Loyola University New Orleans School of Nursing offers two Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) tracks:
- BSN-DNP – AGACNP
- Post-Graduate Certificate – AGACNP
Both programs are delivered in a flexible hybrid or fully online format, with core DNP coursework available entirely online and clinical practicums completed with local preceptors in the student’s geographic area.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BSN-DNP AGACNP | ~$42,480 (48 credits × $885/cr) | ~2–2.5 years (full-time) |
| Post-Graduate Certificate AGACNP | ~$15,930 (18 credits × $885/cr) | ~1–1.5 years (full-time) |
Applications are accepted year-round for Fall, Spring, and Summer enrollment, and both tracks are verified for AACN AGAC certification upon graduation.
Doctor of Nursing Practice – AGACNP (BSN to DNP)
The estimated cost for the BSN-DNP AGACNP program is approximately $42,480 in tuition (48 credits × $885/credit hour), plus applicable semester fees, and would take approximately 2 to 2.5 years to complete on a full-time basis.
This hybrid program prepares BSN-educated RNs for advanced practice across the full spectrum of acute care environments. Core DNP coursework is delivered entirely online; AGACNP specialization begins in the third semester and blends required on-campus intensives with clinical experiences. Graduates are eligible to sit for the AGACNP national certification exam.
DNP Curriculum
The program totals 48 credit hours and includes foundational advanced practice courses, AGACNP specialization sequences, DNP scholarly project courses, and a role transition capstone.
NURS G805 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 crs)
This course examines the mechanisms of disease across the lifespan. Students analyze cellular injury, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, acid-base disorders, and genetic defects. Emphasis is placed on immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular dysfunction commonly encountered in advanced practice.
NURS G810 – Advanced Health Assessment (Didactic and Lab) (3 crs)
This course integrates health history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing to guide advanced assessment. Students develop systematic evaluation skills across the lifespan. Laboratory experiences strengthen clinical judgment and comprehensive assessment techniques.
NURS G820 – Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics (3 crs)
This course develops advanced clinical decision-making for medication management. Students study drug mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic use of major drug classes in primary care. Emphasis is placed on safe and effective prescribing practices.
NURS G900 – Scientific Inquiry and Translational Research (3 crs)
This writing-intensive course links theory, research, and clinical practice. Students evaluate scientific evidence and apply findings to improve patient outcomes. Emphasis is placed on translating research into practice solutions.
NURS G901 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Theories for Advanced Practice I (2 crs)
This course introduces advanced management of acutely ill adult and geriatric patients. Students examine epidemiology, etiology, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning. Focus is placed on unstable and technologically dependent patients with complex conditions.
NURS G902 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Practicum I (Minimum 250 Hours) (1 cr)
This practicum develops diagnostic reasoning and comprehensive assessment skills in a supervised clinical setting. Students refine differential diagnosis development and care planning for adult patients. Emphasis is placed on safe decision-making in acute care environments.
NURS G903 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Theories for Advanced Practice II (2 crs)
This course advances acute care management of complex and episodic illness. Students focus on treatment of acute conditions, terminal illness, and exacerbations of chronic disease. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based clinical interventions.
NURS G904 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Practicum II (Minimum 250 Hours) (1 cr)
This practicum strengthens clinical reasoning and patient management skills in acute care settings. Students conduct advanced assessments, develop differential diagnoses, and implement treatment plans. Supervised clinical hours support progression in advanced practice competence.
NURS G906 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Theories for Advanced Practice III (2 crs)
This course builds on prior theory courses to address multisystem and high-acuity disorders. Students analyze cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurologic, gastrointestinal, hematologic, oncologic, immunologic, and psychiatric conditions. Emphasis is placed on complex and critically unstable adult patients.
NURS G907 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Practicum III (Minimum 250 Hours) (1 cr)
This practicum applies advanced theory to the care of critically ill adults and older adults. Students enhance diagnostic reasoning, comprehensive assessment, and treatment planning skills. Supervised clinical practice focuses on medically complex and high-risk patients.
NURS G936 – Leadership and Evolving Health Systems (3 crs)
This course prepares students to lead within complex healthcare systems. Students analyze leadership theory, resource coordination, and quality improvement strategies. Emphasis is placed on promoting equitable and safe care across diverse settings.
NURS G937 – Health Policy, Economics and Social Justice (3 crs)
This course examines policy, regulation, and economic forces that shape healthcare delivery. Students evaluate how policy addresses disparities and health equity. Emphasis is placed on advocacy, interprofessional collaboration, and ethical practice.
NURS G938 – Population Health, Epidemiology & Statistical Methods (3 crs)
This course applies epidemiologic and statistical principles to population health improvement. Students analyze data to design and evaluate evidence-based interventions. Emphasis is placed on addressing social determinants of health and reducing disparities.
NURS G939 – DNP Scholarly Project I: Planning and Proposal (180 Practicum Hours) (3 crs)
This course guides development of the DNP scholarly project proposal. Students integrate evidence, leadership, and informatics to design a practice-focused initiative. Completion includes proposal approval and project site engagement.
NURS G941 – Quality Care and Health Outcomes (3 crs)
This course examines quality improvement strategies and outcome measurement in healthcare systems. Students analyze safety metrics, performance data, and informatics tools. Emphasis is placed on promoting a culture of safety and outcome-driven practice.
NURS G942 – DNP Scholarly Project II: Implementation (180 Practicum Hours) (3 crs)
This course focuses on execution of the approved DNP scholarly project. Students implement evidence-based interventions within a healthcare organization. Practicum hours support project leadership and system change.
NURS G943 – Transition to Advanced Role (3 crs)
This course prepares students for the DNP role in clinical practice and leadership. Students examine professional responsibilities, interprofessional collaboration, and regulatory considerations. Emphasis is placed on ethical and effective advanced practice integration.
NURS G944 – DNP Scholarly Project III: Evaluation & Dissemination (180 Practicum Hours) (3 crs)
This course centers on evaluation and dissemination of the DNP scholarly project. Students measure outcomes, analyze results, and prepare findings for presentation. Practicum hours support completion and knowledge translation.
NURS G946 – Research for Evidence Based Practice (3 crs)
This course introduces the foundations of evidence-based practice. Students conduct literature searches, critique research studies, and analyze statistical findings. Emphasis is placed on synthesizing evidence to address clinical nursing problems.
See the official curriculum page for more details.
DNP Clinicals
The BSN-DNP includes a minimum of 1,290 supervised clinical hours across the AGACNP practicum sequence and DNP scholarly project courses. All practicums are completed locally with qualified preceptors in the student’s geographic area.
- NURS G902 – Practicum I: minimum 250 hours
- NURS G904 – Practicum II: minimum 250 hours
- NURS G907 – Practicum III: minimum 250 hours
- NURS G939 – Scholarly Project I: 180 hours
- NURS G942 – Scholarly Project II: 180 hours
- NURS G944 – Scholarly Project III: 180 hours
DNP Admissions Requirements
Applications submitted through NursingCAS. Rolling admissions for Fall, Spring, and Summer.
- BSN from an accredited school of nursing
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Current, unencumbered RN license (Louisiana license or multistate license required during enrollment)
- Minimum 1 year of full-time critical care RN experience at time of application, with demonstrated proficiency managing critically ill patients
- CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) certification
- Current BLS and ACLS certification
- At least two professional letters of recommendation from colleagues in a leadership role within a critical care setting, addressing critical thinking skills and program potential
- One-page personal statement detailing how AGACNP certification will impact career trajectory
- CV/Resume including specific dates of all acute care and nursing experience
- Selected applicants invited for on-campus or Zoom interview
- Upon acceptance: certified background review and drug screen (student-paid within 30 days of enrollment), physical examination documentation, immunization records, and current CPR certification
Post-Graduate Certificate – AGACNP {#certificate}
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate Certificate AGACNP program is approximately $15,930 in tuition (18 credits × $885/credit hour), though actual cost varies based on individual gap analysis, and would take approximately 1 to 1.5 years to complete on a full-time basis.
This fully online, asynchronous program is designed for master’s-prepared nurses seeking the AGACNP credential without completing a full DNP. Each student receives an individual gap analysis to build a customized plan of study; the minimum number of credits completed at Loyola is 9. Practicums are completed locally with qualified preceptors in the student’s area.
Certificate Curriculum
The program totals 18 credit hours, focused entirely on AGACNP-specific theory, assessment, pharmacology, and clinical practice.
- NURS G805 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3)
- NURS G810 – Advanced Health Assessment (didactic and lab) (3)
- NURS G820 – Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics (3)
- NURS G901 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Theories for Advanced Practice I (2)
- NURS G902 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Practicum I (min. 180 practicum hours) (1)
- NURS G903 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Theories for Advanced Practice II (2)
- NURS G904 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Practicum II (min. 180 practicum hours) (1)
- NURS G906 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Theories for Advanced Practice III (2)
- NURS G907 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Practicum III (min. 140 practicum hours) (1)
See the official curriculum page for more details
Certificate Clinicals
The Certificate program requires a minimum of 500 supervised clinical hours completed across the three AGACNP practicum courses. All hours are completed locally with qualified preceptors in the student’s practice area.
- NURS G902 – Practicum I: minimum 180 hours
- NURS G904 – Practicum II: minimum 180 hours
- NURS G907 – Practicum III: minimum 140 hours
Certificate Admissions Requirements
Applications submitted through NursingCAS. Rolling admissions for Fall, Spring, and Summer.
- Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from an accredited school of nursing
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Current, unencumbered RN license and APRN license (if applicable) in the state where practicums will occur (Louisiana or multistate license required during enrollment)
- Minimum 1 year of full-time nursing work experience
- Two professional letters of reference
- One-page personal statement
- Interviews required for selected applicants (scheduled bi-monthly)
- Upon acceptance: certified background review and drug screen (student-paid within 30 days), physical examination documentation, immunization records, and current CPR certification
Tuition
Graduate tuition for both programs is $885 per credit hour ($2,655 per 3-credit course).
BSN-DNP fees:
- Full-time (6+ credits/semester): $965/semester
- Part-time (1–5 credits/semester): $485/semester
- Summer: $105/semester
Certificate fees:
- Full-time (6+ credits/semester): $250/semester
- Part-time (1–5 credits/semester): $125/semester
More tuition details are available here.
Application Deadlines
Applications are accepted year-round for Fall, Spring, and Summer enrollment in both programs.
Accreditation
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Loyola University New Orleans is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Both the BSN-DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate AGACNP programs are verified for AACN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (AGAC) certification, qualifying graduates to sit for the national AGACNP certification examination.
More ACNP Programs in Louisiana
- LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans
- Northwestern State University - Natchitoches