Ursuline College offers 2 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Post-Graduate Certificate
Program Highlights:
- Designated as National League for Nursing Center of Excellence
- U.S. News & World Report ranks Ursuline among nation’s top nursing programs and top two nursing schools in Ohio
- Fast application decision turnaround (within two weeks)
Program Tracks Overview
| Program Name | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN AGACNP | $59,040 | 2–2.5 years (full-time) |
| Certificate AGACNP | $15,136 | 1–1.5 years (part-time) |
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the MSN-AGACNP program is approximately $59,040 and requires 2-2.5 years to complete on a full-time basis.
MSN Curriculum
The program requires 45 credit hours presented in Ursuline’s value-based framework emphasizing clinical components of advanced practice nursing. Students complete master’s core courses enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving, followed by advanced practice core developing knowledge and skills for advanced practice roles. The curriculum integrates healing interaction as central to practice and incorporates diverse cultural, religious, spiritual, and ethical perspectives.
Core Courses for Advanced Practice Nursing (29 credit hours):
- NR 532 Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
- NR 533 Application of Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
- NR 535 Health Care Informatics (2 credits)
- NR 540 Advanced Physiology/Pathology (3 credits)
- NR 541 Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits)
- NR 542 Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
- NR 620 Health Promotion, Maintenance, and Restoration (3 credits)
- NR 636 Adult Health Management (3 credits)
- NR 650a Health Care Policies (1 credit)
- NR 650b Health Care Organization and Finance (1 credit)
- NR 650c Advanced Practice Ethical and Legal Responsibilities (1 credit)
- NR 650d Advanced Practice Roles and Responsibilities with Social Justice (Diversity) with Culminating Project (2 credits)
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Specialty Courses (16 credit hours):
NR 615 – Advanced Diagnostics (3 credits)
This course develops skills in selecting and interpreting diagnostic tests. Students learn to order studies appropriately, control costs, and use results to guide effective treatment decisions.
NR 644 – Acute Care Management (5 credits)
This course applies diagnostic principles to the care of adult and older patients with acute and chronic conditions. Students integrate pathophysiology, assessment, and evidence-based care in acute and critical settings, with required clinical hours.
NR 645 – Focused Populations Acute Care NP (5 credits)
This course expands acute care management for targeted adult and geriatric populations. Students manage complex conditions in settings such as ICUs and emergency departments while completing supervised clinical practice.
NR 616 – Advanced Diagnostics AGNP/FNP Practicum (1 credit)
This introductory practicum focuses on applying advanced assessment and diagnostic skills. Students practice evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of common health problems in clinical settings.
NR 617 – AGNP/FNP Adult Health Practicum (1 credit)
This practicum prepares students for Adult-Gerontology or Family Nurse Practitioner roles. Learners apply clinical skills across primary care settings while developing competencies in leadership, consultation, and education.
NR 618 – Health Promotion, Maintenance, and Restoration (1 credit)
This practicum emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention across the lifespan. Students apply strategies that support wellness, recovery, and long-term health management.
Optional Nursing Education Subspecialty (9 additional credits):
- NR 639 Curriculum (3 credits)
- NR 640 Teaching and Evaluation (3 credits)
- NR 641 Teaching Practicum (3 credits)
More curriculum details are available here.
MSN Clinicals
Clinical experiences integrate with coursework and research utilization to develop knowledge, values, and skills for advanced-practice nursing roles. Students complete practicum hours through Clinical Management Courses focused on settings requiring complex monitoring, high-intensity intervention, and continuous vigilance for high-acuity care.
Clinical Requirements:
- Clinical hours embedded in NR 644 Acute Care Management (5 credits)
- Clinical hours embedded in NR 645 Focused Populations Acute Care NP (5 credits)
- NR 616, NR 617, NR 618 Clinical Management Courses/Practicum (3 credits)
- Practice settings include locations requiring complex monitoring and therapies
- High-intensity nursing intervention experiences
- Continuous nursing vigilance within high-acuity care range
- Culminating project demonstrating advanced practice competency
MSN Admissions Requirements
Academic Requirements:
- BSN from regionally accredited institution
- Evidence of 3.0 average from baccalaureate nursing program demonstrating ability to complete graduate work
- Official transcripts from all nursing programs attended
Licensure and Experience:
- Unencumbered Registered Nurse License, current licensure or eligibility for Ohio RN licensure
- Minimum one year work experience as registered nurse
- Documentation of RN work experience within past two years required
Application Materials:
- Three letters of recommendation (confidential recommendation form required) attesting to suitability for graduate work
- Suggested references: one from previous instructor, one from Advanced Practice Nurse, one from clinical manager
- Interview with program director and/or graduate faculty if requested
- Application decisions typically provided within two weeks
Post-Graduate Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate AGACNP Certificate is approximately $15,136 and requires 1-1.5 years to complete on a part-time basis.
Certificate Curriculum
The certificate program requires completion of specialty AGACNP courses through Ursuline’s MSN program framework. Students must document completion of advanced practice core courses including Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Advanced Pharmacology if not previously completed. The program prepares advanced-practice nurses to expand patient populations into adults and gerontology.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Specialty Courses (16 credit hours):
- NR 615 Advanced Diagnostics (3 credits)
- NR 644 Acute Care Management (5 credits)
- NR 645 Focused Populations Acute Care NP (5 credits)
- NR 616, NR 617, NR 618 Clinical Management Courses/Practicum (3 credits)
Required Documentation of Advanced Practice Core:
- Advanced Pathophysiology (if not previously completed)
- Advanced Health Assessment (if not previously completed)
- Advanced Pharmacology (if not previously completed)
More curriculum details are available here.
Optional Nurse Educator Certificate: Post-master’s nurses may complete education courses for Nurse Educator Certificate of Completion (9 additional credits).
Certificate Clinicals
Certificate students complete clinical management practicum experiences in settings requiring complex patient care. Clinical experiences focus on high-acuity populations requiring continuous monitoring and advanced nursing intervention across acute care environments.
Clinical Requirements:
- Clinical hours in NR 644 Acute Care Management (5 credits)
- Clinical hours in NR 645 Focused Populations Acute Care NP (5 credits)
- NR 616, NR 617, NR 618 Clinical Management Courses/Practicum (3 credits)
- Settings requiring complex monitoring and therapies
- High-intensity nursing intervention practice
- Continuous nursing vigilance for high-acuity care patients
Certificate Admissions Requirements
Academic Requirements:
- Master’s degree in nursing documented through transcripts
- Completion of Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Advanced Pharmacology courses
Application Materials:
- Two letters of recommendation for Post-Master’s certificate admission
- Official transcripts documenting master’s degree completion
- Application decisions typically within two weeks
Tuition
MSN program tuition costs $1,312 per credit hour. DNP and MSN Certificate programs cost $946 per credit hour. Additional fees include $220 Technology Fee per semester, $50 Facilities Fee per semester, and one-time $100 Matriculation Fee for new students. Course fees vary by specific courses.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Additional Estimated Costs: Books, equipment, and supplies range from $300-$1,200 yearly depending on credit hours enrolled.
Application Deadlines
Applications accepted on rolling basis with decisions provided within two weeks of submission. Specific deadlines not published; applicants encouraged to apply early for optimal processing.
Accreditation
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits Ursuline College’s master’s degree program in nursing and post-graduate APRN certificate program. The National League for Nursing designated the Breen School of Nursing a national Center of Excellence. U.S. News & World Report ranks Ursuline’s nursing programs among the nation’s top nursing programs and as one of the top two nursing schools in Ohio. Graduates are prepared for national certification and advanced practice licensure.
Other ACNP Programs for Ohio Nurses
- Case Western Reserve University - Cleveland
- Cedarville University - Cedarville
- Kent State University - Kent
- Mount Carmel College - Columbus
- Ohio State University - Columbus
- Ohio University - Athens
- University of Cincinnati - Cincinnati
- Wright State University - Dayton
- Youngstown State University - Youngstown