The University of New Mexico (UNM) College of Nursing offers 2 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- Post-Bachelor’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – AGACNP
- Post-Graduate Certificate – AGACNP
Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Bachelor’s DNP AGACNP | ~$46,507 NM Resident | ~3 Years (8 Consecutive Terms) |
| Post-Graduate Certificate AGACNP | ~$9,423 NM Resident (minimum 15 cr.) | Varies by Gap Analysis |
Program Highlights:
- Hybrid delivery — core courses delivered online with in-person simulation and concentration-specific coursework on campus; designed for working nurses who may not live in Albuquerque
- Clinical placements are fully arranged by a dedicated Office of Clinical Affairs team — students do not find their own preceptors or sites
- 100% certification pass rate; WICHE Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) tuition reciprocity available for eligible non-NM residents in Western states
Post-Bachelor’s DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the UNM Post-Bachelor’s DNP AGACNP program is approximately $46,507 for New Mexico residents or $86,932 for non-residents (published 2025–26 totals, 65 credits) and would take approximately 3 years (8 consecutive terms) to complete on a full-time basis. The program begins each fall.
DNP Curriculum
The 65-credit curriculum is organized into five distinct blocks: a DNP core, an evidence-based practice core, a systems thinking and project core, an APRN core (the 3 Ps), and the AG-ACNP didactic and clinical specialization courses.
The program also includes 50 lab/simulation hours and 300 systems thinking project hours in addition to 750 clinical hours.
DNP Core Courses (9 credits)
NURS 700 – Introduction to Professional Inquiry (3 cr.)
This course introduces the foundations of professional inquiry in advanced nursing practice. Students examine research methods, knowledge development, and the role of inquiry in improving patient outcomes. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, problem identification, and scholarly communication.
NURS 707 – Formulating Strategies for Systemic Health Inquiry (3 cr.)
This course focuses on developing strategies to investigate complex healthcare systems. Students learn to frame clinical and organizational problems using data-driven approaches. Emphasis is placed on systems thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration.
NURS 709 – Integrating Innovative Strategies for Systemic Health Change (3 cr.)
This course prepares students to design and implement innovative solutions in healthcare systems. Students evaluate change models, leadership strategies, and quality improvement methods. Emphasis is placed on sustainable system-wide impact.
Evidence-Based Practice Core (9 credits)
NURS 701 – Introduction to Translational Evidence-Informed Care (3 cr.)
This course introduces the principles of translating research into clinical practice. Students explore evidence-informed care models and methods for improving patient outcomes. Focus is placed on bridging research and practice.
NURS 708 – Evidence-Informed Practice and Scholarship (3 cr.)
This course builds skills in evaluating and applying evidence in clinical settings. Students analyze research findings and integrate them into practice decisions. Emphasis is placed on scholarly writing and dissemination.
NURS 710 – Translation of Evidence for Health Care Practice, Policy, and Evaluation (3 cr.)
This course focuses on applying evidence to practice, policy, and healthcare evaluation. Students develop strategies to influence healthcare systems and policy decisions. Emphasis is placed on measurable outcomes and program evaluation.
DNP Systems Thinking and Project Core (6 credits, 300 project hours)
NURS 796 – Systems Thinking for Healthcare Transformation I (2 cr., 100 project hours)
This course introduces systems thinking concepts in healthcare. Students identify system-level problems and improvement opportunities. The course builds a foundation for DNP project work.
NURS 797 – Systems Thinking for Healthcare Transformation II (1 cr., 50 project hours)
This course builds on systems thinking with project planning and design. Students develop actionable solutions for healthcare challenges. Emphasis is placed on feasibility and impact.
NURS 798 – Systems Thinking for Healthcare Transformation III (1 cr., 50 project hours)
This course continues development of systems thinking skills for healthcare improvement. Students refine project implementation strategies. Focus is placed on leadership and outcomes.
NURS 799 – Systems Thinking for Healthcare Transformation IV (2 cr., 100 project hours)
This course supports completion and evaluation of healthcare transformation projects. Students assess outcomes and sustainability. Emphasis is placed on dissemination of results.
APRN Core – 3 Ps (9 credits)
NURS 711 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr.)
This course examines advanced concepts in human pathophysiology across the lifespan. Students analyze disease processes and their effects on body systems. The course supports clinical reasoning for diagnosis and management.
NURS 712 – Pharmacological Principles of Clinical Therapeutics (3 cr.)
This course covers advanced pharmacology for clinical practice. Students study drug mechanisms, therapeutic uses, and prescribing principles. Focus is placed on safe and effective medication management.
NURS 713 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 cr., 50 lab/simulation hours)
This course develops advanced assessment skills for comprehensive patient evaluation. Students perform detailed physical exams and interpret findings across populations. Emphasis is placed on diagnostic accuracy and clinical judgment.
AG-ACNP Didactic Courses (17 credits)
NURS 760 – Advanced Diagnostic Test Interpretation (2 cr.)
This course teaches interpretation of advanced diagnostic tests. Students analyze lab results, imaging, and other clinical data. Emphasis is placed on integrating findings into patient care decisions.
NURS 761 – Managing the Acute & Complex/Chronically Ill Adult/Gerontology Patient I (5 cr.)
This course introduces management of acute and chronic conditions in adult and geriatric patients. Students develop diagnostic and treatment planning skills. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning and patient-centered care.
NURS 762 – Managing the Acute & Complex/Chronically Ill Adult/Gerontology Patient II (5 cr.)
This course builds on prior clinical management concepts with more complex cases. Students refine decision-making skills and treatment strategies. Emphasis is placed on advanced clinical interventions.
NURS 763 – Managing Emergency & Critical Illness in the Adult/Gerontology Patient (5 cr.)
This course focuses on the management of critically ill and emergency patients. Students learn rapid assessment, stabilization, and intervention techniques. Emphasis is placed on high-acuity clinical care.
AG-ACNP Clinical Courses (15 credits, 750 clinical hours)
NURS 764 – AG-ACNP Practicum I (4 cr., 200 clinical hours)
This practicum provides supervised clinical experience in adult-gerontology acute care. Students apply assessment and management skills in real-world settings. Focus is placed on competency development.
NURS 765 – AG-ACNP Practicum II (5 cr., 250 clinical hours)
This advanced practicum expands clinical responsibilities and independence. Students manage complex patient cases under supervision. Emphasis is placed on advanced clinical proficiency.
NURS 795 – Advanced Nursing Fieldwork (6 cr., 300 clinical hours)
This course provides extended clinical experience in specialized settings. Students apply advanced practice skills across diverse patient populations. Emphasis is placed on clinical competency and professional growth.
More curriculum details available on the course catalog page.
DNP Clinicals
Clinical practicum hours total 750 supervised clinical hours across three courses, plus 50 lab/simulation hours embedded in NURS 713 and 300 systems thinking project hours. All clinical placements are arranged by the College of Nursing’s dedicated Office of Clinical Affairs — students are not responsible for finding their own preceptors or sites.
- NURS 764 – AG-ACNP Practicum I: 200 clinical hours (4 cr.)
- NURS 765 – AG-ACNP Practicum II: 250 clinical hours (5 cr.)
- NURS 795 – Advanced Nursing Fieldwork: 300 clinical hours (6 cr.)
- NURS 713 – Advanced Health Assessment: 50 lab/simulation hours
- NURS 796–799 – Systems Thinking I–IV: 300 project hours
- Total: 750 clinical hours + 50 simulation hours + 300 project hours
- Clinical sites located throughout New Mexico, including rural and underserved communities; students are responsible for travel costs to clinical sites
- Faculty preferences for clinical site assignments are considered; preceptors are often program graduates
- Office of Clinical Affairs handles all onboarding, compliance documentation, and site coordination
DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- BSN from an accredited college or university; RNs with a BA/BS in another field are considered individually and may require additional coursework
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 preferred; applicants below 3.0 may still apply with a supplemental statement
- Current, unencumbered New Mexico RN license or eligibility for NM licensure (must be obtained within the first term)
- Minimum 1 year of work experience in nursing or a relevant healthcare field prior to starting
- No GRE or GMAT required
- Application submitted through NursingCAS plus a supplemental UNM application
- Three letters of recommendation (from supervisors, health care providers such as NP/PA/MD/DO, faculty or nurse educators; no family members, co-workers, or friends)
- Three essays (200–400 words each):
- Why DNP, chosen specialization, role understanding, and professional goals
- How you demonstrate grit, creativity, and determination
- Experience with rural, underserved, and diverse communities in New Mexico
- Current resume or CV
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Application form and fee
- Virtual or in-person interview for selected candidates
- Upon admission: immunization records, urine drug screen, background check, life support certifications, bloodborne pathogens training, HIPAA training
- Students are not required to live in Albuquerque but are encouraged to; full-time work during the program is not recommended
Post-Graduate Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the UNM AGACNP Post-Graduate Certificate starts at approximately $9,423 for NM residents (15-credit minimum × $628.22/credit), with the final credit total determined by an individual gap analysis.
Duration varies by individualized program of study; students should contact the program to confirm expected completion time.
⚠️ Individualized Program: All Post-Graduate Certificate students undergo a Gap Analysis of prior master’s coursework.
The resulting individualized program of study may require anywhere from the minimum 15 credits up to the full concentration course set.
Students should schedule an appointment with the faculty coordinator of their chosen concentration before estimating total cost and duration.
Certificate Curriculum
The certificate curriculum is built around a minimum of 15 graduate credits drawn from UNM’s AGACNP concentration courses, as determined by the gap analysis. Students entering Track A or Track B depending on their prior education and goals. All APN core, concentration-specific courses, and clinical requirements for AGACNP certification eligibility are included in the individualized program of study.
- Minimum 15 graduate credits in the AGACNP concentration
- Coursework drawn from the same AG-ACNP didactic and clinical course set as the DNP concentration (NURS 760–765, 795)
- Gap analysis determines which APRN core courses (3 Ps) must also be completed
- Two tracks available (Track A and Track B) based on prior educational preparation and goals
- Hybrid delivery: online synchronous/asynchronous coursework plus in-person simulation experiences
More curriculum details available on the course catalog page.
Certificate Clinicals
Clinical requirements for the Post-Graduate Certificate are individualized through the gap analysis and include all concentration-specific clinical experiences required for AGACNP certification eligibility. As with the DNP program, clinical placements are arranged by UNM’s Office of Clinical Affairs.
- Clinical hours determined by gap analysis — must meet AGACNP certification eligibility requirements
- Sites located throughout New Mexico, including rural and underserved communities
- Clinical placements secured by the Office of Clinical Affairs — students do not self-arrange
- Students responsible for travel costs to clinical sites
- Simulation lab experiences included in the program
Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions
- Prior master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program, or a BSN plus a master’s degree in a related field (for the post-master’s general concentration pathway)
- Current, unencumbered RN license from any U.S. state or territory; if APRN-certified, a copy of the advanced practice license or certification must be submitted
- NursingCAS application plus supplemental UNM application
- Three essay responses, three letters of reference, current resume or CV
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended; application form and fee
- Gap analysis conducted by faculty coordinator prior to finalizing individualized program of study
- Admission subject to limited enrollment screening for select concentrations
Tuition
| Fee Type | NM Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Credit (Nursing courses) | $628.22 | $1,405.62 |
| Estimated Course Fees (Program total) | $890.00 | $890.00 |
| Required HSC Fees (Program total) | $1,605.00 | $1,605.00 |
| Required UNM Fees (Program total) | $3,178.00 | $3,178.00 |
| Total Estimated Cost (DNP, 65 credits) | $46,507.30 | $86,932.10 |
The CON tuition differential is already included in the per-credit-hour rate. During Summer terms, non-resident doctoral students at the College of Nursing are charged the in-state tuition rate.
More tuition details are available here.
Application Deadlines
| Program | Application Opens | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Bachelor’s DNP AGACNP | August 15 | December 1 | April 1 |
| Post-Graduate Certificate AGACNP | Contact the program — specific certificate deadlines not published in source materials | ||
UNM strongly recommends applying by the December 1 priority deadline for best consideration. The program begins in the Fall semester only. Admissions decisions are communicated via email through the NursingCAS portal. All applicants selected for an interview are notified by the Office of Admissions & Recruitment.
Contact: hsc-con-admissions@salud.unm.edu.
Accreditation
The UNM College of Nursing DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates of both the Post-Bachelor’s DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate AGACNP tracks are eligible to sit for the AGACNP national certification examination through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).