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BSN to DNP-AGACNP
Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP

Earn the terminal degree in nursing and pursue specialization as an AGACNP. You can reach your highest career goals in nursing with Herzing University.

Program Length

32 Mo.

Accredited1

CCNE

Format

Online

Clinical Placement

We Pledge
calendar

NEXT START May 4th

Waived Enrollment Fee

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Take the lead when every minute matters as an AGACNP

AccreditationCCNE accredited1, Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Format100% online didactic classes, hands-on clinical experience, and completion of a DNP Practice Project
Clinicals945 combined clinical/project hours—Herzing pledges clinical placement
AdmissionsEligibility requirements include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a minimum 3.0 GPA
CertificationPrepare for the AGACNP-BC certification exam from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

Learn More Today!

Classes start: May 4th

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US News Best Graduate Nursing Programs 2026

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online graduate nursing programs in 2026

Go from BSN to DNP-AGACNP with Herzing University

The BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner degree is a 71-credit graduate program which prepares you for a career as an AGACNP. The online degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in improvement science, epidemiology, research, theory, systems-based practice, advanced procedures and skills for acute care, and much more.

We welcome RNs aspiring to earn the highest level of education a nurse can achieve. Partner with a university eager to help you climb the ladder to greater career heights—both as an AGACNP and an influential leader in the field of nursing.

Acute care nurse practitioner with DNP reviewing treatment with RN

  • Career-focused curriculum

    Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

  • Flexible schedule

    We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

  • Virtual services

    Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

  • Lifelong support

    We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

  • Rolling admissions

    No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Curriculum

Courses & curriculum details

Our DNP curriculum is developed in compliance with the model for advanced nursing education of the AACN new Essentials (2021) Level 2 sub-competencies. The program prepares you for 21st century nursing practice focused on interdisciplinary knowledge, leadership, innovation, and the ability to impact systems and population health change.

All didactic courses are delivered online. The curriculum includes 585 hours of hands-on AGACNP clinical experience and a DNP Practice Project.

ProgramMonths iSemester Credits
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – BSN to DNP3271

i. Average number of months for students to complete program.

Required Core Courses

All courses, 33.00 semester credit hours, are required.

The course focuses on introduction of advanced level nursing competencies as described by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in their 2021 publication The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education. By engaging in course learning resources students will gain knowledge of professional nursing concepts that when applied in practice result in improved outcomes and serve to transform the healthcare environment. Students will utilize their relatable and application level of competency, across numerous essential nursing domains, for exploring their role as a leader in healthcare and in designing a quality improvement process.

Building on foundational knowledge of statistical/bio-statistical concepts from prior education, the aim of the course is to foster the development of practice scholarship competencies. This graduate-level course integrates advanced concepts in nursing theory, research methods, and epidemiology to provide a comprehensive understanding of evidence-based practice in nursing. The course emphasizes the critical evaluation and application of theoretical frameworks in nursing, the evaluation of research findings for application to practice, and the analysis of epidemiological data as a basis for informing healthcare practice and policy.

This course focuses on the integration, translation, and application of established and evolving theoretical, evidence-based, and disciplinary nursing knowledge as the basis for clinical judgment and innovation in nursing practice. Students examine frameworks for knowledge and propose a practice application informed by leadership principals and ethical decision making.

The course focuses on a systems-based approach to enhance quality and minimize risk of harm to patients and providers through system effectiveness and individual performance using established and emerging principles of safety and improvement science. Students will review metrics and data driven benchmarks to analyze quality and safety initiatives, employ change theory and improvement science processes to design evidence‐based interventions, and demonstrate advocacy to promote a just institutional culture reflecting resiliency, civility, and respect.

This course focuses on the delivery of care using interprofessional teams in an environment fostering quality and safety and based on the adoption, integration, and dissemination of best practices, current practice guidelines, and evidence‐based interventions. Students will evaluate the effectiveness of interprofessional communication and the impact of team dynamics and performance on desired outcomes in practice. Using tools and techniques to support and improve the efficacy of team‐based interactions student will develop a plan to enhance collaboration.

The course explores the transformative role of telehealth in modern healthcare systems. The course provides an in-depth examination of telehealth technologies, their implementation, and their impact on patient care and healthcare delivery. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how telehealth can address disparities, enhance patient engagement, and improve health outcomes.

This course will explore information, communication technologies, and informatics processes used to provide care, gather data, drive decision making, and manage and improve the delivery of safe, high‐quality, and efficient healthcare services in accordance with best practice and professional and regulatory standards. Students will perform an information technology analysis of their practice and develop strategic planning to direct the selection and implementation of new information and communication technologies for their practice setting.

This course focuses on proficient multidimensional leadership for healthcare. Leadership theory, managing change in complex environments, mentoring, and creating a workplace environment that promotes social justice and equity, self‐care, personal health, and well‐being, and lifelong learning will be emphasized. Students will examine their personal, professional, and leadership development process, and create a three-dimensional advocacy-based approach to provide leadership in for the healthcare, professional, and community arenas.

This course applies the principles of best practices, change theory, and improvement and implementation science to the development of innovative solutions for complex health systems to ensure optimal care. Course key concepts include organizational structure, including relationships among macro‐, meso‐, and microsystems across healthcare, and financial and payment models for cost management and reimbursement. Students will engage in a strategic planning initiative for a complex healthcare system which enhances value, access, quality, and cost‐effectiveness, including policy to address health equity and eliminate structural discrimination.

The course focuses on the application, evaluation, and dissemination of knowledge in practice to improve health and transform health care. The processes for the generation, critique, synthesis, and translation of knowledge will be examined. Students will complete human subject protection certification, determine best practices for a specified clinical initiative, and apply evidence to clinical decision making using a framework of evidence-based practice and improvement science.

This course examines the healthcare delivery continuum from public health prevention to disease management of populations and describes collaborative activities with both traditional and non‐traditional partnerships from affected communities, public health, industry, academia, health care, local government entities, and others for the improvement of equitable population health outcomes. For a selected population, students will analyze health priorities and the potential for collaboration and partnerships to provide a basis for interventions, policy, advocate strategy, and emergency preparedness.

Required Specialty Courses

All courses, 30.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course is an examination of the process of holistic assessment (physical, psychosocial, and cultural) of individuals across the lifespan. Focus is critical thinking and decision-making related to the role of the advanced practice nurse in a primary care setting.

The course examines scientific concepts of pathophysiology essential to diagnostic reasoning and clinical management of common disease states. The dilemma of cost and need for laboratory and radiographic evidence to support diagnosis is examined.

This course is designed to advance the student's knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics in the management of health and disease states. Major categories of pharmacological agents are examined in the context of the life span, culture, and health and disease states. State and federal regulation related to purchase, possession, administration and patient education about controlled substances, pharmacologic agents and non-pharmacologic agents used as medications are examined.

This course is an examination of the processes applicable to clinical decision making in the acute care setting. Models for clinical decision making will be presented. An overview of key assessments and the wide range of clinical activity categories that impact the clinical decision-making process will be provided. Application of course concepts will be accomplished through engagement with acute and chronic clinical scenarios. The clinical experience is in the direct patient care setting with an emphasis on acute care. 

The focus of this course is introducing and exploring the technical and procedural skills including clinical decision-making, indications, contraindications, complications, and management of complications related to advanced practice, adult gerontology care nursing specialty skills. Application of course concepts will be accomplished through simulation exercises structured for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for management of the acute and/or chronically ill patient. The clinical experience is in the direct patient care setting with an emphasis on acute care.

The focus of this course is introducing theoretical knowledge, evidence-based guidelines, and clinical foundation in the assessment and management of acute and chronic health states specific to adults across the lifespan in the acute care settings. Students will utilize evidence-based guidelines, clinical judgement, diagnostic reasoning in the development of differentials diagnoses while implementing a safe treatment plan that improves quality outcomes for patients. The clinical experience is in the direct patient care setting with an emphasis on acute care.

This course focuses on the building of theoretical knowledge, evidence-based guidelines, and clinical foundation in the complex assessment and management of acute and chronic health states specific to adults across the lifespan in the acute care settings. Students will utilize evidence-based guidelines, clinical judgement, diagnostic reasoning in the progressive development of differentials diagnoses while implementing a safe comprehensive treatment plan that improves quality outcomes for patients. The clinical experience is in the direct patient care setting with an emphasis on acute care.

The emphasis of this practicum course is refining competency in theoretical knowledge, evidence-based guidelines, and clinical proficiency in the complex assessment and management of acute and chronic health states and multisystem disorders specific to adults across the lifespan in the acute care settings. A portion of this final practicum will support the student's population of interest while preparing the student to assume the role and professional responsibilities of the entry-level Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP). The clinical experience is in the direct patient care setting with an emphasis on acute care.

Required Project Residency Core Courses

All courses, 8.00 semester credit hours, are required.

The course focuses on designing and preparing a quality improvement Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project. In this course, students will review expectations for a DNP project, examine completed DNP projects, identify a practice problem, create a project prospectus, develop a project protocol, create a project timeline, estimate costs associated with the proposed project, submit Institutional Review Board (IRB) project approval application, secure a project stakeholder/liaison agreement, and complete preparations necessary to support implementation, where possible, of the project.

This course is the first of a three-course residency series which supports the implementation, management, completion, and dissemination of a DNP project focused on improving clinical practice. In this first course students will work with their Chair and Committee to initiate their project.

This course is the second of a three-course residency series which supports the implementation, management, completion, and dissemination of a DNP project focused on improving clinical practice. In this second course students will continue to work with their Chair and Committee on the implementation and evaluation of their project. 

This course is the third of a three-course series which supports the implementation, management, completion, and dissemination of a DNP project focused on improving clinical practice. In this third course students will complete the implementation and evaluation of their project, present their project results, and prepare a written deliverable of their project.

Clinical Proficiency Exam and Policy

The following modules are 0.00 semester credit hours associated with the policy outlined above. Students are required to take as co-requisite module along with NU 611, NU 642, NU 664 or NU 671, depending on the program of study. Module Number Module Name  Semester Credit Hours NSG 0600 Clinical Proficiency Module 0.00 NSG 0600R Clinical Proficiency Remediation Module (if needed) 0.00  

Tuition & Cost 

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the BSN to DNP-AGACNP program option is $770 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

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  • Scholarships & Financial Aid

    You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants, both through Herzing University and several national scholarship websites.

    Find scholarships and grants  

  • Military/Veteran Discounts

    Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10-20% tuition discount.

    VA/Military benefits  

Find My Estimate  
Requirements

Enrollment Requirements

Prerequisites to enroll in the Herzing University BSN to DNP-AGACNP program include:

  • Hold a current, active, and unrestricted license as a registered nurse (RN) in the same state in which they live. (Note: Holding a multi-state, compact state license and being a resident in a compact license state will be deemed to have met this requirement.)
  • Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited university or college with an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Clinicals

Clinical Experience: Herzing supports your search for a preceptor

Finding a preceptor or clinical location for an AGACNP program can be a pain point for many prospective nursing students. With Herzing University you are never on your own.

If you'd like more detail on the process, read our guide to finding a nurse practitioner preceptor, which includes information on what sites you may choose, what kinds of preceptors you can work with, and tips on how to secure a clinical.

Benefits of the Herzing BSN to DNP-AGACNP program clinical experience:

Strong University guidance

Herzing goes above and beyond to help you find a clinical site. Our Clinical Guidance Process backed by the Herzing APRN Clinical Placement Pledge ensures you are able to secure clinical placement as part of the BSN to DNP-AGACNP program.

You will be ready

Our program includes a Clinical Readiness Course to prepare you for success in the practicum and your clinical experiences during your time here at Herzing University.

Interdisciplinary opportunities

Exposure to diverse acute and complex patient care environments makes you a better, more prepared nurse practitioner. Our priority is your experience to build upon in your new career—the Herzing BSN to DNP-AGACNP program requires a minimum of 945 combined clinical/project hours to help ensure you see a variety of adult and older adult patients in acute care settings. You will earn personalized, valuable clinical experience caring for adults across the lifespan in times of critical illness.

Flexible scheduling

Fitting clinical hours into an already hectic life can be a challenge. In collaboration with your clinical preceptor, you will identify a schedule that works best for you.

We treat you like a professional

You are a student—but in a clinical setting you are accountable to a licensed healthcare provider and their patients. From enrollment to completion, we treat you like the nursing professional you are working so hard to become.

We Pledge Clinical Placement

Worried about clinical placement? You don't have to be.

At Herzing, clinical placement is built into your experience—because it's essential, and you deserve a program that treats it that way.

There's no guesswork. Just a proven framework backed by a promise. Our promise is your placement.

Clinical Guidance Process and Pledge Details

APRN Clinical placement pledge logo
Careers

Become an AGACNP and step towards the top of the nursing field

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Who Went from BSN to AGACNP Treating Patient Image
Image

Our program is designed to provide you the fastest path to both earn the highest degree in nursing and begin practicing as an AGACNP.

The current minimum degree requirement for AGACNP certification is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an AGACNP specialization.

However, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) has favored increasing the degree requirement to the DNP level for several years. The knowledge and skills earned in a DNP degree program can potentially better prepare you for the broad and complex care demanded from nurse practitioners in the present and future.

Becoming an AGACNP

Job Outlook

Graduate from a DNP program with an AGACNP specialization and you’ll be prepared to join a career field expected to grow rapidly over the next 10 years.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of nurse practitioners is expected to rise 40% from 2024-2034.* Combined with the upcoming demographic change in the U.S. heavily favoring the older population, the healthcare need for adult and geriatric patients is expected to quickly increase.

Classes Start: May 4th

Waived Enrollment Fee

Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

Request Info Apply Now 
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BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs / Showing 1 program for the Online campus

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The Student Experience at Herzing

I love how well this all worked out and am excited to get to work!
Elizabeth Shirk
Nursing | Online Campus
My wife is a nurse and she is my hero that inspired me to become one. Nurses have a chance to make a real difference in someone's life, and I wanted to be a part of that.
John Santurri
Nursing | Orlando Campus
Everyone at Herzing University was supportive and played a role in helping me achieve my goals, from the admissions staff to the president. I have a story and relationship with almost everyone on campus. My instructors really encouraged me every day to succeed and inspired me to become the best nurse I could be.
Brandon Charles Shaver
Nursing | Kenosha Campus
Nursing is definitely a hard career choice, but Herzing’s program helped me find confidence in myself.
Samantha Hudson
Nursing | Minneapolis Campus
My family, friends, and of course, Herzing, were always there to help me! Never underestimate how much a good support system can help you stay successful.
Carleigh Wenzel
Nursing | Brookfield/Milwaukee Campus
Disclosures

Accreditation & Disclosures

1. The doctor of nursing practice program at Herzing University Madison is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin.

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View all accreditation and approvals

* BLS pay estimates calculate the median annual wage for various occupations. Per the BLS the median wage for an occupation is: "The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey." Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024. BLS median wage estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geographic market in which you want to work, and degree level and field, will affect career outcomes, including starting salary and earnings as an experienced employee. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the median salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, particular wage or salary, or other career growth.

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Classes Start: May 4th

Waived Enrollment Fee

Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

Request Info Apply Now