Becoming an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) in Maryland is a rewarding career path for registered nurses seeking to expand their expertise and impact on patient care. These advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are crucial in managing complex and critical conditions across various healthcare settings. If you’re looking to advance your nursing career and specialize in acute care, understanding the educational pathways available in Maryland is your first step.
The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) is a leading institution offering Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs that can pave your way to becoming a certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. While UMSON doesn’t explicitly list “Acute Care Nurse Practitioner” as a standalone specialty on the provided document, their DNP program offers various specializations that may align with acute care practice, and provides a strong foundation for advanced practice nursing in acute settings.
Choosing the right program is essential, and UMSON provides a structured framework for aspiring advanced practice nurses. Their DNP program is designed to equip nurses with the highest level of clinical expertise and leadership skills necessary to excel in today’s complex healthcare environment.
To help you navigate the application process for DNP programs at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, here’s a breakdown of the important deadlines, qualifications, and application materials.
Key Application Deadlines for DNP Programs at UMSON
Understanding the timeline is crucial to ensure your application is considered. UMSON has specific deadlines, and meeting them, particularly the priority deadline, can increase your chances for scholarship consideration.
| Fall 2025 Timeline |
|---|
| Priority Deadline/Deadline for UMSON Scholarship Consideration |
| Final Deadline |
Should the deadline fall on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted through the subsequent business day.
It’s important to note that while the Nurse Anesthesia specialty has a summer session intake, all other DNP specialties, likely including pathways relevant to acute care, admit students for the fall semester. Therefore, the deadlines above are pertinent to those interested in acute care focused DNP programs.
Qualifications for DNP Programs at University of Maryland School of Nursing
To be eligible for the DNP program at UMSON, you must meet certain academic qualifications. These are designed to ensure you have a strong foundation for doctoral-level study in nursing.
The basic qualifications include:
- A bachelor’s degree with a major in nursing from an accredited college or university. Acceptable accreditations include ACEN (formerly NLNAC), CCNE, or NLN CNEA, or an equivalent degree from a reputable foreign institution.
- An undergraduate cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
Specific DNP specialties may have additional work experience requirements. It’s crucial to check the details for your chosen specialization on the UMSON website to understand if any work experience is mandated.
Essential Application Materials and Instructions
A complete application package is necessary for the admissions committee to properly evaluate your candidacy. UMSON utilizes an online application system to streamline this process.
| Materials | Submission Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Online Application and non-refundable $75 application fee. | Start your application now via the Admissions Dashboard. The Admissions Dashboard is where you will: – submit your online application and fee – submit/request any supplemental documents – check your application status. You can save your progress and return to your application at a later date. We recommend that you continue to log in for regular updates. |
| ****Two recommendations.**** Recommendations must come from sources knowledgeable about your work performance and experience. Only the first two recommendations received will be considered. | Submit/request these materials via the Admissions Dashboard. |
| Essay. You may submit the essay portion with your online application. We recommend that you compose the essay portion using word processing software and copy and paste it into the text box in the online application. Applicants are expected to submit a concise essay (no more than 350 words) addressing the following: How will earning this degree (or postdoctoral certificate) impact your care of the population you expect to serve after graduation? | |
| **Typed résumé or CV.** Be sure to include your full name with your résumé submission. | |
| ****A copy of your valid, unrestricted (current) RN license in the United States.**** For a current list of compact states, see the Maryland Board of Nursing website; if you hold an active Maryland RN license, send us a copy of your printable license verification, available on the Maryland Board of Nursing website. | |
| Official transcripts. An official transcript from every institution previously attended or currently attending must be submitted in a sealed envelope, as prepared by the sending institution. Returning students are not required to submit UMSON transcripts; we will upload a copy of your UMSON transcript to your application. Please note that UMSON is listed two ways in the Academics area. Please make sure you choose one of the following: – Maryland Baltimore, Univ of – UMB- School of Nursing | Have each institution submit electronically to [email protected]. |
| Residency classification. Applicants who are claiming in-state (Maryland) residency MUST apply for in-state status. | Complete a residency application and submit it either by mail, e-mail, or fax to the Office of the Registrar using the instructions supplied at the bottom of the residency application. The completed application, signed and dated, should be submitted prior to the first day of enrollment for the term and program for which you are seeking admission. |
After submitting your application, selected candidates will be invited for an interview. It’s important to prepare for this interview as it is a crucial step in the admission process.
Taking the Next Step Towards Your ACNP Career in Maryland
Pursuing acute care nurse practitioner programs in Maryland, particularly through the DNP program at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, is a significant step towards advancing your nursing career. By understanding the application deadlines, meeting the qualifications, and preparing your application materials meticulously, you can position yourself for success.
For further details and to explore the specific DNP specializations offered, visit the University of Maryland School of Nursing’s official website. Start your journey today to become a leading Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in Maryland.
