Norwich University offers a Post-Graduate Certificate – AGACNP track:
- 100% online
- asynchronous coursework
- students to complete requirements at their own pace
Program Track Overview
Norwich features a military-focused heritage combined with innovative online education, and the curriculum aligns with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Master’s Education, preparing graduates for national certification through either the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
Post-Graduate Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate AGACNP Certificate program is $22,275 based on 27 credits at $825 per credit hour, and would take approximately 1-2 years to complete depending on enrollment pace.
Certificate Curriculum
The certificate prepares students for national certification as an AGACNP, focusing on providing continuous and comprehensive advanced nursing care to acutely ill adult-gerontology patients experiencing episodic illness, exacerbation of chronic illness, or terminal illness.
Required Courses (27 credits):
NR591 – Advanced Pharmacology-Population Focus: Acute Care Adult Gerontology
This course strengthens pharmacology decision-making for AGACNP care of adults and older adults. Students review major drug classes and common prototypes used in acute settings. The course covers interactions, contraindications, adverse effects, and special dosing and safety concerns. Prerequisites: NR 548, NR 552. Corequisite: NR 553.
NR621 – Adult Geriatric Acute Care I
This first didactic AGACNP course builds an evidence-based base for diagnosing and managing common episodic and chronic conditions. Students develop skills in comprehensive patient and family assessment and individualized plan development across acute care settings. The course emphasizes age-related factors, culture, and the role of family and community in care. Prerequisites: NR 553, NR 591. Corequisite: NR 622.
NR622 – Adult Geriatric Acute Care 1 Clinical
This clinical course develops advanced assessment and management skills for adults with acute, critical, and complex conditions. Students complete at least 165 clinical hours with AGACNP and physician preceptors in acute-care environments. The course stresses care planning within family, community, and cultural contexts. Prerequisites: NR 553, NR 591. Corequisite: NR 621.
NR623 – Adult Geriatric Acute Care II
This didactic course expands management of complex and comorbid problems in adult and geriatric patients. Students refine comprehensive assessment skills and strengthen diagnosis and treatment planning across the acute care continuum. The course continues to emphasize age-related needs, culture, and family and community factors. Prerequisites: NR 621, NR 622. Corequisite: NR 624.
NR624 – Adult Geriatric Acute Care II Clinical
This clinical course applies theory, advanced assessment, and therapeutics in high-acuity settings for adults and frail elders. Students complete at least 165 clinical hours with nurse practitioner and physician preceptors. The course builds clinical competence and reinforces evidence-based care decisions for complex cases. Prerequisites: NR 621, NR 622. Corequisite: NR 623.
NR625 – Adult Geriatric Acute Care III
This didactic course focuses on high-acuity medical and surgical problems in adults and older adults. Students study epidemiology, assessment, diagnosis, management, and outcome evaluation for acute and critical illness across body systems. Problem-based learning supports evidence-based plans and interprofessional teamwork with patients and families. Prerequisites: NR 623, NR 624. Corequisite: NR 626.
NR626 – Adult Geriatric and Acute Care III Clinical
This clinical course deepens advanced practice skills in the highest-acuity and emergent care settings. Students complete at least 165 clinical hours and integrate assessment and therapeutics for adults and frail elders with complex conditions. Preceptors include AGACNPs and acute care physicians across diverse sites. Prerequisites: NR 623, NR 624. Corequisite: NR 625.
NR627 – Adult Geriatric Acute Care IV
This final didactic course synthesizes evidence, theory, and research for care of acutely ill and critically ill adults and older adults. Students strengthen clinical judgment, critical thinking, and core AGACNP competencies using a systems-based approach. The course emphasizes individualized treatment recommendations, risk reduction, and collaboration with patients and families. Prerequisites: NR 625, NR 626. Corequisite: NR 628.
NR628 – Adult Geriatric Acute Care IV Clinical
This final clinical course supports transition to independent and interdependent AGACNP practice. Students complete at least 165 clinical hours in adult acute, critical, and/or chronic care settings with NP and physician preceptors. The course reinforces comprehensive evaluation and management within family, community, and cultural contexts. Prerequisites: NR 625, NR 626. Corequisite: NR 627.
Prerequisite Courses (must be completed within 5 years of program entry):
- NR548: Advanced Pathophysiology
- NR552: Advanced Pharmacology
- NR553: Advanced Physical Assessment
More curriculum details are available here.
Certificate Clinicals
Students complete clinical hours through four sequential clinical practicum courses (NR622, NR624, NR626, NR628) integrated with didactic coursework.
Clinical placements must be completed in an approved state with an active, unencumbered RN license valid in both the state of expected clinical study and the student’s state of practice, which must remain unencumbered throughout the program.
Certificate Admissions Requirements
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from a CCNE or ACEN nationally accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Active, unencumbered RN license (valid in state of clinical study and practice)
- Current APRN certification required if practicing as an active NP
- Proof of required graduate-level coursework completed within last 7 years with grade of B or higher:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Physical Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning
- Professional resume showing nursing experience and current role
- Letter of intent outlining experience, prior learning, and educational/career goals
- Letter of recommendation from direct supervisor (waived for Norwich graduates)
- Course syllabi with descriptions, objectives, and dates for all transferred prerequisite courses
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable): TOEFL 550 (paper)/80 (internet) or IELTS 6.5
- Must reside in an approved state (not available in Arizona, Louisiana, New York, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Washington, or Kansas)
- GRE/GMAT not required
Tuition
The Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing is charged at $825 per credit hour. Additional fees include a $350 Technology Fee per term, $600 Clinical Fee per term for NP programs, and a $200 Subscription Service Fee during the first clinical term.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The post-graduate APRN certificate program at Norwich University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Norwich University is also accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Upon completion of the certificate program and clinical placement, graduates are prepared to sit for the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner board certification exam administered by either the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.