HIV/AIDS Subspecialty Program

by Joyce K. Anastasi, PhD, RN, FAAN

Since 1992, expert clinical scientists have been preparing nurses for advanced practice roles in HIV/AIDS by offering a graduate subspecialty program. A series of three elective courses immerse students in virtually all aspects of the illness. Students are exposed to clinical management of patients with HIV, as well as, the social, economic, psychological, ethical and legal issues surrounding this complex disease. This program provides nurses with advanced clinical information and has an aspect of role development in conjunction with clinical mentors. This enables the student who desires to work in a clinical setting as a practitioner or an administrator or a community program developer, the opportunity to work with leaders in the field. Columbia University School of Nursing and their scientists are affiliated with many institutions that are designated as New York State AIDS Center Programs. This environment allows for students and faculty to be exposed to current issues, trends and trials that our clients and colleagues are facing. Three of our graduates were awarded Nicholas A. Rango HIV Fellowships from the New York State AIDS Institute.

HIV/AIDS Subspecialty Curriculum

• HIV/AIDS: Issues and Challenges
  Focuses on the social, economic, psychological, ethical, and legal issues associated with living HIV and caring for persons with HIV.
• HIV/AIDS: Nursing Acute Care
  Centers on individuals who are experiencing acute HIV-related diseases requiring hospitalization. Emphasis on pathophysiology of HIV infection, opportunistic infections, HIV-related malignancies, CNS manifestations, and other HIV-related diseases requiring acute care. There is a weekly seminar and one clinical day per week.
• HIV/AIDS: Community-Based Care
  Emphasis is on individuals who are maintaining wellness while living with HIV infection. Focuses on prevention and health care maintenance. A variety of community based agencies are available for student placement. There is a weekly seminar and one clinical day per week. Details of the clinical are coordinated with the student, faculty and agency based upon the course objectives and student career goals.

Note: Each course is offered at three credits for a total of nine credits to complete the subspecialty.