Are you a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) looking to advance your career and specialize in acute care? Philadelphia, a hub for healthcare and medical innovation, offers excellent opportunities for nurses seeking advanced practice roles. Drexel University Online provides a robust Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) program designed to equip you with the expertise and skills needed to excel in this demanding and rewarding field. This program is meticulously crafted to prepare practitioners for the complexities of managing acutely ill or injured adult and geriatric patients across various high-acuity settings.
Drexel Online AG-ACNP Program: Your Path to Advanced Practice
The Drexel Online AG-ACNP program stands out as a premier choice for nurses aiming to become Acute Care Nurse Practitioners. This program is specifically tailored to address the healthcare needs of adult and geriatric populations facing acute medical, surgical, or critical conditions. With a curriculum designed by experienced nurse practitioners, the program ensures graduates are well-prepared to provide high-quality care in today’s complex healthcare environment.
Comprehensive Curriculum and Clinical Experience
The 57-credit program incorporates 800 clinical hours, blending online learning with essential hands-on experience. The curriculum is structured around didactic lectures and clinical practicum rotations that run in parallel. Synchronous online lectures, held weekly, promote an interactive learning environment, fostering engagement and a deeper understanding of the material. Each clinical practicum course requires 160 hours of direct patient care, typically achieved through two eight-hour clinical days per week.
This program emphasizes practical application of knowledge. Students benefit from simulated clinical learning experiences in Drexel’s advanced multidisciplinary patient simulation lab, standardized patient interactions, problem-based learning, and hands-on technical skills training. These experiences bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring graduates are confident and competent in their roles.
Unique Program Features
Drexel’s AG-ACNP program distinguishes itself through several key features:
- Interactive E-Learning: Synchronous online lectures create a dynamic and engaging learning experience, encouraging student participation and collaboration.
- Expert Faculty: The program is led by clinically active faculty members who hold national board certifications, bringing real-world expertise and current best practices into the classroom.
- Drexel University Network: As part of Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, students gain access to extensive clinical practice environments and inter-professional simulated healthcare scenarios, enhancing their learning and networking opportunities.
Career Opportunities for AG-ACNP Graduates
Graduates of the Drexel AG-ACNP program are prepared for diverse roles within acute care settings. These include inpatient practices such as:
- Intensivist/Critical Care Units
- Hospitalist Services
- Specialty Practices (serving adults, excluding pediatrics)
While Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners typically do not work in emergency rooms or trauma services without further specialized certification in pediatric acute care, the program provides a strong foundation for advanced practice in a variety of acute care environments.
Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification exams, including the ANCC’s Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination (ACNP-BC) and/or AACN’s Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Adult Gerontology (ACNPC-AG) examination, further validating their expertise and enhancing their career prospects.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for the Drexel Online AG-ACNP program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- BSN Degree: Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an institution accredited by CCNE, ACEN, or NLN CNEA, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended must be submitted directly to Drexel University.
- Current RN License: A copy of a current, unrestricted United States RN license is required.
- Acute Care Nursing Experience: Two years of recent bedside acute care nursing experience is mandatory, with critical care experience preferred (ICU, CCU, ER, trauma, high acuity step-down units).
- References: Two professional references are required from supervisors, managers, faculty members, or program directors.
- Personal Essay: A personal statement of under 1,000 words outlining career goals and program fit.
- Resume/CV: A detailed resume highlighting relevant work experience and responsibilities.
- Interview: An admissions interview may be required.
Accreditation and Program Excellence
Drexel University’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a testament to the program’s quality and adherence to rigorous educational standards. The program is also approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. This accreditation ensures that graduates receive a high-quality education that is recognized and respected within the nursing profession.
Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career in Philadelphia
Drexel University Online’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program offers a pathway to advance your nursing career in Philadelphia and beyond. With its comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and focus on real-world clinical skills, this program provides the foundation for a successful and impactful career as an AG-ACNP. Consider Drexel University as your partner in achieving your professional goals and making a significant difference in acute care nursing.
