New Hampshire offers 2 in-state Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs with costs ranging from $14,193 to $111,540 and completion timelines of 1 to 5 years depending on track and residency status. See table below.
National online options from Chamberlain, South College, and Walden expand choices for New Hampshire nurses seeking AGACNP certification.
High Level Program Comparison Table
| School | Est. Cost (Rounded) | High-Level Program Snapshot |
|---|---|---|
| Rivier University | MSN: $36K–$42K Cert: $14K–$17K | – online, low-residency format with required on-campus days – MSN track lists 480 clinical hours across three practicums – certificate uses a gap analysis so required credits and hours can vary – three start terms each year (September, January, May) |
| University of New Hampshire (UNH) | MSN: $42K Cert: $25K BSN-DNP: $64K BSN-DNP: $112K | – online asynchronous coursework built for working nurses – MSN & certificate includes 750 clinical hours; – BSN-to-DNP lists 1,250 total hours (750 clinical + 500 DNP practicum) – program access is limited to students seeking licensure in NH, ME, MA, or VT |
List of all New Hampshire ACNP Program Options
Chamberlain University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $760 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Chamberlain University offers nurses in New Hampshire an accessible and fully online option to earn their AGACNP degree or certificate, combining scheduling flexibility with rigorous academic content. The curriculum integrates specialized AGACNP courses with two mandatory on-ground immersion labs to ensure clinical skill mastery, preparing New Hampshire graduates for critical roles in hospitals across the state. The Practicum Commitment® is a key support feature, providing New Hampshire students with assistance in finding and securing the 700 required clinical hours with qualified preceptors.
Rivier University ACNP Programs
Nashua | $747-$1,166 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Rivier University delivers both AGACNP tracks in an online, low-residency format with limited required on-campus days. The MSN AGACNP includes advanced practice core courses plus acute care theory, skills labs, and three practicums totaling 480 clinical hours. The post-master’s certificate uses a gap analysis to confirm required courses, and it typically includes acute care theory, skills labs, and three practicums with clinical preparation that mirrors the MSN structure. Both tracks emphasize hands-on acute care skill development supported by simulation training and clinical experiences that may be completed in the student’s local area, when approved...read more.
South College ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $615 cpc | Certificate / MSN
South College offers New Hampshire nurses flexible online pathways to become certified Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners through comprehensive BSN-MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate programs. The programs combine asynchronous online coursework with supervised clinical practicums, allowing New Hampshire nurses to complete their education while working and living in the state. New Hampshire students work with South College to secure clinical sites and preceptors, gaining hands-on experience managing complex acute and chronic conditions in adults and older adults across intensive care, emergency, and specialty care settings.
University of New Hampshire AGACNP Programs
Durham | $820 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
University of New Hampshire delivers its AGACNP programs online with asynchronous coursework built for working nurses. The MSN includes 51 credits and 750 clinical hours across five practicums, with coursework that builds diagnostic reasoning, acute care management, and evidence-based prescribing for adult and older adult patients. The post-master’s certificate focuses on the AGACNP specialty sequence and also includes 750 clinical hours, with a plan of study adjusted to meet certification requirements based on prior coursework. The post-BSN to DNP combines the full AGACNP clinical sequence with doctoral leadership, quality, and scholarly project courses, requiring 1,250 total hours (750 clinical plus 500 DNP practicum) and ending in a DNP project and scholarship deliverables...read more.
Walden University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
New Hampshire nurses can earn their AGACNP credential through Walden University’s flexible, online MSN, DNP, or Post-Master’s Certificate programs, with dedicated Practicum Pledge® support for clinical placement at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Catholic Medical Center, and the state’s network of critical-access hospitals. The curriculum combines 640–1,000 supervised acute-care hours with virtual skills training and a strong emphasis on rural and community-based critical care delivery. Graduates are well-prepared to address New Hampshire’s need for acute care providers in trauma centers, tertiary ICUs, and the rural North Country hospitals serving aging populations.
Comparing ACNP Programs for New Hampshire
How do the in state schools compare against national online options, and what is the best pathyway for you?
TLDR: Quick Selection Guide
Choose University of New Hampshire if you’re a NH resident seeking in-state tuition ($820/credit), CCNE accreditation, 750 clinical hours, asynchronous online delivery, and no prior RN work experience required for the MSN (though one year preferred), with programs accepting only students seeking licensure in NH, ME, MA, or VT.
Choose Rivier University if you want the #1 ranked nursing school in New Hampshire with ACEN accreditation, low-residency format (10 days on campus for MSN, 8 days for certificate), state-of-the-art equipment training including mechanical ventilators and high-fidelity simulators, and three annual start dates (September, January, May) at $747-$1,166/credit.
Choose Chamberlain University if you want 100% online delivery with Practicum Commitment® for clinical placement support, all doctorally prepared board-certified NP faculty, two on-ground immersion events for skills assessment, and completion in 3 years for MSN or 1 year 10 months for certificate at $760/credit.
Choose South College if you want the fastest MSN completion at 21 months with asynchronous online coursework, 800 hours of acute care RN experience required (ICU, step-down, trauma, ER), and CCNE accreditation at approximately $615-$657/credit.
Choose Walden University if you want the most program options (6 tracks including RN-to-MSN and fast-track certificate for FNPs/AGPCNPs), Practicum Pledge® placement support, virtual skills labs and Walden Grand Rounds, no application fee or GRE requirement, and flexible start dates as the #1 choice for MSN-AGACNP programs in the U.S.
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
New Hampshire nurses have 5 certificate options ranging from $14,193 to $42,900, with completion times of 1 to 2 years. Rivier University offers the most affordable certificate at $14,193-$17,346 (varies by gap analysis), while UNH and Walden fast-track offer the fastest completion at 1 year.
| School | Total Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours | Format | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivier | $14,193-$17,346 | ~5 semesters | Varies by gap analysis | Low-residency (8 days on campus) | #1 NH nursing school, state-of-the-art equipment |
| UNH NH Resident | $24,600 | 1-2 years | 750 | Online asynchronous | NH/ME/MA/VT licensure only |
| UNH Regional | $27,900 | 1-2 years | 750 | Online asynchronous | New England Regional rate |
| Walden Standard | $31,170 | 1.5 years | 640 | Online | Practicum Pledge® support |
| Walden Fast-Track | $31,170 | 1 year | 500 | Online | For FNPs/AGPCNPs only |
| Chamberlain | $32,680 | 1 year 10 months | 700 | 100% online | 2 on-ground immersions |
| South College | $34,450-$35,930 | Varies | Significant hours | Online asynchronous | CCNE accredited |
| UNH Out-of-State | $42,900 | 1-2 years | 750 | Online asynchronous | NH/ME/MA/VT licensure only |
Key Differences:
- Geographic restrictions: UNH accepts only students seeking licensure in NH, ME, MA, or VT
- Gap analysis approach: Rivier customizes coursework based on previous education; credit requirements vary significantly (19-53 credits)
- On-campus requirements: Rivier requires 8 days on campus; Chamberlain requires 2 immersion events; UNH and national programs are fully online
- Clinical hours: Range from 500 (Walden fast-track for FNPs/AGPCNPs) to 750 (UNH)
- Fast-track option: Walden offers accelerated path for certified FNPs and AGPCNPs
- Advanced coursework requirements: Rivier requires recent pharmacology (within 5 years) and pathophysiology (within 10 years); UNH requires evidence of three core courses
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
New Hampshire nurses have 5 MSN-AGACNP options ranging from $35,856 to $72,930, with completion times of 21 months to 5 years. Rivier University offers competitive pricing at $35,856-$41,964, while South College provides the fastest completion at 21 months.
| School | Total Cost | Duration (FT) | Clinical Hours | Format | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivier | $35,856-$41,964 | 3.5-5 years | 480 | Low-residency (10 days on campus) | BLS, ACLS, nursing experience |
| UNH NH Resident | $41,820 | 2 years | 750 | Online asynchronous | 1 year preferred, not required |
| Chamberlain | $42,230 | 3 years | 700 | 100% online | Active RN license |
| Walden BSN-MSN | $44,950 | 2 years | 640 | Online | BSN degree |
| UNH Regional | $47,430 | 2 years | 750 | Online asynchronous | New England Regional rate |
| South College | $51,450-$53,695 | 21 months | Distributed across practicums | Online asynchronous | 800 hours acute care RN experience |
| Walden RN-MSN | $65,100 | 2.5-3 years | 640 | Online | RN with ADN or diploma |
| UNH Out-of-State | $72,930 | 2 years | 750 | Online asynchronous | NH/ME/MA/VT licensure only |
Key Differences:
- Clinical hours: Range from 480 (Rivier) to 750 (UNH)
- Entry pathways: Walden offers RN-to-MSN bridge for associate degree holders; Rivier offers RN-to-MS option for experienced ADN RNs
- Start dates: Rivier offers three annual starts (September, January, May); UNH admits Fall only; national programs offer rolling admissions
- On-campus requirements: Rivier requires 10 days on campus; Chamberlain requires 2 on-ground immersions; UNH fully asynchronous
- Work experience: UNH does not require prior RN experience (preferred but not mandatory); South College requires 800 acute care hours; Rivier requires nursing experience
- Geographic restrictions: UNH programs only available to students seeking licensure in NH, ME, MA, or VT
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
New Hampshire nurses have 3 DNP-AGACNP options ranging from $58,000 to $111,540, with completion times of 2.5 to 4 years. Walden’s MSN-to-DNP offers competitive pricing at $58,000 for a 2.5-year program.
| School | Track | Total Cost | Duration (FT) | Clinical Hours | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walden | MSN to DNP | $58,000 | 2.5 years | 1,000 total (400 DNP level) | Online |
| UNH NH Resident | BSN to DNP | $63,960 | 3-4 years | 1,250 (750 clinical + 500 DNP) | Online asynchronous |
| Walden | BSN to DNP | $65,350 | 3 years | 1,000 total (400 DNP level) | Online |
| UNH Regional | BSN to DNP | $72,540 | 3-4 years | 1,250 | Online asynchronous |
| UNH Out-of-State | BSN to DNP | $111,540 | 3-4 years | 1,250 | Online asynchronous |
Note: Rivier University does not currently offer a DNP-AGACNP track. Chamberlain and South College also do not offer DNP-AGACNP programs.
Key Differences:
- Entry pathways: Walden offers both BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP; UNH offers only BSN-to-DNP
- Total clinical hours: Range from 1,000 (Walden) to 1,250 (UNH)
- DNP project focus: All programs include scholarly project with quality improvement emphasis
- AGACNP certification timing: Students complete MSN-level coursework and can sit for AGACNP certification before finishing DNP
- Geographic restrictions: UNH programs only available to students seeking licensure in NH, ME, MA, or VT
- On-campus visits: UNH offers opportunities for clinical practicum, doctoral symposium, and graduation; Walden includes two clinical intensives
Admissions Requirements Comparison
| School | Program Type | GPA | Application Deadline | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivier | MSN | 3.0 | Rolling (Sep, Jan, May starts) | BLS, ACLS, nursing experience, no application fee |
| Rivier | Certificate | 3.0 | Rolling (Sep, Jan, May starts) | Advanced pharmacology within 5 years, pathophysiology within 10 years |
| UNH | MSN | 3.0 | May 1 (Fall only) | NH/ME/MA/VT licensure only, 1 year experience preferred, $65 fee |
| UNH | Certificate | Not specified | May 1 (Fall only) | Evidence of pathophysiology/pharmacology/assessment, $25 fee |
| UNH | DNP | Not specified | May 1 (Spring start) | 3 letters of reference, professional statement, $65 fee |
| Chamberlain | MSN | Contact admissions | Rolling | BSN from regionally accredited institution, no GRE, $150 background check |
| Chamberlain | Certificate | Not specified | Rolling | Master’s or doctoral in nursing, background check required |
| South College | MSN | 3.0 | Rolling | 800 hours acute care RN experience (ICU, step-down, trauma, ER), $50 fee |
| South College | Certificate | Not specified | Rolling | MSN or higher from accredited institution, $50 fee |
| Walden | All MSN | Not specified | Rolling | No application fee, no GRE, no essay |
| Walden | All DNP | Not specified | Rolling | Doctoral Writing Assessment required |
| Walden | Certificate Standard | Not specified | Rolling | MSN or NP MSN degree |
| Walden | Certificate Fast-Track | Not specified | Rolling | Active FNP or AGPCNP license and certification |
Common Requirements Across Programs:
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Official transcripts from all institutions
- Professional references (typically 2-3)
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Background check and drug screening
- Professional liability insurance
- BLS certification (ACLS required for some programs)
New Hampshire In-State Programs:
- Rivier: Three annual start dates (September, January, May) with rolling admissions; no application fee; requires BLS and ACLS
- UNH: Single annual admission (Fall for MSN/Certificate, Spring for DNP); NH/ME/MA/VT licensure restriction; application fees $25-$65
National Programs:
- Most offer rolling admissions with flexible start dates
- No state residency requirements (except UNH geographic restriction)
- Walden offers no application fee structure
Program Accreditation
CCNE-Accredited Programs:
- University of New Hampshire
- Chamberlain University (also accredited by Higher Learning Commission)
- South College
- Walden University
ACEN-Accredited Programs:
- Rivier University (also accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education – NECHE)
Certification Eligibility: All programs prepare graduates to sit for national AGACNP certification through:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) – AGACNP-BC certification
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) – ACNPC-AG certification
Rankings & Recognition:
- Rivier: #1 nursing school in New Hampshire, Top 50 private nursing school nationally (Nursing Schools Almanac)
- UNH: CCNE accredited, ranked among best graduate nursing programs
- Walden: #1 choice for MSN-AGACNP programs in U.S., graduates more nurses with advanced degrees than any other university
Special Features & Distinctions
University of New Hampshire:
- No prior RN work experience required for MSN (one year preferred but not mandatory)
- 750 clinical hours (highest among compared programs)
- Asynchronous online delivery for maximum flexibility
- Student success coach team coordination
- Geographic restriction: NH/ME/MA/VT licensure only
- New England Regional tuition rate available
Rivier University:
- #1 nursing school in New Hampshire
- State-of-the-art Nursing Simulation and Clinical Education Center
- Equipment training: mechanical ventilators, high-fidelity simulators, cardiac pacing/defibrillation, hemodynamic monitoring, pulmonary artery catheters
- Procedural trainers: lumbar puncture, chest tube insertion, tracheostomy, airway management, intubation, video laryngoscopy, point-of-care ultrasound
- Low-residency format (minimal on-campus time)
- Three annual start dates (September, January, May)
- 7 and 14-week course lengths
Chamberlain University:
- Practicum Commitment® – dedicated clinical placement support
- All faculty doctorally prepared, board-certified NPs
- Two on-ground immersion events for hands-on skills assessment
- 100% online delivery between immersions
- Intensive review session during final practicum
- Military and alumni tuition discounts
South College:
- Fastest MSN completion (21 months)
- Requires 800 hours acute care RN experience pre-admission (ICU, step-down, trauma, ER)
- Asynchronous online coursework
- 80% minimum grade requirement in all nursing courses
- College supports practicum/preceptor placement process
Walden University:
- #1 choice for MSN-AGACNP programs in U.S.
- Most program options (6 tracks total)
- Unique fast-track certificate for FNPs/AGPCNPs (1 year, 500 clinical hours)
- RN-to-MSN bridge pathway
- Practicum Pledge® collaborative placement support
- Virtual skills labs and Walden Grand Rounds
- No application fee, no GRE requirement
- Two clinical intensives on-campus (DNP students)
Progression & Academic Standards Comparison
Rivier University:
- No grade less than B in any course
- Maintain 3.0 GPA throughout program
- One grade lower than B = academic probation
- Second course grade lower than B = dismissal (regardless of GPA)
- Single F = dismissal (regardless of GPA)
- Students may take 4 courses (12 credits) prior to matriculating
South College:
- Maintain 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Minimum 80% required in all nursing courses
- Maximum 3 graduate courses accepted for transfer
- Students failing two nursing programs will not be considered
UNH:
- 3.0 GPA required for admission
- Specific progression standards not detailed in materials
Chamberlain:
- Minimum cumulative GPA (contact admissions for specifics)
- Provisional NP students may need to complete NR-545 based on assessment
Walden:
- GPA requirements not specified in materials
- Doctoral Writing Assessment required for DNP students
Summary: New Hampshire vs. National Options
Choose New Hampshire Programs if you:
- Are a NH resident seeking in-state tuition advantages
- Want CCNE or ACEN accreditation from regionally recognized institutions
- Prefer programs with established NH presence and local reputation
- Value state-of-the-art equipment training (Rivier)
- Need asynchronous online delivery with minimal campus requirements
- Seek New England Regional tuition rates (UNH)
Choose National Online Programs if you:
- Need greater flexibility in start dates and program completion
- Want specialized placement support (Practicum Commitment®, Practicum Pledge®)
- Seek faster completion timelines (21 months with South College)
- Need RN-to-MSN bridge pathway (Walden)
- Want fast-track option for current FNPs/AGPCNPs (Walden – 1 year)
- Prefer 100% online with no campus visits (most national programs)
- Need military or alumni tuition discounts (Chamberlain)
Critical Considerations for NH Nurses:
- UNH Geographic Restriction: Only available to students seeking licensure in NH, ME, MA, or VT
- Rivier State Restrictions: Unable to accept students from some states
- Clinical Placement: All programs require securing preceptors; support varies by institution
- Cost Variation: NH resident rates significantly lower than out-of-state; gap can be $20,000-$40,000 for full program
- Accreditation: Mix of CCNE and ACEN; both recognized for AGACNP certification eligibility