Tennessee Technological University, in partnership with East Tennessee State University, offers 4 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- BSN to DNP – AGACNP
- MSN to DNP – AGACNP
- MSN – Adult Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Graduate Certificate – Adult Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The joint ETSU-TTU DNP program is offered in an online/blended hybrid format with students completing most coursework online and required on-campus intensive sessions 2-3 times per year.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program Name | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BSN to DNP AGACNP | $54,750 | 9 semesters full-time |
| MSN to DNP AGACNP | $22,630 | 7 semesters part-time |
| MSN AGACNP | $33,580 | 2-2.5 years |
| Post-Graduate Certificate AGACNP | $16,790 | 4 semesters |
The programs feature interprofessional experiences with multiple disciplines, experienced faculty from two universities, and the conveniences of online study with face-to-face support, networking, and sharing.
BSN to DNP – AGACNP
The estimated cost for the BSN to DNP AGACNP program is approximately $54,750-$65,250 for Tennessee residents (based on 75 credit hours at $730-$870 per credit hour), and the program takes 9 semesters to complete on a full-time basis.
BSN to DNP Curriculum
The 75-credit curriculum combines core doctoral courses, AGACNP specialty courses, and DNP project requirements:
Core Requirements (35 credits):
- NRSE 5000 – Conceptual Systems in Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)
- NRSE 5001 – Nursing Research for Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
- NRSE 5006 – Advanced Role Development (3 credits)
- NRSE 5009 – Health Assessment Throughout the Lifespan (3 credits)
- NRSE 5010 – Health Assessment Throughout the Lifespan – Practice (3 credits, 60 clock hours)
- NRSE 5016 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
- NRSE 5018 – Advanced Clinical Pharmacology (3 credits)
- NRSE 5030 – Scholarly Writing (1 credit)
- NRSE 5100 – Principles of Population Health and Data Analysis for Advanced Nursing Practice (4 credits)
- NRSE 6002 – Health Policy Leadership (3 credits)
- NRSE 6050 – Knowledge Translation and Process Improvement (3 credits)
- NRSE 6713 – Systems Management (3 credits)
Concentration Requirements (28 credits):
NRSE 5604 – Advanced Pathophysiology and Clinical Reasoning I
Integrates advanced assessment data with pathophysiology to guide diagnosis and management of complex acute and chronic conditions in hospitalized adults. Students apply evidence-based reasoning to support safe clinical decisions.
NRSE 5608 – Advanced Pathophysiology and Clinical Reasoning II
Examines complex disease processes in critically ill adults. Emphasis is on evidence-based diagnosis and management of acute and chronic problems in high-acuity settings.
NRSE 5610 – Diagnostic Interpretation and Therapeutic Modalities
Expands advanced assessment skills through interpretation of diagnostic tests and selection of current therapies. Students develop comprehensive care plans for adults with complex and critical conditions.
NRSE 5612 – Acute Care Pharmacology
Reviews pharmacologic management for adults with acute, chronic, and critical illness. Focus is on medication selection, safety, and therapeutic monitoring in acute care.
NRSE 5613 – Acute Disease Management Practicum I
Provides supervised clinical practice with hospitalized adults. Students apply advanced knowledge of complex disease processes to real-world management decisions.
NRSE 5614 – Acute Disease Management Practicum II
Builds advanced clinical competence in critical care environments. Students manage selected high-acuity conditions while refining diagnostic and treatment skills.
NRSE 5616 – Internship: Acute Care NP Practice
Offers immersive clinical experience to synthesize prior coursework. Emphasis is on prevention, health promotion, and management of common acute and chronic conditions in acute care settings.
NRSE 5617 – Diagnostic Interpretation and Therapeutic Modalities Practicum
Applies advanced diagnostics, pharmacology, and therapeutic strategies in clinical practice. Students manage complex adult conditions using evidence-based approaches.
NRSE 6021 – Integrated Application of Advanced Practice Skills
Strengthens advanced practice competencies in acute care. Students integrate assessment, diagnosis, and management strategies for acute and chronic clinical problems.
NRSE 6022 – Strategic Planning for Health Care
Examines strategic management within healthcare systems. Students analyze industry change and develop practical solutions for diverse healthcare organizations.
NRSE 6023 – Palliative and End-of-Life Care for the APN
Prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver culturally responsive palliative and end-of-life care. Focus includes ethical decision-making, symptom management, and family-centered support.
NRSE 6024 – Advanced Concepts in Pathophysiology
Explores current research and emerging trends in pathophysiology. Students translate scientific findings into advanced clinical practice applications.
DNP Project (12 credits):
- NRSE 6801 – DNP Project Identification (3 credits, 125 clock hours)
- NRSE 6802 – DNP Project Development (3 credits, 125 clock hours)
- NRSE 6803 – DNP Project Implementation (3 credits, 125 clock hours)
- NRSE 6804 – DNP Project Evaluation & Dissemination (3 credits, 125 clock hours)
More curriculum details are available here.
BSN to DNP Clinicals
The program requires minimum 1,000 total clinical hours including specialty clinical hours and DNP project hours:
- 1,060 total clock hours required
- Minimum 500 hours related to concentration specialty
- Minimum 500 hours relating to DNP Project (all concentrations)
- Clinical hours distributed across practicum courses (125 hours each)
- Health Assessment Throughout the Lifespan – Practice: 60 clock hours
- Advanced Pathophysiology & Clinical Reasoning Practicums I & II: 125 hours each
- Diagnostic Interpretation & Therapeutic Modalities Practicum: 125 hours
- Internship in Advanced Nursing Practice: 125 hours
- DNP Project courses: 125 hours each (4 courses = 500 hours)
- Clinical hour requirements completed with preceptors local to student’s area
- Clinical placement outside Tennessee contingent upon approval by appropriate regulatory bodies
- Currently, placement in North Carolina and Virginia allowed
BSN to DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from accredited school of nursing required
- For international applicants: bachelor’s degree in nursing or equivalency from nationally accredited nursing program or comparably recognized non-U.S. institution
- Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on 4-point scale
- GRE required if cumulative GPA less than 3.2 from BSN program
- Unencumbered licensure as Registered Nurse in United States and eligibility for licensure in Tennessee (or equivalency for international students)
- At least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent) in nursing as registered nurse
- Three letters of recommendation: one from current (most recent) supervisor, one from faculty member who worked directly with applicant during previous academic study, one from individual selected by applicant
- Interview required
- Writing sample completed at time of interview describing problem identified in clinical practice
- Cover letter expressing personal goals for doctoral study
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Application through ETSU School of Graduate Studies or Tennessee Tech Graduate College
- Application deadline: Preferred May 1, Final June 1 (Fall admission only for BSN to DNP)
- International students must demonstrate competency in spoken and written English
MSN to DNP – AGACNP
The estimated cost for the MSN to DNP AGACNP program is approximately $22,630-$30,450 for Tennessee residents (based on 31-35 credit hours at $730-$870 per credit hour), and the program takes approximately 7 semesters to complete on a part-time basis.
MSN to DNP Curriculum
The 31-35 credit curriculum is designed for APRNs with current AGACNP certification seeking doctoral education:
Core Requirements (11 credits):
- NRSE 5030 – Scholarly Writing (1 credit)
- NRSE 5100 – Principles of Population Health and Data Analysis for Advanced Nursing Practice (4 credits)
- NRSE 6050 – Knowledge Translation and Process Improvement (3 credits)
- NRSE 6713 – Systems Management (3 credits)
Concentration Requirements (8 credits):
- NRSE 6022 – Strategic Planning for Healthcare Organizations (3 credits)
- NRSE 6023 – Palliative/End-of-Life Care & APN (3 credits)
- NRSE 6024 – Advanced Concepts in Pathophysiology (3 credits)
DNP Project (12 credits):
- NRSE 6801 – DNP Project Identification (3 credits, 125 clock hours)
- NRSE 6802 – DNP Project Development (3 credits, 125 clock hours)
- NRSE 6803 – DNP Project Implementation (3 credits, 125 clock hours)
- NRSE 6804 – DNP Project Evaluation & Dissemination (3 credits, 125 clock hours)
Important Note: If MSN to DNP student is changing specialization, transcript will be evaluated and individualized program of study provided from Graduate Programs Coordinator to include 5000 level courses needed for certification.
More curriculum details are available here.
MSN to DNP Clinicals
The program requires 500 clinical hours relating to DNP Project:
- 500 total clock hours required
- All clinical hours related to DNP Project courses (125 hours each)
- Clinical experiences completed with preceptors local to student’s area
- Practice immersion with completion of applied practice project (DNP Project) culminating in scholarly product
- Clinical placement outside Tennessee contingent upon regulatory approval
- Currently, placement in North Carolina and Virginia allowed
MSN to DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- Master’s Degree in Nursing from nationally accredited nursing program
- Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on 4-point scale
- Four admission pathway options:
- Certification in selected nursing specialty for concentration (e.g., Certified AGACNP)
- Master’s in Nursing in specialty different than intended concentration (requires longer program adapted to previous specialty)
- Non-nursing master’s with BSN from nationally accredited nursing program (requires longer program)
- Master’s in Nursing with APRN certification (NP, CNS, Nurse Midwife, or Nurse Anesthetist) or master’s level nursing administration/healthcare systems leadership
- GRE required if cumulative GPA less than 3.2 from MSN program
- Unencumbered RN licensure in United States and eligibility for Tennessee licensure
- At least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent) in nursing as registered nurse
- Three letters of recommendation required
- Interview required
- Writing sample at time of interview
- Cover letter expressing personal goals for doctoral study
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Application through ETSU School of Graduate Studies or Tennessee Tech Graduate College
- Application deadline: Final February 1 (Summer admission only for MSN to DNP)
Master of Science in Nursing – AGACNP
The estimated cost for the MSN AGACNP program is approximately $33,580-$40,020 for Tennessee residents (based on 46 credit hours at $730-$870 per credit hour), and the program takes approximately 2-2.5 years to complete.
MSN Curriculum
The 46-credit curriculum prepares graduates to provide comprehensive primary healthcare and manage acute care cases:
Core Courses (12 credits):
- NURS 6000 – Theoretical Foundations (3 credits)
- NURS 6001 – Health Care Policy (3 credits)
- NURS 6002 – Advanced Nursing Research (3 credits)
- NURS 6003 – Advanced Role Development (3 credits)
Advanced Practice Courses (10 credits):
- NURS 6101 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits)
- NURS 6102 – Advanced Health Assessment/Clinical (2 credits)
- NURS 6103 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
- NURS 6104 – Advanced Pharmacology (2 credits)
AGACNP Concentration Courses (24 credits):
- NURS 5604 – Advanced Pathophysiology & Clinical Reasoning I (3 credits)
- NURS 5608 – Advanced Pathophysiology & Clinical Reasoning II (3 credits)
- NURS 5610 – Diagnostic Interpretation & Therapeutic Modalities (3 credits)
- NURS 5612 – Acute Care & Pharmacotherapeutics (3 credits)
- NURS 5613 – Acute Disease Management Practicum I (3 credits)
- NURS 5616 – Internship in Acute Care NP Practice (3 credits)
- NURS 6021 – Application – Advanced Skills in Acute Care (3 credits)
- NURS 6023 – Palliative Care & the APN (3 credits)
More curriculum details are available here.
MSN Clinicals
Clinical hours are embedded throughout practicum and internship courses:
- Clinical hours integrated in NURS 6102 (Advanced Health Assessment/Clinical)
- NURS 5613 – Acute Disease Management Practicum I includes clinical hours
- NURS 5616 – Internship in Acute Care NP Practice includes clinical hours
- Clinical experiences focus on management of clients across acute care settings
- Preceptors local to student’s area arrange clinical hour requirements
- Graduates eligible for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner national certification examination
- Collaboration with other members of healthcare team emphasized
MSN Prerequisites & Admissions
- Unencumbered license to practice as Registered Nurse in Tennessee or in state in which clinical assignments will be completed
- Bachelor’s degree in Nursing with overall GPA of 3.0
- Provisional admission for students with below 3.0 may be considered case-by-case basis
- Required courses: Completion of or planned enrollment in advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment
- Official transcripts from previously attended colleges and/or universities
- Successful completion of 3 semester hour or quarter hour undergraduate level Statistics course
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale for all previous graduate studies
- TOEFL score of 600 (250 CBT) if native language not English OR IELTS score of 6.0
- Written document including resume, discussion of prior professional experience, future career goals, reasons for pursuing graduate study
- Three professional references included in resume or CV
- Direct Admission: TTU BSN graduates with GPA of 3.2 or higher admitted with current unencumbered RN license
- On-campus delivery style
- Students outside Tennessee: Only residents of states approved by NC-SARA may apply for online courses
Post-Graduate Certificate – AGACNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate Certificate AGACNP program is $16,790-$20,010 for Tennessee residents, and the program takes 4 semesters to complete (2 courses per semester).
Estimate based on 23 credit hours at $730-$870 per credit hour.
Post-Graduate Certificate Curriculum
The 22-23 credit hour fully online certificate includes coursework required to seek Advanced Practice licensure:
Required Certificate Courses (22-23 credits):
- NURS 5604 – Advanced Pathophysiology & Clinical Reasoning I (3 credits)
- NURS 5608 – Advanced Pathophysiology & Clinical Reasoning II (3 credits)
- NURS 5610 – Diagnostic Interpretation & Therapeutic Modalities (3 credits)
- NURS 5612 – Acute Care & Pharmacotherapeutics (3 credits)
- NURS 5613 – Acute Disease Management Practicum I (3 credits)
- NURS 5616 – Internship in Acute Care NP Practice (2 credits)
- NURS 6021 – Application – Advanced Skills in Acute Care (2 credits)
Note: Some variations show additional practicum courses and different credit distributions totaling 22-23 credits.
More curriculum details are available here.
Post-Graduate Certificate Clinicals
The certificate requires 500 clinical contact hours:
- 500 clinical contact hours required
- Clinical hours embedded in practicum and internship courses
- NURS 5613 – Acute Disease Management Practicum I includes clinical hours
- NURS 5616 – Internship in Acute Care NP Practice includes clinical hours
- Additional practicum hours in diagnostic interpretation courses
- Preceptors local to student’s area complete clinical hour requirements
- Fully online certificate with flexible course loads
- Allows APRNs certified in other concentrations (such as FNP) to expand role and increase marketability in acute care environment
Post-Graduate Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions
- Minimum Master of Science in Nursing from regionally accredited college/university and nursing program accreditation
- Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse license
- Current certification as APRN required
- Resume or CV with three professional references with appropriate contact information
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in last degree earned
- Minimum “B” in the 3 “P’s” (must be independent courses addressing concepts across lifespan):
- Advanced Pathophysiology with general principles applied across lifespan
- Advanced Pharmacology including pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacotherapeutics of all broad classes of pharmacologic agents
- Advanced Health Assessment with lab including all human systems, advanced assessment techniques and approaches
- 3 P’s courses available at Tennessee Tech for non-degree status to complete pre-admission requirements
- Apply to Tennessee Tech Graduate Studies online
- Apply for Spring admission by November 1st
- Required documents: RN licensure copy, state-issued ID, brief letter of intent/cover letter, resume or CV, transcripts from all previously attended schools, three letters of reference (at least one professional and one educational)
Tuition
Graduate nursing students pay $730 per credit hour for Tennessee residents and $870 per credit hour for out-of-state eRate (2023-2024 rates).
Program Service Fee maxes at 6 on-campus hours; online courses assessed $147 per hour online fee instead and do not count toward 6-hour maximum.
Additional charges may apply including special academic fees, online fees, housing, meal plans, parking, and books.
Students in TN eCampus or Tennessee Tech Online should see applicable fee schedules. Post-Graduate Certificate estimated total program cost: $17,000-21,000 (2023-2024).
See the official tuition page for more details.
Application Deadlines
BSN to DNP applications preferred by May 1, final deadline June 1 for Fall admission only.
MSN to DNP applications due February 1 for Summer admission only.
Post-Graduate Certificate applications due November 1 for Spring admission.
Executive Leadership concentration admits every other year (odd years, beginning 2019).
Accreditation
The Master of Science in Nursing program at Tennessee Tech University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
More Tennessee ACNP Programs
- College of Nursing - Memphis
- Vanderbilt University - Nashville