NET SMART- Advanced Practice (AP) originated as a United States Health Resource Services Administration (HRSA) funded project.  The primary aim of NET SMART- AP is to improve acute stroke treatment outcomes by increasing the number of advanced practice nurses (APN) and physician assistants (PA) working in expanded roles to support acute stroke patient services. Depending on licensure/scope of practice, and institutional credentialing policies, NET SMART- AP fellows are prepared for roles that could include:

1) diagnosing a variety of acute stroke presentations through interpretation of neuroimaging (multi-modal CT, MRI, TCD, angiography) and clinical localization;

2) establishing stroke mechanism;

3) acute intravenous tPA and intra-arterial treatment decision making;

4) stroke risk factor assessment and secondary prevention decision making;

5) complication prevention decision making; and,

6) clinical and administrative stroke center leadership.

Participants in NET SMART-AP complete a total of 13 internet-based modules complemented by clinical learning activities and post-tests.  Modules provide standardized evidence-based education that spans current standards of medical and nursing practice, along with identification of gaps in knowledge awaiting scientific answer.  Upon successful completion of modular content, fellows attend a week long on-site clinical validation session with our faculty at an affiliated comprehensive stroke center (CSC).  A post-graduate certificate is issued following successful completion of the entire fellowship program, and graduate fellows are eligible to sit for the ANVP board certification offered by the ANVC (www.ANVC.org).

 

NET SMART-AP applicant qualifications include:

 

• An earned PA degree or Master’s degree or higher in nursing, or current enrollment in an advanced educational track leading to an MSN, DNP, or PA credential.  (Current Master’s or Doctoral nursing students and PA students may use their NET SMART course and practice hours as independent study credits towards their degrees with permission from their university faculty and Dr. Alexandrov.)

• Evidence of licensure to practice as a registered nurse or PA. 

• Ability to develop a local practice relationship with a physician supervisor (vascular neurologist preferred). 

• Access to high speed internet services.