Acute care nurse practitioner programs
An acute care nurse practitioner program can prepare you for a career in a growing industry. Discover ACNP programs and jobs to achieve your goals.
Explore online ACNP programsWhy earn an online acute care nurse practitioner master's?
Join a fast-growing field
Earning an ACNP master's online can help you develop the advanced clinical skills and independent practice you need to meet increasing health demands.
Work with specific populations
Flexible online classes can prepare you to learn the latest practices in acute care.
Earn higher salaries
ANCPs can earn six-figure salaries, which reflects the critical role that ACNPs play in healthcare.
Browse Online ACNP programs
Flexible online acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) programs can prepare you with specialized training to manage complex health conditions and play a crucial role in the healthcare industry. Consider the potential jobs and advanced salaries you could access after completing an online acute care nurse practitioner master's program.
What jobs can you get with an online master's in acute care nurse practitioner?
Graduates of online ACNP master's programs may pursue roles in acute care, critical care, hospitals, and the emergency room. An ACNP is a nurse practitioner who manages acute and critical patient conditions, including diagnosing, treating, and coordinating care.
The requirements to obtain your licensure may vary by state. However, all states require that you pass a national certification exam, such as those offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
Board certification examinations are available in adult-gerontological nursing or acute care pediatric nursing.
After licensure, ACNPs will have a broad scope of practice that may include working autonomously or in collaboration with physicians. The degree of autonomy depends on the state laws and regulations.
Acute care nurse practitioner salaries
Graduates of an online ACNP program can expect to earn competitive salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2023, the mean annual salary for all nurse practitioners was $128,490, or $61.78 hourly. The Bureau reports that nurse practitioners in the 10th percentile earned less than $94,530, and those in the 90th percentile earned more than $168,030.
Given that ACNPs are a specialized type of nurse practitioner, their salaries may vary compared to BLS projections. Other factors that can affect salary include your geographic location, employer, and experience.
Career outlook for acute care nurse practitioners
As a graduate of an online ACNP master's program, you can pursue roles in settings such as hospitals, intensive care units, emergency departments, and specialty clinics. According to the BLS, nurse practitioners have a projected job growth of 40% from 2023 to 2033, which makes it one of the fastest-growing occupations.
Some factors that influence the demand for NPs include a growing physician shortage, an aging population, and surging opioid use which may increase the number of people in need of medical care.
What can you learn in an online acute care nurse practitioner program?
During an online ACNP master's program, you will acquire advanced clinical skills and knowledge to manage complex and critical health conditions. Programs typically require students to complete between 40 and 50 credits, depending on the institution. Key courses include advanced nursing technologies, collaborative care, policy, ethics, and finance.
ACNP programs can grow your clinical skills and acute care knowledge for specific demographics, such as adults, geriatrics, or pediatrics, depending on your educational concentration. Adult and pediatric acute care nurse practitioners may complete core courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment, with an emphasis on acute care management.
All programs require students to complete 550 to 750 clinical hours and practicum experiences for hands-on training in hospitals, intensive care units, and emergency departments. Clinical rotations allow you to apply your knowledge to real-world situations under the supervision of an experienced practitioner. These hands-on experiences will prepare you for ACNP certification and licensure.
Online format
All accredited online master's programs have in-person requirements for clinical hours and practicums that students can fulfill in their local area. Some programs also require students to attend occasional campus residencies.
ACNP programs take different approaches to help you find your clinical placement. Some have dedicated faculty that locate placements for ACNP students, while others will approve placements that you find independently.
Admissions requirements for an online acute care nurse practitioner master's degree
Most ACNP programs require a combination of academic and professional qualifications, including:
- A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from an accredited program with an official transcript
- An active registered nurse (RN) license
- At least one to two years of clinical experience; some programs require a minimum number of clinical hours instead
- A personal statement outlining your career goals and interest in acute care nursing
Requirements can vary from program to program, so be sure to research the admissions requirements for the program that you choose.