Missouri ACNP Programs

Missouri offers 5 in-state Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP programs, with estimated total tuition ranging from about $15,000 for shorter certificate options up to roughly $95,000 for longer doctoral pathways.

These tracks span MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and post-master’s certificate routes, so nurses can match the credential level and format (online, hybrid, or campus-based) to their experience and career goals.

Depending on the university and pathway selected, most students can expect to complete their AGACNP training in approximately 1 to 4 years of full-time or part-time study.

Quick Summary Table

SchoolEst. Cost RangeBest For
Barnes-Jewish CollegeMSN: $48K
DNP: $56K
Cert: $24K–$34K
Hybrid training in Magnet hospital network
Maryville UniversityMSN: $36K–$41K
DNP: $57K–$62K
BSN-DNP: $62K–$67K
Cert: $18K–$38K
100% online with no campus visits
Missouri State UniversityMSN: $24K
BSN-DNP: $34K
Cert: $16K
Affordable hybrid study for working RNs
Rockhurst UniversityMSN: $39K
Dual: $49K
Cert: $16K
Online with full clinical placement support
Saint Louis UniversityMSN: $48K
BSN-DNP: $90K–$96K
Cert: $23K–$44K
Online pathways with strong academic reputation

ACNP Schools List for MO Nurses

Use this list to compare local with national online schools that have rolling admissions.

Barnes-Jewish College ACNP Programs

St. Louis | $834 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing offers MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate AGACNP tracks with hybrid delivery and two focus options: intensivist (critical care) and hospitalist (hospital and specialty services). All programs feature extensive clinical rotations at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, an ANCC Magnet®-recognized facility, giving students strong exposure to high-acuity adult and geriatric care. Graduates are prepared for advanced acute care nurse practitioner roles and eligibility for AGACNP certification through national exam boards...read more.

Maryville University ACNP Programs

St Louis | $863 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

Maryville University offers four fully online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP tracks, covering MSN, DNP, BSN-to-DNP, and a post-master’s certificate. Tuition ranges from about $17,700 to $66,600, with completion times from roughly 1.5 to a little over 3 years, depending on entry point and track. All programs feature local clinical placements, no GMAT/GRE or statistics requirement, and flexible full-time and part-time options with strong support from admission through graduation...read more.

Missouri State University ACNP Programs

Springfield | $434 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

Missouri State University offers MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and post-master’s certificate options in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, with hybrid or online formats that support working nurses. Estimated tuition ranges from about $15,371 for the certificate to $35,316 for the BSN-to-DNP track, and program length spans roughly 2 to 4 years of full-time study. Across all tracks, students prepare to assess, diagnose, and manage adults with acute, critical, and complex chronic conditions while completing structured clinical rotations in approved acute care settings...read more.

Purdue Global ACNP Programs

Fully Online | $420 cpc | Certificate

Purdue Global’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate offers Missouri nurses online study with immersive virtual reality acute care training. Students complete 57 credits in about 1.5 years, covering diagnosis, pharmacology, and acute and critical care clinical practice. Graduates in Missouri gain the skills needed to manage high-acuity adult and geriatric patients and seek national AGACNP certification.

Rockhurst University ACNP Programs

Kansas City | $780 cpc | Certificate / MSN

Rockhurst University offers three AGACNP options—a standalone MSN, a dual FNP/AGACNP MSN, and a Post-Master’s Certificate—delivered online with structured clinical placements and support. Estimated tuition ranges from about $15,600 + fees for the certificate to $48,360 + fees for the dual-track MSN, with program lengths from roughly 1 year part-time to about 3.5 years full-time. Students complete 750–1,250 clinical hours plus campus and virtual immersions that strengthen hands-on skills in alignment with Jesuit values and holistic adult-gerontology care...read more.

Saint Louis University ACNP Programs

St. Louis | $1,400 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

Saint Louis University offers three online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner pathways: an MSN, a BSN-to-DNP, and a Post-Master’s Certificate, with estimated tuition ranges from about $22,400 to $95,200 and program lengths from 1 to 4 years full time. All tracks combine graduate core courses with AGACNP specialty coursework and 750–1,200 supervised clinical hours in high-acuity settings such as ICUs, EDs, trauma centers, and tertiary care hospitals. Rolling admissions, three start dates per year, and online delivery (with limited campus visits) give working RNs flexibility while preparing them for advanced clinical, leadership, and project-based DNP work. Programs are CCNE-accredited, and graduates are eligible to sit for national APRN certification exams through ANCC and AACN...read more.

South College ACNP Programs

Fully Online | $615 cpc | Certificate / MSN

South College offers Missouri registered nurses two online AGACNP program options: a 21-month BSN-MSN track ($51,450-$53,695) and a Post-Graduate Certificate for those with existing master's degrees ($34,450-$35,930). Both programs feature asynchronous online didactic courses combined with supervised clinical practicums at approved sites, allowing Missouri nurses to balance their education with work and family responsibilities. Missouri graduates complete comprehensive training in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, diagnostics, and acute care management, preparing them to provide specialized care in intensive care units, emergency departments, and other high-acuity settings throughout the state.

Walden University ACNP Programs

Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

Mississippi registered nurses seeking AGACNP credentials can choose from Walden University's DNP (3 years), MSN (2–3 years), or post-master's certificate (1.5–2 years) programs. All tracks prepare students to care for critically ill adults and older adults through evidence-based coursework and 500–1,000 supervised clinical hours with approved preceptors. Mississippi students receive support through Walden's Practicum Pledge® and can reduce costs through the Believe & Achieve Scholarship® and transfer credits.

West Coast University ACNP Programs

Fully Online | $700 cpc | Certificate / MSN

The West Coast University AGACNP programs emphasize industry-current training, featuring specialized content in telehealth and the care of special populations across all tracks. Students receive crucial clinical placement support from dedicated coordinators who assist with preceptor selection and site approvals, mitigating a common challenge for online students in Missouri. Furthermore, the programs are CCNE-accredited, ensuring graduates are academically prepared to sit for national certification exams required for practice as an AGACNP.

Choosing the Best ACNP Program for You in Missouri

TLDR: Quick Program Selection Guide

Choose Missouri State University if you want the most affordable option ($23,980 MSN, $15,371 certificate, $35,316 BSN-DNP) with hybrid or online formats completing in 2.5 years full-time for MSN.

Choose Maryville University if you want 100% online coursework with no campus visits required, no GMAT/GRE/statistics prerequisites, no waiting list once accepted, and clinical requirements completed locally in preferred settings.

Choose Barnes-Jewish College if you want immersive clinical experiences at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (consistently ranked among nation’s top hospitals with ANCC Magnet Recognition® since 2003) with two specialized tracks: intensivist for critical care or hospitalist for specialty services.

Choose Rockhurst University if you want full clinical placement services provided, 100% online coursework with one campus immersion and one virtual immersion, maintaining 100% pass rate for APRN certification.

Choose Saint Louis University if you want a consistently top-ranked graduate nursing program (U.S. News & World Report) delivered completely online with rolling admissions and three annual start dates (fall, spring, summer).


ACNP Master of Science in Nursing Programs in MO

Missouri State University offers the most affordable MSN at $23,980, while Maryville provides fastest completion in as few as 20 months.

SchoolTuitionDurationClinical HoursFormat
Missouri State$24K2.5 years FT672 hrsHybrid or online
Maryville$36K–$41K1.7-2.7 years9 credits (embedded)100% online
Rockhurst$39K2-3 years FT750 hrs100% online + immersions
Barnes-Jewish$48K3 years FT750 hrsHybrid (online + on-campus)
Saint Louis U$48K3 years FT750 hrsCompletely online

Key Distinctions:

Missouri State charges $436/credit for Missouri residents with applications through NursingCAS

Missouri State requires minimum one year clinical practice (two years preferred)

Maryville full-time students complete in as few as 20 months; part-time in 28-32 months

Maryville offers no waiting list once accepted with clinical completed locally

Rockhurst delivered by Saint Luke’s College with year-round accelerated 13-week semesters

Rockhurst includes one three-day campus clinical immersion in Kansas City plus one virtual immersion

Rockhurst provides full clinical placement services included in program cost

Barnes-Jewish offers intensivist track (ICU/emergency medicine required) or hospitalist track

Barnes-Jewish features pre-arranged clinical experiences at Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Saint Louis U requires one campus visit during second clinical course for skills evaluation

Saint Louis U offers rolling admissions with three annual start dates


Missouri ACNP Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs

Missouri State University offers the most affordable BSN-DNP at $35,316, while all programs require 3-4 years full-time.

SchoolProgram TypeTuitionDurationClinical Hours
Missouri StateBSN-DNP$36K4 years FTEmbedded throughout
Barnes-JewishBSN-DNP$56K3 years FT750+
Maryville (MSN-DNP)MSN-DNP$57K–$62K3 yearsEmbedded in clinical inquiry
Maryville (BSN-DNP)BSN-DNP$62K–$67K3.3 yearsEmbedded throughout
Saint Louis UBSN-DNP$90K–$96K4 years FT1,200 total (750 AGACNP + 450 core)

Standout Features:

Missouri State BSN-DNP includes 42 DNP core credits + 39 AGACNP specialty credits

Missouri State requires BSN-DNP students on campus minimum one day per week for seated classes

Barnes-Jewish DNP includes additional course surcharge of $116/credit

Barnes-Jewish requires two campus visits: assessment residency and final DNP project presentation

Maryville offers 100% online with no campus visits, three yearly start dates (spring, summer, fall)

Maryville MSN-DNP requires 3.25 minimum GPA (vs. 3.0 for MSN)

Maryville BSN-DNP charges $947/credit for doctoral-level courses

Saint Louis U requires 1,200 total clinical hours including DNP project (225 hours)

Saint Louis U requires two campus visits: residency for skills assessment and final project presentation

All programs include DNP scholarly project requirements


Advanced Certificate ACNP Programs in Missouri

Missouri State University offers the lowest-cost certificate at $15,371, while Maryville provides the fastest completion at 1.5 years.

SchoolTuitionDurationClinical HoursNotes
Missouri State$16K2 yrs FT500 hrsSpecialty courses only
Rockhurst$16K1-1.5 yrs750 hrsGap analysis, NP focus required
Maryville$18K–$38K1.5-2.9 yrs9 credits (embedded)Two entry tracks
Saint Louis U$23–$44K1-2 yrs750 hrsTransfer credits available
Barnes-Jewish$24–$34K16 months FT750 hrsIntensivist or hospitalist track

Important Considerations:

Missouri State requires completion of graduate Advanced Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment

Missouri State requires 3.25 cumulative GPA on 4.0 scale

Rockhurst designed for active APRNs expanding scope; additional classes if not practiced as NP within 7 years

Rockhurst includes one campus immersion plus one virtual immersion

Maryville offers Entry One (MSN Non-NP) 18-22 months or Entry Two (MSN NP to additional specialty) 14-22 months

Maryville Entry Two requires NP board certificate, DEA, APRN licensure, prescriptive authority, clinical logs

Saint Louis U core courses may be transferred or waived; Role Acquisition and Practice Management waived for existing NPs

Saint Louis U students may petition for advanced standing in core courses

Barnes-Jewish curriculum determined by individualized gap analysis of prior coursework

Barnes-Jewish requires ICU or emergency medicine experience for intensivist track

All programs require MSN from accredited institution


Missouri ACNP Admissions Requirements

SchoolMinimum GPACritical Care/ICU Experience
Missouri State3.25 (or GRE required)1 year FT practice (2 years preferred)
Maryville3.0 MSN / 3.25 DNP1 year professional nursing experience
Rockhurst3.0Not specified
Barnes-Jewish3.01 year recent (ICU/ED for intensivist track)
Saint Louis U3.0 MSN / 3.20 DNPNot specified MSN; 1 year for DNP

Additional Admission Notes:

Rockhurst: BJC Health System/Saint Luke’s employees receive 20% tuition discount ($624/credit)

Prerequisites:

Missouri State: Undergraduate pathophysiology, nursing research, health assessment, healthcare informatics, graduate inferential statistics (C or higher)

Maryville: No GMAT, GRE, or statistics required

Rockhurst: None specified

Barnes-Jewish: Undergraduate or graduate statistics recommended

Saint Louis U MSN: Beginning-level health assessment; Saint Louis U DNP: Undergraduate statistics, beginning health assessment

GRE Requirements:

Missouri State: Required if GPA below 3.25 (Verbal 150, Quantitative 145, Analytical Writing 3.5)

All others: Not required

RN License:

Missouri State: Not specified

Maryville: Current unencumbered in United States

Rockhurst: Active

Barnes-Jewish: Current unencumbered Missouri or multi-state compact

Saint Louis U: Unencumbered in state where clinical done

ACLS Certification: Barnes-Jewish requires current ACLS provider status

Letters of Recommendation: Missouri State (via NursingCAS), Maryville (2), Rockhurst (2), Barnes-Jewish (2), Saint Louis U (none specified)

Personal Statements: Required at all programs with varying formats

Application Systems:

Missouri State: NursingCAS plus interview with selection committee

Maryville: Standard application with transfer credit request form

Rockhurst: Standard application

Barnes-Jewish: Standard application

Saint Louis U: NursingCAS with rolling admissions

Geographic Restrictions:

Rockhurst: Must reside in CT, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MA, MO, MT, NE, NM, NC, OH, SC, VT, VA, or WV

Saint Louis U: International F-1/J-1 visa students not eligible (online delivery)

Special Requirements:

Missouri State: Interview required

Maryville: No waiting list once accepted

Rockhurst: Proof of immigration status for clinical placement

Barnes-Jewish: Course syllabi submission for certificate gap analysis

Saint Louis U: CPR from American Heart Association, negative drug screening after acceptance

Campus Visits:

Missouri State BSN-DNP: Minimum one day per week on campus for seated classes

Maryville: None required

Rockhurst: One 3-day campus immersion in Kansas City + one virtual

Barnes-Jewish MSN/Certificate: Not specified; DNP: Two visits (residency + project presentation)

Saint Louis U MSN: One visit during second clinical course; DNP: Two visits (residency + project presentation)

Academic Standing:

Rockhurst: Students may repeat course only once, maximum ONE course total

Saint Louis U: Must maintain 3.0 cumulative GPA