Online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs

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Are you ready to become an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner? We offer four pathways for you to get there. No matter what route you take, adult-gerontology acute care is an in-demand specialization offering steady career growth. Our online acute care nursing programs are designed to help you concentrate on providing holistic care for adult patients in specialized units, such as intensive care, cardiovascular, oncology, and emergency care.

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100% online with no campus visits required

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No GMAT, GRE, or statistics required for admission

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Complete clinicals locally in your preferred setting

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No waiting list once you’re accepted

Four Online AGACNP Programs

Online Master of Science in Nursing — Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN AGACNP)

Focus your nursing skills in adult care. Our advanced degree program offers an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track designed to help active nurses excel in the acute care environment.

Want to learn more about the online Master of Science in Nursing program? 

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Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice Program — AGACNP Concentration (BSN to DNP AGACNP)

Are you motived to reach the pinnacle of the nursing profession? Our program offers a direct path to a DNP career with the added advantage of structuring a portion of your coursework to focus on adult-gerontology acute care.

Want to learn more about the online Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice program? 

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Online Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN AGACNPC)

If you have your MSN, and you’re now interested in specializing in adult-gerontology acute care, choose our post-master’s certificate. Focus your career in caring for individuals experiencing acute illness.

Want to learn more about the online Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner program? 

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Online Doctor of Nursing Practice with Nurse Practitioner Concentration — Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP-NP AGACNP)

Go from your MSN to your DNP with an AGPCNP concentration, and you can earn a terminal degree that helps bring you back into the clinical setting. You’ll earn your AGPCNP along with attaining your DNP, allowing you to practice at the highest level and lead interdisciplinary teams.

Want to learn more about the online Doctor of Nursing Practice with Nurse Practitioner Concentration program? 

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Why become an AGACNP?

Female adult-gerontology acute care professional pointing to monitor

More rewarding.
Dedicating your career to the adult-gerontology acute care specialty can be dually rewarding. Not only will you get the chance to provide compassionate care that addresses quality-of-life concerns, but you will also have the opportunity to become part of a professional sector that is generally very well compensated.

More autonomy.
As with other advanced practice specialties, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners work in a fast-paced environment. AGACNPs work in ICU, ER, Step Down, Med-Surg units, and similar areas. AGACNPs must have basic cardiac life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certifications, along with the necessary skill level to perform a full complement of procedures and treatments.

Patient education is a critical responsibility.
To succeed in this role, you must have both the confidence and compassion to discuss serious illnesses and treatment plans with patients and their families.

What else does an AGACNP do?

  • Diagnose conditions that could result in a rapid, life-threatening physiological decline.
  • Order and conduct diagnostic tests and screening procedures, such as EKGs and X-rays.
  • Perform emergency medical procedures and other condition-stabilizing interventions.
  • Offer pain relief and sedation through pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.
  • Administer blood and blood product transfusions and intravenous infusions.
  • Operate and monitor invasive devices such as colostomy or tracheotomy equipment, mechanical ventilators, catheters, gastrointestinal tubes, and central lines.

Why choose Maryville?

We’re a private, four-year institution ranked as one of America’s Best Colleges by both U.S. News & World Report and Forbes. We’re also proud to have been named to the Military Friendly Schools List for the 6th consecutive year. When you choose us, you receive a highly flexible and highly regarded education with the added convenience of being delivered 100% online. Here are a few more reasons why we offer you the best path:

  • Streamline your time and talent to earn a post-master’s certificate.
  • Graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
  • Enjoy a flexible and convenient 24/7 online learning model.
  • Explore important topics that will help pave the way to a better future for yourself and the nurses who follow in your footsteps.
  • Take the opportunity to conduct research via clinical inquiry courses that will challenge your assumptions.
  • Learn from an expert faculty of nursing leaders who openly share their experiences and insights regarding public health and the nursing profession.

The Booming Career Outlook

Opportunity will be booming for decades.
Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners are predicted to be in particularly high demand well into the middle of the 21st century, due to a steadily aging population. People over age 65 will comprise 19% of the population by 2030. These same individuals will have a greater life expectancy than previous generations. Because of their lifestyles, they will also have a greater chance of suffering from heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory problems, and other acute conditions.

The last of the baby boomer generation turned 50 years old in 2014.
This iconic generation comprises 76 million Americans. To prepare for the massive size of today’s aging population, some health systems are adding specialized acute care for the elderly (ACE) units to meet the increasing needs. AGACNPs will play a key role in these practice areas, addressing the unique requirements of older adults in the hospital setting to improve clinical outcomes. In this role, you have the opportunity to help patients maintain the greatest possible degree of independence during hospitalization and after being discharged.

The opportunity and rewards grow together.

  • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates a 31% increase in job opportunities for nurse practitioners between 2012 and 2022.
  • Scrubs Magazine identifies the adult-gerontology nurse practitioner as one of the “Top 10 Highest Paying Nursing Specialties.”
  • The role of nurse practitioner also ranked No. 1 on the 2013 list of “Today’s Hottest Jobs” as chosen by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.
  • Data from the BLS reports an annual median salary of $94,460 for NPs overall. Pay rates are expected to stay elevated as demand continues to grow.
  • The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) estimates that there is only one qualified candidate for every four available nurse practitioner jobs.

Male adult-gerontology acute care professional with patient

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Proud to be recognized as one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report and Forbes.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Forbes America's Top Colleges
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CCNE Accredited

The MSN, Post-Master’s NP Certificate, and DNP programs at Maryville University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

AGACNP Curriculum

Four curriculum models. One rewarding career specialty.

Online MSN AGACNP Concentration

Online Master of Science in Nursing — Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN AGACNP)
You can complete your AGACNP in just 32 months. Begin your coursework the semester after you enroll with six entry points per year (January, March, May, July, August, and October).

MSN | Core Courses

NURS 600Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice3 Credits
NURS 601Evidence Based Practice in Nursing 3 Credits
NURS 602Health Care Policy3 Credits
NURS 603Professional Role Development: Advanced Practice Nurse3 Credits
NURS 619Leadership and Quality 3 Credits
NURS 611Advanced Pathophysiology 3 Credits
NURS 612Advanced Health Assessment5 Credits
NURS 615Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics3 Credits

For the AGACNP concentration you will need:

NURS 640Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management I3 Credits
NURS 641Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management Practicum I3 Credits
NURS 642Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management II3 Credits
NURS 643Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum II3 Credits
NURS 644Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management III3 Credits
NURS 645Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum III3 Credits

Online BSN to DNP Program AGACNP Concentration

Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice Program — AGACNP Concentration (BSN to DNP AGACNP)
You can complete your program in just 40 months and 100% online. You can begin your coursework the semester after you are accepted, in spring, summer, or fall.

BSN to DNP | Core Courses

NURS 600Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice3 Credits
NURS 601Evidence Based Practice in Nursing 3 Credits
NURS 603Professional Role Development: Advanced Practice Nurse3 Credits
NURS 610Health Promotion/Disease Prevention3 Credits
NURS 611Advanced Pathophysiology 3 Credits
NURS 612Advanced Health Assessment5 Credits
NURS 615Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics3 Credits
NURS 700Principles of Epidemiology and Biostatistics3 Credits
NURS 701Foundations of Clinical Scholarship3 Credits
NURS 702Integrating and Synthesizing Research3 Credits
NURS 703Ethics For Advanced Nursing Practice3 Credits
NURS 704Quality and Patient Safety in Advanced Nursing Practice3 Credits
NURS 705Clinical Inquiry I3 Credits
NURS 706Clinical Inquiry II3 Credits
NURS 707Clinical Inquiry III3 Credits
NURS 708Organizational and Systems Leadership3 Credits
NURS 709Advanced Health Policy3 Credits

For the AGACNP concentration you will need:

NURS 640Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management I3 Credits
NURS 641Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management Practicum I3 Credits
NURS 642Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management II3 Credits
NURS 643Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum II3 Credits
NURS 644Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management III3 Credits
NURS 645Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum III3 Credits

Online MSN Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Certificate AGACNP Concentration

Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate — Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
You can complete your certificate in 35 credits. You can begin your coursework the semester after you are accepted, with six entry points either in spring, summer, or fall.

Graduate Nursing Core Courses

NURS 603Professional Role Development: Advanced Practice Nurse3 Credits
NURS 610Health Promotion/Disease Prevention3 Credits

Nurse Practitioner Core Courses

NURS 611Advanced Pathophysiology 3 Credits
NURS 612Advanced Health Assessment5 Credits
NURS 615Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics3 Credits

For the AGACNP concentration you will need:

NURS 640Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management I3 Credits
NURS 641Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management Practicum I3 Credits
NURS 642Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management II3 Credits
NURS 643Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum II3 Credits
NURS 644Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management III3 Credits
NURS 645Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum III3 Credits

Online DNP-NP Program AGACNP Concentration

Doctor of Nursing Practice Foundation Courses (15 credit hours)

NURS 700Principles of Epidemiology and Biostatistics3 Credits
NURS 701Foundations of Clinical Scholarship3 Credits
NURS 702Integrating and Synthesizing Research3 Credits
NURS 709Advanced Health Policy3 Credits
NURS 710Graduate Statistics 3 Credits

Doctor of Nursing Practice Capstone Courses (18 credit hours)

NURS 703Ethics For Advanced Nursing Practice3 Credits
NURS 704Quality and Patient Safety in Advanced Nursing Practice3 Credits
NURS 705Clinical Inquiry I3 Credits
NURS 706Clinical Inquiry II3 Credits
NURS 707Clinical Inquiry III3 Credits
NURS 708Organizational and Systems Leadership3 Credits

Graduate Nursing Core Courses (6 credit hours)

NURS 603Professional Role Development: Advanced Practice Nurse3 Credits
NURS 610Health Promotion/Disease Prevention3 Credits

Nurse Practitioner Core Courses (11 credit hours)

NURS 611Advanced Pathophysiology 3 Credits
NURS 612Advanced Health Assessment5 Credits
NURS 615Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics3 Credits

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Courses (18 credit hours)

NURS 640Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management I3 Credits
NURS 621Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Practicum I3 Credits
NURS 623Adult-Gerontology Health Care II3 Credits
NURS 624Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Practicum II3 Credits
NURS 644Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management III3 Credits
NURS 645Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum III3 Credits

To ensure the best possible educational experience for our students, we may update our curriculum to reflect emerging and changing employer and industry trends. Professional licensure and certification regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Students are encouraged to visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing for the state in which they intend to practice to verify specific licensure requirements which includes ensuring the program of interest meets the licensure requirements prior to enrolling. Students may visit the professional licensure page or reach out to our team of enrollment advisors for guidance.


Apply to an online adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program at Maryville University.