins University – Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a focus on Ambulatory Care

 

Johns Hopkins University offers a robust Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a focus on ambulatory care, providing students with the opportunity to develop leadership skills and clinical expertise in outpatient healthcare settings. The DNP program at Johns Hopkins is designed for nurses who wish to pursue leadership positions while integrating evidence-based practice into their patient care strategies.

Key Features of Johns Hopkins’ DNP Program:

• Emphasis on quality improvement and health systems leadership.
• Special focus on managing complex health conditions in outpatient settings.
• Access to top-tier faculty and resources in nursing and healthcare.
• Extensive clinical and practicum experiences in ambulatory care environments.

Johns Hopkins University offers one of the most prestigious and comprehensive DNP programs in the nation, making it an ideal choice for nurses looking to advance their careers in ambulatory care. DNP prepared nurses are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and respect to drive health care innovation and enhance the quality of care. Johns Hopkins prepares graduates to exercise advanced levels of clinical judgment and systems thinking. Many DNP graduates have expanded responsibility and accountability in planning, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based strategies to improve individual patient and population health outcomes.

3. University of Pennsylvania – Post-Master’s Certificate in Ambulatory Care Nursing

University of Pennsylvania offers a post-master’s certificate program specifically designed for nurses who have already completed a master’s degree in nursing and want to specialize in ambulatory care. This certificate allows nurses to gain advanced knowledge and skills in managing patients in outpatient settings while enhancing their clinical judgment and leadership abilities.

Key Features of the University of Pennsylvania’s Program:

• Focuses on the integration of evidence-based practices in ambulatory care.
• Prepares nurses to manage patient care in various outpatient settings, including specialty clinics.
• Offers a flexible online format for working professionals.
• Develops leadership capabilities in managing outpatient care teams.

This certificate is an excellent option for advanced practice nurses who want to deepen their expertise in ambulatory care without committing to a full-degree program.

4. Duke University School of Nursing – Ambulatory Care Nursing Certificate

Duke University offers an Ambulatory Care Nursing Certificate program designed for nurses interested in gaining specialized knowledge in outpatient care. This certificate program provides a comprehensive foundation in the management of patients in various ambulatory settings, with a focus on patient education, care coordination, and chronic disease management.

Key Features of Duke’s Ambulatory Care Nursing Certificate:

• A specialized focus on disease prevention and health promotion in outpatient settings.
• Training in patient education, health assessment, and coordination of care.
• Integration of clinical rotations in real-world ambulatory care environments.
• Emphasis on leadership skills for coordinating teams and patient care.

Duke University’s prestigious reputation and clinical excellence make this certificate program an attractive choice for nurses interested in ambulatory care.

5. University of Michigan – Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with Ambulatory Care Concentration

University of Michigan offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in ambulatory care, providing students with the opportunity to specialize in outpatient care while acquiring the leadership and clinical skills needed for advanced practice. This program is designed to prepare nurses to lead and manage patient care in outpatient clinics, healthcare systems, and community health settings.

Key Features of the University of Michigan MSN Program:

• Focuses on clinical expertise, patient management, and evidence-based practice in ambulatory care settings.
• Provides opportunities for students to work in Michigan Medicine, one of the nation’s leading healthcare systems.
• Emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and chronic disease management.
• Offers leadership training in healthcare administration and policy.

The University of Michigan’s comprehensive program is an excellent choice for nurses interested in taking on leadership roles within the ambulatory care field.

6. Columbia University School of Nursing – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Ambulatory Care

Columbia University offers an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) program with a specialized focus on ambulatory care. The program prepares nurses to manage patient care in various outpatient settings, with an emphasis on preventive care, patient education, and the management of chronic diseases.

Key Features of Columbia University’s APRN Program:

• Provides an in-depth understanding of ambulatory care models and systems.
• Offers training in managing patient care across the lifespan.
• Focus on evidence-based practices, with an emphasis on integrating research into clinical decision-making.
• Opportunities to participate in community-based care initiatives.

Columbia’s APRN program is a solid choice for nurses who wish to pursue a career in ambulatory care with an emphasis on leadership and clinical practice.

7. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Ambulatory Care

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a focus on ambulatory care. This program is designed for advanced practice nurses who are interested in enhancing their clinical skills and leadership abilities while working in outpatient settings.

Key Features of UNC Chapel Hill’s DNP Program:

• Offers a focus on patient care across multiple outpatient settings, including specialty and primary care.
• Emphasizes quality improvement, patient safety, and leadership in healthcare systems.
• Provides opportunities for clinical practice with hands-on experience in ambulatory care settings.
• Integrates evidence-based research into clinical decision-making.

UNC Chapel Hill’s DNP program is ideal for nurses looking to enhance their expertise and pursue leadership roles in ambulatory care.

8. George Washington University – MSN in Ambulatory Care Nursing

 

George Washington University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a concentration in ambulatory care. This program is designed to provide nurses with a comprehensive understanding of patient care in outpatient settings, from preventative measures to the management of chronic conditions.

Key Features of George Washington University’s MSN Program:

• Focus on patient-centered care and health promotion in ambulatory care settings.
• Prepares nurses to lead and manage patient care teams.
• Offers flexible, online learning options for working professionals.
• Provides clinical experiences in outpatient healthcare facilities.

George Washington University’s MSN program is an excellent option for nurses interested in advancing their careers in ambulatory care with a focus on leadership and patient care.

9. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – Advanced Practice Nursing in Ambulatory Care

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) offers an Advanced Practice Nursing program with a specialization in ambulatory care, preparing nurses to work in outpatient settings and manage patients with chronic conditions, acute illnesses, and preventive health needs.

Key Features of UCLA’s Program:

• Focus on advanced clinical practices for managing patients in ambulatory care settings.
• Emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education.
• Integration of clinical rotations in real-world outpatient settings.
• Focus on evidence-based practice and leadership in healthcare.

UCLA offers an ideal setting for nurses looking to specialize in ambulatory care and develop leadership skills for healthcare management.

10. New York University (NYU) – Advanced Practice Nursing: Ambulatory Care Focus

 

New York University (NYU) offers an advanced practice nursing program with a concentration in ambulatory care. This program provides an in-depth understanding of managing patient care in outpatient settings, including managing chronic diseases and improving patient access to care.

Key Features of NYU’s Program:

• Specialization in managing patient care across outpatient settings.
• Emphasis on leadership and care coordination in ambulatory care.
• Focus on community-based healthcare delivery models.
• Opportunities for clinical practice in diverse outpatient settings.

NYU’s advanced practice nursing program is a great choice for nurses interested in specializing in ambulatory care with a focus on leadership and patient-centered care.

The field of ambulatory care nursing continues to expand, providing a wealth of opportunities for nurses to advance their careers and make a meaningful impact on patient care. Whether you are looking to pursue a specialized degree, a certificate, or a post-master’s program, the U.S. universities listed above offer top-notch programs designed to equip nurses with the skills needed for success in this dynamic field. By choosing a program that aligns with your career goals, you can take the next step in becoming an expert in ambulatory care nursing and contributing to the transformation of outpatient healthcare.