Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) Program

About

The Georgetown University School of Nursing distance-based, online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) program provides registered nurses (RNs) with the skills to manage the care of patients with acute and complex chronic conditions. The MSN, MN, and MS in Nursing are comparable degrees and prepare students at the same level of competency.

The AG-ACNP program prepares registered nurses to communicate clearly with patients and families, listen actively to their concerns, and diagnose and treat acute and complex chronic health situations. Through interactive online courses and clinical placements, students learn to provide advanced care for those with acute health care conditions and those requiring critical care.

Georgetown University’s Distance-Based, Online MS in Nursing Program 

Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program is designed to provide the experience and credentials students need to progress in their nursing career. The curriculum — designed and delivered by our nationally respected Georgetown faculty — takes a multidimensional approach to preparing nurses for both patient care and leadership roles in the health care industry. Georgetown is focused on the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis, or care for the whole person — body, mind, and spirit.

Why Obtain Your Online Master of Science in Nursing?

The distance-based, online Master of Science in Nursing (MS-Nursing) program prepares students to move into advanced practice specialty roles. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE accreditation ensures that nursing degree programs consistently provide high-quality education supported by effective educational practices.

Graduates of the AG-ACNP program are eligible to sit for national certification and apply for state licensure as an advanced practice provider. The AG-ACNP graduates may sit for the AG-ACNP certification exams offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). Certified AG-ACNPs collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to assess, diagnose, and manage the care of adult and gerontology patients who are experiencing acute conditions in an inpatient or urgent care setting. AG-ACNPs design and implement treatment plans which integrate advanced monitoring and evidence-based practices to treat illness, promote the health of their patients and prevent complications. ACNPC-AG indicates that an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner has earned a board certification from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and the “C” stands for certified.

Curriculum: Distance-Based, Online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program

This distance-based, online Master of Science in Nursing (MS-Nursing) Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program (comparable to MSN) prepares registered nurses to manage the care of patients with acute and complex chronic conditions.

AG-ACNP Curriculum at a Glance

In the AG-ACNP program, students will:

• Receive dedicated support and guidance from Georgetown University School of Nursing faculty, many of whom are fellows, active clinicians, and leaders in adult critical care.
• Develop specialized skills during live distance-based, online classes (HD-streamed), informed by interactive content and unfolding case studies.
• Gain practical experience at Objective Clinical Intensives (OCIs) such as practice interviewing and assessing with standardized patients and genitourinary teaching associates (GUTA), and gain specialized skills such as central line insertion, rapid sequence intubation, and point-of-care ultrasounds.
• Manage acutely ill adult and geriatric patients during clinical placements at sites that meet Georgetown University’s high standards.

Admissions: Distance-Based, Online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Georgetown University School of Nursing offers the distance-based, online AG-ACNP specialization through the Master of Science degree in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP), and Post-Graduate Certificate programs.

The admissions committee for the distance-based Master of Science in Nursing (MS-Nursing) program (comparable to MSN) will equally consider your academic background, clinical experience, and leadership potential and abilities. Georgetown University School of Nursing offers several start dates throughout the year and accepts applications on a rolling basis.

The admission requirements for the master’s-level AG-ACNP program are:

• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
• Current U.S. registered nurse (RN) license
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) entry-level Master of Science in Nursing degree from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited program
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 science GPA
• Successful completion (C or better) of a college-level, three-credit course in statistics
• At least one year of full-time experience in an intensive care unit, emergency department, telemetry unit, or progressive care unit

As part of the MS in Nursing admission process, you will also be required to provide the following:

• Professional résumé or curriculum vitae
• Official academic transcripts
• Personal statement
• Recorded interview
• Three letters of recommendation

Learn more about application deadlines and admission requirements. (Note: you will enter a website maintained by 2U.)

The Distance-Based, Online Student Experience

Georgetown programs are designed with the needs of online learners in mind, backed by research in curriculum and pedagogy.

In the AG-ACNP program, students will:

Engage in Open Dialogue During Live Classes

Join fellow nurses in weekly live classes, designed and led by renowned Georgetown University School of Nursing faculty members. The collaborative environment allows for in-depth discussions, real-time presentations, and on-screen annotations.

Explore an Intuitive Virtual Hub

Our digital platform integrates the curriculum with high-quality videos, interactive readings, and quizzes that help reinforce the fundamental technical, ethical, and interpersonal skills required for advanced nursing practice. The platform allows students to personalize their experience based on learning style and other sensory needs, using features such as dark mode, searchable video transcripts, and adjustable video speed.

Evolve as a Practitioner Through Objective Clinical Intensive Experiences

Gain real-world experience, critical to developing nurses who are morally reflective health care leaders and scholars.

Access Support at Every Step

Get full support from the Georgetown University School of Nursing community — be it admissions guidance, post-enrollment support, technology training, faculty office hours, or even lifelong networking and career-development opportunities.

Career Paths: Types of Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Upon completing an MS-Nursing (comparable to MSN), graduates of the distance-based, online AG-ACNP program are eligible to sit for national certification and apply to their state board of nursing for licensure as an advanced practice provider.

The AG-ACNP graduates may sit for the AG-ACNP certification exams offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). Certified AG-ACNPs are advanced practice nurses who work in acute-care settings, including hospitals, emergency departments, and intensive care units. They collaborate with the healthcare team to assess, diagnose, and manage the care of adult and gerontology patients experiencing critical illness, complex chronic conditions, trauma, and other acute medical needs.

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Explore a distance-based, online MS in Nursing Program at Georgetown University

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