For nurses dedicated to providing critical care to adult and geriatric patients, specializing as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) is a rewarding and highly impactful career path. With the increasing demand for specialized acute care, pursuing advanced education through an online AG-ACNP program offers a flexible and effective way to advance your skills and career. Online programs are becoming increasingly popular, and to help aspiring acute care NPs find the best fit, we have ranked the top online AG-ACNP programs across the nation. Explore our rankings below and understand how we compiled them by visiting our methodology page.
A nurse practitioner reviewing medical charts, representing adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner programs
- Maryville UniversitySt. Louis, MO
Overview: Maryville University provides a leading Online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) program, designed to equip advanced practice nurses with the expertise to deliver specialized acute care to adult and aging populations. This program offers a fully online, flexible learning environment with support for clinical placements, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles within acute care and specialty settings.
DNP ProgramsGraduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
- Boise State UniversityBoise, ID
Overview: Boise State University offers flexible and comprehensive Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) programs tailored for working professionals. These programs combine the convenience of online coursework with select in-person requirements, ensuring a high-quality education without disrupting professional life. The curriculum is designed to provide students with advanced acute care nursing knowledge and skills, preparing them for national certification and diverse roles in critical healthcare environments.
Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
- Spring Arbor UniversitySpring Arbor, MI
Overview: Spring Arbor University delivers an advanced graduate nursing program specializing in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care. This program, rooted in the university’s Department of Nursing, adopts a holistic and patient-centered approach to acute healthcare, integrating faith-based values with rigorous academic learning. Students gain practical experience through essential clinical rotations, focusing on areas such as critical care, trauma, and complex acute conditions.
MSN Programs
Understanding Online Acute Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Programs
As the aging population grows and healthcare becomes increasingly complex, the demand for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners is rapidly increasing. Choosing to pursue your graduate education in acute care adult-gerontology nursing is not only a strategically sound career move, offering job security and professional fulfillment, but also a chance to make a significant impact in critical care settings. Opting for an online program provides unparalleled flexibility, enabling you to earn your advanced degree while continuing to contribute to patient care. While some online programs might include brief on-campus visits, they are significantly more adaptable than traditional classroom-based programs, especially for nurses working full-time. You can study at your own pace and on your own schedule. Most programs offer both full-time and part-time study options, making it easier to design a schedule that aligns with your work commitments.
Selecting the Right Acute Care AGNP Program Online
Choosing the most suitable online acute care adult-gerontology nurse practitioner program depends significantly on your current educational background and career goals. For instance, nurses holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) might find MSN programs or BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs appropriate. However, for those already holding an MSN or another graduate degree, a post-master’s certificate program could be the most efficient route to specialization in acute care AGNP.
| Current Nursing Education Level | Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|---|
| BSN | BSN to MSN Programs | BSN to DNP Programs |
| MSN | Post-Master’s Certificate | MSN to DNP Programs |
To explore programs tailored to each degree level, please use the links below:
MSN ProgramsPost Master’s ProgramsDNP Programs
If you’re still uncertain about the ideal degree path, clarifying your professional aspirations within acute care adult-gerontology nursing is crucial. Align your degree choice with your specific goals to ensure it effectively supports your career trajectory. Consider the following table to help define your goals and determine which degree path will best facilitate your objectives. Selecting the best acute care adult-gerontology nurse practitioner program also involves considering your long-term career goals. Evaluate your desired practice setting, opportunities for career advancement, and the breadth of job opportunities you wish to pursue. While specific degree types may not strictly limit your options, they can significantly enhance your qualifications and success in specialized acute care nursing roles.
| MSN | Post-Master’s Certificate | DNP |
|---|---|---|
| My primary goal is to work directly as an acute care adult-gerontology nurse practitioner | X | X |
| I already possess a graduate degree but want to enhance my acute care skills for the adult-gerontology population | X | X |
| I am interested in teaching and mentoring students in acute care clinical settings at the university level | X | X |
| I aim to advocate for vulnerable geriatric patients and lead improvements in acute care facilities | X | X |
| I am passionate about conducting clinically relevant research to improve outcomes for older adults in acute care | X | |
| I aspire to influence and develop national health policies related to acute geriatric care | X | |
| I want to deepen my understanding of population-based adult-gerontology acute health to enhance healthcare outcomes nationwide | X | |
| I am driven to shape healthcare law and ethics to improve the quality of life for older adults in acute care settings | X |
Choosing an accredited program is essential when searching for an online acute care adult-gerontology nurse practitioner program. Accreditation from recognized bodies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) ensures that you will be eligible to sit for national certification exams. Passing a certification exam is a critical step in demonstrating to potential employers that you are fully qualified and competent to excel in your role as an acute care nurse practitioner. Throughout your acute care adult-gerontology nurse practitioner program, you will study key subjects including advanced health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology with an acute care focus, specialized care for older adults with acute conditions, and more. Explore further details in our comprehensive online Adult-Gerontology NP Program guide below.
- Online Adult-Gerontology NP Program Admissions & Requirements by Degree Type
- Online Adult-Gerontology NP Program Classes and Curriculum
- Clinical Requirements and Certification
Reviewing the admissions requirements for online acute care adult-gerontology nurse practitioner programs might seem daunting, particularly if you are concerned about meeting every criterion. It’s important to remember that listed admissions guidelines represent ideal candidate profiles. Many institutions are willing to evaluate applications holistically, considering your overall strengths and potential, even if you don’t strictly meet every single requirement (for example, some schools may offer provisional admission if your GPA is slightly below the minimum). The primary graduate pathways for aspiring acute care adult-gerontology nurse practitioners are MSN, post-master’s certificate, and DNP.
Admissions for Online Acute Care Adult-Gerontology NP Programs
| MSN-Level Acute Care Adult-Gerontology NP | Post-Master’s Certificate Acute Care Adult-Gerontology NP | DNP-Level Acute Care Adult-Gerontology NP |
|---|---|---|
| Prior Education/GPA | BSN with a GPA of 3.0 or higher | MSN with a GPA of 3.0 or higher |
| RN Licensure | Active, unrestricted RN license | Active, unrestricted RN license |
| Professional Experience | Minimum of one year of RN experience, ideally in acute care settings | Minimum of one year of RN experience, with acute care experience strongly preferred |
| Written Requirements | Personal statement focused on acute care interests, three letters of recommendation | Personal statement highlighting acute care specialization goals, three letters of recommendation |
Curriculum and Classes in Online Acute Care Adult-Gerontology NP Programs
In an online acute care adult-gerontology NP curriculum, you will delve into the specific healthcare challenges and needs of acutely ill older adults. The curriculum emphasizes the differences in managing acute conditions in the aging population compared to younger adults, and you will study the latest evidence-based practices in geriatric acute care. Coursework and program duration depend on the degree level and your prior education and experience. Generally, an MSN program takes approximately 2 years to complete, a post-graduate certificate typically takes about a year, and a DNP program can range from 3 to 7 years.
Acute care adult-gerontology specialty MSN, post-master’s certificate, and DNP programs vary in credit requirements and required clinical hours.
| Degree | MSN | Post-Master’s Certificate | DNP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Credit Requirements | 41 | 29 | 62 |
Both MSN to DNP and BSN to DNP pathways are common, with BSN to DNP programs integrating MSN and DNP level coursework. Many nurses opt for part-time enrollment to balance work and studies. If you choose this option, confirm the program’s maximum completion time; many institutions allow up to 7 years.
Coursework for acute care adult-gerontology MSN and post-master’s programs are similar, focusing on core nurse practitioner competencies and specialized acute and gerontology topics. MSN and DNP students can also expect courses covering:
- Health Policy in Acute Care
- Evidence-Based Practice in Acute Care Settings
- Leadership in Advanced Acute Care Nursing
DNP students will also engage in advanced coursework in:
- Research Methodologies for Acute Care
- Ethical Considerations in Acute Care
- Epidemiology and Acute Health Issues
- Biostatistics for Healthcare Research
Typical courses in an online acute care adult-gerontology NP program include:
- Advanced Acute Health Assessment
- Advanced Acute Pathophysiology
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Acute and Chronic Conditions
MSN students often complete a final thesis that demonstrates their understanding of patient-level acute care adult-gerontology issues, application of evidence-based acute care standards, and strategies for promoting optimal health outcomes in acute settings. A DNP scholarly project is a more extensive endeavor where students integrate concepts related to population health, technology in healthcare, evidence-based clinical practice, and health policy, focusing on a relevant clinical question within the acute care environment.
Clinical Requirements for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Programs
Most programs mandate a minimum of 600 hours of clinical practice, with some requiring more. BSN to DNP students may need up to 1100 clinical hours. Your program will assist in finding suitable clinical placement sites, potentially at locations convenient for you. You might complete all hours at one site or diversify across multiple settings to gain varied experiences. If you face challenges in arranging clinical hours with your schedule, consult your program advisor who can help find solutions to make the program feasible with your responsibilities.
Suitable clinical settings for acute care adult-gerontology NP students include hospitals, intensive care units, emergency departments, specialty clinics, and acute rehabilitation centers. Clinical hours are typically supervised by experienced AG-ACNPs, physician assistants, or physicians.
