Graduate Studies

MSN in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program (AGACNP)

As an adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP), you'll provide advanced healthcare services to critically ill and unstable patients in the adult-gerontology population (12 years or older).

In Widener's acute care nurse practitioner program you will gain hands on experience. Learn more about acute care nursing at Widener.

Program Overview

In our adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP) master’s program, you’ll partner with experienced nursing professionals to develop the skills to provide advanced health care services to patients with acute health needs.

Our expert, full-time faculty will guide you through rigorous academics and connect you with clinical practica in medical and surgical ICUs, trauma units, and hospitalist rotations that align with your personal and professional goals.

The master's degree program in nursing at Widener University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program Options

View the adult gerontology acute care MSN curriculum in our Loading....

Students can enroll for the program at either our Main Campus in Chester or Central Pennsylvania campus in Harrisburg.

The program can be completed either full-time or part-time with an average completion time between 18-30 months. The program is completed at the students pace within the five-year time limit post matriculation.

Students who are registered nurses with a bachelor's degree in a different discipline can enroll in the RN-to-MSN program to earn their master's degree.

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Students who hold an MSN can pursue an Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP post-master's certificate. The School of Nursing offers a number of post-master's and post-doctoral certificates in different areas of study.

View post-master's certificates

View post-doctoral certificates

Many area health care systems offer their employees discounted tuition rates for Widener's graduate nursing programs.

View our educational partners

Admissions

  • Complete online application.
  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing or equivalent from an accredited ACEN or CCNE program.
  • Minimum of 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) in a BSN program.
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions of higher education.
  • Completion of an undergraduate statistics/research course with a grade of C or better.
  • Two recommendations, preferably from professional nurses with graduate degrees, regarding applicant’s practice and potential for graduate work in nursing.
  • Valid U.S. license as a registered nurse.
  • Personal Statement.
  • Updated resume.
  • International applicants, immigrants to the U.S., and U.S. permanent residents are required to submit the results of an English proficiency test taken with 2 years, unless they are from a TOEFL-exempt country.
    View English Proficiency Requirements
  • International applicants who will be seeking licensure in the U.S. should work with Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to utilize their credentials evaluation service

Admissions requirements will also eventually be available in the online course catalog.

  • August 15 - for matriculation in the fall semester
  • December 15 - for matriculation in the spring semester
  • April 15 - for matriculation in summer sessions

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program Highlights

With an MSN degree from Widener, you will advance your skills through rigorous academics and real-world experiences.

College of Distinction Nursing 2023-2024 Logo

College of Distinction for Nursing

Recognized for top-quality teaching and successful outcomes.

National Center of Nursing Excellence

The National League for Nursing named Widener a Center of Excellence for advancing the science of nursing education.

Founders Hall midday shot

Renowned in the Region

Our School of Nursing was ranked 7th in Pennsylvania among private colleges.

Best Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Best Master of Science in Nursing

Recognized as the best hybrid MSN program based on flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation.

Founders Hall, home to Widener's School of Nursing, at dusk

Top 30 in Nation

Our School of Nursing is proud to rank #28 out of more than 1,100 private institutions evaluated across the nation.  

Source: Nursing Schools Almanac

 

Two Widener nursing students working on a patient in a clinical setting

Specialized Clinical & Diverse Experience

Gain clinical experience in various specialties at the region’s top health care facilities and systems. Acute care is provided in a number of settings. Our program introduces you to different setting options through diverse clinical experiences at the region’s renowned health care facilities and systems.

On campus, you’ll have access to practice your skills in real-world scenarios in our state-of-the-art simulation and testing center.

Graduate Student Learning Online

Course Flexibility

Our flexible hybrid course delivery system makes it possible for you to fit this program into your busy professional and personal life. This hybrid approach offers a blend of in-person and online classes at our Main Campus in Chester and Harrisburg.

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing BSN students receive faculty mentorship in School of Nursing Sim Lab—Widener is considered one of the best schools for nursing in Pennsylvania.

Faculty Mentorship

Thrive in a learning community that is guided by expert faculty with close mentorship and one-on-one support. You'll complete courses led by clinically active professors and build a network that will follow you long after graduation.

Clubs & Organizations

Nursing majors have the opportunity to join multiple clubs and organizations across campus, including the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), and many more.

Your Inside Track to Success

Your Inside Track to Success

You will graduate with the expertise you need to provide care as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP).

Outlook & Outcomes for Acute Care Nursing

Potential Careers

  • Acute care practitioner
  • Nurse leader
  • Nurse educator

Avg. Salary

$123,780

Annual salary of an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.

Industry Growth

Employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Take the Next Steps

Apply

We’re glad you made the decision to apply. All applications and supplemental materials are submitted through the online application system. There is a $35 application fee to apply to Widener.