Become an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Online with Georgetown UniversityBecome an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Online with Georgetown UniversityBecome an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Online with Georgetown University
Earn Your MS in Nursing from our CCNE-Accredited Online AG-ACNP ProgramEarn Your MS in Nursing from our CCNE-Accredited Online AG-ACNP ProgramEarn Your MS in Nursing from our CCNE-Accredited Online AG-ACNP Program
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program Overview
Through a blend of asynchronous didactic content, synchronous class sessions, and in-person Objective Clinical Intensives (OCIs), the distance-based, online Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) program from Georgetown University School of Nursing (GUSON) prepares registered nurses (RNs) to manage the care of patients with acute and chronic conditions.
The program is designed for RNs with at least one year of full-time experience in an intensive care unit, emergency department, or progressive care unit. Students learn to communicate clearly with patients and families, listen actively to their concerns, and manage complex acute health situations.
Having completed a Master of Science in Nursing, graduates of the online AG-ACNP program are eligible to sit for national certification offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). Once certified, they may serve as nurse practitioners in acute and complex care settings for adult and older adult patients.
Download the program information brochure here. (PDF, 3.5 MB)

Online AG-ACNP Program Highlights
CCNE ACCREDITATION
100% AACN School Certification Rate in 2021
97.14% ANCC School Certification Rate in 2021
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program Curriculum
The curriculum for the distance-based, online AG-ACNP program is centered on the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis, or care for the whole person — body, mind, and spirit. Through interactive online courses and clinical placements, students learn to provide advanced care for those with critical conditions and primary care for older adults.
To learn more about applying, visit the admissions page.
The distance-based, online AG-ACNP program is offered on a part-time basis, consisting of:
40
credits
23
months to complete
6
total terms
600
clinical hours
3
required Objective Clinical Intensives
Prepare to Become an AG-ACNP Online
If you’re ready to advance your career in adult gerontology and acute care, request information about the distance-based, online Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program from Georgetown University School of Nursing (GUSON).
CCNE Accreditation
The distance-based, online Master of Science in Nursing 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.

Adult Gerontology ACNP Certification Examination Rates
Upon graduation, graduates are eligible to sit for national certification; they must also meet state requirements to obtain licensure.
The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares graduates to sit for the Adult Gerontology ACNP certification exams offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
The statistics below include certification rate information for online students who graduated from Georgetown University’s Master of Science in Nursing program in the year indicated.
2021
- ANCC School Certification Rate: – 97.14%
- AACN School Certification Rate: – 100%
2020
- ANCC School Certification Rate: – 100%
- AACN School Certification Rate: – 100%
20191
- ANCC School Certification Rate: – 100%
- AACN School Certification Rate: – 100%
2018
- ANCC School Certification Rate: 98.04%
- AACN School Certification Rate: 100%
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about Georgetown University’s Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) program.
What can an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) do?
Certified ACNPs may collaborate with physicians and other health care professionals to evaluate, diagnose, and provide restorative care to adult and gerontology patients who are experiencing chronic or complex illnesses and conditions. ACNPs may order tests, develop treatment plans, establish follow-up care, and more.
What is an AG-ACNP?
An Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) is an advanced practice nurse who works in acute- and complex-care settings, including hospital emergency departments and urgent care centers. AG-ACNPs provide care to adult and gerontology patients in critical condition, those with chronic illnesses, and/or those with acute medical needs.
What is an ACNP doctoral degree?
The Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP) is a doctoral degree. ACNPs who earn their DNP may use the academic title “doctor,” though many choose to clarify in clinical settings where “Dr.” commonly denotes a physician. Some states have strict legislation surrounding when a nurse may be referred to as “doctor.”
What does ACNP-BC mean in nursing?
ANCP-BC indicates that an acute care nurse practitioner has earned a board certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. BC stands for “board certified.”
1 For reference, the national certification rate for the 2019 ANCC certification was 91%, and the national average certification rate for the 2019 AACN certification was 74%.