Join the top-ranking AGACNP program in the country and provide high-quality care to acutely ill adult patients.
Develop and strengthen the expertise required to deliver equitable care to patients from adolescence to older adulthood with Duke University School of Nursing’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program.
As the United States’ population is living longer with chronic illness, the need for health care providers to treat acutely and critically ill patients is at an all-time high. The pandemic has clearly demonstrated the value of AGACNPs working to the top of their scope to provide evidence-based care and expand access to care.
Our Adult-Gerontology Acute Care program prepares you to meet these increasing demands through an intensive curriculum and expert guidance from practicing AGACNP faculty mentors. We are proud to be the No. 1 adult-gerontology nurse practitioner program in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report. We offer many technologically advanced simulation experiences that give students the knowledge and skills to enter their careers with confidence.
#1
Master's Nurse Practitioner Adult / Gerontology Acute Care
Focusing on developing the knowledge and skills to deliver nursing care to individuals from adolescence to older adulthood across acute care settings, including caring for individuals in rural and underserved areas.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Post-Graduate Certificate
For students who already have a master’s from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing school or in another approved discipline, we also offer an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate. This program allows you to build on your expertise with specialized skills and knowledge, advancing your career potential.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program Highlights
We’ve designed our adult-gerontology nurse practitioner program for registered nurses with experience in acute care to enter advanced practice nursing as a nurse practitioner.
Through a carefully crafted combination of distance-based learning and clinical practice experiences, we’re preparing nurse practitioners to expand patient’s access to care in their local health care system:
Distance-based learning:
Our adult-gerontology acute care NP program accommodates working nurse practitioners with engaging online learning that’s convenient for your schedule. You’ll participate in clinical practice experiences near where you live, along with exciting intensives here at Duke. Advance your education while continuing to work and care for your family.
Global clinical network:
As a student in our adult-gerontology nurse practitioner program, you’ll benefit from our extensive network of more than 2,000 worldwide partners to complete your clinicals and make lasting professional connections. Work with our clinical placement team to find the experience that’s ideal for you and your professional interests.
Commitment to health equity:
Advance health equity and social justice and focus on ending health inequalities throughout the country. Our adult-gerontology acute care program will train you to deliver targeted care to rural and underserved populations in or near your community.
What Can You Do With an MSN in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care?
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, only 7% of nurse practitioners are certified in adult-gerontology acute care. That means that there is a severe gap between the growing number of patients who need specialized care and the number of nurse practitioners who can care for those patients.
Earning an MSN in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care from Duke University will prepare you to meet this increasing demand and work with a wide variety of patients who are physiologically unstable, technologically dependent and/or highly vulnerable to complications.
The rigorous training you’ll receive in the adult-gerontology acute care NP program can prepare you for careers in a variety of settings where acutely ill patients seek care, including:
- Intensive care units
- Emergency departments
- Hospitalist services
- Critical care services
- Inpatient specialty teams
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job opportunities for advanced practice registered nurses to grow up to 38% by 2032, making it one of the fastest-growing career fields in the country. While exact figures vary depending on location, experience, practice specialty and other factors, the BLS reports a median annual salary of $129,480 for APRNs, with the highest 10% earning more than $211,820.
Program Director
Carolina Tennyson
DNP, ACNP-BC, AACC
Callie Tennyson, DNP, ACNP-BC, AACC, CHSE, joined DUSON’s faculty in 2017. She is the Director of the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care program and has a joint appointment with the Duke University Health System. She practices in Cardiology and Critical Care Units at Duke University Hospital and Duke Regional Hospital.
Learn more about Callie Tennyson: Scholars@Duke
Meet Our MSN Faculty
Our internationally renowned AGACNP faculty foster a supportive learning environment that prioritizes your academic and professional success. They bring their real-world experience as nurse practitioners into the classroom, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your field.
The Duke Difference
Earn your Duke nursing degree or certificate while you continue to work.
Discover our unwavering focus on creating innovative, nurse-led models of care.
Learn from experts in distance-based and hybrid education for over 20 years.
Learn & practice at one of the most advanced health systems in the world.
Our faculty are leaders in their field, with real world clinical experience.
We have exceptional students, learning alongside talented & dedicated classmates.
MSN Admissions
The MSN program employs a holistic admissions strategy. We consider each candidate’s unique life experiences alongside their academic performance, grades and test scores. This ensures that our nurse practitioner students represent the diversity of patients you will care for in your career.
If you need additional assistance, contact our admissions team by email or phone: 877-415-3853.
We offer DROP-iN Chat for virtual Q+A Sessions along with PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSIONS for application help.
Student Testimonials
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I have always had a passion for helping others. I wanted to be able to be a glimmer of happiness for a patient and make their day better, even if it meant putting a smile on their face for just a minute.
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At that point in my career, I only had rudimentary medical knowledge; however, witnessing the administration of pain-relieving anesthetic to this wounded soldier was moving. From that impactful day forward, I knew becoming a CRNA was in my future.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for MSN Students
As part of our mission to meet the needs of nurse practitioners nationwide, Duke School of Nursing offers a variety of financial aid options for MSN students. These include merit- and need-based scholarships up to full tuition for select MSN students. There are also federal student loan options to fully fund your MSN degree.
Learn More About Financial Aid & Scholarships