Online BSN to DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Program
Overview
Why choose Maryville’s accredited online BSN to DNP-AGACNP program?
- Access coursework 100% online with no campus visits required.
- Apply with no GMAT, GRE, or statistics needed.
- Earn your BSN to DNP-AGACNP in as few as 40 months.
- Get personalized support from application through graduation.
- Complete clinicals locally in your preferred setting.
- Enjoy no waiting list once you’re accepted.
Are you ready to take the next step in your nursing career?
Maryville University’s accelerated online BSN to DNP-AGACNP program is designed for experienced nurses who want to advance their careers while specializing in adult-gerontology acute care. Earn one of the highest credentials in nursing practice and prepare to have a greater impact on critical patient care.
Our streamlined curriculum emphasizes advanced clinical practice, healthcare leadership, and evidence-based decision-making. With a focus on adult-gerontology acute care, our program is designed to help you develop the skills needed to thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
Our BSN to DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP graduates:
- Use advanced clinical knowledge to manage acute and chronic conditions in adult and elderly patients.
- Advocate for patient-centered care and safety in high-pressure healthcare settings.
- Lead initiatives that improve healthcare delivery and outcomes for vulnerable populations.
- Shape the future of acute care through leadership and evidence-based practice.
- Mentor and educate the next generation of nursing professionals specializing in acute care.
Why choose our online BSN to DNP program?
Hear directly from our expert faculty and staff about what makes Maryville’s online nursing programs stand out. Discover how our focus on adult-gerontology acute care prepares you for a leadership role in specialized healthcare.
You can learn to lead in healthcare
The demand for highly skilled nurse practitioners in adult-gerontology acute care is growing rapidly. With increasing complexities in patient care, the need for leaders who can manage critical cases and guide healthcare teams has never been greater.
Maryville’s online BSN to DNP-AGACNP program empowers experienced nurses to step into those leadership roles, equipping you with the expertise to address the unique challenges of adult-gerontology acute care.
How quickly can you earn your DNP?
As a BSN-prepared nurse, you’ve already laid the foundation for your career. Our accelerated BSN to DNP program lets you bypass the master’s-level nursing degree, enabling you to fast-track your education and focus directly on doctorate-level advanced practice with a specialty in adult-gerontology acute care.
Prepare to elevate your career and make a meaningful difference in the lives of critically ill adults and elderly patients.
Benefits of the online BSN to DNP programs:
- Graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) that focuses on adult-gerontology acute care.
- Save time and money by skipping your MSN and earning your DNP directly.
- Benefit from a flexible, 24/7 online learning format that fits your schedule.
- Get full, personalized student support and counseling from application through graduation and beyond.
- Conduct research through clinical inquiry courses to drive evidence-based practice.
- Learn from experienced faculty with deep expertise in adult-gerontology acute care nursing.
Program Details
BSN to DNP-AGACNP: A deeper look
Our online BSN to DNP creates a pathway to earn your DNP while also completing the credits needed to take the NP credentialing examination and earn your NP certification.
This program includes all the additional coursework to help you prepare for the NP certification exam for adult-gerontology acute care practice. This allows for the possibility of using your DNP to expand your nursing practice and skill set or to move into a role in administration, policy, leadership, or education.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
Should I choose acute care or primary care?
Our graduate nursing programs offer options for adult-gerontology acute care and primary care. Your decision between acute and primary care should reflect your interests and career goals.
Acute care nurses focus on urgent treatment in dynamic settings like hospitals or ERs, helping patients with severe or critical conditions.
Primary care nurses, on the other hand, work closely with patients over time, meaning there’s more opportunity to focus on managing chronic illnesses, providing preventive care, and fostering long-term wellness.
DNP vs. PhD in Nursing
The two primary terminal degrees in nursing are the PhD in Nursing and the DNP. While a PhD focuses on preparing nurses for academic research and teaching roles, a DNP equips you to lead in clinical practice and healthcare improvement.
If your ambition is to advance patient care and drive outcomes in practice-focused roles, a DNP typically will align more closely with your professional goals. The DNP also allows for plenty of flexibility to move into leadership, administration, policy, education, or other areas related or adjacent to nursing.
The field needs you now
The demand for advanced practice nurses — and specifically adult-gerontology NPs — is rising due to a confluence of factors including the aging baby boomer population, a focus on preventive care, a national shortage of healthcare providers, and an aging workforce.
Healthcare’s future depends on skilled leaders in nursing practice — and earning your BSN to DNP degree gives you the opportunity to make a difference.
Dedicated student support from application through graduation
At Maryville, your success matters. We are dedicated to supporting you throughout your nursing education with personalized guidance and resources designed to help you excel. Access everything you need to achieve your goals in advanced practice nursing.
- Personalized student support advising
- 24/7 technical help desk
- Online study and tutoring services
- Access to the library and other learning tools
Learn more about our dedicated student support coaches here.
Choose your BSN to DNP concentration
If you’re interested in exploring a nursing specialty aside from AGACNP, our BSN to DNP online degree offers four other concentrations to help you focus your leadership perspective. Concentrate your knowledge and skills in your area of interest:
Careers
What can you do with your BSN to DNP-AGACNP?
Our online BSN to DNP program is a leadership-driven degree tailored for nurses aiming to excel in direct patient care or lead teams across clinical, nonclinical, educational, and administrative settings.
By earning your BSN to DNP with an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration, you can prepare to deliver advanced care for adult and aging populations and lead improvements in healthcare outcomes.
DNP graduates are equipped to drive change at the highest levels of healthcare and benefit from greater earning potential. According to PayScale, DNP-prepared nurses and NPs earn approximately $9,000 more annually than those with only a master’s degree.
Career prospect statistics for DNP-educated nurses and NPs
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 46% growth in advanced nursing roles, such as nurse practitioners (NPs), between 2023 and 2033.
- With a potential shortage of 86,000 primary and specialty physicians by 2036, as reported by the Association of American Medical Colleges, NPs will be essential in meeting critical healthcare demands.
- Adult-gerontology NP ranks among the top 11 highest-paying nursing careers, according to career resource Indeed.
- Although an MSN is the traditional requirement for NPs, organizations like the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) are supporting the DNP as the future standard for advanced practice.
Online BSN to DNP program graduates career outlook summary
Across the U.S., advanced practice nurses and NPs are gaining more independence and responsibilities. This progression is driven by changing healthcare policies, the demand for preventative care, and staffing shortages in critical roles such as nurses, physicians, and other healthcare providers. Adult-gerontology nurse practitioners, in particular, stand to be in high demand as our overall population continues to age.
Nurses with doctorate-level training are uniquely qualified for advanced clinical roles and leadership positions, thanks to their in-depth education and specialized expertise.
DNP-educated nursing professionals are industry difference-makers
A DNP credential provides the flexibility to pursue impactful roles across diverse healthcare settings. In increasingly complex practical, administrative, and research settings, DNP-trained AGACNPs are in high demand to address acute and critical care needs effectively.
Education is another area where DNP-trained professionals make a major impact. The AACN highlights a critical shortage of nursing faculty, with U.S. nursing schools turning away more than 80,000 qualified applicants recently due to staffing gaps. DNP-educated nurses are essential to bridging this gap and shaping the next generation of acute care nursing.
What can online BSN to DNP graduates do?
Earning a DNP, the highest practice-focused degree in nursing, offers career opportunities that go beyond increased autonomy, specialized roles, or higher pay. Here’s how AGACNP-trained DNP graduates apply their advanced knowledge:
- Teach as a nurse educator in nursing schools or clinical settings.
- Launch and manage a private practice focused on adult-gerontology acute care.
- Take on executive leadership roles in hospital or acute care administration.
What can online BSN to DNP graduates do?
- Drive policy reforms in healthcare at various governmental levels.
- Advocate for patients’ rights by improving access to quality acute care services.
- Conduct research to enhance protocols in acute and critical care environments.
Open an autonomous practice (24 states now permit those with a DNP to open their own clinics)
What careers can I pursue with my online BSN to DNP degree?
Find out more about DNP and DNP-NP careers here.
What careers can I pursue with my online BSN to DNP degree?
Nurses with a DNP may also explore other opportunities in the field, such as:
- Chief nurse anesthetist
- Chief nursing officer
- Director of nursing services
- Health policy analyst
- Hospital CEO
- Medical and health services manager
- Nursing manager or supervisor
- Nurse midwife
- Nursing professor
Where do BSN to DNP-AGACNP graduates find job opportunities?
Earning your online BSN to DNP with an AGACNP concentration opens up opportunities to work in various healthcare settings and related fields, including the following.
- Hospitals and clinics
- Long-term care facilities
- Nursing research facilities
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Retirement homes
- Specialty practice, such as cardiology or oncology
What is the typical salary for online DNP program graduates?
Overall, roles requiring or recommending a DNP tend to offer competitive salaries and rewarding career opportunities. As of 2025, PayScale data indicates that the average base salary for professionals with a DNP is around $115,000 per year. This figure is based on self-reported information across various fields. According to Indeed, AGACNP ranks among the highest-paid nurse specializations.
Nurse practitioner (NP) and patient care roles generally pay more than administrative or non-clinical positions. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median NP salary of approximately $129,000 in 2024.
What is the typical salary for online DNP program graduates?
Earnings vary depending on factors like location, experience, discipline, and education level. As a DNP-educated NP, you may qualify for advanced, higher-paying opportunities* in patient care, advanced practice, or non-clinical nursing roles such as:
- Adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (acute or primary care): $108,000
- Chief nursing officer (CNO): $148,000
- Clinical nurse specialist: $104,000
- Director of nursing services: $102,000
- Nurse manager: $98,000
Testimonials
“The way that the curriculum is set up at Maryville, each semester built upon the previous one, so we’re learning as we go. It’s not an overwhelming process. A lot of times, that’s much like our careers are in the healthcare field. We all have something new to learn, every single day.”
— Tiffany N., graduate, Doctor of Nursing Practice
“With the DNP, it allows me to become a faculty member, or it allows me to become more understanding of research … in a clinical setting, which is huge. It gave me the self-confidence I have been looking for my whole adult life.”
— Megan J., graduate, Doctor of Nursing Practice
Move forward in your nursing career
Curriculum
Looking to take the next step in your nursing career? If you hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, our online BSN to DNP programs are designed for you.
Our curriculum equips you to excel as a leader, practitioner, researcher, and decision-maker in advanced nursing. With courses in areas like health promotion, pathophysiology, biostatistics, research, and systems leadership, this program is designed to help you gain the expertise needed to thrive at the highest levels of the field.
The BSN to DNP-AGACNP program offers three yearly start dates: Spring, summer, and fall. This fully online degree blends master’s and doctorate-level courses.
How long is the accelerated BSN to DNP-AGACNP program?
Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) core courses
BSN to DNP core courses (56 credit hours)
This course explores focused and comprehensive health assessments in a variety of settings and patients across the lifespan. This includes development of health promotion strategies and prioritization of care.
Prerequisite: Online - NURS 611, NURS 615 Corequisite: On Ground - NURS 615
This course focuses on the pharmacological foundation for safely prescribing medical regimens of illnesses for individuals across the lifespan. Also included are illness prevention, non-pharmacological and legal implications for prescriptive authority for the nurse practitioner.
Note: Selection of appropriate therapies, patient education and evaluation parameters are stressed.
This course is designed to introduce students to the purpose, content, and methods of epidemiology and biostatistics. Students will learn to evaluate and use output from statistical computing software.
Prerequisite: NURS 710
This course is designed to explore the phenomenon of interest related to the DNP scholarly project. Students will systematically develop a project protocol that is supported by the literature and submit it for department approval.
Course objectives:
- Develop a clinical question that guides the scholarly project.
- Read critically from professional nursing literature and other related disciplines to interpret, analyze and apply current research to improve practice.
- Apply a systematic approach to address clinical problems within healthcare organizations, including outcome measures and a sustainability plan to create meaningful changes in clinical outcomes.
- Develop a protocol and submit it to the DNP council for project approval.
- Develop the first chapter of the scholarly project that includes needed sections based on the selected DNP project format.
This course is designed to emphasize an objective approach to the integration and synthesis of knowledge. Manuscript preparation and practical use of evidence are incorporated to prepare students for the design of research proposals.
Prerequisite: NURS 700 and NURS 701
This course will allow the students to design an evidence-based project that will guide clinical practice. The feasibility of conducting this initiative will be explored. Potential funding sources and budget issues will be examined. Students will apply the elements of protection of human subjects and complete the Maryville IRB.
Prerequisite: NURS 700, NURS 701, NURS 702, and NURS 703
This course is designed to expand the students knowledge of clinical project data collection and analysis of data. Students will apply integrated research concepts pertaining to the clinical project. Utilization of various methods of data analysis and data management systems will be explored. Complete project data is needed prior to the start of this course.
Prerequisite: NURS 705 and NUS 705L
This course is designed to expand the students understanding of methods of dissemination in translational research. Variables that impact the analysis of data related to the scholarly project will be examined. Implications for patients, clinical practice and the healthcare systems will be explored and findings disseminated.
Prerequisite: NURS 706
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the measurement of phenomena as it relates to the research process. Procedures for selecting, applying, and interpreting the correct statistical application to a research problem will be presented with students processing the results.
Prerequisite: NURS 700
AGACNP concentration curriculum (18 credit hours)
This is the first didactic management course in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program. Focus is on individuals experiencing illness seen in the acute care setting. Students will analyze practice guidelines and develop differential diagnoses, implement clinical judgment and decision-making, as it relates to evidence based care management.
Prerequisite: NURS 611, NURS 612, and NURS 615
Corequisite: NURS 641 or NURS 641C
First practicum course in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program. Students will apply and integrate concepts presented in NURS-640 with focus on applying knowledge and skills in acute care practice settings.
Prerequisite: NURS 611, NURS 612, and NURS 615
Corequisite: NURS 640
This course is the second didactic management course in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program. Students will continue to expand on knowledge, decision making and management of acute and emergent physiological alterations in health. Students will analyze practice guidelines and develop differential diagnoses, implement clinical judgment and decision-making, as it relates to evidence based care management.
Prerequisite: NURS 640 and NURS 641 or NURS 641C
Corequisite: NURS 643 or NURS 643C
This is the second practicum course in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program. Students will apply and integrate concepts presented in the NURS 642 with focus on comprehensive health care to complex, acute and critically ill patients in a clinical, preceptored practicum experience.
Prerequisite: NURS 640 and NURS 641
Corequisite: NURS 642
This is the final didactic management course in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program. Students will continue to analyze practice guidelines and develop differential diagnoses, implement clinical judgment and decision-making, as it relates to evidence based care management in complex symptomology.
Prerequisite: NURS 640, NURS 641 or NURS 641C, NURS 642 and NURS 643 or NURS 643C
Corequisite: NURS 645 or NURS 645C
This is the final practicum course in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program. The student will apply and integrate concepts presented in the NURS-644 with focus on comprehensive health care to complex, acute and critically ill patients in a clinical, preceptored practicum experience.
Prerequisite: NURS 642 and NURS 643
Corequisite: NURS 644
To ensure the best possible educational experience for our students, we may update our curriculum to reflect emerging and changing employer and industry trends. Undergraduate programs and certificates are designed to be taken at a part-time pace. Please speak to your advisor for more details.
Professional licensure and certification regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Students are encouraged to visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing for the state in which they intend to practice to verify specific licensure requirements which includes ensuring the program of interest meets the licensure requirements prior to enrolling. Students may visit the professional licensure page or reach out to our team of enrollment advisors for guidance.
Admission Requirements
- BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution and CCNE/ACEN/CNEA accredited nursing program
- Cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale in all college work
- At least one year of professional nursing experience
- Current, unencumbered licensure as an RN in the U.S.
- Official transcripts from every post-secondary school where you earned a degree or completed any graduate-level coursework
- Transfer credit request form
Admission notes
Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement will be required to submit a personal statement explaining the low grades and outlining plans for improvement.
The acceptance of transfer credit is at the discretion of Maryville University. View our transfer credit policy here.
Maryville’s online nursing programs require students with an international education background to have their BSN from a CCNE/ACEN accredited program for the MSN and BSN-DNP programs, and their MSN from a CCNE/ACEN accredited program for the Post-Master's Certificate, DNP, and DNP-NP programs. Please reach out to an enrollment advisor for more information.
Interested in this degree?
University details
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Online BSN to DNP Degrees: Meet Our Faculty
Why should learners choose to enroll in the BSN to DNP program at Maryville?
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What are the most important skills employers are looking for?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice degree?
Maryville’s online BSN to DNP program equips graduates with the skills to excel in clinical, nonclinical, educational, and administrative roles. As a terminal nursing degree, a DNP offers access to high-level leadership opportunities in nursing education, hospital administration, research, and healthcare policy.
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP concentration is designed to help you expand your clinical practice, so you can serve adult and older patient populations in acute and emergency settings and beyond.
What is the typical salary for BSN to DNP-AGACNP graduates?
Graduates of Maryville’s BSN to DNP-AGACNP program are eligible to take the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC®) certification exam through the ANCC.
Maryville graduates consistently exceed national average pass rates for NP certifications, demonstrating our program's quality and rigor.
Choosing between a BSN to DNP and an MSN depends on your career goals. A DNP is a terminal degree designed for those aiming to lead in advanced practice, administration, or research, while an MSN is ideal for RNs making the transition to NP roles or specializing further.
Maryville’s BSN to DNP program allows BSN-prepared nurses to skip the MSN and pursue their doctorate on an accelerated timeline, opening doors to broader career opportunities. However, if you just hope to enhance or expand your patient care, an MSN might provide a quicker route toward NP certification.
Beyond adult-gerontology acute care, Maryville’s BSN to DNP program offers four additional NP specializations, providing options to tailor your degree to your career aspirations.
Careers and Resources
