BSN to DNP – AGACNP Program

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Advance to the Doctoral Level and Specialize in Acute and Critical Care

According to census records, there will be more than 77 million adults over the age of 65 in the United States by 2034.* Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners (AGACNPs) will be critical to delivering advanced nursing and specialized care to adults with complex, acute, and chronic illnesses.

This CCNE-accredited, practice-focused pathway allows you to become an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) while earning your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree — without needing a separate MSN.

Developed for working registered nurses, Hawai‘i Pacific University’s program blends asynchronous online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences. You’ll gain the acute care competencies and systems leadership skills to manage complex adult and older adult populations in fast-paced hospital environments.

*U.S. Census Bureau

Program at a Glance

100% online coursework with mobile-friendly delivery

Small classes with accessible faculty who care about your success and well-being

Prepare to pass the ANCC certification exam on your first attempt

Dedicated student support from first contact through graduation

Earn your BSN-DNP in as few as 34-44 months*

Transfer up to 12 credits

*Full-time students take 34 months and part-time students take 44 months to complete the program.

Why Choose HPU’s Online BSN to DNP – AGACNP?

HPU’s BSN to DNP – AGACNP program is designed for experienced RNs seeking to become advanced practice providers and leaders in critical care. You’ll graduate eligible for national certification and equipped to drive evidence-based care and organizational change.

One Program. Two Credentials

Earn your AGACNP certification and a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Clinical Leadership Training

Courses go beyond diagnosis to include healthcare quality, population health, and ethical decision-making.

Hospital-Based Clinical Preparation

Designed for ICU, trauma, and acute care environments.

Flexible, Online Coursework

Complete your degree on your schedule.

Personalized Support

Receive one-on-one guidance from faculty and clinical placement specialists.

Meet our DNP Faculty

American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)

CCNE

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice at Hawai‘i Pacific University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties

Member of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF)

WASC

Accredited by the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC/WSCUC)

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements

Participant in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) to offer distance education in member states

BSN to DNP – AGACNP Curriculum Overview

As a BSN-prepared nurse advancing directly into HPU’s DNP program, you’ll complete an intensive curriculum that prepares you for national AGACNP certification and leadership in complex care environments.

Each concentration takes a holistic approach to creating patient-centered change. You’ll gain a deep understanding of clinical decision-making and advanced practice while also mastering systems-level thinking, quality improvement, and evidence-based leadership.

Courses include:

Fundamentals of Acute Care I, II and III
Advanced Clinical Decision Making
Evidence Based Practice for Advanced Nursing
Leadership and Systems Management
Informatics and Technology for Advanced Practice
Optimizing Quality in Health Care Systems
Business and Finance Essentials for the DNP
Development and Implementation of Health Care Policy
Clinical Scholarship and Scholarly Writing
Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice
Doctoral Projects: Development, Implementation, and Data Analysis and Dissemination

You’ll complete over 1,000 supervised practicum hours, including site-based experiences in acute and critical care, and a final scholarly project addressing a real-world healthcare issue.

Coursework is 100% online and asynchronous, allowing you to build advanced practice skills without pausing your nursing career. You’ll engage with HPU’s expert faculty through virtual office hours, group discussion forums, and personalized feedback to keep you supported throughout the program.

View Full Curriculum

Clinical Placement Support

HPU’s clinical placement services are tailored to the needs of acute care nurse practitioner students. Our team works with you to find qualified preceptors and approved sites based on your location and specialty area.

Coordinated placement in hospital-based and specialty care settings
Support identifying preceptors in ICU, ER, and cardiopulmonary units
Assistance with documentation and onboarding
DNP project mentorship in real-world acute care settings

BSN to DNP – AGACNP Career Outcomes

What Does an AGACNP Do?

Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners are advanced practice providers who deliver comprehensive, high-acuity care for adults and older adults with complex, unstable, or urgent medical conditions. As a BSN to DNP student, you’ll train to step into one of the most dynamic roles in healthcare, bridging bedside expertise with advanced diagnostics and leadership.

AGACNPs typically:

Assess and manage acute and chronic illnesses in hospitalized and critically ill patients
Perform advanced procedures (e.g., central line placement, intubation oversight, chest tube management)
Interpret lab results, imaging studies, and other diagnostics to inform urgent care decisions
Prescribe and adjust treatment plans, medications, and interventions
Serve as key members of interdisciplinary care teams in trauma, cardiology, neurology, and surgical specialties

These practitioners work in settings such as ICUs, telemetry units, specialty clinics, and inpatient hospitals, often leading or collaborating in rapid response and critical care teams.

Career Opportunities

Clinical Practice Roles

Hospitalist NP
Trauma or Surgical NP
Critical Care Team Lead
Internal Medicine or Cardiology NP

Leadership & Academic Roles

Acute Care Program Director
Clinical Faculty
Quality Improvement Coordinator

Job Outlook

Median Salary: $116,000 (ZipRecruiter)
Projected Growth: 40% projected increase from 2023 through 2033 (BLS)

The program is designed to prepare graduates to sit for AGACNP board certification through AACN or ANCC.

Admission Requirements

To complete your application, you’ll need:

Application and application fee
Transcripts
Two letters of recommendation
Curriculum vitae or resume
Statement of purpose

Applicants must hold:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited university
3.0 GPA from undergraduate degree preferred
U.S. unencumbered state RN license
Undergraduate statistics course is required

Start Your Application

Tuition and Financial Aid

HPU’s online MSN program is designed to be affordable, flexible, and accessible for working nurses advancing into APRN roles.

$1,065 per credit
Program length and total cost vary by specialization
Eligible for federal financial aid and scholarships
Employer-sponsored tuition assistance welcome
Special tuition benefits available for active-duty military and veterans

View Full Tuition & Fees Info

FAQs: BSN to DNP – AGACNP

How is the BSN to DNP – AGACNP program different from a traditional MSN?

What kind of patients will I care for as a BSN to DNP AGACNP student?

Will I receive help with finding clinical placement sites?

How does the scholarly project fit into the program?

What certification will I be eligible for?