UMFK ACNP Programs

The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) offers 2 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) tracks:

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) — AGACNP Concentration
  • Post-Master’s Certificate — AGACNP

Both programs are delivered 100% online in a flexible 7-week course structure, with no additional fees beyond the flat per-credit tuition rate of $500/credit hour.

Program Tracks Overview

ProgramEst. TuitionEst. Duration
MSN — AGACNP$21,50015 months (fast-track, May start) / part-time available
Post-Master’s Certificate — AGACNP$9,000–$15,500 Varies by prior coursework

UMFK’s two AGACNP pathways share the same online format and clinical course sequence.

The MSN is designed for BSN-prepared RNs and can be completed in as few as 15 months — among the fastest timelines available at a Maine institution.

The Post-Master’s Certificate serves two distinct audiences:

  • practicing NPs seeking an additional specialty (18 credits minimum)
  • non-clinical MSN holders entering NP practice for the first time (31 credits)

Program Tracks Overview

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) — AGACNP Concentration

The estimated cost for the MSN AGACNP program is $21,500 based on 43 credits at $500/credit hour with no additional fees, and would take as few as 15 months to complete on a full-time basis (May start required for the accelerated track); part-time enrollment is also available.

MSN Curriculum

The 43-credit program consists of 25 credits of shared core courses plus 18 credits of AGACNP concentration coursework. All courses are offered online in a 7-week format with a minimum passing grade of B− required in every course. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout the program.

Core Courses (25 credits):
  • NUR 601 — Advanced Research for Evidence Based Practice (3)
  • NUR 602 — Advanced Pharmacology (3)
  • NUR 604 — Advanced Pathophysiology (3)
  • NUR 607 — Ethical Leadership in Advanced Nursing Practice (3)
  • NUR 609 — Advanced Health Assessment (4)
  • NUR 612 — Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse (3)
  • NUR 636 — Epidemiology and Population Health (3)
  • NUR 686 — Healthcare Policy and the Law: Implications for Quality and Safety (3)
AGACNP Concentration Courses (18 credits):

NUR 630 – Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Theory I (3 cr.)
This course introduces core concepts for managing acute and chronic conditions in adult and older patients. Students apply clinical guidelines and evidence-based care to support diagnosis and treatment. Emphasis is on safety, quality, and foundational clinical decision-making.

NUR 660 – Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Theory II (3 cr.)
This course builds on prior knowledge to manage acute episodes and worsening chronic conditions. Students develop care plans using evidence-based practice and clinical guidelines. The course also highlights teamwork and coordination across care settings.

NUR 675 – Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Theory III (3 cr.)
This course integrates advanced knowledge for managing complex, multi-system conditions. Students create comprehensive, evidence-based care plans while addressing ethical, policy, and system factors. Focus is on achieving advanced clinical competence.

NUR 690 – Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Practicum I (3 cr.)
This practicum introduces hands-on clinical experience with adult and geriatric patients. Students apply theory to real-world care under supervision. The focus is on building foundational clinical skills.

NUR 695 – Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Practicum II (3 cr.)
This practicum expands clinical skills and decision-making in acute care settings. Students manage more complex cases and work within interdisciplinary teams. Emphasis is on coordination and patient-centered care.

NUR 697 – Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Practicum III (3 cr.)
This final practicum prepares students for independent advanced practice. Students manage patient care while considering social, ethical, and system factors. The course focuses on readiness for professional practice.

More curriculum details available on the course catalog page.

MSN Clinicals

Clinical requirements are fulfilled across three dedicated practicum courses in the AGACNP concentration. Specific total hour counts are not published in the available program materials; prospective students should confirm clinical hour requirements directly with UMFK.

  • NUR 690 — Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Practicum I (3 credits)
  • NUR 695 — Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Practicum II (3 credits)
  • NUR 697 — Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Practicum III (3 credits)
  • Focus areas: complex monitoring, diagnostic interpretation, and treatment plan development for acutely ill adults and older adults in hospital and clinic settings
  • International students enrolled in online programs are not eligible for F-1 student status at UMFK

MSN Admissions

No GRE is required. All materials from third-party sources should be submitted directly to the Application Processing Center.

  • BSN from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale)
  • College-level statistics course with a grade of C or higher
  • One year of acute care experience as an RN
  • Current, unencumbered RN license in a U.S. state
  • Resume
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Submit documents to: edocs@maine.edu or Application Processing Center, PO Box 412, Bangor, ME 04402-0412

Post-Master’s Certificate — AGACNP

⚠️ Accreditation Note: The UMFK Post-Master’s Certificate program is currently pursuing initial CCNE accreditation. Accreditation has not yet been granted. Students should factor this into their decision, particularly regarding employer or state board recognition.

The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate AGACNP program ranges from $9,000 (18 credits for practicing NPs) to $15,500 (31 credits for non-clinical MSN holders) at $500/credit hour with no additional fees; duration varies based on the number of core courses required.

Certificate Curriculum

The program serves two student tracks: (1) practicing NPs seeking an additional AGACNP specialty (18 credits — clinical courses only) and (2) MSN holders with a non-clinical background such as nursing education, administration, or informatics (31 credits — includes required core courses). Core courses are waived for currently practicing NPs.

Core Courses — Waived for Practicing NPs (13 credits):

  • NUR 602 — Advanced Pharmacology (3)
  • NUR 604 — Advanced Pathophysiology (3)
  • NUR 609 — Advanced Health Assessment (4)
  • NUR 612 — Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse (3)

AGACNP Clinical Courses — Required for All (18 credits):

  • NUR 630 — Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Theory I (3)
  • NUR 660 — Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Theory II (3)
  • NUR 675 — Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Theory III (3)
  • NUR 690 — Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Practicum I (3)
  • NUR 695 — Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Practicum II (3)
  • NUR 697 — Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Practicum III (3)

More curriculum details available on the course catalog page.

Certificate Clinicals

Certificate students complete the same three-practicum clinical sequence as MSN AGACNP students. Specific published clinical hour totals are not available in the program materials; contact UMFK directly to confirm requirements.

  • NUR 690 — Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Practicum I (3 credits)
  • NUR 695 — Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Practicum II (3 credits)
  • NUR 697 — Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Practicum III (3 credits)
  • Students enrolled in this program are not eligible for federal financial aid
  • International students in online programs are not eligible for F-1 status at UMFK

Certificate Admissions

Two distinct admission tracks exist depending on prior graduate background.

  • MSN from a regionally accredited college or university (required for both tracks)
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale)
  • College-level statistics course with grade of C or higher
  • Graduate-level research course with grade of B or higher — or enrollment in UMFK’s NUR 601
  • One year of acute care experience
  • Current, unencumbered RN license in a U.S. state
  • Resume
  • Minimum 18 credits required (practicing NPs) or 31 credits (non-clinical MSN holders)

Tuition

UMFK’s standout features include one of the most competitive tuition rates among Maine nursing graduate programs, a fast-track 15-month completion option for the MSN (starting in May), and a straightforward admission process with no GRE requirement.

MSN & Post-Master’s Certificate programs:

  • Tuition: $500 per credit hour
  • No additional fees — tuition is the only program cost
  • Full-time = 6 credits per semester; half-time = 3 credits per semester
  • Military, active duty, and dependents may qualify for in-state tuition — contact the Business Office for details

More tuition details are available here.

Application Deadlines

UMFK uses a cohort-based enrollment schedule. The current published deadline for the next available cohort is:

  • Application deadline: May 4, 2026
  • Class start: May 18, 2026
  • Note: A May start is required to complete the MSN in the accelerated 15-month timeframe

Accreditation

The MSN program at UMFK is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Post-Master’s Certificate program is currently pursuing initial CCNE accreditation — accreditation has not yet been granted, and applying for accreditation does not guarantee it will be awarded. Graduates of the MSN AGACNP concentration are eligible to sit for national certification exams through the ANCC or AACN upon completion.

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