Online MSN: AGACNP Program

Overview

What Is an MSN: AGACNP Degree?

An MSN: AGACNP degree is a Master of Science in Nursing program that prepares licensed registered nurses to provide advanced care for adult and older adult patients in acute, critical and complex healthcare settings. Available with online^{(See disclaimer 1)} coursework and in-person clinical practicum experiences, this program is intended for RNs seeking to become adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners (AGACNPs). Graduates may pursue board certification and state licensure as nurse practitioners,^{(See disclaimer 2)} depending on applicable requirements.

The curriculum emphasizes advanced assessment, diagnostic reasoning, pharmacology and evidence-based practice to prepare future AGACNPs to care for adult and geriatric patients with acute, subacute and complex health conditions. Students also explore organizational leadership, interprofessional collaboration and clinical decision-making to support high-quality patient care in a variety of acute care environments.

Master of Science in Nursing: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with an Emphasis in Adult-Gerontology

Offered By

College of Nursing and Health Care Professions

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $760 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 53

Online: 8 weeks

[]

Transfer Credits

Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission.

Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.

Program available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia^{(See disclaimer 3)}

What To Expect

What Can You Expect From an Online MSN: AGACNP Program?

This MSN: AGACNP degree program is available through online^{(See disclaimer 1)} coursework, which can provide greater flexibility to working RNs who are ready to take the next step in their career.

You can engage with a curriculum that integrates a Christian worldview, encouraging thoughtful consideration of ethical decision-making, compassionate patient care and servant leadership alongside advanced clinical knowledge. Throughout the program, you'll have opportunities to collaborate with faculty and peers while exploring evidence-based practices that support the care of acutely and critically ill adult and older adult patients.

What To Expect In an MSN: AGACNP Degree

Earn Your MSN: AGACNP With Flexible Online Courses

You can enjoy flexible coursework scheduling and geographic convenience as you work toward your MSN degree online.^{(See disclaimer 1)} Access classes and connect with peers and instructors through our intuitive digital learning platform, which provides an interactive academic experience. The online coursework is paired with field/practicum hours for clinical immersion. Field/practicum experiences must be completed in-person locally.

Online Learning

Coursework

What Does an MSN: AGACNP Program Cover?

In this program, you will be taught advanced theories and practices related to all areas of direct critical care for adult and gerontology patients. By focusing on competencies in advanced pharmacology, health assessment, diagnostic reasoning and health promotion, the coursework helps prepares future AGACNPs to provide a high level of care, such as by managing complex patient cases with comorbidities.

The domains that provide the foundation for this MSN: AGACNP include person-centered care, systems-based practice and quality and safety. These domains require you to take coursework that teaches you to make critical judgments about the symptoms and complaints of adult and geriatric patients. This program emphasizes professionalism and communication as cornerstones of this profession, as these skills enable patient education, professional collaboration and effective advocacy.

MSN: AGACNP Degree Core Course Topics

This degree combines practice-focused coursework with hands-on learning opportunities. Future adult-gerontology acute care NPs will complete 750 hours of supervised clinical practice during this MSN program. Clinical practice provides experience in advanced health assessment, clinical diagnosis, procedural skills and care management for acute and chronically ill patients. In addition to field/practicum hours, students will participate in two on-campus experience programs.

This program includes the study of:

Adult-gerontological care

Common health issues, differential diagnoses, clinical judgments and treatments for older patients with acute illnesses and comorbidities

Critical illness effects

The psychosocial and physiological effects of acute and critical illnesses on patients, family caregivers and communities

Health assessment

Advanced head-to-toe and focused assessments, including risk and functional assessments

Pharmacology

Principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, including the influence of physiological variables on pharmacological responses

Translational research

Evaluation and application of scientific findings for evidence-based practice that improves patient safety and care quality

Health promotion

Improving the effectiveness of patient education, counseling and health promotion with the consideration of cultural, spiritual and environmental factors

Discover Master’s Nursing Degrees

We offer numerous nursing degrees at the graduate level to empower registered nurses to take their nursing career a step further. If acute care for the adult-gerontology population isn’t the right fit for you, explore our full range of MSN degrees.

Explore MSN Degrees

Outlook

What Can You Do With an MSN: AGACNP Degree?

Graduates of the MSN: AGACNP degree program may choose to continue in their current role as registered nurses while benefiting from the advanced nursing practice skills taught in this program. Others may choose to pursue board certification and APRN licensure as nurse practitioners.^{(See disclaimer 2)} NPs are nurse leaders and mentors who take on complex patient cases and who strive to elevate the standard of care in their organizations. Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners may work in inpatient or outpatient settings.^{(See disclaimer 4 )}

Some specific workplace settings for NPs may include:^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Intensive care unit

Including medical, surgical, cardiac, burn and trauma ICUs

Emergency care

Providing triage and stabilizing care to adult-gerontology patients with medical emergencies

Skilled nursing facilities

Supporting patients who have been discharged from the hospital, but cannot yet return home

Specialty clinics

Including cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, interventional radiology and surgery centers

$129,210

Median annual salary for nurse practitioners as of May 2024^{(See disclaimer 5)}

40%

Projected job growth rate for NPs from 2024 to 2034^{(See disclaimer 6)}

Cost & Savings

Online MSN: AGACNP Program Tuition

A graduate degree is a financial commitment. There are multiple ways to reduce your expenditures while earning your degree. Our university counselors can help you navigate your options and provide personalized guidance on the estimated cost of attendance.

Explore Online Tuition

Ways To Save

Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.

Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.

Financial Aid

Transfer Your Credits

If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.

Transfer Center

Scholarships & Grants

You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.

Find Scholarships

Explore Your Financial Options

Connect with a university counselor to learn more about tuition, cost-planning resources and available options.

Request More Info

FAQ

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Frequently Asked Questions

If becoming an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner is the right career move for you, read through some of our most frequently asked questions to learn more about this career path and earning your MSN: AGACNP degree.

What is the difference between AGCNP and an AGACNP?

What does “acute care” mean and how does it apply to an AGACNP?

Acute care refers to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with sudden illnesses, severe injuries or complex medical conditions that require immediate or short-term care. Examples include heart attacks, strokes, serious infections, trauma and complications from chronic diseases.

For adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners (AGACNPs), acute care is the primary focus of their practice. AGACNPs assess, diagnose and manage the care of adult and older adult patients in settings such as hospitals, emergency departments and intensive care units. They may perform comprehensive health assessments, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications and develop treatment and nursing care plans for patients with acute, critical or complex health needs. They may also care for patients with chronic conditions when those conditions become unstable or require acute intervention.

Do I have to be a nurse to apply to become an AGACNP?

Yes, to apply to this MSN: AGACNP program and become any type of APRN, you must have a current, unencumbered and unrestricted RN license and at least one year of recent full-time RN work experience.^{(See disclaimer 3)} AGACNPs are advanced practice registered nurses, so applicants must first be licensed registered nurses before pursuing graduate education, certification and NP licensure. Then, you can pursue graduate education and board certification in your chosen specialty area as a nurse practitioner.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

What kind of patients do AGACNPs treat?

Which is better, FNP or AGACNP?

What degree do most nurse practitioners have?

Can I complete an MSN: AGACNP program fully online?

Admission

Admission Requirements for the Online MSN: AGACNP Program

Our university does not require a personal statement or essay, and there is no application fee. MSN students may meet the admission requirements with either a minimum GPA or with GMAT or GRE exam scores. Specific requirements can vary, depending on the degree or program. For example, this MSN requires an active RN license and a minimum of one year of work experience as an RN. Your university counselor will help you navigate the process of applying.

Admission Requirements

Transfer Center

How To Apply to GCU

You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.

It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.

Pick your program

Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.

Complete our online application

Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.

Submit supporting documents

Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major53 credits

Degree Requirements53 credits

Core Courses

NUR-513A

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course examines nursing theory and the role of ethics for advanced registered nurses within the Christian worldview and through a leadership perspective focused on improving health care outcomes. Learners explore the moral/ethical responsibilities and legal and regulatory obligations of advanced registered nurses in health promotion and disease prevention. Learners also review evidence-based practice (EBP) literature and the research process with application to their program of study and learn to navigate scholarly EBP literature, resources, and guidelines.

NUR-514A

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course examines the role of leadership, organizational science, policy, and informatics in supporting safe, high-quality, cost-effective patient care within interprofessional, dynamic health care environments. Learners explore various organizational relationships within health care systems and prepare to participate in the design of cost-effective, innovative models of care delivery and practice change proposals. Professional leadership theories and how they shape the nurse leader in such things as collaboration, conflict resolution, decision-making, and negotiation are introduced. Learners discuss change management theories and evaluate the ethical, social, legal, economic, and political implications of practice change and health care informatics along with strategies for managing human, fiscal, and health care resources in a variety of organizational systems. Learners also examine the uses of patient-care, information systems, and communication technologies and discuss the design, implementation, and evaluation of electronic health record systems and clinical decision support systems. Prerequisite: NUR-513A.

NUR-550A

4 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course learners examine the process of scientific inquiry, knowledge generation, utilization, and dissemination of evidence into advanced nursing practice in order to propose quality-improvement initiatives that advance the delivery of safe, high-quality care for patient populations. Learners critically evaluate evidence, including scientific findings from the biopsychosocial fields, epidemiology, biostatistics, genetics, and genomics, and apply levels of evidence and theoretical frameworks to design culturally appropriate clinical prevention interventions and population-based care that reduces risks, prevents disease, and promotes health and well-being. Learners also consider strategies to evaluate health policy and advocacy issues, the state of health care delivery, patient-centered care, and ethical principles related to health beliefs, health promotion, and risk reduction for diverse populations. Learners apply these strategies to work towards recognizing gaps in nursing and health care knowledge, identifying potential solutions or innovations for those gaps, planning and implementing practice changes, and evaluating the outcomes in order to improve practice. Prerequisite: NUR-514A.

NUR-590A

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides an opportunity for learners to complete their evidence-based practice (EBP) project proposal that addresses a problem, issue, or concern in their specialty area of professional practice. Learners previously identified a problem amenable to a research-based intervention, searched the literature, and proposed a solution. Now learners explore implementation considerations and various evaluation methodologies, complete the project proposal by developing a plan to implement the solution into the intended practice area, and design an evaluation plan that assesses the EBP project proposal's intended outcome(s). Prerequisite: NUR-550A.

NUR-631

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course focuses on advanced physiology and pathophysiology principles across the life span. This course is used to guide the advanced nursing practice learner in understanding normal function and interpreting changes in normal function that result in symptoms and diagnostic markers indicative of illness. Emphasis is placed on the following systems: cellular environment and inflammatory changes; fluids, electrolytes and acid-base balance; genetics, genetic diseases, and the role of the environment; stress, disease, and the development of neoplasms; hematology and alterations in immunity. In addition, the physiology and pathophysiology of the endocrine, pulmonary, renal, digestive and integumentary, cardiovascular and lymphatic, musculoskeletal, reproductive, and neurological systems, including mood disorders, are addressed. Prerequisite: NUR-590 or NUR-590A.

NUR-635

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course focuses on the basic concepts and principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and their practical implication in clinical practice across the life span. This course also places an emphasis on the strong influence of physiological variables (age, ethnicity, or pregnancy) and pathological conditions (hepatic or renal insufficiency, cardiac dysfunction) on drugs’ pharmacological response. An in-depth understanding of the relationship between patient’s physiological/pathological variables and pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics can provide additional insight for practitioners in predicting potential drug interactions, and thus will provide additional guidance in prescribing strategies. This course also includes clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; clinical toxicology; and pathology and pharmacotherapy of cardiovascular, psychiatric, endocrine, respiratory, gastrointestinal, bone and joint, infectious, reproductive, and dermatological disorders. Prerequisite: NUR-631.

NUR-634

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course builds upon the learner's undergraduate and clinical assessment skills, offering advanced health assessment content to provide the foundation for the advanced practice nursing role across the life span. This course addresses the completion and interpretation of a head-to-toe assessment in addition to focused assessments for chief complaints that include physical, psychosocial, spiritual, risk, and functional assessments in diverse populations and across age groups. Learners learn a systematic method of diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision-making to establish differential diagnoses. Prerequisites: NUR-631, and either NUR-632, NUR-633, or NUR-635.

ANP-635A

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course covers preventive health care practices and integrates cultural and spiritual considerations, environmental factors, genetic influences, and national public health objectives. Emphasis is placed on development of the advanced practice registered nurse-patient relationship to enhance the effectiveness of patient education, counseling, and promotion of healthy lifestyle changes. Learners explore concepts relevant to acute care, including integration of family and patient support systems into care. Learners integrate professional and patient community resources to achieve health goals using evidence-based research. This course includes a required 3-day, on-campus experience. Prerequisite: NUR-634. Co-Requisite: ANP-635ACE.

ANP-635ACE

0 Total Credits

Course Description

This 3-day on-campus experience course prepares learners for practicum experiences by providing hands-on skills simulation and specific diagnostic evaluation to develop differential diagnosing and treatment plans during practicums. During the on-campus experience, learners will receive instruction on performing skills and patient simulation scenarios to enhance their skills for practicum experiences. Learners examine professional and patient community resources and evaluate the use of integrative healing strategies in assisting patients to achieve health goals using evidence-based research while practicing cultural and spiritual competence. Prerequisite: NUR-634. Co-Requisite: ANP-635A.

ANP-650A

7 Total Credits

Course Description

This course focuses on evidence-based theory and research related to adult-gerontological patients experiencing acute illnesses with comorbidities. Learners synthesize data from a variety of health resources related to the care of the adult-gerontological patient. Learners analyze common problems seen in the acute care setting to develop prioritized differential diagnoses, make clinical judgments, and recommend appropriate treatments for acute alterations in health with particular emphasis on restorative care. Clinical practice affords learners the opportunity to refine their clinical decision-making skills in advanced health assessment, clinical diagnosis, procedural skill acquisition, and care management of acute and chronically ill adult-gerontological patients. Practicum experiences emphasize the physiological and psychosocial impact of acute and critical illness on patients, family, and community. Practicum/field experience hours: 250. Prerequisites: ANP-635A and ANP-635ACE.

ANP-652A

7 Total Credits

Course Description

This course continues to focus on evidenced-based theory and research related to acute illnesses in the adult-gerontological population in the acute care setting. Learners build on prior knowledge and synthesize data from a variety of health resources related to the care of the acutely ill patient. Utilizing a systems framework, learners further develop clinical judgment and decision-making skills in order to recommend treatments for alterations in different systems as they develop an evidence-based plan of care. Clinical practice affords learners the opportunity to refine their clinical decision-making skills in advanced health assessment, clinical diagnosis, procedural skill acquisition, and care management of acute and chronically ill adult-gerontological patients. Practicum experiences emphasize the physiological and psychosocial impact of acute and critical illness on patients, family, and community. Practicum/field experience hours: 250. Prerequisite: ANP-650A.

ANP-654A

7 Total Credits

Course Description

This course serves as the final synthesis of evidenced-based theory and research related to care of complex, acute, and critically ill adult-gerontological and frail elderly patients with comorbidities. Learners continue to build on prior knowledge and synthesize data from a variety of health resources related to the care of the acutely ill patient. Utilizing a systems framework, learners further develop appropriate clinical judgment and decision-making skills regarding appropriate recommendations and treatments related to alterations in different systems as they develop an evidence-based plan of care for adult-gerontological patients. Practicum experiences emphasize the physiological and psychosocial impact of acute and critical illness on patients, family, and community, and prepare the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in the diagnosis and management of chronic, exacerbated, acute, and life-threatening health problems. Practicum/field experience hours: 250. Prerequisite: ANP-652A. Co-Requisite: ANP-654ACE.

ANP-654ACE

0 Total Credits

Course Description

In this 2-day on-campus experience course, learners are assessed for their readiness for practice by reviewing assessment and treatment plans. During the 2 days on campus, the learner performs assessment on simulated scenarios and provides evaluation of their assessments and rationale for the treatment plans. Learners apply these foundational skills during assessment, diagnosis, and the development of an evidence-based treatment plan. Scope of practice, roles, contract negotiation, prescriptive authority, licensure, certification, and credentialing are examined. Prerequisite: ANP-652A. Co-Requisite: ANP-654A.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

Explore More Nursing Topics

What Is Health Informatics? A Complete Guide

What is health informatics? Learn about health informatics careers, degree options and how informatics helps improve healthcare and patient outcomes.

06/29/2026

|

5 min read

Health Informatics vs. Nursing Informatics: Understanding the Difference and Why It Matters

Compare health informatics vs. nursing informatics, explore key differences and learn how each path supports healthcare. Pursue your informatics education at GCU.

06/23/2026

|

8 min read

FNP vs. ACNP: What’s the Difference Between Nurse Practitioners?

Learn the key differences between FNP vs. ACNP roles, education paths, patient populations and career outcomes for nurse practitioners.

05/18/2026

|

5 min read

More Resources

Learning Goals

Financial

Calculate My Costs

Tuition & Financing

Scholarships & Grants

Information

Admission

Take the Next Step Toward Becoming an AGACNP

Build advanced nursing skills for acute and critical care settings while completing online coursework and in-person practicum experiences designed for licensed registered nurses.

Request More Information

Clinical, practicum and immersion hours completed locally.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How To Become a Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife or Nurse Practitioner. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved June 2026.
Only available in certain states.
LeVeck, D. (2024, July 19). Job Options for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners. Board Vitals. Retrieved June 2026
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Nurse Practitioners, as of May 2024, retrieved June 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Nurse Practitioners, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nurse Practitioners, retrieved June 2026.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2020, June 17). Are You Considering a Career as an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner? Retrieved June 2026.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2019, July 3). Are You Considering a Career as a Family Nurse Practitioner? Retrieved June 2026.
American Medical Association. (n.d.). State Law Chart: Nurse Practitioner Prescriptive Authority. Retrieved June 2026.

Approved and verified accurate by the Associate Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions on Aug. 3, 2026.

Online MSN: AGACNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

What Is an MSN: AGACNP Degree?

What Can You Expect From an Online MSN: AGACNP Program?

What To Expect In an MSN: AGACNP Degree

Earn Your MSN: AGACNP With Flexible Online Courses

Earn Your Institutionally Accredited MSN: AGACNP

Earn Your Degree in a Supportive Learning Environment

What Does an MSN: AGACNP Program Cover?

MSN: AGACNP Degree Core Course Topics

Discover Master’s Nursing Degrees

What Can You Do With an MSN: AGACNP Degree?

Online MSN: AGACNP Program Tuition

Ways To Save

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Frequently Asked Questions

Admission Requirements for the Online MSN: AGACNP Program

Program Curriculum

Core Courses

Explore More Nursing Topics

What Is Health Informatics? A Complete Guide

Health Informatics vs. Nursing Informatics: Understanding the Difference and Why It Matters

FNP vs. ACNP: What’s the Difference Between Nurse Practitioners?