Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program at Virginia University is an intensive, one-year blended Master of Science degree designed to prepare nurses for advanced clinical roles in acute and critical care settings. The curriculum is built on a foundation of evidence-based practice, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment. Students engage with real-world scenarios through simulation labs, online modules, and clinical residencies that focus on managing complex health conditions among adult and geriatric patients. The program also emphasizes the integration of technological tools, interprofessional collaboration, and ethical decision-making in acute care.
With direct access to leading hospital networks and a supportive academic environment, students develop the expertise needed to assess, diagnose, and treat acutely ill individuals across diverse settings. The blended format allows for flexibility, enabling working nurses to balance academic demands with professional responsibilities. Faculty with years of clinical experience guide learners in both online and on-campus settings, ensuring that students not only gain clinical competence but also a broader understanding of healthcare policy, patient safety, and leadership in nursing practice. Graduates emerge as confident practitioners, equipped to respond rapidly in high-pressure environments and improve outcomes in intensive care units, emergency departments, and specialized clinics.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Degree Type: Master of Science
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, Blended
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Virginia, United States
- Field of Study: Nursing
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Core Clinical Foundations
- Advanced Health Assessment for the Adult and Older Adult
- Advanced Pathophysiology in Acute Care
- Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice
- Ethics and Legal Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing
Semester 2 – Acute Care Specialization & Integration
- Management of Complex Health Conditions in Acute Care
- Clinical Decision-Making and Diagnostic Reasoning
- Practicum in Acute and Critical Care Settings
- Leadership and Interprofessional Collaboration in Nursing
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are uniquely positioned to take on leadership and clinical roles in intensive care units, hospitalist services, trauma centers, and emergency departments. They often work as acute care nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, or hospital-based care coordinators, collaborating with physicians and care teams to stabilize patients and provide advanced interventions. The AGACNP credential opens doors to employment in academic medical centers, cardiology practices, and critical care transport services, where expertise in managing acutely ill adults and older patients is essential. Some graduates also transition into roles in healthcare policy, clinical education, or quality improvement, making a meaningful impact beyond bedside care.
Why Choose This Program
The AGACNP program at Virginia University offers a comprehensive, fast-paced, and clinically rich experience for nurses ready to elevate their practice in acute and critical care. Its blended design provides flexibility without compromising depth, combining rigorous academic instruction with immersive clinical exposure. Students gain not only technical proficiency, but also a profound understanding of patient-centered care and ethical leadership in dynamic health environments. With mentorship from expert faculty and partnerships with top-tier hospitals, learners develop the confidence and competence to manage high-stakes clinical scenarios and deliver life-saving interventions. This program is ideal for those who seek to make a measurable impact on patient outcomes while advancing their role in modern healthcare systems.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 434 924 0311
Email: gradadmissions@virginia.edu
Address: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, United States
