The University of Southern Maine (USM) offers 2 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) tracks:
- Master of Science (MS) — AGACNP
- Post-Master’s Certificate of Advanced Study — AGACNP
Both tracks are delivered on campus in Portland, Maine, with the certificate program available in a blended (online + in-person) format.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MS — AGACNP | $28,395 | 2.5 years (full-time) |
| Post-Master’s Certificate — AGACNP | $10,332–$16,072 | 3+ semesters (~1–1.5 years) |
USM’s two AGACNP pathways serve distinct learner profiles:
- the MS program is designed for BSN-prepared RNs seeking their first advanced practice credential
- the Post-Master’s Certificate is tailored for nurses who already hold an MS and want to add an AGACNP specialty.
Both share the same core clinical concentration courses and 568 total practicum hours.
Master of Science Nursing (MSN) — AGACNP
The estimated cost for the MS AGACNP program is $28,395 in-state ($46,350 NEBHE / $76,815 out-of-state) based on 45 credits at $631/$1,030/$1,707 per credit hour, and would take approximately 2.5 years to complete on a full-time basis.
MSN Curriculum
The 45-credit program builds on baccalaureate nursing preparation, emphasizing clinical decision-making, differential diagnosis, case management, and patient/family teaching across the adult-older adult spectrum. Three theory/practicum course pairs anchor the clinical phase of study.
BIO 545 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr.)
This course examines the biological basis of disease, including genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors. Students study major body systems such as cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, nervous, reproductive, and musculoskeletal. Emphasis is on understanding how disease processes affect normal function.
MPH 670 – Quality Improvement (3 cr.)
This course introduces methods to assess and improve healthcare quality and safety. Students learn to measure performance, apply improvement tools, and evaluate outcomes across healthcare and public health settings. The course builds skills in identifying gaps and presenting quality improvement results.
NUR 602 – Advanced Health Assessment (4 cr.)
This course expands knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology for advanced practice. Students develop strong physical assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills across the lifespan. The course links abnormal findings to underlying disease processes.
NUR 603 – Nursing Theory and Knowledge Development (3 cr.)
This course explores how nursing knowledge develops within social and historical contexts. Students examine key theories and their link to research and practice. The focus is on understanding how theory guides clinical care and professional growth.
NUR 604 – Nursing Research (3 cr.)
This course teaches students to evaluate and apply research in clinical practice. Students learn to form clinical questions, search for evidence, and assess study quality. The course also covers research design, ethics, and strategies for evidence-based change.
NUR 606 – Leadership, Health Policy, and Role (3 cr.)
This course reviews healthcare systems, leadership roles, and policy impact on nursing practice. Students study issues related to access, equity, and healthcare reform. The course prepares nurses to influence policy and improve care delivery.
NUR 608 – Behavioral and Psychosocial Health of the Family (3 cr.)
This course focuses on behavioral and mental health risks in individuals and families. Students learn evidence-based care methods, including communication strategies and medication approaches. The course also examines social, genetic, and environmental influences on health.
NUR 641 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Theory I (3 cr.)
This course introduces care of adults and older adults with acute and complex conditions. Students build clinical knowledge and apply evidence-based decision-making. The focus is on assessment, diagnosis, and early management strategies.
NUR 642 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Practicum and Seminar I (3 cr.)
This clinical course allows students to apply theory in supervised practice. Students manage adult and older adult patients using evidence-based care. The course builds clinical judgment and hands-on skills.
NUR 643 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Theory II (3 cr.)
This course advances knowledge from Theory I and deepens clinical reasoning. Students refine diagnosis and management skills for acute and complex conditions. Emphasis is on evidence-based care and critical thinking.
NUR 644 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Practicum and Seminar II (3 cr.)
This practicum strengthens skills in assessment and clinical decision-making. Students develop care plans and implement treatments for complex patients. The course promotes greater independence in patient management.
NUR 645 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Theory III (3 cr.)
This course completes the theory sequence with advanced clinical concepts. Students integrate prior learning to manage high-acuity patients. The focus is on complex decision-making and evidence-based care.
NUR 646 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Practicum and Seminar III (3 cr.)
This final practicum emphasizes independent clinical practice. Students assess, diagnose, and manage acute and critical conditions in adults and older adults. The course integrates all prior knowledge into real-world care.
NUR 651 – Women’s Health in Advanced Practice (1 cr.)
This course prepares nurses to deliver primary care for women across the lifespan. Students focus on prevention, health promotion, and treatment. The course uses evidence-based approaches for assessment and care planning.
More curriculum details available on the course catalog page.
MSN Clinicals
The MSN AGACNP program requires 568 total clinical hours across three practicum semesters. Placements span inpatient, outpatient, and specialty settings.
- Clinical Practicum I — 168 hours (NUR 642)
- Clinical Practicum II — 200 hours (NUR 644)
- Clinical Practicum III — 200 hours (NUR 646)
- Specialty areas include: internal medicine, cardiology, endocrinology, pulmonology, orthopedics, women’s health, dermatology, and more
- Clinical sites use traditional and simulation-based lab settings
MSN Admissions
No GRE is required for applicants with a 3.0+ GPA. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may submit GRE or MAT scores for consideration.
- BSN from a CCNE- or NLN-accredited program
- Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale)
- 2 years acute care RN experience or 2 years NP experience
- Undergraduate Microbiology with grade of B− or better
- Undergraduate Statistics (descriptive and inferential) with grade of B− or better
- Undergraduate total health assessment course
- Current, unencumbered Maine RN license
- Current BLS and ACLS certifications (must be maintained throughout program)
- 500–700 word personal essay
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- Faculty interview may be requested following preliminary review
Post-Master’s Certificate of Advanced Study — AGACNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate AGACNP program is $10,332–$16,072 in-state ($27,612–$42,952 out-of-state) and would take approximately 3 or more semesters (~1–1.5 years) to complete on a full-time basis.
Estimate based on 18–28 credits at $574/$1,534 per credit hour.
Certificate Curriculum
Credit requirements range from 18–28 credits depending on which clinical core courses were completed in the student’s prior master’s program. Students who have already completed BIO 545, NUR 601, NUR 602, and/or NUR 651 may have those courses waived. Certificate students join the MS cohorts for all concentration coursework.
Clinical Core Courses (waived if completed previously):
- BIO 545 — Advanced Pathophysiology
- NUR 601 — Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics
- NUR 602 — Advanced Health Assessment
Clinical Concentration Courses:
- NUR 641 — Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Theory I
- NUR 642 — Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Practicum and Seminar I
- NUR 643 — Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Theory II
- NUR 644 — Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Practicum and Seminar II
- NUR 645 — Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Theory III
- NUR 646 — Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Practicum and Seminar III
- NUR 651 — Women’s Health in Advanced Practice (waived if completed previously)
More curriculum details available on the course catalog page.
Certificate Clinicals
Certificate students complete the same three-practicum clinical sequence as MS students, totaling 568 clinical hours. Placements occur in inpatient, outpatient, and community-based facilities.
- Clinical Practicum I — 168 hours (NUR 642)
- Clinical Practicum II — 200 hours (NUR 644)
- Clinical Practicum III — 200 hours (NUR 646)
- Supervised by expert nurses and providers across specialty settings
Certificate Admissions
This program is designed for master’s-prepared RNs seeking an additional practice specialty. Applicants must hold an existing MS in Nursing.
- Master’s degree in nursing required
- Current RN license
- Current BLS and ACLS certifications
- Relevant clinical experience in acute care preferred
- Program is blended (mix of online and in-person coursework)
Tuition
In-state tuition makes the MS program among the more affordable AGACNP master’s options in New England, and the blended certificate format offers added scheduling flexibility for working nurses.
MS AGACNP (Differential Level 3 — in-person/blended degree):
- In-state / Canadian: $631/credit hour ($532 tuition + $99 fees)
- NEBHE Tuition Break: $1,030/credit hour ($931 tuition + $99 fees)
- Out-of-state: $1,707/credit hour ($1,608 tuition + $99 fees)
Post-Master’s Certificate AGACNP:
- In-state / Canadian: $574/credit hour ($475 tuition + $99 fees)
- NEBHE Tuition Break: $907/credit hour ($808 tuition + $99 fees)
- Out-of-state: $1,534/credit hour ($1,435 tuition + $99 fees)
One-time graduate enrollment fee: $60 (charged upon first enrollment). Late payment fees up to $200/semester may apply. New England residents should check eligibility for the NEBHE Tuition Break Program.
More tuition details are available here.
Application Deadlines
| Program | Fall Term Deadline | Spring Term Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| MS — AGACNP | April 1 | October 1 |
| Post-Master’s Certificate — AGACNP | August 1 | December 15 |
Applications received after the deadline may still be reviewed. Enrollment is limited; the nursing faculty reserves the right to cap cohort sizes based on clinical placement capacity.
Accreditation
Both the MS and Post-Master’s Certificate AGACNP programs are approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
More ACNP Programs In Maine
- Husson University - Bangor
- Saint Joseph’s College - Standish
- University of Maine at Fort Kent - Fort Kent