Nova Southeastern University ACNP Programs

Nova Southeastern University offers 3 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – APRN AGACNP
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – BSN to DNP AGACNP
  • Postgraduate Certificate – AGACNP

All programs deliver coursework through a mix of online and on-site instruction at NSU’s Palm Beach campus for AGACNP students.

Program Tracks Overview

Program NameEst. TuitionEst. Duration
MSN – APRN AGACNP~$44,268~2.5 years (full-time)
DNP – BSN to DNP AGACNP~$65,100~3.5 years (full-time)
Postgraduate Certificate – AGACNP~$20,832 to $28,644~1.5–2 years (part-time)

The Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing maintains strategic partnerships with major hospitals and healthcare centers providing opportunities to fund education and gain hands-on clinical experience.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – APRN AGACNP

The estimated cost for the MSN-AGACNP program is approximately $44,268 and requires 2.5 years to complete on a full-time basis.

MSN Curriculum

The program requires 51 total credits delivered over seven semesters combining online and on-site coursework at NSU’s Palm Beach campus. Students complete foundational advanced practice courses, specialty AGACNP content, and culminate with an integration practicum preparing graduates for national certification.

Semester I (9 credits):

NSG 5000 Advanced Nurse Roles (3 credits)
This course supports the transition from RN to advanced practice nurse by examining professional roles, ethics, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based practice, informatics, and scholarship to improve patient outcomes.

NSG 5101 Theory and Research (3 credits)
This course introduces nursing theory and research methods used to guide evidence-based practice. Students analyze theoretical frameworks, research designs, ethical issues, and the influence of technology on nursing inquiry.

NSG 5531 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
This course explores advanced pathophysiology using a systems-based approach to disease across the lifespan. Students link altered physiology to clinical decision-making, assessment, and evidence-based management strategies.

Semester II (9 credits):

NSG 5111 Evidence and Practice (3 credits)
This course focuses on translating research findings into clinical practice to improve health outcomes. Students develop skills in literature searching, evidence appraisal, and dissemination using health information technologies.

NSG 5510 Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
This course provides advanced knowledge of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacogenomics. Students learn to safely and effectively prescribe medications for common health conditions.

NSG 5502 Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits)
This course was not described in the provided list and cannot be summarized without the official description.

Semester III (9 credits):

NSG 5220 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (3 credits)
This course was not described in the provided list and cannot be summarized without the official description.

NSG 5130 Healthcare Policy and Leadership (3 credits)
This course examines how healthcare policy, leadership, and regulatory processes shape nursing practice and health outcomes. Students develop advocacy skills to influence policy and lead change in complex healthcare systems.

NSG 5571 Behavioral Health for Advanced Practice Nurses (3 credits)
This course was not described in the provided list and cannot be summarized without the official description.

Semester IV (6 credits, 170 clinical hours):

NSG 5620 Adult Gerontology – Acute Care I (6 credits)
This course introduces advanced assessment, diagnosis, and management of acute and chronic conditions in adult and geriatric patients. Clinical experiences emphasize evidence-based care, procedures, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Semester V (6 credits, 170 clinical hours):

NSG 5630 Adult Gerontology – Acute Care II (6 credits)
This course builds on prior acute care knowledge to manage complex adult-gerontology conditions. Students strengthen critical thinking, procedural skills, and collaborative practice through direct patient care.

Semester VI (6 credits, 170 clinical hours):

NSG 5650 Adult Gerontology – Acute Care III (6 credits)
This course was not described in the provided list and cannot be summarized without the official description.

Semester VII (6 credits, 255 clinical hours):

NSG 5660 Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Capstone (6 credits)
This capstone course integrates advanced acute care competencies in adult-gerontology practice. Students apply evidence-based management, leadership, and clinical judgment across diverse inpatient and specialty settings.

Bridge Option: Students entering without a BSN must complete NSG 5000B Transition to Advanced Nursing Practice (6 credits) offered in fall term only.

MSN Clinicals

Students complete 765 total practicum hours across four clinical courses focused on restorative care for rapidly changing clinical conditions. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with physiologically unstable, technologically dependent patients requiring acute and critical care management.

Clinical Requirements:

  • 765 total practicum hours
  • 510 hours across three AGACNP courses (170 hours each)
  • 255 hours in Capstone practicum
  • Clinical rotations at acute care facilities
  • Experience with acutely and chronically ill hospitalized patients
  • Focus on rapidly changing clinical conditions

MSN Admissions Requirements

Academic Requirements:

  • Overall GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale
  • BSN degree from accredited institution OR B.S./B.A. in non-nursing field
  • For non-nursing bachelor’s degrees: satisfactory completion of NSG 5000B Transition to Advanced Nursing Practice required

Graduate-Level Prerequisites: All applicants must have or obtain three comprehensive graduate-level courses:

  • Advanced physiology/pathophysiology (general principles across lifespan)
  • Advanced health assessment (assessment of all human systems, advanced techniques)
  • Advanced pharmacology (pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacotherapeutics)

Application Materials:

  • NursingCAS application submitted online
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions sent directly to NursingCAS
  • International applicants require course-by-course evaluation from NACES-approved organization (World Education Services, Josef Silny and Associates, or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.)

Professional Licensure: Program meets educational requirements for professional licensure in all 50 states, District of Columbia, and U.S. territories (Puerto Rico and Guam do not meet requirements).

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

The estimated cost for the BSN to DNP-AGACNP program is approximately $65,100 and requires 3.5 years to complete on a full-time basis.

DNP Curriculum

The BSN to DNP pathway requires 75 total credits delivered over eleven semesters through a mix of online and face-to-face instruction. All doctoral students attend mandatory Virtual Intensive days during each project course (1-2 days in length). The program combines advanced practice preparation with doctoral-level scholarship culminating in a four-part DNP project. More curriculum details are available here.

Semester I (6 credits):

  • NSG 7300 DNP Roles, Leadership and Collaboration (3 credits)
  • NSG 5531 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)

Semester II (9 credits):

  • NSG 5502 Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits)
  • NSG 5510 Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
  • NSG 7350 Leading in Complex Healthcare Systems (3 credits)

Semester III (6 credits):

  • NSG 5571 Behavioral Health for Advanced Nurse Practice Nurses (3 credits)
  • NSG 5220 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (3 credits)

Semester IV (6 credits, 170 clinical hours):

  • NSG 5620 Adult-Gerontology – Acute Care I (6 credits – 170 hours)

Semester V (9 credits, 170 clinical hours):

  • NSG 7131 Epidemiology Advancing Global Health (3 credits)
  • NSG 5630 Adult-Gerontology – Acute Care II (6 credits – 170 hours)

Semester VI (9 credits, 170 clinical hours):

  • NSG 7135 Healthcare Information Systems and Outcomes Management (3 credits)
  • NSG 5650 Adult-Gerontology – Acute Care III (6 credits – 170 hours)

Semester VII (12 credits, 255 clinical hours):

  • NSG 7020 Healthcare Policy and Advocacy (3 credits)
  • NSG 7400 Nursing Science for Clinical Practice (3 credits)
  • NSG 5660 Adult-Gerontology – Acute Care Capstone (6 credits – 255 hours)

Semester VIII (5 credits, 150 clinical hours):

  • NSG 7431 Project I: Mentored Scholarship (5 credits – 150 hours)

Semester IX (4 credits, 150 clinical hours):

  • NSG 7444 Project II: Project Plan (4 credits – 150 hours)

Semester X (6 credits, 150 clinical hours):

  • NSG 7040 Biostatistics I (3 credits)
  • NSG 7445 Project III: Implementation (3 credits – 150 hours)

Semester XI (3 credits, 150 clinical hours):

  • NSG 7451 Project IV: Evaluation (3 credits – 150 hours)

DNP Clinicals

DNP students complete 1,365 total clinical hours including AGACNP specialty practicum and DNP project hours. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and organizational analysis with hands-on clinical experience in acute care settings.

Clinical Requirements:

  • 1,365 total clinical hours
  • 510 hours across three AGACNP courses (170 hours each)
  • 255 hours in AGACNP Capstone
  • 600 hours across four DNP project courses (150 hours each)
  • Virtual Intensive attendance required during each project course (1-2 days)
  • Clinical experience with acutely and critically ill adult and gerontology patients

DNP Admissions Requirements

Academic Requirements:

  • BSN degree from regionally or internationally accredited institution
  • Nursing program must be accredited by NLNAC or CCNE
  • Overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale
  • Current active Florida professional nursing (RN) licensure
  • Licensure must remain current in practicum jurisdiction throughout program

Application Materials:

  • NursingCAS application submitted online
  • Official transcripts from all institutions sent to NursingCAS
  • Curriculum vitae
  • International coursework requires evaluation from NACES-approved organization

Additional Requirements:

  • Residence within 225 miles of program campus
  • All applicants must complete or have completed three comprehensive graduate-level courses (Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology)

Postgraduate Certificate – AGACNP

The estimated cost for the Postgraduate AGACNP Certificate is approximately $20,832 for students with prerequisites or $28,644 for students requiring foundational courses, and requires 1.5-2 years to complete on a part-time basis.

Certificate Curriculum

The postgraduate certificate requires 24 credits (or 33 credits including prerequisites) designed for APRNs with MSN degrees seeking to add AGACNP specialty certification. Students complete specialty AGACNP courses with integrated clinical practicum experiences preparing graduates for national certification.

Students with Three Comprehensive Graduate-Level Courses (24 credits, 765 clinical hours):

Semester I (6 credits, 170 clinical hours):

  • NSG 5620 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I (6 credits – 170 hours)

Semester II (6 credits, 170 clinical hours):

  • NSG 5630 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care II (6 credits – 170 hours)

Semester III (6 credits, 170 clinical hours):

  • NSG 5650 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care III (6 credits – 170 hours)

Semester IV (6 credits, 255 clinical hours):

  • NSG 5660 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Capstone (6 credits – 255 hours)

Students Needing Foundational Courses (33 total credits):

Prerequisite Courses (9 credits – non-degree seeking application required):

  • NSG 5531 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
  • NSG 5510 Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
  • NSG 5502 Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits)

Then complete 24-credit AGACNP sequence above

Certificate Clinicals

Certificate students complete 765 total practicum hours across four semesters focused on acute care management of adult and gerontology populations. Clinical experiences emphasize care of medically complex patients with stable and unstable conditions across various healthcare settings.

Clinical Requirements:

  • 765 total practicum hours
  • 510 hours across three AGACNP courses (170 hours each)
  • 255 hours in Capstone practicum
  • Current ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) certificate required for AGACNP applicants
  • Clinical placements at acute care facilities near program campus

Certificate Admissions Requirements

Academic Requirements:

  • MSN degree from regionally or internationally accredited university
  • MSN nursing program must be NLNAC or CCNE accredited
  • Overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale in MSN program
  • Current active Florida professional nursing (RN) licensure
  • Licensure must remain current in practicum jurisdiction throughout program

Experience Requirements:

  • 12 months active independent clinical practice (excluding position residencies or facility orientations)
  • Current ACLS certificate required for AGACNP applicants

Application Materials:

  • NursingCAS application submitted online
  • Official transcripts sent to NursingCAS
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Residence within 225 miles of program campus

Graduate-Level Prerequisites: Must have or obtain three comprehensive graduate-level courses in Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Advanced Pharmacology (covering pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacotherapeutics).

Tuition

MSN APRN courses cost $868 per credit hour.

Traditional MSN courses cost $796 per credit hour.

DNP courses cost $883 per credit hour for post-master’s students and $868 per credit hour for BSN to DNP students.

APRN Certificate courses cost $868 per credit hour.

Additional program fees include a one-time seat deposit of $200 for MSN-APRN and Certificate programs, and $500 for BSN to DNP programs.

See the official tuition page for more details.

Financial Aid:

  • 85% of U.S. citizens and permanent residents receive financial aid
  • More than $100 million in scholarships offered annually
  • 92% of undergraduate students receive scholarships and/or grants
  • Payment plans available
  • Employer assistance and veterans benefits accepted

Application Deadlines

MSN-APRN AGACNP:

  • Fall admission deadline: August 1
  • Winter admission deadline: December 19

BSN to DNP AGACNP:

  • Fall admission deadline: August 1
  • Winter admission deadline: December 19

Postgraduate Certificate AGACNP:

  • Fall admission deadline: August 1 (for students needing prerequisite courses)
  • Winter admission deadline: December 19 (for students with prerequisite courses)

Accreditation

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits Nova Southeastern University’s baccalaureate, master’s, DNP, and postgraduate APRN certificate programs. Graduates are prepared for national certification and licensure as Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners. NSU has determined this program meets educational requirements for professional licensure in all 50 states, District of Columbia, and most U.S. territories (excluding Puerto Rico and Guam).