Aspiring to elevate your nursing career and specialize in the critical care of acutely ill patients? An Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program can provide you with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this demanding yet rewarding field. These programs are specifically designed to equip nurses with the expertise to manage complex patient cases in acute care settings, from intensive care units to emergency departments.
Accreditation plays a vital role in ensuring the quality of nursing education. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)External link:open_in_new, a reputable accrediting body, accredits advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) programs, including acute care nurse practitioner programs. Choosing a CCNE-accredited program ensures that you are receiving education that meets rigorous national standards.
While certification pathways evolve, organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) offer certifications that recognize specialized expertise in acute care nursing. Although ANCC currently focuses on renewals for the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner CertificationExternal link:open_in_new (ACNP-BC), AACN provides a range of acute nurse practitioner certificationsExternal link:open_in_new for various specialties, including adult-gerontology, pediatric, and neonatal care, catering to both Registered Nurses (RNs) and APRNs.
The Flexibility of Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs
For nurses juggling demanding work schedules and personal commitments, online ACNP programs offer a highly flexible and accessible route to advanced education. These programs eliminate geographical barriers and allow you to pursue your master’s degree without disrupting your life or career. Online formats provide the same rigorous curriculum and expert faculty as traditional on-campus programs, delivered through innovative digital learning platforms.
Please note: Program details, including curriculum, credit requirements, and program length, are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official website of the university offering the program.
Featured Online ACNP Programs
As you explore online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Master Of Science Degree Programs, consider the elements that are most crucial for your learning experience and future career goals. These may include:
- Interactive Live Classes: Real-time virtual classrooms that foster engagement and direct interaction with faculty and peers.
- Dedicated Clinical Placement Support: Assistance in securing clinical placements and meeting clinical hour requirements, a significant component of ACNP programs.
- Comprehensive Career Services: Resources such as resume workshops, career counseling, and job placement assistance to support your transition into an ACNP role after graduation.
- Networking Opportunities: Platforms and activities designed to connect online students with classmates and faculty, building valuable professional relationships.
Many reputable universities now offer online ACNP programs that mirror the quality and rigor of their on-campus programs. This allows you to earn a degree from a well-known institution without the need to relocate or attend in-person classes. Online nurse practitioner programs, in general, are increasingly recognized as a powerful and convenient pathway for career advancement in nursing and for those aiming to become advanced practice providers.
Featured Institutions Offering Online MSN – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs
Below is a curated list of universities offering online Master of Science in Nursing programs with an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specialization. This list provides a starting point for your research into finding the program that best aligns with your aspirations.
Simmons University
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Simmons University offers a robust online MSN program with options to specialize as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). While not specifically an ACNP program, consider exploring Simmons’ MSN offerings if your interests align with family or mental health specializations within advanced practice nursing.
- Specializations: FNP, PMHNP
- Completion Time: As few as 24 months
- Study Options: Full-time and part-time tracks available
Georgetown University
Master of Science in Nursing
Georgetown University’s Nursing@Georgetown program delivers its esteemed MS in Nursing program online, designed for RNs with a BSN seeking APRN certification. Students can choose from several APRN specializations, including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nurse-Midwife/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NM/WHNP), or Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP).
- Completion Time: As few as 23 months
- APRN Specializations: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, WHNP
- Clinical Experience: Emphasizes hands-on clinical experience grounded in evidence-based practice
St. John Fisher University
Master of Science in Nursing
The Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John Fisher University offers an online MSN program with multiple specialization options, including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP). This program is designed for nurses seeking flexible online learning with a focus on advanced practice.
- Program Options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP
- Study Options: Part-time and accelerated tracks available
Note: Verify with each university for the most current details regarding on-campus requirements, curriculum specifics, and admission criteria, as program structures can vary.
| University | Location | Study Length | Clinical Hours | Enrollment Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | Boise, Idaho | 3 years | 700 hours | Part-Time |
| Chamberlain University | Chicago, Illinois | 3 years | 750 hours | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| Clarkson College | Omaha, New England | 2+ years | N/A | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | 2+ years | 720-800 hours | Part-Time |
| Duke University | Durham, NC | 1.5+ years | 616-840 hours | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| George Washington University | Washington, D.C | 3 years | 650 hours | Part-Time |
| Georgetown University | Washington, D.C | 23 months | 600 hours | Part-Time |
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | N/A | 720 hours | Full-Time |
| Graceland University | Independence, MO | 3+ years | 540 hours | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 2 years | N/A | Full-Time |
| Maryville University | St. Louis, MO | 3 years | 830 hours | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, KY | 1.5+ years | 500 hours | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| Ohio University | Athens, Ohio | 2 years | 650 hours | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| Regis College | Weston, MA | 2+ years | 600 hours | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| Saint Louis University | St. Louis, MO | 2+ years | 600 hours | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| Seton Hall University | South Orange, NJ | 3+ years | 540+ hours | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| South College | Knoxville, TN | 1.5+ years | N/A | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| St. John Fisher University | Rochester, NY | As few as 28 months | 600 hours | Part-Time |
| Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX | 3 years | 630 hours | Part-Time |
| The University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 2 years | 600 hours | Part-Time |
| Thomas Jefferson University | Philadelphia, PA | 2+ years | 673 | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| University of Colorado | Aurora, CO | 2+ years | 585+ | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 2+ years | 600 hours | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| University of South Carolina | Columbia, SC | 3 years | 672 hours | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| University of Southern Indiana | Evansville, IN | 3+ years | 705 hours | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| University of Texas at El Paso | El Paso, TX | 3 years | 675+ | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| Walden University | Minneapolis, MN | N/A | 640 hours | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| Wilkes University | Wilkes-Barre, PA | 3+ years | 500 hours | Full-Time and Part-Time |
| Youngstown State University | Youngstown, Ohio | 1.5+ years | 540 hours | Full-Time |
In-Depth Program Overviews: Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Master of Science Degree Programs
To provide a more detailed look at specific online ACNP master’s programs, we’ve compiled expanded information for each university listed. This section offers insights into program features, admission requirements, and unique aspects of each institution’s MSN-ACNP program.
Boise State University
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Boise, Idaho
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Program Length: 3 years
Credit Hours: 50
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Active, unrestricted U.S. RN license
- Successful completion of undergraduate statistics and research courses with a grade of C or higher
- Official transcripts
- Completed application
- Personal goal statement
- Resume or CV
- AGNP written interview survey
- Letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Boise State University
Chamberlain University
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Chicago, Illinois
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Program Length: 3 years
Credit Hours: 48
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Active, unrestricted U.S. RN license
- For AG-ACNP specialization: At least two years of recent acute care nursing experience (within the last 5 years)
- Completed application
- Official transcripts
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Chamberlain University
Clarkson College
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Omaha, New England
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Program Length: 2+ years
Credit Hours: 49
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Active, unrestricted U.S. RN license
- Completed application
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Clarkson College
Drexel University
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Program Length: 2+ years
Credit Hours: 57
Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Active, unrestricted U.S. RN license
- For AG-ACNP specialization: At least two years of acute care nursing experience
- For Pediatric ACNP specialization: At least one year of pediatric nursing experience
- For Pediatric ACNP specialization: Current PALS certification
- Completed application
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Drexel University
Duke University
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Durham, North Carolina
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Program Length: 1.5+ years
Credit Hours: 43+
Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Active, unrestricted United States RN license
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- For AG-ACNP specialization: At least one year of acute care nursing experience
- For Pediatric specialization: At least one year of acute care pediatric nursing experience
- Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
- Official transcripts
- Three professional recommendations
- Personal statement
- Resume/CV
- Official GRE scores
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Duke University
George Washington University
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Washington, D.C.
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Program Length: 3 years
Credit Hours: 48
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a professionally accredited institution (NLNAC/CCNE/ACEN)
- Active and unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Two letters of recommendation
- Completed application
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Minimum of one year of critical care RN work experience
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from George Washington University
Georgetown University
School of Nursing
MS in Nursing – Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)
Washington, D.C.
Focus: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Description: Georgetown University’s AG-ACNP program is designed for registered nurses with acute and/or critical-care experience. The curriculum emphasizes direct patient management in complex care settings, evidence-based practice, patient and family support, and ethical decision-making. The program is rooted in a holistic approach to patient care, addressing mind, body, and spirit across the adult lifespan.
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Program Length: 23 months
Credit Hours: 40
Admission Requirements:
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or CNL/entry-level MSN from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited program
- Current U.S. registered nurse (RN) license
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and 3.0 science GPA
- Successful completion of a college-level three-credit statistics course with a grade of C or better
- At least one year of full-time experience in an intensive care unit, emergency department, telemetry unit, or progressive care unit.
Georgia Southern University
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Statesboro, Georgia
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Program Length: Varies
Credit Hours: 43
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a professionally accredited institution (NLNAC/CCNE/ACEN)
- Current U.S. registered nurse (RN) license or APRN certification
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Undergraduate introductory statistics and health appraisal/physical assessment courses with a grade of C or better
- Three letters of recommendation
- Completed application
- Georgia Southern University Health Services Form
- Proof of American Heart Association Level C CPR certification
- Proof of Georgia RN licensure
- Resume
- Minimum of one year of critical care RN work experience within the last three years
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Georgia Southern University
Graceland University
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Independence, Missouri
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Program Length: 3+ years
Credit Hours: 47
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a professionally accredited institution (NLNAC/CCNE/ACEN)
- Current U.S. registered nurse (RN) license
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Grade of B or better in any nursing course
- Satisfactory criminal background check after acceptance
- Three professional references
- Professional goals statement (150 words or less)
- Completed application
- Official transcripts
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Graceland University
Grand Canyon University
College of Nursing and Health Care Professions
Master of Science in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Phoenix, Arizona
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Program Length: 2 years
Credit Hours: 53
Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Educator, Healthcare Quality and Safety, Informatics, Healthcare Systems Leadership
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing (CCNE, NLNAC, or ACEN accredited)
- RN license
- CV/resume
- Letter of intent
- Two years of nursing experience
- One year of ICU, Adult ER, Progressive Care, and/or Post-Operative experience
Maryville University
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
St. Louis, Missouri
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Program Length: 3 years
Credit Hours: 47
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Current U.S. registered nurse (RN) license
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Three letters of recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume
- 500-word essay on interest in becoming a nurse practitioner and career goals
- At least one year of clinical experience
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Maryville University
Northern Kentucky University
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Highland Heights, Kentucky
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Program Length: 1.5+ years
Credit Hours: 46
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Current, unrestricted United States RN license
- Completed application
- Official transcripts
- At least 1,000 clinical hours as a registered nurse
- At least one year of clinical care experience
- Completion of undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or higher
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Northern Kentucky University
Ohio University
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Athens, Ohio
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Program Length: 2 years
Credit Hours: 46
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Current, unrestricted United States RN license
- Completion of undergraduate statistics, management, chemistry, anatomy and physiology 1 and 2, microbiology, and research with a grade of C or higher
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Ohio University
Regis College
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Weston, Massachusetts
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Program Length: 2+ years
Credit Hours: 46+
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution
- Completion of a college-level statistics course prior to the start of classes
- Current, unrestricted United States RN license
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Regis College
Saint Louis University
Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
St. Louis, Missouri
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Program Length: 2+ years
Credit Hours: 37
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program
- Minimum GPA of 3.25
- Current, unrestricted United States RN license
- Three recommendations
- Statement of goals
- Resume/CV
- American Heart Association CPR certification
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Saint Louis University
Seton Hall University
College of Nursing Seton Hall
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
South Orange, New Jersey
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Program Length: 3+ years
Credit Hours: 48
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program
- Current U.S. registered nurse (RN) license
- Minimum GPA of 3.2
- For AG-ACNP specialization: At least two years of professional patient care experience
- Statement of professional goals
- Professional liability insurance
- Two letters of reference
- TOEFL scores (international students)
- For AG-ACNP specialization: Completion of undergraduate courses in statistics and physical assessment
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Seton Hall University
South College
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Knoxville, Tennessee
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Program Length: 1.5+ years
Credit Hours: 74
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program
- Current unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license (or in process of licensure)
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from South College
St. John Fisher University
Wegmans School of Nursing
Online Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Program
Rochester, New York
Focus: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Description: St. John Fisher’s online AGACNP program, offered by the Wegmans School of Nursing, prepares nurses to manage acute and chronic conditions in adult and older adult patients. The program is designed to be completed part-time in as few as 28 months, offering flexibility for working nurses.
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Program Length: As few as 28 months
Credit Hours: 46
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who currently work with the applicant and are qualified at the master’s level or higher in nursing (APRN preferred, physician and/or PA, NP, or CNS also accepted)
- Personal statement
- Updated resume
- One year of current clinical experience
- Unencumbered RN license in the state of employment and intended practice
- Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification and one year of current acute care clinical experience
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Grade of “B” or higher in health assessment, research, and statistics coursework
- TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native English speaking applicants
Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Lubbock, Texas
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Program Length: 3 years
Credit Hours: 48
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Current, unrestricted United States RN license
- Completion of undergraduate courses in statistics and research with a grade of C or higher
- Personal statement/essay
- Three professional references
- Official transcripts
- Completion of the TTUHSC SON Computer Literacy Test
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Texas Tech University
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Birmingham, Alabama
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Program Length: 2 years
Credit Hours: 45
Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Current, unrestricted United States RN license
- GRE, GMAT or MAT Scores required for applicants with a GPA below 3.2
- Three letters of References
- Official transcripts
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Thomas Jefferson University
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Program Length: 2+ years
Credit Hours: 36
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Current, unrestricted United States RN license
- At least one year of clinical experience
- Official transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Drug, criminal background, and child abuse clearances
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Thomas Jefferson University
University of Colorado
College of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Aurora, Colorado
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Program Length: 2+ years
Credit Hours: 49+
Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Current, unrestricted United States RN license
- Completed application
- Essay
- Completion of undergraduate statistics and research course with a grade of C or higher
- Resume/CV
- Three letters of reference
- Applicant interview
- Official transcripts
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from University of Colorado
University of South Alabama
College of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Mobile, Alabama
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Program Length: 2+ years
Credit Hours: 45
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Current, unrestricted United States RN License
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Citizen of the United States of America
- Completion of primary and supplemental applications
- At least two years of clinical experience
- Official transcripts
- At least two years of direct patient care experience in emergency, ICU, or Med-Surg
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from University of South Alabama
University of South Carolina
College of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Columbia, South Carolina
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Program Length: 3 years
Credit Hours: 46
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an Accredited Program
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Current, Unrestricted United States RN License
- At least 1 year of Nursing Experience
- Personal Statement
- Resume/CV
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- BLS and ACLS Certification
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from University of South Carolina
University of Southern Indiana
College of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Evansville, Indiana
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Program Length: 3+ years
Credit Hours: 42
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Current, unrestricted United States RN license
- Completion of undergraduate statistics with a grade of C or higher
- Completed application
- Official transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Statement of professional goals
- Two references
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from University of Southern Indiana
University of Texas at El Paso
College of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
El Paso, Texas
Focus: Varies
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Program Length: 3 years
Credit Hours: 46+
Concentrations: Varies
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Current U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Official transcripts
- Letter of purpose
- Resume/CV
- Letter of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from University of Texas at El Paso
Walden University
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Program Length: Varies
Credit Hours: 58
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Completed application
- Official transcripts
- Completion of Technical Standards Policy & Clinical Site Acknowledgement Form
- Statement of understanding of the MSN NP practicum requirements
- Identification of potential clinical sites according to applicants area
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Walden University
Wilkes University
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Program Length: 3+ years
Credit Hours: 40
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Current, unrestricted United States RN license
- Completed application
- Resume
- At least one year of clinical experience
- Official transcripts
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Wilkes University
Youngstown State University
School of Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Youngstown, Ohio
Focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Program Length: 1.5+ years
Credit Hours: 45
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Valid RN license in the state where practicum hours will be completed
- Official transcripts
- At least one year of critical care clinical experience
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Youngstown State University
Career Advancement with an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Master of Science Degree
Acute care nurse practitioners represent a specialized segment of nurse practitioners, focusing their expertise on patients experiencing acute and critical conditions. ACNPs commonly specialize in either adult or pediatric acute care, providing vital services in intensive care units (ICUs), emergency rooms, trauma centers, and specialized acute care settings. Their responsibilities encompass diagnosing illnesses, managing treatment plans, performing procedures, and coordinating care for patients facing severe health challenges.
The demand for nurse practitioners is robust, reflecting the increasing need for advanced healthcare providers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners earned a median annual salary of $121,610 as of May 2022External link:open_in_new. States with the highest levels of employment for nurse practitioners include California, Texas, Florida, New York, and TennesseeExternal link:open_in_new, indicating strong regional opportunities for ACNPs.
For nurses seeking to further their education in other advanced nursing roles, explore additional online MSN program options.
Last updated February 2024.
