If you are considering a nurse practitioner (NP) career, but need to continue working during graduate school, you may consider an online acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) program. Online NP programs offer convenience and flexibility, allowing students to continue working while getting a master's degree in nursing or a doctoral degree in nursing practice.
Learn what to look for in online acute care nurse practitioner programs, why accreditation is important, and how to apply for and pay for an NP program. Finally, see our list of the top online acute care NP programs.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online acute care NP programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: Academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
At a Glance: The Top 10 Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Georgetown University
- Vanderbilt University
- Duke University
- University of South Florida
- Stony Brook University
- Herzing University-Brookfield
- George Washington University
- University of South Carolina-Columbia
- DePaul University
- Maryville University of Saint Louis
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Learn About the Best Online Acute Care NP Programs in 2023
See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
#1 The Best Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
Georgetown University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Georgetown offers one of the best acute care nurse practitioner programs that emphasizes the Jesuit belief in treating the body, mind, and spirit. The acute care nurse practitioner program prepares students to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses certification exams.
RNs prepare to provide direct care to patients with acute and chronic conditions by completing 40 credits in under two years. The three objective clinical intensives require in-person study to complete 600 hours, but the asynchronous and synchronous nursing coursework can be completed online.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Washington, D.C.
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $2,358 per credit for Washington, D.C. residents; $2,358 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN degree or clinical nurse leader MSN; current RN license; two years of clinical experience in an intensive care unit or emergency department; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; 3.0 GPA; minimum "C" grade in statistics
- Minimum Time Commitment: 23 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2020/2021): 100% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $100,876 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 The Best Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
Vanderbilt University
- Nashville, TN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
At Vanderbilt, students can enroll in the acute care nurse practitioner program even if they do not yet have an RN license. Specialities include cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, critical care, endocrinology, nephrology, oncology, pulmonology, neurology and neurosurgery, transplantation, trauma, and rehabilitation.
The 40-credit program includes coursework in advanced health assessments and clinical reasoning, physiology and pathophysiology, and advanced pharmacotherapeutics. Online lectures take place remotely, but clinical experiences must happen in person. Some campus visits are required.
Vanderbilt offers a full-time program learners can complete in one year over three semesters, or a part-time option that takes 2-3 years.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Nashville, Tennessee
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,883 per credit for Tennessee residents; $1,883 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: RN license or meet the requirements to earn licensure; BSN degree or an MSN degree; at least a "C" grade in statistics; statement of purpose; 3.0 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 95% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $93,249 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
83%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 The Best Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
Duke University
- Durham, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
With 20 years of distance-learning experience, Duke University's online acute care nurse practitioner degree prepares learners to work in adult gerontology, particularly in underserved populations, by completing 728 clinical hours.
MSN students complete 48 credits, which include online lectures, clinical practicums, and intensives on campus. The curriculum comprises seven major courses, eight clinical courses, and three nurse practitioner courses. Acute care clinical courses train students to provide primary care to adolescents and adults patients, older adults, and acutely ill patients.
Duke offers a network of over 2,000 facilities and practices to help students find a clinical placement.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Durham, North Carolina
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,984 per credit for North Carolina residents; $1,984 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN degree from an accredited college; minimum 3.0 GPA; RN license; personal statement; a resume; three letters of recommendation; minimum "C" grade in statistics
- Minimum Time Commitment: 30 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 87.84% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $97,071 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 The Best Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
USF's 1973-founded College of Nursing offers a fully online acute care nurse practitioner degree with full-time or part-time options.
To earn an MSN, students must complete 48 credits. The core courses explore research and evidence-based practice, health promotion, organizational and systems leadership, health assessments, advanced physiology and pathophysiology, and pharmacotherapeutics.
After completing 540-720 clinical hours, learners can take the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses certification exams.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Tampa, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $347 per credit for Florida residents; $431 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN degree or master's degree from an accredited international institute; RN license; three letters of recommendation; a resume; complete NursingCAS and USF Graduate Studies applications; one year of ICU or acute care nursing experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 84.51% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $97,850 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 The Best Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Stony Brook's online acute care nurse practitioner degree enrolls learners with a nursing degree or without. The nursing school requires a clinical practice portfolio for those without a bachelor's in nursing.
The program requires 45 credits, including core requirements for organizational leadership, quality improvement, and healthcare policy and advocacy. Enrollees study pharmacology, health assessments, pathophysiology, and complete four clinical experiences.
After completing the program, graduates can sit for national certification to become an adult gerontology-acute care nurse practitioner.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Stony Brook, New York
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $471 per credit for New York residents; $565 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN degree or a clinical practice portfolio and $300 fee; minimum 3.0 GPA; personal essay; unofficial transcripts; one year of nursing experience; three letters of recommendation; RN license; a resume; completed undergraduate statistics and health assessments courses; BLS and ACLS certification
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 95.5% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $105,661 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#6 The Best Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
Herzing University-Brookfield
- Brookfield, WI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Herzing's nursing school offers a flexible online acute care nurse practitioner program with multiple start dates and three program pathways. Learners with a BSN can earn an MSN with a specialty in adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner in 24 months. RNs with an associate in nursing degree can earn an MSN in 28 months, and MSN degree-holders can earn a postgraduate certificate in 20 months.
The 48-credit MSN program requires the completion of 585 clinical hours. The core curriculum includes health policy management, theoretical foundations for nursing, technology and nursing informatics, organizational systems and behaviors, and research methods. Graduates can take the American Nurses Credentialing Center certification exam.
With rolling admissions and six start dates, students can begin anytime and receive lifelong career support.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Brookfield, Wisconsin
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $695 per credit for Wisconsin residents; $695 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: RN license; BSN degree from an accredited college; minimum 3.0 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 20 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 96.88% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $94,408 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
79%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#7 The Best Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
George Washington University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students can earn an online acute care nurse practitioner degree at GW's part time while continuing to work. Most tracks in the MSN program allow for part-time studies, which take three years to complete.
Courses concentrate on building an evidence-based practice, advanced physiology and pathophysiology, pharmacology, nursing leadership, health policy, and advanced health assessments. The program requires 48 credits and 600 clinical hours.
Enrollees can meet classmates through on-campus visits that include intensives in comprehensive critical care management, health assessment test outs and seminars, and suturing and chest tube insertion labs. New students start the program in the fall.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Washington, D.C.
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,395 per credit for Washington, D.C. residents; $1,395 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN degree from a regionally accredited college; minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts; two letters of recommendation; a resume; statement of purpose; RN license; one year of critical care nursing experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 94.2% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $101,254 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
25%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#8 The Best Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
University of South Carolina-Columbia
- Columbia, SC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1957, UofSC's online acute care nurse practitioner degree can be completed in eight semesters.
Learners complete 48 credits and 672 clinical hours. The courses cover advanced pathophysiology, pharmacological management, research methods for nursing, health assessment and diagnostic reasoning, and management of acute care adult and gerontological health problems.
The college of nursing's 7,300-square-foot Center for Simulation and Experiential learning offers eight patient simulator rooms and four clinical exam rooms. UofSC accepts new students into this program every summer and fall.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Columbia, South Carolina
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $770 per credit for South Carolina residents; $1,438 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN from an accredited college; minimum 3.0 GPA; one year of nursing experience; a personal statement; a resume; three personal references; RN license; BLS and ACLS certification
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 98.25% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $132,531 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 The Best Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
DePaul University
- Chicago, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
With more than a 70 years of history in nursing education, DePaul offers an online acute care nurse practitioner degree students can pursue without an undergraduate nursing degree. The 2011-founded school of nursing admits students with a BSN degree, an associate in nursing degree, or a non-nursing bachelor's degree.
The core requirements focus on biostatistics and epidemiology, pharmacology, and graduate research. The track curriculum covers primary care of adult and older adult populations, clinical management, advanced gerontological, and practicum experiences. Learners must complete a minimum of 600 clinical hours.
Prospective students can enroll year round, with start dates in the fall, winter, spring, and summer.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Chicago, Illinois
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $765 per credit for Illinois residents; $765 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: RN license; BSN degree from an accredited program, an ADN, or non-nursing bachelor's degree; at least a "C" grade in statistics; 2.75 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 90% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $68,163 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 The Best Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs of 2023
Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Maryville, founded in 1872, offers a flexible online acute care nurse practitioner degree students can complete in as few as 32 months with clinical rotations available at local hospitals or practices.
The program requires 15 courses and 830 clinical hours over four semesters. To complete the core MSN requirements, enrollees study evidence-based practice in nursing, healthcare policy, professional role development, leadership and quality, pathophysiology, health assessments, and pharmacotherapeutics.
The six start dates allow students to begin immediately after enrollment.
- Program: Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Saint Louis, Missouri
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $813 per credit for Missouri residents; $813 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN degree; RN license; at least a "C" grade in statistics; statement of purpose; 3.0 GPA; personal statement
- Minimum Time Commitment: 32 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 89.15% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $93,249 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
83%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an Online Acute Care NP Program
There are several important factors to consider when narrowing down your best options. These include the admission requirements, specializations, clinical experience requirements, and online learning formats.
Examining essential data points, such as graduation rates, can tell you what you need to know about a program's quality before applying. These data points also contribute to the selection of our top picks.
Admission Requirements
Admission to an online acute care NP program can be highly competitive. Reviewing admission requirements can give you a glimpse at what a school prioritizes when selecting students. This can help you build a stronger application.
Specializations
ACNPs can pursue professional specializations in areas including adult-gerontology acute care and pediatric acute care.
When checking out new program options, you must ensure the ACNP track you plan to pursue is offered.
Program Curriculum
Many of the courses in a nurse practitioner program's core curriculum are similar across programs, but the electives may vary. The electives offered could be a factor when selecting the right program for you.
Clinical Experience
One factor to pay close attention to is the number of clinical hours required and where those clinical placements will occur. Many online programs allow students to complete clinicals in their local area.
Schools may or may not offer assistance in securing placement.
Accreditation
It's essential to check whether each prospective program you apply for is accredited because only accredited programs qualify for ACNP certification. You won't be allowed to sit for the licensing exam unless you graduate from an accredited master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctoral nursing program.
Program Length
Finding out how long a program takes to complete is key to selecting a program that is right for you. On average, an MSN takes two years to complete. If you have work, personal, or family obligations, you may prefer a part-time option that allows more free time.
School Graduation Rate
A school's graduation rate is an indicator of the quality level of a college or university; it can help predict your chances of completing the program. Nursing students can also review a school's certification pass rates to determine how well a program prepares graduates for licensure.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
When considering an online NP program, it's essential to determine whether nursing classes are 100% online or if there are in-person requirements, such as lectures or other learning modalities. Find out if the coursework is synchronous (live classes on a set schedule) or asynchronous (recorded lessons and assignments that can be completed on your schedule).
This data point may be important for working students or those with personal or family obligations.
Why Is Online Acute Care NP Program Accreditation Important?
The accreditation process for nursing programs involves third-party experts who review a program's instructors, course content, clinical requirements, and other aspects of the program to ensure it meets quality benchmarks. There are many reasons that accreditation is essential, including:
- Accreditation ensures quality in a college, university, or specific program.
- Only accredited courses are considered for board certification and state licensure.
- Most employers only hire graduates of accredited programs to ensure all employees provide safe, effective practice.
- Accredited schools will not accept transfer credits from an unaccredited program.
- Federal loans and many other types of financial aid are typically only awarded to students attending accredited schools.
How Online Acute Care Programs Work
Choosing between an online or in-person nursing program requires much consideration. While attending an online program is convenient, distance learning involves some challenges.
Many online nurse practitioner programs offer asynchronous courses, but students may be required to log in to take live courses during a specific time. Students who participate in hybrid programs must complete on-campus requirements.
Even when acute care NP programs offer a 100% online curriculum, the clinical component for online nursing students must be completed in person. There may also be other face-to-face requirements, such as lab simulations, lectures, or orientation requirements. Campus-based expectations are usually scheduled in advance for students who need to make travel arrangements.
Applying to an Online Acute Care NP Program
Applying to an acute care NP program requires time and effort. Several important steps are involved. Prospective students must consider the school's admission requirements, materials, and prerequisites, such as a bachelor's degree, minimum GPA, and mandatory entrance exam scores.
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Admission Requirements
Most acute care NP programs require prospective students to have a bachelor's in nursing or an entry-level MSN (such as clinical nurse leader), a current, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license, and advanced cardiac life support certification.
There may be specific course completion requirements with a minimum GPA in classes such as statistics or sciences. You must also have a minimum of two years' work experience, usually in the intensive care unit, the emergency department, or the telemetry unit of an acute or progressive care center.
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Admission Materials
Applicants are usually required to submit an application, a resume, personal statement or essay, a current copy of a U.S. unencumbered RN license, and official school transcripts.
Many programs require criminal background checks and a pre-admission interview. The interview could be in person or online (for remote students).
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GPA Requirement
Most programs require a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for students to be accepted; if your GPA is lower than 3.0, you can talk to an advisor to find out if there are any exceptions to this prerequisite.
Paying for Online Acute Care NP Programs
Many variables can influence your ability to pay for an NP program, such as:
- Whether the program is offered at a public or private institution (private schools are usually more expensive)
- Whether distance students pay in-state or out-of-state tuition
- The overall length of the program
- The ability to earn income while completing an NP program (e.g., the flexibility of the program schedule)
- Whether a student has financial support for nurses (e.g., loans, nursing scholarships or grants, or help with tuition from friends or family members)
Several types of financial aid are available for graduate students, including federal aid, private loans, and grants. You can find information on the school's website on any special financial assistance offered specifically for NP programs and graduate students.
What Can You Do as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner?
Acute care NPs work with people of all ages, usually in a hospital setting. ACNPs provide advanced care to people who have experienced injury or trauma and are undergoing serious cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, women's health, or psychiatric issues.
These nurses work with critically ill patients in fast-paced healthcare settings, such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, operating rooms, or urgent care facilities.
NPs plan patient care, order lab work, perform advanced patient care (like intubating patients), prescribe medications, and order lab work. A nurse practitioner is often responsible for leading interprofessional teams, evaluating and formulating nursing diagnoses, diagnosing medical conditions, and planning patient care. An NP's scope of practice varies by state.
According to a November 2022 Payscale report, the average annual salary for an ACNP is $106,150.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acute Care NPs
Is an acute care nurse practitioner degree worth it?
There are many factors to consider when deciding on a nurse practitioner degree. These include your current personal and work obligations, career and financial goals, and nursing aspirations. If those factors align with becoming an NP, it is certainly worth it.
Nurse practitioners enjoy a much higher level of autonomy than other nurses and a wider range of job prospects; they can even own and operate private practices in many states.
Are online acute care NP programs respected?
Yes, if the program is accredited. Online programs must follow the same standards regarding instructors, curriculum, and clinical practicum hours as accredited in-person programs. The courses are usually taught by the same professors that teach onsite. This means you will be receiving the same level of education as on-campus NP graduates.
What does an acute care NP do?
An acute care NP works with critically ill patients of all ages, usually in the intensive care unit, hospital emergency room, or operating room. They may also work in urgent care or other healthcare settings.
Nurse practitioners can diagnose conditions, treat patients, assist during procedures, and prescribe medications. They are responsible for managing patient care, including after surgery.
Are acute care nurse practitioners in high demand?
Yes, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and nurse practitioners is projected to grow 40% from 2021 to 2031. Acute care nurse practitioners are among the NPs most in demand.
Page last reviewed on November 14, 2022. Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.
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