8 Best (FASTEST) ACNP Online Programs
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Are you an advanced practice registered nurse who thrives under pressure and knows how to make the right judgment call quickly? Then, you may do well as an acute care nurse practitioner. ACNPs typically work in ICUs, trauma care units, and emergency rooms, where utilization has increased tremendously since the COVID-19 pandemic. Acute care nurse practice is a valuable skill to add to your resume, and plenty of fast-track distance learning programs exist that will allow you to do that quickly without compromising high-quality education.
So, what are the best shortest ACNP online programs? Find out with the guide below to the 8 best fastest ACNP online programs.
WHAT ARE THE BEST (FASTEST) ACNP ONLINE PROGRAMS IN THE NATION?
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 8 best fastest ACNP online programs. You can complete these MSN-ACNP programs in 20 months or less.)1. Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TN
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care
Program Length: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (3 Semesters) and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care (3 Semesters)
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Vanderbilt’s ACNP program is offered full-time and part-time. While the full-time program takes three semesters to complete, the part-time coursework spans six semesters.
Admission Requirements: For admission into Vanderbilt University’s ACNP program, you must have a BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. Further, an active RN license is required. The admission requirements also include the submission of documents such as transcripts, a resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Why Choose Vanderbilt University ACNP Program
• Vanderbilt University not only ranks among the best graduate nursing schools, but its acute care tracks are also counted as one of the top ACNP programs in the nation, as per the U.S. News & World Report.• Vanderbilt University’s fast-track ACNP online program provides students with the opportunity to practice clinical skills at the Vanderbilt Medical Center, one of the country’s top advanced medical centers.
• Vanderbilt University ACNP program’s low student-to-faculty ratio allows individualized attention and provides students with an engaging online learning experience.
2. Emory University - Atlanta, GA
Specialties Offered: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Four-Semesters) and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Four-Semesters)
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You should be able to complete Emory University’s ACNP program within four to six semesters, depending on whether you enroll full-time or part-time.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to Emory University’s fast-track online ACNP program, you must be prepared to submit your resume, personal statement, two to three references, and all official transcripts. The program also requires the submission of documents such as official transcripts, personal statement, resume, and a copy of your RN license. To qualify for admission, applicants must have a BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. The program also requires at least one year of work experience in a pediatric care setting.
Why Choose Emory University ACNP Program
• Emory University’s ACNP program ranks among the nation’s best acute care NP programs, as per the U.S. News & World Report.• Emory University’s ACNP program is taught by expert faculty members who are doctorally trained and have several years of experience in advanced practice nursing.
• More than 92% of students at Emory University receive some sort of financial aid.
3. Case Western Reserve University - Cleveland, OH
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 16 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: To complete Case Western Reserve University’s fast online ACNP program, all it takes is 16 months of full-time study.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for Case Western Reserve University’s ACNP, the program requires applicants to have a BSN with a GPA of 3.0. Also, an active RN license is required in your state of practice. Besides, the submission of documents such as transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation is required.
Why Choose Case Western Reserve University ACNP Program
• Case Western Reserve University ranks among the best graduate schools in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.• Case Western Reserve University’s maintains solid partnerships with leading hospitals and academic institutions in the nation. The partnerships not only open up meaningful learning opportunities close to a student’s home but also provide students with opportunities to collaborate on research projects.
• Case Western Reserve University’s AGACNP graduates work in some of the leading hospitals across the nation.
4. University of Mississippi Medical Center - Jackson, MS
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 5 Semesters
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Another one of the sought-after fastest ACNP programs online, the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s ACNP can be completed within as little as five semesters.
Admission Requirements: The admission requirements for University of Mississippi Medical Center’s ACNP program include a BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. Further, an active RN license with at least one year of critical care nursing work experience is required. The program also requires the submission of transcripts, a statement of purpose, a resume, and letters of recommendation.
Why Choose University of Mississippi Medical Center ACNP Program
• University of Mississippi Medical Center’s online graduate program ranks among the best in the nation, according to the U.S. News & World Report.• The University of Mississippi Medical Center offers students opportunities to practice clinical skills in a leading trauma center where they gain valuable experiences in critical & acute care.
• University of Mississippi Medical Center’s AGACNP program takes pride in the excellent performance of its graduates on the national certification exam.
5. The University of Alabama in Huntsville - Huntsville, AL
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 5 Semesters
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The fast-paced adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program at the University of Alabama in Huntsville allows you to graduate within hardly five semesters of full-time study.
Admission Requirements: To apply for the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s short ACNP online program, you must foremost have a BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. Further, the submission of official transcripts, a resume, and a copy of your unencumbered RN license is required. The program also requires the submission of three recommendation letters.
Why Choose The University of Alabama in Huntsville ACNP Program
• University of Alabama in Huntsville is one of the top public schools that offers an affordable tuition cost.• The University of Alabama in Huntsville, being a premier research university, offers students meaningful research opportunities. • University of Alabama in Huntsville ranks among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
6. West Coast University - Irvine, CA
Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 16 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: To complete West Coast University’s ACNP program, all it takes is 16 months of full-time study. Whereas, if you prefer the slower pace of part-time study, you can complete the program within 32 months.
Admission Requirements: West Coast University’s ACNP program accepts applications from BSN-prepared graduates who have a GPA of at least 3.0. Additionally, a valid and unencumbered RN license is required in your state of practice. To submit your application, you must also include your transcripts, resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Why Choose West Coast University ACNP Program
• West Coast University ACNP program allows students to take online classes from anywhere and requires them to visit the campus only for intensives. Also, clinical experiences can be completed within your home community.• West Coast University’s ACNP program offers employable training that is in tune with the changing trends in the healthcare industry.
• West Coast University’s ACNP program offers several financial aid and scholarship opportunities, including grants, loans, and scholarships.
7. Mount Carmel College of Nursing - Columbus, OH
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 18 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Mount Carmel College of Nursing takes as little as 18 months to complete. If you opt for part-time enrollment, the duration of the program depends on the number of courses you take each semester.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for Mount Carmel College of Nursing’s ACNP, you must have an accredited BSN with a GPA of 3.0. Also, applicants must have completed undergraduate courses in statistics & research with a minimum grade of C. The program also requires applicants to submit a resume, a personal goal statement, two recommendation letters, and official transcripts.
Why Choose Mount Carmel College of Nursing ACNP Program
• Mount Carmel College of Nursing’s ACNP program boasts of an excellent pass rate on the NP certification exam.• Mount Carmel College of Nursing’s small-sized classes allow for personalized attention and a more engaging online learning experience.
• At Mount Carmel College of Nursing, more than 90% of students receive some sort of financial aid.
8. Youngstown State University - Youngstown, OH
Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Length: 18 Months
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Youngstown State University’s ACNP program can be completed within as little as 18 months.
Admission Requirements: To apply to Youngstown State University’s ACNP program, you must have a BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. The program also requires applicants to have at least one year of critical care experience. To complete the admission requirements, students must be prepared to submit their transcripts, resume, personal goal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Why Choose Youngstown State University ACNP Program
• Youngstown State University’s ACNP is not only affordable but also high-quality.• Youngstown State University offers several financial aid and scholarship opportunities to further reduce the costs of your education.
• Youngstown State University’s ACNP offers 24/7 accessibility to allow working students to take classes from anywhere and at their convenient time. Students will be able to take classes from their desktop, mobile, or laptop.
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW ONLINE ACNP GRADUATES EXPECT TO EARN?
| Hourly | $41.05 |
| Weekly | $1,642 |
| Monthly | $7,120 |
| Annual | $85,380 |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) | |
WHAT AVERAGE SALARY CAN EXPERIENCED ONLINE ACNP GRADUATES EXPECT TO EARN?
| Hourly | $58.59 |
| Weekly | $2,344 |
| Monthly | $10,160 |
| Annual | $121,877 |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) | |
AVERAGE SALARY BY STATE FOR GRADUATES OF THESE PROGRAMS
| State | Average Annual Salary |
| Alabama | $104,210 |
| Alaska | $113,770 |
| Arizona | $118,680 |
| Arkansas | $104,700 |
| California | $154,570 |
| Colorado | $113,820 |
| Connecticut | $128,530 |
| Delaware | $117,860 |
| District of Columbia | $128,320 |
| Florida | $107,830 |
| Georgia | $112,840 |
| Hawaii | $125,430 |
| Idaho | $115,070 |
| Illinois | $119,560 |
| Indiana | $118,990 |
| Iowa | $125,300 |
| Kansas | $109,160 |
| Kentucky | $106,830 |
| Louisiana | $115,550 |
| Maine | $115,640 |
| Maryland | $116,960 |
| Massachusetts | $135,580 |
| Michigan | $111,220 |
| Minnesota | $125,280 |
| Mississippi | $114,620 |
| Missouri | $110,640 |
| Montana | $117,260 |
| Nebraska | $116,300 |
| Nevada | $133,170 |
| New Hampshire | $122,950 |
| New Jersey | $140,030 |
| New Mexico | $126,650 |
| New York | $138,290 |
| North Carolina | $111,880 |
| North Dakota | $111,380 |
| Ohio | $114,800 |
| Oklahoma | $119,000 |
| Oregon | $133,190 |
| Pennsylvania | $117,840 |
| Rhode Island | $122,430 |
| South Carolina | $106,680 |
| South Dakota | $113,010 |
| Tennessee | $97,100 |
| Texas | $121,860 |
| Utah | $113,010 |
| Vermont | $113,990 |
| Virginia | $114,350 |
| Washington | $132,540 |
| West Virginia | $104,390 |
| Wisconsin | $118,490 |
| Wyoming | $112,640 |
10-YEAR JOB OUTLOOK FOR GRADUATES OF THESE PROGRAMS
| 2021-31 | |
| +45.68% | |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) | |