Michigan offers in-state nurses access to Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP options at 4 universities, with total tuition ranging from roughly $13,200 for shorter certificates up to about $154,000 for longer doctoral pathways.
These programs span MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and post-master’s certificate routes, giving applicants flexibility based on whether they want a master’s, doctorate, or a second specialty.
Depending on the school and track selected, most students can complete their AGACNP preparation in approximately 1 to 4 years of full-time or part-time study.
High Level Overview Table
| School | Est. Cost (Rounded) | High-Level Program Snapshot |
|---|---|---|
| Madonna University | MSN: $55K Cert: $20K | – rolling admissions (Fall, Winter, Summer) – 100% first-time board pass rate (reported year) – strong tri-county hospital placement network |
| Oakland University | MSN: $50K Cert: ~$20K | – annual Fall admission cycle – NursingCAS application process – 630 clinical hours in MSN track |
| University of Michigan–Flint | MSN: $75K BSN-DNP: $110K Cert: $30K | – online delivery with limited campus visits – BSN-to-DNP allows MSN conferment mid-program – strong 86–100% certification pass rates |
| Wayne State University | BSN-DNP: $85K Cert: $25K | – university-coordinated clinical placements – flexible learning format (on-campus or synchronous online) – major Detroit-area acute care access |
List of ACNP Programs for Michigan
Madonna University ACNP Programs
Livonia | 1,100 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Madonna University offers two Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs preparing students to manage complex acute, critical, and chronic health conditions in acute care settings. The MSN AGACNP is a 47-credit program requiring minimum 600 direct patient care hours (849 total) and costing approximately $51,700. The Post-Master's Certificate requires 12-15 credits with individualized gap analysis, 600 direct care hours (with possible waivers for certified NPs), and costs $13,200-$16,500. Both programs feature rolling admissions, 100% certification pass rates in 2020, and prepare graduates for ANCC or AACN certification...read more.
Oakland University ACNP Programs
Rochester | 1,078.25 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Oakland University offers two Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs preparing students to manage critically ill patients in acute care settings. The MSN AGACNP is a 48-credit, 2-year program requiring 630 clinical hours and costing $45,672-$51,756. The Post-Master's Certificate varies based on individualized gap analysis, typically requiring specialty courses and starting at minimum 15 credits ($14,273-$16,174+). Both programs admit students once annually in Fall semester through NursingCAS, require individual faculty interviews, and prepare graduates for ANCC or AACN certification...read more.
Purdue Global ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $420 cpc | Certificate
Michigan nurses can earn their Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate through Purdue Global's flexible online program designed for working professionals. The 1.5-year program costs $23,940 for 57 credits and combines advanced didactic coursework with hands-on clinical experiences and cutting-edge virtual reality acute care training. Michigan students benefit from CCNE-accredited education, experienced faculty mentorship, and comprehensive preparation for ANCC or AACN certification exams upon graduation.
South College ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $615 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Michigan registered nurses can advance their careers with South College's online AGACNP programs, offering both BSN-MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate tracks with asynchronous coursework designed for working professionals. The 79-credit BSN-MSN program requires 800 hours of prior acute care experience and takes 21 months to complete at an estimated cost of $51,450-$53,695, while the 53-credit Post-Graduate Certificate is designed for nurses who already hold a master's degree. Michigan nurses complete their clinical practicums at approved sites within the United States, gaining hands-on experience in managing complex acute, chronic, and critical conditions across the adult-gerontology lifespan.
University of Michigan ACNP Programs
Ann Arbor | Certificate / MSN / DNP
University of Michigan-Flint offers three Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs preparing graduates to manage acutely ill patients with complex illnesses across the adult lifespan. The MSN AGACNP is a 47-credit, 2-year program with 504 clinical hours costing $71,214-$85,301. The innovative BSN to DNP with MSN pathway allows students to earn MSN (55 credits), practice as certified NPs, then complete DNP (18 credits) for a total of 70-73 credits over 3 years at $106,064-$127,043. The Post-Master's Certificate requires 18-22 credits with minimum 540 clinical hours over 12-16 months at $27,274-$32,668, with first and third clinical practica required in Michigan. All programs feature distance-learning format with campus visits, CCNE accreditation, and 86-100% first-time certification pass rates...read more.
Walden University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Michigan nurses can advance to AGACNP practice through Walden University's DNP, MSN, or post-master's certificate programs delivered primarily online. The MSN track requires 640 clinical hours while the DNP requires 1,000 post-baccalaureate hours, all focused on managing acutely ill adults and older adults. Michigan students benefit from Walden Grand Rounds, virtual skills labs, and dedicated field placement support to secure preceptors throughout the state.
Wayne State University ACNP Programs
Detroit | $1,136 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Wayne State's AGNP-AC programs prepare nurses to manage acute and complex health conditions across adult and older adult populations with emphasis on individualized, holistic care in high-acuity settings. The BSN to DNP track offers comprehensive doctoral preparation with 73 credits covering advanced practice nursing core, DNP core courses, and specialty acute care content. Both programs remove the burden of clinical coordination from students, with specialty coordinators and graduate clinical placement coordinators working together to ensure high-quality clinical experiences throughout the program. ..read more.
Comparing ACNP Programs in Michigan
TLDR: Which Michigan ACNP Program Should You Choose?
Choose Oakland University if you want the most affordable MSN option for Michigan residents at $45,672 with a structured 2-year timeline and individual faculty interviews.
Choose Madonna University if you need flexible rolling admissions for Fall, Winter, or Summer starts and want the lowest-cost certificate program ($13,200-$16,500).
Choose University of Michigan-Flint if you want an online distance-learning format with the innovative BSN to DNP with MSN pathway that lets you practice as an NP while completing your doctorate.
Choose Wayne State University if you prefer the university to arrange all your clinical placements and want flexible on-campus or synchronous online learning options.
MSN ACNP Programs in Michigan
Michigan offers three MSN ACNP programs with Oakland University providing the most affordable option at $45,672 for residents. Oakland University stands out as the only program requiring applications through NursingCAS, while Madonna and UM-Flint use their own institutional application processes.
All three programs require 500-630 clinical hours and maintain strong certification pass rates, with Madonna reporting 100% first-time pass rates in 2020 and UM-Flint reporting 86-100%.
| School | Tuition | Duration | Clinical Hours | Format | Application System |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland University | $45,672 | 2 years | 630 hours | On-campus | NursingCAS |
| Madonna University | $51,700 | 2-2.5 years | 600 direct care + 849 total | On-campus | Rolling admissions |
| University of Michigan-Flint | $71,214 | 2 years | 504 hours | Online/Distance | Institutional |
Key Differences:
- Lowest Cost: Oakland University ($45,672 for MI residents)
- Most Flexible Admissions: Madonna University (rolling for Fall, Winter, Summer)
- Distance Learning: Only UM-Flint offers fully online format with campus visits ~once per semester
- Clinical Coordination: All programs require students to participate in clinical placement process
DNP ACNP Programs in Michigan
Two universities offer doctoral pathways: Wayne State’s traditional BSN to DNP and UM-Flint’s innovative BSN to DNP with MSN.
UM-Flint’s program is the fastest at 3 years and allows students to earn their MSN first, become certified, and practice as NPs while completing the doctorate—providing income opportunities during the final year.
Wayne State offers both full-time (3 years) and part-time (4 years) options and handles all clinical placements for students, removing the burden of finding preceptors.
| School | Tuition | Duration | Format | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan-Flint | $106,064 | 3 years | Online/Distance | MSN conferred midway; practice while completing DNP |
| Wayne State University | $82,930 | 3 years FT / 4 years PT | On-campus or synchronous online | University arranges all clinical placements |
Key Differences:
- Lowest Cost: Wayne State University ($82,930 for MI residents)
- Fastest: UM-Flint (3 years) vs. Wayne State (3-4 years)
- MSN Pathway: UM-Flint awards MSN degree after ~2 years, enabling certification and NP practice while completing DNP
- Clinical Support: Wayne State coordinates all placements; UM-Flint students find placements with coordinator assistance
Post-Master’s Certificate ACNP Programs in Michigan
All four Michigan institutions offer certificate programs for practicing NPs seeking ACNP certification, with Madonna offering the most affordable option starting at $13,200.
UM-Flint requires certificate students to complete first and third clinical practica in Michigan (non-negotiable), making it less flexible for out-of-state residents.
Wayne State and Oakland both use gap analysis to individualize coursework, with Wayne State requiring minimum 500 hours and Oakland requiring 500-hour minimum for certification eligibility.
| School | Tuition | Duration | Clinical Hours | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madonna University | $13,200-$16,500 | 1-1.5 years | 600 hours | Gap analysis; up to 240 prior hours may apply |
| Oakland University | $14,273+ | 1-2 years | 500+ hours | Gap analysis determines requirements |
| University of Michigan-Flint | $27,274 | 12-16 months | 540 hours | 1st & 3rd practica must be in Michigan |
| Wayne State University | $20,448+ | Up to 3 years | 500 hours | Gap analysis; no transfer credit accepted |
Key Differences:
- Lowest Cost: Madonna University ($13,200-$16,500)
- Fastest: Madonna and UM-Flint (12-16 months)
- Location Flexibility: Madonna, Oakland, and Wayne State allow clinical completion anywhere; UM-Flint requires Michigan clinicals for 1st and 3rd semesters
- Prior Experience Credit: Only Madonna allows up to 240 hours of prior acute care experience to count toward requirements
Admissions Requirements Comparison
| School | Program Type | Minimum GPA | Application Deadline | Application System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madonna University | MSN | 3.2 GPA | Rolling (Fall, Winter, Summer) | Institutional |
| Certificate | N/A (MSN required) | Rolling (Fall, Winter, Summer) | Institutional | |
| Oakland University | MSN | 3.0 GPA | March 1 (Early) / May 1 (Standard) | NursingCAS |
| Certificate | 3.0 GPA | March 1 (Early) / May 1 (Standard) | NursingCAS | |
| University of Michigan-Flint | MSN | Per Graduate Programs Office | Check with office | Institutional |
| BSN to DNP with MSN | 3.2 GPA | Feb 1 (Early) / April 1 (Final) | Institutional | |
| Certificate | 3.2 GPA | December 1 | Institutional | |
| Wayne State University | BSN to DNP | 3.0 GPA | August 1 | NursingCAS |
| Certificate | 3.0 GPA | August 1 | NursingCAS |
Additional Admission Notes:
- Interviews Required: Madonna (all applicants), Oakland (individual faculty interviews), UM-Flint (may be required), Wayne State (30-minute Zoom for qualified applicants)
- Certification Requirements: All certificate programs require current national NP or CNS certification
- Experience Requirements: UM-Flint certificate requires 1 year acute care RN experience; Wayne State BSN to DNP requires 1 year acute care before clinical sequence
- BLS/ACLS: UM-Flint certificate requires current BLS and ACLS certification at admission