Winona State University offers 3 Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- BS-DNP – AGACNP
- Post-Master’s DNP – AGACNP
- Certificate – AGACNP
These AGACNP options are delivered through WSU’s graduate nursing department, with coursework and clinical learning tied to the Rochester location, and the certificate page lists the format as hybrid.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program Name | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BS-DNP AGACNP | $83,811.60 | 3 to 4 years |
| Post-Master’s DNP AGACNP | $36,085.55+ | 2 years |
| Certificate AGACNP | $24,445.05+ | 1 year |
The DNP pathway includes a required DNP Project, while the certificate is built for nurses who already hold a graduate nursing degree and want to add AGACNP preparation. WSU also notes that some certificate courses use distance teaching strategies and that graduates are prepared for national certification eligibility.
Doctor of Nursing Practice – AGACNP (BS-DNP)
The estimated cost for the BS-DNP AGACNP program is about $83,811.60 in tuition based on 72 credits at $1,164.05 per credit, and it would take 3 to 4 years to complete on a full-time basis.
BS-DNP Curriculum
The BS-DNP AGACNP curriculum blends nursing science core courses, advanced practice clinical courses, and a multi-part DNP Project. Students progress from research, leadership, and population health content into advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, assessment, diagnostics, acute care seminars, procedures training, and direct clinical courses for adult-gerontology acute care practice.
STAT 601 – Statistical Methods for Health Care Research (3 credits)
This course teaches the use of statistical methods in health care research. Students learn how to apply and interpret data for clinical and research decisions. The course builds skills in analyzing outcomes and supporting evidence-based care.
NURS 604 – Health Policy and Quality Health Care Delivery (3 credits)
This course examines health policy and its impact on care delivery. Students study health care financing, patient safety, and quality improvement. The course prepares nurses to advocate for change at the local, state, and national levels.
NURS 606 – Nursing Information Management & Decision Making (3 credits)
This course introduces health informatics and data management in nursing practice. Students use information systems to improve patient outcomes and safety. The course supports decision-making through data-driven strategies.
NURS 608 – Organizational and Systems Leadership (3 credits)
This course develops leadership skills in complex health care systems. Students learn to manage change, lead teams, and improve outcomes. The course also covers health economics and strategies to support a strong work environment.
NURS 612 – Advanced Health Promotion (3 credits)
This course focuses on disease prevention and health promotion across populations. Students apply evidence-based strategies that respect cultural and social differences. The course emphasizes collaboration and improving health outcomes in diverse settings.
NURS 613 – Advanced Health Promotion Clinical (1 credit)
This clinical course applies health promotion concepts in real settings. Students design and evaluate interventions for individuals and communities. The course includes hands-on experience with diverse populations and interprofessional teams.
NURS 703 – Epidemiological Approaches to Population Health (3 credits)
This course covers key concepts in epidemiology and population health. Students analyze data to improve health outcomes at the population level. The course also explores social factors that influence health and policy decisions.
NURS 708 – Professionalism in Advanced Nursing Roles (3 credits)
This course prepares students for advanced nursing roles and leadership. Students develop professional identity, ethical practice, and accountability. The course focuses on behavior expected in advanced clinical and leadership settings.
NURS 771 – Research and Evidence-Based Practice for Advanced Nursing (4 credits)
This course builds skills in evaluating and applying research to practice. Students learn to assess evidence and use it to guide care decisions. The course also compares research, quality improvement, and practice-based projects.
NURS 780 – DNP Project I – Clinical (3 credits)
This course begins the DNP project process. Students identify a clinical problem and review evidence for change. The course includes planning, stakeholder engagement, and assessment of barriers and supports.
NURS 781 – DNP Project II – Clinical (2 credits)
This course focuses on project implementation. Students begin applying their plan to improve health outcomes. The course includes approval processes and early evaluation steps.
NURS 782 – DNP Project III – Clinical (2 credits)
This course completes the DNP project. Students evaluate results and share findings. The course emphasizes leadership, collaboration, and system-level impact.
NURS 617 – Advanced Clinical Pharmacology (3 credits)
This course covers safe and effective medication use in patient care. Students study drug classes, effects, and risks. The course emphasizes evidence-based prescribing and patient education.
NURS 618 – Advanced Pathophysiology (4 credits)
This course examines disease processes across body systems. Students learn how conditions affect normal function. The course supports clinical assessment and decision-making.
NURS 619 – Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits)
This course builds advanced patient assessment skills. Students use diagnostic reasoning to evaluate health across the lifespan. The course includes cultural and population-based considerations.
NURS 673 – Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics for AGACNPs (3 credits → 2 credits)
This course introduces diagnostic and treatment skills for acute care practice. Students learn to interpret tests and manage common conditions. The course also develops clinical reasoning and communication skills.
NURS 674 – Acute Care of Adults I Seminar (3 credits)
This course focuses on managing acutely ill adult patients. Students apply evidence-based care in high-acuity settings. The course integrates assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
NURS 675 – Acute Care of Adults Clinical I (4–6 credits)
This clinical course develops hands-on acute care skills. Students manage patients in real clinical settings. The course builds confidence in the AGACNP role.
NURS 676 – Acute Care Adults Seminar II (3 credits)
This course advances knowledge in acute and critical care management. Students refine diagnostic and treatment skills. The course prepares students for complex patient care.
NURS 677 – Acute Care of Adults Clinical II (5–6 credits)
This clinical course expands advanced practice skills in acute care. Students manage complex and unstable patients. The course strengthens clinical judgment and care planning.
NURS 684 – Procedures for AGACNPs (3 credits)
This course teaches essential procedures for acute care practice. Students perform skills such as airway management and central line placement. The course uses hands-on training in a controlled setting.
NURS 709 – Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Clinical (1 credit)
This course builds advanced diagnostic and treatment skills through clinical practice. Students work with adult and geriatric patients in acute care settings. The course emphasizes clinical reasoning and decision-making.
BS to DNP Electives (2–3 credits)
These elective courses allow students to explore focused topics that support career goals. Students select options that align with clinical, leadership, or population health interests.
More curriculum details are available in the course catalog.
BS-DNP Clinicals
Clinical training is extensive in the BS-DNP track and is designed for adult patients with acute, critical, and chronic illness across specialty settings.
The four-year AGACNP plan lists 1,380 total clinical hours, while the catalog also states the AGACNP DNP program provides 840 clinical hours within the specialty and that DNP graduates must reach 1,000 total clinical/practicum hours, with prior master’s hours or added practicum work used when needed; this appears to reflect different plan structures or counting methods on different official pages.
- Direct role clinical credits: 13 credits = 780 hours
- Indirect role clinical credits: 4 credits = 240 hours
- Clinical scholarship credits: 6 credits = 360 hours
- Procedures training is included through NURS 684
- Practicums are supervised by qualified acute care provider preceptors in specialty areas
BS-DNP Admissions
Admission to the BS-DNP AGACNP pathway requires a BSN and baseline graduate nursing eligibility, plus several AGACNP-specific items tied to acute care readiness. WSU also expects applicants to complete the NursingCAS process and submit supporting documents for review.
- Bachelor’s degree from a nationally accredited nursing program
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Minimum of one year of clinical nursing experience
- Current, unencumbered RN license
- Undergraduate coursework in nursing research and statistics
- Undergraduate coursework in physical assessment
- ACLS certification through the American Heart Association
- ECG interpretation course completed before WSU clinical courses
- One year of high-acuity clinical practice, such as ER, ICU, or CCU/CUU-type settings
- Official transcripts
- 2 professional references
- Professional resume
- Personal statement
- Interview may be required
Doctor of Nursing Practice – AGACNP (Post-Master’s)
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s DNP AGACNP program is at least about $36,085.55 in tuition and it would take about 2 years to complete.
Estimate based on the 31 credits that must be completed at Winona State University at $1,164.05 per credit. Total cost can be higher if faculty require additional prerequisite or role-change coursework.
Post-Master’s DNP Curriculum
The Post-Master’s DNP pathway has two formats: a new role option for nurses changing into AGACNP practice and a no role change option for nurses who are already AGACNP certified or certification-eligible. Both routes include DNP science core work, while the new role track adds the AGACNP specialty sequence and the no role change track uses approved electives.
Required courses for Tracks 1 and 2
- STAT 601 – Statistical Methods for Health Care Research
- NURS 606 – Nursing Information Management & Decision Making
- NURS 608 – Organizational and Systems Leadership
- NURS 612 – Advanced Health Promotion
- NURS 617 – Advanced Clinical Pharmacology
- NURS 618 – Advanced Pathophysiology
- NURS 619 – Advanced Health Assessment
- NURS 613 – Advanced Health Promotion Clinical
- NURS 703 – Epidemiological Approaches to Population Health
- NURS 771 – Research and Evidence-based Practice for Advanced Nursing
- NURS 780 – DNP Project I – Clinical
- NURS 781 – DNP Project II – Clinical
- NURS 782 – DNP Project III – Clinical
Track 1: New Role AGACNP courses
- NURS 673 – Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NPs
- NURS 674 – Acute Care of Adults I Seminar
- NURS 675 – Acute Care of Adults Clinical I
- NURS 676 – Acute Care Adults Seminar II
- NURS 677 – Acute Care of Adults Clinical II
- NURS 684 – Procedures for AGACNPs
- NURS 709 – Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NPs Clinical
- DNP Elective (2 credits)
More curriculum details are available in the course catalog.
Post-Master’s DNP Clinicals
Clinical expectations depend on whether the student is entering a new role or staying in the same role. WSU states that all DNP graduates must complete 1,000 total clinical/practicum hours, and previous master’s hours may be applied when faculty determine that they are appropriate.
- Track 1 new role students complete AGACNP clinical courses and specialty practicum work
- Track 2 no role change students focus more heavily on DNP-level systems, quality, and evidence-based practice development
- Clinical hour review is individualized for post-master’s students
- Additional practicum coursework may be required to reach the 1,000-hour DNP total if prior hours do not fully apply
Post-Master’s DNP Admissions
The Post-Master’s DNP is intended for nurses with graduate nursing preparation, and advanced practice applicants must show prior completion of core advanced courses or complete them during the program. AGACNP applicants also must meet the same acute care readiness standards listed for the role.
- Graduate degree from a nationally accredited graduate nursing program
- Master’s coursework in nursing research and statistics
- Minimum 3.0 GPA under general graduate nursing criteria
- Current, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum one year of clinical nursing experience
- One year in a functional master’s-level role is recommended
- Evidence of advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, advanced health promotion, and advanced pharmacology
- ACLS certification through the American Heart Association
- ECG interpretation course before clinical courses
- High-acuity experience in settings such as ER, ICU, or similar units
- Official transcripts, references, resume, and personal statement
- Interview may be required
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
The estimated cost for the AGACNP Certificate program is about $24,445.05 in tuition, and it would take about 1 year to complete;
Estimate based on 21 required credits at $1,164.05 per credit.
Certificate Curriculum
The AGACNP certificate is a post-graduate pathway for nurses who already hold a graduate nursing degree and want to add acute care NP preparation. The required specialty sequence focuses on diagnostics, acute care management, procedures, and clinical practice in adult-gerontology acute care.
- NURS 673 – Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NPs
- NURS 674 – Acute Care of Adults I Seminar
- NURS 675 – Acute Care of Adults Clinical I
- NURS 676 – Acute Care Adults Seminar II
- NURS 677 – Acute Care of Adults Clinical II
- NURS 684 – Procedures for AGACNPs
If faculty identify gaps in prior graduate coursework, students may also need:
- NURS 612 – Advanced Health Promotion
- NURS 617 – Advanced Clinical Pharmacology
- NURS 618 – Advanced Pathophysiology
- NURS 619 – Advanced Health Assessment
See the official tuition page for more details. <a href=”https://catalog.winona.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=39&poid=7115″>More curriculum details are available here.</a>
Certificate Clinicals
The certificate includes substantial specialty practicum work and is designed to prepare graduates for national AGACNP certification exams. WSU notes that clinical hours may be tailored based on prior experiences, which can matter for post-graduate learners entering with different backgrounds.
- Clinical Hours: 780
- 1 clinical credit = 60 hours of contact time
- Practicum work is tied to adult acute, critical, and chronic illness care
- Graduates are prepared for ANCC Acute Care NP or AACN exam eligibility
Certificate Admissions
The certificate has clear post-graduate entry rules and is meant for nurses who already completed graduate nursing education. Applicants must also show advanced core preparation or complete needed bridge courses before starting the AGACNP specialty sequence.
- Graduate degree from a nationally accredited graduate nursing program
- Master’s degree in nursing or higher
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 under general graduate nursing admission criteria
- Minimum one year of clinical nursing experience
- Current, unencumbered RN license
- Evidence of advanced pathophysiology
- Evidence of advanced health assessment with diagnostic reasoning and supervised hours
- Evidence of advanced health promotion
- Evidence of advanced pharmacology, with recent completion required in some states for credentialing
- ACLS certification through the American Heart Association
- ECG interpretation course before WSU clinical courses
- One year of high-acuity practice experience
- Official transcripts, 2 professional references, resume, and personal statement
- Interview may be required
Tuition
WSU lists Graduate Nursing at the Rochester campus at $1,164.05 per credit plus $27.72 in fees per credit for 2025–2026.
The university also notes that online courses can carry an added $4.50 per-credit differential based on the resident tuition rate, and students may opt into the eWarrior Laptop Program for $485 per semester.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Application Deadlines
WSU says graduate nursing applications usually open around August 15 each year. On the admissions page provided in your source text, the AGACNP program is listed under programs that are closed, while some other graduate nursing programs remained open until February 1; I did not find a current posted reopen date for AGACNP on the pages reviewed.
Accreditation
Winona State University states that its Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The university also states that its nursing programs are approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing, and one official WSU page says the DNP and post-graduate APRN certificate programs are accredited through June 2030.
More ACNP Programs in Minnesota
- College of St. Scholastica - Duluth
- University of Minnesota - Minneapolis