Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Created for the Working Professional
It's Time to PowerForward
100% Online Coursework
Complete coursework on your schedule—anytime, anywhere.
Only 5 In-Person Weekend Skills Labs*
Simulate real-world scenarios in our intensive, skill-building labs at our state-of-the-art facility in Oak Brook.
Clinical Placement Assistance
Leverage your existing network or work with us to find the proper clinical placement—our valued partners are vital to the Oak Point community.
Faculty Mentors
Individualized academic and career guidance.
*5 skills intensives are required for MSN students only; 3 are required for post-graduate certificate students.
Realizing your dream to become an AGACNP requires a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to become a nurse practitioner (NP) and certification by one of two nursing organizations. Oak Point University is your answer to getting the qualifications, skills, and confidence you need for success as an AGACNP.
This program prepares advanced practice nurses to participate in the development of appropriate policy and evidence-based practice. The ability to function as an educator, leader, consultant, advocate, and change agent is essential to the development of clinical expertise in this role.
Why PowerForward with Oak Point
Your path has been more challenging than ever during the past few years. You’ve been through more than most people can imagine. But you’ve got a lot more to give. We’re here to help make that happen.
Dr. Christopher Galloway
Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs
Hear Dr. Galloway discuss why he got into nursing, how he gives back by educating students, and the benefits of attending Oak Point.
Getting Your AGACNP at Oak Point
Two Pathways for ACAGNP Specialization
Master of Science in Nursing Option
The MSN option is designed for the student who has:
- a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and
- an active RN license.
The curriculum comprised of:
- 48 credit hours, including
- 540 clinical hours.
Post-Master Certificate Option
The Post-Master Certificate option is designed for the student who has:
- a Master of Science in Nursing and
- an active CNP license.
The curriculum comprised of:
- 26 credit hours, including
- 540 clinical hours.
Curriculum
View the core, clinical core, and specialty courses that will prepare to be a critical care partner for those who need it most and set you up for success in taking your certification exam.
11 Credits // MSN Students Only
Core Courses
NRG 5000 // Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice // 3 Credit Hours
NRG 5002 // Health Care Delivery // 3 Credit Hours
NRG 5005 // Evidence-Based Practice for the Advanced Nursing Role // 3 Credit Hours
NRG 5910 // Leadership Roles in Healthcare Organizations // 2 Credit Hours
11 Credits // MSN Students Only
Clinical Core Courses
NRG 5101 // Advanced Health and Physical Assessment // 3 Credit Hours
NRG 5102 // Advanced Pathophysiology // 3 Credit Hours
NRG 5103 // Advanced Pharmacology // 3 Credit Hours
NRG 5105 // Advanced Health and Physical Assessment Lab with APN Skills // 2 Credit Hours
26 Credits // MSN + Certificate Students
Specialty Courses
NRG 5811 // Acute Care Adult Gerontology I // 3 Credit Hours
NRG 5811R // Acute Care Adult Gerontology Residency I // 1 Credit Hours
NRG 5804 // Advanced Acute Care Adult Gerontology II // 3 Credit Hours
NRG 5804R // Advanced Acute Care Residency II // 4 Credit Hours
NRG 5806 // Acute Care Pharmacotherapeutics // 3 Credit Hours
NRG 5807 // Advanced Acute Care Adult Gerontology III // 3 Credit Hours
NRG 5807R // Advanced Acute Care Adult Gerontology Residency III // 4 Credit Hours
NRG 5813 // Wound Care/Suturing // 2 Credit Hours
NRG 5815 // Diagnostics and Procedures // 3 Credit Hours
Ideal Candidates Are:
Created for Today's Healthcare Heroes
Self-Motivated and Flexible
Seeking learning options that offer the convenience of online classes with hands-on, skill-building labs that simulate real-world scenarios.
Savvy Professionals
Looking to differentiate themselves with specialized skills.
Continuous Learners
Taking advantage of professional growth opportunities.
Passionate Healthcare Advocates
Who want to lead, not manage.
Graduate Skill- + Certification-Ready
Clinical Practice and Advanced Procedures Experience
Students will complete a series of clinical practice sessions designed to provide the opportunity for the application of theoretical knowledge while working with a designated, qualified preceptor.
The clinical practice experience occurs in a variety of clinical sites, including:
- emergency departments,
- urgent care, and
- hospital units (intensive and acute care).
as well as specialty practices such as:
- cardiology,
- pulmonary,
- neurology, and
- oncology, etc.
In addition to the clinical experience, there will be a required in-person skills intensive (NRG5805) designed to give the students experience with advanced procedures, including:
- central venous line insertion,
- intubation,
- suturing,
- chest tube insertion, and
- advance imaging and electrocardiogram interpretation.
Certification Exams
Upon completion of the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner MSN and post-graduate certificate programs, individuals will qualify to take:
- the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam, or
- the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses’ Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam.
Working as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Graduates may expect to practice in:
- ER/urgent care,
- hospitals,
- partial hospital care, and
- specialized outpatient settings, including both medicine and surgery specialty areas.
Acute care nurse practitioners function within the interprofessional acute care team providing direct care management, including:
- diagnosis,
- treatment planning,
- conducting therapy,
- prescribing medications, and
- providing emergency services.
