Connecticut offers four distinct in-state Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) programs.
Depending on your chosen degree level and enrollment status, these programs can be completed in 1.5 to 5 years.
Tuition costs are highly variable based on the institution and pathway, typically ranging from approximately $17,000 to $107,168.
Quick Comparison Table
| School | Cost Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Quinnipiac University | MS: $52K | 100% online with 4 mandatory 1-week on-campus immersions; 100% first-time pass rate (2024) |
| University of Connecticut | MSN: $54K Certificate: $30K DNP: $81K -$84K | Ranked #5 Online Nursing Master’s Programs by U.S. News 2025 2 mandatory on-campus intensives |
| Western Connecticut State | MSN: $34K–$40K Certificate: $17K–$34K | Part-time format (3–4 years), evening/hybrid classes, small class sizes, SimMan patient simulators |
| Yale University | MSN: $107K Certificate: Varies | In-person only at Yale West Campus, all faculty are Board Certified practicing ACNPs |
List of Schools with ACNP Programs for CT Nurses
This list provides program summaries of CT and online national programs for multiple enrollment date options.
Chamberlain University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $760 cpc | Certificate / MSN
In Connecticut, the Chamberlain University ACNP tracks enable nurses to earn a master’s degree or graduate certificate online, with two immersive skill assessment events included. The university’s Practicum Commitment® supports Connecticut students in securing preceptors and clinical sites, ensuring a personalized training experience. Designed for working RNs, these programs prepare Connecticut graduates with evidence-based practice and board-certified faculty guidance.
Purdue Global ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $420 cpc | Certificate
Connecticut nurses seeking to advance into acute care nurse practitioner roles can pursue Purdue Global's AGACNP Postgraduate Certificate entirely online while maintaining current employment. The program requires 57 quarter credits at $420 per credit ($23,940 total), combines didactic coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, and prepares graduates to sit for ANCC or AACN certification exams. Connecticut applicants must hold a master's degree in nursing, possess one year of acute care experience, and maintain current ACLS certification throughout the program.
Quinnipiac University ACNP Programs
Hamden | $1,025 cpc | MSN
Quinnipiac University’s online MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program is a 51-credit track designed for experienced acute care RNs who want to advance into high-acuity NP roles while continuing to work. The program is delivered 100% online with four required one-week on-campus immersions that provide intensive skills training in simulation labs and help students build confidence in advanced assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and acute care management. Over approximately 2.5 years, students complete graduate nursing core courses, advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology, specialty AGACNP diagnosis and management courses, and four sequential clinical practicums. Graduates are prepared to sit for national AGACNP certification and can later move into Quinnipiac’s DNP program to continue their clinical and leadership development...read more.
South College ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $615 cpc | Certificate / MSN
South College offers Connecticut nurses two AGACNP pathways delivered through asynchronous online courses. The BSN-MSN program follows a 21-month timeline, while the certificate track varies by completion pace. Clinical practicums focus on adult-gerontology acute care across diverse settings.
UConn ACNP Programs
Storrs | $1,200 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
UConn’s online AGACNP options include an MS, a BS-to-DNP, and a Post-Graduate APRN Certificate that all focus on managing acutely ill and complex adult–gerontology patients. The curricula blend graduate nursing core courses, advanced diagnosis, assessment, and pharmacology with population-specific acute care content and 500–1,000 supervised clinical hours. Students complete two required on-campus intensives for cadaver lab and simulation work and graduate prepared for national AGACNP certification through AACN or ANCC...read more.
Walden University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Walden University’s Connecticut students in the AGACNP DNP, MSN, or post-master’s certificate tracks complete most coursework online, pairing it with clinically focused practicums in Connecticut acute care environments. With resources like the Practicum Pledge®, virtual skills lab, and Grand Rounds, Connecticut nurses receive structured support in securing preceptors and translating advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and assessment skills into practice. These CCNE-accredited pathways help prepare Connecticut nurses for AGACNP board certification and leadership in caring for acutely and critically ill adults and older adults.
WCSU ACNP Programs
Danbury | $836 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Western Connecticut State University offers part-time MSN and Post-Master’s AGACNP options that blend online, hybrid, and evening on-campus courses, making them accessible to working nurses. The MSN track provides a structured 41-credit plan with 540 clinical hours, while the Post-Master’s Certificate tailors 21–30 credits of AGACNP coursework based on a gap analysis of previous graduate study. Both tracks emphasize small classes, high NCLEX performance at the school level, and extensive acute and chronic adult-gerontology clinical experiences under qualified preceptors...read more.
Yale ACNP Programs
New Haven | $1,935 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Yale School of Nursing offers in-person MSN and Post-Master’s APRN Certificate AGACNP tracks that combine classroom learning with high-fidelity simulation, procedural workshops, and intensive clinical rotations at major hospitals in CT, NY, and MA. The MSN program is a 52.6-credit, two-year track that covers advanced assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and progressive acute care clinical practice, totaling at least 968 clinical hours. The post-master’s certificate uses a gap analysis to build an individualized plan of study, requiring only the AGACNP courses and clinical hours not already completed in a previous APRN program, with tuition charged per credit...read more.
Choosing the Best Connecticut ACNP Program
TLDR: Quick Program Selection Guide
Choose Western Connecticut State University if you want the most affordable option ($34,180 MSN, $17,000–$34,000 certificate) with part-time evening courses designed for working nurses, completing 540 clinical hours over 3-4 years.
Choose Quinnipiac University if you want 100% online delivery with four mandatory one-week on-campus immersions, achieving 100% first-time certification pass rate in 2024, completing in just over 2 years.
Choose University of Connecticut if you want the #5 nationally-ranked online nursing master’s program (U.S. News 2025) with entirely online coursework, two mandatory on-campus intensive sessions, and 720 clinical hours over 2.5 years.
Choose Yale University if you want in-person education at Yale West Campus with Board Certified faculty actively practicing in acute care, completing 968 clinical hours with all placements arranged by faculty across Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Western Connecticut State University offers the most affordable MSN at $34,180, while Quinnipiac provides the fastest completion at just over 2 years.
| School | Tuition | Duration | Clinical Hours | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WCSU | $35K | 3-4 years PT | 540 hrs | Online/hybrid + evening |
| Quinnipiac | $53K | 2.5 years FT | Embedded in practicums | 100% online + 4 one-week immersions |
| UConn | $54K | 2.5 years FT | 720 hrs | Entirely online + 2 intensive sessions |
| Yale | $108K | 2 years FT | 968 (856 required + 112 if no critical care exp) | In-person only |
Key Distinctions:
WCSU designed for part-time study with up to 6 years to complete, evening courses for working nurses
WCSU offers Tri-State rate ($836/credit) for CT, NY, NJ residents vs. National rate ($1,077/credit)
Quinnipiac achieved 100% first-time certification pass rate in 2024
Quinnipiac only makes clinical placements for Connecticut students; others must self-identify sites
UConn ranked #5 among Online Nursing Master’s Programs nationally (U.S. News 2025)
UConn requires 2,080 hours (2 years full-time) acute care RN experience within past 2 years
Yale features all Board Certified AGACNP faculty actively practicing in acute/critical care
Yale arranges all clinical placements via AGACNP Preceptor Liaison and Clinical Support Unit
Yale offers optional concentrations: Research, Diabetes, Oncology, Gender and Sexuality Health Justice
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
UConn offers the only DNP option in Connecticut at $81,600–$84,000, completing in 4-5 years full-time.
Standout Features:
- UConn BS-DNP includes all MS-AGACNP coursework (45 credits) plus post-master’s DNP core (19-25 credits)
- Students earn MS degree as part of BS-DNP program before continuing doctoral studies
- Two mandatory on-campus intensive sessions required: cadaver lab and simulation/skills lab
- Entirely online didactic coursework taught by experienced UConn faculty practitioners
- Requires completion of DNP project, scholarly portfolio, and general exam for graduation
- Minimum 2,080 hours acute care RN experience within past 2 years required before clinical practicums
- $1,000 non-refundable deposit required upon acceptance
Advanced Certificate Programs
Certificate programs enable master’s-prepared nurses to add AGACNP certification.
WCSU offers the lowest-cost certificate at approximately $17,000–$34,000 based on gap analysis, while UConn provides structured completion in 1.5-2 years.
| School | Tuition | Duration | Clinical Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WCSU | $18K–$35K | 2-3 years PT | 540 hrs | Individualized based on prerequisites |
| UConn | ~$30K | 1.5-2 years | 500 hrs | Variable plan based on prior coursework |
| Yale | Varies (per-credit) | 2 years | Based on gap analysis | Courses waived by transcript/challenge exam |
Important Considerations:
WCSU requires prerequisites (Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Health Assessment) completed within 5 years
WCSU requires 85% on departmental health assessment exam prior to program entry
WCSU offers flexible timing and locations for clinical experiences
UConn requires verification of clinical hours from initial APRN program
UConn requires current or previous APRN licensure and certification
UConn includes two mandatory on-campus intensive sessions (cadaver lab, simulation/skills lab)
Yale requires current APRN or CNM license to qualify for admission
Yale students not charged for courses waived by transcript or challenge examination
Yale arranges all clinical placements via Clinical Support Unit staff
All programs require MSN from accredited institution and gap analysis
Admissions Requirements
| School | Minimum GPA | Application Deadline | Acute Care RN Experience Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quinnipiac | 3.0 | Jan 1 (Spring), Aug 1 (Fall) | 1 year FT (approx 2,000 hours) ICU or acute care |
| UConn | 3.0 | April 15, 2026 | 2,080 hours (2 years FT) within past 2 years |
| WCSU | Not specified | Not specified | 1 year before program start; 2 years before clinical |
| Yale | Not specified | Not specified | Not required (critical care immersion for those without) |
Additional Admission Notes:
Prerequisites: Statistics required at Quinnipiac (C or better, conditional acceptance available), UConn (undergraduate level), WCSU (graduate application process)
RN License: Current unencumbered/unrestricted license required at all programs
Letters of Recommendation: Quinnipiac (1 minimum from supervisor/faculty), UConn (3: 1 academic + 2 professional), WCSU (1), Yale (3: academic and professional)
Personal Statement: Required at all programs with varying word limits (Quinnipiac: 300 words per question, WCSU: 500 words max)
Application Fees: Quinnipiac ($45), UConn (standard), WCSU (standard), Yale (via NursingCAS)
Deposits: UConn ($1,000 non-refundable upon acceptance), others not specified
International Students: TOEFL/IELTS scores required at Quinnipiac, UConn (TOEFL 550 paper/79 internet or Duolingo 100), Yale
Background Checks: Required at all programs prior to clinical experiences
Special Requirements:
Quinnipiac: Background check, drug screen, CPR, liability insurance
UConn: Verification of RN direct patient care hours form
WCSU: CPR as healthcare provider, malpractice insurance, criminal background check, drug testing
Yale: Virtual interview, transportation required for clinical sites
Geographic Restrictions:
Quinnipiac: Accepts applications from CT, MA, NY, NJ, RI, NH, VT, ME, PA; NY students cannot complete clinical requirements in NY
UConn: Clinical placements coordinated for students outside Denver metro must secure own placements
Yale: Clinical sites in CT, NY, MA
Seamless Transitions: Quinnipiac graduates can transition to DNP within 2 years without losing credits or repeating coursework