Northwestern State University (NSU) College of Nursing and School of Allied Health (CONSAH) offers two Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – AGACNP
- Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) – AGACNP
Both programs are designed for working professionals with flexible full-time or part-time study options, and NP clinical hours are currently completed in Louisiana.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Tuition (Resident) | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN AGACNP | ~$14,345 | ~2–2.5 years (full-time) |
| Post-Master’s Certificate AGACNP | ~$5,738–$8,607 | ~1–1.5 years (full-time) |
NSU is ranked the #1 Nurse Practitioner Program in Louisiana by RegisteredNursing.org and is the state’s largest producer of Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners.
Master of Science in Nursing – AGACNP
The estimated cost for the MSN AGACNP program is approximately $14,345 in tuition (45 credits across ~5 semesters at the $2,869 flat-rate semester charge for 9+ credit hours) and would take approximately 2 to 2.5 years to complete on a full-time basis.
The MSN AGACNP concentration (program code 546N) prepares registered nurses for advanced practice in acute and critical care settings across the adult-gerontology lifespan.
The program builds on BSN-level education and professional experience to develop expertise in assessment, clinical management, and NP role development. Full or part-time study is available; the program uses a cohort model with Fall-only starts.
MSN Curriculum
The MSN requires a minimum of 40–45 semester credits organized into four sections: Core, Clinical Concentration, Functional Role, and Support/Research courses.
Core Courses (12 Credits)
NURG 5010 – Scientific Investigation
This course introduces research design and evidence appraisal in nursing. Students analyze research classifications, interpret findings, and develop a study proposal focused on a clinical problem. Emphasis is placed on applying an evidence-based practice model.
NURG 5100 – Social Forces in Health Care
This course examines social, political, and economic factors that shape the healthcare system. Students evaluate current issues that influence nursing practice and leadership. Emphasis is placed on the role of the master’s-prepared nurse in system improvement.
NURG 5120 – Nursing Theory Development
This course explores development and application of nursing theories. Students examine how theory guides practice, predicts outcomes, and supports hypothesis generation. Emphasis is placed on linking conceptual models to clinical decision-making.
NURG 5280 – Advanced Human Physiology and Pathology for Advanced Practice Nurses
This course integrates advanced physiology and pathology concepts for clinical practice. Students analyze disease mechanisms and physiologic responses at the system level. Emphasis is placed on applying scientific knowledge to advanced assessment and management.
AGACNP Clinical Concentration Courses (Estimated 9 Credits)
NURG 5410 – Acute Care Management Across the Lifespan
This course provides the theoretical and clinical foundation for managing acute health conditions in adults. Students focus on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based acute care across the lifespan.
NURG 5420 – Emergency and Trauma Management
This course prepares students to manage emergency and trauma conditions in adult patients. Students study rapid assessment, stabilization, and intervention strategies. Emphasis is placed on high-acuity and time-sensitive care.
NURG 5430 – Critical Care Management
This course focuses on advanced management of critically ill adult patients. Students analyze complex physiologic instability and multisystem conditions. Emphasis is placed on collaborative care in intensive settings.
Functional Role – Nurse Practitioner Courses (9–20 Credits)
NURG 5370 – Genetics for Advanced Practice Nursing
This course reviews genetic principles and their impact on clinical care. Students examine inheritance patterns, diagnostic testing, pharmacogenomics, and gene therapy. Emphasis is placed on ethical and clinical implications of genetic conditions.
NURG 5690 – Health Informatics and Evidence-Based Care
This course prepares students to use health information systems to improve care delivery. Students apply evidence-based practice and decision support tools to enhance safety and cost-effective outcomes. Emphasis is placed on interprofessional collaboration and patient advocacy.
NURG 5700 – Methods of Clinical Nursing Assessment
This course advances comprehensive health assessment across the lifespan. Students refine data collection, differential diagnosis, and preventive care planning skills. Emphasis is placed on systematic clinical reasoning.
NURG 5710 – Pharmacotherapeutics
This course examines clinical pharmacology for advanced practice. Students study medication selection, dosing, and monitoring strategies. Emphasis is placed on safe and effective therapeutic management.
NURG 5810 – Family Theory and Health Promotion
This course analyzes family dynamics and their impact on health. Students examine coping patterns, role behaviors, and life transitions. Emphasis is placed on promoting family-centered care.
NURG 5830 – Role of the Nurse Practitioner in Clinical Practice
This course explores the professional, legal, and regulatory foundations of the nurse practitioner role. Students examine historical and social influences on practice authority. Emphasis is placed on role development and accountability.
NURG 5840 – Role of the Nurse Practitioner in Business Practice
This course prepares students for business and organizational aspects of practice. Students examine reimbursement, regulatory compliance, and professional advocacy strategies. Emphasis is placed on leadership and operational competence.
Clinical Specialty Course (Select One: NURG 5360, 5440, 5560, 5800, 5880, or 5940)
Students complete an approved specialty course aligned with their clinical concentration. The course deepens expertise in a focused population or practice area. Emphasis is placed on advanced clinical application and competency development.
Support Courses (0–6 credits) and Research Area (0–4 credits) as needed per individual plan of study.
More course descriptions available in the course catalog.
MSN Clinicals
MSN AGACNP students must complete direct care (in-person) clinical hours as specified by the curriculum pattern. Presently, all NP clinical hours are obtained in Louisiana. Students may be required to attend learning events, labs, and/or simulation activities on the main campus or off-campus sites.
- Clinical hours embedded within concentration-specific courses (NURG 5410, 5420, 5430)
- All clinical hours are in-person and completed in Louisiana
- On-campus or off-campus labs and simulation attendance may be required
- Minimum grade of B required in all role courses and practicum
MSN Admissions Requirements
Applications processed through the NSU Graduate School. Priority deadline: March 31. Final deadline: June 1. Cohort begins every Fall semester.
- BSN from a nationally accredited nursing program
- Current, unencumbered, unrestricted Louisiana RN license or compact license including Louisiana
- Undergraduate GPA of 2.5 overall OR 2.75 in the last 60 hours (or GRE score of 284+ if GPA requirement not met)
- Evidence of professional experience in nursing
- All other Graduate School admission requirements must be met
- Applications submitted through the NSU Graduate School portal
Post-Master’s Certificate – AGACNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate AGACNP program is approximately $5,738–$8,607 (estimated 2–3 semesters at the $2,869 flat-rate semester charge) and would take approximately 1 to 1.5 years to complete on a full-time basis.
The PMC is designed for master’s-prepared APRNs seeking to add the AGACNP credential or expand into a new clinical role.
The program delivers foundational advanced practice courses alongside AGACNP-specific clinical sequences through a flexible format built for working professionals. Like the MSN, the PMC uses a cohort model with Fall starts.
Certificate Curriculum
Specific credit totals for the PMC are not published — course requirements are determined through individual advising based on the student’s existing graduate coursework. Core PMC AGACNP courses include:
- Advanced Pathophysiology – foundational pathways of body processes and disease for advanced practice
- Pharmacotherapeutics – advanced pharmacological principles for prescribing and medication management
- Advanced Physical Assessment – detailed history and physical assessment as an advanced practice nurse (also serves as an introductory clinical course leading into concentration-specific clinical work)
- Concentration-specific clinical courses (Spring and beyond, specific course numbers not listed in source materials)
View the official program page for more details
Certificate Clinicals
PMC students must complete all theory and clinical requirements for the AGACNP population focus, including direct care (in-person) clinical hours obtained in Louisiana. Campus or off-campus lab and simulation attendance may also be required.
- All clinical hours are in-person and completed in Louisiana
- Clinical coursework begins after the foundational Advanced Physical Assessment course
- On-campus or off-campus lab/simulation attendance may be required per curriculum pattern
Certificate Admissions Requirements
Applications processed through the NSU Graduate School. Priority deadline: March 31. Final deadline: June 1. Cohort begins every Fall semester.
- Master of Science in Nursing from a nationally accredited program
- Current, unencumbered Louisiana RN license or compact license including Louisiana
- Active APRN credentials or relevant advanced practice background
- All Graduate School admission requirements must be met
- Applications submitted through the NSU Graduate School portal
Tuition
NSU graduate tuition is assessed on a per-semester basis. At 9 or more credit hours, the flat-rate tuition charge is $2,869 per semester.
For fewer than 9 hours, tuition is charged incrementally starting at $718 per credit hour for 1–3 hours.
Additional fees include a Student Association Fee (varies by credit load) and a Health Services fee of $96 per semester for Natchitoches and Shreveport campus students.
An Electronic Learning Course Fee of $50 per internet course also applies.
More tuition details are available here.
Application Deadlines
- Application window opens: January 1
- Priority deadline: March 31
- Final deadline: June 1 (pending space availability)
- Cohort start: Fall semester only
- No rolling admissions — programs admit one cohort per year
Accreditation
The baccalaureate, master’s, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Northwestern State University of Louisiana are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Graduates of the AGACNP tracks are prepared to meet eligibility requirements for national NP certification examinations.
More ACNP Programs in Louisiana
- Loyola University - New Orleans
- LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans