UTMB ACNP Programs

University of Texas Medical Branch offers 3 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:

  • Doctor of Nursing Practice – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, BSN to DNP (BSN-DNP AGACNP)
  • Master of Science in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN-AGACNP)
  • Post-BSN/MSN Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP Certificate)

All programs are delivered online with minimal campus visits (3-4 days per semester for some tracks) and prepare graduates for national certification through ANCC or AACN Certification Corporation.

Program Tracks Overview

Program NameEst. TuitionEst. Duration
BSN-DNP AGACNP$51,000–$55,0003–3.5 years (full time)
MSN AGACNP$41,000–$45,0002–2.5 years (full time)
AGACNP Certificate$13,000–$15,00012–18 months

UTMB is the first and only nurse practitioner program in Texas to offer a dual FNP-AGACNP track, and the school emphasizes high-quality education at an affordable cost with nationally recognized faculty providing student-centered education.

Doctor of Nursing Practice –AGACNP, BSN to DNP

The estimated cost for the BSN-DNP AGACNP program is approximately $51,000-$55,000 (70 credit hours) and would take 3-3.5 years to complete on a full-time basis.

BSN-DNP Curriculum

The BSN-DNP AGACNP curriculum requires 70 semester credit hours delivered over 12 semesters, combining DNP core courses with AGACNP specialty courses and a scholarly project.

Semester 1 (6 Credits):

  • GDNP 6327 – Transformational Leadership (3 credits)
  • GDNP 6310 – Professional Writing (3 credits)

Semester 2 (6 Credits):

  • GDNP 6303 – Data Analysis & Evaluation (3 credits)
  • GDNP 6325 – Health Care Policy (3 credits)

Semester 3 (6 Credits):

  • GDNP 6302 – Population Health (3 credits)
  • GDNP 6359 – The Economics and Business of Healthcare (3 credits)

Semester 4 (5 Credits):

  • GDNP 6337 – Informatics in Transformation of Healthcare (2 credits)
  • GDNP 6355 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)

Semester 5 (5 Credits):

  • GDNP 6217 – Diagnostic Reasoning (2 credits)
  • GDNP 6307 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits)

Semester 6 (7 Credits):

  • GDNP 6362 – Quality Improvement for Clinical Practice (3 credits)
  • GDNP 6306 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
  • GDNP 6121 – Project Mentoring (1 credit)

Semester 7 (9 Credits):

  • GDNP 6680 – Common Problems of Adults (6 credits)
  • GDNP 6335 – Systems Thinking I – Project Foundation (3 credits)

Semester 8 (9 Credits):

  • GDNP 6624 – AGACNP Episodic & Acute Care (6 credits)
  • GDNP 6336 – System Thinking II – Project Planning (3 credits)

Semester 9 (8 Credits):

  • GDNP 6625 – AGACNP Complex & Critical Care (6 credits)
  • GDNP 6211 – System Thinking III – Project Proposal (2 credits)

Semester 10 (6 Credits):

  • GDNP 6427 – Acute Care Role Practicum (4 credits)
  • GDNP 6212 – System Thinking IV – Project Implementation (2 credits)

Semester 11 (5 Credits):

  • GDNP 6339 – Topics in Clinical Practice (3 credits)
  • GDNP 6213 – System Thinking V – Project Evaluation & Dissemination (2 credits)

Semester 12 (4 Credits):

  • GDNP 6338 – Practice and Leadership Integration (3 credits)
  • GDNP 61XX02 – Clinical Practice Synthesis (1 credit)

Total Program: 70 Semester Credit Hours

More curriculum details are available here.

BSN-DNP Clinicals

BSN-DNP AGACNP students complete clinical hours embedded within specialty courses throughout semesters 7-10, with clinical experiences supervised by TCU nursing faculty and qualified preceptors.

Clinical Requirements:

  • Clinical hours integrated across multiple courses
  • GDNP 6680: Common Problems of Adults (6 credits)
  • GDNP 6624: AGACNP Episodic & Acute Care (6 credits)
  • GDNP 6625: AGACNP Complex & Critical Care (6 credits)
  • GDNP 6427: Acute Care Role Practicum (4 credits)
  • Clinical experiences in acute care settings including ICU, ER, progressive care, intermediate care
  • Practice settings: academic medical centers, community hospitals, outpatient practices
  • Specialty settings: neurosurgery, cardiology, hematology, trauma, orthopedics
  • Faculty-assigned advisors assist in design and implementation of scholarly practice project
  • Clinical experiences based on individual educational and practice interests

BSN-DNP Prerequisites & Admissions

Academic Requirements:

  • BSN from program accredited by CNEA or CCNE
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 overall and for all upper division coursework
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
  • Personal interview with faculty member (in person or virtual)
  • No GRE required

Clinical Experience:

  • Minimum one (1) year of recent experience as registered nurse at time of application
  • Highly preferred: One (1) year of recent experience in ICU, progressive high-level intermediate medical unit, or flight nursing for AGACNP track

Licensure Requirements:

  • Current (active), valid, unencumbered RN license or multi-state privilege in state(s) where student participates in clinical learning experiences
  • Must maintain current unencumbered licensure throughout program

Application Materials:

  • Completed online application through NursingCAS
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Personal statement (should demonstrate written communication skills, no more than 2 pages double-spaced) addressing: 1) personal/academic/professional strengths and qualifications, 2) interest in clinical doctorate from UTMB, 3) proposed area of interest for DNP scholarly project
  • Three professional references: one professional, one academic, one from current clinical manager or authority speaking on commitment to discovery, current clinical knowledge, and dedication to profession
  • Current CPR certification and immunization records
  • Upon acceptance: $250 non-refundable deposit

International Applicants:

  • TOEFL: Computer Score minimum 83
  • IELTS: Minimum 6.5

Transfer Credits:

  • Up to twelve (12) credit hours may be transferred for BSN to DNP students

Application Deadlines:

  • Applications open: September 15
  • Priority review: March 15
  • Application deadline: June 1
  • Admitted in fall of each year

Master of Science in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

The estimated cost for the MSN-AGACNP program is approximately $41,000-$45,000 (49 credit hours) and would take approximately 2-2.5 years to complete on a full-time basis.

MSN Curriculum

The MSN-AGACNP curriculum requires 49 semester credit hours including 780 clinical hours delivered over 7 semesters, with all courses offered online and minimal campus visits.

Semester 1 (6 Credits):

  • GNRS 5373 – Nursing Theory and Research (3 credits)
  • GNRS 5355 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)

Semester 2 (8 Credits):

  • GNRS 5298 – Geriatric Syndromes (2 credits)
  • GNRS 5301 – Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
  • GNRS 5346 – Public Policy & Nursing (3 credits)

Semester 3 (5 Credits):

  • GNRS 5307 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits)
  • GNRS 5217 – NP Diagnostic Reasoning and Procedures (2 credits)

Semester 4 (6 Credits):

  • GNRS 5680 – Common Problems of Adults (6 credits)

Semester 5 (9 Credits):

  • GNRS 5624 – AGACNP Episodic and Acute Illness (6 credits – includes 180 clinical hours)
  • GNRS 5349 – Informatics and Quality Improvement (3 credits)

Semester 6 (9 Credits):

  • GNRS 5625 – AGACNP Complex & Critical Care (6 credits – includes 180 clinical hours)
  • GNRS 5350 – Nurse Practitioner Professional Role and Business Principles (3 credits)

Semester 7 (6 Credits):

  • GNRS 5027 – AGACNP Role & Clinical Practicum (3 credits – includes 180 clinical hours)
  • GNRS 53371 – Public Health Principles in Advanced Practice Nursing (3 credits)

Total Program: 49 Semester Credit Hours, 780 Clinical Hours

More curriculum details are available here.

MSN Clinicals

MSN-AGACNP students complete 780 clinical hours distributed across four clinical courses (semesters 4-7), providing comprehensive acute care experiences from late adolescence through geriatrics.

Clinical Requirements:

  • Total 780 clinical hours required
  • GNRS 5680: Common Problems of Adults (semester 4)
  • GNRS 5624: AGACNP Episodic and Acute Illness (180 hours, semester 5)
  • GNRS 5625: AGACNP Complex & Critical Care (180 hours, semester 6)
  • GNRS 5027: AGACNP Role & Clinical Practicum (180 hours, semester 7)
  • Clinical settings: acute care, emergency, intensive care environments
  • Practice settings: academic medical centers, community hospitals, outpatient practices
  • Specialty areas: critical care units, inpatient units, outpatient settings, specialty practices
  • Required campus visits: 3-4 days per semester for some tracks
  • Faculty supervision with qualified preceptors in geographic area

MSN Prerequisites & Admissions

Academic Requirements:

  • BSN from program accredited by NLNAC, CCNE, or other nationally recognized nursing education accrediting bodies
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale for all upper division nursing courses (last 60 hours)
  • Official transcripts from all college-level institutions attended
  • Personal interview with faculty may be required
  • Personal statement (700 words maximum) through NursingCAS

Clinical Experience:

  • Minimum one year of recent experience as registered nurse in acute care, emergency, or intensive care environment required

Licensure Requirements:

  • Current, valid, unencumbered RN license or multi-state privilege in state(s) where student participates in clinical learning experiences
  • Current BLS and ACLS certification required

Application Materials:

  • Completed application through NursingCAS
  • Resume
  • Three professional references (one must be current nursing supervisor)
  • Official transcripts to NursingCAS
  • Personal statement addressing: rationale for degree choice, work experience, health-related experience, personal experiences affecting grades, strengths/weaknesses, interruptions in education/work, leadership activities, volunteer activities

International Applicants:

  • TOEFL: Computer Score minimum 83
  • IELTS: Minimum 6.5
  • Must use UTMB-approved credentialing service for transcript evaluation

Transfer Credits:

  • Up to twelve (12) credit hours may be transferred

Application Deadlines:

  • Applications open: September 15
  • Priority review (early notification): March 15 (guaranteed review and decision by April 15)
  • Application deadline: June 1
  • Admitted in fall of each year
  • Rolling admissions after priority review on space-available basis

Post-BSN/MSN Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

The estimated cost for the AGACNP Certificate program is approximately $13,000-$15,000 (15-17 credit hours) and would take 12-18 months to complete depending on prior credentials.

Certificate Curriculum

The Post-MSN Certificate is available for FNP or AGPCNP certified nurses wanting AGACNP certification, with curriculum varying based on prior preparation.

FNP to AGACNP Certificate (17 Credits):

  • GNRS 5298 – Geriatric Syndromes (2 credits)
  • GNRS 5624 – AGACNP Episodic & Acute Illness (6 credits – includes 180 clinical hours)
  • GNRS 5625 – AGACNP Complex & Critical Care (6 credits – includes 180 clinical hours)
  • GNRS 5027 – AGACNP Clinical Practicum (3 credits – includes 180 clinical hours)

Total: 17 Credits, 540 Clinical Hours

AGPCNP to AGACNP Certificate (15 Credits):

  • GNRS 5624 – AGACNP Episodic & Acute Illness (6 credits – includes 180 clinical hours)
  • GNRS 5625 – AGACNP Complex & Critical Care (6 credits – includes 180 clinical hours)
  • GNRS 5027 – AGACNP Clinical Practicum (3 credits – includes 180 clinical hours)

Total: 15 Credits, 540 Clinical Hours

Certificate Clinicals

Certificate students complete 540 clinical hours across three clinical courses focusing on episodic/acute illness, complex/critical care, and role practicum experiences.

Clinical Requirements:

  • Total 540 clinical hours for both tracks
  • GNRS 5624: 180 clinical hours in episodic and acute illness management
  • GNRS 5625: 180 clinical hours in complex and critical care settings
  • GNRS 5027: 180 clinical hours in AGACNP role practicum
  • Clinical settings: acute and critical care environments
  • Integration of theory and evidence-based practice
  • Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapeutic management focus
  • Clinical conferences throughout semesters
  • Faculty guidance with preceptor supervision

Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions

Academic Requirements:

  • MSN degree from nationally accredited university/institution
  • Must hold current certification as FNP or AGPCNP

Licensure Requirements:

  • Current unencumbered RN license or multi-state privilege in state(s) where participating in clinical learning experiences
  • Licensed or authorized to practice as APRN in state intended for clinical practice

Application Materials:

  • Completed UTMB online application with associated fees
  • Official transcripts submitted to Enrollment Services
  • Resume
  • One (1) letter of reference

International Applicants:

  • TOEFL: Computer Score minimum 83
  • IELTS: Minimum 6.5

Tuition

Graduate nursing tuition for Texas residents is based on a per-credit structure.

For 2025-2026, the typical cost per credit hour includes resident tuition ($50/credit), designated tuition ($286/credit), differential ($56/credit), plus various mandatory fees.

Estimated Costs Per Credit Hour (Texas Residents):

  • Base tuition and fees: Approximately $400-$500 per credit hour
  • Additional fees per semester: ID Badge ($25, new students), Campus Security Fee ($15.50), Library Acquisition Fee ($219), Registration Fee ($31), Student Center Fee ($30), Educational Technology Infrastructure ($55), New Student Orientation Fee ($145, new students), Materials Fee ($75), Educational Support Software ($118.98), Liability Insurance ($2.74), Health Education Center Fee ($412), Distance Education Fee (varies by credits)

Estimated Total Program Costs:

  • BSN-DNP (70 credits): Approximately $51,000-$55,000
  • MSN (49 credits): Approximately $41,000-$45,000
  • FNP to AGACNP Certificate (17 credits): Approximately $14,000-$15,000
  • AGPCNP to AGACNP Certificate (15 credits): Approximately $13,000-$14,000

Additional Fees:

  • Graduation Fee: $141
  • Late Registration Fee: $100
  • Late Payment Fee: $100
  • Commencement Fee (final term): $50
  • Lab fees and course-related fees vary by course
  • Proctoring fees for remote exams (student responsibility, paid to non-UTMB proctors)

Non-Texas Residents: Additional non-resident tuition applies (fees vary significantly from resident rates)

See the official tuition page for more details.

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at UTMB School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). All programs are approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Corporation.

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