Are you a registered nurse in St. Louis looking to specialize and advance your career in acute care? Saint Louis University’s Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing offers a premier online Master of Science in Nursing-Nurse Practitioner (MSN-NP) degree program designed to prepare you for the challenges and rewards of acute care nursing. This program is meticulously crafted to meet the growing healthcare demands of our nation, particularly the need for highly skilled Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNPs) in St. Louis and beyond.
SLU’s MSN-NP program empowers you to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with the expertise to assess, diagnose, treat, and educate patients across the healthcare spectrum. We understand the demands of working RNs, which is why our online format provides the flexibility and support you need to pursue your advanced degree without disrupting your professional life. Within our MSN-NP program, you can specialize in Adult/Gerontological Acute Care, Family Practice, Pediatric Primary Care, or Family Psychiatric/Mental Health, tailoring your education to your specific career aspirations.
Our Adult/Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration is specifically designed for nurses who are passionate about providing complex care to adult and older adult patients in critical and acute settings. Graduates of this specialization are highly sought after in St. Louis hospitals and healthcare systems, filling vital roles in emergency departments, intensive care units, trauma centers, and specialized medicine units.
Program Highlights: Why Choose SLU for Your Acute Care NP Education?
The MSN-NP program at Saint Louis University stands out for its commitment to excellence and student success. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), our program offers a range of features designed to enhance your learning experience and career prospects:
- Flexible Curriculum Plans: Choose between full-time and part-time study options to balance your education with your existing work and personal commitments.
- Diverse Specialization Options: While our focus here is on Acute Care, explore other in-demand NP specialties like Family, Pediatric, and Psychiatric-Mental Health to align with your interests.
- Research Emphasis: Opportunities to integrate research into your chosen specialty, fostering critical thinking and evidence-based practice skills.
- Nationally Recognized Faculty: Learn from experienced and responsive faculty members who are leaders in nursing education, research, and practice. They are dedicated to mentoring students and fostering your professional growth.
- Personalized Faculty Advising: Each student is paired with a dedicated faculty advisor who provides individualized guidance and support throughout the program.
- Comprehensive Online Resources: Access to an extensive online library and writing center, providing essential academic support services at your fingertips.
- State-of-the-Art Teaching Facilities: Although primarily online, benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities during any required on-campus visits, enhancing your practical skills.
Curriculum Overview: Adult/Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration
The Adult/Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration at SLU is meticulously structured to equip you with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary for managing complex patient populations in acute care settings within St. Louis and beyond. This rigorous curriculum blends online learning with essential hands-on clinical experiences.
If you specialize in adult/gerontological acute care, you will develop expertise in utilizing complex monitoring techniques, administering invasive therapies, and implementing high-intensity interventions. The program emphasizes the critical thinking and vigilance required to meet the unique physiological and psychological needs of adults across the lifespan, including the vulnerable elderly population.
Graduates of the Adult/Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program are prepared to excel in high-pressure environments such as:
- Emergency Departments
- Tertiary Care Centers
- Intensive Care Units (ICUs)
- Trauma Centers
- Specialty Medicine Units
You will gain proficiency in treating patients with a wide range of conditions, including:
- Acute illnesses
- Critical conditions
- Chronic diseases
- Disabilities and injuries
Upon graduation, you will be eligible to pursue national certification through esteemed organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), further validating your expertise as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in St. Louis and nationally.
Career Opportunities for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners in St. Louis
Choosing a career as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in St. Louis offers not only professional fulfillment but also significant financial rewards and job security. According to recent data, nurse practitioners enjoy a robust job market with excellent earning potential.
The median salary for nurse practitioners nationwide in 2022 was approximately $120,680, as reported by U.S. News & World Report. Experienced NPs in the top 25% percentile earned upwards of $129,680 annually. Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an impressive 52.2% employment growth for nurse practitioners between 2020 and 2030, translating to an estimated 114,900 new job openings. This growth is particularly pronounced in specialized areas like acute care, reflecting the increasing demand for ACNPs in St. Louis and across the country.
Graduates of SLU’s Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program are highly sought after by leading healthcare institutions in the St. Louis metropolitan area, ensuring excellent career prospects upon graduation.
Admission Requirements: Is SLU’s Acute Care NP Program Right for You?
Saint Louis University’s Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing employs a holistic admission process, seeking candidates who demonstrate strong academic potential, relevant experience, and a commitment to the nursing profession.
To be eligible for the MSN-NP program with an Acute Care concentration, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing: A BSN degree from a nationally accredited nursing program.
- GPA: A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Registered Nurse License: An active and unencumbered RN license in the state where you will complete your clinical practicum. This license is required at the time of application.
- CPR Certification: Current CPR certification from the American Heart Association.
- Drug Screening: Negative drug screening required upon acceptance into the program.
- Health Assessment Course: Completion of a beginning-level health assessment course or its equivalent before enrolling in “Advanced Health Assessment.”
Application Process: Steps to Join SLU’s MSN-NP Program
Applying to the MSN-NP program at SLU is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure your application is complete and processed efficiently:
Step 1 – Application: Submit your application and fee through NursingCAS (https://nursingcas.org/). Select Saint Louis University as your designated program.
Step 2 – Transcripts: Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended and submit them directly to NursingCAS.
Step 3 – Resume or Curriculum Vitae: Upload your resume or CV within the NursingCAS application, detailing your education, clinical nursing experience, and any service to the nursing profession or community.
Step 4 – Professional Goal Statement: Craft a one- to two-page, double-spaced professional goal statement outlining your short-term and long-term career objectives as a nurse practitioner and explaining your choice of specialization.
Step 5 – RN License: Provide a copy of your unencumbered RN license within the NursingCAS application, ensuring it is valid in the state where you plan to complete your clinical experience.
Application Deadlines: SLU operates on a rolling admissions basis with the following deadlines:
- Fall Semester Start: August 1
- Spring Semester Start: January 1
Tuition and Financial Aid: Investing in Your Future as an Acute Care NP
Investing in your education is an investment in your future. The tuition for the MSN-NP program at Saint Louis University is competitive, and various financial aid options are available to help make your education affordable.
Tuition Per Credit:
| Tuition | Cost Per Credit |
|---|---|
| Graduate Tuition | $1,370 |
Note: Additional fees may apply. Refer to the SLU website for detailed tuition and fee information.
SLU offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities, including graduate research assistantships. Many nursing students also benefit from tuition assistance programs offered by their employers. Explore the Office of Student Financial Services and the School of Nursing’s scholarship page for more information on financing your MSN-NP degree.
Accreditation: Ensuring Program Quality and Recognition
The Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing at Saint Louis University holds full approval from the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Furthermore, our Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality nursing education. This accreditation ensures that your degree is recognized and respected by employers and professional organizations nationwide.
Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career: Apply to SLU Today
Saint Louis University’s online MSN-NP program with an Adult/Gerontological Acute Care concentration offers a pathway to advance your nursing career and become a highly skilled and sought-after Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in St. Louis. With flexible online learning, expert faculty, and a curriculum designed for real-world practice, SLU provides the ideal environment for your professional growth.
For graduate program inquiries, please contact:
Graduate Inquiries 314-977-8976 [email protected]
