Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNPs) in New York State are the unsung heroes of healthcare, providing critical care to patients facing sudden and life-threatening conditions. In the bustling environment of the Empire State, ACNPs are in high demand, earning an average salary of $149,430 annually. This demand is projected to surge by an impressive 56 percent in the coming years, reflecting the growing need for specialized acute care across the healthcare spectrum. Whether focusing on the complexities of adult and geriatric health or the delicate needs of acutely ill children, ACNPs must possess unwavering focus and composure in the face of rapidly changing patient conditions.
If you’re drawn to the intensity and reward of acute care nursing and are considering advancing your education, New York offers a wealth of exceptional Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs. These programs are designed to equip you with the advanced skills, critical thinking, and evidence-based practices necessary to excel in this demanding field. This guide will explore the 8 best ACNP programs in New York for 2025, providing a detailed look at what each program offers to help you make an informed decision about your future.
Top Acute Care NP Programs in New York
(Based on a comprehensive ranking methodology evaluating academic quality, program reputation, faculty expertise, and student success, the following are the 8 best campus-based and online ACNP programs in New York.)
1. Columbia University – New York
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Highlights at Columbia University: For over a century, Columbia University’s School of Nursing has stood as a beacon of nursing education, consistently producing highly skilled professionals who are transforming healthcare. If you are driven by a desire to provide expert care to adults and geriatric patients in critical conditions, Columbia offers one of the premier acute care NP programs in New York to help you achieve your aspirations. The university’s BSN-to-DNP program in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is meticulously designed to cultivate leaders and expert clinicians ready to meet the complex healthcare needs of New York’s diverse population.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Columbia’s ACNP program is a rigorous BSN-to-DNP pathway culminating in a doctoral degree and eligibility for the AGACNP certification. The curriculum, requiring 78 to 79 credits, is structured to build upon your baccalaureate nursing foundation, providing advanced knowledge and skills in acute and critical care. A hallmark of this program is its emphasis on hands-on clinical experience. Students benefit from extensive clinical placements within the New York metropolitan area’s leading intensive care units, including specialized units for trauma, neurosurgery, cardiology, and surgical critical care. The program’s coursework is comprehensive, covering essential topics such as acute & critical care pharmacology, advanced clinical assessment techniques, health policy & advocacy to shape healthcare systems, health promotion & disease prevention strategies, and informatics for practice to leverage technology in patient care. Graduates are prepared to deliver evidence-based, patient-centered care in the most demanding acute care settings.
2. New York University – New York
Programs Offered: MSN, DNP (BSN-to-DNP), and Post-Master’s Certificate
MSN Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner Primary Care/Acute Care
BSN-to-DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificate Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care
Program Highlights at New York University: New York University (NYU) Rory Meyers College of Nursing is a powerhouse for aspiring acute care nurse practitioners. If you envision yourself at the forefront of patient care in critical settings, NYU’s ACNP programs are designed to propel your career forward. Renowned for its expert faculty of practicing ACNPs and preceptors, NYU emphasizes critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning from day one. A key feature is the state-of-the-art simulation lab, where students gain invaluable hands-on experience in acute and critical care scenarios before entering real-world clinical settings. Furthermore, NYU offers a specialized procedures course to hone essential skills such as ultrasound techniques, chest tube insertion, and central line placement, ensuring graduates are proficient in advanced clinical procedures. The college’s extensive network of clinical partnerships throughout New York City and the greater New York area provides diverse and enriching practical learning experiences.
NYU distinguishes itself by offering multiple entry points and specialization options to cater to diverse career goals. Students can choose from MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate pathways, with specializations in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care and Pediatric Primary Care/Acute Care, allowing for tailored career development in acute care nursing.
MSN Program Details: NYU’s MSN program offers specializations in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner Primary Care/Acute Care. The AGACNP specialization requires 51 credits, encompassing core nursing courses, advanced practice core content, and acute care specialty coursework. Clinical experiences are a cornerstone of the MSN-AGACNP program, offering placements in a wide range of acute care settings, including medical, surgical, cardiology, rapid response, intensive care, post-anesthesia care units, and emergency departments. The Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner Primary Care/Acute Care dual specialization, also around 51 credits, provides comprehensive training in both primary and acute care for infants, children, and adolescents. Clinical rotations in pediatric specialties such as pulmonology, cardiology, oncology, endocrinology, and musculoskeletal care provide a well-rounded pediatric acute care skillset.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: NYU’s BSN-to-DNP ACNP program provides pathways for nurses at various stages of their education, including post-BSN, post-master’s, and post-master’s APRN entry options. Regardless of the entry point, the program focuses on developing advanced expertise in adult-gerontology acute care. The post-BSN track typically requires around 70 credits, while the post-master’s track is customized based on individual gap analyses. The advanced standing option for APRNs with a master’s degree requires at least 36 credits and 400 clinical hours. All tracks are offered part-time with primarily on-campus coursework, designed to accommodate working professionals. Graduates of the DNP program emerge as leaders equipped to drive significant improvements in the healthcare of acutely ill patients.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: For nurses already holding a master’s degree, NYU offers Post-Master’s Certificate programs in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care and Pediatric Acute Care. These certificates provide a focused route to ACNP specialization, with minimum credit requirements ranging from 11 to 13 credits, depending on a gap analysis of prior coursework. This option is ideal for nurses seeking to add acute care expertise to their existing advanced practice credentials.
3. Pace University – New York
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate
MSN Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate Concentrations: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Highlights at Pace University: Pace University’s College of Health Professions offers robust ACNP programs for nurses seeking to excel in acute care. If you aspire to graduate from one of the leading acute care NP programs in New York, Pace provides both MSN and post-master’s certificate pathways in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Pace prides itself on its faculty, who are accomplished practitioners with extensive experience in advanced practice nursing. The university places a strong emphasis on practical learning, ensuring graduates are exceptionally prepared to deliver critical care. Pace’s state-of-the-art simulation lab offers ample opportunities for hands-on training before students transition to clinical placements in diverse acute care settings across New York.
MSN Program Details: Pace’s MSN-ACNP program is open to registered nurses with a BSN and a minimum GPA of 3.0. The curriculum is structured to be completed through a combination of online and on-campus courses, requiring 42 credits and 550 clinical hours. Core coursework includes advanced pathophysiology for nursing practice, clinical pharmacology, leadership in healthcare, advanced nursing in primary health care, and specialized management of adult-gerontology acute care conditions. This comprehensive curriculum ensures graduates are well-versed in the complexities of acute care for adult and geriatric populations.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: Pace’s post-graduate certificate program in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is delivered entirely on-campus. This 30-credit program is specifically designed for MSN-prepared APRNs who have at least one year of acute care experience. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the AGACNP certification exam, expanding their credentials and career opportunities in acute care settings.
4. University of Rochester – Rochester
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate
MSN Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificate Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care
Program Highlights at the University of Rochester: The University of Rochester School of Nursing is consistently recognized for producing high-caliber NPs who are highly sought after by employers throughout New York. The university offers highly respected acute care NP programs in New York, including MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and post-master’s certificate options. Ranked among the top graduate nursing schools nationally by U.S. News & World Report, the University of Rochester provides students with instruction from distinguished faculty, many of whom are actively engaged in groundbreaking research in advanced practice nursing. The university’s affiliation with a leading healthcare center, the University of Rochester Medical Center, provides rich interprofessional learning opportunities and invaluable clinical experiences. With over 500 NP preceptors and extensive clinical partnerships across New York State, students benefit from exceptional support in securing clinical placements.
MSN Program Details: The MSN-ACNP program at the University of Rochester requires 47 credits and 672 clinical hours to complete. The program is meticulously designed to prepare graduates for providing advanced, specialized care to adult and geriatric patients in various acute care settings. Graduates are highly skilled and well-prepared to serve in intensive care units and diverse specialties, including cardiology, internal medicine, trauma, and surgery. The core curriculum covers essential areas such as advanced physiology & pathophysiology, public policy in healthcare, evidence-based practice methodologies, advanced health assessment techniques, evaluation & management of common health problems, and specialized management of adult gerontology acute care conditions.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Earning a DNP at the University of Rochester not only elevates your clinical expertise but also positions you as a leader in healthcare transformation. Recognized as a top-tier DNP program by U.S. News & World Report, the BSN-to-DNP pathway in Adult Gerontology Acute Care is an excellent choice for nurses seeking the highest level of education. The program is offered part-time, allowing working nurses to balance their studies with professional responsibilities. The curriculum integrates MSN core courses, AGACNP specialty courses, and DNP-level coursework. Following the MSN and AGACNP coursework (approximately 47 credits), students complete an additional 36 credits in DNP core content. While the MSN and AGACNP courses focus on clinical skills for acute care of adults and older adults, the DNP coursework emphasizes healthcare leadership, quality safety & informatics, population health management, health policy development, application of evidence-based knowledge, interprofessional collaboration, and healthcare financial management.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Admission to the post-master’s certificate program requires a bachelor’s degree, a minimum GPA of 3.0, an active RN license, and an APRN license. This AGACNP certificate program allows APRNs to add a high-demand specialty to their advanced practice skill set. The coursework is customized based on a gap analysis of previous nursing education, ensuring efficient and targeted specialization in acute care.
5. St. John Fisher College – Rochester
Programs Offered: MSN and BSN-to-DNP
MSN Concentrations: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Highlights at St. John Fisher College: St. John Fisher College’s Wegmans School of Nursing offers outstanding ACNP programs designed for nurses passionate about making a significant impact on the lives of critically ill patients. If you are seeking a career in a high-demand NP specialty, St. John Fisher’s Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs are excellent options. Recognized among the best acute care NP programs in New York, the graduate nursing programs at St. John Fisher are nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Students can choose between MSN and BSN-to-DNP pathways based on their prior education.
MSN Program Details: The MSN program at St. John Fisher prepares graduates for the AGACNP certification through both on-campus and online formats. Regardless of the format, the program requires 46 to 47 credits and approximately 600 clinical hours. The curriculum begins with 21 to 22 credits in scholarship core courses, followed by 9 credits in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and diagnostic reasoning, and culminates in 16 credits of AGACNP-specific coursework. This structured approach ensures a comprehensive and specialized education in acute care nursing.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: For nurses aiming for doctoral education, St. John Fisher’s BSN-to-DNP program offers a seamless pathway to a doctorate in nursing practice within three years of full-time study. This acute care nurse practitioner program in New York also provides a part-time track and utilizes a hybrid format for coursework delivery. Graduation requires approximately 62 post-BSN credits and a minimum of 1000 clinical hours. A key academic requirement is maintaining a minimum grade of B in all courses to progress successfully through the program, ensuring high academic standards and graduate preparedness.
6. Hofstra Northwell – Hempstead
Programs Offered: MSN, DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate
MSN Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)/Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Post-Graduate Certificate Concentrations: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Highlights at Hofstra Northwell: Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies distinguishes itself among ACNP programs in New York by offering a unique dual-specialty DNP track in adult gerontology acute care and nurse anesthesia. This innovative dual specialization provides graduates with a significant competitive advantage in advanced practice nursing. For those focused solely on adult gerontology acute care, Hofstra Northwell offers MSN, DNP, and post-graduate certificate options. The college boasts impressive AGACNP certification exam pass rates and excellent graduate placement rates, demonstrating its commitment to student success. With small class sizes and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Hofstra Northwell provides personalized attention and fosters strong, lasting connections between students and faculty.
MSN Program Details: Hofstra Northwell’s MSN-ACNP program is a 51-credit program designed for RNs with a BSN and at least two years of acute care experience. The patient-centered curriculum prepares graduates to deliver holistic care to improve the health outcomes of acutely ill adult and geriatric patients. Offered part-time over three years, the program covers advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment, evidence-based practice, population health, health policy, and leadership. Students also develop expertise in ECG interpretation and advanced adult gerontology acute care management.
DNP Program Details: The DNP program offers two distinct tracks: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and a unique dual Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)/Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) track. The DNP-AGACNP program offers entry points for post-BSN and post-MSN nurses (including those with MSN degrees in AGACNP, FNP, or PMHNP). The post-BSN track requires 73 credits over three years, while the post-MSN track offers advanced standing with customized degree requirements based on gap analysis. The dual AGACNP/CRNA program requires a BSN and RN license for admission and involves 97.5 full-time, on-campus credits, including a nurse anesthesia residency. Graduates of the dual program are eligible for both AGACNP and CRNA national certifications, uniquely positioning them to administer anesthesia with a focus on critically ill patients.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: Ideal for APRNs with an MSN, Hofstra Northwell’s post-graduate certificate program in acute care NP can facilitate career advancement to AGACNP roles. The program requires a minimum of 26.5 credits in areas such as health informatics, population health, health policy, health literacy, evidence-based practice, and advanced adult gerontology in acute care.
7. Molloy College – Rockville Centre
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master’s Advanced Certificate
MSN Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Advanced Certificate Concentrations: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Highlights at Molloy College: Molloy College’s Barbara H. Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences is an excellent choice for pursuing education in adult gerontology acute care. Known for its affordable tuition and high-quality education, Molloy’s acute care programs are well-regarded ACNP programs in New York. Molloy offers MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and post-master’s certificate programs with AGACNP specialization, providing multiple pathways to advanced practice in acute care.
MSN Program Details: Molloy’s MSN program requires 45 credits, covering core courses, electives, advanced practice core content, and clinical courses. The curriculum emphasizes theoretical applications of transformative leadership, reflective practice & advocacy, and research and evidence-based practice. Students also study advanced pathophysiology, advanced physical assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, and the advanced practice role of the nurse practitioner.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Molloy’s BSN-to-DNP acute care nurse practitioner program builds upon BSN education to reach the doctoral level. Offered part-time, the program typically takes five years to complete and requires 67 to 70 credits and a minimum of 1000 clinical hours. Through graduate core courses and specialized AGCNP coursework, graduates are prepared to deliver high-level healthcare in diverse acute care settings.
Post-Master’s Advanced Certificate Program Details: The post-master’s advanced certificate program at Molloy requires 30 AGACNP credits and 500 clinical hours, completed part-time. For AGNP-certified nurses seeking acute care specialization, enrollment is possible following a gap analysis to determine specific credit requirements based on prior AGNP training. However, a minimum of six credits and 300 clinical hours must be completed at Molloy to earn the certificate.
8. The Sage College – Troy
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate
MSN Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse
Post-Master’s Certificate Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse
Program Highlights at The Sage College: If you are committed to entering the high-demand field of acute care, The Sage Colleges offers credible acute care nurse practitioner programs in New York. Sage College is a strong option, aligning its education with the evolving demands of the healthcare industry. Through its MSN and post-master’s certificate programs, Sage prepares graduates who are highly sought after by employers for their exceptional skills and knowledge. With over a century of experience in nursing education, Sage College produces nurse leaders who often assume pivotal roles in the New York Capital Region. Additionally, Sage College offers a 10% tuition discount for employees of organizations within the Health Alliance Agreement, making it an accessible option for many healthcare professionals.
MSN Program Details: The Sage College’s MSN acute care nurse practitioner program is open to BSN graduates with an active RN license and a minimum GPA of 3.0. The MSN-AGACNP program offers both part-time and full-time study schedules to suit student needs. Graduation requires approximately 47 credits in graduate core and specialty-specific courses. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the AGACNP certification exam, opening pathways to advanced acute care practice.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Leveraging prior graduate nursing education, the post-master’s certificate program at Sage College allows nurses to expand their scope of practice into adult gerontology acute care. While specific graduation requirements are determined based on individual gap analyses, the program provides a streamlined route to acute care specialization for master’s-prepared nurses.
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