Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program at Emory University is a rigorous two-year, full-time graduate program designed for nurses seeking to provide advanced, evidence-based care to adult and older adult populations experiencing complex, acute, and critical health conditions. This program equips students with the knowledge and clinical skills necessary to manage patients in high-intensity settings, including intensive care units, specialty clinics, hospitalist teams, and emergency care environments. With a curriculum grounded in pathophysiology, diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions, students learn to make rapid, informed decisions in fast-paced clinical scenarios.
Emory's close integration with its top-ranked academic medical centers offers students access to cutting-edge facilities and diverse patient populations. Clinical rotations at Emory Healthcare, Grady Memorial Hospital, and affiliated systems expose students to both common and rare medical conditions, ensuring broad experience and deep expertise. Interprofessional collaboration, advanced procedural training, and leadership development are central to the program, supporting graduates to practice autonomously and collaboratively across care teams with confidence and professionalism.
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: 01 September 2026
- Location: Emory University, United States
- Field of Study: Nursing
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Core Science and Assessment Foundations
- Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
- Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Assessment
- Clinical Pharmacology for Acute Care
- Foundations of Acute Care Nursing Practice
Semester 2 – Acute and Critical Care Management
- Adult-Gerontology Health and Illness Management I
- Procedures in Acute and Critical Care
- Health Systems Leadership and Quality Improvement
- Clinical Practicum I
Semester 3 – Advanced Acute Care Specialization
- Adult-Gerontology Health and Illness Management II
- Ethics and Legal Considerations in Acute Care
- Clinical Decision Making and Case Integration
- Clinical Practicum II
Semester 4 – Residency and Professional Integration
- Clinical Residency in Acute Care Settings
- Advanced Practice Seminar
- Capstone Project in Acute Care Innovation
- Board Certification Preparation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the AGACNP program are prepared to take on high-responsibility roles in intensive care units, cardiology and neurology services, trauma centers, and hospitalist teams. Many are recruited into advanced practice roles at major academic hospitals, specialty surgical units, and long-term acute care facilities. Others transition into positions as critical care consultants, procedural specialists, or educators in academic medical centers. The dual focus on adult and geriatric care ensures that graduates can address the evolving health needs of an aging population, making them indispensable in hospital settings, specialty practices, and transitional care programs. With national certification eligibility and advanced clinical expertise, Emory-trained AGACNPs are equipped to impact patient outcomes, system performance, and nursing practice at the highest levels.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing Emory’s AGACNP program means investing in a clinically intensive, academically respected, and career-focused education. Students benefit from direct access to Atlanta’s world-class health systems, experienced faculty who are leaders in acute care, and a learning environment that emphasizes both technical skill and compassionate service. The program’s structure supports deep specialization while also encouraging interprofessional learning, reflective practice, and leadership growth. For nurses seeking to advance into roles that demand quick thinking, precision, and holistic care, Emory offers the ideal foundation to thrive, lead, and make a measurable difference in acute and critical care nursing.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 404 727 6123
Email: contentedit@emory.edu
Address: University of Emory, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
