Best Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs

UAB's MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program delivers a comprehensive 45-credit hybrid curriculum for advanced nursing professionals. Students engage in part-time, distance-accessible learning with synchronous online classes and periodic on-campus intensives. The program uniquely prepares nurses to diagnose and manage complex health conditions across diverse adult populations. An optional Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) subspecialty provides additional specialization. Requiring an unencumbered nursing license and minimum 3.0 GPA, the program emphasizes advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice, and practical training in acute and critical care environments.

• Part-time distance-accessible format
• 45 total credit hours
• Hybrid learning model
• Optional RNFA subspecialty
• Advanced acute care specialization
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Unencumbered nursing license required
• Six to seven semester completion
• Synchronous online classes
• On-campus intensive sessions

University of Alabama at Birmingham's MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with RNFA offers a specialized hybrid program integrating advanced practice nursing and surgical first assistant skills. This 45-credit curriculum combines online synchronous classes with on-campus intensives, enabling part-time students to develop comprehensive acute care expertise. Designed for BSN-prepared nurses with a 3.0 GPA, the program provides robust clinical training across diverse healthcare settings. The optional RNFA subspecialty enhances surgical intervention capabilities, preparing graduates for complex clinical roles with competitive per-semester tuition around $702.

• 45-credit hybrid MSN program
• Part-time distance-accessible format
• Optional RNFA subspecialty
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Multiple clinical practica opportunities
• Advanced acute care specialization
• Synchronous online classes
• On-campus intensive sessions

University of Alabama at Birmingham's Post-Graduate APRN Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner offers an innovative hybrid online pathway for experienced nurses. This specialized 27-credit program enables MSN-prepared nurses to enhance their acute care competencies for adult and geriatric populations. Designed for working professionals, the distance-accessible format provides flexibility with synchronous learning and clinical practice opportunities. Graduates gain advanced skills in complex healthcare settings, preparing them for specialty certification. The program emphasizes leadership, population health, and evidence-based practice, with a competitive tuition rate of approximately $702 per semester hour.

• Hybrid distance-accessible format
• 27 total credit hours
• Post-MSN certification pathway
• Specialty focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care
• Multiple clinical practice courses

UAB's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner represents an advanced hybrid program targeting experienced nurses seeking comprehensive clinical leadership training. The extensive 79-credit curriculum spans nine to ten semesters, featuring online synchronous classes and periodic on-campus intensives. Emphasizing evidence-based practice and complex patient care, the program prepares nurses for high-level acute and critical care roles. With a flexible distance-accessible format, students develop advanced clinical expertise, leadership skills, and specialized knowledge in managing intricate healthcare challenges across adult populations.

• Part-time distance-accessible format
• 79 total credit hours
• Online synchronous classes
• On-campus intensive sessions
• Advanced acute care specialization
• Flexible 9-10 semester program
• Focuses on complex patient care
• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• Hybrid learning approach
• Clinical practica included

George Washington University's online Master of Science in Nursing delivers a comprehensive Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track that transforms experienced nurses into advanced practice specialists. The 48-credit program integrates sophisticated clinical training with 600 clinical hours, preparing graduates for national certification exams. Designed for RNs with bachelor's degrees and critical care experience, the curriculum bridges theoretical knowledge with practical expertise. Students develop advanced clinical skills for managing complex patient care in emergency departments and intensive care units, positioning themselves as innovative healthcare leaders with strong research and diagnostic capabilities.

• Online Master of Science Nursing
• 48 credit program
• 600 clinical hours required
• Critical care specialization
• National certification preparation
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• One year critical care experience
• Advanced practice nursing focus

George Washington University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate offers a targeted, part-time pathway for experienced RNs seeking advanced specialization. This rigorous program demands substantial clinical immersion, including 600 clinical hours and 20 credit hours, strategically designed for nurses with master's degrees and critical care backgrounds. Hybrid learning format accommodates working professionals, with two on-campus simulation events enhancing practical skills. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive patient assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and leadership in urgent and critical care settings, preparing nurses to excel in high-intensity medical environments.

• Part-time 5-semester certificate
• 20 credit hours required
• 600 clinical hours
• Master's degree prerequisite
• Critical care experience needed
• State residency requirements
• Two on-campus simulation events
• Minimum 3.0 GPA preferred

George Washington University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner represents the pinnacle of advanced nursing education. This hybrid doctoral program cultivates exceptional clinical expertise through 72 credit hours and 1,100 clinical hours, strategically focused on complex patient care and healthcare innovation. Concentrated in DC, Maryland, and Virginia regions, the program prepares nurses to lead inter-professional healthcare teams, implement evidence-based practices, and transform acute care delivery. Ideal for experienced RNs seeking to elevate their professional impact, the curriculum emphasizes sophisticated clinical assessment, quality improvement, and advanced practice leadership.

• 72 credit hour program
• 1,100 total clinical hours
• Hybrid learning format
• Critical care experience required
• Clinical placements DC/MD/VA
• Advanced nursing leadership focus
• High-intensity clinical training

University of Pennsylvania's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner MSN program delivers comprehensive hybrid training for advanced nursing professionals. Through 12 course units, students develop sophisticated clinical skills in physical assessment, decision-making, and interventional procedures across critical healthcare environments. The curriculum integrates cutting-edge simulation technologies with mentored clinical experiences, enabling graduates to excel in diverse specialties like cardiology and internal medicine. Emphasizing research-based methodologies, the program cultivates highly skilled practitioners capable of delivering nuanced, holistic patient care in dynamic medical settings.

• 12 total course units
• Hybrid program format
• Specialized clinical concentrations
• Immersive simulation training
• Mentored clinical practicum
• Advanced clinical technologies
• Research-based curriculum
• Multiple specialty focus areas

University of Pennsylvania's MSN in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with General Surgery concentration provides specialized training for advanced clinical professionals. Students develop comprehensive surgical patient management skills through immersive simulation technologies and mentored clinical experiences. The rigorous 12-unit curriculum focuses on advanced physical assessment, complex decision-making, and specialized interventional procedures. Graduates are expertly prepared to work in surgical environments, performing diagnostic procedures and delivering holistic, research-informed care for critically ill patients across various acute care settings.

• 12 total course units required
• Hybrid program format
• Advanced clinical simulation training
• Multiple clinical concentration options
• Mentored clinical practicum experiences
• Full-time and part-time study plans
• Advanced technologies integration
• Research methods included
• Specialized surgical patient focus

University of Pennsylvania's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner MSN program with Internal Medicine concentration offers advanced nursing education for complex patient care. Through 12 comprehensive course units, students gain expertise in physical assessment, clinical decision-making, and specialized interventional procedures. The hybrid program combines theoretical knowledge with mentored clinical experiences, emphasizing research-driven, holistic patient approaches. Graduates develop advanced skills in diagnosing and treating acutely ill adult and geriatric patients, integrating professional technologies and research methodologies to excel across diverse healthcare environments.

• 12 total course units required
• Hybrid program format
• Immersive simulation training
• Clinical concentration options
• Mentored clinical experiences
• Advanced technologies integration
• Research-focused curriculum
• Full and part-time study plans
• Professional role development

The University of Pennsylvania offers a Streamlined Post Graduate Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Certificate uniquely designed for experienced APRNs seeking specialized online certification. This comprehensive 12-month program enables nurses to enhance clinical expertise in managing complex adult and geriatric patient populations. Tailored for practicing advanced practice nurses, the program requires a BSN and MSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA, active RN and APRN licenses, and three months of APRN experience. Students benefit from a flexible online format, alignment with APRN Consensus Model standards, and advanced clinical preparation at a per credit unit cost of $6,640. The program prepares nurses to handle acutely ill and traumatically injured patients across diverse healthcare settings.

• 12-month online program
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Advanced practice RN certification
• Part-time flexible format
• Per credit unit cost $6,640

UConn's innovative online Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program delivers cutting-edge clinical education for licensed RNs targeting high-intensity medical environments. Exclusively designed for professionals with substantial acute care backgrounds, this 100% digital master's and doctoral track cultivates specialized skills in managing critically ill adult and geriatric patient populations. The curriculum emphasizes expert-level acute care competencies, positioning graduates at the forefront of one of healthcare's fastest-growing nursing specialties with comprehensive, flexible learning experiences.

• 100% Online Program
• Master's and DNP Options
• Advanced Acute Care Focus
• Requires 2+ Years Experience
• For Licensed RNs

The University of Connecticut's fully online Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program offers a transformative educational pathway for experienced RNs seeking advanced practice roles. Tailored for nurses with minimum two years of acute care experience, this master's degree provides comprehensive training in managing complex patient care across adult and gerontological populations. With 500 clinical practice hours and two on-campus intensive sessions, students develop expert-level competencies. The program uniquely prepares graduates for AACN/ANCC certification, emphasizing flexible learning options and advanced acute care training for healthcare professionals.

• Fully online master's degree
• 500 clinical practice hours
• Two on-campus intensive sessions
• Prep for AACN/ANCC certification
• For RNs with 2+ years experience
• Multiple degree path options
• Advanced acute care training

The University of Connecticut's dynamic online AGACNP program empowers licensed registered nurses to elevate their healthcare expertise through advanced practice training. Strategically structured for RNs possessing a bachelor's degree and minimum two years acute care experience, this flexible master's and doctoral pathway provides intensive clinical preparation. Students gain comprehensive skills in managing complex care for critically ill adult and elderly patients, with a robust curriculum designed to transform experienced nurses into specialized acute care practitioners.

• 100% Online Degree Program
• Master's and Doctoral Options
• Requires 2+ Years Acute Care Experience
• Advanced Practice Nursing Focus
• Targets Licensed RNs

University of South Carolina's online Master of Science in Nursing for Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioners offers comprehensive training for registered nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. This strategically designed program prepares professionals to manage complex patient needs across intensive care, emergency departments, and specialized medical units. Applicants must possess a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and one year of nursing experience. The curriculum emphasizes critical patient care skills, enabling graduates to excel in acute healthcare environments and become eligible for national certification examinations. Flexible online format supports working healthcare professionals' educational advancement.

• Online MSN program
• Acute care nurse practitioner focus
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• 1+ year nursing experience required
• National certification exam eligible

The University of South Carolina's post-master's Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate provides specialized advanced clinical training for experienced nurses. Tailored for healthcare professionals seeking comprehensive direct patient management skills, this online program covers critical care, trauma, cardiology, and surgical specialties. Designed with flexibility, it accommodates both certified and non-certified advanced practice nurses. Graduates gain extensive preparation to sit for national certification, enhancing professional credentials and expanding career opportunities in high-demand acute care settings. The program requires a master's degree in nursing and maintains rigorous academic standards with a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.

• Post-master's certificate program
• Prepares for national certification
• Multiple acute care specialties
• Minimum 18 credit hours
• Requires 3.0 GPA
• Practicum included
• Advanced clinical preparation

The University of South Carolina's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner represents a premier online doctoral program for advanced practice nurses. Nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report, this innovative program develops sophisticated clinical reasoning and analytical capabilities. Students receive comprehensive preparation for complex healthcare environments, focusing on acute and critical patient care management. The curriculum integrates evidence-based practices, clinical simulation experiences, and collaborative learning. Graduates are strategically positioned for leadership roles in hospitals, outpatient practices, and specialized medical settings, with robust preparation for national certification.

• Advanced practice clinical preparation
• Innovative Clinical Simulation Center
• Evidence-based project collaboration
• Prepares for national certification

University of Central Florida's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner post-master's certificate is a strategic 23-credit online hybrid program targeting experienced nurses seeking advanced practice specialization. Tailored for professionals with existing master's or DNP degrees, the curriculum rigorously prepares nurses to manage medically complex patient care across hospital, ambulatory, and home care environments. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, leadership development, and critical thinking, graduates are comprehensively equipped to excel in acute care settings and successfully complete professional certification examinations. The program uniquely balances theoretical knowledge with practical clinical skill enhancement.

• 23 Credit Hours Required
• Post-Master's Graduate Certificate
• Prepares for Board Certification
• Multiple Clinical Practice Settings
• Advanced Practice Nursing Focus
• Evidence-Based Practice Curriculum
• Comprehensive Clinical Hours
• Diagnostic Reasoning Skills
• Critical Care Specialization
• Advanced Health Assessment Training

University of Central Florida's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner represents an innovative hybrid-online doctoral pathway for advanced practice nurses. This comprehensive 76-credit program integrates 1,080 clinical hours with intensive interprofessional learning experiences. Students develop sophisticated clinical competencies focusing on comprehensive care for complex adult and gerontology patients aged 18 and older. The curriculum strategically emphasizes evidence-based practice, advanced diagnostic reasoning, and leadership skills. Designed for RNs with BSN credentials, the program provides robust preparation for national certification examinations and positions graduates as highly skilled acute care practitioners.

• Hybrid-online DNP program
• 1,080 total clinical hours
• Twice yearly campus intensives
• 76 total credit hours
• Nationally accredited program
• Acute care focus 18+ patients
• RN license required
• BSN from accredited institution
• Clinical sites assigned by program
• Certification exam preparation

Maryville University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program provides a dynamic online educational experience for nurses targeting high-intensity healthcare environments. The program offers multiple degree pathways, including MSN and DNP options, with completion times ranging from 32-40 months. Students benefit from a curriculum that comprehensively covers advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and clinical management strategies. With no GMAT or GRE prerequisites and a 92% pass rate, the program prepares graduates for robust career opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 45% increase in nurse practitioner jobs by 2032, with an annual median salary of $126,260, highlighting the program's strategic value for advancing nursing careers.

• 100% online program
• No GMAT/GRE required
• 92% program pass rate
• Multiple entry points annually
• Complete clinicals locally
• Tuition $15,534 - $66,634
• 32-40 month completion time
• CCNE accredited program
• Multiple degree options

Maryville University's Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care offers a comprehensive online pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced specialization. Tailored for MSN-prepared professionals, the program enables nurses to develop critical skills in acute care management and complex patient interventions. With a remarkable 92% pass rate and no GMAT or GRE entrance requirements, students can complete the 35-credit program flexibly. The curriculum emphasizes diagnostic procedures, intensive care strategies, and advanced clinical techniques. Students complete local clinical practicums, gaining hands-on experience in emergency departments and specialized medical units. The program's competitive tuition range and multiple annual start dates make it an attractive option for nurses aiming to elevate their acute care expertise.

• 100% online program
• No GMAT/GRE required
• Complete clinicals locally
• 92% program pass rate
• 35 credit certificate
• Multiple start dates annually
• No waiting list after acceptance
• Clinically focused curriculum

Maryville University's Online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program delivers a flexible, comprehensive educational experience for healthcare professionals. Offering four distinct pathway options—MSN, BSN to DNP, Post-Master's Certificate, and DNP-NP—the program accommodates diverse professional backgrounds. Students complete the program within 32-40 months, focusing on advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice, and complex patient care. With no GMAT or GRE requirements and a 92% pass rate, the program enables local clinical practicums and prepares graduates for high-demand roles in hospitals, specialty clinics, and critical care units. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive patient management for adults experiencing acute health conditions.

• 100% online program
• No GMAT/GRE required
• Complete clinicals locally
• Four program pathway options
• 92% program pass rate
• 32-40 month completion time
• Tuition $15,534 - $66,634
• No waiting list after acceptance
• CCNE accredited program

Florida State University's online Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Masters Graduate Certificate offers a specialized pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced acute care expertise. Spanning 22 credit hours, this program leverages a multi-theoretical model to prepare nurses for complex critical care environments. Students engage in comprehensive learning through synchronized lectures, simulation exercises, and clinical rotations focused on intensive care settings. The CCNE-accredited curriculum emphasizes diagnostic skills, treatment strategies, and advanced patient management techniques. Designed exclusively for post-master's nurses, the program provides flexible online education with synchronous components, enabling healthcare professionals to enhance their acute care competencies without disrupting current employment.

• Online program with synchronous components.
• 22 credit hours required.
• Focus on adult acute care nursing.
• Includes clinical rotations.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Prepares for ICU settings.
• Simulation exercises included.
• Multi-theoretical model used.
• For post-master's nurses.
• Offered by College of Nursing.

Florida State University's hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult Gerontology Acute Care represents a cutting-edge educational pathway for advanced practice nurses. This comprehensive program blends online coursework with minimal on-campus sessions, accommodating working healthcare professionals. With multiple entry options including BSN-to-DNP and post-master's tracks, students can complete the program within seven years. The curriculum prepares graduates for national certification exams and high-level clinical roles. Tuition varies from $32,440 for in-state to $78,475 for out-of-state students. Emphasizing comprehensive clinical training, the program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and recommends substantial RN experience, ensuring students develop sophisticated acute care nursing competencies.

• Full-time and part-time study
• Primarily online coursework
• Five campus sessions required
• Multiple entry pathways
• Synchronous and asynchronous classes
• RN experience recommended
• Certification exam preparation
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Seven-year completion timeline
• Comprehensive clinical training

Rutgers University's hybrid Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program offers advanced nurses a comprehensive pathway to specialize in critical patient care. Designed for experienced professionals, the program emphasizes evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates to manage complex healthcare needs of adult and elderly populations. Students develop sophisticated clinical skills for acute medical settings, learning to deliver culturally responsive and person-centered healthcare. The hybrid format allows flexibility while maintaining rigorous academic standards. With a military-friendly designation and hospital campus resources, the program provides robust training in managing acute health conditions and addressing diverse patient requirements.

• Hybrid program format
• Advanced nursing specialization
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Interprofessional collaboration skills
• Culturally responsive healthcare approach

Duke University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner MSN program provides registered nurses an exceptional opportunity to specialize in acute care nursing. As a nationally ranked hybrid program, it offers distance-based learning that enables students to develop sophisticated clinical competencies in treating critically ill patients across diverse healthcare environments. With only 7% of nurse practitioners certified in this specialty, graduates enter a field with significant career potential. The curriculum integrates advanced clinical simulation, global placement opportunities, and a strong emphasis on health equity, preparing practitioners to excel in complex medical settings with projected job growth of 38%.

• Hybrid distance-based learning
• Global clinical placement network
• Focus on health equity
• Extensive clinical simulation experiences

Duke University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate offers an innovative hybrid learning pathway for advanced practice nurses seeking specialized critical care expertise. Through a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing health equity and global clinical perspectives, students develop advanced skills in treating acutely and critically ill patients across age ranges. The program's distance-based format accommodates working professionals, providing flexibility without compromising educational quality. With expert faculty mentorship and extensive clinical simulation experiences, graduates are strategically positioned in a high-demand specialty projected to experience substantial job growth, with median annual salaries approaching $129,480.

• Hybrid learning format
• Distance-based clinical experiences
• Global clinical network
• Focus on health equity
• Expert faculty mentors
• Advanced simulation experiences
• Extensive clinical placement support