Rockhurst University ACNP Programs

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

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – AGACNP
Post-Master’s Certificate – AGACNP
MSN Dual Track – FNP/AGACNP

All programs feature 100% online coursework with clinical hours, delivered by Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences with full clinical placement services provided.

Program Tracks Overview

Program Name	Est. Tuition	Est. Duration
MSN AGACNP	$38,220 + fees	2–3 years (full-time)
MSN Dual FNP/AGACNP	$48,360 + fees	2.5–3.5 years (full-time)
Certificate AGACNP	$15,600 + fees	1–1.5 years (part-time)

Programs offer flexibility with full-time or part-time study options, one campus immersion and one virtual immersion at Rockhurst’s state-of-the-art simulation lab in Kansas City, Missouri, guided by Jesuit values emphasizing holistic care through rigorous academics and varied clinical experiences.

MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

The estimated cost for the MSN-AGACNP program is approximately $38,220 plus fees and would take 2-3 years to complete on a full-time basis.

MSN-AGACNP Curriculum

The 49-credit MSN-AGACNP curriculum is delivered through year-round accelerated 13-week semesters across six full-time semesters or eight part-time semesters.

Semester I

NUA 5020 – Professional Roles, Quality, and Safety for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)
This course defines the role of the advanced practice nurse within modern health systems. Students study quality improvement, patient safety, ethics, and legal practice standards shaped by social, political, and economic forces.

NUA 5050 – Theoretical Foundations in Nursing Practice (3 credits)
This course introduces nursing theory and the philosophy of science that guides advanced practice. Students explore frameworks that explain health across individuals, families, and systems and select a guiding theory for future research.

NUA 5650 – Advanced Pathophysiology and Disease States (3 credits)
This course examines how disease alters normal body processes across the lifespan. Students apply evidence-based concepts to analyze system dysfunction, altered homeostasis, and clinical disease patterns.

Semester II

NUA 5150 – Policy, Organization, and Leadership (3 credits)
This course analyzes how health policy, leadership, and finance shape care delivery. Students examine legal issues, organizational structure, and leadership roles specific to advanced nursing practice.

NUA 5450 – Advanced Health Care Research (3 credits)
This course builds skills in research design, analysis, and evaluation for advanced practice. Students learn to critique studies, interpret outcomes, and apply findings to clinical guidelines and care improvement.
Prerequisite: NUA 6960

NUA 5750 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
This course covers advanced drug concepts, including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Students apply evidence-based strategies to select safe and effective medications, including complementary therapies.

Semester III

NUA 5200 – Advanced Acute Care Immersion I (1 credit)
This on-campus immersion builds advanced assessment and procedural skills for acute care practice. Students complete 30 contact hours through simulation, skills training, and hands-on instruction.

NUA 5230 – Advanced Acute Care Topics (1 credit)
This course strengthens knowledge of complex acute conditions, diagnostic testing, and advanced medication management for hospitalized and critically ill patients.

NUA 5250 – Health Promotion, Health Protection, and Disease Prevention (3 credits)
This course develops advanced skills in patient assessment, communication, and prevention planning. Students design culturally responsive health promotion strategies across the adult lifespan.

NUA 5950 – Advanced Health Assessment and Physical Diagnosis (3 credits)
This course trains students to perform comprehensive physical exams and build differential diagnoses. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based decision making and ethical diagnostic practice.

Semester IV

NUA 5300 – Informatics for Advanced Nursing Practice (2 credits)
This course explores health information systems and clinical decision support tools. Students analyze how informatics, telehealth, and data systems improve care quality and outcomes.

NUA 5800 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I: Diagnostics and Intervention (4 credits)
This course introduces diagnosis and treatment of common acute and chronic conditions across adult and older populations. Students apply assessment data, diagnostics, and treatment plans using evidence-based guidelines.

NUA 5820 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I Practicum (2 credits)
This practicum builds acute care skills in high-acuity clinical settings under preceptor supervision. Students complete 250 hours managing adult patients in ICU, emergency, and inpatient units.
Corequisite: NUA 5800

Semester V

NUA 6800 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care II: Diagnostics and Intervention (4 credits)
This course advances management of complex acute, chronic, and critical conditions. Students refine diagnostic reasoning and treatment planning for unstable adult and geriatric patients.

NUA 6820 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care II Practicum (2 credits)
This practicum strengthens clinical judgment in critical care units such as CCU, MICU, and specialty services. Students complete 250 advanced clinical hours managing high-risk patients.

NUA 6960 – Applied Statistics for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)
This course teaches statistical concepts used in clinical research design and analysis. Students evaluate published studies and apply statistical findings to practice improvement.

Semester VI

NUA 6200 – Advanced Acute Care Professional Role Transition (1 credit)
This course prepares students for entry into the AG-ACNP role. Students refine diagnostic skills, patient management strategies, and professional readiness for independent practice.

NUA 7810 – Adult Acute Care III: Diagnostics and Intervention (3 credits)
This final didactic course focuses on advanced management of complex and critical illness. Students integrate diagnostics, risk assessment, and long-term care planning for unstable patients.

NUA 7820 – Adult Acute Care III Practicum (2 credits)
This final practicum confirms clinical competency in acute and critical care. Students complete 250 hours managing high-acuity patients under preceptor supervision in ICU and specialty units.
Corequisite: NUA 7810

More curriculum details are available here.

MSN-AGACNP Clinicals

The MSN-AGACNP program requires 750 clinical hours completed through three practicum courses integrated with diagnostics and intervention coursework.

Clinical placement team works closely with students to provide seamless placement experience, identifying appropriate sites and preceptors based on student goals and location.

Students complete clinical rotations under direct supervision of licensed preceptors and indirect supervision of Rockhurst clinical faculty supervisors.

Program includes one three-day campus clinical immersion in Kansas City for hands-on skills training, high- and low-fidelity simulation, and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) competency demonstration in state-of-the-art simulation lab, plus one virtual immersion.

MSN-AGACNP Admissions

BSN degree from accredited institution
Active RN license
3.0 minimum cumulative GPA
Two letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Proof of immigration status for clinical placement
Must reside in one of following states: Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, or West Virginia
3.0 cumulative GPA required for graduation
Students may repeat course only one time
Students allowed to repeat maximum of ONE course

MSN Dual Track – Family Nurse Practitioner/Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

The estimated cost for the MSN Dual Track FNP/AGACNP program is approximately $48,360 plus fees and would take 2.5-3.5 years to complete on a full-time basis.

Dual Track Curriculum

The 62-credit Dual Track curriculum prepares students to qualify for both FNP and AGACNP board certification exams, delivered through year-round accelerated 13-week semesters across eight full-time semesters or ten part-time semesters. More curriculum details are available here.

Semester I (9 credits):

NUA 5020: Professional Roles, Quality and Safety for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)
NUA 5050: Theoretical Foundations in Nursing Practice (3 credits)
NUA 5650: Advanced Pathophysiology and Disease States (3 credits)

Semester II (9 credits):

NUA 5150: Policy, Organization and Leadership (3 credits)
NUA 5450: Advanced Health Care Research (3 credits)
NUA 5750: Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)

Semester III (8 credits):

NUA 5250: Health Promotion, Health Protection, and Disease Prevention (3 credits)
NUA 5950: Advanced Health Assessment and Physical Diagnosis (3 credits)
NUA 5200: Advanced Acute Care Immersion I (1 credit)
NUA 5230: Advanced Acute Care Topics (1 credit)

Semester IV (10 credits):

NUA 5300: Informatics for Advanced Nursing Practice (2 credits)
NUA 5710: Family Nurse Practitioner I: Diagnostics and Intervention (6 credits)
NUA 5740: Family Nurse Practitioner I: Diagnostics and Intervention Practicum (2 credits)

Semester V (6 credits):

NUA 6800: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care II Diagnostics and Intervention (4 credits)
NUA 6820: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care II Diagnostics and Intervention Practicum (2 credits)

Semester VI (8 credits):

NUA 6960: Applied Statistics for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)
NUA 7810: Adult Acute Care III Diagnostics and Intervention (3 credits)
NUA 7820: Adult Acute Care III Diagnostics and Intervention Practicum (2 credits)

Semester VII (6 credits):

NUA 7710: Women’s and Child Health for FNP: Diagnostic and Intervention (4 credits)
NUA 7740: Family Nurse Practitioner II: Diagnostic and Intervention Practicum (2 credits)

Semester VIII (6 credits):

NUA 5600: Mental Health for Family Nurse Practitioners (3 credits)
NUA 6200: Advanced Acute Care Professional Role Transition (1 credit with 4-day/virtual requirement)
NUA 7940: Dual Track FNP/AGACNP: Diagnostics and Intervention Final Practicum (2 credits)

Dual Track Clinicals

Dual Track program requires 1,250 clinical hours combining FNP and AGACNP clinical experiences across diverse patient populations and care settings. Students complete clinical rotations under supervision of licensed preceptors with dedicated Student Success Advisor coordinating placement process.

Program includes one campus immersion and one virtual immersion for hands-on skills development and simulation training. Clinical placement services identify appropriate sites and preceptors based on student location and career goals.

Dual Track Admissions

BSN degree from accredited institution
Active RN license
3.0 minimum cumulative GPA
Two letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Proof of immigration status for clinical placement
Must reside in one of following states: Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, or West Virginia
3.0 cumulative GPA required for graduation
Students may repeat course only one time
Students allowed to repeat maximum of ONE course

Post-Master’s Certificate – AGACNP Practitioner

The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate program is approximately $15,600 plus fees and would take 1-1.5 years to complete.

Certificate Curriculum

The 20-credit Post-Master’s Certificate curriculum can be completed in four semesters or more depending on evaluation of MSN courses through gap analysis. Program designed for active advanced practice nurse practitioners looking to expand scope of practice.

Required Coursework (20 credits):

NUA 5230: Advanced Acute Care Topics (1 credit)
NUA 5750: Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
NUA 5800: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I Diagnostics and Intervention (4 credits)
NUA 5820: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I Diagnostics and Intervention Practicum (2 credits)
NUA 6800: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care II Diagnostics and Intervention (4 credits)
NUA 6820: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care II Diagnostics and Intervention Practicum (2 credits)
NUA 7810: Adult Acute Care III Diagnostics and Intervention (3 credits)
NUA 7820: Adult Acute Care III Diagnostics and Intervention Practicum (2 credits)

Additional classes may be needed if applicant has not practiced as Nurse Practitioner within last seven years.

Certificate Clinicals

Post-Master’s Certificate requires 750 clinical hours completed through three practicum courses under direct supervision of licensed preceptors and indirect supervision of Rockhurst clinical faculty.

Dedicated Student Success Advisor serves as primary contact throughout clinical placement process, working to source and secure placement sites near student’s location.

Program includes one three-day campus clinical immersion for hands-on training, simulation, and OSCE competency demonstration, plus one virtual immersion. Clinical placement services built into program cost with preceptor matching services provided.

Certificate Admissions

MSN or higher degree with Nurse Practitioner focus from accredited institution
Active nursing license
3.0 minimum cumulative GPA
Two letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Proof of immigration status for clinical placement
Must reside in one of following states: Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, or West Virginia
Additional classes may be required if applicant has not practiced as Nurse Practitioner within last seven years

Tuition

Graduate MSN tuition is $780 per credit hour with $62.20 MSN program fee per credit hour.

Full-time students pay $190 technology fee per semester while part-time students pay $17.80 technology fee per credit hour.

MSN graduation fee is $220. BJC Health System/Saint Luke’s employees receive tuition discount at $624 per credit hour (20% off standard rate).

Rockhurst BSN and Benedictine BSN alumni receive two free credits toward MSN (NUR 5300 Informatics for Advanced Nursing Practice). Three program intakes available per year with flexible full-time or part-time enrollment options.

See the official tuition page for more details.

More ACNP Programs for Missouri Students

View all Missouri ACNP programs

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Rockhurst University are accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Rockhurst University and Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences are accredited by Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Saint Luke’s College is approved by State of Missouri to participate in National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), allowing online program offerings to students in other SARA member states.

Rockhurst programs maintain 100% pass rate for APRN certification with graduates qualifying to sit for national board certification exams upon completion.