Husson University offers 2 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) tracks:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) — AGACNP
- Post-Master’s APRN Certificate — AGACNP
Both programs are delivered 100% online with virtual clinical orientation and synchronous/asynchronous coursework, making them accessible to working nurses nationwide.
Husson’s AGACNP programs stand out for their 95% national certification exam passage rate, multiple start dates throughout the year, and free 24/7 tutoring and mental health support — giving students both flexibility and a strong academic safety net.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN — AGACNP | ~$36,702 (48 credits + fees) | 30 months (24-month accelerated option) |
| Post-Master’s Certificate — AGACNP | ~$13,176–$35,136 (18–48 credits) | Varies by prior coursework |
Husson’s two AGACNP pathways share the same fully online delivery model and clinical course sequence.
The MSN is designed for BSN-prepared RNs entering advanced practice for the first time and can be completed in as few as 24 months on an accelerated track.
The Post-Master’s Certificate targets nurses who already hold an MSN and want to add an AGACNP specialty — prior graduate coursework can significantly reduce the credit load and cost. Maine.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) — AGACNP
The estimated cost for the MSN AGACNP program is approximately $36,702, and would take approximately 30 months to complete on a full-time basis — or as few as 24 months on the accelerated track.
Estimate based on 48 credits at $732/credit hour plus ~$1,566 in nursing program fees (6 semesters × $261).
MSN Curriculum
The 48-credit program is fully online and covers advanced nursing theory, pharmacology, health assessment, pathophysiology, population health, health policy, informatics, and organizational strategy. The clinical phase spans three paired theory/practicum course sequences in Year 2, culminating in an integrative capstone.
NU 700 – Theories and Roles for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 cr.)
This course examines nursing theories and concepts that guide advanced clinical practice. Students explore the role of the advanced practice nurse in collaboration, leadership, and policy. The course also reviews current issues and regulations shaping the profession.
NU 704 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 cr.)
This course develops advanced assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills. Students perform comprehensive exams, collect health histories, and form differential diagnoses. Emphasis is on accurate evaluation and culturally competent care.
NU 706 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr.)
This course explores how disease affects the body across the lifespan. Students study cellular and organ-level changes linked to genetic, infectious, and chronic conditions. The focus is on applying this knowledge to clinical decision-making.
NU 710 – Advanced Evidence-Based Practice (3 cr.)
This course teaches students to apply research to clinical care. Students learn to form clinical questions, search for evidence, and evaluate study findings. The goal is to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based decisions.
NU 712 – Population Health for the Advanced Practice Nurse (3 cr.)
This course focuses on population health concepts and prevention strategies. Students analyze health trends and risk factors across communities. Emphasis is on improving outcomes through public health approaches.
NU 713 – Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing (3 cr.)
This course covers medication management for advanced practice nurses. Students study drug actions, interactions, and safe prescribing practices. The focus is on treating acute and chronic conditions across the lifespan.
NU 741 – Influencing Health Policy: Advocacy, Finance and Regulation (3 cr.)
This course examines healthcare policy, finance, and regulatory systems. Students learn how to advocate for change and influence healthcare decisions. The course prepares nurses to impact policy at local and national levels.
NU 821 – Strategy & Analysis of Organizational Process (3 cr.)
This course prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare systems. Topics include strategic planning, operations, and organizational management. Students learn to lead change and improve system performance.
NU 825 & NL 825C – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I / Clinical I (6 cr.)
This course introduces care of adults and older adults with chronic and complex conditions. Students learn assessment, diagnosis, and management strategies using evidence-based practice. The clinical component builds foundational skills in acute care settings.
NU 827 & NL 827C – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care II / Clinical II (6 cr.)
This course advances clinical skills for managing acute and chronic conditions. Students focus on critical care topics such as cardiac emergencies, respiratory failure, and complex disorders. The practicum emphasizes team-based care and clinical decision-making.
NU 828 & NL 828C – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care III / Clinical III (6 cr.)
This final course strengthens advanced clinical judgment and patient management skills. Students develop and evaluate care plans for complex, multisystem conditions. The clinical experience supports independent practice in acute care settings.
NU 836 – Healthcare Informatics and Technology (3 cr.)
This course examines the use of technology and data in healthcare. Students learn how informatics supports clinical decisions and patient outcomes. The focus is on improving efficiency and quality of care.
NU 839 – Integrative Capstone for Advanced Nursing (3 cr.)
This course serves as the final project for the program. Students integrate clinical knowledge and evidence-based practice into a comprehensive project. The focus is on improving care delivery and professional practice.
More curriculum details available on the course catalog page.
MSN Clinicals
The MSN AGACNP program requires 540 total clinical hours completed across three paired clinical courses. Clinical intensives are scheduled well in advance to accommodate working professionals, with virtual orientation included.
- NL 825C — Clinical: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I (part of 6-credit pairing)
- NL 827C — Clinical: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care II (part of 6-credit pairing)
- NL 828C — Clinical: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care III (part of 6-credit pairing)
- Settings include: emergency rooms, acute care units, trauma, long-term care, urgent care, and home care
- Virtual clinical orientation provided; clinical placements match specialty area and career goals
MSN Admissions
Applicants must hold a BSN from an accredited nursing program. Specific admissions criteria are managed through Husson’s online application portal — contact the Division of Online and Distance Education at online@husson.edu or 207.992.1972 for details.
- BSN from an accredited nursing program required
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Multiple start dates available throughout the year
- Stop-out for a term option available for flexibility
- State authorization restrictions may apply — check the state authorizations page for availability in your state
Post-Master’s APRN Certificate — AGACNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate AGACNP program ranges from approximately $13,176–$35,136, and would take varying time to complete depending on the number of courses waived.
Estimate based on 18–48 credits at $732/credit hour (credit load depends on prior MSN coursework completed).
Certificate Curriculum
The certificate requires a minimum of 18 credits (the three clinical course pairs) up to 48 credits for students who have not completed applicable foundational graduate courses. All starred courses below may be waived if already completed in a prior MSN program. The capstone (NU 839) is waived if completed in a previous Husson MSN track.
Required Clinical Concentration Courses:
- NU 825 / NL 825C — Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I + Clinical (6)
- NU 827 / NL 827C — Adult-Gerontology Acute Care II + Clinical (6)
- NU 828 / NL 828C — Adult-Gerontology Acute Care III + Clinical (6)
May Be Required (if not completed in prior MSN program):
- NU 700 — Theories & Roles for Advanced Nursing Practice (3)
- NU 704 — Advanced Health Assessment (3)
- NU 706 — Advanced Pathophysiology (3)
- NU 710 — Advanced Evidence Based Practice (3)
- NU 712 — Population Health for the Advanced Practice Nurse (3)
- NU 713 — Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing (3)
- NU 741 — Influencing Health Policy: Advocacy, Finance and Regulation (3)
- NU 821 — Strategy & Analysis of Organizational Process (3)
- NU 836 — Healthcare Informatics and Technology (3)
- NU 839 — Integrative Capstone for Advanced Nursing (3)
More curriculum details available on the course catalog page.
Certificate Clinicals
Certificate students complete the same three-part clinical sequence as MSN students, totaling 540 clinical hours across the three paired practicum courses. All clinical orientation is conducted virtually.
- NL 825C — Clinical: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I
- NL 827C — Clinical: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care II
- NL 828C — Clinical: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care III
- Clinical experiences matched to specialty area and career goals
- Program is 100% online; state authorization restrictions may apply
Certificate Admissions
This program is designed for nurses who already hold an MSN and seek an additional AGACNP specialty credential.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited program required
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Multiple start dates available throughout the year
- Credit load (and cost) reduced based on prior graduate coursework
- Check the state authorizations page for availability in your state
Tuition
MSN & Post-Master’s APRN Certificate programs:
- Tuition: $732 per credit hour ($2,196 per 3-credit course)
- Nursing Program Fee (MSN): $261/semester for 2025–26 ($783/academic year); rising to $404/semester for 2026–27 ($1,212/academic year)
- Fee is charged each semester (Summer, Fall, Spring)
More tuition details are available here.
Application Deadlines
Husson offers multiple start dates throughout the year for both AGACNP tracks. Specific rolling deadline dates are available through the admissions portal. Contact the Division of Online and Distance Education for current cohort openings:
- Phone: 207.992.1972
- Email: online@husson.edu
Accreditation
Husson University’s baccalaureate, master’s, and post-graduate APRN certificate nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates of both the MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate AGACNP tracks are eligible to sit for the ANCC Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam or the AACN Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Adult-Gerontology certification exam. Husson also participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), though individual state restrictions may apply.
More ACNP Programs In Maine
- Saint Joseph’s College - Standish
- University of Maine at Fort Kent - Fort Kent
- University of Southern Maine - Portland