The University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Nursing offers two Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner pathways:
- Master of Science in Nursing – AG-ACNP Track
- Post-Master’s AG-ACNP Certificate Program
Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Estimated Cost | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN – AG-ACNP | $21,462 | About 2 years |
| Post-Master’s AG-ACNP Certificate | $12,318 | About 2 years |
Both programs are delivered in a hybrid format combining online learning with on-campus components, with classes typically meeting every other Wednesday.
The programs prepare graduates to provide expert care to acutely and critically ill adults across the lifespan, from young adults to the frail elderly, in high-acuity environments such as hospitals, ICUs, emergency departments, and trauma centers.
Master of Science in Nursing – AG-ACNP Track
The estimated cost for the MSN AG-ACNP program is approximately $21,462 and would take 2 years to complete on a full-time basis.
Estimate based on 42 credits at $445 per credit hour plus $46 per credit hour college fee and $22 infrastructure fee.
MSN Curriculum
The MSN AG-ACNP track requires 42 total credit hours, including 6 credits of core requirements and 36 credits of track-specific coursework.
Core Requirements (6 credits):
NUR602 – Scholarly Inquiry for Advanced Nursing Practice
This course introduces research methods, evidence-based practice, and ethical frameworks that guide advanced nursing inquiry. Learners review and critique quality improvement projects, clinical guidelines, and research studies, then develop a focused clinical question and evaluate supporting evidence. The course concludes with an interprofessional scholarly product that includes practice recommendations.
NUR 500-level elective (3 credits)
Track Requirements (36 credits):
NUR604 – Role Development for Advanced Practice Nursing
This course prepares students for the professional expectations of advanced practice nursing. Content covers legal, financial, ethical, and policy issues, as well as communication, collaboration, and leadership responsibilities. Students examine management principles and reflect on how to build and sustain effective professional relationships.
NUR605 – Advanced Health Assessment
This course builds advanced assessment skills for patients across the lifespan. Students use theory and evidence-based guidelines to complete comprehensive histories and physical exams and to interpret findings. Emphasis is on systematic data collection and sound clinical decision making.
NUR606 – Advanced Pathophysiology
This course deepens understanding of normal physiology and the disease processes that alter it. Students study pathophysiologic changes across body systems and age groups and begin linking clinical signs and symptoms to underlying mechanisms. Content supports early development of diagnostic reasoning.
NUR607 – Pharmacology in Advanced Practice
This course covers advanced pharmacologic principles for managing patients across the lifespan. Students review major drug classes, indications, dosing, interactions, and safety issues, including special population needs. Emphasis is on applying pharmacologic knowledge to evaluate and adjust treatment plans.
NUR620 – Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner I
This initial clinical course introduces advanced assessment and management of acutely and chronically ill adult and older adult patients. Students practice health promotion, disease prevention, and stabilization strategies for complex and critically ill populations. Focus is on applying foundational AGACNP skills in supervised settings.
NUR621 – Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner II
This clinical course emphasizes care of adults with acute and critical conditions in hospital and specialty settings. Students refine their assessment, diagnostic interpretation, and treatment planning using collaborative protocols. Increasing responsibility is placed on managing higher-acuity patients and coordinating care.
NUR622 – Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner III
This course advances clinical decision making for critically ill adult-gerontology patients with multiple comorbidities. Students integrate evidence-based guidelines with real-time clinical data to manage complex cases. Emphasis is on prioritizing problems and coordinating interdisciplinary care.
NUR623 – Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner IV
This capstone clinical course supports the transition into the full AGACNP role. Students lead patient-centered, evidence-based care, collaborate with the healthcare team, and evaluate outcomes at both patient and system levels. The focus is on consolidating competencies needed for independent practice in acute and critical care.
More curriculum details are available here.
MSN Clinicals
Students complete 720 total clinical hours, including a minimum of 600 direct patient care hours with a physician or nurse practitioner.
Clinical hours are distributed as 180 hours each across the four AGACNP practicum courses.
Experience must include caring for adults across the lifespan, from young adults to elderly.
Remaining hours may include clinical seminars, pre-approved continuing education, simulation experiences, or specialty rotations approved by the Nurse Practitioner Coordinator. Clinical placements are currently only available in Alabama or Tennessee.
MSN Admission Requirements
- Graduation from a CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA accredited baccalaureate program with a major in nursing
- Overall GPA minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all baccalaureate coursework or on the last 60 semester hours
- 1,000 hours of experience as an RN in a critical care environment before beginning clinical hours
- Current, unencumbered US registered nurse license
- Official transcripts from each university or college attended
- Resume/CV including educational history, professional employment, and current certifications
- Three evaluations from individuals familiar with academic and/or clinical abilities
- Proof of unencumbered nursing license
- Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Pharmacology as prerequisites/co-requisites (must not be older than two years at admission)
- ACLS certification required
- Applications accepted until May 1st; priority consideration for complete applications by deadline
Post-Master’s AG-ACNP Certificate Program
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s AG-ACNP Certificate program is approximately $12,318 and would take approximately 4 semesters to complete.
Estimate based on 24 credits at $445 per credit hour plus $46 per credit hour college fee and $22 infrastructure fee.
Certificate Curriculum
The certificate program focuses on AG-ACNP specialty courses for nurses who already hold a master’s degree in nursing.
Certificate Courses (24 credits):
- NUR 620: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner I (6 credits)
- NUR 621: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner II (6 credits)
- NUR 622: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner III (6 credits)
- NUR 623: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner IV (6 credits)
Note: Students may need to complete Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Pharmacology as prerequisites/co-requisites if not previously completed or if courses are older than two years.
Certificate Clinicals
Students complete 720 total clinical hours, including a minimum of 600 direct patient care hours with a physician or nurse practitioner.
Clinical hours must include experience caring for adults across the lifespan, from young adults to elderly.
Remaining hours may include clinical seminars, pre-approved continuing education, simulation experiences, or specialty rotations approved by the Nurse Practitioner Coordinator. Clinical rotations are currently only available in Alabama or Tennessee.
Certificate Admission Requirements
- Graduation from a CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA accredited program with a master’s in nursing
- Overall GPA minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all Master of Science in Nursing coursework
- 1,000 hours of experience as an RN in a critical care environment before beginning clinical hours
- Current, unencumbered US registered nurse license
- Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Pharmacology as prerequisites/co-requisites (must not be older than two years at admission)
- ACLS certification required
Tuition
Graduate distance learner tuition for the College of Nursing is $445 per credit hour.
Additional fees include a College of Nursing fee of $46 per credit hour and an Infrastructure Fee of $22 per credit hour.
Specific course fees apply: NUR 605 has a $230 fee, and NUR 620, 621, 622, 623 clinical courses have a $10 per credit hour
Simulation and Learning Innovation Center (SLIC) Lab fee, with NUR 623 having additional fees ranging from $575 to $635.
See the official tuition page for more details
Accreditation
The MSN in Nursing at UAH is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The College of Nursing Graduate Programs align with professional nursing standards and guidelines, and graduates are prepared to meet certification eligibility requirements for advanced practice licensure.
Related Nursing Programs at UAH
Master of Science in Nursing Tracks:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Executive Leadership and Administration
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (joint program with UA)
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Education
Additional ACNP Programs for Alabama Residents
- Jacksonville State University - Jacksonville
- University of Alabama at Birmingham - Birmingham
- University of South Alabama - Mobile