California offers 5 campus-based Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) options (see table below).
Tuition varies by school and degree level, with most programs falling somewhere between the high-$20,000 range and well above $100,000 for BSN-to-DNP pathways at private universities.
High Level Comparison Table
| School | Est. Cost Range | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Cal State LA | MSN: $30K Cert: $20K | – main-campus program focused on ICU, ED, and acute hospital care – about 900 clinical hours in both tracks – resident estimates assume CA tuition and required fees |
| California Baptist University | MSN: $45K Cert: $25K | – online option with in-person residencies for remote students – one afternoon or evening per week on-campus option – designed for adult and geriatric acute and critical care settings |
| CSU Long Beach | DNP: $60K | – BSN-to-DNP pathway in a hybrid format over 15-week semesters – includes DNP project coursework and AGACNP specialty clinicals – at least 1,000 clinical hours across the program |
| Loma Linda University | DNP: $120K | – hyperflex format with scheduled on-campus sessions each quarter – 1,250 total hours including DNP project practice hours – clinical rotations within about 90 miles of Loma Linda |
| University of California San Francisco | DNP: $95K | – BSN-entry DNP with hybrid delivery and Bay Area clinical placements – offers AGACNP and PNP-AC acute care specialties – 3-year, 11-quarter structure with heavy hands-on training |
List of Schools for CA ACNP Nurses
Below is a list of all program options for California students, including national online AGACNP programs. These programs offer distance learning with multiple start dates, online coursework, and clinical placement support.
Cal State LA ACNP Programs
Los Angeles | $444 cpc | Certificate / MSN
California State University, Los Angeles offers both an MSN and a post-master’s certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner for nurses who want to care for acutely ill adults in high-acuity settings. The MSN route provides a full 56-unit master’s curriculum that blends advanced core courses, AGACNP specialty content, and about 900 clinical hours, while the 32-unit certificate gives graduate-prepared nurses a shorter pathway focused on AGACNP theory and practicum. Both tracks emphasize evidence-based practice, collaborative care, and preparation for national AGACNP certification. ..read more.
California Baptist University ACNP Programs
Riverside | $690 cpc | Certificate / MSN
California Baptist University offers an MSN and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, both designed to prepare nurses to care for adult and geriatric patients in acute and critical care settings. The MSN track is a 71-unit program that blends a broad MSN core with 33 units of AGACNP specialty courses, while the certificate is a 33-unit option focused only on AGACNP content for nurses who already hold an MSN. Both tracks include multiple practicum courses, require active RN practice during enrollment, and use a $690-per-unit tuition rate with an added APRN program fee each semester...read more.
Chamberlain University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $760 cpc | Certificate / MSN
California nurses aiming for acute care specialization can pursue Chamberlain University’s 100% online MSN or Graduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, designed for maximum flexibility. The 48-credit MSN program focuses heavily on complex diagnosis and management through courses like Advanced Acute Care Management, preparing nurses to lead critical care in diverse Californian healthcare settings. Chamberlain’s unique Practicum Commitment® is a significant benefit for California students, offering dedicated assistance in arranging the necessary 700 clinical hours and preceptors across the state.
CSU Long Beach ACNP Programs
Long Beach | $794 cpc | BSN to DNP / DNP
California State University, Long Beach offers a BSN-to-DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program that can be completed in about 3 years full time for an estimated total tuition of $57,144. The hybrid format blends online and face-to-face learning in 15-week semesters, allowing working nurses to advance while staying in practice. Students complete 72 units and at least 1,000 clinical hours across acute and critical care settings, plus a multi-term DNP scholarly project. Graduates are prepared for advanced clinical practice, leadership and teaching roles, and are eligible to sit for national AGACNP certification through ANCC or AACN...read more.
Loma Linda University ACNP Programs
Loma Linda | $1,010 cpc | DNP
Loma Linda University offers a BSN to DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track in a Hyperflex format that blends online coursework with required on-campus sessions each 11-week quarter. The program requires 118 quarter units and includes 1,250 total hours (660 direct clinical hours plus 590 DNP project hours), preparing graduates for state and national AGACNP certification. Full-time students can finish in about 3 years and 9 months, with an estimated total program cost of approximately $119,476. The curriculum integrates DNP core courses, advanced acute care content, intensive clinical rotations in Southern California acute care settings, and a structured DNP project sequence...read more.
South College ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $615 cpc | Certificate / MSN
South College delivers online AGACNP programs that support California nurses seeking advanced practice roles. The BSN-MSN option offers a structured 21-month plan, while the certificate provides scheduling flexibility. Graduates gain clinical skills to treat acute, chronic, and critical conditions across adult populations.
UCSF ACNP Programs
San Francisco | DNP
UCSF School of Nursing offers a hybrid BSN Entry to DNP program with two acute care specialties: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP and Pediatric Acute Care NP. Both tracks run over 11 quarters of full-time study and combine online coursework, intensive on-campus learning, and extensive clinical residencies at major Bay Area health systems. The AGACNP track is nationally ranked, while the PNP-AC track is unique among public universities in California and features a strong focus on complex pediatric care, including end-of-life and palliative content...read more.
Walden University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
California nurses can pursue Walden University’s CCNE-accredited, primarily online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs—available as an MSN, DNP, or Post-Master’s Certificate—with the Practicum Pledge® providing dedicated field placement support in competitive markets from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Central Valley and inland empire hospitals. Students log 640–1,000 supervised practicum hours in high-volume ICUs, trauma centers, and specialty acute services while using virtual skills labs and Grand Rounds to sharpen diagnostic and procedural expertise. Graduates are well-prepared to earn national AGACNP certification and practice in California’s world-class health systems, county hospitals, and underserved regions facing severe acute-care provider shortages.
West Coast University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $700 cpc | Certificate / MSN
For California RNs, West Coast University offers Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP study through online MSN, RN to MSN, and Post-Master’s Certificate routes, each with accelerated and working professional options. Students follow 8-week terms, attend two mandatory intensive weekends for hands-on skill development, and receive structured guidance from clinical placement coordinators to secure approved preceptors and sites. The CCNE-accredited coursework focuses on complex adult and older adult care, telehealth, and high-acuity practice, preparing graduates for AGACNP certification and advanced roles in California’s health systems.
What ACNP Program in CA Is Best for You?
TLDR: Quick Program Selection Guide
Choose Cal State LA if you want the most affordable option ($27,000 MSN, $18,000 certificate) for California residents with approximately 900 clinical hours and campus-based delivery in Los Angeles.
Choose California Baptist University if you need flexibility with online delivery plus one afternoon/evening per week on-campus option, or in-person residency requirements for remote students, completing in 3-4 years part-time.
Choose CSU Long Beach if you want an affordable DNP option ($57,144) delivered in hybrid format over 3 years full-time with 1,000+ clinical hours and mandatory DNP Qualifying Assessment.
Choose Loma Linda University if you prefer Hyperflex format combining online instruction with on-campus sessions during 11-week quarters, completing 1,250 total hours (660 clinical + 590 DNP project) over 3 years and 9 months.
Choose UCSF if you want the #5 nationally-ranked AGACNP program with premier clinical placements at UCSF Health, Stanford, Kaiser, and VA facilities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, completing in 3 years across 11 quarters.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
MSN programs provide entry-level pathways to AGACNP certification.
Cal State LA offers the only California resident MSN option at $27,000, while California Baptist University provides flexible online/on-campus delivery.
| School | Tuition | Duration | Clinical Hours | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cal State LA | $27K | 3 years FT | ~900 | Campus-based |
| California Baptist | $42K | 3-4 years PT | BRN mandated | Online + 1 day/week or residencies |
Key Distinctions:
Cal State LA provides exceptional value for California residents at approximately $9,144 per academic year
Cal State LA requires 900 clinical hours aligned with updated NONPF expectations
California Baptist offers interprofessional education courses (IPE510, IPE520, IPE530) as part of core
California Baptist requires students to work as registered nurses during the program
Cal State LA includes thesis, project, or comprehensive exam as culminating experience
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
DNP programs prepare doctoral-level practitioners for advanced clinical roles and leadership. CSU Long Beach offers the most affordable DNP at $57,144 for California residents, while all programs require 3+ years full-time.
| School | Tuition | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSU Long Beach | $57K | 3 years FT | 1,000 hrs |
| UCSF | $95K | 3 years FT | Hrs not specified |
| Loma Linda | $120K | 3.75 years FT | 660 hrs |
Standout Features:
CSU Long Beach requires DNP Qualifying Assessment after NRSG 711 before advancing to scholarly project
UCSF is ranked #5 nationally with premier Bay Area clinical placements at UCSF Health, Stanford, Kaiser
UCSF operates on quarter system with 11 continuous quarters over 3 years
Loma Linda offers Hyperflex format with on-campus sessions each 11-week quarter
Loma Linda requires 1 year full-time RN experience in U.S. hospital adult critical care within past 3 years
Loma Linda specifies critical care competencies: critical decision-making, hemodynamic monitoring, ventilator management
UCSF recommends limiting work to 60% time during academic year
All programs include evidence-based DNP scholarly projects
Advanced Certificate Programs
Certificate programs enable master’s-prepared nurses to add AGACNP certification. Cal State LA offers the lowest-cost certificate at $18,000 for California residents with approximately 900 clinical hours.
| School | Tuition | Duration | Clinical Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cal State LA | $18K | 2 years FT | ~900 | Campus-based |
| California Baptist | $23K | 1.5-2 years | BRN mandated | Online + on-campus options |
Important Considerations:
- Cal State LA requires MSN or DNP, current California RN license, typically 1 year recent clinical practice with acutely ill adults
- Cal State LA requires recent physical assessment coursework unless already practicing as NP, plus ACLS certification
- California Baptist requires prerequisites (Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Physical Assessment) completed within 5 years with B- or better
- California Baptist requires 1-2 years RN work experience and students must work as RN during program
- Both programs require gap analysis or course recency review per California BRN furnishing number requirements
- Cal State LA often requires specialty certification such as CCRN for certificate applicants
Admissions Requirements
| School | Minimum GPA | Critical Care Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
| Cal State LA | 3.0 | Not specified for MSN; 1 year acute care for certificate |
| California Baptist | 3.0 | 1 year RN experience; must work during program |
| CSU Long Beach | 3.0 | 1 year RN experience |
| Loma Linda | 3.0 | 1 year FT in adult critical care (within past 3 years) |
| UCSF | GPA Not specified | 2 years inpatient RN experience required |
Additional Admission Notes:
No GRE required at any California AGACNP program
California RN license required at all programs (some accept eligibility at admission)
Statistics prerequisite required at Cal State LA (recent), CSU Long Beach (college-level), Loma Linda (Science GPA 3.0+), and UCSF (within 5 years)
Physical assessment prerequisite required at Cal State LA (recent) and California Baptist (within 5 years for certificate)
ACLS certification required at Cal State LA (certificate), Loma Linda (before matriculation, maintained until completion)
Critical care specifics at Loma Linda: PACUs NOT considered critical care; must include critical decision-making, patient assessment, critical care medications, mechanical ventilation, invasive hemodynamic monitoring
UCSF requirements: 3 letters minimum (4 for AGACNP specialty), goal statement (500 words max), personal statement, application fee $120-$140
UCSF Periodic Application Review: Applications accepted September 15, 2025 through February 15, 2026 with priority for early submissions
Interview requirements: California Baptist (all programs), CSU Long Beach (required), Loma Linda (Emotional Intelligence Interview if granted by committee), Cal State LA (possible interview and/or writing sample)
Background checks, immunizations, CPR, liability insurance required at all programs before clinical coursework begins