Introduction to Drexel’s AG-ACNP Program
Are you a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) looking to specialize in acute care? Drexel University’s online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) program is meticulously designed to equip you with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to manage acutely ill or injured adult and geriatric patients. This program is ideal for nurses aiming to become leaders in high-acuity healthcare settings.
This comprehensive online program combines the flexibility of distance learning with a rigorous curriculum to ensure graduates are well-prepared to provide competent and confident advanced practice nursing care. The Drexel AG-ACNP program focuses on preparing practitioners for roles in diverse acute care environments, from intensive care units to specialized practices.
Program Overview: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at Drexel
The Drexel Online AG-ACNP program is structured to provide a deep understanding of the complexities of acute care for adult and geriatric populations. The curriculum is designed to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry, ensuring graduates are proficient in managing patients across the acute care spectrum.
Key Program Features:
- Online Flexibility: Designed for working nurses, the majority of coursework is delivered online, offering a convenient and accessible learning experience.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from clinically active faculty members who hold national board certifications and bring real-world experience to the virtual classroom.
- Interactive Learning: Benefit from synchronous online lectures that promote engagement and interaction through advanced e-learning methods.
- Clinical Excellence: Gain hands-on experience through clinical practicum rotations and simulated learning experiences in Drexel’s state-of-the-art simulation lab.
- Career Advancement: Graduates are prepared for certification exams, such as the ANCC’s ACNP-BC and AACN’s ACNPC-AG, enhancing career prospects in various acute care settings.
Curriculum and Learning Experience
The AG-ACNP program at Drexel is a 57-credit graduate track that includes 800 clinical hours. The program’s curriculum is carefully structured to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills.
What You Will Learn:
The program curriculum emphasizes the knowledge and skills necessary to provide specialized healthcare services to adult and geriatric patients facing acute medical or surgical conditions, including those who are critically ill or injured. Key areas of study include:
- Advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning.
- Pharmacology and advanced pathophysiology relevant to acute care.
- Management of complex medical and surgical conditions.
- Critical care procedures and patient management.
- Ethical and legal considerations in advanced practice nursing.
- Healthcare policy and leadership in acute care settings.
Clinical Practicum and Simulation:
Clinical practicum courses are a cornerstone of the AG-ACNP program. These courses combine didactic lectures with clinical rotations, running concurrently to provide a cohesive learning experience. Each practicum course requires 160 clinical hours, typically completed over two eight-hour clinical days per week.
To enhance practical skills, students participate in:
- Simulated Clinical Experiences: On-campus intensives and virtual simulations in Drexel’s multidisciplinary patient simulation lab.
- Standardized Patient Experiences: Opportunities to interact with standardized patients to develop clinical decision-making and communication skills.
- Problem-Based Learning: Engaging in realistic case studies to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
- Hands-on Technical Skills Training: Developing proficiency in essential technical skills required in acute care settings.
Synchronous Online Lectures and Interactive E-Learning:
Drexel’s AG-ACNP program utilizes synchronous online lectures to foster a highly interactive and engaging learning environment. These real-time sessions allow for direct interaction with faculty and peers, promoting a collaborative learning experience that enhances understanding and knowledge retention.
Unique Advantages of Drexel’s AG-ACNP Program
Choosing Drexel University for your AG-ACNP education offers several distinct advantages:
- Renowned Institution: Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions is recognized for its excellence in nursing education and healthcare innovation.
- Access to Drexel Network: As a Drexel student, you become part of a vast network of healthcare professionals and alumni, opening doors to valuable connections and opportunities.
- Clinically Active and Certified Faculty: Learn from instructors who are not only educators but also practicing nurse practitioners, ensuring your education is grounded in current clinical practice.
- Comprehensive Support System: Drexel provides resources to assist students in finding and coordinating their clinical sites and preceptors, although students are responsible for securing these placements.
- Accreditation and Compliance: Drexel’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring high educational standards. The program also complies with state regulations, though it’s important to note some state restrictions may apply, and clinical rotations in New York State are currently restricted for this program.
Career Paths for AG-ACNP Graduates
Graduates of the Drexel AG-ACNP program are well-prepared for advanced practice roles in various acute care settings. Common job settings include:
- Intensive Care Units (ICUs)
- Critical Care Units (CCUs)
- Hospitalist Services
- Specialty Practices (e.g., cardiology, pulmonology, neurology)
AG-ACNPs focus on managing acutely ill or injured adult and geriatric patients, often in inpatient environments. While generally not in emergency rooms or trauma services without additional pediatric certification, the AG-ACNP degree from Drexel provides a strong foundation for a rewarding career in acute care nursing.
Admission Information and Requirements
To apply for Drexel’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program, applicants must meet specific admission requirements:
- Educational Background: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited institution (CCNE, ACEN, or NLN CNEA) with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Nursing Experience: Two years of recent bedside acute care nursing experience is mandatory, with critical care experience preferred (e.g., ICU, CCU, ER, trauma, high-acuity step-down units).
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
- References: Two professional references from supervisors, managers, faculty members, or program directors.
- Personal Essay: A personal statement (under 1,000 words) outlining your reasons for choosing the program, career goals, and how your experience meets the program criteria.
- Resume/CV: A detailed resume highlighting relevant work experience, responsibilities, and departments.
- RN License: A copy of your current, unrestricted U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) license.
Application Deadline: March 3, 2025
For complete admission details and to start your application, please visit Drexel University’s official program page.
Accreditation and Program Outcomes
Drexel University’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a testament to the quality and rigor of the education provided. Graduates of the AG-ACNP program are expected to achieve specific program outcomes, including:
- Practicing within ethical and legal healthcare frameworks.
- Advancing advanced nursing practice through scholarship and leadership.
- Demonstrating critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning in clinical settings.
- Integrating technology and data to develop comprehensive care plans.
- Promoting culturally sensitive health practices.
- Contributing to healthcare policy and outcome-based standards of care.
- Evaluating and improving clinical practice based on research and patient outcomes.
- Advancing nursing and healthcare through collaboration and education.
Conclusion
Drexel University’s online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program offers a robust and flexible path for nurses seeking to advance their careers in acute care. With its comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and focus on practical skills and interactive learning, the program prepares graduates to excel in demanding healthcare environments and become leaders in their field. If you are ready to take the next step in your nursing career, consider Drexel’s AG-ACNP program to achieve your professional goals.
