Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program at Virginia University is a 21-month, full-time, blended graduate program that prepares registered nurses to provide comprehensive, high-acuity care for adult and older adult populations. Designed for those who aspire to practice in hospital-based environments, this program focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of complex health issues, particularly in critically ill and medically vulnerable individuals. With a curriculum that blends on-campus intensives, online coursework, and immersive clinical experiences, students are equipped with both advanced theoretical knowledge and practical bedside competency.
Throughout the program, learners gain expertise in pharmacology, pathophysiology, diagnostic reasoning, and care coordination specific to the aging population. Faculty mentors with clinical backgrounds in intensive care, cardiology, and internal medicine guide students through simulations, interprofessional case studies, and specialty clinical rotations. This integrative approach fosters not only clinical mastery but also leadership in acute care decision-making, patient advocacy, and ethical practice in high-pressure settings. The program culminates in a capstone clinical experience designed to prepare students for national board certification and professional autonomy.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Degree Type: S. Master
- Duration: 21 months
- 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 Concepts in Adult-Gerontology Care
- Advanced Health Assessment for Adults and Older Adults
- Human Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan
- Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Practice
- Role Development for Nurse Practitioners
Semester 2 – Acute Care Foundations and Practice
- Acute and Critical Care for Adult-Gerontology Patients
- Diagnostic Reasoning and Procedures
- Ethics and Legal Issues in Acute Care
- Clinical Practicum I
Semester 3 – Advanced Specialty and Integration
- Cardiopulmonary and Neurologic Care in Aging Adults
- Complex Case Management in Hospital Settings
- Clinical Practicum II
- Leadership and Quality Improvement
Semester 4 – Transition to Practice
- Intensive Clinical Residency
- Certification Preparation Seminar
- Professional Portfolio and Capstone
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the AGACNP program are prepared to work in intensive care units, hospitalist teams, trauma centers, and specialty services such as cardiology, nephrology, or pulmonology. Typical roles include acute care nurse practitioner, hospital-based provider, or critical care consultant, where they assess and manage life-threatening conditions in collaboration with physicians and healthcare teams. The program also positions graduates to assume leadership in clinical education, protocol development, and patient safety initiatives. As demand grows for providers trained in the care of an aging population with complex needs, AGACNPs are essential assets in both large academic hospitals and regional healthcare systems.
Why Choose This Program
Virginia University’s AGACNP program delivers a blended, clinically intensive, and future-focused educational experience that bridges academic excellence with real-world application. By integrating flexible online learning with in-person clinical labs and hospital placements, students benefit from both convenience and depth. The curriculum is designed to align with current healthcare challenges, focusing on advanced diagnostics, evidence-based interventions, and the unique physiological needs of aging adults. With dedicated faculty mentorship and strong clinical partnerships, this program cultivates practitioners who are ready to lead in acute care settings and make a measurable difference in adult-gerontology health outcomes.
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
