ACNP Programs in New Hampshire (Online & Campus) – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in New Hampshire.)
1. Rivier University - Nashua
Programs Offered: MSN Bridge, RN-to-MS, MSN, and Post-Master's Certificate
MSN Bridge Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
RN-to-MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
In cases like these, it is essential to have trained healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to treat patients in this age group. That is where the role of an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner comes in. If you are a Registered Nurse who enjoys working with adults and gerontological patient populations and you want to gain additional training, specializing in acute and critical care of adults and older adults, becoming an Adult Gerontology ACNP could be the perfect career choice for you.
For example, Rivier University offers an outstanding ACNP program in New Hampshire with the option to specialize in the Adult Gerontology concentration. At Rivier, there are several entry levels, such as the MSN Bridge program. This program is designed for RNs with an associate or diploma in nursing and a non-nursing baccalaureate degree. With multiple start dates, it is easy to choose a time to begin your studies that best fits your current lifestyle and academic goals. You can complete the program in three and a half to five years, depending on whether you enroll part-time or full-time.
The MSN Bridge program features a 54-credit curriculum. You will take classes such as Biostatistics for the Health Sciences, Acute Care Theory, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare. The curriculum integrates 750 practicum hours, which are completed in various acute care settings.
MSN Bridge Admission Requirements: Applications for admission to the MSN Bridge program are accepted on a rolling basis with new classes beginning each fall, spring, and summer semester. All nursing applicants must have an active, unencumbered RN license. To be eligible for the MSN Bridge pathway, you need an associate degree in nursing and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
You must submit an admission application, official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you previously attended, a resume or curriculum vitae showing proof of two years of full-time RN experience, a completed Course of Study Choice Form, and a completed Practicum form. Additionally, all AG-ACNP candidates must hold current BLS and ACLS certifications.
RN-to-MSN Program Details: The RN-to-MSN program offers a pathway for Registered Nurses who have earned an associate degree in nursing to achieve a Master of Science in Nursing without earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing first. Flexible, asynchronous online coursework blended with clinical practicums and minimal campus visits to complete intensive experiences makes this program an excellent option for working nurses.
The RN-to-MSN program is a 54-credit pathway. The program includes Acute Care Skills Labs and Seminars, which are held on campus. During these events, you will develop clinical skills and competencies necessary to assess and manage the care of adults and geriatric patients with acute, critical, and complex chronic health issues or injuries in acute care settings. The program also integrates a minimum of 560 clinical hours.
RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the RN-to-MSN program at Rivier University need an associate degree in nursing, a current, unrestricted RN license, and two years of full-time work experience as a Registered Nurse to be considered. You will be required to submit a professional portfolio documenting mastery of Bachelor of Science competencies.
All candidates must provide a resume or CV, a completed Practicum Form, a Course of Study Choice Form, a copy of BLS and ACLS certifications, and all post-secondary transcripts reflecting a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA and showing completion of an undergraduate statistics course.
MSN Program Details: The Master of Science in Nursing Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program at Rivier University is open to baccalaureate-prepared RNs. The program admits new classes three times each year and takes between three and a half and five years to complete.
This ACNP program in New Hampshire offers a combination of online advanced theory and clinical education. Through didactic coursework, simulated learning exercises, and clinical experiences, you will gain the skills and confidence you need to practice autonomously and provide care for acutely and critically ill adults and geriatric patients. The program comprises a 46-credit curriculum that includes two campus-based intensive sessions and 750 clinical hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at Rivier University, submit your application online at rivier.edu/apply. You must hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program, have an active, unencumbered RN license, and have at least two years of full-time work experience as a Registered Nurse. In addition to submitting your admission application, you are required to submit a resume or curriculum vitae, a Practicum Form, a Course of Study Choice Form, proof of current Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification, and transcripts from all post-secondary schools. Your transcripts should demonstrate a minimum GPA of 3.0 and show completion of an undergraduate statistics course.
Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: Rivier University offers a great opportunity for master’s-prepared nurses seeking to add a new certification in adult and gerontological acute care. The Post-Master’s Certificate program is a five-semester, online pathway that builds upon your knowledge and clinical skills, providing you with new challenges and opportunities to redefine your career trajectory. The program offers three admission dates each year.
The Post-Master’s Certificate program features a 19-credit curriculum. Upon admission, a GAP analysis will be conducted to determine whether additional courses are needed to meet the eligibility criteria to sit for national certification. If it is determined that you need additional credits, your academic advisor will develop a personalized plan of study. All PMC students complete 750 practicum hours relevant to the Adult Gerontology ACNP specialty.
Post-Master's Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate program, you must hold a Master of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program and have a current, unrestricted RN license in the state where your clinical practicums will be completed. You are required to submit a Statement of Purpose outlining your academic and professional goals, a current curriculum vitae or resume, a Course of Study Form, a Clinical Practicum Form, and one letter of recommendation.
Additionally, you must provide evidence of successful completion of an ACLS and BLS course and submit copies of all college and university transcripts reflecting a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and showing completion of an undergraduate statistics course and a graduate-level Advanced Pharmacology course.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The ACNP programs in New Hampshire at Rivier University are taught by faculty who specialize in adult and geriatric acute care. Faculty bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to the classroom, and each is dedicated to your success, not only in the program but in your career following the program’s completion.• As a nurse educator, I am convinced that one of the most effective tools in nursing education today is simulated learning. In simulated learning environments, students have opportunities to learn critical skills under the direct supervision of faculty in a controlled environment where they can ask questions, practice, and feel free to practice until they are comfortable performing skills. One of Rivier University’s distinctive attractions is its Nursing Simulation and Clinical Education Center. The Center is equipped with advanced technology that mirrors real acute care environments. As a student in the ACNP program, you will gain hands-on experience with high-fidelity patient simulators, mechanical ventilators, cardiac pacing and defibrillation systems, invasive and non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring, pulmonary artery catheters, point-of-care ultrasound, and procedural task trainers for lumbar puncture, chest tube insertion, airway management, rapid sequence intubation, and more. This level of simulation training gives Rivier graduates a competitive advantage when transitioning into high-acuity practice after graduation.
• When you pursue your degree through one of the ACNP pathways at Rivier University, you will have a broad range of clinical opportunities to prepare you for independent practice. Clinical courses are paired with seminar courses to support case analysis, professional role development, and clinical reasoning. They are complemented by practicum experiences in settings including intensive care units, step-down and telemetry units, trauma and surgical services, emergency departments, and hospitalist teams.
• Graduates of the ACNP programs at Rivier University have an excellent record of success on both the ANCC and AACN Adult Gerontology ACNP national certification examinations. According to school records, most graduates pass the certification exam on their first attempt. A high pass rate on such an important exam is a true mark of quality and success for any nursing program, and one of the reasons Rivier made it to the top of the list for the best ACNP programs in New Hampshire!
2. University of New Hampshire - Durham
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Coursework for the program is delivered online with minimal campus visits required for simulated learning experiences. The MSN Adult Gerontology ACNP program is a 60-credit pathway that includes 750 clinical hours. In this program, you will take classes such as Diagnosis & Management: Diagnostic Reasoning, Genomics & Ethics, Health Promotion Theory & Population Health, and Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan. Program faculty collaborate with you to coordinate clinical placements and identify qualified preceptors within the Adult Gerontology ACNP specialty.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program at the University of New Hampshire, you must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing and an active, unencumbered RN license in the United States. Preference is given to candidates with at least one year of work experience as a Registered Nurse. You need to submit a Personal Statement in essay form addressing your interest in the Adult Gerontology ACNP program and the AG-ACNP role, including your professional experiences, interests, and any research in this area, as well as immediate and long-term goals as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Further, you must submit three letters of recommendation, a current resume, and transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you previously attended. Your transcripts should demonstrate a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and show completion of an undergraduate statistics course and an undergraduate research course.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The University of New Hampshire offers another option for baccalaureate-prepared RNs who wish to earn a terminal nursing degree and specialize in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Role: the BSN-to-DNP Adult Gerontology ACNP program. The program is one of the top online ACNP programs in New Hampshire.
The program combines flexible online learning, practical application, and access to transformative healthcare delivery designed to prepare you for advanced leadership skills and board certification as an AG-ACNP. The 87-credit curriculum includes core courses, specialty courses, DNP courses, clinicals, and a DNP scholarly project. All students complete 1,250 clinical hours, including a minimum of 750 direct patient care hours for the AG-ACNP component and 500 Project hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered an eligible candidate for the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of New Hampshire, you must be a graduate of an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and hold an unencumbered United States RN license. You are required to submit three letters of recommendation, a current resume, a Professional Goals Statement, and complete an interview with program faculty.
Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate program at the University of New Hampshire is designed for master’s-prepared nurses who want to expand their scope of practice by providing acute and critical healthcare services to adult and geriatric patients.
The PMC program features a 30-credit curriculum. However, a GAP analysis is performed upon admission for each student, and, if warranted, an individualized plan of study will be developed to ensure you meet the criteria set forth to be eligible to sit for the ANCC or AACN national certification exam following the program’s completion. All students in the Post-Master’s Certificate program complete a minimum of 750 clinical hours.
Post-Master's Certificate Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate program must have a Master of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program and hold a current, unrestricted RN license. You need to provide two letters of recommendation, a Personal Statement, a professional resume, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended.
A minimum college GPA of 3.2 is required. You must have successfully completed an undergraduate statistics course and an undergraduate research course. Further, to be eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) Adult Gerontology ACNP national certification exam, you must have completed the following three separate graduate-level courses: Advanced Physical/Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Pharmacology. If you have not taken those courses within five years of admission, they will be added to your plan of study.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse educator, I urge prospective nursing students to consider their options when choosing a nursing program carefully. One way to tell if a school is a good choice is to check whether its program is highly ranked. For instance, the University of New Hampshire is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in its Best Grad Schools Nursing Master’s Degree category. This recognition speaks volumes about the program’s quality and the value of the education you can expect as a student.• The University of New Hampshire is recognized as a Carnegie R1 Research Institution, meaning students can expect to learn in an environment that values evidence-based practice, innovation, and advanced clinical scholarship. This reputation will strengthen your competitiveness in hospitalist, critical care, and specialty acute care roles.
• At the University of New Hampshire, you will have ongoing support from faculty who are practicing clinicians, academic advisors, and qualified preceptors, each of whom is dedicated to helping you succeed. Each member of the faculty and support staff for the ACNP programs is experienced, bringing personal insights and perspectives. They are readily available to guide you and help when and where you need it, ensuring you have the resources and tools you need to accomplish your academic and professional goals.
• The University of New Hampshire has a reputation for producing graduates who are highly qualified and well-prepared to fulfill the role of Acute Care Nurse Practitioners. Graduates are sought after by employers. Most graduates report being employed within three to six months of completing the program. They can be found in high-acuity settings, including intensive care units, cardio-thoracic surgery units, critical care and trauma units, transplant surgery, and acute care facilities.
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE EXPECT?
| Hourly | $50.19 |
| Weekly | $2,008 |
| Monthly | $8,700 |
| Annual | $104,390 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $50.19 | $2,008 | $8,700 | $104,390 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $58.43 | $2,337 | $10,130 | $121,540 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $65.52 | $2,621 | $11,360 | $136,280 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $77.60 | $3,104 | $13,450 | $161,410 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $86.38 | $3,455 | $14,970 | $179,670 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN NEW HAMPSHIRE?
| Hourly | $68.00 |
| Weekly | $2,720 |
| Monthly | $11,790 |
| Annual | $141,430 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Manchester-Nashua | $65.88 | $2,635 | $11,420 | $137,020 |
ACNP SALARY IN NEW HAMPSHIRE VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN NEW HAMPSHIRE VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average New Hampshire ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $141,430 | $140,645 | +$785 | +0.56% |
ACNP SALARY IN NEW HAMPSHIRE VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $181,070 | -$39,640 | -21.89% |
| Oregon | $159,580 | -$18,150 | -11.37% |
| New Jersey | $159,540 | -$18,110 | -11.35% |
| New York | $157,650 | -$16,220 | -10.29% |
| Massachusetts | $156,030 | -$14,600 | -9.36% |
| Washington | $155,890 | -$14,460 | -9.28% |
| Alaska | $152,750 | -$11,320 | -7.41% |
| District of Columbia | $150,040 | -$8,610 | -5.74% |
| New Mexico | $147,010 | -$5,580 | -3.80% |
| Rhode Island | $146,640 | -$5,210 | -3.55% |
| Hawaii | $146,390 | -$4,960 | -3.39% |
| Connecticut | $145,810 | -$4,380 | -3.00% |
| Arizona | $144,030 | -$2,600 | -1.81% |
| Vermont | $142,800 | -$1,370 | -0.96% |
| New Hampshire | $141,430 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nevada | $140,760 | +$670 | +0.48% |
| Utah | $140,400 | +$1,030 | +0.73% |
| Iowa | $140,280 | +$1,150 | +0.82% |
| Minnesota | $139,200 | +$2,230 | +1.60% |
| Montana | $138,590 | +$2,840 | +2.05% |
| Wisconsin | $138,450 | +$2,980 | +2.15% |
| Maine | $137,480 | +$3,950 | +2.87% |
| Oklahoma | $137,470 | +$3,960 | +2.88% |
| Idaho | $136,670 | +$4,760 | +3.48% |
| Maryland | $136,610 | +$4,820 | +3.53% |
| Delaware | $136,140 | +$5,290 | +3.89% |
| Michigan | $136,030 | +$5,400 | +3.97% |
| Wyoming | $135,910 | +$5,520 | +4.06% |
| Colorado | $135,770 | +$5,660 | +4.17% |
| Pennsylvania | $135,290 | +$6,140 | +4.54% |
| Nebraska | $134,920 | +$6,510 | +4.83% |
| Texas | $134,620 | +$6,810 | +5.06% |
| Missouri | $134,160 | +$7,270 | +5.42% |
| Illinois | $134,130 | +$7,300 | +5.44% |
| North Carolina | $134,060 | +$7,370 | +5.50% |
| Florida | $133,590 | +$7,840 | +5.87% |
| Arkansas | $133,430 | +$8,000 | +6.00% |
| Virginia | $132,200 | +$9,230 | +6.98% |
| Georgia | $131,940 | +$9,490 | +7.19% |
| Kansas | $131,060 | +$10,370 | +7.91% |
| West Virginia | $129,870 | +$11,560 | +8.90% |
| Louisiana | $129,720 | +$11,710 | +9.03% |
| Indiana | $129,680 | +$11,750 | +9.06% |
| North Dakota | $129,450 | +$11,980 | +9.25% |
| Mississippi | $128,390 | +$13,040 | +10.16% |
| South Dakota | $128,210 | +$13,220 | +10.31% |
| Kentucky | $128,060 | +$13,370 | +10.44% |
| South Carolina | $127,200 | +$14,230 | +11.19% |
| Ohio | $125,900 | +$15,530 | +12.34% |
| Tennessee | $118,320 | +$23,110 | +19.53% |
| Alabama | $113,670 | +$27,760 | +24.42% |
ACNP SALARY IN NEW HAMPSHIRE VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $277,740 | -$136,310 | -49.08% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $141,430 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $97,900 | +$43,530 | +44.46% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $81,420 | +$60,010 | +73.70% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $76,570 | +$64,860 | +84.71% |
| Nursing Assistant | $49,290 | +$92,140 | +186.93% |
ACNP SALARY IN NEW HAMPSHIRE VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | 251,230 | -$109,800 | -43.70% |
| Dentist | 200,420 | -$58,990 | -29.43% |
| Physician Assistant | 150,150 | -$8,720 | -5.81% |
| Optometrist | 146,430 | -$5,000 | -3.41% |
| Veterinarian | 144,960 | -$3,530 | -2.44% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $141,430 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Pharmacist | 140,720 | +$710 | +0.50% |
| Audiologist | 104,740 | +$36,690 | +35.03% |
| Dental Hygienist | 102,640 | +$38,790 | +37.79% |
| Radiation Therapist | 102,230 | +$39,200 | +38.34% |
| Physical Therapist | 98,420 | +$43,010 | +43.70% |
| Chiropractor | 92,250 | +$49,180 | +53.31% |
| Occupational Therapist | 89,080 | +$52,350 | +58.77% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | 88,460 | +$52,970 | +59.88% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In New Hampshire?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In New Hampshire?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In New Hampshire?
| $68.00 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In New Hampshire?
| $2,720 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In New Hampshire?
| $11,790 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In New Hampshire?
| $141,430 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In New Hampshire?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +50.66% |
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a seasoned nurse, educator, and healthcare writer whose career spans nearly three decades of clinical practice, academic instruction, curriculum development, and student mentorship. Based in Louisiana, Darby has always sought to bring the warmth, resilience, and cultural richness of her home state into every aspect of her work—whether teaching future nurses, supporting families through vulnerable moments, guiding students toward success on the NCLEX, or providing insight about top nursing programs and tips for success.
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