Acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs) care for patients struggling with acute, chronic, or critical conditions, while primary care nurse practitioners (PCNPs) provide comprehensive care to support their patients’ daily health. The online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Adult Gerontology – Acute Care at Regis College prepares associate- and bachelor’s-credentialed nurses to provide advanced care to patients, from adolescents to adults, facing serious threats to their health.With the number of Americans over 65 expected to reach 73 million by 2030, representing nearly 25% of the population, demand for adult gerontology – acute care nurse practitioners (AGACNPs) will remain strong.* AGACNPs can also play a critical role serving on the front line during an epidemic or a pandemic, helping to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Nurses are in short supply and high demand, and Regis is more committed than ever to help fill that void.
What can you do with an adult gerontology – acute care nursing degree?
Adult gerontology – acute care nurse practitioners diagnose and treat acute medical conditions for a wide range of patients, from adolescents to adults, sometimes in collaboration with other medical professionals. They may also continue to monitor patients as they move into an outpatient facility or return home to ensure a successful transition and complete resolution of their needs.
Where do adult gerontology – acute care nurse practitioners work?
Like many other medical professionals, AGACNPs can work in various medical facilities, including hospitals, private practices, community health clinics, and nursing homes.
Get Curriculum DetailsBenefits of an Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program
Earning an MSN degree with an AGACNP concentration can prepare you to enter a field filled with opportunity. Increased demand for health care and a growing shortage of nurses translates to more job opportunities and higher pay.
The program also helps students cultivate advanced health care expertise and enhance their skill set, preparing them to become trusted leaders who can guide others as the industry evolves.
Additionally, our fully online program provides you with the flexibility to advance your nursing education while balancing work and personal commitments — a significant advantage for busy learners.
What Can You Do with an Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Degree?
Baby boomers are one of the largest populations in the United States, representing nearly 25% of the U.S. population as of 2020. As they continue to age, the nation will need more medical professionals skilled at diagnosing and treating their medical needs. AGACNPs perform a variety of tasks, including:
- Providing long-term evaluation/management of patients with acute and chronic health care problems, both within and outside the hospital setting
- Writing prescriptions for acutely and chronically ill patients**
- Assessing patient responses to drugs and other ancillary treatments
- Creating effective care plans based on relevant data and test results
**NPs’ authority to write prescriptions is granted on a state-by-state basis.
Where Do Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioners Work?
Adult gerontology – acute care nurse practitioners can work in a variety of settings, providing advanced care to adults experiencing urgent health threats and chronic or episodic illnesses. Medical facilities that employ AGACNPs include:
- Cardiac care units
- Emergency rooms
- Intensive care units
- Nursing schools
- Private practice
- Specialized clinics
- Acute and subacute care units
- Trauma units
What Is the Typical AGACNP Salary?
Adult gerontology – acute care nurse practitioners provide essential patient care. Their compensation reflects their important role. According to Payscale, the median annual salary for AGACNPs was approximately $96,100 as of February 2023.*
*Source: Payscale
Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Job Outlook
Due to the ongoing nursing shortage, opportunities for advanced practice nurses abound. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 40% employment growth for nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives from 2021 to 2031 — and an even more impressive 46% growth for nurse practitioners alone. This translates to nearly 113,000 new jobs over the next decade.*
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Why Choose Regis for Your Online MSN in AGACNP?
100% online, flexible learning environment
Complete in as few as 28-36 months
Qualify to sit for ANCC and AACN certification
Our NP exam pass rates exceed the national average*
Transfer credits accepted
*Based on Regis online and on-campus NP exam pass rates
A Virtual Extension of Our highly Regarded On-campus Program
The online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a virtual extension of our highly regarded and longstanding on-campus program. Maintaining the mission of Regis, our online MSN program resonates with and empowers those who seek to serve at their highest capacity to care for and comfort patients.
Our esteemed faculty consists of active nursing professionals, which means our programs provide insider perspectives on the leadership qualities the nursing field demands. With our online MSN, you can develop important leadership skills such as critical thinking, professional and interpersonal communication, effective decision-making, patience, and more.
Master’s Programs Guide ranked Regis #16 in 50 Best Online Master of Science in Nursing Programs.
Regis College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Designated as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing 2008-2020
Ranked among the Top 25 Fastest-Growing Colleges by The Business Journals
Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Curriculum
We’re here to support you. With several modes of student support, no GRE requirements, and a flexible learning environment, we’re breaking down barriers that often prevent bright minds from reaching their full potential. Our inclusive approach to nursing leadership starts with three entry points:
- Associate Degree in Nursing to MSN
- Non-Nursing Bachelor’s to MSN
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing to MSN
Our core MSN coursework covers foundational advanced nursing topics that provide students the expertise to become trusted leaders in the field. Topics include nursing theory, concepts in nurse leadership, evidence-based practice, and health policy.
Additionally, students enrolled in the AGACNP program will take courses designed to provide them with a deeper understanding of topics pertaining to adult gerontology acute care. These courses include:
- Acute and Critical Care Pharmacology
- Clinical Concentration Course: Acute and Critical Care of the Adult-Gerontology Client
- Clinical Concentration Seminar: Acute and Critical Care of the Adult-Gerontology Client (provides 300 clinical hours)
Ways to Save on Your AGACNP Tuition
Employee Discounts
Regis partner employees can receive a discount on their tuition. Find out if your employer is a partner.
Federal & Military Discounts
Federal government employees as well as active and reserve military and veterans are eligible for a 15% discount on tuition. Find out more.
Alumni Discounts
Regis alumni who have received a previous degree from Regis are eligible for a 10% discount on tuition. Speak to an advisor for more information.
Graduate Assistantship
Earn financial aid helping fellow students while also gaining valuable professional skills. Get more details.
Regis discounts cannot be combined with any other discount or scholarship offered by Regis. Some exceptions may apply.
Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Admission Requirements
To be eligible for this program, students must meet the following qualifications:
Registered Nurse with Associate Degree Entry or Registered Nurse with Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Entry:
- An Associate Degree in Nursing or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA preferred
- Active unencumbered RN license
- Complete 15 bridge credit hours with a B or better
- Must complete a college-level statistics course prior to the start of classes
- For RNs with an Associate Degree in Nursing, general education courses may be required, depending on your prior undergraduate coursework
- One year of critical care work experience (for AGACNP program only)
Registered Nurse with Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Entry:
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited institution and accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA preferred
- Active unencumbered RN license
- Must complete a college-level statistics course prior to the start of classes
- One year of critical care work experience (for AGACNP program only)
AGACNP Application Requirements
You can begin your application process today. To get started you will need to submit the following:
- Application form
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Proof of active unencumbered RN license
- Current resume
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
Meet Our Online AGACP Program Faculty
Michele Pedulla, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC
Associate Professor
View Full Bio of Michele Pedulla, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC
Dr. Terrence Taylor, DNP, ACNP-BC
Assistant Professor
View Full Bio of Dr. Terrence Taylor, DNP, ACNP-BC
About Regis
As a leader in education, Regis is dedicated to offering programs with a holistic view of health care that are designed for the future of the field. Through cutting-edge coursework, industry-active faculty members, and an array of majors and graduate programs, Regis has been able to positively impact the educational community, health care landscape, and personal lives of students nationwide.
“In recent years, Regis has become a powerhouse in professional and graduate education in nursing and health sciences. As a result, our university has become increasingly visible locally, nationally, and internationally.”
Dr. Antoinette Hays RN, Ph.D.
President
When you choose Regis, you join a closely knit community with big university benefits. As a Regis student, you have the opportunity to build a solid health care foundation, lasting professional connections, and the specialized expertise you need to expand your skills and perspective. Prepare to enter in-demand fields such as nursing and health administration confidently with an education of the highest standard.
