9 Best Online RN-to-MSN ACNP Programs – 2024
Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Are you a registered nurse considering going back to school? Do you love working in a fast-paced environment caring for people with various types of illnesses, diseases, or injuries? If so, working in acute care could be a perfect option. An RN-to-MSN ACNP program could help you take the next step in your career.
Maybe you considered becoming an acute care nurse practitioner but want to go to school online. If so, you probably wonder, “What are the best online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs?” In this article, I will share information with you about the 9 best online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs for 2024. You will learn about admission requirements, the cost of earning the degrees, and what the programs teach. I will also share some advantages and disadvantages of earning your degree through these programs and tell you about income potential and job outlook. When you finish reading, you will have enough information to help you decide if becoming an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is the path you wish to pursue.
What Exactly Is The Goal Of An Online RN-to-MSN ACNP Program?
Online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs seek to prepare their students to become expert providers of advanced practice nursing to patients with acute, critical, and complex health conditions. The programs aim to teach students to develop and implement solutions for patient and population needs and to act as educators, consultants, advocates, leaders, and agents for change. Students graduate with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to provide care to patients within their chosen patient population. Some ACNPs work with adult-gerontology patients, and others specialize in providing care to pediatric patients.
When Do RN-to-MSN ACNP Online Programs Start?
Start dates for RN-to-MSN ACNP online programs are set by the schools offering the programs. Some schools offer multiple start dates throughout the year. Others may offer only one start date. It is important to pay close attention to application deadlines when you find a school that interests you. That way, you can be sure to get your application and supplemental documents submitted on time for admission. The following are the start dates for some of the nation’s best programs.
• Duke University offers start dates in the spring and fall semesters for its RN-to-MSN ACNP programs.
• The University of Mississippi Medical Center begins classes for its Adult Gerontology RN-to-MSN ACNP program in the summer semester of each academic year.
• At Nova Southeastern University, classes for the Adult-Gerontology ACNP program begin in the fall and winter annually.
• Students enrolled in the programs at the University of South Alabama may choose to begin classes in the fall or spring semester.
• The University of Rochester offers three start times yearly for its RN-to-MSN ACNP programs in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
• The University of Mississippi Medical Center begins classes for its Adult Gerontology RN-to-MSN ACNP program in the summer semester of each academic year.
• At Nova Southeastern University, classes for the Adult-Gerontology ACNP program begin in the fall and winter annually.
• Students enrolled in the programs at the University of South Alabama may choose to begin classes in the fall or spring semester.
• The University of Rochester offers three start times yearly for its RN-to-MSN ACNP programs in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
How Many Credits Are There In RN-to-MSN ACNP Online Programs?
The number of credits required by online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs can vary from institution to institution. Most programs require between 40 and 60 credits. The credits you need to complete will depend on your previous education, the number of transferable credits you have, and the specialty you choose to pursue.
• The Pediatric ACNP program at Duke University is a 43-credit program. The university also offers an Adult-Gerontology ACNP pathway that features a 48-credit curriculum.
• At Stony Brook University, both the Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric ACNP programs require students to complete 45 credits.
• The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers three pathways to becoming an ACNP. The Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric pathways each feature 45-credit curriculum plans. You may also choose to pursue the Adult-Gerontology ACNP with Registered Nurse First Assist. This pathway features the 45-credit curriculum plus an additional nine credit hours relevant to perioperative nursing.
• The Adult-Gerontology ACNP program at the University of Rochester is a 47-credit pathway.
• At the University of South Alabama, you may choose from three online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs. The Pediatric and Adult-Gerontology ACNP pathways each featured 45-credit curriculum plans. The Dual Role Family Nurse Practitioner/Adult-Gerontology ACNP pathway features a 57-credit curriculum.
• At Stony Brook University, both the Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric ACNP programs require students to complete 45 credits.
• The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers three pathways to becoming an ACNP. The Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric pathways each feature 45-credit curriculum plans. You may also choose to pursue the Adult-Gerontology ACNP with Registered Nurse First Assist. This pathway features the 45-credit curriculum plus an additional nine credit hours relevant to perioperative nursing.
• The Adult-Gerontology ACNP program at the University of Rochester is a 47-credit pathway.
• At the University of South Alabama, you may choose from three online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs. The Pediatric and Adult-Gerontology ACNP pathways each featured 45-credit curriculum plans. The Dual Role Family Nurse Practitioner/Adult-Gerontology ACNP pathway features a 57-credit curriculum.
How Long Are RN-to-MSN ACNP Online Programs?
RN-to-MSN ACNP online programs typically take between two and three years to complete. Some schools allow students to choose part-time or full-time enrollment. Full-time students graduate in an average of 24 months. Part-time students take three years or longer to graduate, depending on their course load.
• At Duke University, most students complete the Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric RN to MSN ACNP programs in two and a half years.
• Nova Southeastern University offers an Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP program that takes seven semesters to complete.
• The Adult-Gerontology ACNP program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center is designed in a full-time, six-semester format.
• You can complete the Adult or Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in six semesters or two years, which includes two summer semesters.
• At Regis College, you can complete the online RN-to-MSN ACNP program in 28 to 36 months.
• Nova Southeastern University offers an Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP program that takes seven semesters to complete.
• The Adult-Gerontology ACNP program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center is designed in a full-time, six-semester format.
• You can complete the Adult or Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in six semesters or two years, which includes two summer semesters.
• At Regis College, you can complete the online RN-to-MSN ACNP program in 28 to 36 months.
How Much Do RN-to-MSN ACNP Online Programs Cost?
The cost of RN-to-MSN ACNP online programs can be as little as $25,000 to more than $100,000. Factors such as whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition, the number of transferrable credits you have, and whether you have grants or scholarships will determine your total program cost. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners offers several scholarship opportunities for nurse practitioner students, which could be helpful in reducing your program cost.
• Tuition at Stony Brook University costs $640.83 and $1,132.83 per credit for resident and non-resident students, respectively. The university’s RN-to-MSN ACNP programs require 45 credits, which makes tuition range between $28,837.35 and $50,977.35, depending on where you live.
• Duke University’s online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs cost $2,075 per credit. The Pediatric ACNP program is a 43-credit pathway and costs approximately $89,225. The Adult-Gerontology ACNP pathway requires 48 credits and costs an average of $99,600.
• At the University of Mississippi Medical Center, your tuition rate will be determined by your residency status. In-state students pay $525 per credit hour, and out-of-state students pay $1540. The program requires the completion of 61 credits. Therefore, tuition is between $32,025 and $93,940.
• The University of Alabama at Birmingham charges $682 per credit hour for all students in the RN-to-MSN ACNP programs. Students in the Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric pathways pay an average of $30,690. Students pursuing the Adult-Gerontology with Registered Nurse First Assist pay approximately $36,828.
• Tuition at the University of Rochester costs $1740 per credit hour. The program features a 47-credit curriculum, which makes tuition cost approximately $80,780. Students also pay separate site placement fees, standardized patient fees, and lab fees, when applicable, which vary in cost.
• Duke University’s online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs cost $2,075 per credit. The Pediatric ACNP program is a 43-credit pathway and costs approximately $89,225. The Adult-Gerontology ACNP pathway requires 48 credits and costs an average of $99,600.
• At the University of Mississippi Medical Center, your tuition rate will be determined by your residency status. In-state students pay $525 per credit hour, and out-of-state students pay $1540. The program requires the completion of 61 credits. Therefore, tuition is between $32,025 and $93,940.
• The University of Alabama at Birmingham charges $682 per credit hour for all students in the RN-to-MSN ACNP programs. Students in the Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric pathways pay an average of $30,690. Students pursuing the Adult-Gerontology with Registered Nurse First Assist pay approximately $36,828.
• Tuition at the University of Rochester costs $1740 per credit hour. The program features a 47-credit curriculum, which makes tuition cost approximately $80,780. Students also pay separate site placement fees, standardized patient fees, and lab fees, when applicable, which vary in cost.
What Is The Minimum GPA Required To Get Into Online RN-to-MSN ACNP Programs?
The minimum grade point average for admission to the top online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs varies. Most schools require prospective students to have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. However, some schools may consider your grade point average from your most recent college courses, your undergraduate GPA, or your nursing GPA. Some schools may offer conditional admission to applicants whose GPA is lower than the preferred average but who meet other criteria.
Duke University, Stony Brook University, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center each require applicants to have a minimum college GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale. The University of Alabama at Birmingham requires candidates to have a grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for either all prerequisite coursework or a cumulative GPA.
What Are The Admission Requirements For Online RN-to-MSN ACNP Programs?
Admission to RN-to-MSN ACNP online programs can be competitive. Although admission criteria may vary among schools, some of the requirements are similar. For example, candidates must have a current license to practice as a registered nurse without restrictions and possess an associate degree or bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited nursing school. You will be asked to provide official transcripts, a resume, curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation. Other supplemental documents may be requested, as well. The following are the admission requirements for five of our featured programs.
• Prospective students desiring to pursue the ACNP program at Regis College must have an associate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and an active, unencumbered RN license. Candidates must complete 15 bridge credits with a minimum grade of “B” and a college-level statistics course prior to beginning the program. Additionally, applicants must provide official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions they attended, a current resume, a statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation.
• Duke University utilizes a holistic approach to its admissions process for the online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs. The school reviews each applicant's experiences as well as academic achievements and test scores. Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or an associate degree in nursing and a non-nursing bachelor's degree and must hold a current, unrestricted RN license in the state where practice will occur. Prospective students must complete a General Statistics or Introductory Statistics class with a grade of "C" or better. Candidates must provide all post-secondary transcripts from each school where college credit was earned, three professional recommendations, a Personal Statement, and a professional resume or curriculum vitae.
• To be eligible for admission to the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s online RN-to-MSN ACNP program, you must have an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an ACEN- or CCE-accredited nursing program. All prospective students must have a cumulative college GPA of at least 3.0 and pass all prerequisites with a minimum grade of "C." Candidates must have an active, unrestricted RN license and at least one year of critical care experience as a licensed registered nurse. Finally, applicants must complete four written statements demonstrating service, perseverance, diversity, and leadership and participate in multiple mini interviews (MMIs) with members of the Admission Committee.
• Stony Brook University accepts applications to its online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs from currently licensed and unrestricted registered nurses with either a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or an associate degree in nursing and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. RNs with a non-nursing bachelor’s must submit a clinical practice portfolio for evaluation and consideration for conditional admission. Candidates must provide transcripts from all colleges or universities they have attended and show proof of a minimum 3.0 cumulative college GPA. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, a curriculum vitae or resume, complete undergraduate courses in Health Assessment and Statistics, and show proof of BLS with AED and PALS.
• At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, candidates must first be admitted to the university and then apply to the School of Nursing. Applicants must have an active, unrestricted registered nurse license in the state where clinical projects will be completed. Additionally, candidates must show evidence of completion of an accredited associate degree or diploma nursing program, have a prerequisite or cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, and score a grade of "C" or higher in undergraduate Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Descriptive Statistics, and Microbiology courses.
• Duke University utilizes a holistic approach to its admissions process for the online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs. The school reviews each applicant's experiences as well as academic achievements and test scores. Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or an associate degree in nursing and a non-nursing bachelor's degree and must hold a current, unrestricted RN license in the state where practice will occur. Prospective students must complete a General Statistics or Introductory Statistics class with a grade of "C" or better. Candidates must provide all post-secondary transcripts from each school where college credit was earned, three professional recommendations, a Personal Statement, and a professional resume or curriculum vitae.
• To be eligible for admission to the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s online RN-to-MSN ACNP program, you must have an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an ACEN- or CCE-accredited nursing program. All prospective students must have a cumulative college GPA of at least 3.0 and pass all prerequisites with a minimum grade of "C." Candidates must have an active, unrestricted RN license and at least one year of critical care experience as a licensed registered nurse. Finally, applicants must complete four written statements demonstrating service, perseverance, diversity, and leadership and participate in multiple mini interviews (MMIs) with members of the Admission Committee.
• Stony Brook University accepts applications to its online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs from currently licensed and unrestricted registered nurses with either a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or an associate degree in nursing and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. RNs with a non-nursing bachelor’s must submit a clinical practice portfolio for evaluation and consideration for conditional admission. Candidates must provide transcripts from all colleges or universities they have attended and show proof of a minimum 3.0 cumulative college GPA. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, a curriculum vitae or resume, complete undergraduate courses in Health Assessment and Statistics, and show proof of BLS with AED and PALS.
• At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, candidates must first be admitted to the university and then apply to the School of Nursing. Applicants must have an active, unrestricted registered nurse license in the state where clinical projects will be completed. Additionally, candidates must show evidence of completion of an accredited associate degree or diploma nursing program, have a prerequisite or cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, and score a grade of "C" or higher in undergraduate Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Descriptive Statistics, and Microbiology courses.
What Are The Best Online RN-to-MSN ACNP Programs In The Nation?
(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 9 Best Online RN-to-MSN ACNP Programs in the nation for the year 2024.)1. Duke University - Durham, NC
Specialties Offered:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner2. University of Mississippi Medical Center - Jackson, MS
Specialties Offered:
Acute Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner3. Stony Brook University - Stony Brook, NY
Specialties Offered:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner4. University of Alabama at Birmingham - Birmingham, AL
Specialties Offered:
Nurse Practitioner (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA), and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
5. University of Rochester - Rochester, NY
Specialties Offered:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner6. Nova Southeastern University - Ft Lauderdale, FL
Specialties Offered:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner7. Regis College - Weston, MA
Specialties Offered:
Adult-Gerontology - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner8. Clarkson College - Omaha, NE
Specialties Offered:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner9. University of South Alabama - Mobile, AL
Specialties Offered:
Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Gerontological Acute Care NP), and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse PractitionerWhat Kind Of Courses Will You Take In Online RN-to-MSN ACNP Programs?
The curriculum for online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs is usually quite rigorous. Your study plan will feature MSN core courses, support courses, and specialty and clinical courses. The following are some examples of the classes students take in five of the nation's best programs.
• The Adult-Gerontology ACNP program at Regis Colleges features classes, including Acute & Critical Care Pharmacology, Scientific Inquiry for Evidence-Based Practice, Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Community-Based Nursing.
• At Duke University, the online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs featured MSN core courses, including Population Health in a Global Society, Evidence-Based Practice, and Science Development, Study Design & Statistics. All students also complete the "Four P's" Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan, Physical Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning in Advanced Practice, and Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing. Additionally, students complete clinical courses relevant to their pathway.
• The RN-to-MSN Adult-Gerontology ACNP program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center features a rigorous curriculum. At UMC, you will take classes, including Application & Interpretation of Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnostic Modalities, Advanced Health Assessment, Informatics & Healthcare Technology, Health Policy & Population Health, Clinical Pharmacotherapeutics, and Research Design & Methods for Advanced Nursing Practice.
• At Stony Brook University, you will complete classes such as Organizational Leadership and Role Transformation, Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice, Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan, and Health Care Policy & Advocacy. Each pathway features program-specific coursework, including Advanced Theory & Clinical Practice in Adult-Gerontology Nursing Across the Lifespan and Advanced Health Assessment Child Health.
• At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, you will complete classes such as Advanced Pathophysiology, Evidenced Based Practice Design & Translation, Population Health in Advanced Practice Nursing, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, and Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Nursing Practice. The curriculum plans also include clinical courses and practicum relevant to your chosen specialty.
• At Duke University, the online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs featured MSN core courses, including Population Health in a Global Society, Evidence-Based Practice, and Science Development, Study Design & Statistics. All students also complete the "Four P's" Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan, Physical Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning in Advanced Practice, and Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing. Additionally, students complete clinical courses relevant to their pathway.
• The RN-to-MSN Adult-Gerontology ACNP program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center features a rigorous curriculum. At UMC, you will take classes, including Application & Interpretation of Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnostic Modalities, Advanced Health Assessment, Informatics & Healthcare Technology, Health Policy & Population Health, Clinical Pharmacotherapeutics, and Research Design & Methods for Advanced Nursing Practice.
• At Stony Brook University, you will complete classes such as Organizational Leadership and Role Transformation, Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice, Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan, and Health Care Policy & Advocacy. Each pathway features program-specific coursework, including Advanced Theory & Clinical Practice in Adult-Gerontology Nursing Across the Lifespan and Advanced Health Assessment Child Health.
• At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, you will complete classes such as Advanced Pathophysiology, Evidenced Based Practice Design & Translation, Population Health in Advanced Practice Nursing, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, and Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Nursing Practice. The curriculum plans also include clinical courses and practicum relevant to your chosen specialty.
What Kind Of Practical Training Will You Undergo In Online RN-to-MSN ACNP Programs?
One thing all of the best RN-to-MSN ACNP online programs have in common is the practical training component. Students in these programs typically complete between 500 and 800 clinical practice hours. Clinical practicums offer opportunities to care for patients under the supervision of an experienced preceptor. In clinicals, you will provide hands-on patient care and education and prepare for independent practice after completing your program.
• Duke University’s Adult-Gerontology ACNP program includes 728 clinical hours. Students enrolled in the Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program complete 616 clinical hours. Clinicals are arranged by faculty to ensure you have adequate and appropriate experiences and opportunities for hands-on patient care relative to your specialty.
• At the University of Mississippi Medical Center, students complete 630 hours of clinical practicum. The practical training experiences are divided into four practicums, with the first beginning in the third semester. At UMMC, you may identify preceptors and clinical sites and present your request to the department head. Clinical placement faculty will work with you to ensure you have ample learning experiences in a variety of settings.
• Students pursuing the Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric Acute Care NP pathways at the University of Alabama at Birmingham complete 600 clinical hours. The Adult-Gerontology Registered Nurse First Assist pathway includes 780 clinical hours. Clinical sites and preceptors are identified through student and faculty collaboration.
• At the University of Rochester, students in the online RN-to-MSN ACNP program complete 672 hours of clinical training. The university has a clinical placement team who work with students to arrange clinical sites and preceptors in various healthcare settings where you can provide care to your chosen patient population.
The curriculum for the Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs at the University of South Alabama requires a minimum of 600 direct patient care clinical hours.
• At the University of Mississippi Medical Center, students complete 630 hours of clinical practicum. The practical training experiences are divided into four practicums, with the first beginning in the third semester. At UMMC, you may identify preceptors and clinical sites and present your request to the department head. Clinical placement faculty will work with you to ensure you have ample learning experiences in a variety of settings.
• Students pursuing the Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric Acute Care NP pathways at the University of Alabama at Birmingham complete 600 clinical hours. The Adult-Gerontology Registered Nurse First Assist pathway includes 780 clinical hours. Clinical sites and preceptors are identified through student and faculty collaboration.
• At the University of Rochester, students in the online RN-to-MSN ACNP program complete 672 hours of clinical training. The university has a clinical placement team who work with students to arrange clinical sites and preceptors in various healthcare settings where you can provide care to your chosen patient population.
The curriculum for the Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs at the University of South Alabama requires a minimum of 600 direct patient care clinical hours.
5 Most Important Skills And Abilities You Will Gain In An Online RN-to-MSN ACNP Program
The best online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs prepare students with a wide range of skills and abilities. The programs feature lectures, laboratory simulations, and clinical practicum experiences designed to help you develop and hone essential skills for delivering acute nursing care. The following are five of the most important skills and abilities you will gain.
1. You will learn to perform advanced physical assessments to identify alterations in patient health:
RN-to-MSN ACNP online programs will prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to assess patients, identify alterations in their health, and create and implement care plans designed to promote positive patient outcomes.2. You will learn advanced pharmacology and how to apply pharmacologic interventions in the treatment of acute, critical, and complex health conditions:
As an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, you will establish care plans for clients based on their complex needs. RN-to-MSN ACNP online programs will teach you advanced pharmacology and pharmacologic interventions relevant to your patient population. You will learn when the use of a medication is indicated, the expected outcomes, possible side effects, and adverse reactions, and how to educate patients about the use of medications.3. You will learn to use evidence-based practice:
In online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs, you will learn to evaluate clinical and diagnostic data to identify options for treatment for your patients. You will use the data to determine appropriate care plans, evaluate your patient’s response to treatment, and identify complications.4. You will learn to use interdisciplinary collaboration to improve patient outcomes:
Your job as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is to treat patients with acute, critical, and complex conditions. Part of that involves collaborating with interdisciplinary team members. You will work alongside nurses, doctors, and specialists to find the best treatment options designed to promote positive outcomes for your patients.5. You will learn to use critical thinking in patient care:
One of the most vital skills you will learn in RN-to-MSN ACNP online programs is how to use critical thinking when providing patient care. You will learn to use critical thinking to analyze data, use effective problem-solving skills and integrate technology to provide care to patients experiencing acute illnesses or injuries.4 Main Advantages Of Online RN-to-MSN ACNP Programs
There are many advantages to earning your degree through RN-to-MSN ACNP online programs. As you research different programs, it is important to think about what you want to accomplish professionally and how the programs can help you achieve those goals. The list below reflects four main advantages of earning your degree through these specialized programs.
1. You can leverage your degree to advocate for patients on a higher level:
When you become an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, your knowledge and clinical skills will reach a higher level. You can use your experience to advocate for patients. Whether you work to improve the delivery of healthcare services, increase the number of staff available, or promote safer practices, you can make a huge difference in your patients’ lives.2. You will become a leader in healthcare:
When you graduate from online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs, you will have the knowledge and clinical skills needed to lead healthcare teams. You will use your expertise to provide acute, emergency care and promote positive patient and professional outcomes.3. You get to care for people when they need it most:
Acute Care Nurse Practitioners care for patients in some of the most frightening times. You will use your knowledge and skills to provide high-quality patient care to individuals experiencing acute, sometimes life-threatening, illnesses or injuries.4. You can earn additional certifications:
One of the awesome things about nursing and becoming an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is that you are not limited to earning only one certification. Once you graduate with your master's degree in nursing, you can earn a post-graduate certificate in other specialty areas. For example, you may choose to become certified in primary care, women's health, or mental health.2 Main Disadvantages Of Online RN-to-MSN ACNP Programs
While there are many advantages to online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs, there are also some disadvantages to consider. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare and decide if the pros outweigh the cons. The following are two of the main disadvantages of these programs.
1. The jobs you get as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner are emotionally and physically demanding:
Although your job will be rewarding, it is no walk in the park. Acute Care NPs often work in emergency situations where quick decisions must be made. Chances are, you will be on your feet most of your shift, which can be physically taxing. Additionally, you must use critical thinking and decision-making skills to make split-second decisions about patient care, which can take its toll on you mentally. It is important to practice self-care and find healthy ways to manage stress to prevent burnout.2. Some of your patients will die:
Unfortunately, no matter how hard you work, you will have some patients who do not survive their illness or injury. RN-to-MSN ACNP online programs will prepare you with the skills you need to identify and address your patients' health issues. However, they cannot prepare you for the way you will feel when patients die.3 Best Jobs For Graduates Of Online RN-to-MSN ACNP Programs
Graduates of online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs are often curious about the jobs they can expect after completing their program. While the options are nearly endless, here are some of the top jobs for acute care nurse practitioners after they graduate.
1. Emergency Room Supervisor:
Many Acute Care Nurse Practitioners work in emergency departments, as their name suggests, providing care to patients with acute illnesses or injuries. You could pursue a job as an Emergency Room Supervisor, which involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of the emergency department, supervising staff, and caring for patients.2. Pediatric Intensive Care Unit ACNP:
As a PICU Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, you will provide care to infants and children experiencing acute illness and injuries who require critical care services. This job involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients, working with the interdisciplinary team, and educating parents and caregivers. The goal of the ACNP in the pediatric ICU is to help patients return to the point of health where they can be discharged to home or transition to a step-down unit within the hospital to continue recovery.3. Nurse Practitioner First Assist:
An Acute Care Nurse Practitioner RNFA provides services relevant to surgical procedures and care. In this role, you will perform pre-operative history and physicals, assist with surgical procedures, perform follow-up assessments, wound care, pain management, and patient education.What Starting Salary Can New Graduates Of This Program Expect?
According to ZipRecruiter, the starting salary for graduates of online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs is $34.98 per hour, $1,300 per week, or $6,060 per month. This pay is equivalent to $72,750 per year.
| Hourly | $34.98 |
| Weekly | $1,399 |
| Monthly | $6,060 |
| Annual | $72,750 |
| (Source: Ziprecruiter.com) | |
What Average Salary Can Graduates Of RN-to-MSN ACNP Online Programs Expect?
The average annual pay for graduates of RN-to-MSN ACNP online programs is $121,877. This pay breaks down to $58.59 per hour, $2,343 per week, or $10,156 per month.
| Hourly | $58.59 |
| Weekly | $2,343 |
| Monthly | $10,156 |
| Annual | $121,877 |
| (Source: Ziprecruiter.com) | |
10-Year Job Outlook For Graduates Of RN-to-MSN ACNP Online Programs
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase in nurse practitioner jobs of 45.68% between 2021 and 2031. Nurse practitioners, like graduates of RN-to-MSN ACNP online programs, can expect to see at least 112,700 new and replacement jobs during this ten-year period, which is much higher than other careers and an excellent job outlook.
| 2021-31 | |
| +45.68% | |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) | |
Bonus! Is The Cost Of An Online RN-to-MSN ACNP Program Worth The Return On Investment (ROI)?
Before committing to a degree program or career path, there is a lot to consider. One factor that weighs on most people’s minds is whether the cost of earning a degree is worth it in the long run. The best way to decide is to compare the cost of your chosen degree program to your potential earnings after you graduate.
The RN-to-MSN ACNP online programs featured in this article cost as little as $28,000 and up to $100,000. If you take advantage of grants and scholarships, you could reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and earn your degree for less.
Program graduates begin their careers earning nearly $73,000 annually and have an average yearly income of $121,877. Top earners in the field can earn significantly higher salaries. When comparing the cost of the programs to your earning potential, even if you pursue a more expensive program and earn an entry-level salary, you could see a positive return on your investment within just a few years. Therefore, with all these factors in mind, the cost of an online RN-to-MSN ACNP program is worth the return on investment.
My Final Thoughts
If you are interested in a career as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, it is normal to wonder, “What are the best online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs?” In this article, you learned about the 9 best online RN-to-MSN ACNP programs for 2024, including program costs, start dates, and curriculum. You also learned about the income potential, job outlook, and top jobs for program graduates. After reading this article, if you feel like becoming an Acute Care NP is the right path for you, the next step is to choose schools that interest you and begin applying! The sooner you get into a program, the sooner you can begin your career!
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).