Mercer University ACNP Programs

Mercer University Georgia Baptist College of Nursing offers 3 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP)
  • Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Programs feature blended online synchronous coursework combined with in-person labs and clinical experiences in Atlanta with multiple start terms (January, May, August) and flexible full-time or part-time study options.

Program Tracks Overview

Program NameEst. TuitionEst. Duration
MSN AGACNP$56,79117–28 months
DNP AGACNP (BSN to DNP)$99,0242.5–3 years FT
DNP AGACNP (Post-Master’s)$74,5592 years

Faculty bring extensive specialized expertise in adult-gerontology acute care and work closely with students to provide personalized guidance, assist with clinical placements, and support career development throughout the journey to becoming acute care nurse practitioners.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – AGACNP

The estimated cost for the MSN-AGACNP program is approximately $56,791 and requires 17-28 months to complete (4 semesters full-time, 7 semesters part-time).

MSN Curriculum

The program requires 49 credit hours preparing registered nurses for advanced practice serving adult patients across the lifespan, providing care ranging from disease prevention to acute and critical care management.

Students acquire necessary skills and knowledge to manage adult patients with acute, critical, and complex chronic conditions in acute care settings through blended online and in-person instruction.

Specialty Courses

This course introduces assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation for adult-gerontology patients in acute and critical care. Students build diagnostic reasoning and evidence-based decision skills, with focus on health promotion and prevention. A lab supports skill practice and clinical decision-making.

NUR 661 – Management of Adult-Gerontology Health Problems in Acute Care Settings II (5 hrs)
This course expands management of adult-gerontology patients in acute and critical care. Students deepen evidence-based reasoning, prevention planning, and treatment evaluation through lab-based application. The course also covers the AGACNP role on interprofessional teams, including legal and ethical standards.

NUR 669 – Management of Adult-Gerontology Health Problems in Acute Care Settings III (4 hrs)
This capstone didactic course completes the three-course management series for acute and critical care. Students refine assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning for complex adult-gerontology cases. Students strengthen evidence-based clinical judgment across the care continuum.

NUR 671 – Acute Care Practicum I (4 hrs)
This first practicum places students in a clinical setting to apply acute care knowledge under supervision. Students begin advanced skill development for complex acute, critical, and chronic conditions while working with an APRN or physician preceptor. On-campus intensives support skill demonstration through structured clinical experiences.

NUR 672 – Acute Care Practicum II (4 hrs)
This second practicum continues supervised care for adult and older adult patients in acute care settings. Students increase competence in managing complex conditions within clinical guidelines. Students collaborate closely with a preceptor to strengthen real-time clinical decision-making.

NUR 673 – Acute Care Practicum III (5 hrs)
This final practicum integrates specialty coursework into full-scope acute care practice. Students manage complex physiologic and psychosocial needs across adolescent through frail older adult populations. On-campus intensives support competency checks through structured clinical experiences.

Full-Time Curriculum Plan (4 semesters starting Fall):

Semester One – Fall (14 credits):

  • NUR 602 Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits)
  • NUR 603 Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology (3 credits)
  • NUR 607 Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
  • NUR 649 Role and Scope of the APRN (1 credit)
  • NUR 659 Management of Adult-Gerontology Health Problems in the Acute Care Setting I (4 credits)

Semester Two – Spring (14 credits):

  • NUR 617 Evidence-based Practice and Research for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)
  • NUR 639 Population Health & Policy for the APRN (2 credits)
  • NUR 661 Management of Adult Gerontology Health Problems in the Acute Care Setting II (5 credits)
  • NUR 671 Acute Care Practicum I (4 credits, 240 clinical hours)

Semester Three – Summer (13 credits):

  • NUR 635 Healthcare Information, Quality, and Safety (2 credits)
  • NUR 669 Management of Adult-Gerontology Health Problems in the Acute Care Setting III (4 credits)
  • NUR 672 Acute Care Practicum II (4 credits, 240 clinical hours)
  • NUR 675 Statistics for the Behavioral and Clinical Sciences (3 credits)

Semester Four – Fall (8 credits):

  • NUR 628 Synthesis of Advanced Nursing Practice (1 credit)
  • NUR 650 Interprofessional Leadership & Practice Excellence for the APRN (2 credits)
  • NUR 673 Acute Care Practicum III (5 credits, 300 clinical hours)

More curriculum details are available here.

MSN Clinicals

Students complete minimum 780 total clinical practice hours including 750 direct patient care hours and 30 indirect patient care hours across three practicum courses.

Clinical experiences provide hands-on field experience applying skills and techniques learned in coursework, preparing graduates to excel as AGACNPs in acute care settings.

Clinical Requirements:

  • 780 total clinical practice hours (750 direct, 30 indirect)
  • Credit hour to clinical practice hour ratio: 1:4 for practicum courses
  • NUR 671 Acute Care Practicum I (240 clinical hours)
  • NUR 672 Acute Care Practicum II (240 clinical hours)
  • NUR 673 Acute Care Practicum III (300 clinical hours)
  • Mercer faculty oversee all clinical placements
  • Students encouraged to identify potential preceptors through professional networks (colleagues, community contacts, professional organizations)
  • All preceptors must meet program qualifications shared with students in advance
  • Clinical experiences in acute care settings including emergency departments, ICUs, trauma units, specialized clinics

MSN Admissions Requirements

Academic Requirements:

  • BSN degree from ACEN, NLNAC, CNEA, or CCNE-accredited program
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale
  • Applicants with undergraduate GPA of 2.75-2.99 on 4.0 scale in upper division undergraduate nursing courses may be conditionally accepted
  • Official transcripts from all higher education institutions previously attended

Licensure and Experience:

  • Current unencumbered RN license to practice in Georgia
  • Minimum one year of work experience as professional registered nurse

Application Materials:

  • Online application through Mercer portal
  • $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • Résumé including healthcare experience, work experience, community involvement, academic honors, research/civic/leadership awards
  • Admissions cover letter (1,000 words or less) describing professional goals and reasons for seeking graduate education
  • Three professional references from individuals who can address applicant’s ability to successfully complete graduate study
  • At least one reference must be from nurse prepared at master’s degree or higher
  • Applicants who completed BSN coursework within last five years must include faculty reference from that program

Admission Process:

  • Admissions interview with graduate programs coordinator/dean after application submission

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – BSN to DNP with AGACNP Specialty

The estimated cost for the BSN to DNP-AGACNP program is approximately $99,024 and requires 8 semesters (approximately 2.5-3 years) to complete on a full-time basis.

BSN to DNP Curriculum

The program requires 77 credit hours building upon BSN foundation to prepare nurses for clinical and organizational leadership in healthcare while developing AGACNP specialty expertise.

The curriculum integrates DNP core courses with AGACNP specialty courses, preparing graduates to propose solutions for improving healthcare outcomes for individuals and society.

More curriculum details are available here.

Full-Time Curriculum Plan:

Semester 1 – Fall (11 credits):

  • NUR 603 Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology (3 credits)
  • NUR 607 Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
  • NUR 730 Transition to the Practice Doctorate (2 credits)
  • NUR 731 Clinical Epidemiology (3 credits)

Semester 2 – Spring (9 credits):

  • NUR 732 Population Health (3 credits)
  • NUR 734 Health Care Economics and Finance (3 credits)
  • NUR 739 Health Care Policy (3 credits)

Semester 3 – Summer (6 credits):

  • NUR 675 Statistics for the Behavioral and Clinical Sciences (3 credits)
  • NUR 735 Informatics and Patient Care Technology (3 credits)

Semester 4 – Fall (11 credits):

  • NUR 602 Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits)
  • NUR 649 Role and Scope of the APRN (1 credit)
  • NUR 659 Management of Adult-Gerontology Health Problems in the Acute Care Setting I (4 credits)
  • NUR 728 Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)

Semester 5 – Spring (11 credits):

  • NUR 661 Management of Adult-Gerontology Health Problems (5 credits)
  • NUR 733 Evidence Appraisal (3 credits)
  • NUR 761 Acute Care Practicum I for the DNP (3 credits, 180 practicum hours)

Semester 6 – Summer (11 credits):

  • NUR 669 Management of Adult-Gerontology Health Problems in Acute Care Settings III (4 credits)
  • NUR 729 DNP Project Development (1 credit)
  • NUR 736 Outcomes Measurement and Program Evaluation (3 credits)
  • NUR 762 Acute Care Practicum II for the DNP (3 credits, 180 practicum hours)

Semester 7 – Fall (10 credits):

  • NUR 628 Synthesis of Advanced Nursing Practice (1 credit)
  • NUR 650 Interprofessional Leadership & Practice Excellence for the APRN (2 credits)
  • NUR 738 Organizational and Systems Leadership (3 credits, 60 immersion hours)
  • NUR 740A DNP Immersion (1 credit, 60 immersion hours)
  • NUR 763 Acute Care Practicum III for the DNP (3 credits, 180 practicum hours)

Semester 8 – Spring (8 credits):

  • NUR 740B DNP Immersion (2 credits, 120 immersion hours)
  • NUR 741 Advancing Nursing Practice (2 credits)
  • NUR 765 Acute Care Practicum IV for the DNP (4 credits, 240 practicum hours)

BSN to DNP Clinicals

BSN to DNP students complete 1,020 total post-baccalaureate practice hours including 780 practicum hours and 240 immersion hours across multiple clinical and immersion courses. The immersion hours focus on organizational and systems leadership while practicum hours develop AGACNP clinical expertise in acute care settings.

Clinical Requirements:

  • 1,020 total post-baccalaureate practice hours
  • 780 total practicum hours
  • 240 total immersion hours
  • Credit hour to clinical practice ratio: 1:4 for practicum courses
  • NUR 761 Acute Care Practicum I for DNP (180 practicum hours)
  • NUR 762 Acute Care Practicum II for DNP (180 practicum hours)
  • NUR 763 Acute Care Practicum III for DNP (180 practicum hours)
  • NUR 765 Acute Care Practicum IV for DNP (240 practicum hours)
  • NUR 738 Organizational and Systems Leadership (60 immersion hours)
  • NUR 740A DNP Immersion (60 immersion hours)
  • NUR 740B DNP Immersion (120 immersion hours)
  • Mercer faculty oversee all clinical placements
  • Students encouraged to identify potential preceptors through professional networks

BSN to DNP Admissions Requirements

Academic Requirements:

  • BSN degree from ACEN, NLNAC, CNEA, or CCNE-accredited program
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.2 on 4.0 scale
  • Applicants with undergraduate GPA of 3.0-3.19 on 4.0 scale in upper division undergraduate nursing courses may be conditionally accepted
  • Official transcripts from all higher education institutions previously attended

Licensure:

  • Current unencumbered RN license to practice in Georgia
  • No minimum work experience required for BSN-DNP track

Application Materials:

  • Online application through Mercer portal
  • $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • Résumé including healthcare experience, work experience, community involvement, academic honors, research/civic/leadership awards
  • Admissions cover letter (1,000 words or less) describing professional goals and reasons for seeking additional certification
  • Three professional references from individuals who can address applicant’s ability to successfully complete graduate study
  • At least one reference must be from nurse prepared at master’s degree or higher
  • Applicants who completed BSN coursework within last five years must include two faculty references from that program

Admission Process:

  • Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and selection committee review all materials
  • Graduate Programs Committee may be consulted in decision process
  • Selected applicants invited for interview
  • Interview with Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, DNP Coordinator, or faculty designee
  • Scholarly writing sample required following interview
  • Applicants typically notified of admission decision within three weeks from interview

Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with AGACNP Specialty

The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s DNP with AGACNP program is approximately $74,559 and requires 6 semesters (approximately 2 years) to complete.

Post-Master’s DNP Curriculum

The program requires 58 credit hours designed for registered nurses with existing MSN degrees who desire to complete DNP with AGACNP specialty certification. The curriculum focuses on doctoral-level leadership, evidence appraisal, outcomes measurement, and organizational systems while integrating AGACNP specialty coursework for those seeking dual certification.

Semester 1 – Fall (8 credits):

  • NUR 728 Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)
  • NUR 730 Transition to the Practice Doctorate (2 credits)
  • NUR 731 Clinical Epidemiology (3 credits)

Semester 2 – Spring (9 credits):

  • NUR 732 Population Health (3 credits)
  • NUR 733 Evidence Appraisal (3 credits)
  • NUR 734 Healthcare Economics and Finance (3 credits)

Semester 3 – Summer (7 credits):

  • NUR 729 DNP Project Development (1 credit)
  • NUR 735 Informatics and Patient Care Technology (3 credits)
  • NUR 736 Outcomes Measurement and Program Evaluation (3 credits)

Semester 4 – Fall (12 credits):

  • NUR 738 Organizational and Systems Leadership (3 credits, 60 immersion hours)
  • NUR 740A DNP Immersion (1 credit, 60 immersion hours)
  • DNP 759 Management of Adult-Gerontology Health Problems in the Acute Care Setting I (4 credits)
  • DNP 771 Acute Care Practicum I (4 credits, 240 practicum hours)

Semester 5 – Spring (13 credits):

  • NUR 739 Healthcare Policy (3 credits)
  • NUR 740B DNP Immersion (1 credit, 60 immersion hours)
  • DNP 761 Management of Adult-Gerontology Health Problems in the Acute Care Setting II (5 credits)
  • DNP 772 Acute Care Practicum II (4 credits, 240 practicum hours)

Semester 6 – Summer (9 credits):

  • DNP 769 Management of Adult-Gerontology Health Problems in the Acute Care Setting III (4 credits)
  • DNP 773 Acute Care Practicum III (5 credits, 300 practicum hours)

More curriculum details are available here.

Post-Master’s DNP Clinicals

Post-Master’s DNP students complete 960 total practice hours including 780 practicum hours and 180 immersion hours. Practicum hours develop AGACNP clinical competencies while immersion hours focus on organizational leadership, systems improvement, and DNP project implementation.

Clinical Requirements:

  • 960 total practice hours
  • 780 total practicum hours
  • 180 total immersion hours
  • Credit hour to practice hour ratio: 1:4 for practicum and immersion courses
  • DNP 771 Acute Care Practicum I (240 practicum hours)
  • DNP 772 Acute Care Practicum II (240 practicum hours)
  • DNP 773 Acute Care Practicum III (300 practicum hours)
  • NUR 738 Organizational and Systems Leadership (60 immersion hours)
  • NUR 740A DNP Immersion (60 immersion hours)
  • NUR 740B DNP Immersion (60 immersion hours)
  • Clinical experiences in acute care settings
  • Mercer faculty oversee placements

Post-Master’s DNP Admissions Requirements

Academic Requirements:

  • MSN degree from ACEN, NLNAC, CNEA, or CCNE-accredited program
  • GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale
  • Applicants with undergraduate GPA of 2.85-2.99 on 4.0 scale in upper division nursing courses may be conditionally accepted
  • Official transcripts from all higher education institutions previously attended
  • Graduate statistics course required prior to enrollment (must be reflected on official transcript and taken within five years from application date)
  • Confirmation of practicum/clinical hours from director of prior master’s program

Licensure and Certification:

  • Current unencumbered RN license to practice in state where clinical project will be completed
  • Applicants seeking AGACNP specialty must be licensed in Georgia
  • Advanced practice national certification and/or national certification as nurse executive/nurse administrator (if applicable)
  • Applicants without APRN licensure/certification or who earned fewer than 500 graduate-level clinical nursing hours as part of MSN degree considered case-by-case (additional courses may be required)

Application Materials:

  • Online application through Mercer portal
  • $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • Curriculum Vitae (using Mercer’s CV guidelines)
  • Admissions cover letter (1,000 words or less) describing professional goals and reasons for seeking additional certification
  • Three professional references from individuals who can address clinical practice and/or ability to successfully complete graduate study
  • Evidence of strong writing ability, potential leadership, and scholarship

Preference Criteria:

  • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater in graduate coursework
  • Distinguished leadership or scholarship
  • APRN certification

Admission Process:

  • Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and selection committee review all materials
  • Graduate Programs Committee may be consulted
  • Selected applicants invited for interview
  • Interview with Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, DNP Coordinator, or faculty designee
  • Scholarly writing sample required following interview

Tuition

Master of Science in Nursing:

  • Tuition rate: $1,159 per credit hour
  • Flat tuition rate: $10,430 per semester for 9+ credits

Additional MSN Fees:

  • Activity Fee: $230 per semester
  • Credentialing Fee: $25 per semester
  • Liability Insurance Fee: $25 (spring semester only)

Doctor of Nursing Practice:

  • Tuition rate: $1,285.50 per credit hour

Additional DNP Fees: Specific fees not detailed in provided materials; contact admissions for complete fee schedule.

Students interested in graduate statistics course prior to DNP enrollment can take NUR 675: Statistics for the Clinical and Behavioral Sciences offered in summer.

See the official tuition page for more details.

Application Deadlines

Start terms available: January, May, August

Specific application deadlines not provided in materials. Contact Office of Admissions at 678.547.6700 or nursingadmissions@mercer.edu for current application deadlines and requirements.

Accreditation

Mercer University Georgia Baptist College of Nursing programs are designed to meet educational requirements of regulatory authorities in the State of Georgia.

Students completing the MSN-AGACNP track or BSN to DNP-AGACNP track are prepared to take the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

Students intending to seek licensure or certification outside Georgia should review Mercer’s professional licensure disclosure for additional information regarding state-specific requirements.

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