Hofstra University ACNP Programs

Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing offers 4 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – AGACNP
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – AGACNP
  • Advanced Certificate – AGACNP
  • DNP – AGACNP/CRNA Dual Certification

Programs leverage Hofstra University’s academic infrastructure and Northwell Health’s extensive clinical resources through an interprofessional learning model.

Program Tracks Overview

Program NameEst. TuitionEst. Duration
MSN – AGACNP$91,5203 years (full-time)
DNP – AGACNP$124,9603 years (full-time)
Advanced Certificate – AGACNP$47,344~1.5 years (full-time)
DNP – AGACNP/CRNA Dual Certification$171,6003 years (full-time)

All tracks require 2 years of acute/critical care experience (ICU, ED, PACU, SDU, Telemetry) before entering clinical coursework and current BLS/ACLS certification. The school achieved 100% AGACNP board certification pass rate in 2021 and 100% employment rate for 2020 graduates.

Master of Science in Nursing – AGACNP

The estimated cost for the MSN-AGACNP program is $91,520 ($1,760 per credit for 52 credits) and would take 3 years to complete on a full-time basis.

MSN Curriculum

The 52-credit program follows a structured three-year progression including foundational advanced practice courses, specialty AGACNP content, and doctoral-level leadership coursework:

Year One (14 credits):

  • NUR 201 – Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (3)
  • NUR 203 – Advanced Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics Across the Lifespan (split across Fall 1.5 and Spring 1.5)
  • NUR 202 – Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan (3)
  • NUR 241 – Advanced Gerontological Care (2)
  • NUR 271 – Principles of Evidence-based Diagnostic Testing (2)
  • NUR 272 – Principles of Electrocardiograph (ECG) Interpretation (1)
  • NUR 205 – Scientific Foundations, Theories and Organizational Leadership (3)

Year Two (20 credits):

  • NUR 218 – Applied Evidence-Based Practice & Principles of Translational Research (2)
  • NUR 261A – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care I (2)
  • NUR 261B – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care I (3)
  • NUR 308 – Health Literacy and Health Information Technology (3)
  • NUR 262A – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care II (2)
  • NUR 262B – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care II (3)
  • NUR 304 – Population Health, Epidemiology & Statistical Methods (3)
  • NUR 306 – Health Finance, Health Policy & Economic Leadership in Complex Health Systems (3)

Year Three (17 credits):

  • NUR 263A – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care III (3)
  • NUR 263B – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care III (4)
  • NUR 264A – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care IV (3)
  • NUR 264B – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care IV (4)

More curriculum details are available here.

MSN Clinicals

Students complete 840 direct advanced practice clinical care hours across four sequential clinical courses (NUR 261B, 262B, 263B, 264B). Clinical hours are credit-bearing components of each course where students are placed with appropriate preceptors in acute care settings serving adult and older adult populations.

MSN Prerequisites & Admissions

  • BS in Nursing from accredited institution with GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Unencumbered New York State RN license
  • Minimum two years of acute/critical care experience required before entering clinical coursework in fall of year 2 (orientation/fellowship hours not included)
  • Verification of basic health assessment course
  • Verification of statistics course within last five years
  • Current BLS and ACLS certification (American Heart Association)
  • Resume documenting relevant work experience (ICU, ED, PACU, SDU, Telemetry within last five years with employment dates), community service, leadership, professional nursing organizations
  • Three letters of recommendation from: nursing faculty/director (if student within last 5 years), current immediate manager, and colleague with higher degree (MD, DO, NP)
  • Pre-admission interview
  • CASPer™ 90-minute online situational judgment test assessing ethics, empathy, cultural sensitivity, collaboration, resiliency, adaptability
  • One essay
  • Comprehensive background check
  • Student health requirements: physical exam within one year, NP liability insurance, health insurance, current immunizations (MMR, Chickenpox, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)

Graduation Requirements:

  • Evidence-based practice project in NUR 218 addressing clinical problem with translational plan
  • Cumulative exam upon completion of NUR 264A

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – AGACNP

The estimated cost for the DNP-AGACNP program is $124,960 ($1,760 per credit for 71 credits) and would take 3 years to complete on a full-time basis.

DNP Curriculum

The 71-credit program combines advanced practice AGACNP preparation with doctoral-level leadership, scholarship, and systems thinking across three years:

First Year (21 credits):

  • NUR 201 – Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (3)
  • NUR 203A – Advanced Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics (1.5)
  • NUR 203B – Advanced Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics (1.5)
  • NUR 202 – Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan (3)
  • NUR 241 – Advanced Gerontological Care (2)
  • NUR 313 – Ethical Foundations & Professional Issues in Healthcare (3)
  • NUR 315 – Genetics, Genomics and Health Promotion (3)
  • NUR 271 – Principles of Evidence-based Diagnostic Testing (2)
  • NUR 304 – Population Health, Epidemiology & Statistical Methods (3)
  • NUR 272 – Principles of Electrocardiograph (ECG) Interpretation (1)
  • NUR 205 – Scientific Foundations, Theories and Organizational Leadership (3)

Second Year (25 credits):

  • NUR 261A – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care I (2)
  • NUR 261B – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care I (3)
  • NUR 218 – Applied Evidence-Based Practice & Principles of Translational Research (2)
  • NUR 262A – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care II (2)
  • NUR 262B – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care II (3)
  • NUR 308 – Health Literacy and Health Information Technology (3)
  • NUR 410 – Doctoral Project: Developing Area of Focus (variable credits)
  • NUR 306 – Health Finance, Health Policy & Economic Leadership in Complex Health Systems (3)
  • NUR 316 – Quality, Improvement Sciences and Innovative Design Thinking (3)
  • NUR 411 – Doctoral Project: Translating Methods & Research for Project Implementation (variable credits)

Third Year (25 credits):

  • NUR 263A – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care III (3)
  • NUR 263B – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care III (4)
  • NUR 314 – Innovative Interprofessional Teaching and Learning (3)
  • NUR 412 – Doctoral Project: Scholarly Project Planning and Proposal (variable credits)
  • NUR 400 – Clinical Independent Residency (variable credits)
  • NUR 264A – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care IV (3)
  • NUR 264B – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care IV (4)
  • NUR 413 – Doctoral Project: Project Implementation and Defense (variable credits)
  • NUR 414 – Doctoral Project: Project Evaluation and Dissemination (variable credits)

More curriculum details are available here.

DNP Clinicals

Clinical requirements mirror the MSN program with 840 direct care hours distributed across the same four sequential AGACNP clinical courses (NUR 261B, 262B, 263B, 264B), plus additional clinical hours through NUR 400 Clinical Independent Residency. Students complete precepted clinical experiences in acute care settings serving adult and geriatric populations.

DNP Prerequisites & Admissions

Same requirements as MSN-AGACNP, plus:

Advanced Standing for MSN-Prepared NPs:

  • Graduate of accredited nursing master’s program as AGACNP, FNP, or PMHNP
  • NYS licensed and board eligible as AGACNP, FNP, or PMHNP
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA in master’s program or equivalent professional experience
  • Gap analysis procedure determines credit requirements:
    • Review of transcripts, course syllabi, clinical experiences from initial NP population
    • Evaluation of courses for comparability to DNP requirements
    • Courses waived only if equivalent already successfully completed
    • Chair of Nursing reviews all materials to identify comparability with DNP requirements and national population competencies
    • Individualized matriculation program of study developed post-gap analysis

Advanced Certificate – AGACNP

The estimated cost for the Advanced Certificate – AGACNP is $47,344 ($1,760 per credit for 26.5 credits) and would take approximately 1.5 years to complete on a full-time basis across four consecutive semesters (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall).

Certificate Curriculum

The 26.5-credit post-graduate certificate program prepares nurse practitioners to add AGACNP certification through sequential coursework and clinical immersion:

Winter Semester (3 credits):

  • NUR 260 – Advanced Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Evidence-Based Diagnosis & Management (3)

Spring Semester (6 credits):

  • NUR 262A – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care II (2)
  • NUR 262B – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care II (3)
  • NUR 208 – Health Information Technology (1)

Summer Semester (8.5 credits):

  • NUR 265 – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care Practicum (1.5)
  • NUR 204 – Population Health (2)
  • NUR 206 – Health Policy (2)
  • NUR 209 – Health Literacy (1)
  • NUR 241 – Advanced Gerontological Care (2)

Fall Semester (9 credits):

  • NUR 218 – Applied Evidence-Based Practice & Principles of Translational Research (2)
  • NUR 263A – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care III (3)
  • NUR 263B – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care III (4)

Certificate Clinicals

Clinical hours are integrated throughout the program with major clinical components in NUR 262B, NUR 265, and NUR 263B. Students complete precepted clinical experiences in acute care settings serving adult and older adult populations.

Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions

  • M.S. in Nursing from accredited institution with GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Unencumbered and current RN license
  • Unencumbered New York State NP license and board certification eligible in one of: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, or Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
  • Completion of gap analysis with Program Director:
    • Verification of APRN core: Advanced physiology/pathophysiology (lifespan), Advanced health assessment (all human systems), Advanced pharmacology (pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacotherapeutics)
    • Verification of three credits of research methods and design
  • Demonstrated proficiency in 12-lead EKG interpretation
  • AHA Certification: current ACLS card
  • Resume with relevant work experience (dates by month/year), leadership examples, professional nursing organizations
  • Three letters of recommendation: clinical director and two professional colleagues
  • Letter of intent: personal statement on current and future practice
  • Pre-admission interview with Chair of Graduate Nursing Program
  • Comprehensive background check
  • Student health requirements: physical exam within one year, NP liability insurance, health insurance, current immunizations

DNP – AGACNP/CRNA Dual Certification

The estimated cost for the DNP-AGACNP/CRNA dual certification program is $171,600 ($1,760 per credit for 97.5 credits) and would take 3 years to complete on a full-time basis.

DNP-AGACNP/CRNA Curriculum

This Council on Accreditation (COA) accredited 97.5-credit program prepares graduates for both AGACNP and CRNA certification, integrating nurse anesthesia preparation with acute care nurse practitioner competencies:

First Year (33 credits):

  • NUR 201 – Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (3)
  • NUR 203 – Advanced Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics Across the Lifespan (3 split across semesters)
  • NUR 205 – Scientific Foundations, Theories and Organizational Leadership (3)
  • NUR 202 – Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan (3)
  • NUR 308 – Health Literacy and Health Information Technology (3)
  • NUR 313 – Ethical Foundations & Professional Issues in Healthcare (3)
  • NUR 262A/C – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care II (5 total)
  • NUR 304 – Population Health, Epidemiology & Statistical Methods (3)
  • NAP 205 – Advanced Pharmacology, Physiology, and Pharmacotherapeutics of Anesthetics (3)
  • NAP 206 – Basic Principles of Evidence-Based Anesthesia Management (variable)
  • NAP 204 – Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics of Anesthesia (variable)
  • NAP 212 – Role Transition of the Nurse Anesthetist I: Diversity, Health & Wellness (variable)
  • NAP 271 – Principles of Evidence-Based Diagnostic Testing & Coexisting Disease Management (variable)
  • NAP 272 – Principles of Advanced Anesthesia Procedures & Airway Management (variable)
  • NAP 273 – Nurse Anesthesia Residency I (variable)

Second Year (33 credits):

  • NUR 218 – Applied Evidence-Based Practice & Principles of Translational Research (2)
  • NUR 263A/C – Advanced Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care III (combined credits)
  • NUR 316 – Quality, Improvement Sciences and Innovative Design Thinking (3)
  • NUR 314 – Innovative Interprofessional Teaching and Learning (3)
  • NUR 315 – Genetics, Genomics and Health Promotion (3)
  • NUR 410 – Doctoral Project: Developing Area of Focus (variable)
  • NUR 306 – Health Finance, Health Policy & Economic Leadership (3)
  • NUR 411 – Doctoral Project: Translating Methods & Research for Project Implementation (variable)
  • NAP 301 – Advanced Acute and Chronic Pain Management Theories with Skills Lab (variable)
  • NAP 302 – Advanced Evidence-Based Principles: Obstetrics, Gynecology, Gyno-urology and Pediatrics (variable)
  • NAP 303 – Nurse Anesthesia Residency II (variable)
  • NAP 311 – Advanced Evidence-Based Principles: Cardiovascular/Thoracic and Neurosurgical Anesthesia (variable)
  • NAP 312 – Professional Aspects and Role of the Nurse Anesthetist II (variable)
  • NAP 313 – Nurse Anesthesia Residency III (variable)
  • NAP 323 – Nurse Anesthesia Residency IV (variable)

Third Year (31.5 credits):

  • NUR 412 – Doctoral Project: Scholarly Project Planning and Proposal (variable)
  • NUR 413 – Doctoral Project: Project Implementation and Defense (variable)
  • NUR 414 – Doctoral Project: Project Evaluation and Dissemination (variable)
  • NUR 400 – Clinical Independent Residency (variable)
  • NAP 333 – Nurse Anesthesia Residency V (variable)
  • NAP 343 – Advanced Nurse Anesthesia Residency I (variable)
  • NAP 353 – Advanced Nurse Anesthesia Residency II: Transition to Practice Immersion (variable)
  • NAP 355 – Critical Concepts in Nurse Anesthesia Practice (variable)

More curriculum details are available here.

DNP-AGACNP/CRNA Clinicals

Students complete extensive clinical hours through both AGACNP clinical courses and multiple nurse anesthesia residency rotations. The program integrates acute care nurse practitioner clinical experiences with comprehensive anesthesia residencies across cardiovascular/thoracic, neurosurgical, obstetric, gynecologic, pediatric, and pain management settings, culminating in transition-to-practice immersion.

DNP-AGACNP/CRNA Prerequisites & Admissions

  • BS in Nursing from accredited institution with GPA of 3.0 or above (science and nursing courses require grade of B or better)
  • Unencumbered New York State RN license
  • Minimum two years full-time recent (within last five years) critical care experience in adult ICU or pediatric ICU required before applying (orientation/fellowship hours not included)
  • Verification of basic health assessment course with grade of B or better
  • Verification of statistics course with grade of B or better (within last five years)
  • CCRN Certification (Pediatric or Adult)
  • American Heart Association Certification: BLS, ACLS, and PALS
  • Updated curriculum vitae
  • Three letters of recommendation: current immediate manager, academic faculty/director (if student within 5 years) or two colleagues with higher position/degree, and current colleague with higher position/degree
  • Two-part admission interview
  • CASPer™ 90-minute situational judgment test
  • One written essay
  • Must have completed shadow experience with CRNA in OR (minimum 8 hours required)
  • Comprehensive background check
  • Attendance at least one open house highly recommended
  • Transfer credits not accepted

Program Accreditation:

  • Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) specialty accreditation
  • NYS Education Department approval

Dual Certification Eligibility:

  • Graduates prepared for National Certification Exam (NCE) administered by NBCRNA
  • Eligible for AGACNP certification through ANCC and/or AACN

Application Deadlines

MSN and DNP-AGACNP Programs:

  • Admission occurs only in fall semester
  • Priority deadline: March 1
  • Applications submitted after March 1 reviewed based on available space

DNP-AGACNP/CRNA Program:

  • Fall semester start only
  • Application deadline: September 1
  • Applications after September 1 reviewed based on available space

Tuition

Graduate nursing tuition costs $1,760 per credit hour for all graduate programs (200-level and above courses) except Zarb School of Business programs.

See the official tuition page for more details here.

Accreditation

All Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing graduate programs hold appropriate institutional and nursing program accreditation. Graduates of all AGACNP tracks are eligible for American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) national board certification examinations. The DNP-AGACNP/CRNA program holds specialty accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) and has received New York State Education Department approval.

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