Do you thrive in fast-paced, high-acuity environments? Consider Walden’s MSN-Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) online program—and see why we’re the No. 1 choice for MSN-AGACNP programs in the U.S. Learn to diagnose and treat patients ages 13 and older with complex acute and unstable chronic medical conditions. Build the hard and soft skills you need to rise confidently to every challenge and contribute to improved patient care in your organization and community.
This MSN-AGACNP online program academically prepares you to sit for the ANCC and AACN AGACNP board certification exams.
ENHANCED PRACTICUM SUPPORT
After you register for the Walden Practicum Pledge® (and meet other requirements1), if you can’t identify a site and preceptor, our dedicated Field Placement Team partners with you to help you find a match.
HIGH-IMPACT LEARNING
Prepare for real-life scenarios you’ll face in your specialty through supervised clinical experiences and virtual Walden Grand Rounds.
SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY
Our MSN-AGACNP online program can help you make a lifesaving difference for patients with sudden illnesses or traumatic injuries.
Choose the MSN-AGACNP online BSN to MSN track if you are a registered nurse (RN) and have already earned your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Advanced practice nurses must be equipped with an in-depth understanding of pathophysiological disease processes across the lifespan. In this course, students focus on understanding the bio-physiological processes, the deviations from these processes, and an in-depth examination of the scientific concepts related to the biology of disease processes. Advanced practice nursing students build on their knowledge of normal organ systems functioning to help organ systems return to optimal homeostasis. Through knowledge of pathophysiological disease processes, students synthesize the information needed to develop appropriate treatment plans for patients across the lifespan. Students explore a variety of topics regarding organ system diseases.
A solid foundation in the concepts and principles of drug therapy across the lifespan is essential to the work of advanced practice nurses. This course applies the advanced principles of pharmacology, including pharmacogenomics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, by analysis of common drug classes prescribed by advanced practice nurses across the lifespan. Factors influencing successful therapy, such as effectiveness, safety, acceptability, cost, genetic/environmental influences, complementary regimens, and patient behaviors are considered. Through this course, students prepare to examine complex decisions in the management and treatment of selected acute and chronic diseases across the lifespan through pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic agents. Advanced practice nursing students will have a more in-depth understanding of drug legislation and regulation for prescribing drugs.
The physical and emotional well-being of patients and families can be complex and multifaceted. Advanced practice nurses need to have the knowledge and ability to provide safe, competent, and comprehensive physical health assessments. Students in this course focus on concepts and skills to assess patients across the lifespan. They learn to use diagnostic reasoning, advanced communication, and physical assessment skills to identify changes in health patterns. Students also will explore preventative health through risk evaluation of healthy individuals as a central theme of clinical practice in addition to the assessment of patients with acute and chronic health problems. The advanced skills of reading 12 Lead EKGs, and interpreting X-rays will be covered. Course assignments emphasize risk assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and evidence-based assessment across the lifespan.
This course is the first of four clinical courses in the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care curriculum. Students will explore and integrate concepts of pathophysiology, pharmacology, assessment, and collaborative management of adolescents, adults, and older adults who are acutely/critically ill or experiencing an exacerbation of a chronic health problem. The clinical focus is on the role of the acute care nurse practitioner working with an interdisciplinary team across settings to facilitate the patient’s return to optimal health. Topics include cardiac, pulmonary, and renal issues as well as common diagnostic tests and procedures.
In this course, students focus on the complex healthcare and management needs of older adults by advanced nurse practitioners in acute and primary care settings. Students learn to plan, implement, and evaluate therapeutic regimens of older adults through the application of knowledge in multiple settings. Additionally, students examine content related to end-of-life care and caregiver issues to gain the knowledge and sensibilities needed to implement positive change for the quality of life available to this vulnerable population.
The RN to MSN track is ideal if you are a registered nurse (RN) entering the MSN program with a hospital diploma or an associate degree in nursing.
Contemporary nurses who wish to influence the current healthcare system must equip themselves with the knowledge and competencies to lead in times of pressure, constant change, and innovation. Quality improvement science provides a rich set of tools and techniques and has been adopted by most nursing leaders. Nurses are expected to lead with quality improvement knowledge and competencies. Students in this course work toward gaining these skills by focusing on real practice problems and developing evidence-based solutions. They also learn skills and techniques in team building; strengthening interpersonal, communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration; promoting meaningful use of data to gauge improvements and problem solving; translating day-to-day practice problems to long-term strategy for organizational growth; and identifying strategies to manage organizational change. Students apply course concepts through case studies. Through this practice experience, students gain professional knowledge from nursing leaders in practice the application of quality improvement science. (One credit of practicum equates to 72 clock hours of student practice experience hours.)
tudents will receive a foundation for academic and professional success as scholar-practitioners and social change agents. Course assignments introduce students to resources that support success, development of graduate-level writing skills and use of APA style, academic integrity, and the creation of a professional development plan based on each student’s chosen specialization. Additionally, information and requirements for the MSN practicum are introduced.
This is one of four practicum courses in the Adult-Gerontology curriculum. Students will apply their knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment to the diagnosis and management of those conditions more common in older adults. The focus of this course is on advanced nursing practice relevant to the acute and primary care environments.
This course is the second of four clinical courses in the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care curriculum. Students will plan, implement, and evaluate care for acutely/critically ill patients or patients experiencing an exacerbation of a chronic health problem. The clinical focus is on the role of the acute care nurse practitioner working with an interdisciplinary team across settings to facilitate the patient’s return to optimal health. Students will apply appropriate diagnostic procedures and relevant laboratory tests in developing appropriate treatment plans to address patient health needs in the acute care setting.
Students in this course will advance their clinical competence in the care of patients in acute care settings. Students will build confidence as they begin the transition from student to advanced practice nurse. Classroom activities and case studies will enable students to explore resources and support systems available to acutely ill adolescents, adults, and older adults. The application of knowledge in the management of patients and the collaboration between the advanced practice nurse and the patient, family, and multidisciplinary healthcare team are emphasized.
If you are a registered nurse (RN) and have earned your bachelor’s in nursing degree, you can use these tracks to get started on your doctoral nursing degree.
Talk directly to an Enrollment Specialist who will walk you through every step of the enrollment process—from finding the right program to funding your education.
Choosing Walden’s acute care gerontology nurse practitioner online program is a big step in your academic and professional journey. To aid in a smooth application process, we offer:
No application fee
No essay or SAT/ACT requirement
Easy credit transfer
Program Admission Considerations (RN-MSN): Registered nurses who hold a hospital diploma, associate degree in nursing, or bachelor’s degree (other than BSN)
Program Admission Considerations (BSN-MSN): A bachelor's degree or higher
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts
More information for international applicants.
Lisa D. Stovel-Rolle | MSN ’12
Higher education should be accessible to all. That’s why Walden offers many ways to lower your MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner online program costs, such as:
Experience-based credits
Tuition savings
Believe & Achieve Scholarship®
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 58 quarter credit hours | $765 per quarter hour | $44,370 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $175 | $1,225 |
| Clinical Course Fee | 4 courses (PRAC) | $160 | $640 |
| $46,235* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,120 $40,115†* | ||
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 25 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,500. Students may also incur additional costs related to practicum, including but not limited to costs of travel to their practicum site, practicum onboarding fees, per quarter practicum fees, and liability insurance costs.
†*Represents BSN-MSN track, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 26 RN Foundational quarter credit hours | $425 per quarter hour | $11,050 |
| 58 MSN quarter credit hours | $765 per quarter hour | $44,370 | |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $175 | $1,575 |
| Clinical Course Fee | 4 courses (PRAC) | $160 | $640 |
| $57,635* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,120 $51,515†* | ||
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 40 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,500. Students may also incur additional costs related to practicum, including but not limited to costs of travel to their practicum site, practicum onboarding fees, per quarter practicum fees, and liability insurance costs.
†*Represents RN-MSN track, minimum time to completion, and Believe and Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary.
An MSN-AGACNP online degree can prepare you to make an impact in a growing occupation.
Nurse Practitioner
AGACNPs care for patients ages 13 and older with complex acute and chronic conditions.
Expected growth: 45%1
Estimated annual wage: $94,530–$140,6101
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries.
Upon completing this acute care gerontology nurse practitioner online program, graduates will be prepared to:
Synthesize organizational/systems leadership for cost-effective specialist nursing practice that contributes to high-quality healthcare delivery, advancement of the nursing profession, and social change.
Critique evidence-based literature drawing from diverse theoretical perspectives and pertinent research to guide decision making that demonstrates best practices for specialist nursing practice in a global society.
Integratively assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate cost-effective healthcare strategies that reduce health disparities by patient/population advocacy for access to specialist nursing care.
Demonstrate ability to effectively communicate using audience-specific oral, written, and information technology for professional delivery of specialist nursing care.
Evaluate health needs of diverse populations for necessary teaching/coaching functions based on specialist nursing knowledge to restore/promote health and prevent illness/injury.
Exhibit ongoing commitment to professional development and value of nursing theories/ethical principles (altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, social justice) in accordance with ethically responsible, legally accountable, specialist nursing practice.
Implement specialist nursing roles to promote quality improvement of patient-centered care in accordance with professional practice standards that transform health care for diverse populations.
Walden’s faculty is made up of dedicated scholars and active practitioners with many years of experience in the nursing field.
Explore other MSN program specializations at Walden.
Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners (AGACNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who are trained to work in high-acuity environments to diagnose and treat seriously ill patients. They care for patients ages 13 and older, unlike family nurse practitioners, who are trained to care for patients across the lifespan. AGACNPs provide this specialized care in hospitals and other acute settings and are prepared to perform a hospitalist or intensivist role when caring for patients throughout a hospital or ICU stay.
In general, primary care refers to clinic-based medical care where you see a patient multiple times over the years, providing continuity of care, treating occasional and chronic health issues, and helping the patient mitigate health risks. A master’s degree program in nursing focused on primary care will teach you how to assess risk factors, treat illness, and promote healthy living in adolescents (13+), young adults, and older adults.
Acute care, on the other hand, refers to medical care given to treat a specific, pressing medical problem. It’s often short-term care requiring rapid intervention to restore the health of the patient. In Walden’s MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) online program, you’ll learn how to treat acutely or chronically ill patients ages 13 and older, from initial assessment and diagnosis to developing a treatment and care plan.
MSN-AGACNP online programs prepare students to advance their education and nursing practice while balancing work and other commitments. But not all of these programs are created equal. For example, Walden’s acute care gerontology nurse practitioner online program offers robust practicum support to help you secure a site and preceptor in a timely manner. This allows you to start your MSN journey with greater confidence.
In addition, our curriculum is designed to help you prepare for real scenarios you’ll encounter in the field, featuring hands-on clinical experiences that allow you to practice what you’ve learned. Walden’s program academically prepares you to sit for the national certification exam for adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner after graduation.
Lastly, our MSN-AGACNP online program is rooted in helping you effect positive social change. You’ll be ready to help your healthcare organization and community by making a lifesaving difference for seriously ill and injured patients.
After you successfully complete your MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) online program, you will need to pursue licensure and certification. AGACNP licensure requirements are set at the state level, meaning each state’s nursing board has the authority to determine the requirements for licensure. It’s best for individuals to check with their state board of nursing for licensure and certification requirements; however, the vast majority of states require individuals to be certified by a national certification board.
Each national certification exam is a competency-based examination that tests clinical knowledge in specific focus areas. Each autonomous national nursing certification board assesses entry-level nurse practitioner knowledge and practice competencies required to provide safe and quality healthcare. There are two primary national certification boards that offer the exams necessary for credentialing AGACNPs: the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
An AGACNP who is certified has fulfilled the requirements of a national certification board. Certification boards do not license individuals as AGACNPs. In order for an individual to be licensed as an AGACNP, individuals must meet the requirements as set forth by their state nursing board.
Yes, Walden’s MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In fact, three of Walden’s nursing degree programs are CCNE accredited: the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) Completion Program, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency contributing to the improvement of the public’s health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.
A nursing practicum gives you valuable practical experience by allowing you to apply your new knowledge and skills in real-life situations and settings. Walden’s MSN-AGACNP online program offers Practicum Pledge™ to help you start your MSN journey with confidence. In addition to our large network of field sites and preceptors, you will benefit from an additional, dedicated Field Placement Team that partners with you to identify a site and preceptor. If you’re unable to identify your own nursing practicum site and preceptor after several attempts, we’ll assist in finding you a suitable match (subject to additional requirements).
