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Online MSN: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Advanced Practice RN
With an Emphasis in Adult-Gerontology
GCU's online AGACNP program enables experienced nurses to provide advanced level care in complex, acute and critical setting for adults and geriatric patients.
Program available in AZ, NV, CA, CO, NM, TX, FL, GA, IL & NC
Earn Your Degree at Grand Canyon University
For nearly 35-years, GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has had a tradition of preparing students to fill evolving health care roles as highly qualified professionals in direct care, management, health education and administration.
Competitive, affordable tuition rate so that furthering education is within reach for all
GCU has been acccredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968
Over 85,500 Fall 2022 online students1
GCU Quick Facts:
Study Diagnostic and Critical Care on Adults
In an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP) role, you will have the opportunity to care for and educate the growing adult and elderly population in a variety of settings. Within this patient scope, an AGACNP will see many different patients during a shift with a variety of different critical illnesses or acute traumas to provide care for. As an AGACNP, you may provide continuous care for your patients and may develop long-term relationships with them; while providing sporadic care in a fast-paced and exciting environment for nurse practitioners.
- Scientific Underpinnings for Practice
- Leadership, Policy and Advocacy
- Systems, Safety and Quality
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Analytic Foundations for Practice, Ethics and Professional Role
- Foundations for Advanced Practice Nursing
- Independent Practice for the AG-ACNP
7 Domains for the APRN Coursework
These domains require the future acute care nurse to take coursework that prepares them to make critical judgements about the symptoms and complains of adults and the elderly.
Growing NP Job Opportunities
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners to increase by about 45% from 2020 to 2030—faster than average, and accounting for an estimated increase of 121,400 jobs in the field.2
Can I Earn My AGACNP Online?
Acute care nurse practitioner students complete 675 hours of supervised clinical practice. They also attend two on-campus experience programs. Over the course of three days, these on-campus programs are designed to ensure future nurse practitioners have hands-on opportunities.
Workplace Options
Graduates from this specific GCU MSN program, may continue in their current roles or use their educational experience to advance their careers. They may work in outpatient, inpatient and hospital-based settings to manage the physical health of adult and elderly patients involving acute and chronic conditions.
1 Includes students who have participated in an online class in August or September 2022 and does not include students in a cohort program.
2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is based on September 2021, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners.
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"I have enjoyed my Grand Canyon University nursing classes so far and the instructors have shared their personnel experiences as nurses to help us transition from nurses to nurse practitioners. One of the topics emphasized by my instructors has been the importance of ethical decision making within the clinical field and nursing research. As I continue through this program, I am growing as a nurse within my current practice, gaining leadership skills and growing as a student. I am so thankful that GCU has allowed me the opportunity to expand my knowledge in this nursing world."
Vanessa Porras
GCU Alumni | Bachelor of Science in Nursing
What is Advanced Nursing Practice?
After earning an advanced degree in nursing, APRNs are qualified to perform a variety of tasks within the field; they can not only assess and diagnosis patients but also prescribe medication as well. In addition, APRNs can order tests for patients and are often responsible for developing treatment plans as well as plans for future care. In general, APRNs are leaders in their field and often contribute to improving patient care within an organization.
How to Become a AGAPRN
- First become a registered nurse (RN)
- Pass the NCLEX and earn your nursing licensure
- Obtain your Bachelor's in Nursing degree (BSN)
- Pursue GCU's MSN: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Adult Gerontology Degree
- Earn your APRN certification
Online MSN: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Advanced Practice RN
