Overview

The AG-ACNP program prepares advanced practice nurses to care for acutely ill or injured adult and older adult patients across a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, intensive care units (ICUs), trauma centers, and specialty clinics. This graduate-level program combines advanced clinical training with in-depth coursework in pathophysiology, pharmacology, diagnostics, and evidence-based practice.The program leads to eligibility for board certification as an AG-ACNP through organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).Program Highlights:Focus on managing acute, critical, and complex health conditionsEmphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and clinical decision-makingIncludes extensive clinical practicum hours in acute care settingsCore Curriculum Topics:Advanced Health AssessmentComprehensive physical and diagnostic assessments of adult and geriatric patientsAdvanced PathophysiologyCellular and systemic processes of disease across the lifespanAdvanced PharmacologyPharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics for acute and critical conditionsDiagnostics and Procedures in Acute CareUse of lab, imaging, and bedside diagnosticsCommon procedures such as intubation, central lines, and thoracentesisAcute Care ManagementManagement of respiratory failure, sepsis, cardiovascular emergencies, renal failure, trauma, etc.Gerontology and AgingSpecial considerations in treating older adult populations with acute illnessesEvidence-Based Practice & Clinical Decision MakingIntegration of research and clinical expertise into care deliveryHealthcare Policy, Ethics, and LeadershipLegal and ethical issues, healthcare systems, and policy for NPsClinical PracticumsHands-on experience in acute, emergency, and intensive care settingsTypically includes 600-700+ supervised clinical hoursProgram Format:Degree Type: MSN or DNP with AG-ACNP specializationDuration: 2-3 years full-time; longer if part-timeDelivery: On-campus, hybrid, or fully online (with local clinical placements)Certification Eligibility: Graduates are eligible to take AGACNP-BC (ANCC) or ACNPC-AG (AACN) examsIdeal Candidates:Registered Nurses (RNs) with a BSN and clinical experience, especially in acute or critical careProfessionals aiming to advance their scope of practice in hospital-based or specialty acute care roles

Skills

Reviews