Maryland nurses have one in-state ACNP home base at the University of Maryland plus two nearby powerhouse options in Baltimore (Johns Hopkins) and the DC/MD/VA region (George Washington), alongside several fully online national programs.
In-state DNP tuition runs from about $44,448 to $74,080 at the University of Maryland, while regional and private options range up to roughly $144,000.
Across MSN, DNP, and post-graduate certificates, Maryland-focused ACNP pathways typically take about 2 to 5 years to complete, depending on entry point, degree level, and part‑ or full‑time study.
High Level Comparison Table
| School | Est. Cost Range | Key note |
|---|---|---|
| George Washington University | MSN: ~$78.2K DNP: ~$117.4K Cert: ~$32.6K | – mostly online with required Ashburn, VA simulation events – DC/MD/VA clinical footprint; – ranked #12 for Best Online Master’s in Nursing (U.S. News, 2026). |
| Johns Hopkins University | DNP: ~$144.0K | – mostly online with required on-site immersions – full-time 3-year plan – MD/DC location requirement by semester 3 |
| University of Maryland | Post-BSN DNP: $74.1K Post-Master’s DNP: $44.4K–$74.1K Postdoctoral Cert: $42.6K | – blended online + face-to-face AGACNP/CNS option – faculty-assigned clinical sites – 2024 ANCC AGACNP pass rate reported at 100%. |
All ACNP Program Options for Maryland Nurses
*includes applicable out of state options
Chamberlain University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $760 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Chamberlain University enables Maryland nurses to become adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners through two online pathways designed for working professionals. The MSN track spans 8 semesters while the graduate certificate offers a faster route for those holding master's or doctoral nursing degrees. Maryland students complete 700 clinical hours managing complex acute conditions, with Chamberlain's practicum support team assisting in placement coordination throughout the state.
George Washington University ACNP Programs
Ashburn | $1,630 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
George Washington University provides Maryland nurses with flexible options to advance into the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) role through three pathways — MSN, DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate. Each program is delivered primarily online, allowing nurses to balance studies with professional commitments, while completing a few required on-campus sessions for hands-on simulation and clinical skills training. Clinical rotations are completed within the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia region — offering convenient access for Maryland-based RNs. Tuition is approximately $1,630 per credit, plus applicable simulation and CLASI fees. Program completion times range from about 2 years for the certificate option to 4 or more years for the DNP, depending on part-time or full-time study pace.
Johns Hopkins University ACNP Programs
Baltimore | $2,057 cpc | DNP
The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing offers Maryland nurses a premier pathway to becoming an Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner through its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. Designed for working professionals, the program blends primarily online coursework with required on-site immersions at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. By the third semester, students are expected to reside in Maryland or Washington, D.C. to complete supervised clinical rotations. The program spans about 3 years and includes 70 credits at $2,057 per credit, for an estimated total tuition of $143,990. Students complete 1,000 total practice hours, encompassing 840 clinical hours and 160 DNP project practicum hours, ensuring strong preparation for advanced acute care practice.
Purdue Global ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $420 cpc | Certificate
Maryland nurses seeking specialization in acute care can pursue Purdue Global's AGACNP Postgraduate Certificate entirely online while maintaining their current employment. The program requires 57 quarter credits at $420 per credit ($23,940 total), features unique Oculus VR headset training for acute care skills, and includes clinical rotations under qualified preceptors. Maryland applicants must hold a master's degree in nursing with a minimum 2.5 GPA, possess one year of acute care experience, and maintain ACLS certification throughout enrollment.
South College ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $615 cpc | Certificate / MSN
The AGACNP tracks at South College prepare Maryland nurses to address the psychosocial and physical needs of acutely ill elderly patients. Featuring 53 to 79 credits of intensive study, the programs include specific courses on diagnostics and advanced procedures relevant to high-acuity settings. Prospective students in Maryland must submit a professional goal statement and official transcripts to begin their journey toward this advanced practice credential.
University of Maryland ACNP Programs
Baltimore | $926 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP
The University of Maryland School of Nursing offers three pathways to the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGACNP/CNS) credential, ranging from a postdoctoral certificate to a full Post-BSN DNP. Programs are delivered in a blended format combining online coursework with face-to-face instruction, with clinical placements coordinated by faculty across Maryland and Washington, D.C. All tracks require a minimum of 990–1,080 clinical hours and prepare graduates to sit for both ANCC and AACN certification exams. Tuition is $926/credit (in-state) or $1,643/credit (out-of-state), with additional mandatory fees applying each year. ..read more.
Walden University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Walden University’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner options offer Maryland nurses DNP, MSN, and post-master’s certificate pathways that emphasize online learning plus structured clinical experiences. Students build advanced skills in assessment, pharmacology, diagnostic reasoning, and high-acuity management while receiving practicum placement support and virtual skills training. These AGACNP tracks position Maryland RNs and APRNs to advance their careers and seek national certification in adult-gerontology acute care.
Comparing ACNP Programs in Maryland
Below is review of the distinguishing features for each school to help you find the best fit.
TLDR: Quick Selection Guide
Choose University of Maryland if you want the most affordable in-state option ($44,448-$74,080 for DNP tracks), prefer a blended AGACNP/CNS dual-role preparation, need flexible 3-5 year completion timelines, achieved 100% ANCC pass rate (2024 graduates), and want faculty-assigned clinical placements without sourcing your own preceptors.
Choose Johns Hopkins University if you prioritize the #1-ranked DNP program (U.S. News 2025), want intensive full-time 3-year completion, prefer on-site clinical immersions at Johns Hopkins Hospital, need comprehensive 1,000 practice hours with 840 direct clinical hours, and can meet the 1-year acute care RN experience requirement in ICU/critical care settings.
Choose George Washington University if you want multiple entry pathways (MSN, DNP, or Post-Master’s Certificate), prefer the fastest certificate completion (1 year with prior APRN certification), need part-time flexibility over 2-4 years, want #12-ranked online master’s programs (U.S. News 2026), and can participate in required on-campus simulations at Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn.
DNP ACNP Program Comparison for Maryland
Maryland’s three DNP options vary significantly in cost, structure, and clinical focus, with University of Maryland offering the most affordable in-state tuition ($74,080 for Post-BSN entry) and Johns Hopkins commanding premium pricing ($143,990) for the nation’s top-ranked program.
University of Maryland uniquely blends AGACNP and CNS preparation, while George Washington and Johns Hopkins focus solely on AGACNP competencies.
| School | Program | Est. Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland | Post-BSN DNP AGACNP/CNS | $74,080 | 3-5 years | 1,080 hours | Blended ACNP/CNS; faculty-assigned sites; 100% 2024 ANCC pass rate |
| University of Maryland | Post-Master’s DNP AGACNP/CNS | $44,448-$74,080 | Varies | 1,000+ hours | Most affordable; individualized credit evaluation |
| Johns Hopkins | DNP AGACNP | $143,990 | 3 years full-time | 1,000 hours (840 direct) | #1 ranked DNP; JHU Hospital immersion; intensive full-time only |
| George Washington | DNP AGACNP | $117,360 | 3-4 years part-time | 1,100+ hours (600 direct) | Primarily online; flexible part-time; #12 ranked online MSN |
Key Distinctions:
- Affordability: University of Maryland’s Post-Master’s DNP offers the lowest entry point at $44,448 in-state
- Prestige: Johns Hopkins holds #1 DNP ranking with on-site Johns Hopkins Hospital immersions
- Flexibility: George Washington accommodates working nurses through part-time online delivery
- Dual Role: University of Maryland exclusively prepares graduates for both AGACNP and CNS certification
Maryland ACNP MSN Programs
Only George Washington University offers a master’s-level AGACNP pathway in the Maryland/DC region, providing the sole alternative to doctoral entry for nurses seeking AGACNP certification without pursuing a DNP degree.
- Cost: ~$78,240 (48 credits × $1,630/credit)
- Duration: 2-3 years part-time
- Clinical Hours: 600 minimum
- Ranking: #12 Best Online Master’s Programs in Graduate Nursing (U.S. News 2026)
- Delivery: Primarily online with required on-campus simulations at Virginia Science and Technology Campus
- Requirements: 1 year critical care experience (ICU, Trauma, CCU, or ED) within past 5 years
George Washington’s MSN represents the only non-doctoral AGACNP pathway available to Maryland/DC area nurses, making it ideal for those who want advanced practice credentials without committing to doctoral-level coursework or research projects.
ACNP Certificate Program Comparison for Maryland
Maryland offers three post-graduate certificate options for nurses adding or changing specialty credentials, with George Washington providing the fastest completion (1 year with prior APRN certification) and University of Maryland offering the most affordable in-state pricing ($42,596).
These programs serve different populations: George Washington targets master’s-prepared nurses adding AGACNP certification, while University of Maryland’s postdoctoral certificate serves PhD or DNP-prepared nurses changing specialties.
| School | Program | Est. Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Washington | Post-Master’s Certificate AGACNP | ~$32,600 | 5 semesters (~2 years); 3 semesters (~1 year) with prior APRN | 600 hours | MSN-prepared nurses adding AGACNP |
| University of Maryland | Postdoctoral Certificate AGACNP/CNS | $42,596 (in-state) | Varies by plan | 990 hours | Doctorally-prepared nurses changing specialty |
Key Distinctions:
- Fastest Option: George Washington’s 1-year pathway for nurses with prior FNP or AG-Primary Care APRN certification
- Most Affordable: University of Maryland at $42,596 in-state (though serves different population than GW)
- Dual Certification: Only University of Maryland prepares for both AGACNP and CNS certification
- Entry Requirements: George Washington requires master’s degree; University of Maryland requires doctoral degree
Admissions Requirements Comparison for MD ACNP Programs
| School | Program | Minimum GPA | Application Deadlines | Critical Care Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Washington | MSN AGACNP | 3.0 preferred | Priority: Dec 1, 2025; Final: Jun 15, 2026 | 1 year within past 5 years |
| George Washington | DNP AGACNP | 3.0 preferred | Priority: Dec 1, 2024; Final: Jul 1, 2025 | Not specified |
| George Washington | Post-Master’s Certificate | 3.0 preferred | Priority: Dec 1, 2024; Final: Feb 1, 2025 | 1 year full-time |
| Johns Hopkins | DNP AGACNP | 3.0 minimum | Deadline 1: Nov 1; Deadline 2: Jan 15 | 1 year in ICU/critical care by program start |
| University of Maryland | Post-BSN DNP | 3.0 minimum | Priority: Nov 3, 2025; Final: Jul 1, 2026 | 2 consecutive years full-time |
| University of Maryland | Post-Master’s DNP | 3.0 minimum | Priority: Nov 3, 2025; Final: Jul 1, 2026 | 2 consecutive years full-time |
| University of Maryland | Postdoctoral Certificate | Not specified | Priority: Nov 1; Final: Jul 31 (Fall) | Not specified |
Notable Admission Differences:
- Experience Requirements: University of Maryland requires the most extensive acute care background (2 consecutive years) while George Washington requires 1 year within the past 5 years
- Priority Deadlines: All three schools offer priority consideration for November/December applications with scholarship opportunities
- Interview Process: University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins conduct on-campus interviews for selected applicants
- Residency Restrictions: George Washington and Johns Hopkins require students to reside in DC/Maryland/Virginia region for clinical coursework