Registered nurses who want to care for patients with complex or life-threatening health conditions may consider online acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) programs. These programs often require a clinical skills training component but offer students more time flexibility than traditional on-campus nursing programs.
RNs seeking to become acute care nurse practitioners work with medical teams in emergency rooms and other hospitals, often specializing in either adult-gerontology or pediatric nursing. Most programs require a current, unencumbered RN license and specific course completion requirements.
Check for Accreditation
If you are considering becoming an acute care nurse practitioner, ensure that your chosen program is accredited. Only accredited programs qualify students to take the ACNP exam and work in this critical healthcare field.
The online acute care nurse practitioner programs at Youngstown State University will be similar to a traditional nursing program but with specialized courses in adult-gerontology acute care and acute care management of patients with complex and critical health conditions. Online ACNP programs also require clinical experience, which the school often arranges.
Most online RN-to-ACNP programs have strict admission requirements, including a bachelor’s degree and a minimum GPA. Some schools may have other requirements, such as letters of recommendation or an admissions interview. You should also review the school’s website for information about any financial assistance available to graduate students. These funds could significantly affect how quickly you can start your acute care nurse practitioner career.
Check for Coursework
As you research online nurse practitioner programs, remember that you must attend classes and complete clinical in person. These courses are often scheduled during the day but may also be held at night or on weekends.
The right NP degree pathway will depend on your long-term goals and where you wish to work. For example, if you want to specialize in critical care, look for an acute care nurse practitioner program that includes this focus.
If you’re more interested in a broader advanced nursing degree, an online doctor of nursing practice (DNP) or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) could be a better fit. These degrees require a mix of clinical and critical skills. UMSON faculty is committed to assigning students to clinical sites that align with course and program objectives. However, if you have a specific preceptor or clinical site in mind, we encourage you to contact them directly to see if they will host you as part of your coursework.
Check for Cost
Online acute care nurse practitioner programs offer an affordable, convenient way for registered nurses to advance their careers. The best online RN to ACNP programs offer high-quality education, flexible schedules, and the opportunity to earn a competitive salary.
Choosing the right online nurse practitioner program depends on your career goals, lifestyle demands, and nursing aspirations. Nurse practitioners can choose from several specializations, each focusing on particular roles and patient populations.
While it’s important to check for accreditation and coursework, it’s also essential to consider the cost of an online nurse practitioner program before applying. In addition to tuition costs, prospective students should be aware of additional fees and expenses that may apply. These additional expenses include application fees, licensing fees, and clinical experience requirements. For example, some online acute care nurse practitioner programs require on-campus skills training, such as central line insertion and arterial line placement. These training sessions typically take place during the first semester of the program.
Check for Student Support
Online acute care nurse practitioner programs are ideal for nursing professionals who must remain at work or want to avoid making significant lifestyle changes during graduate school. However, discerning the best online acute care nurse practitioner program will require careful consideration.
The most critical factors in deciding which online ACNP program to attend include accreditation, coursework, and costs. Students should consider their long-term professional aspirations and how their chosen degree program can support them.
To apply to an accredited online acute care nurse practitioner program, prospective students should have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or master of science in nursing (MSN), a current unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Some schools also require applicants to have prior clinical experience in an intensive care unit, emergency room, or telemetry unit. Lastly, students should ensure that the school offers clinical rotations in areas where they live or can travel.
