Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Master of Science program at Pennsylvania University is a rigorous two-year, full-time graduate degree designed for registered nurses who aspire to deliver advanced, immediate, and specialized care to adults and elderly patients with complex, acute, and critical health needs. The program emphasizes clinical excellence, diagnostic reasoning, and decision-making skills necessary for working in high-intensity healthcare environments such as emergency departments, intensive care units, trauma centers, and acute medical-surgical settings.
Throughout the curriculum, students build a strong foundation in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, while gaining extensive hands-on experience in acute care through clinical practicums. Taught by experienced clinicians and nurse scholars, the program also integrates training in interprofessional collaboration, ethical leadership, and evidence-based practice. Graduates are prepared not only to manage acute and life-threatening conditions, but also to play key roles in care coordination, procedural interventions, and system-level improvements that enhance outcomes for complex adult and geriatric patients.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Degree Type: Master of Science
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Nursing
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Clinical and Theoretical Foundations
- Advanced Health Assessment of the Adult and Older Adult
- Pathophysiology for Acute and Critical Illness
- Pharmacology for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners
- Foundations of Acute Care Nursing Practice
Semester 2 – Acute Illness Management and Systems Care
- Diagnostic Reasoning and Procedures in Acute Care
- Ethics and Health Policy in Advanced Nursing Practice
- Clinical Practicum I: Medical-Surgical Acute Care
- Interprofessional Communication and Critical Thinking
Semester 3 – Advanced Acute and Critical Care Practice
- Management of Multisystem Disorders in Adults and Elders
- Emergency Response and Critical Intervention Techniques
- Clinical Practicum II: Intensive and Specialty Care Settings
- Seminar: Evidence-Based Acute Care Strategies
Semester 4 – Leadership, Integration, and Final Capstone
- Clinical Leadership and Quality Improvement in Acute Settings
- Population Health and Acute Care Policy
- Clinical Practicum III: Transition to Professional Practice
- Capstone Project: Advanced Practice Innovation in Acute Care
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared to take on high-responsibility roles as Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AGACNPs) in a variety of critical and acute healthcare environments. These include emergency departments, cardiac and neurological ICUs, trauma centers, hospitalist teams, and specialty surgical units. Their advanced training enables them to evaluate and manage complex patient cases, perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and lead acute care teams in delivering timely, evidence-based treatment. Many graduates also become clinical educators, unit leaders, or hospital-based nurse consultants, contributing to the development of advanced nursing protocols and quality improvement initiatives. With the aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic and acute conditions, demand for highly skilled AGACNPs continues to grow in both public and private healthcare systems. This program also serves as a strong stepping stone toward doctoral-level nursing education or administrative leadership in acute and critical care systems.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers a transformative blend of intensive clinical training, evidence-based education, and real-world application, making it ideal for nurses ready to advance their practice in complex acute care settings. Over two years, students develop not only expert-level clinical skills but also the leadership, collaboration, and ethical reasoning necessary to excel in high-pressure environments. The program’s strong clinical partnerships ensure diverse and immersive practicum experiences, while faculty mentorship supports students in mastering both patient care and professional development. With access to cutting-edge simulation labs, interdisciplinary learning opportunities, and specialized acute care instruction, graduates emerge ready to lead change, improve outcomes, and advocate for excellence in adult and geriatric acute care. For nurses seeking to elevate their impact where it matters most—in moments of medical urgency—this program delivers the knowledge, confidence, and clinical authority to make a lasting difference.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
