Viterbo University offers 3 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- Post-Graduate Certificate – AGACNP
- BSN-to-DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Post-MSN DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Tracks Overview
| Program | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate AGACNP | ~$22,050 | 5 Semesters (~2 Years) |
| BSN-to-DNP AGACNP | ~$77,700 | 3.5 Years (Year-Round) |
| Post-MSN DNP AGACNP | ~$74,550 | ~3 Years (Year-Round) |
Program Highlights:
- Hybrid blended delivery — classes held online or one day per week on campus, designed for working professionals and commuter students
- Collaboration with Mayo Clinic for clinical placements; select students are guaranteed rotations at Mayo Midwest sites
- 100% national NP certification exam pass rate; post-graduate certificate is financial-aid (student loan) eligible with competitive scholarships available
Post-Graduate Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the Viterbo AGACNP Post-Graduate Certificate is approximately $22,050 and would take approximately 2 years (5 semesters) to complete, structured across two didactic semesters and three clinical semesters.
Estimate based on 21 credits × $1,050/credit, 2025–26 rate.
Certificate Curriculum
The 21-credit, eight-course curriculum is concentrated on acute care didactics and clinical application. Didactic courses (NURS 541, 607, 613, 620, 621) are delivered in hybrid format; clinical courses follow a structured semester sequence. The application for the certificate is available after the first semester of enrollment.
NURS 541 – Acute Care Assessment and Diagnostics
Builds advanced assessment skills for acute care settings, with emphasis on abnormal findings, diagnostic testing, imaging, EKG interpretation, and hemodynamic monitoring.
NURS 607 – Pharmacotherapeutics for Acute Care
Focuses on advanced prescribing and medication management for acute and critically ill patients. Topics include neoplastic agents, IV therapy, fluid and electrolyte management, and emergency care standards such as ACLS.
NURS 613 – Advanced Management for Acute Care I
Introduces the adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner role in delivering collaborative care for acutely and critically ill patients across adulthood and older age.
NURS 620 – Advanced Management for Acute Care II
Continues development of acute care nurse practitioner competencies, with emphasis on safety, leadership, healthcare systems, and interprofessional practice in emerging clinical roles.
NURS 621 – Advanced Management for Acute Care III
Further develops acute care NP skills through evidence-based management of critically ill patients. Includes lab and simulation work in chest tubes, central lines, ventilation, and culturally sensitive end-of-life communication.
NURS 618 – Clinical Practicum AG-ACNP
Provides supervised clinical experience in acute care settings, strengthening decision-making in the management of acute, emergent, and chronic conditions in patients from adolescence through older adulthood.
NURS 619 – Clinical Practicum AG-ACNP
Continues supervised clinical training for AG-ACNP students, reinforcing clinical decision-making, health promotion, disease prevention, and culturally sensitive care in acute care practice.
More curriculum details available on the course catalog page.
Certificate Clinicals
Clinical practicums span three consecutive semesters and total 540 clinical hours across three courses. Clinical opportunities may be available in the student’s home region.
- NURS 618 – Clinical Practicum AG-ACNP (180 hours, Year 1 Spring)
- NURS 618 – Clinical Practicum AG-ACNP (180 hours, Year 2 Fall)
- NURS 619 – Clinical Practicum AG-ACNP (180 hours, Year 2 Spring)
- Total: 540 clinical hours over 3 semesters
- Distribution of hours across semesters is subject to change
- Grade of BC or better required for progression in all practicum courses; C or below may result in dismissal
Certificate Prerequisites & Admissions
- Graduated (or anticipated to graduate) from a master’s or doctoral accredited primary care NP program with an adult-gerontology or family population focus
- Current, unrestricted RN licensure (and APRN certification if applicable)
- Current resume highlighting leadership, presentations, and service
- Personal statement (~2 pages, double-spaced, APA format) addressing:
- Purpose and short/long-term goals for pursuing AG-ACNP certification
- How current NP role has prepared you for AG-ACNP study
- Anticipated challenges and rewards of the certificate program
- Two letters of recommendation:
- One from a current clinical supervisor (APRN, PA, or MD/DO with knowledge of advanced practice role requirements)
- One professional recommendation (MD/DO, PA, or APRN)
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions
- Personal interview may be required
- Criminal background check required; must meet clinical agency health and immunization requirements throughout the program
- Evidence of current CPR throughout the program
BSN-to-DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the Viterbo BSN-to-DNP AGACNP program is approximately $77,700 and would take approximately 3.5 years (11 semesters, year-round) to complete.
Estimate based on 74 credits × $1,050/credit, 2025–26 rate.
BSN-to-DNP Curriculum
The 74-credit, year-round curriculum runs across Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters beginning in Year 1 Summer. Courses are blended format (online and one day per week on campus) unless otherwise noted. NURS 550, 611, 700, 710, 720, and 730 are fully online; HMGT 690 is a 2-day in-person intensive.
- Year 1 — Foundation & DNP Core
- NURS 535 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr.)
- NURS 550 – Scholarly Writing Intensive (1 cr.) — online
- NURS 730 – Organizational Leadership & Health Policy (3 cr.) — online
- NURS 710 – Ethical & Theoretical Thinking (3 cr.) — online
- NURS 720 – Outcomes Management & Quality Improvement (3 cr.) — online
- NURS 660 – Leading Change: Evidence to Practice (3 cr.)
- NURS 540 – Advanced Health Assessment (4 cr.)
- NURS 700 – Epidemiology & Population Health (3 cr.) — online
- NURS 800 – DNP Essentials Synthesis Seminar I (2 cr.)
- Year 2 — Role Development & Specialty Foundations
- NURS 520 – Advanced Nursing Role Development (2 cr.)
- NURS 605 – Advanced Practice Pharmacotherapeutics (3 cr.)
- NURS 801 – DNP Essentials Synthesis Seminar II (2 cr.)
- NURS 610 – Management of Health Problems I: Adult/Gero (3 cr.)
- NURS 607 – Pharmacotherapeutics for Acute Care (2 cr.)
- NURS 825 – DNP Project (continuing, 2 cr.)
- NURS 611 – Older Adult Issues: Advanced Nursing Geriatrics (2 cr.) — online
- NURS 612 – Management of Health Problems II: Adult/Gero (3 cr.)
- NURS 825 – DNP Project (continuing, 2 cr.)
- Year 3 — Acute Care Specialty & Clinical
- NURS 541 – Acute Care Assessment & Diagnostics (2 cr.)
- NURS 602 – Clinical Seminar I AGNP (1 cr.)
- NURS 613 – Advanced Management for Acute Care I (2 cr.)
- HMGT 690 – HIM Intensive, 2-day in-person (2 cr.)
- NURS 620 – Advanced Management for Acute Care II, 1st 8 weeks (3 cr.)
- NURS 621 – Advanced Management for Acute Care III, 2nd 8 weeks + lab (3 cr.)
- NURS 618 – Clinical Practicum AG-ACNP, 420 hours (7 cr.)
- NURS 603 – Clinical Seminar II AGNP (1 cr.)
- Year 4 — DNP Clinical Practicum Completion
- NURS 619 – Clinical Practicum AG-ACNP, 180 hours (3 cr.)
- NURS 810 – Clinical Practicum DNP, 240 hours (4 cr.)
More curriculum details available on the course catalog page.
BSN-to-DNP Clinicals
Clinical practicums account for a significant portion of Year 3 and Year 4, totaling 840 clinical hours across three courses, plus 240 DNP project hours. Clinical practicums can often be completed in the student’s home location. Viterbo participates in a clinical education collaboration with Mayo Clinic — select students may be guaranteed placement at Mayo Midwest sites.
- NURS 618 – Clinical Practicum AG-ACNP (Year 3 Spring: 420 hours, 7 cr.)
- NURS 619 – Clinical Practicum AG-ACNP (Year 4 Fall: 180 hours, 3 cr.)
- NURS 810 – DNP Clinical Practicum (Year 4 Spring: 240 hours, 4 cr.)
- NURS 825 – DNP Project (240 project hours total, distributed across semesters)
- Total: 840 clinical hours + 240 DNP project hours
- 1 credit of practicum = 60 clinical hours (4:1 clock-to-didactic ratio)
- RN license required for the state in which the clinical site is located
- Grade of BC or better required for all practicum courses; C or below may result in dismissal
BSN-to-DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- BSN from an ACEN or CCNE accredited school; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale)
- At least 2 years of recent, relevant direct patient care as an RN prior to beginning NP specialty courses in Year 2
- Current, unrestricted RN licensure
- Evidence of current CPR throughout the program
- Satisfactory completion of undergraduate statistics and research courses
- Professional CV or resume
- Essay (~2 pages, double-spaced, APA format) describing chosen clinical/leadership path, relevant experiences, and interest in a professional doctorate
- Three letters of recommendation:
- One from an advanced practice provider
- One from a current clinical supervisor familiar with advanced practice role requirements (APRN, PA, or MD/DO)
- One professional recommendation (MD/DO, PA, or APRN)
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions
- Personal interview required for select candidates after document review
- Criminal background check and immunization/health requirements must be met throughout the program
- Access to a high-speed internet connection and functional personal computer required
- Up to 18 transfer credits may be accepted from another accredited graduate program (grade of B or better; within last 5 years)
- Program must be completed within 7 years
Post-MSN DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The estimated cost for the Viterbo Post-MSN DNP AGACNP program is approximately $74,550 and would take approximately 3 years (11 semesters, year-round) to complete.
Estimate based on 71 credits × $1,050/credit, 2025–26 rate.
⚠️ Note on Credits: The plan of study document lists 71 total credits for the MSN-to-DNP AGACNP track; however, Viterbo’s policy states the post-MSN program can be completed in 2 years for non-acute care tracks or 3 years for the track with NP role preparation. The 71-credit figure reflects the full AGACNP role preparation track. Up to 9 transfer credits may be accepted toward this program.
Post-MSN DNP Curriculum
The curriculum mirrors the BSN-to-DNP AGACNP track with the same acute care specialty and clinical courses, structured across Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters. NURS 550, 611, 700, 710, 720, and 730 are fully online; HMGT 690 is a 2-day in-person intensive.
- Year 1 — Foundation & DNP Core
- NURS 535 – Advanced Pathophysiology (3 cr.)
- NURS 550 – Scholarly Writing Intensive (1 cr.) — online
- NURS 730 – Organizational Leadership & Health Policy (3 cr.) — online
- NURS 710 – Ethical & Theoretical Thinking (3 cr.) — online
- NURS 720 – Outcomes Management & Quality Improvement (3 cr.) — online
- NURS 800 – DNP Essentials Synthesis Seminar I (2 cr.)
- NURS 540 – Advanced Health Assessment (4 cr.)
- NURS 700 – Epidemiology & Population Health (3 cr.) — online
- NURS 801 – DNP Essentials Synthesis Seminar II (2 cr.)
- Year 2 — Role Development & Specialty Foundations
- NURS 520 – Advanced Nursing Role Development (2 cr.)
- NURS 605 – Advanced Practice Pharmacotherapeutics (3 cr.)
- NURS 825 – DNP Project (continuing, 2 cr.)
- NURS 607 – Pharmacotherapeutics for Acute Care (2 cr.)
- NURS 610 – Management of Health Problems I: Adult/Gero (3 cr.)
- NURS 825 – DNP Project (continuing, 3 cr.)
- NURS 611 – Older Adult Issues: Advanced Nursing Geriatrics (2 cr.) — online
- NURS 612 – Management of Health Problems II: Adult/Gero (3 cr.)
- NURS 825 – DNP Project (continuing, 0–1 cr.)
- Year 3 — Acute Care Specialty & Clinical
- NURS 541 – Acute Care Assessment & Diagnostics (2 cr.)
- NURS 602 – Clinical Seminar I AGNP (1 cr.)
- NURS 613 – Advanced Management for Acute Care I (2 cr.)
- HMGT 690 – HIM Intensive, 2-day in-person (2 cr.)
- NURS 620 – Advanced Management for Acute Care II, 1st 8 weeks (3 cr.)
- NURS 621 – Advanced Management for Acute Care III, 2nd 8 weeks + lab (3 cr.)
- NURS 603 – Clinical Seminar II AGNP (1 cr.)
- NURS 618 – Clinical Practicum AG-ACNP, 180 hours (3 cr.)
- NURS 619 – Clinical Practicum AG-ACNP (continuing hours, 4 cr.)
- Year 4 — DNP Clinical Practicum Completion
- NURS 619 – Clinical Practicum AG-ACNP (3 cr.)
- NURS 810 – DNP Clinical Practicum, 240 hours (4 cr.)
More curriculum details available on the course catalog page.
Post-MSN DNP Clinicals
Clinical hours and structure mirror the BSN-to-DNP track, totaling 840 clinical hours and 240 DNP project hours. Clinical practicums can often be completed in the student’s home area.
- NURS 618 – Clinical Practicum AG-ACNP (distributed across Year 3–4, 3–7 cr.)
- NURS 619 – Clinical Practicum AG-ACNP (continuing hours, 3–7 cr.)
- NURS 810 – DNP Clinical Practicum (Year 4: 240 hours, 4 cr.)
- NURS 825 – DNP Project (240 project hours total)
- Total: 840 clinical hours + 240 DNP project hours
- RN license required for the state in which the clinical site is located
- Grade of BC or better required in all practicum courses
Post-MSN DNP Prerequisites & Admissions
- MSN from an accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale)
- Current, unrestricted RN licensure and/or APRN certification
- Experience working as a nurse practitioner in primary care adult-gerontology or family practice (for the AGACNP track)
- Evidence of current CPR throughout the program
- Satisfactory completion of undergraduate statistics and research courses
- Professional CV or resume
- Essay (~2 pages, APA format) describing clinical/leadership path, relevant experiences, and interest in DNP
- Three letters of recommendation (same structure as BSN-to-DNP — one from an advanced practice provider, one from a clinical supervisor, one professional recommendation)
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions
- Personal interview required for select candidates
- Criminal background check and health/immunization requirements throughout the program
- Up to 9 transfer credits accepted (grade of B or better; within last 5 years)
- Program must be completed within 7 years (for NP role preparation track); 4 years for non-NP post-MSN tracks
Tuition
| Program | Per Credit (2025–26) | Credits | Est. Tuition Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Graduate Certificate (AGAC-NP) | $1,050 | 21 | ~$22,050 |
| BSN-to-DNP AGACNP | $1,050 | 74 | ~$77,700 |
| Post-MSN DNP AGACNP | $1,050 | 71 | ~$74,550 |
A $15/credit student resources fee applies to all graduate programs. Additional DNP course-specific fees apply and are charged per course or per credit:
- NURS 540 (Advanced Health Assessment): $220/course
- NURS 602 and 688: $105/course each
- NURS 615, 616, 692, 693: $105/course per credit
- NURS 800, 810, 820: $170/course per credit
- NURS 801: $275/credit
- NURS 825 (DNP Project): $560/course
- HMGT 690: $75/course
- Background check fees vary by state
More tuition details are available here.
Application Deadlines
Specific application deadlines for Viterbo’s AGACNP programs were not published in the available source materials. Programs enroll on a rolling basis with limited seats. Prospective students should contact Graduate Admissions directly for current deadlines.
Accreditation
Viterbo University’s graduate nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates of all AGACNP tracks are eligible to apply for the national certification exam through the ANCC, AANP, or AACN — Viterbo reports a 100% certification pass rate for NP/DNP track students.