Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner MSN
Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Minimum Required Credits: 43.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.3801
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 29-1171
About the Program
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) MSN program prepares graduates to deliver safe, evidence-based, and person-centered care to acutely and critically ill adults across the continuum of acute and specialty care settings. The curriculum integrates advanced clinical knowledge, diagnostic reasoning, and interprofessional collaboration to promote health equity and optimize outcomes for diverse acute-care populations. Students develop the competencies required to manage complex and rapidly changing clinical situations in acute care environment. Emphasis is placed on leadership in clinical decision-making, application of evidence-based practice, and use of health informatics and technology to enhance quality and safety. Graduates are prepared to assume advanced practice roles within acute care population settings, functioning as expert clinicians, leaders, and advocates who can navigate complex health systems, reduce disparities in care, and contribute to innovation in acute care delivery.
This program also offers a seamless pathway to advanced doctoral study. Students who elect to continue into Drexel’s Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program may apply two courses from the MSN curriculum (NURS 5000 and NURS 5001) toward the DNP program requirements, allowing them to accelerate their doctoral progression and build upon the strong academic foundation established in the MSN program.
Admission Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees from an institution accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing), or NLN CNEA (NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation)
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above from your BSN
Two years of current bedside acute care nursing experience is required. Critical care experience is preferred. Examples of the recommended nursing experience include, but are not limited to: ICU, CCU, ER, trauma and high acuity step down units.
A current, unrestricted United States RN license
Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
Two professional letters of recommendation from either previous or immediate supervisors or former nursing faculty members who can attest to your clinical knowledge, skill and potential aptitude for graduate study
- References will not be accepted from colleagues or family members
Personal statement (under 1,000 words) that will give the admissions committee a better understanding of:
Why you are choosing this particular program of study,
Your plans upon completion of the graduate degree, and
How your current work experience will enhance your experience in this MSN program
Resume including specific details of your responsibilities and job experiences
International Students:
Additional information can be found here:
https://www.online.drexel.edu/support/international-students.aspx
Degree Requirements
| Core Courses | ||
| NURS 5000 | Transforming Healthcare through Policy and Ethics | 3.0 |
| NURS 5001 | Advancing Quality and Safety in Healthcare | 3.0 |
| NURS 5002 | Applied Nursing Research | 3.0 |
| Nurse Practitioner Core Courses | ||
| NURS 6000 | Introduction to Advanced Practice Nursing: Professional and Self-Development | 3.0 |
| NURS 6001 | Advanced Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3.0 |
| NURS 6002 | Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics | 4.0 |
| NURS 6003 | Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning | 4.0 |
| Clinical Courses | ||
| NURS 7500 | Evidence-Based Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Decision Making for the AGACNP I | 5.0 |
| NURS 7501 | Evidence-Based Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Decision Making for the AGACNP II | 5.0 |
| NURS 7502 | Evidence-Based Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Decision Making for the AGACNP III | 5.0 |
| NURS 7503 | Evidence-Based Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Decision Making for the AGACNP IV | 5.0 |
| Total Credits | 43.0 | |