The University of Rochester School of Nursing offers 3 Acute Nurse Practitioner Tracks:
- Master of Science in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MS AGACNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Advanced Certificate
- Post-BS to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with AGACNP specialty
These programs use an online or hybrid format designed for working nurses and include required on-campus intensives to strengthen clinical skills and peer connection.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program Name | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MS – AGACNP | ~$80,040 | ~2 years (full-time) |
| AGACNP Advanced Certificate | ~$48,720 | ~1.5–2 years (part-time) |
| Post-BS to DNP – AGACNP | ~$64,380 | ~2–2.5 years (part-time) |
Students benefit from a redesigned NP curriculum launching in 2025, access to advanced simulation labs at Helen Wood Hall, and preparation for national AGACNP certification exams.
Master of Science in Nursing – AGACNP
The estimated cost for the MS AGACNP program is approximately $80,040 (46 credits × $1,740 per credit) and would take about 2 years to complete on a full-time basis.
MSN Curriculum
Professional Core
NPG 402 – Foundations and Professional Roles in Advanced Practice Nursing (3)
Introduces core nurse practitioner role expectations, scope of practice, and professional ethics. Students review policy, regulation, and informatics while building skills in leadership, advocacy, reflective practice, and scholarly communication.
NPG 404 – Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology (3)
Covers advanced physiologic regulation and disease processes across the lifespan. Students link etiology and clinical manifestations to genetic, cellular, organ, and system-level changes, with attention to determinants of health.
NUR 467 – Population Health in Theory and Practice (3)
Explores population health concepts, including social and structural drivers of outcomes. Students use epidemiologic data to analyze trends and disparities and apply policy and advocacy approaches to real population issues.
NPG 400 – Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Practitioners (3)
Strengthens clinical inquiry and evidence use in advanced practice decisions. Students complete literature review, appraisal, and synthesis to support safe, high-quality, patient-centered care.
NPG 406 – Advanced Pharmacology (3)
Focuses on pharmacokinetics and pharmacotherapeutics for clinical decision-making. Students also review state and federal prescribing and record-keeping requirements for advanced practice nursing.
NPG 410 – Advanced Health Assessment (4)
Develops advanced interviewing and physical exam skills for the NP role. Students practice differentiating normal from abnormal findings to support diagnostic and treatment planning.
NPG 412 – Diagnostic and Clinical Reasoning (4)
Builds systematic diagnostic reasoning using assessment, screening, and pathophysiology. Students learn to select and interpret tests, integrate findings with evidence, and form differential diagnoses and care decisions.
NPG 414 – Mental Health and Wellness in Acute and Primary Care (2)
Prepares NP students to assess and manage common mental health conditions across the lifespan. Students study underlying mechanisms and apply evidence-based diagnostic and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment strategies.
Clinical Specialty
NPG 421 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner I (7)
Introduces acute and critical care fundamentals for adults and older adults. Students apply advanced assessment and diagnostic reasoning in clinical experiences and demonstrate beginning competence in the AGACNP role.
NPG 422 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner II (7)
Expands management of acute, critical, and complex chronic conditions across specialty areas. Students increase independence in clinical judgment and develop patient-centered plans while advancing AGACNP competency.
NPG 423 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner III (7)
Focuses on advanced specialty management, palliative and end-of-life care, and role transition to practice. Students refine diagnostic and management skills for complex patients and prepare for entry as a new graduate AGACNP.
MSN Clinicals
Students complete 720 total clinical hours across three specialty courses.
- 240 clinical hours in each AGACNP specialty course
- Clinical experiences occur in ICUs, inpatient units, and specialty care settings
- On-campus intensives support procedural and diagnostic skill development
MSN Prerequisites & Admissions
- BSN from an accredited nursing program
- Eligibility for New York State RN licensure
- Completion of required science and assessment coursework
- Holistic application review with faculty involvement
AGACNP – Advanced Certificate
The estimated cost for the AGACNP Advanced Certificate is approximately $48,720 (28 credits × $1,740 per credit) and typically takes 1.5 to 2 years to complete part-time.
Certificate Curriculum
The certificate includes selected professional core and acute care specialty courses.
- Evaluation and Management of Common Health Problems
- Nurse Practitioner Procedure Lab
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP I and II
- Advanced Health Assessment
Certificate Clinicals
Clinical training includes more than 670 clinical hours across specialty courses.
- Acute inpatient and specialty care settings
- Faculty-guided clinical planning
- Focus on advanced diagnostic and management skills
Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions
- Master’s degree in nursing or advanced practice role
- New York State RN license
- One year of adult acute care RN experience
- Graduate-level pharmacology, pathophysiology, and assessment
Doctor of Nursing Practice – AGACNP Pathway
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s DNP program is approximately $64,380 (37 credits × $1,740 per credit) and would take 2 to 2.5 years to complete on a part-time basis.
DNP Curriculum
Doctoral coursework emphasizes leadership, evidence translation, and systems improvement.
- Quality, Safety, and Informatics
- Leadership for Interprofessional Practice
- Health Policy Development
- DNP Practicum I–III and Scholarly Project
DNP Clinicals
Students complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours.
- Practice immersion aligned with DNP project goals
- Clinical sites selected with faculty and advisors
- Focus on organizational and population-level outcomes
DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- Master’s degree in nursing
- Graduate GPA of 3.5 or higher
- New York State RN licensure
- Statistics course and faculty interview
Tuition
Graduate tuition is $1,740 per credit hour, with additional lab, clinical placement, and technology fees depending on enrollment status.
More curriculum details are available here: University of Rochester Graduate Tuition & Fees.
Application Deadlines
Applications are accepted three times per year with deadlines for Spring, Summer, and Fall entry. Advanced Certificate programs allow enrollment in September, January, or May.
Accreditation
The University of Rochester School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates are eligible to sit for national AGACNP certification exams through ANCC or AACN.
More ACNP Programs Near You
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- Hofstra University - Hempstead
- Molloy University - Rockville Centre
- NYU College of Nursing - New York
- Pace University - New York
- St. John Fisher University - Rochester
- Stony Brook School of Nursing - Stony Brook