20 Best Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs

Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

As an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, professional opportunities will open to you in clinical care, nursing research, nursing education, and policy or administrative roles. The greying of the Baby Boomer generation has created innumerable employment and professional development prospects in this field, and AGACNPs earn excellent salaries. Many top nursing schools offer distance learning programs that make it practical and convenient to earn a degree that will qualify you to sit for your AGACNP exam.

If you’ve been wondering, “What are the best online adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner programs?” you’ll find the answer below in this guide to the 20 best adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner online programs.

WHAT ARE THE BEST ONLINE ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN THE NATION?

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 20 best Adult Gerontology Acute Care nurse practitioner online programs. These Adult Gerontology Acute Care nurse practitioner programs are for nurses who have a BSN or an MSN degree.)

1. Duke University - Durham, NC

Programs Offered: MSN

Program Details: As a registered nurse, if you are drawn toward the care of critically ill adults, then Duke University’s AGACNP program is an excellent option. By offering one of the best online adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner programs, Duke prepares graduates to provide high-quality care in a variety of acute care settings in both, rural & urban areas. The program consists of MSN core, AGACNP-related courses, and clinical intensives. The curriculum comprises 56 credits and 728 hours of clinical practice. Upon completion of this program, you’ll earn an MSN and be prepared to take the AGACNP certification exam.

Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission, you must have a BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. Duke’s AGACNP program follows a holistic admission process, reviewing every aspect of your application. To program also requires applicants to submit their transcripts, a personal statement, and recommendations. Applicants must also complete prerequisite courses in general statistics and statistics with a grade of at least C.

Why Choose Duke University Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• Duke University’s adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner online program is taught by faculty who are experts in the online teaching medium.
• Duke University’s AGACNP program is ranked among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• Duke University’s AGACNP program provides students with a wide range of clinical experiences in acute care, including emergency care, neurocritical care, trauma, hospitalist services, etc.

2. Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TN

Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Direct-Entry MSN

Program Details: Whether you have a nursing degree or not, if you want to make a career out of helping elderly patients then at Vanderbilt University you can obtain high-quality training in the care of acutely ill adults and older adults. Here, to become an adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, you can enroll either in the MSN, BSN-to-DNP, or direct-entry MSN. While the MSN and BSN-to-DNP programs are meant for registered nurses, the direct-entry MSN is open to non-nurses with a BA/ BS degree. All the programs are available online with part-time and full-time options. Regardless of the program you choose, you’ll obtain a well-rounded education in adult gerontology acute care by completing rigorous didactic courses and extensive clinical training.

Admission Requirements: To qualify for Vanderbilt’s online adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program, regardless of whether you apply for the MSN, BSN-to-DNP, or direct entry MSN, you must have an accredited bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. While the MSN and BSN-to-NP programs require a BSN and an active RN license, the direct entry accepts applications from non-nurses with a BA or BS degree.

Why Choose Vanderbilt University Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• The U.S. News & World Report ranks Vanderbilt University’s AGACNP program among the best in the nation.
• At Vanderbilt University, AGACNP students practice clinical skills in several specializations including cardiology, critical care, endocrinology, nephrology, oncology, pulmonology, neurology, trauma, rehab, and organ transplantation.
• Vanderbilt University’s AGACNP program is taught in small classes where students receive individualized attention.

3. Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore, MD

Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP

Program Details: Johns Hopkins University offers another one of the best adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner online programs that prepare graduates for the highest level of clinical practice. The AGACNP specialization offered in conjunction with the BSN-to-DNP program is a three-year study plan that confers a doctoral degree in nursing. The program includes 70.5 credits and 840 hours of acute care clinical practice. The coursework is offered entirely online, requiring students to visit the campus only for clinical immersion.

Admission Requirements: For admission into Johns Hopkins University’s BSN-to-DNP-AGACNP program, you must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, an active and unencumbered RN license in any of the authorized states is required. The program also requires applicants to have at least one year of RN experience in critical care. Besides, applicants must be prepared to submit three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a current resume, and a goal statement.

Why Choose Johns Hopkins University Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• Johns Hopkins University’s doctoral in nursing is ranked #1 in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• Johns Hopkins University’s adult gerontology acute care NP online program students are mentored by world-renowned faculty who are subject experts and have several years of practice experience. Further, students have access to the vast resources that the Johns Hopkins medical institutions offer.

4. Emory University - Atlanta, GA

Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP

Program Details: Emory University’s adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner online program produces high-quality nurse practitioners who are equipped with doctoral-level skills & knowledge. The program builds on your previous nursing experience and seamlessly allows you to earn a terminal nursing degree. The BSN-to-DNP-AGACNP program can be completed full-time or part-time. You’ll complete a 74-credit coursework that also includes 1,140 hours of clinical practice. The coursework emphasizes person-centered care, population health, evidence-based practice, healthcare informatics, interprofessional partnerships, and adult gerontology acute care nursing practice.

Admission Requirements: Emory’s BSN-to-DNP-AGACNP program is open to BSN-prepared registered nurses who have 1 to 2 years of clinical experience. A completed application must include an application fee, official transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and 2 to 3 references.

Why Choose Emory University Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• Emory University’s AGACNP students complete their clinical training at some of the nation's leading health systems.
• Emory University’s AGACNP is taught by faculty members who have earned national recognition. Also, because the program maintains small-sized classes, students engage one-on-one with their instructors.
• Emory University’s DNP program is counted in the U.S. News & World Report’s list of best doctor-of-practice programs in the nation.

5. The George Washington University - Washington, DC

Programs Offered: MSN and BSN-to-DNP

Program Details: If you are keen on enrolling in one of the best online adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner programs, then applying either to George Washington University’s MSN or BSN-to-DNP is an excellent idea. Both options prepare graduates to provide competent care for acutely and critically ill adults and older adults. Also, they are fully equipped to meet the challenges of acute care by enhanced critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills. The MSN-AGACNP program comprises 48 credits and 600 clinical hours, whereas the BSN-to-DNP program requires completion of around 75 credits and at least 1000 hours of clinical practice.

Admission Requirements: To be considered for George Washington University’s online adult gerontology acute care NP program, regardless of whether you choose the MSN or BSN-to-DNP, you must be a resident of either Virginia, Maryland, or Washington. To apply, you must have a BSN from an accredited university. Also, your GPA must be at least 3.0. The program also requires applicants to possess an active RN license. Other application requirements include the submission of transcripts, a resume, a personal goal statement, and letters of recommendation.

Why Choose The George Washington University Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• George Washington University’s online NP program maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio which is typically lower than the on-campus classes. The personalized attention allows for an engaging learning experience.
• George Washington University’s graduate nursing programs are ranked among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.

6. University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh, PA

Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP

Program Details: Another one of the best online adult gerontology acute care NP programs is offered by the University of Pittsburgh. The school produces high-quality nurse practitioners who offer competent care for critically ill adults and elders in rural & urban healthcare settings. The school offers two paths that lead to a doctorate in nursing. You can enter the DNP program post a BSN or after you complete your masters in nursing. While the BSN-to-DNP program comprises 79 credits, the post-MSN pathway, requires completion of 32 to 35 credits. The AGACNP coursework teaches topics such as evidence-based practice, public policy, organizational & systems management, economics, health informatics, and database management.

Admission Requirements: To be considered for the University of Pittsburgh’s AGACNP program regardless of the path you choose, requires you to have an accredited BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. The program also requires a current RN license in your state of practice. The program also requires applicants to submit an application form, three letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and a current resume.

Why Choose University of Pittsburgh Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• University of Pittsburgh’s DNP program is ranked among the nation’s best as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• The University of Pittsburgh receives generous research grants not only from the NIH but also from other funding sources. DNP students can explore several research opportunities in their chosen field of NP specialization.

7. University of South Carolina - Columbia, SC

Programs Offered: MSN and BSN-to-DNP

Program Details: If you want to join one of the most in-demand fields of advanced practice nursing, then applying to the University of South Carolina’s adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner online program is an excellent idea. The program is offered in conjunction with an MSN and a BSN-to-DNP, so you can choose your path of study based on your professional goals. The MSN program is a total of 46 credits while the BSN-to-DNP program requires students to complete 73 credits in core graduate courses and AGACNP-related courses. Both programs are available as part-time and full-time options.

Admission Requirements: For admission into the University of South Carolina’s AGACNP program, you must have a bachelor of science in nursing with a GPA of at least 3.0. The program also requires applicants to submit a personal statement, a current resume, three professional references, and a copy of their current and unencumbered RN license. In addition, applicants must also have a current BLS and ACLS certification. Applicants must also have completed at least 2400 hours of nursing experience.

Why Choose University of South Carolina Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• University of South Carolina’s online graduate programs are ranked among the top in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• University of South Carolina’s AGACNP students receive ample clinical training at the school’s state-of-the-art simulation lab which replicates a real-world medical environment.

8. University of Connecticut - Storrs, CT

Programs Offered: MSN and BSN-to-DNP

Program Details: If you thrive in a challenging work environment, then the University of Connecticut’s online adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program prepares you with the skills and knowledge to work in a variety of acute care settings. Here, based on your goals, you can choose between the MSN or BSN-to-DNP program. Regardless of the path you choose, you’ll complete the coursework through asynchronous online classes. The MSN program comprises 45 credits, whereas the BSN-to-DNP coursework is determined on an individual basis. The AGACNP program includes courses in statistical methods, advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, evidence-based practice, and health policy & populations-based advocacy.

Admission Requirements: If you are interested in applying for the online adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program, you must have a bachelor's degree in nursing with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0. The program also requires applicants to have at least two years of nursing experience in an acute care setting. To complete your application, you must be prepared to submit three letters of reference, a current resume, unofficial transcripts, and a personal goal statement.

Why Choose University of Connecticut Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• University of Connecticut’s AGACNP program is taught by an expert faculty who have many years of experience in the acute care field. Also, they are well-versed in the online teaching medium, providing students with an engaging online learning experience.
• University of Connecticut’s AGACNP program not only boasts of an excellent pass rate on the NP certification exam but the program also takes pride in most graduates finding suitable placements soon upon graduation.

9. Georgetown University - Washington, D.C

Programs Offered: MSN and BSN-to-DNP

Program Details: If you are seeking faith-based AGACNP training, then Georgetown University’s adult gerontology acute care NP online program is a great option. Here, you can become a high-skilled adult gerontology acute care NP by choosing either the MSN or BSN-to-DNP path. Regardless of the path you choose, the program prepares graduates to collaborate with other healthcare professionals in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of care for adult and elderly patients. The MSN pathway comprises 40 credits and 600 clinical hours, whereas the BSN-to-DNP program requires students to complete 69 credits and at least 1000 hours of clinical practice. Both pathways come with full-time and part-time options. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to take the AGACNP certification exam.

Admission Requirements: Georgetown University’s AGACNP program is open to candidates who have a BSN and an active RN license. Also, to qualify, a GPA of at least 3.0 is required. In addition, you must have at least one year of nursing experience in acute care. The program also requires applicants to submit their transcripts, three recommendation letters, a personal statement, and a resume.

Why Choose Georgetown University Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• Georgetown University’s online AGACNP program reports a 100% pass rate on the national certification exam.
• Georgetown University’s AGACNP program is rooted in Jesuit values of service and compassion. Graduates are prepared to care for the whole person, tending to the patient’s physical, mental, and spiritual health.

10. Drexel University - Philadelphia, PA

Programs Offered: MSN

Program Details: Drexel University offers another one of the well-known online adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner programs that train graduates for practice in a range of acute care settings. The program comprises 57 credits and includes 800 hours of clinical practice. Leading to the MSN degree, the program prepares graduates for the AGACNP certification exam. The coursework covers topics such as issues in healthcare environments, ethical decision-making, quality & safety in healthcare, nursing research, pathophysiology, pharmacology, diagnostic reasoning, and professional issues for nurse practitioners. The program also includes rigorous training in adult gerontology acute care nursing.

Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission, you must have an accredited BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. Drexel also requires applicants to have at least two years of critical care experience. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must be prepared to submit your official transcripts, two professional references, a personal statement, a resume, and a copy of your active RN license.

Why Choose Drexel University Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• Drexel University’s AGACNP program offers students the advantage of practicing clinical skills in an interprofessional simulated environment.
• Drexel University’s AGACNP program is taught by a clinically active faculty who bring their real-world experiences to the online learning environment. Further, the program offers an interactive learning format to offer an overall engaging experience.

11. The University of Arizona - Tucson, AZ

Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP

Program Details: If you want to make a difference in the lives of adults and elderly patients, then the University of Arizona’s adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner online program equips you with doctoral-level knowledge and skills. Through its BSN-to-DNP program, the school prepares graduates for the AGACNP certification. The program combines online didactic coursework with on-campus intensives and clinical placements in acute care settings. The BSN-to-DNP-AGACNP coursework comprises 67 credits in core graduate and AGACNP-related courses.

The program covers topics such as statistics, advanced physiology & pathophysiology, health policy & economics, evidence-based practice, pharmacotherapeutics, interprofessional healthcare collaboration, and safety & quality improvement. The program also includes courses in health assessment, health care informatics, organizational leadership, and advanced practice nursing care for adults and older adults.

Admission Requirements: For admission into the University of Arizona’s BSN-to-DNP-AGACNP program, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program also requires applicants to have an active and unencumbered RN license. The program’s admission requirements also include the submission of transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Why Choose The University of Arizona Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• The University of Arizona offers one of the more affordable online adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner programs in the region.
• The University of Arizona is ranked among the best universities in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.

12. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center - Lubbock, TX

Programs Offered: MSN

Program Details: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s MSN program is designed for registered nurses who want to enter the field of adult gerontology cate care. Counted among the reputable adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner online programs in Texas, the program builds on your BSN education to empower you for the critical care of elderly patients. The MSN-AGACNP coursework consists of 48 credits in required core nursing courses, pre-requisite nursing courses, and AGACNP-related courses. Students learn about population health, healthcare leadership, informatics, quality & safety, critical care pharmacology, diagnostic methods, health assessment, and pharmacotherapeutics. The program also includes the essentials of acute care for adults and the elderly.

Admission Requirements: To be considered for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s AGACNP program, you must foremost have a BSN and an active and unencumbered RN license. The program also requires applicants to have at least one to two years of nursing experience. To complete your application, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

Why Choose Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s AGACNP program boasts of an excellent pass rate on the national certification exam.
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s AGACNP graduates find suitable placements soon after graduation.
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s AGACNP program is taught by an expert faculty that is invested in your academic and professional success.

13. University of Cincinnati - Cincinnati, OH

Programs Offered: MSN

Program Details: The University of Cincinnati’s online adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program prepares you to play pivotal roles in critical care. Offered in conjunction with its MSN, the program teaches you concepts in advanced nursing practice. Besides, the flexible online format easily accommodates the busy schedules of working nurses. The MSN-AGACNP coursework comprises 45 to 50 credits and takes two years to complete.

The program covers topics such as biostatistics for evidence-based practice, advanced physiology & pathophysiology, advanced assessment, clinical reasoning, pharmacology, healthcare policy, evidence-based research, and the healthcare management of critically ill adults and elderly patients. Upon completion of the program, you’ll earn an MSN and be prepared to take the AGACNP certification exam.

Admission Requirements: If you are interested in applying for the University of Cincinnati’s adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner online program, then you must have a BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. Also, an active and unencumbered RN license is required. The program also requires applicants to submit their official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a resume. A copy of your active and unencumbered RN license is also required. The program also requires applicants to have at least one year of RN experience.

Why Choose University of Cincinnati Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• University of Cincinnati’s AGACNP program is grounded in interprofessional collaboration. Because the nursing school maintains strong partnerships with other healthcare colleges and healthcare facilities, students can explore meaningful opportunities in research and learning.
• University of Cincinnati’s AGACNP students study in small-sized classes where individualized attention is allowed.

14. Maryville University - St. Louis, MO

Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and MSN-to-DNP

Program Details: If you find your calling in adult gerontology acute care, then Maryville University offers three pathways to help you become a licensed AGACNP. Here, you can enroll either in the MSN, BSN-to-DNP, or MSN-to-DNP, based on your previous nursing degree. Among the few adult gerontology acute care NP online programs, that require no campus visits, Maryville’s AGACNP is 100% online and allows students to complete clinicals close to home. Emphasizing holistic care of critically ill patients in intensive care units, the program includes core courses and AGACNP-related courses.

The program, regardless of the pathway you choose, teaches students several topics such as the theoretical foundation of nursing practice, evidence-based practice in nursing, healthcare policy, leadership & quality, advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacotherapeutics. Students also focus on adult gerontology acute care healthcare diagnosis and management.

Admission Requirements: Maryville’s AGACNP is open to BSN-prepared registered nurses with a GPA of at least 3.0. The program also requires applicants to have at least one to two years of experience in critical nursing care. Applicants must also be prepared to submit their transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and three recommendation letters.

Why Choose Maryville University Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• Maryville University’s AGACNP students learn under the mentorship of expert faculty members who play leadership roles within their advanced practice nursing specialty.
• Maryville University is recognized as one of the best universities in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report.

15. University of Florida - Gainesville, FL

Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP

Program Details: The University of Florida’s online adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program is offered in conjunction with the BSN-to-DNP pathway. The program equips graduates to become agents of change. The rigorous BSN-to-DNP curriculum, comprising 76 credits and 1008 clinical hours includes online didactic classes and on-campus clinical intensives. Students also complete clinical rotations at a healthcare site within their home community. The program includes graduate core and AGACNP-related courses.

Some of the topics you learn include physiology & pathophysiology, health promotion, pharmacotherapeutics, research methods, advanced health assessment, health systems, and leadership. Students also learn about nursing informatics, quality improvement, health policy & finance, and professional issues in advanced practice nursing. The program also includes thorough training in adult gerontology acute care nursing.

Admission Requirements: The admission requirements for the University of Florida’s adult gerontology acute care NP online program include a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, a current and unencumbered RN license in Florida is required. The program also prefers graduates to have at least one year of experience in critical care nursing. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts, a resume, and three letters of reference.

Why Choose University of Florida Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• University of Florida’s doctorate in nursing was the state’s first DNP program.
• University of Florida’s graduate nursing programs are ranked among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.

16. The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston - Galveston, TX

Programs Offered: MSN and BSN-to-DNP

Program Details: If you looking for well-known online adult gerontology acute care NP programs in Texas, the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston’s AGACNP program is an excellent choice. Here, there are two pathways, an MSN and BSN-to-DNP, so you can choose your route to become an AGACNP, based on your professional goals. Both programs emphasize critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and evidence-based practice. The MSN-AGACNP program comprises 14 courses whereas the BSN-to-DNP-AGACNP coursework consists of 24 courses. Regardless of the AGACNP pathway you choose, you'll learn about transformational leadership, data analysis, healthcare policy, population health, healthcare economics, and healthcare informatics. Also, you’ll learn about quality improvement and the healthcare management of critically ill adults and elderly patients.

Admission Requirements: To be considered for the University of Texas Medical Branch’s AGACNP program, you must have an accredited BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. In addition, the program requires that applicants have at least one year of experience in acute care. Applicants must be prepared to submit the required documents, including transcripts, three letters of reference, a personal statement, and a copy of their RN license.

Why Choose The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• University of Texas Medical Branch’s AGACNP program is offered in small-sized classes. Therefore, students enjoy personalized attention and ample networking opportunities with peers and faculty.
• The University of Texas Medical Branch’s AGACNP is 100% online with limited campus visits, just 2 to 3 days per semester.
• The University of Texas Medical Branch’s AGACNP is not only high-quality but also quite affordable compared to other adult gerontology acute care NP online programs in the region.

17. Thomas Jefferson University - Philadelphia, PA

Programs Offered: MSN and BSN-to-DNP

Program Details: Thomas Jefferson University’s adult gerontology acute care NP online program prepares you for a career as a competent adult gerontology nurse practitioner without putting your life on hold. Here, to become an adult gerontology acute care NP, you can choose either the MSN or the BSN-to-DNP route. Whatever route you choose to get there, you’ll learn about organizational leadership, healthcare informatics, interprofessional collaboration, health policy, and evidence-based practice. If you choose the BSN-to-DNP program, you’ll complete 66 credits, whereas the MSN coursework comprises only 36 credits. Depending on whether you choose the MSN or BSN-to-DNP program, you can graduate anywhere from two to five years.

Admission Requirements: To apply for Thomas Jefferson’s AGACNP program, you must be a registered nurse with an accredited BSN. Also, a GPA of at least 3.0. is required. The program also requires applicants to submit their transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a resume.

Why Choose Thomas Jefferson University Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• Thomas Jefferson University’s graduate nursing programs are among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• Thomas Jefferson University Nursing School partners with the Thomas Jefferson Hospital to provide AGACNP students with excellent learning and research opportunities.

18. Texas Christian University - Fort Worth, TX

Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP

Program Details: Texas Christian University’s BSN-to-DNP program is designed for registered nurses who want to provide the highest level of clinical care for critically ill adults and elderly patients. The program starts twice a year in fall and spring and is offered entirely online except for three on-campus intensives. The program also includes clinical rotations within your home community. Students complete coursework comprising 70 credits and at least 1000 hours of clinical practice.

The program includes topics such as pathophysiology, health assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, business and legal aspects, diagnostic methods & procedures, population health & epidemiology, healthcare policy & politics, systems & organization leadership, and innovation in healthcare. The program ends with a DNP scholarly project where students apply their newly acquired knowledge to practice.

Admission Requirements: To apply for Texas Christian University’s online adult gerontology acute care NP program, you must have an accredited BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. The program also requires a current CPR certification. Also, a current and unencumbered RN license in Texas or your state of practice is required. The program also requires the submission of transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and three professional references.

Why Choose Texas Christian University Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• Texas Christian University’s AGACNP program boasts of a 100% pass rate on the national certification exam.
• Texas Christian University’s AGACNP students are provided with a wide range of clinical experiences at a variety of healthcare sites, including critical care units, outpatient settings, specialty practices, etc.

19. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston - Houston, TX

Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP

Program Details: University of Texas Health Science Center offers another one of the adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner online programs in Texas. The BSN-to-DNP-AGACNP program teaches topics such as research & evidence-based advanced practice, informatics, pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, clinical reasoning & diagnostic skills, vulnerable populations, and adult gerontology acute advanced nursing practice. By completing the 79 credits of the BSN-to-DNP, you’ll gain skills in leadership, patient-centered care, critical thinking, and communication. The program also includes at least 1000 hours of clinical practice. In addition, towards the end, a doctoral project must also be completed.

Admission Requirements: University of Texas Health Science Center’s BSN-to-DNP-AGACNP program accepts applications from BSN-prepared registered nurses who have an active and unencumbered RN license. The program also requires the submission of official transcripts, a professional resume, and an essay. The program also requires applicants to have at least one year of ICU experience as a registered nurse.

Why Choose University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• University of Texas Health Science Center offers one of the more affordable online adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner programs in Texas.
• The University of Texas Health Science Center’s AGACNP students are provided clinical experiences at the world-renowned Texas Medical Center.
• The University of Texas Health Science Center’s DNP program is ranked among the best doctoral programs in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.

20. Ohio University - Athens, OH

Programs Offered: MSN and BSN-to-DNP

Program Details: If you want to enter the field of acute care nursing, then Ohio University offers two excellent options. With an MSN and a BSN-to-DNP program, you can decide on a path that matches your professional interests and goals. Both pathways include online didactic courses and clinical experiences closer to home. While the MSN-AGACNP path comprises 40 credits and 750 hours of clinical practice, the BSN-to-DNP includes 70 credits and 1000 hours of clinical practice. Depending on the online adult gerontology acute care NP program you choose, you’ll graduate within two to four years.

Admission Requirements: To qualify for Ohio University’s online adult gerontology acute care NP program, you must have a BSN and an active and unencumbered RN license. The program also requires applicants to have at least one year of critical care nursing experience. To apply, the submission of documents such as transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation is required.

Why Choose Ohio University Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program

• The U.S. News & World Report ranks Ohio University among public universities that offer the best value.
• Ohio University’s AGACNP program reports an excellent pass rate on the national certification exam. Also, almost all graduates go on to find desirable placements soon after graduation.


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