Drexel University offers 2 Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – AGACNP
- Post-Master’s Certificate – AGACNP
Both tracks are available online with required on-campus residency intensives.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program Name | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN AGACNP | $66,633 + fees | ~3 years |
| Certificate AGACNP | $45,591 + fees | ~2 years |
Drexel’s MSN program is ranked #45 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs and #12 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report, with emphasis on diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision-making in acute care settings.
Master of Science in Nursing – AGACNP
The estimated cost for the MSN – AGACNP program is $66,633 (57 quarter credits × $1,169/credit) plus a $125 annual graduate online program fee and would take 3 years to complete on a part-time basis.
MSN Curriculum
The program requires 57 quarter credits using a four-quarter academic year system, with 800 total clinical hours. One semester credit equals 1.5 quarter credits.
NURS 500: Confronting Issues in Contemporary Health Care Environments (3 credits)
This course examines major issues affecting modern health care systems in the United States and globally. Students analyze policy, economics, access, quality, and cost, with emphasis on the role of advanced practice nurses in system improvement and advocacy.
NURS 502: Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care (3 credits)
This course focuses on ethical reasoning in complex health care situations. Students evaluate ethical dilemmas, professional responsibilities, and decision-making frameworks relevant to advanced nursing practice.
NURS 544: Quality and Safety in Healthcare (3 credits)
This course introduces principles of patient safety and quality improvement. Students study quality measurement, error prevention, and strategies to improve outcomes across health care settings.
RSCH 503: Research Methods and Biostatistics (3 credits)
This course covers research design, data analysis, and biostatistical concepts used in nursing and health research. Students gain skills needed to evaluate and apply research findings to clinical practice.
RSCH 504: Evaluation and Translation of Health Research (3 credits)
This course emphasizes the appraisal and application of research evidence. Students learn to interpret findings and translate research into evidence-based clinical and organizational practice.
NUPR 520: Nurse Practitioner Clinical Orientation Seminar (0 credits)
This seminar prepares students for the clinical components of the nurse practitioner program. Topics include clinical expectations, professional standards, and coordination of clinical placements.
NURS 548: Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
This course explores disease processes and physiologic alterations across body systems. Students apply pathophysiologic concepts to acute and chronic conditions commonly seen in adult and geriatric populations.
NURS 549: Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
This course examines pharmacologic principles for advanced practice nursing. Students study medication actions, interactions, and therapeutic decision making across adult and older adult populations.
NURS 550: Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning (4 credits)
This course develops advanced assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills. Students perform comprehensive histories and physical exams and use clinical data to support accurate diagnosis and care planning.
NURS 554: Pharmacology for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (3 credits)
This course focuses on medication management for acutely and critically ill adult and geriatric patients. Emphasis is placed on drug selection, dosing, monitoring, and safety in high-acuity settings.
NURS 664: Professional Issues for Nurse Practitioners (1 credit)
This course addresses professional roles, regulations, and practice issues affecting nurse practitioners. Topics include scope of practice, licensure, reimbursement, ethics, and collaboration within health care teams.
NURS 570: Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP I – Introduction to Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Medicine (5 credits)
This introductory clinical course prepares students for acute care management of adult and older adult patients. Students begin supervised clinical practice while applying assessment and treatment principles in medical acute care settings.
NURS 571: Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP II – Management and Care of Patients in Acute and Critical Care Medical Settings (5 credits)
This course advances clinical skills in managing acutely and critically ill adults in medical settings. Students refine diagnostic reasoning, treatment planning, and interprofessional collaboration.
NURS 572: Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP III – Management and Care of Patients in Acute Surgical Settings (5 credits)
This course focuses on acute and perioperative care of adult surgical patients. Students gain experience managing surgical conditions, post-operative complications, and recovery in acute care environments.
NURS 573: Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP IV – Management of Care of Patients in Critical Care Settings (5 credits)
This course provides intensive clinical training in critical care environments. Students manage high-acuity patients requiring advanced monitoring, complex therapies, and coordinated team-based care.
NURS 580: Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP V – Management and Care of Clients in Acute, Critical Care, Medical, or Surgical Settings (5 credits)
This final clinical course integrates advanced knowledge and skills across medical and surgical acute care settings. Students complete comprehensive clinical experiences designed to prepare them for independent AGACNP practice.
Elective: 3.0 quarter credits from Nursing, Interprofessional Studies, or Complementary and Integrative Health courses
More curriculum details are available here.
MSN Clinicals
The program requires 800 total clinical hours across five clinical courses. Students must arrange their own clinical sites and preceptors with support from the department.
- Students attend mandatory on-campus intensives during clinical courses
- NURS 570: 4-day intensive during week one of summer quarter
- NURS 571: 2-day intensive during week seven of fall quarter
- Pennsylvania RN licensure required before clinical components begin
- Clinical experiences include medical, surgical, and critical care settings
MSN Admissions Requirements
- Completed online application
- Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from accredited institution
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale)
- Current, unrestricted U.S. RN license
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended in sealed envelopes
- Two professional references from supervisors, managers, or nursing faculty
- Personal statement under 1,000 words emphasizing professional goals
- Professional resume or curriculum vitae
- Personal interview (may be required via phone or in-person)
- Pennsylvania RN licensure required prior to clinical start (recommended to begin process immediately after admission)
Post-Master’s Certificate – AGACNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate – AGACNP program is $45,591 (39 quarter credits × $1,169/credit) plus a $125 annual graduate online program fee and would take 2 years to complete on a part-time basis.
Certificate Curriculum
The certificate requires 39 quarter credits designed for nurses with an MSN seeking AGACNP preparation. A Gap Analysis determines potential course reductions for board-certified NPs in other disciplines.
Support Courses:
- Nurse Practitioner Clinical Orientation Seminar
- Advanced Pathophysiology (waived if less than 5 years old for practicing NPs)
- Advanced Pharmacology (waived if less than 5 years old for practicing NPs)
- Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning (waived if less than 5 years old for practicing NPs)
- Professional Issues for Nurse Practitioners
Concentration Courses:
- Pharmacology for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (required for all students)
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP I: Introduction to Adult Gerontology Acute Care Medicine
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP II: Management/Care of Patients in Acute/Critical Care Medical Settings
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP III: Management/Care of Patients in Acute Surgical Setting
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP IV: Management of Care of Patients in Critical Care Settings
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP V: Management/Care of Clients in Acute, Critical Care, Medical or Surgical Settings
Certificate Clinicals
Clinical hour requirements vary based on prior NP experience and Gap Analysis results.
- Master’s-prepared non-NPs and non-practicing NPs: 800 clinical hours (ACNP I through ACNP V)
- Practicing NPs: Up to 500 clinical hours based on Gap Analysis
- Mandatory on-campus/virtual intensives during clinical courses
- Students coordinate own clinical sites and preceptors with departmental support
- Pennsylvania RN licensure required before clinical components begin
Certificate Admissions Requirements
- Completed online application
- Master’s degree in Nursing from regionally accredited program
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 (4.0 scale)
- Current, unrestricted U.S. RN license
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended showing course grades and degree conferrals
- Two professional references from supervisors, managers, nursing faculty, or program directors (not colleagues or family)
- Personal essay under 1,000 words emphasizing professional goals
- Professional resume or curriculum vitae
- Personal interview (may be required via phone or in-person)
- Current Pennsylvania RN license required (additional state licenses required for clinical states)
- For non-U.S. educated applicants: TOEFL iBT minimum combined score of 79 (listening, writing, reading) plus speaking score of 26 or higher
Gap Analysis Requirements:
- Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment courses must be less than 5 years old for non-practicing NPs
- Practicing NPs may have older coursework accepted
- Students submit syllabi, course calendars, and transcripts for Gap Analysis consideration
Tuition
Graduate tuition is $1,169 per credit (10% savings off regular rate of $1,298/credit).
An annual graduate online program fee of $125 applies.
Special tuition rates are available for Drexel alumni, military members, and partner organization members.
See the official tuition page for more details.
More ACNP Programs for Pennsylvania Students
- Cedar Crest College - Allentown
- Duquesne University - Pittsburgh
- Moravian University - Bethlehem
- Penn State - University Park
- Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
- Thomas Jefferson University - Philadelphia
- University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia
- Widener University - Chester
View all Pennsylvania ACNP programs
Accreditation
The Master of Science in Nursing program and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Drexel University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Graduates are eligible to sit for AGACNP certification through ANCC or AACN, with the program maintaining 100% board pass rates.