ACNP Programs in North Carolina (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Are you a North Carolina-based nurse who's interested in learning how to treat, diagnose, and manage patients with complex, unstable conditions? Graduating from one of the ACNP programs in North Carolina is one of the most reliable ways of making your ambition come true. In the Tar Heel State, acute care NPs earn approximately $124,550 yearly, and employers compete with one another to hire them; in fact, the demand for ACNPs is expected to rise by 56 percent in the next 10 years. Acute care nurse practice is a specialty with practically unlimited potential, and when you read the guide below to the best ACNP programs in North Carolina, you'll find out how to start in this exciting field.
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN NORTH CAROLINA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in North Carolina.)
1. Duke University School of Nursing - Durham
Programs Offered: MSN and Post Graduate Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care
Post Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care
The Adult Gerontology ACNP program is a 48-credit pathway. In this program, you will study Population Health in a Global Society, Advanced Practice Nursing in Primary Care Adolescents & Adult Patients, Advanced Practice Nursing Care in Older Adult Patients, and Collaboration, Care Management, & Identity Formation. This pathway includes 728 clinical hours.
The Pediatric ACNP program requires the completion of 43 credits. The curriculum includes MSN core, PNP Acute Care Clinical Courses, and Nurse Practitioner Intensive courses. As a student in this program, you will complete a minimum of 616 clinical hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: The MSN program accepts new students twice a year, in the fall and spring semesters. Candidates are reviewed using a holistic approach, with traditional measures of reviewing scholastic achievements and test scores combined with a review of each applicant's unique experiences and goals.
Prospective students are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited School of Nursing or have an associate's degree in nursing in addition to a non-nursing bachelor's degree. Candidates must submit three professional recommendations, a Personal Statement, a curriculum vitae or resume, verification of current RN license, and official transcripts from every post-secondary school where college credit was earned. Preferential consideration is given to applicants with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. It is recommended that applicants have one year of nursing experience before applying.
Post Graduate Certificate Program Details: The Post-Graduate Certificate program provides opportunities for nurses with a master's degree to achieve advanced training as an Adult Gerontology or Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The number of credits needed to earn the certificate varies based on which specialty you choose and the number of transferable credits you have from your previous graduate degree. The curriculum for each pathway comprises both didactic and clinical courses, which are also included in the traditional MSN program. Additionally, all PGC students are required to complete a minimum of 500 hours of supervised direct patient care.
Post Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program, prospective students must possess a master's degree in nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing school or a master's degree in another discipline acceptable to the specialty faculty and have a current license to practice as a registered nurse in North Carolina or a Nurse Licensure Compact state. Candidates must submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended, reflecting a minimum college GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and completion of a General Statistics or Introductory Statistics course with a grade of "C" or better. Three letters of recommendation and a personal interview with the program faculty are also required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• One of the things I love about nursing is that the only limit to what you can learn or do is the limit you set for yourself. There are endless opportunities for nurses like you to add new specialty certifications and broaden your scope of practice. For example, at Duke University, in addition to pursuing an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner role, you may also add a specialty certificate to your MSN. The School of Nursing offers specialty certificates in Cardiology, Endocrinology, HIV, Oncology, Orthopedics, Palliative Care, Pediatric Behavioral and Mental Health, and Veterans Health Care.• U.S. News & World Report has ranked Duke University School of Nursing as #5 in the nation for Best Nursing Schools: Master's. This recognition is a testament to the quality of programs the school offers, which is just one reason why Duke is an excellent school to pursue an ACNP program in North Carolina!
• Graduates of the ACNP programs at Duke University have consistently demonstrated outstanding performance on national certification exams. High pass rates on these exams indicate a program that is well-equipped to prepare students for success!
• When you pursue your degree or certificate as an ACNP at Duke University, you will benefit from learning and practicing at one of the most advanced healthcare systems worldwide!
• Faculty at Duke University's School of Nursing are leaders in the field of nursing, bringing real-world experience in both clinical patient care and nursing education.
2. University of North Carolina at Charlotte - Charlotte
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master's Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The MSN AGACNP program features a 47-credit curriculum, comprising classes such as Advanced Care of Critically Ill Adults, Complex Healthcare Management of Adults, Synthesis in Advanced Nursing Practice, and Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning. Three specialty-related clinical courses are included in the study plan with corresponding clinical practicums. A total of 600 clinical hours is required.
MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the MSN program are required to have a baccalaureate degree in nursing and an active, unrestricted RN license. Applicants must complete an admission application and provide a Statement of Purpose, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts from each college or university previously attended. A minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0 is required.
Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: If you have earned a master's degree and wish to specialize in a new role as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP, the Post-Master's Certificate program is a great option. The program admits students in the summer and spans four semesters.
The PMC program is campus-based. Students attend classes and laboratory simulations in person on campus and participate in clinical practicums at designated clinical affiliate sites. A minimum of 20 credit hours is required, along with 600 clinical hours.
Post-Master's Certificate Admission Requirements: The Post-Master's Certificate program is available to registered nurses who have already achieved a Master of Science in Nursing and hold a current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse. Candidates are required to submit a curriculum vitae or resume, a Statement of Purpose, contact information for three professional references, and transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. A minimum 3.0 graduate nursing GPA is required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is known for offering high-quality nursing programs. The MSN program is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best in the nation.• As a student in the ACNP programs at UNC-Charlotte, you will have an academic advisor who works with you from the time of admission until you graduate. Your advisor will be a valuable source of guidance and direction, ensuring you have access to all the resources you need to promote your success.
• The University of North Carolina-Charlotte School of Nursing has high student satisfaction scores, which is an excellent indicator of the program's quality. Students give high satisfaction ratings for categories, including faculty support, clinical placement opportunities, and preceptor availability.
• Among graduates of the ACNP program who respond to post-graduation surveys, most report being employed in the Acute Care NP role within three to six months of completing the program and obtaining national certification.
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN NORTH CAROLINA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN NORTH CAROLINA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $44.05 |
| Weekly | $1,762 |
| Monthly | $7,640 |
| Annual | $91,630 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN NORTH CAROLINA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $44.05 | $1,762 | $7,640 | $91,630 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $49.85 | $1,994 | $8,640 | $103,680 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $58.84 | $2,354 | $10,200 | $122,390 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $65.53 | $2,621 | $11,360 | $136,300 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $78.31 | $3,132 | $13,570 | $162,880 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA?
| Hourly | $59.88 |
| Weekly | $2,395 |
| Monthly | $10,380 |
| Annual | $124,550 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF NORTH CAROLINA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Asheville | $56.78 | $2,271 | $9,840 | $118,100 |
| Burlington | $58.71 | $2,348 | $10,180 | $122,110 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | $60.73 | $2,429 | $10,530 | $126,310 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | $63.42 | $2,537 | $10,990 | $131,910 |
| Fayetteville | $55.17 | $2,207 | $9,560 | $114,750 |
| Goldsboro | $50.93 | $2,037 | $8,830 | $105,940 |
| Greensboro-High Point | $59.38 | $2,375 | $10,290 | $123,520 |
| Greenville | $56.27 | $2,251 | $9,750 | $117,050 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | $57.52 | $2,301 | $9,970 | $119,650 |
| Jacksonville | $59.47 | $2,379 | $10,310 | $123,690 |
| New Bern | $53.32 | $2,133 | $9,240 | $110,900 |
| Raleigh | $60.06 | $2,403 | $10,410 | $124,930 |
| Rocky Mount | $54.16 | $2,166 | $9,390 | $112,650 |
| Wilmington | $56.34 | $2,253 | $9,770 | $117,180 |
| Winston-Salem | $65.29 | $2,612 | $11,320 | $135,800 |
ACNP SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average North Carolina ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $124,550 | $131,620 | -$7,070 | -5.37% |
ACNP SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $165,480 | -$40,930 | -24.73% |
| Nevada | $152,290 | -$27,740 | -18.22% |
| Washington | $148,940 | -$24,390 | -16.38% |
| New Jersey | $148,560 | -$24,010 | -16.16% |
| Oregon | $148,480 | -$23,930 | -16.12% |
| Massachusetts | $147,520 | -$22,970 | -15.57% |
| New York | $146,310 | -$21,760 | -14.87% |
| Connecticut | $140,320 | -$15,770 | -11.24% |
| New Mexico | $140,100 | -$15,550 | -11.10% |
| Minnesota | $138,300 | -$13,750 | -9.94% |
| District of Columbia | $138,130 | -$13,580 | -9.83% |
| Rhode Island | $136,710 | -$12,160 | -8.89% |
| Hawaii | $135,840 | -$11,290 | -8.31% |
| Arizona | $135,790 | -$11,240 | -8.28% |
| Delaware | $134,300 | -$9,750 | -7.26% |
| Iowa | $134,010 | -$9,460 | -7.06% |
| New Hampshire | $133,920 | -$9,370 | -7.00% |
| Texas | $133,180 | -$8,630 | -6.48% |
| Wisconsin | $131,460 | -$6,910 | -5.26% |
| Maryland | $131,110 | -$6,560 | -5.00% |
| Utah | $130,930 | -$6,380 | -4.87% |
| North Dakota | $130,870 | -$6,320 | -4.83% |
| Pennsylvania | $130,550 | -$6,000 | -4.60% |
| Illinois | $129,990 | -$5,440 | -4.18% |
| Alaska | $129,240 | -$4,690 | -3.63% |
| Vermont | $129,170 | -$4,620 | -3.58% |
| Montana | $127,680 | -$3,130 | -2.45% |
| Idaho | $127,580 | -$3,030 | -2.37% |
| Oklahoma | $127,360 | -$2,810 | -2.21% |
| Wyoming | $126,570 | -$2,020 | -1.60% |
| Indiana | $126,320 | -$1,770 | -1.40% |
| Maine | $125,930 | -$1,380 | -1.10% |
| Ohio | $125,860 | -$1,310 | -1.04% |
| Colorado | $124,960 | -$410 | -0.33% |
| Nebraska | $124,640 | -$90 | -0.07% |
| North Carolina | $124,550 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Georgia | $124,100 | +$450 | +0.36% |
| South Dakota | $123,930 | +$620 | +0.50% |
| Virginia | $123,810 | +$740 | +0.60% |
| Michigan | $123,620 | +$930 | +0.75% |
| Florida | $122,630 | +$1,920 | +1.57% |
| Kansas | $122,180 | +$2,370 | +1.94% |
| Louisiana | $121,560 | +$2,990 | +2.46% |
| Mississippi | $120,350 | +$4,200 | +3.49% |
| South Carolina | $119,790 | +$4,760 | +3.97% |
| Missouri | $119,520 | +$5,030 | +4.21% |
| West Virginia | $116,210 | +$8,340 | +7.18% |
| Arkansas | $116,170 | +$8,380 | +7.21% |
| Kentucky | $113,060 | +$11,490 | +10.16% |
| Alabama | $112,700 | +$11,850 | +10.51% |
| Tennessee | $106,250 | +$18,300 | +17.22% |
ACNP SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN NORTH CAROLINA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $222,560 | -$98,010 | -44.04% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $124,550 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nurse Midwife | $118,660 | +$5,890 | +4.96% |
| Registered Nurse | $82,530 | +$42,020 | +50.91% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $76,970 | +$47,580 | +61.82% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $57,760 | +$66,790 | +115.63% |
| Nursing Assistant | $35,340 | +$89,210 | +252.43% |
ACNP SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $207,300 | -$82,750 | -39.92% |
| Dentist | $204,980 | -$80,430 | -39.24% |
| Optometrist | $171,170 | -$46,620 | -27.24% |
| Pharmacist | $134,600 | -$10,050 | -7.47% |
| Veterinarian | $126,700 | -$2,150 | -1.70% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $124,550 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $123,860 | +$690 | +0.56% |
| Radiation Therapist | $104,100 | +$20,450 | +19.64% |
| Physical Therapist | $95,150 | +$29,400 | +30.90% |
| Occupational Therapist | $88,510 | +$36,040 | +40.72% |
| Chiropractor | $85,320 | +$39,230 | +45.98% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $84,650 | +$39,900 | +47.14% |
| Audiologist | $83,920 | +$40,630 | +48.42% |
| Dental Hygienist | $82,780 | +$41,770 | +50.46% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In North Carolina?
| 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 North Carolina?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In North Carolina?
| $59.88 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In North Carolina?
| $2,395 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In North Carolina?
| $10,380 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In North Carolina?
| $124,550 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In North Carolina?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +55.49% |
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Best ACNP Programs in Other States