7 Best ACNP Programs in Georgia (Online & Campus) – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

As a graduate of one of the ACNP programs in Georgia, you’ll find employment opportunities in intensive care units, operating theaters, emergency departments, and urgent care clinics throughout the Peach State. Acute care nurse practitioners can focus either on adults or children, but whichever they choose, demand for their services will be high: Within the next decade, jobs in this specialty are projected to increase by more than 79 percent. You’ll earn a comfortable salary, too; ACNPs average $121,940 annually. Interested in finding out more about this dynamic career path? Get started by reading about the 7 best ACNP programs in Georgia for 2025.


FOLLOWING ARE THE 7 BEST ACNP PROGRAMS IN GEORGIA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 7 best campus-based and online ACNP programs in Georgia.)


1. Emory University - Atlanta


Programs Offered: MSN, Post BSN DNP/Post MN DNP, Post Graduate Certificate, and MN-to-MSN

MSN Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Post BSN DNP/Post MN DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Post Graduate Certificate Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

MN-to-MSN Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner


About the School: Whether you are a nurse or someone from a non-nursing background, if you are passionate about caring for the pediatric or geriatric population in acute care settings, then you are in the right place. Emory University’s acute care programs are not only one of the best ACNP programs in Georgia, but also one of the largest in the state. With a plethora of program options, here you can either enter the MSN, Post BSN DNP/Post MN DNP, Post Graduate Certificate, or the MN-to-MSN, depending on where you are in your journey of becoming an acute care NP. Also, you can choose to specialize either in pediatric acute care or adult gerontology acute, based on where you find your calling. No matter what you choose, you will leave the college with exceptional practical skills in providing competent care to critically ill patients in diverse healthcare settings.

MSN Program Details: Through this MSN program, you can become either an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, depending on the track you choose. Regardless of your choice, to be eligible, you must be an RN with a BSN. You must also have at least one year of experience in acute care.

The adult-gerontology acute care track ranks among the top such programs in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report. This ACNP program in Georgia is 48-credit coursework that takes four semesters to complete. In addition, the program provides 700 hours of clinical training at various hospitals and specialty clinics across Atlanta. Upon completion of this program, you will be eligible to take the AGACNP certification exam and explore employment opportunities in various acute care and critical care settings. As a skilled AGACNP, you will be prepared to promote health and prevent diseases for your population focus.

The Pediatric Acute Care NP track is a 47-credit curriculum that includes 780 hours of clinical training. The program prepares you to manage health by providing comprehensive care to newborns, children, and adolescents suffering from acute, critical, and chronic health conditions. To obtain proficiency, the program provides clinical training at a variety of sites including Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite Hospital and Egleston Children’s Hospital, and many other pediatric and neonatal care centers across Atlanta. As a graduate of this program, you will be able to provide care to pediatric patients in rural, urban as well as underserved areas.

Post BSN DNP/Post MN DNP Program Details: Whether you have a BSN or an MSN, if you aspire to achieve the highest level of skills in acute care, then this DNP program can be a terrific option. One of the top-ranking DNP programs in the U.S. News & World Report’s list, you can choose either one of the two tracks, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Open to registered nurses prepared with a baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing, if you enter post your BSN, you require completing around 74 credits and 1140 clinical hours. On the other hand, if you enter after an MSN, the credit requirements will be tailored based on your previously completed graduate coursework.

On a full-time basis, the BSN to DNP path takes 2.5 years to complete. The duration of the post-MSN track will depend on the required coursework for you. Regardless of the track or path you choose, you will complete your coursework in person under the expert guidance of its nationally acclaimed faculty.

Post Graduate Certificate Program Details: This graduate certificate program is available with the adult gerontology acute care specialization. By just completing nine credits and 300 clinical hours, you will be eligible to take the AGACNP certification exam. Open to APRNs, you must have completed the graduate core courses before beginning with the certificate coursework.

MN-to-MSN Program Details: This ACNP program in Georgia is open to non-nurses with a bachelor’s degree in another field. During the first 15 months of the program, you will take courses that lead to the NCLEX-RN exam, after which you will earn the status of a registered nurse. Thereafter, the program progresses to the MSN-ACNP coursework that leads to an MSN and certification either in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care or Pediatric Acute Care, depending on the population focus you choose. Graduation requires the completion of around 60 credits and 531 clinical hours.


2. Augusta University - Augusta


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate

BSN-to-DNP Concentrations: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Post-Graduate Certificate Concentrations: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner


About the School: Augusta University offers some of the best ACNP programs in Georgia that take your nursing career to the next level. Here, the college offers flexibility in terms of part-time and full-time schedules, besides offering courses through the hybrid format. With two pathways, BSN-to-DNP and post-graduate certificate program, you can enroll either after your bachelor’s or master's in nursing.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: This BSN-to-DNP program makes you a leader in adult gerontology acute care. The program builds on your BSN knowledge by educating you in scientific foundations, safe quality care, evidence-based practice, healthcare technology, healthcare policy, interprofessional collaboration, and population health. On a full-time basis, the program spans three years and requires the completion of 75 credits and around 1156 credits. Upon graduation, you will be able to transform health within your chosen population focus.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: This acute care nurse practitioner program in Georgia is open to APRNs who desire certification in adult gerontology acute care. The program is mainly offered online through a part-time schedule. While the exact graduation requirements are not defined and will be based on a gap analysis, the minimum number of credits required will be 20, including 585 clinical hours.


3. Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University - Atlanta


Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP and Post-Master’s Certificate

MSN Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

BSN-to-DNP Concentrations: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

MSN-to-DNP Concentrations: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Post-Master’s Certificate Concentrations: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner


About the School: Are you inclined towards the acute care of younger and older adults? If you want to launch your career as an adult-gerontology acute care NP, then you must consider obtaining your training from one of the best ACNP programs in Georgia. Well, for that matter you may look no further as Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University offers some great options.

Here to become an AGACNP, you can enroll in either the MSN, BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, or Post-Master’s Certificate, depending on what your previous nursing degree is. What’s more, this graduate school ranks among the top in the nation, according to the U.S. News & World Report, no wonder its AGACNP graduates report excellent pass rates on the certification exam.

MSN Program Details: This MSN-ACNP program in Georgia is available for full-time and part-time enrollment. While the full-time program spans two years, most part-timers complete the program within three years. Classes are offered at the college’s Atlanta campus. To graduate, you require the completion of 47 credits and 600 clinical hours. Some of the courses that you take include advanced health assessment, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, health policy, evidence-based practice, and nursing theory. Also, you will be made adept in the healthcare management of acute health conditions in adults and elderly patients.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: This BSN-to-DNP program is a seamless route for BSN-prepared RNs looking at obtaining the highest level of skills in adult gerontology acute care. Graduation requires the completion of 76 credits and 1020 clinical hours. You can choose to complete this program either part-time or full-time, based on your convenience. You will complete the coursework through the hybrid format.

MSN-to-DNP Program Details: Are you an advanced practice nurse with a master’s degree? Do aspire to reach the pinnacle of your nursing career? If your answer is yes to both these questions then you are the right candidate for this MSN to DNP AGACNP program. Within six semesters, you will progress from an MSN to a doctorate. The coursework requires the completion of 55 credits and a total of 780 clinical hours post your master's. You will be trained in the theoretical foundations for advanced nursing practice, clinical epidemiology, population health, healthcare economics & finance, informatics & patient care technology, and organizational & systems leadership. Upon graduation, you will be prepared for the healthcare management of critically ill adults and aged patients.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: If leveraging your APRN education to gain specialized skills in adult gerontology acute care sounds good to you, then you must learn about this post-master’s certificate program. To graduate from this program, you require to complete at least 23 credits and 600 clinical hours, however, the exact credits that you must earn will be determined after a gap analysis.


4. Georgia State University - Atlanta


Programs Offered: Post-Master’s Certificate

Post-Master’s Certificate Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner


About the School: A school with a rich history of more than 50 years, Georgia State University has had an excellent track record of producing excellent nursing professionals. The school offers one of the sought-after ACNP programs in Georgia in the form of its post-master’s certificate, which is designed for graduate nurses. Here, you will be nurtured in an environment that values diversity, having students come from diverse cultural backgrounds. The learning experience here is therefore enhanced, ably preparing you to serve the state’s diverse population.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: This post-master’s certificate is ideal for those of you who want to add another specialty to your advanced nursing practice. The coursework is offered in an online format. However, you must attend a few on-campus sessions, at the beginning and during the program. While the required AGACNP courses comprise 23 credits, you may have to take other required core courses, if previously not taken. Upon completion of this acute care nurse practitioner program in Georgia, you will be eligible to take the AGACNP certification exam.


5. Brenau University - Gainesville


Programs Offered: Post-Master’s Certificate

Post-Master’s Certificate Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner


About the School: If you are a family nurse practitioner looking at acute care nurse practitioner programs in Georgia to further expand your scope of nursing practice, then Brenau University’s ACNP program can be considered. Here, a service-rooted curriculum prepares you to serve the healthcare needs of the state’s diverse patient population.

Small sized-classes with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13: 1, and a diverse student population are among the many reasons that make this school a preferred choice among aspiring acute care NP students. Also, being close to Northeast Georgia Health System’s hospitals and clinics, you will be able to explore ample learning opportunities without traveling distances. Besides, you may even want to participate in the many community health fairs and projects to further enhance real-world learning.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Open to FNPs, who want to broaden their skill set in critical care, this adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program in Georgia is a two-semester coursework that is offered through the hybrid format. You will complete AGACNP-specific courses and other required courses, if already not previously completed.


6. Georgia Southern University - Savannah


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Master’s Certificate

BSN-to-DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Post-Master’s Certificate Concentrations: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner


About the School: Among the ACNP programs in Georgia that boast of excellent performances on the certification exam are Georgia Southern University’s acute care NP programs. This school takes pride in the excellent quality of its adult-gerontology acute care NP graduates who do exceptionally well on the AGACNP certification and also play a significant role in improving the health of the state. Here, you can enter the BSN to DNP or the post-master certificate, depending on your educational background.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Through this ACNP program in Georgia, you can earn the terminal nursing degree and an MSN along the way. Also, you will gain specialized skills in the healthcare management of acutely and critically ill patients, from young adulthood to old age. Also, should you want to opt-out after earning your MSN and completing the AGACNP courses, the college allows you this flexibility, provided you come back within four years to complete the remaining DNP courses. The total credits required for graduation are 77. Also, you must complete a total of 1350 hours of clinical practice. Alternatively, you can opt out after completing 43-MSN credits and 720 clinical hours.

Regardless of whether you stay through the program or opt-out, the coursework is mainly delivered in the online format, with few on-campus sessions. In addition to the core graduate courses, specialty-specific courses, clinical courses, and the DNP project, the curriculum also entails completing non-nursing electives from a range of course options.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Designed for APRNs, you must either have an MSN or a DNP to be eligible for this AGACNP post-master’s certificate program. While the minimum credit requirements for this program are 19, it may vary, based on an individualized review of your previous nursing transcripts. Also, included are a minimum of 630 clinical hours of training. The required courses include psychodynamics of health and adult gerontology acute care.


7. Middle Georgia State University - Macon


Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate

MSN Concentrations: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Post-Master’s Certificate Concentrations: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner


About the School: Middle Georgia State University offers some of the reputable ACNP programs in Georgia. The college offers an MSN and a post-master’s certificate in combination with the adult gerontology acute care specialization track. Employable training, affordable tuition cost, online classes, and a personalized learning experience are some of the reasons that make these ACNP programs a good choice. Also, the college reports an impressive employment rate, having almost all of its ACNP graduates find suitable employment soon after graduation.

MSN Program Details: This acute care nurse practitioner program in Georgia boasts an excellent performance on the AGACNP certification exam. The program is open to BSN graduates, who hold an active RN license. Also, you need a minimum of one year of work experience as an RN. The coursework is offered in a 100% online format with only two days each semester required for on-campus immersions. The 43-credit coursework spans two years. The first year takes you through 24 credit courses in advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, therapeutics interventions, research & evidence-based practice, and quality improvement. In the second year, you complete 19 credits in leadership management & healthcare policy and project management in healthcare.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: To be considered for this AGACNP post-master’s certificate program, you must have either an MSN or a DNP. Upon enrollment, you will complete an individualized coursework based on a review of your previous transcripts. However, you must complete a minimum of 19 credits in adult gerontology acute care courses. Upon completion of this program, you will be eligible to take the AGACNP certification exam.


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