University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing offers 2 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- Master of Science in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN-AGACNP)
- Streamlined Post-Master’s Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (for Primary Care NPs)
The MSN program offers hybrid learning with both full-time (15 months) and flexible part-time (2-3 years) options, combining in-person classes with online/hybrid courses to accommodate busy schedules.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program Name | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN AGACNP | $89,885 | 15 months full-time |
| Certificate AGACNP | $21,534 | 12 months (part-time) |
Penn Nursing provides extensive clinical placement support, matching students with preceptors from a large network of acute care nurse practitioners, physicians, and collaborative teams across the Penn network and leading local and mid-Atlantic health systems, with opportunities in specialties including general and specialty surgery, hospitalist medicine, cardiology, oncology, critical care, trauma care, and palliative care.
Master of Science in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the MSN-AGACNP program is approximately $89,885 for full-time students (15 months), $90,591 for part-time students over 2 years, or $94,084 for part-time students over 3 years, based on 12 course units at current tuition rates.
MSN Curriculum
The 12 course unit MSN-AGACNP curriculum prepares BSN-prepared registered nurses to manage care for acutely ill, traumatically injured, and chronically complex patients from adolescence through end of life.
The program follows a curriculum emphasizing theoretical content and mentored clinical experience with research and holistic patient care within a collaborative team approach.
Students can complete the program full-time in 15 months or part-time over 2-3 years, with personalized attention and accessible in-person faculty, and may explore interests through electives or 3-4 course minors in areas such as oncology, palliative care, or global health.
Core Courses (3 course units)
NURS 6070 – Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology (1.0 CU)
Integrates advanced physiology and disease processes across the lifespan. Emphasizes organ system dysfunction, genetic influences, and clinical application through case analysis.
NURS 6080 – Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics for Nursing Practice (1.0 CU)
Applies advanced pharmacologic principles to patient care across age groups. Focuses on medication selection, dosing, and therapeutic management for common acute and primary care conditions.
NURS 6570 – Advanced Physical Assessment and Clinical Decision Making (1.0 CU)
Develops advanced health assessment and clinical reasoning skills. Emphasizes patient interaction, data collection, and early diagnostic planning prior to clinical immersion.
Research Course (1 course unit)
NURS 5470 – Scientific Inquiry for Evidence-based Practice (1.0 CU) (Penn BSN students only)
Builds skills in evaluating quantitative and qualitative research for clinical relevance. Covers evidence appraisal, quality improvement, outcomes measurement, and ethical research considerations.
OR
NURS 6370 – Introduction to Research Methods and Design (1.0 CU)
Introduces research design, methods, and applied statistics for advanced practice nurses. Focuses on evaluating published research and applying evidence to practice-based projects.
Theory Courses (4 course units)
NURS 6700 – Principles of Adult Gerontology Acute Care I (1.0 CU)
Examines assessment and management of acutely ill and medically complex adults. Emphasizes cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions using an evidence-based care approach.
NURS 6710 – Principles of Adult Gerontology Acute Care II (1.0 CU)
Expands acute care management to gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and neurologic conditions. Focuses on diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment planning across adult age groups.
NURS 6720 – Principles of Adult Gerontology Acute Care III (1.0 CU)
Integrates advanced pharmacology and pathophysiology into acute care decision making. Addresses oncology, psychiatric, and autoimmune disorders with attention to holistic care.
NURS 7640 – Advanced Technologies & Clinical Decisions in Acute Care (1.0 CU)
Explores advanced diagnostic and monitoring technologies used in high-acuity settings. Evaluates clinical usefulness, limitations, and evidence supporting technology-based care.
Clinical Courses (3 course units)
NURS 6730 – Advanced Clinical Decisions in Adult Gerontology Acute Care (1.0 CU)
Focuses on advanced assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and interpretation of clinical data. Prepares students to prioritize differential diagnoses for complex adult patients.
NURS 6740 – Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP: Professional Role and Clinical Practicum I (1.0 CU)
Introduces the AGACNP role within the U.S. healthcare system. Combines role development, reimbursement concepts, and clinical practice application.
NURS 6750 – Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP: Professional Role and Clinical Practicum II (1.0 CU)
Advances clinical competency and professional role development. Emphasizes team-based care, patient advocacy, and management of acutely ill adults in clinical settings.
Electives (1 course unit)
Graduate Elective – Select 1 course (1.0 CU)
Allows students to tailor learning to a specific clinical interest or professional goal through an approved graduate-level elective.
More curriculum details are available here.
MSN Clinicals
The MSN-AGACNP program includes year-long clinical sequences distributed across three clinical courses focusing on advanced clinical decisions and professional role development. Penn Nursing conducts the legwork to match students with preceptors within various acuity levels ranging from intensive care to ambulatory specialty care clinics. Clinical practice opportunities span multiple specialties and settings:
- General and specialty surgery (including neurosurgery)
- Hospitalist medicine
- Specialty medicine (including cardiology)
- Oncology
- Critical care
- Trauma care
- Palliative care
Students gain hands-on experience and application of newly acquired skills through the extensive network of preceptors made up of acute care nurse practitioners, physicians, and collaborative teams working closely with clinical faculty.
MSN Admissions Requirements
Prerequisites and Application Requirements:
- BSN degree with GPA of 3.0 or higher
- College level statistics course
- Current RN license
- Minimum of 1 year work experience, off probation, caring for acutely ill, critically ill, or medically complex patients
- Completed application through Penn Nursing admissions system
Application Deadlines:
Full-time Enrollment:
- Summer 2026: February 2, 2026 (Decision: mid-March)
- Fall 2026: March 2, 2026 (Decision: mid-May)
Part-time Enrollment:
- Spring 2026: October 15, 2025 (Decision: late-December)
- Summer 2026: March 16, 2026 (Decision: late-April)
- Fall 2026: April 1, 2026 (Decision: mid-May)
*Dates subject to change without notice.
Streamlined Post-Master’s Certificate – AGACNP
The estimated cost for the Streamlined Post-Master’s Certificate program is approximately $21,534 total, and would take 12 months to complete on a part-time basis.
Estimate is base on 3 course units at $7,178 per CU including tuition, online service fee, and technology fee.
Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum
The 3 course unit Streamlined Post-Master’s Certificate prepares primary care nurse practitioners currently managing acutely ill patients for certification as Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners. Created in compliance with the APRN Consensus Model, this online program enables NPs across the country to align their certification and licensure with the acute care-focused care they provide daily.
The program requires distinct previous coursework in Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Physical Assessment covering across the lifespan.
Theory Courses (2 course units):
- NURS 7960: Diagnosis and Management of Adult Gerontology Acute Care Patients I (1.0 CU)
- NURS 7970: Diagnosis and Management of Adult Gerontology Acute Care Patients II (1.0 CU)
Clinical Course (1 course unit):
- NURS 7980: Adult Gero Acute Care NP: Professional Role & Clinical Practicum for Primary Care Prepared (1.0 CU)
Important Note: Applicants must confirm their employment site will sign an affiliation agreement/contract with University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing before applying, as clinical hours are earned at the site of employment.
More curriculum details are available here.
Post-Master’s Certificate Clinicals
The Streamlined Post-Master’s Certificate includes clinical practicum hours completed at the applicant’s current employment site where they manage acutely, critically, or medically complex patients. Students must work with their contracts office, nursing education department, or practice manager to confirm willingness to sign an affiliation agreement/contract with University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing before applying. Clinical experiences focus on professional role development and application of acute care diagnosis and management skills for primary care-prepared nurse practitioners transitioning to acute care certification.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admissions Requirements
Prerequisites and Application Requirements:
- BSN and MSN with minimum GPA of 3.0
- Distinct courses in Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Physical Assessment covering across the lifespan (completed during previous graduate studies or prior to admission)
- Current RN and APRN licenses
- Minimum of three months working as an APRN, off orientation, managing the care of acutely, critically, or medically complex patients
- Confirmation from employment site that they will sign affiliation agreement with Penn Nursing
- International applicants have additional requirements
Application Deadlines (2026 Enrollment):
- Spring Start: October 15, 2025 (Decision: mid-December)
- Fall Start: May 1, 2026 (Decision: late-May)
*Dates subject to change without notice.
Financial Aid Note: School of Nursing certificate programs are not eligible for federal aid. Alternative loan programs, Penn Payment Plans, and employer tuition reimbursement may be available.
Tuition
Graduate nursing tuition at University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing for 2025-2026 is charged per course unit (CU).
For Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026, the rate is $6,890 per CU with additional fees: general fee ($510), technology fee ($126), and clinical fee ($371 for full-time fall/spring enrollment).
Full-time status is registration of 3+ CUs, with full-time flat rate ($27,419 tuition plus fees) applied at 4+ CUs in Fall/Spring terms.
The MSN-AGACNP program (12 CUs) totals approximately $89,885 full-time (15 months), $90,591 part-time over 2 years, or $94,084 part-time over 3 years.
The Streamlined Post-Master’s Certificate (3 CUs) totals approximately $21,534 including online service fee ($162 per CU) instead of clinical fee. Academic Practice Partner employees receive discounts.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Upon successful completion of either program, graduates are eligible to apply for national certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners.
The Federal License Disclosure outlines states in which graduates meet educational requirements for licensure, though APRN graduates may be required to complete additional state-specific requirements before being permitted to practice.
More ACNP Programs for Pennsylvania Students
- Cedar Crest College - Allentown
- Drexel University - Philadelphia
- Duquesne University - Pittsburgh
- Moravian University - Bethlehem
- Penn State - University Park
- Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
- Thomas Jefferson University - Philadelphia
- Widener University - Chester