For Registered Nurses (RNs) seeking to take their careers to the next level and enhance patient care, specializing as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) is an increasingly appealing path. Advanced practice roles within acute care settings are experiencing significant growth, reflecting the evolving demands of healthcare. For acute and critical care nurses with experience and ambition, becoming an AGACNP represents a natural and progressive career move.
Online AGACNP programs offer a flexible and accessible route to achieve this career advancement. Programs like the online Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration at the University of Connecticut (UConn) – part of their broader online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree offerings – are specifically designed for working RNs. These programs equip graduates with the advanced clinical skills and comprehensive knowledge necessary to effectively manage the complex care needs of acutely ill adult and gerontology patients. This expertise is particularly crucial as the aging population grows and requires increasingly sophisticated healthcare interventions.
UConn’s AGACNP degree and certificate programs cater to licensed RNs holding a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and possessing at least two years (2,080 hours) of recent acute care experience. Aspiring advanced practice nurses can choose from several pathways:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree specializing in AGACNP.
- Post-Graduate Certificate in AGACNP.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-DNP) degree with an AGACNP focus.
These AGACNP programs are delivered entirely online by UConn School of Nursing’s experienced faculty, all of whom are active practitioners in the acute care field. While pursuing a graduate degree in advanced practice acute care requires a considerable investment of both time and finances, the potential return on investment is substantial and personally fulfilling.
AGACNP Certification and Graduate Preparedness
Upon successful completion of an online Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program, such as those offered at UConn at the Master’s, Post-Graduate, or BS-DNP levels, graduates gain the necessary competencies to provide specialized care to adult and gerontology patients in acute care settings. Furthermore, graduates are eligible to apply for national certification exams, including the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner examinations administered by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Note: While UConn’s AGACNP didactic coursework is fully online, the program incorporates two essential on-campus intensive sessions. These sessions, held in the spring before clinical rotations begin and prior to graduation, feature hands-on learning in the Human Anatomy Learning Laboratory (Cadaver lab) and advanced simulation and skills labs.
