Wisconsin has four schools offering AGACNP programs across MSN, DNP, and post-graduate certificate tracks.
Estimated in-state program costs range from ~$12,068 (UW–Madison Capstone Certificate) to ~$96,600 (Marquette Post-BSN DNP), with completion timelines spanning 1 to 4 years depending on your entry point and pace.
This page compares all options for Wisconsin nurses. Click the links for detailed summaries of each school.
Quick Summary Table
| School | Est. Cost Range | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Marquette University | Certificate: $17K–$42K MSN: $59K Post-BSN DNP: $97K Post-MSN DNP: $42K | – Broadest range of AGACNP entry points in Wisconsin – Mostly part-time: in-person, hybrid, and online – Clinical placements provided across Milwaukee & Illinois. – Flexible pacing, advisor-guided study plans. |
| University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee | Certificate: $17K BS-to-DNP: $38K in-state Post-Master’s DNP: Varies | – One of the strongest in-state public value options – Clinical placements are arranged by the College of Nursing – Best fit for a public doctoral pathway |
| University of Wisconsin–Madison | Certificate: $12K in-state Post-BS DNP: $37K Post-MS DNP: Individualized | – Best public value in this group for Wisconsin residents – Hybrid format with mostly asynchronous coursework – Clinical placements are coordinated by dedicated staff – high-support public option |
| Viterbo University | Certificate: $22K BSN-to-DNP: $78K Post-MSN DNP: $75K | – Hybrid blended format with classes online – Strong Mayo Clinic connection – Reports 100% national NP certification pass rates – Good fit for students who want a private hybrid option |
Wisconsin ACNP Program Summaries
Chamberlain University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $760 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Wisconsin registered nurses can pursue AGACNP credentials through Chamberlain University's online MSN ($42,230) or graduate certificate ($32,680) programs featuring instruction from experienced acute care practitioners. The comprehensive curriculum covers differential diagnosis, complex patient management, and advanced pharmacology with hands-on skill development during two required immersion events. Chamberlain supports Wisconsin students in securing preceptors and clinical sites through their dedicated practicum coordination services.
Marquette University ACNP Programs
Milwaukee | $1,400 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN / DNP
Marquette University offers four part-time Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP pathways—a post-master’s certificate, an MSN, a post-BSN DNP, and a post-MSN DNP—so nurses can enter at the post-BSN or post-graduate level and either add or advance an AGACNP specialty. Across programs, estimated tuition ranges from about $16,800 to $96,600, with typical completion timelines of 1–4 years depending on track and prior education. All options blend online, hybrid, and in-person coursework with arranged regional clinical placements and prepare graduates for national AGACNP certification eligibility...read more.
Purdue Global ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $420 cpc | Certificate
For advanced practice nurses in Wisconsin, Purdue Global offers a CCNE-accredited certificate that bridges the gap between general practice and high-acuity care. The program is particularly suited for Badger State professionals who require a flexible, fully online schedule while maintaining their clinical roles. By integrating 57 quarter credits of advanced pathophysiology and specialized pharmacology, the curriculum ensures that Wisconsin graduates are academically eligible for national certification and ready to lead in complex medical-surgical settings.
South College ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $615 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Wisconsin nurses seeking advanced practice credentials can enroll in South College's online AGACNP programs, which offer both BSN-MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate tracks with asynchronous coursework and supervised clinical training. The BSN-MSN program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, current RN licensure, and 800 hours of acute care experience, with students completing the 79-credit curriculum in 21 months at an estimated cost of $51,450-$53,695. Wisconsin students work with South College to secure clinical preceptors at approved healthcare facilities, developing advanced competencies in managing complex acute and chronic conditions in adults and older adults throughout the state's healthcare systems.
University of Wisconsin ACNP Programs
Milwaukee | $1,053.71 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP
The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee offers three Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP pathways—a one-year graduate certificate, a three-year BS-to-DNP, and a customized post-master’s DNP—so nurses can enter at the certificate, BSN, or master’s level. Each track blends advanced acute care coursework with progressive practicums, adding leadership and DNP project components at the doctoral level. All three options are designed to meet national AGACNP certification standards, supporting licensure eligibility in all 50 states...read more.
UW Madison ACNP Programs
Madison | $670 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP
The University of Wisconsin–Madison offers three AGACNP options—a 1-year capstone certificate, a 3–4 year post-BS DNP, and a 3–4 year post-MS DNP—delivered in a hybrid format that blends asynchronous online coursework with monthly in-person sessions and arranged clinicals at top-ranked Level I trauma centers and acute/critical care hospitals. Across all tracks, students complete robust clinical hours and leadership-focused coursework designed to deepen advanced acute care skills with adults and older adults. Graduates are prepared for national AGACNP certification (ANCC) and licensure eligibility in all 50 states...read more.
Viterbo University ACNP Programs
La Crosse | $1,050 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP
Viterbo University offers three Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner pathways: a post-graduate certificate, a BSN-to-DNP, and a post-MSN DNP. The program is designed for working nurses, using a hybrid format with online coursework and limited on-campus time, plus clinical placements that may include Mayo Clinic sites. Across the tracks, Viterbo emphasizes strong certification outcomes, flexible clinical training, and a curriculum focused on acute care assessment, management, and advanced practice leadership...read more.
Walden University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Wisconsin registered nurses can earn their Adult-Gerontology Acute Care credential via Walden University’s primarily online MSN, DNP, or Post-Master’s Certificate tracks, with Practicum Pledge® help securing placements at Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin, UW Health, Aurora Health Care, and rural critical-access sites across the state. The programs deliver 640–1,000 faculty-supported acute-care hours, virtual procedural training, and a strong focus on evidence-based critical care suited to Wisconsin’s mix of academic medical centers and Northwoods community hospitals. Graduates are well-prepared to fill the state’s growing need for AGACNPs in trauma services, cardiothoracic ICUs, and regional health systems serving aging rural populations.
How to Choose the Best Program for You
TLDR: Which Wisconsin AGACNP Program Is Right for You?
Choose UW–Madison if you want the most affordable certificate or BSN-entry DNP at a public flagship, with coordinator-arranged placements at nationally ranked Level I trauma centers and a reported 100% certification pass rate.
Choose UW–Milwaukee if you want a competitively priced public-institution BSN-to-DNP with multiple entry points and licensure eligibility in all 50 states upon certification.
Choose Marquette if you need a traditional MSN pathway, want the most flexible post-master’s certificate credit range, or are seeking the lowest-cost Post-MSN DNP option in the state.
Choose Viterbo if you want a Mayo Clinic clinical collaboration, a reported 100% certification pass rate, and a commuter-friendly hybrid schedule built for working nurses.
Comparing MSN-AGACNP Programs in Wisconsin
Only one Wisconsin school offers a standalone MSN entry point.
Marquette’s 42-credit MSN (~$58,800) is structured for part-time working nurses over 2–3 years, and students earn the MSN en route to the Post-BSN DNP if they choose to continue.
Comparing Wisconsin DNP-AGACNP Programs
All four schools offer DNP pathways, but cost and structure differ significantly by entry point.
For BSN-entry students, UW–Madison (~$37,212 resident) and UWM (~$38,421 resident) are the most affordable options — both public institutions with similar 3-year timelines.
Viterbo (~$77,700) and Marquette (~$96,600) are the most expensive BSN-entry DNP options, though both offer hybrid commuter-friendly formats with strong clinical support.
For Post-MSN entry, Marquette’s 30-credit track (~$42,000) is the fastest and most affordable option in the state at approximately 2 years; Viterbo’s Post-MSN DNP (~$74,550) mirrors its BSN-to-DNP curriculum at slightly fewer credits but a similar price point.
| School | Entry Point | Format | Credits | Est. Cost (Resident) | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UW–Madison | BSN | Hybrid | 68+ | ~$37,212 | 3–4 years |
| UWM | BSN | In-Person / Hybrid | 65 | ~$38,421 | 3 years |
| Marquette | MSN | Hybrid / Part-Time | 30 | ~$42,000 | ~2 years |
| UW–Madison | MSN | Hybrid | Individualized | Individualized | 3–4 years |
| UWM | MSN | In-Person / Hybrid | 41+ (varies) | Individualized | Varies |
| Viterbo | MSN | Hybrid (year-round) | 71 | ~$74,550 | ~3 years |
| Viterbo | BSN | Hybrid (year-round) | 74 | ~$77,700 | 3.5 years |
| Marquette | BSN | Hybrid / Part-Time | 69 | ~$96,600 | 3–4 years |
Comparing Wisconsin Post-Graduate Certificate Programs
All four schools offer post-graduate certificates targeting APRN-prepared nurses.
UW–Madison is the most affordable at ~$12,068 (resident) for 18 credits completed in one year. UWM’s certificate (~$16,918) is similarly priced and structured but requires a current Wisconsin RN license — an important restriction for out-of-state applicants.
Marquette’s certificate is the most flexible: credit requirements range from 12 to 30 depending on your prior foundation coursework, meaning costs could run as low as ~$16,800 for nurses with existing 3 P’s preparation.
Viterbo’s certificate (~$22,050) is the most expensive but is notable for financial aid eligibility and its Mayo Clinic clinical collaboration.
| School | Credits | Est. Cost | Duration | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UW–Madison | 18 | ~$12,068 (resident) | ~1 year | Coordinator-arranged placements; 100% pass rate |
| UWM | 21 | ~$16,918 (resident) | ~1 year | WI RN license required; up to 1 course transferable |
| Marquette | 12–30 | $16,800–$42,000 | 1–3 years | Lowest floor cost; credits vary by prior preparation |
| Viterbo | 21 | ~$22,050 | ~2 years | Financial aid eligible; Mayo Clinic clinical option |
Clinical Placements and Preceptor Support
Each Wisconsin school takes a distinct approach to clinical placement — ranging from fully coordinator-arranged to student-assisted. Here’s how each program handles it:
UW–Madison: Clinical placements are fully arranged by dedicated coordinators — students do not self-arrange. Sites include nationally ranked Level I trauma centers, acute and critical care hospitals, community hospitals, and critical access centers. Domestic and international DNP immersion opportunities are also available.
UWM: Practicum placements are arranged collaboratively by UWM’s College of Nursing. Sites are in hospital or specialty clinic settings. The certificate program notes that admission requirements are “in transition” — prospective students should contact the College of Nursing advisor before applying.
Marquette: Clinical site placement is provided across all tracks, with sites in greater Milwaukee, throughout Wisconsin, and northern Illinois. Personalized plans of study are developed with a dedicated advisor. ACLS certification is required prior to beginning clinical courses.
Viterbo: Clinical opportunities can often be completed in the student’s home region. Viterbo has a formal clinical education collaboration with Mayo Clinic — select students may be guaranteed rotations at Mayo Midwest sites. The program reports a 100% NP certification exam pass rate.
Admissions Snapshot
Minimum GPA requirements are consistent across most tracks at 3.0, with one notable exception: UW–Madison’s Post-MS DNP requires a 3.5 GPA on the master’s degree. Marquette and UW–Madison are the only schools with formally published application deadlines; Viterbo enrolls on a rolling basis.
| School | Track | Min. GPA | Application Deadline / Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marquette | All tracks | 3.0 | Spring: Nov 15 | Fall: Feb 15 |
| UW–Madison | Post-BS DNP | 3.0 (last 60 credits) | Priority: Dec 1 (fall entry only) |
| UW–Madison | Post-MS DNP | 3.5 (master’s degree) | Priority: Dec 1 (fall entry only) |
| UW–Madison | Capstone Certificate | Not published | Feb 1, 2027 (Fall 2027) | Feb 1, 2028 (Fall 2028) |
| UWM | All tracks | 3.0 (UG) / 2.75 (cert.) | Contact Graduate School (varies by term) |
| Viterbo | All tracks | 3.0 | Rolling; contact Graduate Admissions |