Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Gain the knowledge and skills to become an advanced practice nurse who specializes in working in complex patient situations across the adult lifespan from young adults to geriatric patients. As an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) you’ll provide comprehensive care to acutely and critically ill adults and older adults through the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of complex disorders in order to:
- stabilize the patient’s condition,
- prevent complications,
- restore health,
- and/or provide palliative care.
It’s a critical calling with a critical need and 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 get the qualifications, skills, and confidence that 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.
Two Pathways for AGACNP 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.
Created for Today’s Healthcare Heroes
Ideal candidates who are:
- self-motivated and seek flexible learning options that blend the convenience of online classes with hands-on, skill-building labs for simulating real-world scenarios.
- savvy professionals seeking 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- and Certification-Ready
Clinical Practice and Advanced Procedures Experience
Students will complete a series of clinical practice sessions designed to provide the opportunity for 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 AGACNP
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.
The Critical Need for Acute Care
Demand for registered nurses and nurse practitioners (NPs) is projected to grow by 16.7 percent in the Great Lakes Region between 2016 and 2026 with over 9,000 annual openings. As current NPs retire, anticipated nursing shortages are expected to further drive skilled labor demand. Furthermore, as the general population ages, an increased number of Americans will need health services in acute and critical care settings.
