Minnesota ACNP Programs

Quick Summary Table

School	Est. Cost Range	Notable Features
The College of St. Scholastica	BSN-DNP: $75K Certificate: $40K	– Hybrid format with online coursework – Limited on-campus lab and simulation days – Offers BSN-DNP and post-graduate AGACNP certificate pathways – Clinical placements are arranged near the student’s home community – BSN-DNP includes 1,020 direct clinical hr plus 500 DNP project hrs – Certificate is designed for licensed APRNs adding a second specialty
University of Minnesota	Certificate: Tuition not published	– Hybrid post-graduate AGACNP certificate – Only one required on-campus visit – Clinical hours are individualized through gap analysis – Program is completed over 1 year across 3 semesters – Clinical placements are coordinated in the Twin Cities
Winona State University	BS-DNP: $84K Post-Master’s DNP: $36K+ Certificate: $24K+	– Offers BS-DNP, post-master’s DNP, and AGACNP certificate pathways – Coursework and clinical learning are tied to the Rochester location – Certificate includes about 780 clinical hours – Applicants need high-acuity experience such as ER, ICU etc

---

ACNP Program Summaries for Minnesota Schools

Chamberlain University ACNP Programs

Fully Online | $760 cpc | Certificate / MSN

Designed for busy Minnesota nurses, Chamberlain University offers two online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner options—the 3-year MSN or accelerated 22-month Graduate Certificate—both supported by dedicated clinical placement assistance across the state, from the Twin Cities to Greater Minnesota. Students complete 700 faculty-supervised practicum hours managing high-acuity adult and gerontology patients while benefiting from two required on-ground immersion weekends and an intensive certification review. This CCNE-accredited program prepares graduates to excel in Minnesota’s world-class health systems, including Mayo Clinic, Allina Health, and critical-access hospitals serving rural communities.

College of St. Scholastica ACNP Programs

Duluth | $962 cpc | Certificate / MSN

The College of St. Scholastica offers two AGACNP pathways: a BSN-to-DNP program and a Post-Graduate Certificate, both delivered in a hybrid format with mostly online coursework and limited on-campus lab sessions. The BSN-DNP track costs about $75,036 and takes four years to complete, while the certificate costs about $40,404 and can be finished in 12–18 months, with clinical placements arranged near the student’s home. The programs emphasize strong clinical training with over 1,000 hours for the DNP track and up to 900 hours for the certificate, preparing nurses and APRNs for advanced practice in acute and critical care settings...read more.

Maryville University ACNP Programs

St Louis | $863 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

In Minnesota, Maryville University supports career advancement for nurses through online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP tracks at the MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate levels. Minnesota nurses can study part time or full time, complete clinicals locally, and benefit from personalized support from application through graduation. These CCNE-accredited AGACNP programs help Minnesota clinicians gain the specialized skills needed for high-stakes acute and emergency care while preparing for national certification.

Purdue Global ACNP Programs

Fully Online | $420 cpc | Certificate

Purdue Global offers Minnesota nurses a convenient online AGACNP Postgraduate Certificate that prepares master's-prepared RNs for advanced practice roles in acute and critical care settings. The 57-credit program costs $23,940 at $420 per credit and includes 12 core courses covering advanced pathophysiology, specialized pharmacology, and critical care management. Minnesota applicants must demonstrate one year of acute care RN experience, maintain current ACLS certification, and complete clinical rotations at approved healthcare facilities to meet program requirements.

South College ACNP Programs

Fully Online | $615 cpc | Certificate / MSN

South College provides Minnesota nurses with flexible online pathways to become Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners through CCNE-accredited BSN-MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate programs. The BSN-MSN track costs approximately $51,450-$53,695 and combines 40 core credits with 39 AGACNP concentration credits over 21 months, while the certificate option offers a faster route for nurses with existing graduate nursing degrees. Minnesota-licensed RNs work with South College to identify clinical preceptors and sites, completing supervised practicums that prepare them to diagnose, treat, and manage high-acuity patients in hospital and specialty care settings throughout Minnesota.

University of Minnesota ACNP Programs

Minneapolis | $1,665 cpc | Certificate

The University of Minnesota School of Nursing offers one AGACNP pathway: a Post-Graduate Certificate uniquely designed for DNP-prepared APRNs seeking to add acute care certification to their existing advanced practice scope. The program is the only one of its kind in the Twin Cities, completing in three semesters across 13–16 credits with clinical hours (240–600) tailored to each student's background via an individual gap analysis. Delivery is hybrid with asynchronous coursework, bi-weekly synchronous Zoom sessions, and just one required three-day on-campus skills intensive during the summer semester. UMN partners with acute care hospitals across the Twin Cities to provide diverse, high-acuity clinical placement options. ..read more.

Walden University ACNP Programs

Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

Walden University provides Minnesota RNs with flexible online AGACNP education at three degree levels, from post-master's certificate to doctoral preparation. Students complete rigorous coursework in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and diagnostic reasoning alongside supervised practicum experiences in high-acuity settings. Minnesota nurses can transfer up to 20 credits toward the DNP or fast-track the certificate program if already certified as an FNP or AGPCNP.

Winona State University ACNP Programs

Winona | $1,164.05 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / DNP

Winona State University offers three AGACNP pathways: a BS-DNP track, a Post-Master’s DNP track, and a post-graduate certificate. The BS-DNP AGACNP program includes 72 credits and can be completed in 3 to 4 years, while the Post-Master’s DNP AGACNP option is listed at 2 years and the certificate can be completed in about 1 year. Tuition for graduate nursing at WSU Rochester is $1,164.05 per credit plus $27.72 in fees per credit, so estimated tuition is about $83,811.60 for the BS-DNP and about $24,445.05 for the 21-credit certificate, with some post-master’s costs varying based on prior coursework and role change needs. WSU’s AGACNP offerings stand out for their DNP project requirement, strong acute care focus, hybrid or distance-supported delivery, and preparation for ANCC or AACN certification eligibility...read more.

---

Choosing the Best ACNP Program for You in Minnesota

Below, we highlight the main features of each program track to help you find the right fit.

TL;DR — Quick Picks

Choose Winona State University if you want the most program options — BSN-DNP, Post-Master’s DNP, and Certificate all in one department — with the lowest-cost certificate in the state.

Choose College of St. Scholastica if you want a hybrid BSN-DNP with minimal campus time (1–3 days/semester) and clinical placements arranged near your home.

Choose the University of Minnesota if you already hold a DNP (or are enrolling in a Post-Master’s DNP) and want a highly individualized certificate with UMN’s clinical partnerships across Twin Cities acute care hospitals — and only one required campus visit.

Minnesota ACNP MSN Programs

No in-state Minnesota institution currently offers an MSN-level AGACNP pathway. Nurses seeking an MSN entry point will need to look at out-of-state or national online programs.

All three Minnesota schools have moved to DNP-entry or post-graduate certificate models for AGACNP preparation.

Minnesota ACNP DNP Programs

Two schools — College of St. Scholastica and Winona State University — offer BSN-to-DNP pathways, with WSU also providing a Post-Master’s DNP track for already-credentialed APRNs. 

CSS is the more affordable BSN-DNP at ~$75,036 with a hybrid format requiring only 1–3 campus days per semester.

WSU’s BS-DNP is the most expensive at ~$83,812 but also the most clinically intensive, with up to 1,380 published clinical hours. WSU’s Post-Master’s DNP is the only in-state option for credentialed APRNs seeking a doctoral AGACNP credential and is estimated at $36,086+ depending on prior graduate coursework.

📌 WSU Clinical Hours Discrepancy: WSU’s published materials cite different clinical hour totals on different program pages (1,380 vs. 840 vs. 1,000). This likely reflects different counting methods or plan structures. Confirm exact requirements directly with WSU before enrolling.

School	Program	Credits	Est. Tuition	Duration	Format	Clinical Hours
CSS	BSN-DNP	78	$75,036	4 years (FT)	Hybrid; 1–3 campus days/semester	1,020 direct + 500 project hrs
WSU	BS-DNP	72	~$83,812	3–4 years (FT)	Hybrid; Rochester campus	1,380 published (confirm with WSU)
WSU	Post-Master’s DNP	31+ credits	~$36,086+	~2 years (FT)	Hybrid; Rochester campus	1,000 post-BSN min. (individualized)

Standout notes:

• CSS BSN-DNP — Clinical rotations coordinated near the student’s home community; preceptors include NPs, acute care, and specialty physicians; graduate assistantships available at Duluth, St. Cloud, and Twin Cities campuses offering tuition reduction; recognized among top Plains region nursing schools by Nursing Schools Almanac.
• WSU BS-DNP — Requires ACLS certification and a completed ECG interpretation course before clinical courses; one year of high-acuity experience (ER, ICU, CCU) strongly preferred; includes a dedicated procedures course (NURS 684) covering airway management and central line placement; Rochester-based campus.
• WSU Post-Master’s DNP — Two tracks: “New Role” for APRNs adding AGACNP and “No Role Change” for already-certified AGACNPs adding a DNP credential; credit hours and cost vary based on prior graduate coursework; ECG course and ACLS required before clinical courses; interview may be required.

Minnesota ACNP Post-Graduate Certificate Programs

All three schools offer a post-graduate AGACNP certificate, and this is the only pathway available at the University of Minnesota. 

WSU’s certificate is the lowest-cost option at ~$24,445; CSS requires the most credits (42) and clinical hours (840–900) of any certificate in the group, reflecting its comprehensive scope.

UMN stands apart with its individualized credit load (13–16 credits), highest published entry requirement (DNP preferred), and direct placement support through Twin Cities acute care hospital partnerships — but publishes no tuition rate, making cost comparison impossible without contacting the school directly.

School	Credits	Est. Tuition	Duration	Format	Clinical Hours
WSU	21 required + possible gap courses	~$24,445	~1 year	Hybrid; Rochester campus	780
UMN	13–16 (individualized)	Not published — contact school	1 year (Summer–Fall–Spring)	Hybrid; 1 required campus visit (3 days)	240–600 (individualized)
CSS	42 (gap analysis may adjust)	$40,404	12–18 months	Hybrid; 1–3 campus days/semester	840–900

Standout notes:

• WSU Certificate — Most affordable option in Minnesota; dedicated procedures course (NURS 684) included; requires ACLS and ECG course before clinicals; one year high-acuity experience required; fall admissions cadence; may require additional gap courses if prior graduate prep is insufficient.
• UMN Certificate — Narrowest campus requirement (3-day skills intensive, one visit only); clinical hours vary from 240–600 based on gap analysis — the widest range of any program in this group; requires a DNP or concurrent enrollment in the UMN PM-DNP track; clinical placements coordinated by UMN through hospital partnerships in the Twin Cities; enrollment is limited — contact the specialty coordinator before applying.
• CSS Certificate — Mirrors the AGACNP concentration of the BSN-DNP program; highest clinical hours of any certificate (840–900); placements coordinated near student’s home area; gap analysis completed at enrollment to adjust credit load; applications open mid-August for the May cohort.

Clinical Placements & Preceptor Support

UMN offers the clearest institutional support for clinical coordination, with placements managed through the School of Nursing’s hospital partnerships across the Twin Cities. CSS and WSU arrange placements near the student’s home community but do not publish a formal placement guarantee.

None of the three programs guarantee preceptor placement — students should ask each program directly about active placement assistance before enrolling.

School	Program	Clinical Hours	Placement Notes
CSS	BSN-DNP	1,020 direct + 500 project	Rotations arranged near student’s home community; preceptors include NPs, acute care physicians, and specialty physicians; settings include hospital medicine, ICU, emergency, and specialty care; on-campus simulation 1–3 days/semester
CSS	Certificate	840–900	Placements coordinated near student’s home area; APRN or physician preceptors; on-campus simulation 1–3 days/semester per practicum course
UMN	Certificate	240–600 (individualized)	Coordinated by UMN through partnerships with acute care hospitals across the Twin Cities; settings include cardiovascular/critical care units, hospitalist services, and procedural settings (arterial lines, central lines, intubation, chest tubes, LP, paracentesis, thoracentesis); one required 3-day on-campus skills intensive
WSU	BS-DNP	1,380 published (confirm with WSU)	Supervised by qualified acute care preceptors; Rochester-based; procedures training included in NURS 684; high-acuity settings (ER, ICU, specialty care)
WSU	Post-Master’s DNP	1,000 post-BSN min. (individualized)	Individualized credit and hour review; prior master’s hours may apply; additional practicum required if prior hours do not reach 1,000-hour threshold
WSU	Certificate	780	Tied to AGACNP specialty practicums; hours may be adjusted based on prior experience; high-acuity adult, critical, and chronic illness care settings

Admissions at a Glance

School	Program	Min. GPA	Entry Degree	Special Requirements	Application Deadline
CSS	BSN-DNP	3.0	BSN	1 year acute care preferred; NursingCAS application; résumé and transcripts required; graduate assistantship application optional	Priority: Dec 1 / Final: Mar 15 (May cohort)
CSS	Certificate	3.0	Active APRN certification required	Gap analysis at enrollment; NursingCAS application; one track and one campus only per application	Priority: Dec 1 / Final: Mar 15 (May cohort)
UMN	Certificate	3.0 (most recent degree)	DNP (preferred); or MSN + concurrent PM-DNP enrollment	Valid APRN license required; NursingCAS; contact specialty coordinator before applying; enrollment limited; no F-1 visa eligibility	Review begins Dec 2; rolling until capacity
WSU	BS-DNP	3.0	BSN	ACLS (AHA); ECG course before clinicals; 1 year high-acuity RN experience (ER/ICU/CCU); undergraduate nursing research and statistics; physical assessment coursework; interview may be required	Applications open ~Aug 15; AGACNP currently listed as closed — contact WSU for reopen date
WSU	Post-Master’s DNP	3.0	Graduate nursing degree	ACLS (AHA); ECG course before clinicals; 1 year high-acuity experience; evidence of 3 P’s coursework; 1 year in functional master’s role recommended; interview may be required	Applications open ~Aug 15; AGACNP currently listed as closed — contact WSU for reopen date
WSU	Certificate	3.0	Graduate nursing degree (MSN or higher)	ACLS (AHA); ECG course before clinicals; 1 year high-acuity experience; evidence of advanced pathophysiology, assessment, pharmacology, and health promotion; gap analysis may require additional courses; interview may be required	Applications open ~Aug 15; AGACNP currently listed as closed — contact WSU for reopen date

Notable admissions differences:

• UMN is the only program that requires a DNP (or concurrent PM-DNP enrollment) for certificate admission — the highest entry bar of any certificate program in this guide. Contact the specialty coordinator before applying; enrollment is capped and limited seats fill on a rolling basis.
• WSU requires ACLS certification and a completed ECG interpretation course before starting clinical courses — a prerequisite not listed by CSS or UMN; plan ahead if either is not yet current.
• CSS has the clearest published deadlines (December 1 priority, March 15 final) and admits one cohort per year starting in May; applications open mid-August via NursingCAS.
• WSU AGACNP programs are currently listed as closed on the admissions page reviewed; contact WSU’s graduate nursing department directly for the next available application window.