LSU Health Sciences Center ACNP Programs

LSU Health Sciences Center – New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO) School of Nursing offers two Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) tracks:

  • BSN to DNP – AGACNP Concentration
  • Post-Master’s DNP (PM-DNP) – AGACNP (New Role Addition)

Both tracks are campus-based programs in New Orleans, Louisiana, using a blended format of lectures, seminars, simulation, and supervised clinical practicums.

Program Tracks Overview

ProgramEst. Tuition (Resident)Est. Duration
BSN-DNP AGACNP~$65,7223 years (full-time)
Post-Master’s DNP AGACNP~$34,055+ (minimum 35 credits)4 semesters FT / 7 semesters PT

The BSN-DNP is a structured nine-semester, full-time program; the Post-Master’s track offers flexible full-time or part-time enrollment for already-credentialed APRNs expanding into acute care practice.

Doctor of Nursing Practice – AGACNP (BSN to DNP)

The estimated cost for the BSN-DNP AGACNP program is approximately $65,722 (resident) / $114,787 (non-resident) and takes 3 years (9 semesters) to complete on a full-time basis — see the official curriculum page for more details.

This program prepares BSN-educated RNs for advanced practice care of adolescent through older adult patients with episodic, critical, and complex acute illness, chronic disease exacerbations, and life-threatening injury.

The AGACNP role focuses exclusively on physiologically unstable, high-acuity patients and does not include routine health maintenance for well adults. Clinical settings include community-based specialty clinics and acute/critical care hospital units.

DNP Curriculum

The BSN-DNP AGACNP program totals 86 semester credit hours across three academic years. DNP Core courses meet Monday–Saturday a minimum of six times per semester; practicum experiences may occur weekdays, weekends, evenings, and nights.

Year 1 – Summer (10 credits)

  • NURS 6324 – Introduction to Epidemiology (3)
  • NURS 7105 – Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice (3)
  • NURS 7103 – Organization and Systems Leadership (4)

Year 1 – Fall (12 credits)

  • BSDS 6100 – Biostatistical Methods for Nursing (3)
  • HLSC 6409 – Advanced Pharmacology (3)
  • HLSC 6410 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3)
  • NURS 7203 – Research Design and Methodology (3)

Year 1 – Spring (13 credits)

  • NURS 6315 – Advanced Health Assessment (5) [3.5 didactic, 1.5 lab]
  • NURS 7909 – Advanced Practice Nursing Acute Care Pharmacotherapeutics Across the Lifespan (2)
  • NURS 7101 – Theoretical and Philosophical Foundations of Nursing (3)
  • NURS 7706 – Diagnostic & Therapeutic Procedures and Tests for Advanced Acute Care Nursing Across the Lifespan (3) [2 didactic, 1 lab]

Year 2 – Summer (7 credits)

  • NURS 7310 – Adult/Gerontology ACNP I: System Management (7) [3 didactic, 1 lab, 3 practicum]

Year 2 – Fall (15 credits)

  • NURS 7312 – Adult/Gerontology ACNP II: System Management (8) [3 didactic, 1 lab, 4 practicum]
  • NURS 7109 – Health Outcomes: Information Systems, Measurement, Analysis and Management (3)
  • NURS 7481 – Evidence-Based Practice for Advanced Nursing Practice (4)

Year 2 – Spring (9 credits)

  • NURS 7314 – Adult/Gerontology ACNP III: Critical Illness & Trauma Management (9) [3 didactic, 1 lab, 5 practicum]

Year 3 – Summer (4 credits)

  • NURS 7110 – Scholarly Project I: Project Development (3)
  • NURS 7021 – Advanced Nursing Practicum I (1)

Year 3 – Fall (8 credits)

  • NURS 7120 – Scholarly Project II: Implementation (3)
  • NURS 7022 – Advanced Nursing Practicum II (2)
  • NURS 7306 – Health Policy and Politics (3)

Year 3 – Spring (8 credits)

  • NURS 7130 – Scholarly Project III: Project Evaluation and Dissemination (3)
  • NURS 7023 – Advanced Nursing Practicum III (2)
  • NURS 7950 – Role Transition into Professional NP Practice (3) [2 didactic, 1 practicum]

DNP Clinicals

The BSN-DNP AGACNP program includes 1,080 total supervised practicum hours embedded across Years 2 and 3, with learning focused on advanced assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients from middle adolescence through the older adult lifespan under faculty guidance and approved preceptor supervision.

  • 1,080 total practicum hours (minimum 1,000 post-baccalaureate hours required)
  • Practicum credits embedded in NURS 7310, 7312, 7314, 7021, 7022, 7023, and 7950
  • Experiences may occur weekdays, weekends, evenings, and nights
  • Settings: community specialty clinics, hospitals, and critical care environments
  • All placements supervised by approved preceptors under faculty oversight

DNP Admissions Requirements

Applications submitted through NursingCAS. Summer application deadline: January 31.

  • BSN or BSN equivalent from a regionally accredited, specialized nursing-accredited program (Master’s required if BSN equivalent)
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate and graduate coursework
  • Current, unencumbered RN license in any state with eligibility for Louisiana licensure
  • Minimum 1 year of acute care RN experience within the past 5 years
  • Three letters of reference: at least one from a peer, one from a Nurse Practitioner, one from a nursing supervisor
  • BLS and ACLS certification for Healthcare Provider
  • Successful completion of the interview process
  • TOEFL minimum 550 paper-based / 79–80 internet-based (non-native English speakers or non-U.S. graduates)
  • $100 non-refundable application fee
  • Criminal background check and urine drug screen required (student-paid)

Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice – AGACNP (New Role Addition) {#pm-dnp}

The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s DNP AGACNP (new role) program starts at approximately $34,055 (resident) based on the minimum 35 credit hours at $973 per credit hour and takes 4 semesters full-time or 7 semesters part-time to complete — see the official curriculum page for more details.

This pathway is designed for board-certified APRNs holding a master’s degree in a different NP role or population focus who wish to add the AGACNP credential. Total credit hours vary based on previously completed graduate coursework and verification of the foundational APRN “3 P’s” courses. The maximum program completion time is 8 years.

DNP Curriculum

The PM-DNP requires a minimum of 35 credits (same role) or more for a new role addition. Students without verified 3 P’s must add:

  • HLSC 6410 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3)
  • HLSC 6409 – Advanced Pharmacology (3)
  • NURS 7909 – Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics Across the Lifespan (2)
  • NURS 6315 – Advanced Health Assessment (5)

DNP Core Courses

  • BIOS 6100 – Biostatistical Methods I (4)
  • NURS 6324 – Introduction to Epidemiology (3)
  • NURS 7101 – Theoretical and Philosophical Foundations of Nursing Science (3)
  • NURS 7103 – Organization and Systems Leadership (4)
  • NURS 7105 – Foundation of Advanced Nursing Practice (3)
  • NURS 7109 – Health Outcomes: Information Systems, Measurement, Analysis & Management (3)
  • NURS 7110 – Scholarly Project I: Proposal Development (3)
  • NURS 7120 – Scholarly Project II: Implementation (3)
  • NURS 7130 – Scholarly Project III: Dissemination (3)
  • NURS 7306 – Health Policy & Politics (3)
  • NURS 7481 – Evidence-Based Practice for Advanced Nursing Practice (4)

AGACNP Concentration-Specific Courses (New Role Addition)

HLSC 6409 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 Credits)
This course examines major drug classes with emphasis on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics. Students analyze adverse effects, drug interactions, toxicology, and patient safety across the lifespan. The course also introduces pharmacogenetics and its impact on individualized treatment decisions.

HLSC 6410 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 Credits)
This course explores disease processes and the physiologic changes that cause clinical symptoms. Students develop clinical reasoning skills to identify and compare system alterations across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on linking pathologic mechanisms to patient presentation.

NURS 6315 – Advanced Health Assessment (5 Credits)
This course strengthens diagnostic reasoning through advanced health assessment of individuals across the lifespan. Students conduct comprehensive and focused histories, physical exams, and psychosocial assessments using current healthcare technologies. Simulation and laboratory experiences support risk analysis, differential diagnosis development, and clinical decision-making.

NURS 7707 – Family, Genetics and Health Promotion (3 Credits)
This course examines family theory, genetic influences, and evidence-based health promotion strategies. Students analyze how genetic and psychosocial factors affect family health outcomes. Emphasis is placed on strengthening the family unit through prevention and health promotion practices.

NURS 7706 – Diagnostic & Therapeutic Procedures and Tests for Advanced Acute Care Nursing Across the Lifespan (3 Credits)
This course prepares students to select and interpret diagnostic tests and therapeutic procedures for complex acute and chronic conditions. Students develop cognitive and psychomotor skills through simulation and clinical scenarios. Emphasis is placed on safe, evidence-based management in emergency, hospital, and critical care settings.

NURS 7909 – Advanced Practice Nursing Acute Care Pharmacotherapeutics Across the Lifespan (2 Credits)
This course builds on advanced pharmacology to guide medication management for acutely ill patients. Students apply clinical judgment to drug selection, monitoring, and evaluation while considering genetics, culture, age, and economic factors. The course addresses prescribing laws, polypharmacy, medication reconciliation, and patient education.

NURS 7310 – Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner I: System Management (7 Credits)
This course introduces evidence-based management of cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal, and genitourinary conditions in adolescents through older adults. Students engage in didactic, simulation, and clinical learning experiences. Emphasis is placed on diagnostic evaluation and collaborative care in acute and specialty settings.

NURS 7312 – Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner II: System Management (8 Credits)
This course expands management of complex neurological, oncologic, hematologic, infectious, and immunologic conditions. Students complete theory, lab, and 240 clinical hours to strengthen advanced practice competencies. The course builds on prior clinical science and acute care foundations.

NURS 7314 – Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner III: Critical Illness and Trauma Management (9 Credits)
This course focuses on management of critically ill and trauma patients in emergency and intensive care settings. Students complete theory, lab, and 240 clinical hours centered on multisystem and life-threatening conditions. Emphasis is placed on rapid assessment, stabilization, and collaborative intervention.

NURS 7316 – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner IV: Role Transitions (3 Credits)
This final course prepares students for transition into professional acute care practice. Students develop leadership, ethical, and healthcare policy competencies. Clinical experiences support role integration, advocacy, and professional accountability.

NURS 7021 – Advanced Nursing Practicum I (1–6 Credits)
This practicum allows students to design an individualized clinical plan with faculty guidance. Students focus on skill development within their selected specialty area. The course contributes to the required post-baccalaureate clinical hour total.

NURS 7022 – Advanced Nursing Practicum II (1–6 Credits)
This practicum builds on prior clinical experience and emphasizes advanced leadership and practice competencies. Students refine expertise through structured clinical activities. The course supports progression toward the required cumulative clinical hours.

NURS 7023 – Advanced Nursing Practicum III (1–6 Credits)
This final practicum demonstrates mastery of advanced nursing knowledge and leadership skills. Students complete individualized clinical objectives and prepare for professional role integration. Successful completion of the practicum series fulfills the minimum 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours requirement.

DNP Clinicals

Required practicum hours are individualized based on clinical hours completed in the student’s master’s program. All PM-DNP students must complete a minimum of 180 practicum hours (3 credit hours), with the full series providing a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours.

  • Minimum 180 practicum hours required (3 credits)
  • Total practicum series: minimum 1,000 post-baccalaureate hours
  • Hours distributed across NURS 7021, 7022, and 7023; individualized plan developed with faculty advisor
  • Settings: community specialty clinics and acute/critical care hospital environments

DNP Admissions Requirements

  • Official transcripts confirming a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Current APRN board certification (for new role pathway applicants)
  • Current, unencumbered RN license in any state with eligibility for Louisiana licensure
  • Minimum 1 year of acute care RN experience within the past 5 years
  • Verification of 3 P’s courses or completion required prior to enrollment
  • Verification of prior clinical practicum hours from master’s program
  • Three letters of reference
  • Successful interview completion
  • BLS and ACLS certification for Healthcare Provider
  • Criminal background check and urine drug screen required (student-paid)

Tuition

DNP tuition for full-time resident students is billed at a flat rate: $8,755.10 per Fall or Spring semester and $4,397.30 per Summer semester (~$21,907.50/year).

Part-time resident students pay $973 per credit hour; non-residents pay $1,700 per credit hour.

Non-residents enrolled full-time pay an additional $6,541.09 per Fall/Spring and $3,272.55 per Summer semester.

More tuition details are available here.

Application Deadlines

  • Summer entry: January 31

Accreditation

The LSUHSC-NO AGACNP curriculum is built on the AACN Essentials (2021) and NONPF Nurse Practitioner Role Core Competencies (2022). Graduates are academically qualified to sit for either the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Examination sponsored by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the ACNPC-AG Examination sponsored by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

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