University of Cincinnati offers 3 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – AGACNP
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – BSN to DNP AGACNP
- Post-Graduate Certificate – AGACNP
All programs combine flexible online coursework with in-person precepted clinical practice and on-campus labs where students practice advanced skills.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program Name | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN AGACNP | $37,620 | 2 years (full-time) |
| BSN-DNP AGACNP | $63,536 | 3 years (full-time) |
| Certificate AGACNP | Varies by transcript evaluation | 1.5–2 years (part-time) |
Faculty are practicing nurses who remain clinically current while providing comprehensive support through Enrollment Services Advisors, Student Success Coordinators, and Clinical Site Coordinators.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – AGACNP
The estimated cost for the MSN-AGACNP program is approximately $37,620 for Ohio residents ($63,927 for metro residents, $64,035 for non-residents) and requires 2 years to complete on a full-time basis.
MSN Curriculum
The program requires 45-50 credit hours delivered over five semesters combining online coursework with hands-on clinical labs and precepted practice experiences. Students must achieve minimum B- grades in all courses. Credit hour totals vary based on previously earned credits and placement into required coursework.
Semester 1 (8–10 credits)
NURS 8004 Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice (2–3 credits)
This course teaches biostatistics used in nursing research. Students interpret data results to judge evidence quality and support practice decisions.
NURS 8022 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology (3–4 credits)
This course connects advanced body system function to disease signs and symptoms across the lifespan. Students use this link to support therapy selection.
NURS 8020C Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits)
This course builds advanced history and physical exam skills for patients across the lifespan. Lab work supports focused and comprehensive assessment practice.
Semester 2 (8–9 credits)
NURS 8002 Theoretical Basis for Clinical Reasoning (2–3 credits)
This course reviews nursing and related theories that guide clinical judgment. Students apply theory to decision making in practice and research.
NURS 8024 Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses (3 credits)
This course prepares students to select and manage medications across the lifespan. Students study actions, dosing, risks, interactions, and prescribing rules.
NURS 8026 Differential Diagnosis for the APN (3 credits)
This course trains students to build differential diagnoses using symptoms, history, exams, and tests. Students practice choosing appropriate diagnostic studies.
Semester 3 (8–10 credits)
ANNP 8010 AGACNP Practicum I (3 credits)
This first practicum builds core clinical skills in history taking and physical exams. Students begin applying pharmacology, evidence, and screening guidance in practice.
ANNP 8020 AGACNP Seminar I (1 credit)
This seminar supports Practicum I through case discussion. Students focus on screening, assessment, and early capstone planning.
NURS 8006 Research and Best Evidence for Clinical Reasoning (2–3 credits)
This course teaches how to translate research into practice improvements. Students evaluate evidence and plan evidence-based care changes.
NURS 8008 Healthcare Policy for the Advanced Practice Nurse (2–3 credits)
This course explains how policy shapes care delivery and outcomes. Students analyze forces that drive policy and practice advocacy skills.
Semester 4 (10 credits)
ANNP 8012 AGACNP Practicum II (3 credits)
This practicum advances assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Students use patient education as a key intervention to improve outcomes.
ANNP 8022 AGACNP Seminar II (1 credit)
This seminar supports Practicum II with case review and discussion. Students develop and evaluate patient education tools.
ANNP 8030 Clinical Management of Adult Health Problems I (3 credits)
This course covers assessment and management of adult health problems using team-based care. Students integrate non-drug and drug plans using evidence and ethics.
ANNP 8002C Advanced AGACNP Topics I (3 credits)
This course focuses on acute care management across adult age groups. Students practice advanced interventions in lab and compare outcomes and costs.
Semester 5 (11 credits)
ANNP 8014 AGACNP Practicum III (3 credits)
This final practicum builds independent management of complex adult cases. Students strengthen collaboration and role performance as an advanced practice nurse.
ANNP 8024 AGACNP Seminar/Capstone III (2 credits)
This seminar supports the final practicum through case discussion and capstone work. Students focus on professional role expectations for new NPs.
ANNP 8032 Clinical Management of Adult Health Problems II (3 credits)
This course continues advanced diagnosis and management of adult health problems. Students refine evidence-based plans that fit patient risks and goals.
ANNP 8004C Advanced AGACNP Topics II (3 credits)
This course extends acute and ambulatory management across the adult lifespan. Students practice advanced interventions and critique current research to guide care decisions.
More curriculum details are available here.
MSN Clinicals
Students complete clinical practicum experiences across three semesters with integrated seminar components. On-campus labs provide hands-on training in advanced procedures essential for acute care practice. Clinical experiences occur in high-acuity settings preparing graduates for certification exams.
Clinical Requirements:
- Three practicum courses with clinical hours
- ANNP 8010 Practicum I (clinical hours)
- ANNP 8012 Practicum II (clinical hours)
- ANNP 8014 Practicum III (clinical hours)
- On-campus lab sessions for procedural skill development
- Precepted clinical practice in acute care settings
- Clinical Site Coordinator guidance through experiences
- Capstone seminar in final semester
MSN Admissions Requirements
Academic Requirements:
- BSN from ACEN (formerly NLNAC) or CCNE-accredited institution
- Minimum overall BSN GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale (recommended)
- Minimum science GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale
- Minimum undergraduate Statistics GPA of 2.0 on 4.0 scale
- Current, active, unrestricted RN licensure with no disciplinary action
Experience Requirements:
- Minimum one year RN experience in the United States at time of application
Geographic Restrictions:
- Applicants must reside in Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana
Application Materials:
- NursingCAS application
- Official transcripts from all institutions sent directly to NursingCAS
- International transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES) preferred or another NACES member
- CV or resume in PDF format including work history, military service, community service, professional associations, certifications, publications, and presentations
- Three letters of reference attesting to academic and professional skills
- Goal statement (500-700 words) demonstrating understanding of specialty, interest explanation, preparedness, and post-graduation goals
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – BSN to DNP AGACNP
The estimated cost for the BSN to DNP-AGACNP program is approximately $63,536 for Ohio residents ($68,543 for metro residents, $108,548 for non-residents) and requires 3 years to complete on a full-time basis.
DNP Curriculum
The program requires 76-79 credit hours delivered over nine semesters combining DNP core courses, advanced practice content, specialty AGACNP training, and DNP project development. All courses require minimum B- grades. The curriculum integrates evidence-based practice, quality improvement, policy, informatics, and leadership. More curriculum details are available here.
Semester 1 (6-7 credits):
- NDNP 9005 DNP Scholarly Writing (2 credits, B- minimum)
- NDNP 9001 Informatics for DNP Practice (2 credits, B- minimum)
- NURS 8004 Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice (2-3 credits, B- minimum)
Semester 2 (9-10 credits):
- NDNP 9015 Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (3 credits, B- minimum)
- NURS 8022 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology (3-4 credits, B- minimum)
- NDNP 8004 Developing the DNP Scholar (3 credits, B- minimum)
Semester 3 (5-6 credits):
- ANCH 8001 Principles of Population Health (3 credits, B- minimum)
- NURS 8002 Theoretical Basis for Clinical Reasoning (2-3 credits, B- minimum)
Semester 4 (10 credits):
- NURS 9009 Health Care Policy for the Doctoral Prepared Nurse (3 credits, B- minimum)
- NURS 8020C Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits, B- minimum)
- NDNP 9006 Essentials of Research Methods for Evidence Based Practice (4 credits, B- minimum)
Semester 5 (10 credits):
- NDNP 9030 Planning, Management, and Evaluation of Programs and Projects (4 credits, B- minimum)
- NURS 8026 Differential Diagnosis for the APN (3 credits, B- minimum)
- NURS 8024 Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses (3 credits, B- minimum)
Semester 6 (7 credits):
- ANNP 8030 Clinical Management of Adult Health Problems for the Advance Practice Nurse I (3 credits, B- minimum)
- ANNP 8010 Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Practicum I (3 credits)
- ANNP 8020 Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Seminar I (1 credit, B- minimum)
Semester 7 (13 credits):
- ANNP 8032 Clinical Management of Adult Health Problems for the Advance Practice Nurse II (3 credits, B- minimum)
- NDNP 9025 DNP Practicum: Strategy Development (3 credits, B- minimum)
- ANNP 8012 Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Practicum II (3 credits)
- ANNP 8022 Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Seminar II (1 credit, B- minimum)
- ANNP 8002C Advanced Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Topics I (3 credits, B- minimum)
Semester 8 (11 credits):
- NDNP 9035 DNP Practicum: Implementation (3 credits, B- minimum)
- ANNP 8014 Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Practicum III (3 credits)
- ANNP 8024 Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Seminar/Capstone III (2 credits, B- minimum)
- ANNP 8004C Advanced Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Topics II (3 credits, B- minimum)
Semester 9 (5 credits):
- NDNP 9040 DNP Leadership Seminar: Synthesis of the Leadership Role (2 credits, B- minimum)
- NDNP 9038 DNP Practicum: Analysis and Dissemination Planning (3 credits, B- minimum)
DNP Clinicals
DNP students complete AGACNP practicum experiences integrated with DNP project practicum hours. Clinical training includes on-campus lab sessions for advanced procedural skills and precepted practice in high-acuity settings. The program emphasizes evidence-based care delivery and leadership development.
Clinical Requirements:
- Three AGACNP practicum courses with clinical hours
- ANNP 8010 Practicum I (clinical hours)
- ANNP 8012 Practicum II (clinical hours)
- ANNP 8014 Practicum III (clinical hours)
- Three DNP practicum courses for project work
- NDNP 9025 Strategy Development (practicum hours)
- NDNP 9035 Implementation (practicum hours)
- NDNP 9038 Analysis and Dissemination Planning (practicum hours)
- On-campus labs for procedural skill mastery
- Clinical Site Coordinator support throughout experiences
DNP Admissions Requirements
Academic Requirements:
- BSN from ACEN (formerly NLNAC) or CCNE-accredited institution
- Minimum overall BSN GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale (recommended)
- Minimum science GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale
- Minimum undergraduate Statistics GPA of 2.0 on 4.0 scale
- Current, active, unrestricted RN licensure with no disciplinary action
Experience Requirements:
- Minimum one year RN experience in the United States at time of application
Application Materials:
- NursingCAS application
- Official transcripts from all institutions sent to NursingCAS
- International transcripts evaluated by WES (preferred) or another NACES member
- CV or resume in PDF format with comprehensive work history and achievements
- Three letters of reference
- Goal statement (500-700 words) serving as academic writing sample
Post-Graduate Certificate – AGACNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate AGACNP Certificate varies based on individualized transcript evaluation and required coursework, and requires 1.5-2 years to complete on a part-time basis.
Certificate Curriculum
The certificate program requires individualized transcript evaluation to determine specific plan of study. Students complete specialty AGACNP courses with integrated practicum and seminar components. The program combines online coursework with on-campus labs and precepted clinical experiences.
Core AGACNP Courses:
- ANNP 8030 Clinical Management of Adult Health Problems for the Advance Practice Nurse I (3 credits, B- minimum)
- ANNP 8010 Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Practicum I (3 credits)
- ANNP 8020 Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Seminar I (1 credit, B- minimum)
- ANNP 8032 Clinical Management of Adult Health Problems for the Advance Practice Nurse II (3 credits, B- minimum)
- ANNP 8012 Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Practicum II (3 credits)
- ANNP 8022 Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Seminar II (1 credit, B- minimum)
- ANNP 8002C Advanced Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Topics I (3 credits, B- minimum)
- ANNP 8014 Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Practicum III (3 credits)
- ANNP 8024 Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Seminar/Capstone III (2 credits, B- minimum)
- ANNP 8004C Advanced Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Topics II (3 credits, B- minimum)
More curriculum details are available here.
Additional courses may be required based on transcript evaluation.
Certificate Clinicals
Certificate students complete three practicum courses with integrated seminar components across multiple semesters. On-campus lab sessions provide training in advanced procedures, while precepted clinical experiences occur in high-acuity settings preparing graduates for national certification.
Clinical Requirements:
- Three practicum courses with clinical experiences
- ANNP 8010 Practicum I
- ANNP 8012 Practicum II
- ANNP 8014 Practicum III
- On-campus lab attendance for procedural skills
- Precepted practice in acute care environments
- Clinical Site Coordinator guidance
- Capstone seminar component
Certificate Admissions Requirements
Academic Requirements:
- BSN from ACEN or CCNE-accredited institution
- MSN from ACEN or CCNE-accredited institution
- Minimum overall BSN GPA of 3.25 on 4.0 scale (recommended)
- Minimum science GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale
- Minimum undergraduate Statistics GPA of 2.0 on 4.0 scale
- Current, active, unrestricted RN licensure with no disciplinary action
Experience Requirements:
- Minimum one year RN experience in the United States at time of application
Geographic Restrictions:
- Applicants must live in Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana
Application Materials:
- NursingCAS application
- Official transcripts from all institutions
- International transcripts evaluated by WES or NACES member
- CV or resume in PDF format
- Three letters of reference
- Goal statement (500-700 words)
International Student Restrictions:
- Specific restrictions apply regarding clinical placements
Tuition
Part-time students (9 credits or fewer):
- Ohio residents: $836 per credit plus $34 per credit program fee
- Metro residents (KY or IN): $861 per credit plus $34 per credit program fee
- Non-residents: $1,423 per credit plus $34 per credit program fee
Full-time students (10 credits or more):
- Ohio residents: $8,359 per semester plus $338 per semester program fee
- Metro residents (KY or IN): $8,609 per semester plus $338 per semester program fee
- Non-residents: $14,228 per semester plus $338 per semester program fee
Metro and non-Ohio residents who move to Ohio pay in-state tuition rates once residency is officially established. Tuition rates are based on 2025-26 totals and subject to change. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
Application Deadlines
All AGACNP Programs:
- Fall 2026 semester start
- Application deadline: July 1, 2026
- Class start: August 24, 2026
- Application window may close early if maximum capacity is reached
- All programs admit for fall semester start only (except Nurse Anesthesia DNP)
Accreditation
The University of Cincinnati College of Nursing programs are accredited by ACEN and CCNE. All AGACNP programs prepare graduates for national certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (AGACNP-BC) and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (ACNPC-AG). Federal regulations require UC to disclose whether program completion meets state educational requirements for professional licensure—visit the University of Cincinnati State Authorization webpage for specific state information.
More ACNP Programs in Ohio
- Case Western Reserve University - Cleveland
- Cedarville University - Cedarville
- Kent State University - Kent
- Mount Carmel College - Columbus
- Ohio State University - Columbus
- Ohio University - Athens
- Ursuline College - Cleveland
- Wright State University - Dayton
- Youngstown State University - Youngstown