There are, perhaps, more opportunities for registered nurses than ever before. No longer considered only bed-side caregivers, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are in great demand as the healthcare industry sees unprecedented growth in patients requiring advanced care. APRNs with certifications are filling the need as more physicians retire, or leave private practice due to burnout. APRNs specializing in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (A-G ACNP) are needed. Colleges and universities recognize the need to provide advanced educational opportunities to train APRNs and have developed online, hybrid A-G ACNP programs which allow nurses to continue working while advancing their education. These nursing programs are accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and qualify graduates to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners certification exams.
25 Best Value Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (A-G ACNP) Online Programs
It's estimated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that the need for APRNs will grow at a brisk 31% pace between 2016-2026 which is far faster than average. PayScale, an online company measuring salaries based on employer surveys, finds a median salary $108,000 for APRNs in this field; and, Glassdoor calculates a base, annual salary of $117,292. BLS information for 2017, suggests $110,930 as an average A-G ACNP salary. Employment for A-G ACNPs is available in areas such as physicians offices, private practice, outpatient clinics, assisted living facilities and acute nursing care facilities, etc.
Methodology
It can be an overwhelming and time consuming task to research the many online/hybrid A-G ACNP programs available. Best Medical Degrees provides you a jump start by reviewing online, hybrid programs with specific program information to help you sort out the program which best meets your goals. We considered the following information in developing this ranking: 1) specific program accreditation, 2) length of program in either credit hours or years for completion, 3) national rankings as determined by U.S. News and World Report, 4) program format, either online, hybrid, or blended requiring a minimum of on-campus attendance (NOTE: many of these programs require on-campus attendance for clinical intensives, as well as practicum or clinical experiences) and 5) base tuition cost (not including additional school fees) . The information in this ranking may be changed by the schools without notice.
1. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Ranked in the top 30 of U.S. News and World Report's Best Nursing Schools, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) offers a hybrid MSN Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner degree. This program combines online, didactic coursework in the first two semesters, with clinical skills lab attendance at the Lubbock, Texas campus during the last semester. Applicants for this program must submit proof of a valid nursing license, completion of undergraduate courses in research and statistics, official academic transcripts for the BSN degree, three professional letters of recommendation, and have at least one year clinical experience in acute care, emergency department setting or ICU, etc. Additional university application materials may also be required.
Length of Program: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $250 (TX Resident); $665 (Non Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Population Health Essentials for Advanced Nursing Practice, Scientific Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice, Leadership for Healthcare, Informatics, Quality and Safety, Foundations for Advanced Practice Nursing Role, Diagnostic Methods for Advanced Nursing Practice, CL (Requires on-campus skills lab), Advanced Health Assessment, CL (Requires on-campus skills lab), Pharmacotherapeutics for Nurses in Advanced Practice, Advanced Practice Nursing: Application of Pathophysiology, Essentials of Acute Care, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
2. University of South Alabama
The University of South Alabama (USA), in Mobile, Alabama, with core and didactic courses offered online, this MSN AG-ACNP degree also includes a mandatory three-day, clinical orientation in the fall semester of clinical skills simulation labs. For admission to this program, students are required to have two years of direct patient care experience in Emergency, Med-Surg or ICU departments. USA requires applicants to be either a U.S. citizen or resident, possess a nursing license with no restrictions, a regionally accredited BSN degree, etc. The program is unable to currently accept students from South Dakota and New York. U.S. News and World Report rate this as one of its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.
Program Length: 45 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $378 (AL Resident); $756 (Non Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Nursing Assessment, Physio-pathological Basis of Advanced Nursing, Adult-Geron Acute Care NP, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: University of South Alabama
3. University of Southern Indiana
The University of Southern Indiana (USI) frequently makes the list for online/hybrid nursing programs for its MSN Nurse Practitioner programs. Ranked in the top 30 of U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. A hybrid program, the MSN AC-AGNP degree requires 705 clinical hours and two-day, Evansville campus, clinical intensives. Requirements for admission include an unencumbered nursing license in the applicant's state of practice, a BSN with a 3.0 GPA, one-year clinical practice is preferred but not required, and completion of an undergraduate statistics course. Prior to application, students should verify their state of residence qualifies for this program under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement.
Program Length: 42 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $385 (IN Resident); $754 (Non Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Evidenced Based Practice for Advanced Nursing, Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice, Population-Based Care and Health Policy, Healthcare Informatics for Advanced Nursing Practice, Nursing Leadership in Health Systems, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: University of Southern Indiana
4. Boise State University
Boise State University (BSU), located in Boise, Idaho, offers a distance education MSN with an Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner degree and graduates are eligible to sit for certification exams. This program requires three-summer intensives which last 7-10 days. Students must complete 700 clinical hours which may be conducted under an approved preceptor in the student's home community. Due to state licensing regulations, BSU is only able to admit students practicing nursing in Nevada, California, Colorado, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Texas, Wyoming, and Washington. Besides university admission documentation, applicants must hold a BSN from a CCNE or ACEN accredited nursing program (with a 3.0 GPA), one-year direct patient care in the ICU/CCU or Emergency department, a valid and current nursing license, completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of "C" or better, three professional references, etc.
Length of Program: 50 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $448 (ID Resident); $787 (Non Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics, Health Assessment for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Health Assessment for the Advanced Practice Nurse Clinical
Summer Intensive #1 (on-campus clinical), Professional Role for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice, Diagnosis and Management of Adult/Geriatric Health and Illness, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Boise State University
5. University of Iowa
The University of Iowa (UI) offers a blended Doctor of Nursing Practice with a concentration in AG-ACNP. While the majority of the coursework is offered online, the program does require attendance on the Iowa City campus with classes offered once a week. There are 1090 clinical hours required and every effort is made to provide clinical experiences close to the student's home community. UI has one of the top 100 Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs as ranked by U.S. News and World Report and is rated in the top 20 of Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs. Applications for this program are accepted only for the Fall Semester and have a February deadline. Students must have an advanced degree or a minimum of a BSN with a 3.0 GPA, an upper-level statistics course, official school transcripts, copy of the current nursing license, ARNP certification, letter of recommendations, etc.
Program Length: 73 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $448 (IA Resident); $2,035 (Non Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Applied Epidemiology, Leadership and Management Essentials, Applied Epidemiology, Advanced Physiology Online, Evaluating Evidence for Practice, Doctor of Nursing Practice Project, Graduate Pharmacology Specialty, Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: University of Iowa
6. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University (GCU), in Phoenix, Arizona, has been educating students since 1949. This is an MSN AC-AGNP degree and requires 675 clinical hours for graduation. There are three days of on-campus requirements for clinical immersion courses. GCU is a participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement and students should check their eligibility prior to making an application. Admission requirements require a BSN degree from an ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing program, a letter of intent, proof of an unrestricted and current nursing license, and current employment in a hospital or healthcare system with at least one year ICU experience. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA under 2.8, you may be eligible for admission by submitting test scores from the GRE or GMAT exams.
Program Length: 53 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $500
Curriculum Snapshot: Evidence-Based Practice Project, Introduction to Advanced Nursing, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning with Skills Lab, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, On-Campus Experience, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Grand Canyon University
7. Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis
U.S. News and World Report have rated the MSN program at Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI) in its top 50 of its Best Nursing Schools: Master's Degree. IUPUI provides an MSN AG-ACNP degree, which is a hybrid program, combines online didactic course studies with on-campus clinical coursework. The program requires 525 clinical hours which may be completed in the student's home, Indiana community. Admission is offered once a year and potential students are asked to submit proof of an ACEN, CCNE or CNEA accredited BSN (with a 3.0 graduating GPA), successful completion of an undergraduate statistics course, an unencumbered and active nursing license, and other university admission requirements.
Program Length: 42 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $550 (IN Resident); $1,508 (Non Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Nursing Theory, Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice, Nursing Research Methods, Measurement & Data Analysis, Advanced Concepts in Gerontology, Management of Acutely Ill, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
8. University of South Carolina
Located in Columbia, South Carolina, the University of South Carolina (USC) has an online MSN AG-ACNP degree that can take 8 semesters to complete, has 672 clinical hours required, and an on-campus immersion during the seventh semester. Ranking in the top 10 of U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs and top 30 of its Best Nursing Schools: Master's Degrees. Students with a BSN from an accredited nursing program are eligible to apply. Additional admission requirements include one-year clinical nursing experience in an acute care setting, current BLS and ACLS certification, an unencumbered nursing license, and three letters of recommendation. Other university admission requirements are also necessary. Applicants should check their state of residence's eligibility according to the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement prior to application.
Program Length: 44 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $569 (SC Resident); $1,217 (Non Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Adult and Gerontological Patients Across the Lifespan, Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Diagnostic Interpretation and Therapeutic Modalities, Introduction of Acute Care Adult and Gerontological Health Problems, Management of Acute Care Adult and Gerontological Health Problems, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: University of South Carolina
9. University of Northern Colorado
This program is specially designed for working nurses and is an online MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner degree. While offered online, The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) degree requires a two summer, on-campus clinical experiences in Greeley, Colorado (the program requires 540 hours of clinical placement). MSN students may choose between a thesis or comprehensive exam option. Applicants must hold a BSN from an accredited nursing program with a minimum 3.0 GPA, current nursing license (and eligibility for a Colorado nursing license), at least one-year clinical work experience (acute care practice is preferred), etc. A member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, UNC is able to enroll students from all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. UNC has one of U.S. News and World Reportâs recent Best Nursing Schools: Master's Degree rankings.
Program Length: 50 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $620
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Advanced Practice of Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, AGACNP Practicum, AGACNP Acute Care Skills, AGACNP Synthesis Practicum, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: University of Northern Colorado
10. Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University (NKU) offers a completely online MSN AC-AGNP degree that can be completed in 20 months. The application requires official school transcripts, a BSN from a CCNE, ACEN or CNEA accredited program (with a 3.0 GPA), completion of an undergraduate statistics course, and proof of an unencumbered and current nursing license. Students with an undergraduate degree in something other than nursing may also apply with certain requirements. NKU's program rates in the top 25 of U.S. News and World Reportâs Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.
Program Length: 46 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $621
Curriculum Snapshot: Differential Diagnosis and Disease Management in Acute Care, Advanced Technologies for Acute Care and Diagnostic Reasoning, Seminar in Health Promotion and Acute Care Clinical Decision Making, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Northern Kentucky University
11. University of Alabama-Birmingham
The MSN AG-ACNP degree at the University of Alabama-Birmingham is a blended, distance accessible program with online coursework but requiring on-campus participation as well. Students are expected to come to the Birmingham campus for orientation and three campus intensives which last two or three days. There are 600 clinical hours of direct patient care and the program prepares graduates to sit for certification exams provided by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). UAB is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top 25 Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs as well as in the top 10 of Best Nursing Schools: Nurse Practitioner Adult/Gerontology Acute Care. A BSN from an accredited nursing program is required for admission, along with an unencumbered nursing license, GRE, GMAT or MAT test scores, academic transcripts, etc. UAB is a member institution of the and students should verify their state of residency qualifies for admission. National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Program Length 45 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $656
Curriculum Snapshot: Translating Evidence into Practice, Health Care Systems for Adv.
Nursing Practice, Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Nursing Practice, Advanced Adult Acute Care Nursing, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: University of Alabama Birmingham
12. Nova Southeastern University
The Nova Southeastern University in Palm Beach, Florida, provides an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) program which leads to an AG-ACNP. This is a hybrid program admits students with a BSN and also offers a Bridge Program for nurses expanding their career opportunities and U.S. News and World Report rates this one of its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. Students are expected to complete 312 practicum hours and live within 150 miles of the Palm Beach campus. If not enrolled in the Bridge Program, students must hold an ACEN, CCNE or NLNAC accredited BSN. Additional admission requirements include a minimum of one year of clinical nursing experience, an active Florida nursing license, ACLS certification, etc.
Program Length: 51 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $735
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Nurse Roles, Theory and Research, Evidence and Practice, Health Care Policy and Leadership, Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, Advanced Pathophysiology, Behavioral Health, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Nova Southeastern University-Florida
13. University of Alabama-Huntsville
If you live in commuting distance of the University of Alabama-Huntsville (UA-H) campus, this may be a good choice for an MSN AG-ACNP degree. U.S. News and World Report rank UA-H nursing school in the top 100 of its Best Nursing Schools: Master's Degree. This program has weekly lab requirements (usually on Wednesday) and requires 672 clinical hours (500 hours of which should be in direct patient care). Applicants for the MSN program are required to submit (along with university graduate school requirements), a BSN (CCNE or ACEN accredited with a 3.0 GPA), students with less than a 3.0 undergraduate GPA will be asked to submit GRE or MAT test scores, unencumbered nursing license, three recommendations, a current curriculum vitae or resume, etc.
Program Length: 42 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $759 (AL Resident); $1,655 (Non Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Health Assessment (Lab Hours), Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology (Hybrid), Adult-Gerontology ACNP, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: University of Alabama-Huntsville
14. Michigan State University
Michigan State University (MSU) offers a hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a Clinical Nurse specialty. Although most coursework is offered online, attendance on the East Lansing, Michigan campus, is required at the beginning of each semester which are 3-4 days in duration. Admission for this program asks students to have an unrestricted nursing license, a BSN from an accredited program, completion of an undergraduate statistics course, three letters of recommendation, official academic transcripts, a minimum of one-year clinical nursing experience. This program is rated in the top 20 Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.
Program Length: 28 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $807
Curriculum Snapshot: Healthcare Informatics, Clinical Epidemiology for Healthcare Practice,
Leadership in Complex Health Systems, Doctor of Nursing Practice Project, Wellness Promotion for Diverse Populations,
Clinical Decision Making and Management of Acute Chronic Complex Conditions, Clinical Nurse Specialist Advanced Practice Role, Clinical Nurse Specialist Specialty Role Immersion, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Michigan State University
15. Maryville University
U.S. News and World Report recognizes Maryville University as offering one of its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, this MSN AG-ACNP degree may be completed online with no visits to campus needed. No GRE or MAT scores are required and no undergraduate statistics courses are requested. The program requires 830 clinical hours which may be completed in the student's home community. Specific admission requirements are available by contacting Maryville University Admissions.
Program Length: 44 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $813
Curriculum Snapshot: Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice, Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing, Health Care Policy, Health Promotion/Disease Prevention, Professional Role Development, Leadership and Quality, Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Maryville University
16. University of Maryland-Baltimore
The University of Maryland in Baltimore (UM-B) has a blended DNP degree which focuses on AG-ACNP practice and prepares graduates to sit for certification exams. Students study didactic courses online, on-campus skills labs and 990 hours of clinical hours. Clinicals must be completed in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., or Delaware. UM-B admits students from participating compact states and applicants should verify their state qualifies. Admission requires students to have an accredited MSN from either a CCNE or ACEN nursing program, official transcripts, an unencumbered nursing license, two letters of professional recommendations, etc. U.S. News and World Report rate this DNP as one of its top 10 Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs.
Program Length: 33 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $816 (MD Resident); $1447 (Non Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span, Methods for Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice, Clinical Nurse Specialist Role in Trauma/Critical Care/ED, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: University of Maryland School of Nursing
17. Graceland University
Graceland University (GU) calls Independence, Missouri home. Through its School of Nursing, GU offers an online MSN with an AG-ACNP concentration which is a new degree offering for the school. Applications to this program are accepted three times a year and require applicants to have an accredited BSN degree, a current nursing license, three letters of references, pass a criminal background check, etc. Graceland University also provides an RN-BSN-MSN degree option for those currently holding an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a nursing degree from an accredited program.
Program Length: 47 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $830
Curriculum Snapshot: Acute Care of Adult-Gerontology Populations, Advanced Practice Procedures in Acute Care, Theory in Nursing, Advanced Pathophysiology, Roles and Issues for Advanced Practice Nurses, Pharmacotherapeutics, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Graceland University
18. Creighton University
Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, has a hybrid DNP program with an AG-ACNP focus that's available for students seeking a BSN-DNP or MSN-DNP degree. There are some on-campus visits required, but the majority of coursework is offered in an online format. Creighton University's DNP degree has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report in its top 100 of Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. State regulations prevent Creighton University from admitting students residing in Delaware, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Tennessee, and Oregon. Admission requires at least a BSN degree, eligibility for a Nebraska nursing license along with 2,000 hours of direct patient care, letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts.
Program Length: 68-71 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $900
Curriculum Snapshot: Epidemiology, Exploring Evidence for Improving Outcomes, Evaluative Methods for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice, Scholarly Project Seminar, Pharmacology Across the Lifespan for
Advanced Nursing Practice, Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Creighton University
19. Drexel University
Drexel University is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and has a hybrid, MSN AG-ACNP degree which requires on-campus intensives. Drexel University is traditionally recognized by U.S. News and World Report and has been rated in the top 100 of Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. Applicants must have two years of current acute patient care experience, hold an accredited BSN (with a 3.0 GPA), official school transcripts, letter of recommendation, a current and unrestricted nursing license, etc. Graduates are eligible to sit for certification exams.
Program Length: 57 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $968
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Clinical Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning, Pharmacology for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners, Professional Issues for Nurse Practitioners, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Drexel University
20. University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) provides an online MSN-DNP degree with an AG-ACNP major. Pitt has a U.S. News and World Report recognized Best Online Graduate Nursing Program (top 40) and Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice (top 10). Students attending full time can complete the degree in 1.5 years and includes 1,000 post-BSN clinical hours. Students are able to choose specific clinical areas such as cardiology, oncology, trauma, or critical care, etc. The program prepares students to sit for the ANCC or AACN certification exam (the school boasts an impressive 100% exam pass rate). Admission to the program is opened for the fall semester and applicants are requested to have an MSN from an accredited nursing program (students with a masters in a field other than nursing must have a BSN) submit GRE test scores, clinical experience, etc.
Program Length: 37 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,090
Curriculum Snapshot: Applied Statistics for Evidence-Based Practice, The Science of Health Care Delivery, Ethics in Healthcare, Public Policy in Health Care, Introduction to Health Informatics, Leadership Development, Methodologies for DNP Project, DNP NP Role Practicum, Project Clinical, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: University of Pittsburgh
21. Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University (SLU), in Saint Louis, Missouri, has a post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice with an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care concentration. Admission requires applicants to have a BSN from an accredited nursing program with a 3.5 GPA, one-year clinical experience, an unencumbered nursing license from the state in which clinical experience will be conducted, active CPR certification, undergraduate coursework in statistics and a beginning course in health assessment, etc. The program admits students twice a year. Saint Louis University is unable to accept students from all 50 states and it's recommended applicants verify their state's approval prior to making an application. The DNP degree at SLU is ranked as one of the top 100 of U.S. News and World Reportâs Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Program Length: 67-72 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,160
Curriculum Snapshot: Epidemiology, Advanced Practice Nursing: Role Acquisition, Ethics in Nursing & Health Care, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Assessment and Clinical Decision Making, Health Promotion, Principles of Practice Management, Advanced Practice Nursing Clinical Practicum, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Saint Louis University
22. Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia University Thomas Jefferson University, through its Jefferson College of Nursing, provides a blended MSN AG-ACNP degree which may be completed in 2-5 years depending on a full time or part-time enrollment status. Coursework is a combination of core MSN studies and AG-ACNP specific coursework. The program is offered online but attendance on the Philadelphia campus is required for certain clinical courses. Applications are accepted three times a year and require a minimum of a BSN with a GPA of 3.0, a current nursing license and CPR certification, successful completion of undergraduate courses in health assessment, statistics, and nursing research, as well as one-year clinical experience, etc. U.S. News and World Report recognize the Jefferson College of Nursing as one of its Best Nursing Schools: Masters's Programs.
Program Length: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,165
Curriculum Snapshot: Health Policy, Legal & Ethical Dimensions of Practice, Epidemiology for the Health Professions, Informatics for Advanced Nursing Practice, Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics, Pathophysiology of Human Disease, Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Decision Making for Acute Care, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Philadelphia University Thomas Jefferson University
23. Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University (SHU), in South Orange, New Jersey, has been in operation since 1856. The university offers a hybrid, MSN AG-ACNP degree which requires three on-campus, immersions in orientation and two practica experiences. This program requires 675 clinical hours for completion. These immersions allow students to develop hands-on practice, skills labs, and guest lecturers in a variety of topics. U.S. News and World Report rates Seton Hall in the top 100 of its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs and one of the Best Nursing Schools: Master's Degrees. Program admission requires applicants to have a BSN awarded from an accredited program, a valid and active nursing license, professional liability insurance, and letters of reference, etc. Students are also expected to have a minimum of two-years clinical, patient care experience.
Program Length: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,259
Curriculum Snapshot: Health Promotion, Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology, Clinical Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Decision Making, Health Concepts of Aging, Forces in Health Care, Theoretical Basis of Nursing, Nursing Research, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Seton Hall University
24. George Washington University
The GW-Online department of George Washington University, offers an online, full or part time, MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner degree. This program is one of U.S. News and World Report top 10 Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. To apply to this program, the George Washington University School of Nursing requires applicants to hold a BSN with a 3.0 GPA, at least one year critical care patient experience, hold an unrestricted nursing license, official academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other institutional requirements, etc. This program is unable to accept students living in North Dakota, Alabama, New York, and Louisiana. Graduates are prepared to sit for ANCC and AANP certification exams.
Program Length: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,395
Curriculum Snapshot: Evidence-Based Practice for Health Care Researchers for Health Care Research; Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology; Genetics for Health Care Providers; Advanced Pharmacology for Nursing, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: GW Online
25. Case Western Reserve University
The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) has a MSN AG-ACNP degree which is hybrid in design with online coursework and eight required visits to the Cleveland, Ohio campus. There are 600 clinical hours required for completion of the degree. Students enrolled full time may complete this MSN AG-ACNP in 18 months (part time enrollment is also available). Admission documents include graduation from a professional nursing program, successful completion of a university statistics course, an Ohio nursing license, letters of reference (as related to clinical work), and the program requires at least one-year ICU, adult care experience prior to admission. This program rates in the top 10 of U.S. News and World Report's ranking of Nurse Practitioner: Adult/Gerontology, Acute Care programs and in the top 20 of the publication's Best Graduate Schools of Nursing.
Program Length: 39 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $2,133
Curriculum Snapshot: Foundations for Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nursing; Pharmacology and Therapeutics for the Advanced Practice Nurse; Acute Health Problems of Adults and Older Adults; Advanced Management of Acutely Ill Adults and Older Adults, etc.
Program Accreditation: CCNE
Program Website: Case Western Reserve University