Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner MSN

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.

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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:

A Duke nursing student learning from a home environment sits in front of a laptop with a pencil in her hand and smiles.

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.

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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.

A Duke University MSN student smiles and discusses health equity with a small group of fellow adult-gerontology nursing students.

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.

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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.

Explore More MSN Program Outcomes

American Association of Nurse Practitioners’ NP Fact Sheet

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.

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Elaine D. Kauschinger, PhD, ARNP, FNP-BC
Elaine Kauschinger
PhD, ARNP, FNP-BC, FAANP
Assistant Professor
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Benjamin Smallheer, PhD, RN, ACNP‐BC, FNP-BC, CCRN, CNE
Benjamin Smallheer
PhD, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, CCRN, CNE, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Ragan Johnson, DNP, MSN, APRN-BC
Ragan Johnson
DNP, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Brandon Knettel
Brandon Knettel
PhD
Assistant Professor
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Ryan J. Shaw, PhD, RN
Ryan Shaw
PhD, RN, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Allison Stafford, PhD, RN
Allison Stafford
PhD, RN
Assistant Professor
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Valerie Sabol
PhD, MBA, ACNP, GNP, CHSE, CNE, ANEF, FAANP, FAAN
Professor
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Kathryn Trotter
DNP, CNM, FNP-C, CHSE, FAANP, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Maryellen Kelly, DNP, CPNP, MHSc
Maryellen Kelly
DNP, CPNP, MHSc
Assistant Professor
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Stephanie Ibemere
Stephanie Ibemere
PhD, RN
Assistant Professor
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Kais Gadhoumi, PhD
Kais Gadhoumi
PhD
Assistant Professor
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Desi Newberry
Desi Newberry
DNP, NNP-BC
Associate Professor
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Deirdre K. Thornlow, PhD, RN, CPHQ
Deirdre Thornlow
PhD, RN, CPHQ, CNE
Associate Professor
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Anne L. Derouin, DNP, RN, CPNP, FAANP
Anne Derouin
DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS, FAANP, ANEF
Professor
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Mary L. Affronti, DNP,  MHSc, RN, ANP, FAAN
Mary Lou Affronti
DNP, MHSc, RN, ANP, FAAN
Professor
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Michael E. Zychowicz, DNP, ANP, ONP, FAAN, FAANP
Michael Zychowicz
DNP, ANP, ONP, FAAN, FAANP, FNAON
Professor
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Staci Reynolds, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, CNRN, SCRN
Staci Reynolds
PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, CNRN, CPHQ, FAAN
Professor
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Lisa S. Lewis, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE
Lisa Lewis
EdD, MSN, RN, CNE
Associate Professor
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Michelle Webb, DNP, RN, CHPCA
Michelle Webb
DNP, RN, CHPCA
Assistant Professor
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Amie Koch, DNP, FNP-C, RN, ACHPN
Amie Koch
DNP, FNP-C, RN, ACHPN
Associate Professor
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Christina Leonard, APRN, DNP, FNP-C, CNL
Christina Leonard
APRN, DNP, FNP-C, CNL
Assistant Professor
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Blanca Iris Padilla, PhD, FNP-BC
Blanca Iris Padilla
PhD, MBA, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Thomas Blodgett, PhD, RN, AGACNP-BC
Thomas Blodgett
PhD, RN, AGACNP-BC
Assistant Professor
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Kathryn Kreider
Kathryn Kreider
DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Professor
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Mitchell Knisely
PhD, RN-BC, ACNS-BC, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Karin Reuter-Rice, PhD, CPNP-AC, FCCM, FAAN
Karin Reuter-Rice
PhD, CPNP-AC, FCCM, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Marissa Abram
Marissa Abram
PhD, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, FIAAN
Assistant Professor
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Devon Noonan, PhD, MPH, FNP-BC
Devon Noonan
PhD, MPH, FNP-BC, CARN
Associate Professor
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Tonia Poteat
Tonia Poteat
PhD, MPH, PA-C, AAHIVS, DFAAPA
Professor
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Michael Cary
Michael Cary
PhD, RN
Associate Professor
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Jacquelyn M McMillian-Bohler, PhD, MSN, BSN, CNM, CNE
Jacquelyn McMillian-Bohler
PhD, CNM, CNE
Assistant Professor
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Shari Rushton, DNP, MSN, MS, RN, CCM
Shari Rushton
DNP, MS, RN, CCM, CNE
Associate Professor
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Jennie De Gagne, PhD, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN
Jennie De Gagne
PhD, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN
Professor
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Margaret (Midge) T. Bowers, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, CHSE, A.A.C.C., FAANP, FAAN
Margaret (Midge) Bowers
DNP, FNP-BC,CHSE, FAANP, FAAN, FACC
Professor
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Alison Edie
Alison Edie
DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Debbie Travers
Debra (Debbie) Travers
PhD, MSN, RN, FAEN, FAMIA
Associate Consulting Professor
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AnnMarie L Walton, PhD, RN, MPH, OCN, CHES, FAAN
AnnMarie Walton
PhD, RN, MPH, OCN, CHES, FAAN
Term Chair for the Dorothy L. Powell Professorship, Associate Professor
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Sophia Smith
Sophia Smith
PhD, MSW, FAOSW
Associate Professor
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Margaret (Peggy) Bush, PhD, MBA, RPh
Margaret (Peggy) Bush
PhD, MBA, RPh
Professor
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Sean P Convoy, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Sean Convoy
DNP, PMHNP-BC
Associate Professor
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Schenita D. Randolph, PhD, MPH, RN, CNE
Schenita Randolph
PhD, MPH, RN
Associate Professor
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Cristina C. Hendrix, DNS, GNP-BC, FNP, FAAN
Cristina Hendrix
DNS, GNP-BC, FNP, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Marilyn H. Oermann, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN
Marilyn Oermann
PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN
Thelma M. Ingles Distinguished Professor of Nursing
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Rémi Hueckel
DNP, CPNP-AC, CHSE, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Jamie Lord
Jamison (Jamie) Lord
DNP, MSN, RNC, PMHNP-BC
Assistant Professor
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Kathleen Turner
DNP, RN
Associate Professor
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Malinda Teague
DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC
Assistant Professor
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Kara McGee, DMS, MSPH, PA-C, AAHIVS
Kara McGee
DMS, MSPH, PA-C, AAHIVS
Associate Professor
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Tara Albrecht, PhD, ACNP-BC, ACHPN, RN
Tara Albrecht
PhD, ACNP-BC, ACHPN, RN
Associate Professor
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Carolina (Callie) Tennyson, DNP, ACNP-BC, AACC
Carolina Tennyson
DNP, ACNP-BC, AACC
Assistant Professor

The Duke Difference

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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.

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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
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