University of Nebraska ACNP Programs

University of Nebraska Medical Center offers 4 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – BSN to DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – MSN to DNP
  • Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC) – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP

Programs feature competency-based education centered on student learning, patient outcomes, and evidence-based practice through advanced nursing systems.

Program Tracks Overview

Program NameEst. TuitionEst. Duration
MSN AGACNP$33K3 years (full-time)
BSN-DNP AGACNP$45K4 years (full-time)
DNP (MSN to DNP)$24K2 years (full-time)
Certificate AGACNP$14K–$20K (gap analysis)1–2 years

UNMC’s 500-mile campus spans five locations across Nebraska (Omaha, Lincoln, Scottsbluff, Kearney, Norfolk) allowing distance students to fulfill clinical requirements locally.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP

The estimated cost for the MSN-AGACNP program is approximately $32,900 and requires 3 years to complete on a full-time basis.

MSN Curriculum

The program requires 50 credit hours delivered over three years preparing nurses for diagnostic reasoning, assessment, and management of acute, complex, and life-threatening healthcare issues in adolescents through elderly patients. The curriculum emphasizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to diagnose, stabilize, and treat acute and complex conditions in hospital and clinic settings.

Core Courses (30 credits):
  • NRSG 600 Foundations of Scholarly Writing (1 credit)
  • NRSG 601 Advanced-Level Nursing Roles (2 credits)
  • NRSG 602 Foundations of Quality, Safety, Informatics and Finance (4 credits)
  • NRSG 603 Foundations of Theories and Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
  • NRSG 604 Foundations of Population-Based Health Policy (3 credits)
  • NRSG 605 Advanced Pathophysiology (4 credits)
  • NRSG 606 Pharmacotherapeutics for the Advanced Practice Nurse (3 credits)
  • NRSG 607 Advanced Assessment and Clinical Reasoning Across the Life Span (3 credits)
  • NRSG 608 Transformational Leadership and Complex Systems (3 credits)
  • EPI 808 Biostatistics and Epidemiology in Nursing Practice (4 credits)
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Specialty Courses (20 credits):

EPI 808 Biostatistics and Epidemiology in Nursing Practice (4)
This course teaches biostatistics and epidemiology for nursing research and population health decisions. Students learn to interpret data, use common study designs, and track disease trends. Students use these skills to spot care gaps and support safer community health plans.

NRSG 600 Foundations of Scholarly Writing (1)
This course strengthens graduate-level academic writing. Students practice clear structure, correct mechanics, and evidence use. The course also covers ethical and responsible information use.

NRSG 601 Advanced-Level Nursing Roles (2)
This course introduces advanced nursing roles and role expectations. Students study leadership concepts, professional identity, and interprofessional communication. The course also addresses equity, inclusion, and social justice in care.

NRSG 602 Foundations of Quality, Safety, Informatics and Finance (4)
This course covers quality improvement tools, patient safety methods, and health informatics basics. Students analyze outcomes data and link performance to cost and value. Students learn how leaders support reliability, teamwork, and safer systems.

NRSG 603 Foundations of Theories and Evidence-Based Practice (3)
This course introduces nursing theory, research types, and scholarship used in advanced practice. Students learn how evidence supports clinical and system decisions. Students also apply change theory to improve practice.

NRSG 604 Foundations of Population-Based Health Policy (3)
This course examines health policy and its impact on equity and outcomes. Students analyze a policy issue and plan advocacy and implementation steps. The course also addresses policy shifts during public health emergencies.

NRSG 605 Advanced Pathophysiology (4)
This course explains disease mechanisms that guide diagnosis and treatment decisions. Students study core processes like inflammation, healing, genetics, and cancer pathways. Students then apply these concepts to body systems using clinical cases.

NRSG 606 Pharmacotherapeutics for the Advanced Practice Nurse (3)
This course builds advanced medication management skills for clinical practice. Students study pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, medication selection, and monitoring. The course also covers prescribing responsibilities and patient safety across the lifespan.

NRSG 607 Advanced Assessment & Clinical Reasoning Across the Life Span (3)
This course develops advanced history-taking, physical exam skills, and diagnostic reasoning. Students practice in lab and simulation with structured learning modules. The course emphasizes clinical decision-making across age groups.

NRSG 608 Transformational Leadership and Complex Systems (3)
This course focuses on leadership strategies in complex health systems. Students apply transformational leadership concepts to real care problems. The course emphasizes change leadership and system thinking.

NRSG 630 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Role: Diagnostics and Therapeutics (3)
This course introduces the AGACNP role, scope, and acute care decision-making. Students learn diagnostics, therapeutics, and advanced interventions used in acute and critical care. Students build skills through simulation and competency checks.

NRSG 631 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Comprehensive Assessment Clinical (1)
This clinical course supports NRSG 630 with supervised practice. Students apply acute care assessment and management skills in inpatient and specialty settings. The course emphasizes safe clinical application of AGACNP competencies.

NRSG 632 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Health Problems I (3)
This course covers acute, critical, and complex chronic conditions in adults and older adults. Students learn assessment and management approaches for physical and mental health needs. The course includes late adolescents through frail older adults.

NRSG 633 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I Clinical (3)
This clinical course builds AGACNP practice skills with real patients. Students apply interventions, clinical reasoning, and decision-making in acute and critical care settings. The course emphasizes safe, evidence-based management.

NRSG 634 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Health Problems II (3)
This course builds on prior acute care content with more advanced and complex adult-gerontology problems. Students strengthen diagnostic reasoning and management planning for unstable patients. The course emphasizes evidence-based decision-making in acute care.

NRSG 635 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care II Clinical (3)
This clinical course expands supervised acute care practice with higher patient complexity. Students sharpen assessment, prioritization, and intervention skills in fast-paced settings. The course emphasizes teamwork and safe management.

NRSG 636 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care III Clinical (3)
This advanced clinical course supports increasing independence in AGACNP practice. Students manage complex cases and refine clinical judgment across acute and critical care. The course emphasizes readiness for entry into advanced practice.

More curriculum details are available here.

MSN Clinicals

Students complete 600 total direct patient care clinical hours distributed across four clinical courses preparing for practice in acute care hospitals, trauma units, specialized clinics, and emergency care settings. Clinical experiences prepare graduates to perform and interpret advanced diagnostic and therapeutic interventions while recognizing patients requiring specialty provider evaluation.

Clinical Requirements:

  • 600 total clinical hours (1 credit hour = 60 direct patient care hours)
  • NRSG 631 Comprehensive Assessment Clinical (60 hours)
  • NRSG 633 Acute Care I Clinical (180 hours)
  • NRSG 635 Acute Care II Clinical (180 hours)
  • NRSG 636 Acute Care III Clinical (180 hours)
  • Clinical settings include acute care hospitals, trauma units, specialized clinics, emergency departments
  • Distance students may fulfill clinical requirements locally
  • UNMC provides guidance for arranging sites, schedules, and preceptors in student’s community

MSN Admissions Requirements

Academic Requirements:

  • BSN degree from CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA-accredited nursing program
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

Licensure and Experience:

  • United States citizens must be legally licensed to practice nursing in one of 50 states prior to admission
  • RN licensure required in state/states where participating in clinical courses
  • Preference given to applicants with at least one year full-time RN work experience
  • Preference given to Nebraska residents

Application Materials:

  • NursingCAS application
  • Personal statement responding to specific questions addressing educational and professional goals including area of practice interest
  • Curricula vitae or professional resume
  • Official transcripts from all institutions including non-nursing coursework
  • Three letters of recommendation (preferably from persons holding doctorate) submitted electronically
  • Interview conducted in person or via electronic technology

English Language Proficiency (if applicable):

  • TOEFL iBT: minimum 22 Reading/Listening/Writing, minimum 26 Speaking
  • Pearson Test of English: minimum 59 Reading/Listening/Writing, minimum 71 Speaking
  • IELTS: minimum Band 6.5 Reading/Listening/Writing, minimum Band 7 Speaking
  • Waived if completed nursing degree from accredited English-speaking university

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – BSN to DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP

The estimated cost for the BSN to DNP-AGACNP program is approximately $44,744 and requires 4 years to complete on a full-time basis (3-year accelerated plan available).

BSN to DNP Curriculum

The program requires 68 total credits combining DNP core courses (33 credits) with MSN-level advanced practice courses (35 credits) preparing nurses for the highest level of nursing leadership and practice. The integrated curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, quality improvement, systems leadership, and translating research to practice while developing AGACNP clinical expertise.

DNP Core Courses (approximately 33 credits):

  • NRSG 700 Implementing Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
  • NRSG 701 Leading Systems Change to Optimize Organizational Outcomes (3 credits)
  • NRSG 702 Methods for Assessing Clinical Practice Outcomes (3 credits)
  • NRSG 703 DNP Scholarship Seminar I (3 credits)
  • NRSG 704 DNP Scholarship Seminar II (3 credits)
  • NRSG 705 DNP Scholarship Seminar III (3 credits)
  • BIOS 806 Biostatistics (3 credits)
  • EPI 820 Epidemiology in Public Health (3 credits)
  • NRSG 709 Health Care Policy (3 credits)
  • NRSG 731 Transformational Leadership (3 credits)
  • NRSG 755 Health Care Economics and Finance (3 credits)

MSN Core and Advanced Practice Courses (35 credits):

  • NRSG 600 Foundations of Scholarly Writing (1 credit)
  • NRSG 601 Advanced-Level Nursing Roles (2 credits)
  • NRSG 602 Foundations of Quality, Safety, Informatics and Finance (4 credits)
  • NRSG 603 Foundations of Theories and Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
  • NRSG 604 Foundations of Population-Based Health Policy (3 credits)
  • NRSG 605 Advanced Pathophysiology (4 credits)
  • NRSG 606 Pharmacotherapeutics for the Advanced Practice Nurse (3 credits)
  • NRSG 607 Advanced Assessment & Clinical Reasoning Across the Life Span (3 credits)
  • NRSG 608 Transformational Leadership and Complex Systems (3 credits)
  • EPI 808 Biostatistics and Epidemiology in Nursing Practice (4 credits)
  • NRSG 630 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Role: Diagnostics and Therapeutics (4 credits)
  • NRSG 631 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Comprehensive Assessment Clinical (1 credit)
  • NRSG 632 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Health Problems I (3 credits)
  • NRSG 633 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I Clinical (3 credits)
  • NRSG 634 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Health Problems II (3 credits)
  • NRSG 635 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care II Clinical (3 credits)
  • NRSG 636 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care III Clinical (3 credits)

More curriculum details are available here.

BSN to DNP Clinicals

BSN to DNP students complete 600 direct patient care clinical hours through AGACNP practicum courses plus additional DNP project practicum hours. Clinical training prepares graduates to perform advanced diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in acute care settings while developing skills for highest-level nursing practice and leadership.

Clinical Requirements:

  • 600 AGACNP clinical hours (same distribution as MSN program)
  • NRSG 631 Comprehensive Assessment Clinical (60 hours)
  • NRSG 633 Acute Care I Clinical (180 hours)
  • NRSG 635 Acute Care II Clinical (180 hours)
  • NRSG 636 Acute Care III Clinical (180 hours)
  • DNP project practicum hours through scholarship seminars
  • Distance students may complete clinical requirements locally
  • Guidance provided for arranging sites, schedules, preceptors in student’s area

BSN to DNP Admissions Requirements

Academic Requirements:

  • BSN degree from CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA-accredited nursing program
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale
  • Official transcripts from all institutions

Licensure and Experience:

  • Active RN licensure in one of 50 US states prior to admission
  • RN licensure required in state(s) where participating in clinical courses
  • Preference given to applicants with at least one year full-time RN work experience
  • Preference given to Nebraska residents

Application Materials:

  • NursingCAS application
  • Personal statement addressing educational and professional goals
  • Curricula vitae or professional resume
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities
  • Three letters of recommendation (preferably from doctorate holders)
  • Interview (in person or electronic)

English Language Proficiency (if applicable):

  • Same requirements as MSN program

Additional Considerations:

  • GPA below 3.0 may be recommended for admission with additional qualifications such as leadership and practice experience
  • Admission based on match of career goals with specialty and college resources

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – MSN to DNP

The estimated cost for the MSN to DNP program is approximately $23,030 and requires 2 years to complete on a full-time basis.

MSN to DNP Curriculum

The program requires 35 credits of DNP core courses designed for nurses with existing MSN degrees in nursing administration or clinical specializations as advanced practice registered nurses. The curriculum focuses on highest-level nursing leadership, evidence-based practice implementation, systems change, and translating research into clinical practice improvements.

Required DNP Core Courses (24-35 credits):

  • BIOS 806 Biostatistics (3 credits)
  • EPI 820 Epidemiology in Public Health (3 credits)
  • NRSG 701 Implementing Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
  • NRSG 702 Methods for Assessing Clinical Practice Outcomes (3 credits)
  • NRSG 703 Changing Complex Systems to Improve Health Care Delivery (2 credits)
  • NRSG 704 Clinical Inquiry (1-12 credits, DNP project)
  • NRSG 709 Health Care Policy (3 credits)
  • NRSG 731 Transformational Leadership (3 credits)
  • NRSG 755 Health Care Economics and Finance (3 credits)

Electives: Based on student career goals and consultation with faculty advisor.

MSN to DNP Clinicals

MSN to DNP students complete DNP project practicum hours through Clinical Inquiry coursework (NRSG 704). The DNP project focuses on translating research into practice, implementing quality improvement initiatives, and improving patient outcomes at organizational and systems levels.

Clinical Requirements:

  • DNP project practicum hours through NRSG 704 Clinical Inquiry (variable 1-12 credits)
  • Project focuses on practice improvement, systems change, or evidence implementation
  • Faculty advisor guidance throughout project development and completion
  • Scholarly dissemination of DNP project outcomes

MSN to DNP Admissions Requirements

Academic Requirements:

  • Master’s degree from CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA-accredited nursing program
  • MSN specialty must be in nursing administration or clinical specialization preparing graduate as APRN
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale
  • Official transcripts from all institutions

Licensure:

  • Active RN licensure in one of 50 US states
  • Licensure required in state(s) of clinical participation

Application Materials:

  • NursingCAS application
  • Personal statement addressing educational and professional goals
  • Curricula vitae or professional resume
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities
  • Three letters of recommendation (preferably from doctorate holders)
  • Interview (in person or electronic)

English Language Proficiency (if applicable):

  • Same requirements as other programs

Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC) – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP

The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate AGACNP Certificate varies from approximately $13,160 to $19,740 based on individualized gap analysis and requires 1-2 years to complete.

PGC Curriculum

The certificate requires 20-30 credit hours based on individualized gap analysis conducted by faculty advisor evaluating previous MSN or DNP coursework, clinical training, nursing practice experience, and professional goals. The program prepares nurses with previous graduate degrees for advanced practice in the AGACNP specialty, qualifying graduates to apply for appropriate nurse practitioner board certification.

Course Requirements: Determined through gap analysis based on previous education. May include courses from MSN AGACNP specialty track:

  • NRSG 630 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Role: Diagnostics and Therapeutics (4 credits)
  • NRSG 631 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Comprehensive Assessment Clinical (1 credit)
  • NRSG 632 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Health Problems I (3 credits)
  • NRSG 633 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I Clinical (3 credits)
  • NRSG 634 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Health Problems II (3 credits)
  • NRSG 635 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care II Clinical (3 credits)
  • NRSG 636 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care III Clinical (3 credits)
  • Additional core courses if not completed in previous program (pathophysiology, pharmacology, assessment)

Plan of Study: Individualized based on gap analysis; faculty advisor provides guidance based on classroom and clinical training, practice experience, and professional goals.

PGC Clinicals

Clinical requirements determined through gap analysis based on previous graduate education and nursing experience. Students typically complete AGACNP clinical practicum courses totaling up to 600 clinical hours depending on prior clinical training in acute care settings.

Clinical Requirements:

  • Variable based on gap analysis (typically up to 600 hours)
  • May include NRSG 631 Comprehensive Assessment Clinical (60 hours)
  • May include NRSG 633, 635, 636 Acute Care Clinical courses (180 hours each)
  • Clinical experiences in acute care hospitals, trauma units, specialized clinics, emergency departments
  • Distance students may complete requirements locally with UNMC guidance

PGC Admissions Requirements

Academic Requirements:

  • BSN or MSN degree from CCNE or ACEN-accredited nursing program
  • MSN or DNP from accredited institution
  • Minimum GPA of 3.4 on 4.0 scale for post-graduate track (per policy 5.3.4)
  • If degree from non-US college, must be evaluated as equivalent to US nursing degree

Licensure and Experience:

  • Active RN license in one of 50 US states
  • Preference for at least one year full-time RN work experience
  • Experience with specialty population valuable
  • Preference given to Nebraska residents

Application Materials:

  • NursingCAS application
  • Personal statement addressing educational and professional goals
  • Curricula vitae or professional resume
  • Official transcripts from all institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation (preferably from doctorate holders)
  • Interview (in person or electronic)

English Language Proficiency (if applicable):

  • Same requirements as other programs

Tuition

Graduate nursing program tuition is approximately $658 per credit hour based on UNMC’s distance education rate for graduate programs. Specific College of Nursing graduate rates should be confirmed with admissions. Additional fees may apply for clinical courses and technology. Financial aid available for qualifying students through FAFSA.

See the official tuition page for more details.

Application Deadlines

MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP:

  • Application Opens: September 1
  • Application Due: February 1
  • Program Start: August

BSN to DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP:

  • Application Opens: September 1
  • Application Due: February 1
  • Program Start: August

MSN to DNP:

  • Application Opens: September 1
  • Application Due: February 1
  • Program Start: May

Post-Graduate Certificate Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP:

  • Application Opens: September 1
  • Application Due: February 1
  • Program Start: August

All programs admit students once annually. Applications submitted through NursingCAS.

Accreditation

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing’s doctorate of nursing practice degree program, master’s degree program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program.

Graduates are eligible to apply for nurse practitioner board certification in the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care specialty through appropriate certifying bodies. The outcomes and competencies prepare graduates for advanced practice leadership, evidence-based clinical care, and systems improvement across diverse healthcare settings.