Drexel University stands authorized by the Washington Student Achievement Council, affirming its adherence to Washington’s degree-granting institution standards. For Washington residents aspiring to advance their nursing careers, Drexel University’s online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) program presents a robust pathway. Furthermore, Drexel University’s AG-ACNP program is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission for practice experiences within the state, alongside other MSN programs, ensuring comprehensive and credible training.
Is Drexel’s Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program Right for You?
Are you a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) seeking to specialize in the demanding yet rewarding field of acute care? Drexel University’s online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) program is meticulously crafted to equip ambitious nurses like you with the advanced expertise and skills necessary to manage complex medical, surgical, and critical care needs of adult and geriatric patients. This program is designed for those who are passionate about making a significant impact in high-acuity healthcare settings.
Drexel University Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program: A Comprehensive Overview
The Drexel Online AG-ACNP program is not just another online degree; it’s a transformative educational journey tailored for working professionals. Recognizing the need for flexibility without compromising on quality, Drexel has structured this program to predominantly be online, allowing you to balance your education with your existing commitments.
Please note: A BSN degree is a mandatory prerequisite for admission to this rigorous and respected program.
Upon graduation, you will be prepared to take on advanced practice roles across the acute care spectrum. From the intensity of hospital-based emergency departments and intensive care units to specialized practices catering to acutely ill adults, your career opportunities will be vast and varied. Moreover, graduates are eligible to pursue prestigious national certifications, including the ANCC’s Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination (ACNP-BC) and the AACN’s Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Adult Gerontology (ACNPC-AG) examination, solidifying their expertise and marketability.
To help us track the success of our graduates, we encourage those who have completed their certification exams to share their results via our Nurse Practitioner Licensure Submission survey. Your feedback is invaluable in maintaining the program’s excellence and relevance.
Curriculum Designed for Excellence in Acute Care Nursing
Drexel University’s AG-ACNP program is a 57-credit graduate track, demanding 800 hours of clinical practicum, ensuring a deep dive into the practical aspects of acute care. The curriculum is thoughtfully structured, combining online didactic lectures with hands-on clinical practicum rotations.
Each week, students engage in three hours of mandatory synchronous online lectures, fostering an interactive and dynamic learning environment. Complementing the theoretical knowledge, each clinical practicum course requires 160 hours of real-world clinical experience, typically achieved through two eight-hour clinical days per week. This integrated approach ensures that you are not only learning the theory but also applying it in practical settings, under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Furthermore, Drexel goes beyond traditional online learning by incorporating simulated clinical learning experiences in our cutting-edge multidisciplinary patient simulation lab. On-campus intensives provide opportunities for standardized patient interactions, problem-based learning, and hands-on training in essential technical skills. These immersive experiences are crucial in developing the confidence and competence needed to excel in acute care settings.
What Sets Drexel’s AG-ACNP Program Apart?
- Interactive E-Learning: Synchronous online lectures are not passive webinars. They are designed to be highly interactive, employing e-learning methods that actively challenge and engage you, fostering a collaborative and dynamic learning environment.
- Expert Faculty: You will learn from clinically active faculty members who hold national board certifications in their respective specialties. Their real-world experience and dedication to the field ensure that you receive relevant, up-to-date education and mentorship.
- Drexel Network Advantage: As a student in the Drexel College of Nursing and Health Professions, you gain access to a vast network of clinical practice environments and inter-professional simulated healthcare scenarios. This affiliation provides unparalleled opportunities for hands-on learning and professional networking.
Career Trajectories for AG-ACNP Graduates
Graduates of the Drexel University Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program are highly sought after in a variety of inpatient settings. You will be prepared to provide expert care for acutely ill or injured patients, as well as those experiencing exacerbations of chronic conditions. Common job settings include:
- Intensivist/Critical Care Units: Managing critically ill patients requiring intensive monitoring and intervention.
- Hospitalist Services: Providing comprehensive care for hospitalized patients across various medical and surgical specialties.
- Specialty Practices: Focusing on specific patient populations within acute care, excluding pediatrics unless additionally certified.
It’s important to note that while AG-ACNPs typically work in inpatient settings, roles in emergency rooms or trauma services may require additional board certification in pediatric acute care to manage acutely ill or injured children.
Drexel University’s Graduate Nursing programs empower students by providing the resources and support to find and coordinate their own clinical sites and preceptors. While Drexel offers assistance in this process, the responsibility of securing these placements largely rests with the student, and accessibility can vary by state. Students should be prepared to potentially travel to secure suitable clinical placements and fulfill the required clinical hours.
Compliance and Application Information
Compliance Requirements
The College of Nursing and Health Professions at Drexel University has a mandatory compliance process for all students. This may include background checks, health screenings, and other requirements, which can take time to complete. Prospective students are advised to review the Compliance pages on the Drexel website and plan accordingly to meet these requirements.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Drexel University Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program is March 3, 2025. Prospective students are encouraged to begin their application process well in advance of this date.
Admission Essentials
- Educational Background: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited institution (CCNE, ACEN, or NLN CNEA) is required, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Standardized Tests: Standardized tests are not required for admission to this program.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be submitted directly to Drexel University.
- Prerequisites: Applicants must have a minimum of two years of recent bedside acute care nursing experience. Critical care experience in settings like ICU, CCU, ER, trauma, and high-acuity step-down units is highly preferred.
- References: Two professional references are required from supervisors, managers, nursing faculty, or program directors who can vouch for your clinical abilities and potential for graduate study.
- Personal Essay: A personal statement of under 1,000 words is required, outlining your reasons for choosing this program, your career goals, and how your experience meets the program’s requirements.
- Interview/Portfolio: An admissions interview may be required as part of the application process.
- CV/Resume: A detailed CV or resume highlighting relevant work experience and responsibilities is mandatory.
- Licenses: A copy of your current, unrestricted US RN license or proof of eligibility for licensure is required.
- Clinical/Work Experience: Two years of recent critical care experience within the past five years is a prerequisite for admission.
- International Students: Specific admission requirements for international students can be found here.
- Tuition and Fees: Detailed information on tuition and fee rates can be found on the Drexel Online MSN in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tuition page.
For a comprehensive list of courses and further program details, please visit Drexel Online.
Accreditation and Program Excellence
The Drexel University nursing programs, including the MSN AG-ACNP program, are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a nationally recognized accreditation body for nursing programs. This accreditation underscores the program’s commitment to high educational standards and quality. Furthermore, these programs are approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, ensuring compliance with state-level regulations and standards.
Program Outcomes: Shaping Future Nurse Leaders
The Drexel AG-ACNP program is designed to cultivate nurse practitioners who are not only clinically proficient but also leaders and innovators in healthcare. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Practice ethically and legally within the healthcare delivery framework.
- Advance the nursing profession through scholarship, practice, and policy engagement.
- Utilize critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning in complex clinical scenarios.
- Integrate technology and evidence-based theories in patient care planning.
- Promote culturally sensitive health practices for diverse communities.
- Demonstrate leadership in developing and implementing outcome-based care standards and health policies.
- Evaluate and enhance clinical practice through research and patient outcome analysis.
- Contribute to healthcare advancement through effective communication, collaboration, and education.
Rooted in Nursing Excellence: Mission and Values
Drexel University’s Nursing program is driven by a clear mission: to educate nurses who embody both the art and science of nursing. The program emphasizes compassionate, competent, and safe practice in today’s dynamic healthcare environment. Faculty and staff are dedicated to fostering holistic, evidence-based programs that promote healing and caring at all levels, reflecting innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and rigorous research.
The program’s core values are reflected in its commitment to:
- Authenticity: Valuing genuine connections, diverse perspectives, and the essence of caring in nursing practice.
- Complexity: Embracing the dynamic and adaptive nature of healthcare systems and fostering skills to navigate complexity.
- Rigor: Maintaining high standards through continuous program review and enhancement.
- Relevance: Adapting to evolving healthcare needs and ensuring clinically relevant education.
- State-of-the-Art Education: Utilizing technology and simulation to enhance learning and prepare students for advanced practice.
- Learner-Friendly Approach: Offering flexible, accessible, and supportive learning environments for busy professionals.
Drexel University’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program is more than just a degree; it’s a pathway to becoming a highly skilled, compassionate, and impactful advanced practice nurse, ready to meet the challenges of acute care and lead the future of nursing.
