Wright State University ACNP Programs

Wright State University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration.

Program Highlights:

  • Rolling admissions with flexible start dates (Spring, Summer, or Fall)
  • Optional elective cardiac course (3 additional credit hours) for cardiology specialization
  • Second Master’s option available for nurses with existing MSN degrees (minimum 22 semester hours required)

Program Track Overview

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration

The estimated cost for the MSN-AGACNP program is approximately $34,680 for Ohio residents ($58,395 for out-of-state students) and requires 2-2.5 years to complete on a full-time basis.

MSN Curriculum

The program requires 51 credit hours combining core nursing courses with AGACNP concentration coursework. The curriculum builds on advanced clinical practice and nursing science with foundations in physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.

Students can select specialty emphases including critical care, cardiology, pulmonary, neurology, oncology, and trauma. Individualized plans including part-time options are developed upon admission.

Required Core Courses (15 credit hours):
  • HLT 7001 Introduction to Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice in Health Sciences (3 credits) OR EDL 7510 Statistics and Research (3 credits)
  • NUR 7001 Role Development and Leadership (3 credits)
  • NUR 7003 Health Policy, Politics, and Issues (3 credits)
  • NUR 7004 Theoretical Foundations for Nursing Practice (3 credits)
  • NUR 7005 Nursing Research and Evidence for Practice (3 credits)
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration Courses (36 credit hours):

NUR 7102 – Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)
This course explains advanced disease processes across the lifespan. Students connect pathophysiology to diagnosis, diagnostic testing, and treatment planning.

NUR 7103 – Applied Pharmacology and Therapeutics for Advanced Practice Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
This course builds prescriptive knowledge for common acute and chronic conditions. Students study indications, mechanisms, interactions, side effects, and patient teaching.

NUR 7104 – Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
This course develops advanced assessment skills for patients across the lifespan. Students practice health history, physical and developmental exams, nutrition review, and problem identification.

NUR 7105 – Population Health (3 credits)
This course teaches population assessment and planning for system-level care. Students design safe and culturally appropriate interventions for groups and communities.

NUR 7201 – Common Acute and Emergent Adult Health Problems I (8 credits)
This course covers acute and emergent conditions involving cardiac, pulmonary, renal, skin, and multisystem problems. Students integrate risk reduction, symptom control, and medication management for advanced acute care practice.

NUR 7202 – Common Acute and Emergent Adult Health Problems II (8 credits)
This course covers acute and emergent conditions involving endocrine, GI, GU, hematology, immunology, and neurology across adult age groups. Students strengthen complex symptom management, prevention strategies, and pharmacologic planning.

NUR 7203 – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum (6 credits)
This practicum blends theory with real-world AGACNP role practice. Students apply clinical decision making in interprofessional settings while managing acute and emergent patient problems.

NUR 7213 – Adult Gerontology Acute Care Diagnostics & Procedures (2 credits)
This course teaches diagnostics and treatment procedures used in acute and critical care. Students build hands-on skills for selected tests and interventions.

Optional Elective:
  • Cardiac course (3 additional credit hours) for students interested in cardiology specialization

More curriculum details are available here.

MSN Clinicals

Clinical preceptors in various settings prepare students for comprehensive patient care across emergency departments, intensive care units, acute care units, specialty labs, clinics, and physician practices. Students complete practicum experiences focused on their selected specialty areas.

Clinical Requirements:

  • Clinical hours embedded in NUR 7201 Common Acute and Emergent Adult Health Problems I (8 credits)
  • Clinical hours embedded in NUR 7202 Common Acute and Emergent Adult Health Problems II (8 credits)
  • NUR 7203 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Practicum (6 credits)
  • NUR 7213 Adult Gerontology Acute Care Diagnostics & Procedures (2 credits)
  • Precepted clinical experiences in selected specialty areas
  • Settings include emergency departments, ICUs, acute care units, specialty labs, clinics, physician practices
  • Students select specialty emphasis (critical care, cardiology, pulmonary, neurology, oncology, trauma)

MSN Admissions Requirements

Academic Requirements:

  • BSN degree from accredited institution
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on 4.0 scale from baccalaureate degree and any subsequent graduate work
  • Current unencumbered nursing license

Experience Requirements:

  • Minimum two years recent critical care nursing experience

Application Process – Two Steps:

Step 1: Apply to Wright State University Graduate School

  • Graduate School application (online)
  • Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
  • Resume/curriculum vitae
  • Meaningful clinical experience essay (2 pages maximum)
  • Statement of professional goals (250 words maximum)
  • Two references (name and email address): current/most recent supervisor and faculty member from nursing program or previous employer

Step 2: Apply to School of Nursing

  • School of Nursing application
  • BCI and FBI background check results
  • Evidence of no criminal record through clear background screen

International Students:

  • Must provide proof of English proficiency with minimum scores: TOEFL IBT 79, IELTS 6.0, Pearson PTE 57, or LEAP 4
  • Must have unencumbered United States nursing license
  • Must have two years United States recent critical care nursing experience
  • Students completing Intensive English Program from accredited institution exempt from English proficiency exam

Second Master’s Option:

  • Available for nurses with existing MSN degree
  • University requires minimum 22 semester hours
  • Gap analysis conducted to determine required clinical hours and didactic courses
  • Program completion in one to two years depending on analysis

Tuition

Ohio Residents:

  • Part-time (1-10.5 credit hours): $680 per credit hour
  • Full-time (11-18 credit hours): $7,363 per semester

Out-of-State Students:

  • Part-time (1-10.5 credit hours): $1,145 per credit hour
  • Full-time (11-18 credit hours): $12,357 per semester

See the official tuition page for more details.

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions – Multiple Start Options:

  • Spring Semester start: December 1 deadline
  • Summer Semester start: April 1 deadline
  • Fall Semester start: July 31 deadline
  • Program admits on rolling basis with no strict application deadline
  • Varied program start dates available

Accreditation

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits Wright State University’s master’s degree program in nursing. Graduates are eligible for certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Association (ANCC) or American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) as Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioners. National certification is necessary to obtain advanced practice licensure in most states.

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