New England, a hub for top-tier healthcare and education, is an ideal location for aspiring Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNPs). With a growing demand for specialized healthcare professionals, particularly in acute and critical care settings, ACNP programs in this region are gaining prominence. The need for Nurse Practitioners is on the rise, and specializing in acute care can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career. While Massachusetts, within New England, is experiencing a significant surge in demand for NP services, with projections indicating over a 56 percent increase by 2030, the entire New England area recognizes the crucial role of NPs in healthcare delivery.
For registered nurses looking to advance their careers and specialize in acute care, New England offers some of the best educational opportunities in the nation. These programs equip graduates with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to manage complex patient conditions across the healthcare spectrum, from emergency rooms to intensive care units. Graduates from accredited nurse practitioner schools in New England can expect competitive salaries and rewarding career paths.
Below, we explore some of the leading institutions in Massachusetts that offer exceptional Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs, providing a stepping stone to a successful career within the broader New England healthcare landscape.
Top Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs in Massachusetts (and New England) for 2025
(Based on program offerings and regional reputation)
1. Northeastern University – Boston
Alt text: Campus view of Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, a leading institution for Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs in New England.
Programs Offered: MSN and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS)
Northeastern University stands out as a premier institution in New England for nurses seeking acute care specialization. Renowned for its experiential learning approach, Northeastern integrates rigorous academic study with hands-on professional experience. Students benefit from clinical placements at some of Boston’s most prestigious hospitals, including Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Medical Center, and Massachusetts General Hospital, providing unparalleled exposure to acute care environments.
Northeastern offers a strong selection of advanced practice specialties tailored for aspiring Acute Care Nurse Practitioners.
MSN Concentrations relevant to Acute Care:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP: This concentration prepares nurses to manage complex health needs of adult and older adult patients in acute and critical care settings. The curriculum requires 43-semester credits and a minimum of 600 hours of precepted clinical work.
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: For nurses focused on the acute care of newborns, this program is ideal. Applicants must possess at least two years of NICU experience. The program requires 24-semester credits, with clinical rotations in leading neonatal centers such as Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Boston Children’s Hospital.
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care/Acute Care Dual-Track): This dual-track option is perfect for those wanting to specialize in pediatric acute care. It requires 52-semester credits and necessitates two years of experience in an acute care pediatric setting for admission.
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) Concentrations in Acute Care:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (CAGS): Ideal for nurses with an MSN seeking specialization in adult-gerontology acute care. This CAGS program requires 24-semester credits.
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (CAGS): For MSN-prepared nurses wanting to specialize in neonatal acute care, this 21-semester credit CAGS program provides focused training.
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CAGS): This CAGS program allows nurses with a master’s degree to specialize in pediatric acute care, requiring 24-semester credits.
Northeastern’s commitment to experiential learning and its strong hospital affiliations make it a top choice for Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs in the New England region.
2. University Of Massachusetts Medical School – Worcester
Alt text: Aerial photograph of the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, MA, a distinguished institution offering DNP programs with Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specializations in New England.
Programs Offered: DNP
The University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester is highly regarded for its graduate nursing programs, making it an excellent option for nurses aiming to become Acute Care Nurse Practitioners in New England. The medical school offers four NP specializations, all within its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, emphasizing a strong clinical and leadership focus.
DNP Concentrations with Acute Care Focus:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP: This DNP track is designed for nurses seeking expertise in managing acutely ill adult and older adult patients. The program requires 75 credits of coursework and is open to RNs with various educational backgrounds, including non-nursing bachelor’s degrees and associate’s degrees in nursing.
- Psychiatric Mental Health NP: While primarily focused on mental health, this program can also equip NPs to manage acute psychiatric conditions in hospital settings, complementing acute care skills. This track requires 76 units of coursework.
UMass Medical School’s DNP program structure ensures graduates are not only expert clinicians but also leaders in healthcare, prepared to improve patient outcomes in acute care settings across New England.
3. MGH Institute Of Health Professions – Boston
Alt text: Modern facade of the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, Massachusetts, a leading graduate school connected to Massachusetts General Hospital, offering exceptional Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs in New England.
Programs Offered: Post-BSN to MSN, Post-Master’s/Post-NP Certificate, and Direct-Entry MSN
The MGH Institute of Health Professions, founded by Massachusetts General Hospital, provides an unparalleled learning environment for aspiring Acute Care Nurse Practitioners. Its direct affiliation with a world-renowned hospital offers students unique access to expert practitioners and cutting-edge clinical experiences, making it a prime choice in the New England region.
MGH Institute offers seven NP tracks, available as post-BSN to MSN, direct-entry MSN, and post-master’s/post-NP certificate concentrations.
Post-BSN to MSN Concentrations relevant to Acute Care:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care: This MSN track is meticulously designed to prepare nurses for the demanding field of adult and geriatric acute care. The program requires 91 credit hours and provides extensive clinical practice within the MGH network.
- Pediatrics: With a focus on acute care, the pediatric specialization (91 credit hours) provides the skills to manage acutely ill children.
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Lifespan: This specialization (91 credit hours) can be valuable in acute care settings for managing patients with co-occurring mental health conditions.
- Dual Adult-Gerontology/Women’s Health: Although broad, this dual specialization (104 credit hours) can offer versatility in managing complex patients in various acute care scenarios.
Post-Master’s/Post-NP Certificate Concentrations in Acute Care:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care: For nurses already holding an MSN, this certificate program offers focused acute care specialization, requiring a minimum of 500 hours of supervised clinical practicum.
- Pediatrics (Post MSN only): This certificate program allows current NPs to specialize in pediatric acute care, also requiring 500 clinical hours.
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Lifespan: Enhance your skills in acute mental health care with this certificate, which includes a minimum of 500 clinical hours.
- Dual Adult-Gerontology/Women’s Health: Expand your expertise with this advanced certificate, providing further specialization and 500+ clinical hours.
Direct-Entry MSN Concentrations with Acute Care Focus:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care: This intensive three-year program combines BSN and MSN coursework with a specialization in acute care, ideal for career changers.
- Pediatrics: A direct-entry pathway to specializing in pediatric acute care.
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Lifespan: Direct-entry option for those aiming to address mental health needs across the lifespan in various settings, including acute care.
- Dual Adult-Gerontology/Women’s Health: A comprehensive direct-entry route offering dual specialization and broad acute care applicability.
The MGH Institute’s strong clinical integration and diverse program offerings make it a top destination for Acute Care Nurse Practitioner education in New England.
4. University Of Massachusetts – Boston
Alt text: Modern campus building at the University of Massachusetts Boston, highlighting its urban location and accessibility for students pursuing Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs in New England.
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN to DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate
The University of Massachusetts Boston, committed to health equity and social justice, offers valuable nurse practitioner programs within New England. Ranked highly by “U.S. News & World Report,” UMass Boston provides two NP tracks relevant to acute care within its MSN and BSN to DNP programs, also available as certificate training.
MSN Concentrations relevant to Acute Care:
- Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner: This curriculum, while encompassing primary care, also prepares graduates to manage acute and chronic conditions in older adults, with clinical rotations often including acute care settings. The program requires 48 credits and 665 clinical hours.
BSN to DNP Concentrations relevant to Acute Care:
- Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: This DNP program integrates online and classroom learning, requiring 78 credits and 1,065 clinical hours. While focused on primary care, the advanced DNP level education includes management of complex and acute conditions.
Post-Master’s Certificate Concentrations relevant to Acute Care:
- Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care (AGNP): For certified NPs seeking to expand their expertise, this certificate program offers a pathway to specialize in adult-gerontology care, applicable to both primary and acute care settings.
UMass Boston’s focus on accessible and equitable healthcare education makes it a strong option for nurses in New England seeking to advance in acute care, particularly for those committed to serving diverse populations.
5. Boston College – Chestnut Hill
Alt text: Historic architecture on the Boston College campus in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, a respected Jesuit university offering Doctor of Nursing Practice programs relevant to Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specialization in New England.
Programs Offered: RN to DNP, Post-BSN to DNP, Post-Master’s DNP, and Direct Entry DNP
Boston College, a well-regarded Jesuit research university, provides robust nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts, known for their strong clinical education. With over 85 clinical partnerships in the Boston metropolitan region, including major hospitals, Boston College offers excellent clinical experiences for aspiring Acute Care Nurse Practitioners in the New England area.
Boston College offers five advanced nurse practice specialties within its DNP program structure.
DNP Concentrations with potential Acute Care Relevance:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: While primarily focused on primary care, the DNP level of this program prepares graduates to manage complex health issues across the adult lifespan, potentially including acute exacerbations of chronic conditions.
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Graduates from this program are equipped to address acute mental health crises and conditions in various settings, which can be relevant in acute care environments.
Boston College’s emphasis on holistic patient care and strong clinical partnerships provides a solid foundation for nurses aiming to specialize in acute care within the New England healthcare landscape.
6. Regis College School Of Nursing – Weston
Alt text: Welcoming entrance sign to Regis College School of Nursing in Weston, Massachusetts, a Catholic institution recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education, offering varied pathways to Acute Care Nurse Practitioner careers in New England.
Programs Offered: RN (ADN) to MSN, RN to BSN to MSN, MSN, BSN to DNP, Post- MSN to DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificates
Regis College, recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League of Nursing, offers a wide array of pathways for nurses to become Acute Care Nurse Practitioners. Its extensive program options and commitment to student support make it a valuable choice in New England.
Regis College provides five nurse practice specialties within its various program tracks, including those relevant to acute care.
MSN Concentrations relevant to Acute Care:
- Nurse Practitioner Adult-Gerontology: This MSN specialization can prepare graduates for acute care settings, focusing on the complex health needs of adults and older adults.
- Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric-Mental Health: Essential for managing the mental health aspects of patients in acute care.
BSN to DNP Concentrations relevant to Acute Care:
- Nurse Practitioner Adult-Gerontology: The DNP level enhances expertise in managing complex and acute conditions in adult and older adult populations.
- Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric-Mental Health: Provides advanced training to address acute psychiatric needs within the DNP framework.
Post-MSN to DNP Concentrations in Acute Care:
- Adult-Gerontology (AGNP): For MSN-prepared nurses seeking DNP-level expertise in adult-gerontology acute care.
- Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP): Allows current MSN holders to advance their practice in acute psychiatric care with a DNP.
Post-Master’s Certificates Concentrations in Acute Care:
- Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric-Mental Health: Offers a focused certificate for master’s-prepared nurses to specialize in psychiatric mental health, relevant to acute care settings.
Regis College’s diverse program offerings and strong reputation in nursing education make it a compelling option for nurses in New England pursuing acute care specialization at various stages of their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs in New England
What types of Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs are available in New England?
New England offers a range of ACNP programs including:
- MSN-ACNP: Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
- DNP-ACNP: Doctor of Nursing Practice with an ACNP focus, often preferred for leadership and advanced clinical roles.
- Post-Master’s Certificates: For nurses already holding an MSN who wish to specialize in acute care.
- Direct-Entry MSN-ACNP: Programs for individuals with bachelor’s degrees in other fields who want to become ACNPs.
What are the admission requirements for Acute Care NP programs?
Typical requirements include:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree (for MSN and DNP entry).
- Registered Nurse (RN) license.
- Minimum GPA.
- GRE scores (some programs).
- Personal essay and letters of recommendation.
- Prior nursing experience, often in acute care settings, may be preferred or required for certain specializations like Neonatal or Pediatric Acute Care.
How long does it take to complete an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program?
- MSN-ACNP: 2-3 years full-time, longer part-time.
- DNP-ACNP: 3-5 years full-time, longer part-time (depending on post-BSN or post-MSN entry).
- Post-Master’s Certificates: 1-2 years.
- Direct-Entry MSN-ACNP: 3 years.
What career opportunities are available for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners in New England?
ACNPs in New England are in high demand and can work in various settings, including:
- Hospital Intensive Care Units (ICUs)
- Emergency Departments (EDs)
- Specialty clinics (e.g., cardiology, pulmonology)
- Trauma centers
- Acute care units in long-term care facilities
- Academic medical centers
Are online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs available in New England?
Yes, some universities in New England offer online or hybrid ACNP programs, providing flexibility for working nurses. However, clinical rotations are a mandatory component and must be completed in person at approved clinical sites.
What is the job outlook and salary for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners in New England?
The job outlook for NPs, including ACNPs, is excellent, with projected growth significantly higher than average. Salaries for Nurse Practitioners in Massachusetts, and New England generally, are competitive and often exceed the national average, especially for specialized roles like acute care. As mentioned earlier, Massachusetts projects a significant increase in NP demand.
Choosing the Right Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program in New England
Selecting the ideal Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program in New England depends on your individual career goals, educational background, and preferred learning style. Consider factors such as:
- Program format: On-campus, online, or hybrid.
- Specializations offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Pediatric Acute Care, Neonatal Acute Care, Psychiatric Acute Care.
- Clinical affiliations: Strong hospital partnerships for quality clinical experiences.
- Faculty expertise: Experienced and supportive faculty in acute care nursing.
- Program ranking and accreditation: Ensure accreditation for eligibility for certification and licensure.
- Location and cost: Consider program costs and living expenses in different areas of New England.
By carefully evaluating these factors and exploring the programs highlighted above, you can find an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program in New England that sets you on the path to a successful and rewarding career in advanced acute care nursing.
Nurse Practitioner Programs in Nearby States:
Latest From Our Blog
- 75 Most Affordable Nurse Practitioner Online Programs – 2025
- Nurse Practitioner School Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
- How Long is Nurse Practitioner School? (Nurse Practitioner Length of School)
- How Much Does Nurse Practitioner School Cost in 2025?
- 75 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in the Nation – 2025
- Nurse Practitioner Starting Salary (Updated 2025)
- What are the 14 Most Popular Types of Nurse Practitioner Specialties and Sub-Specialties?
