Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) Career
What Do You Do in This Career?
Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNPs) are trained and educated to provide an extensive range of preventive as well as acute health care to patients of any age. From recording patient medical histories to performing physical exams to diagnosing and treating a number of chronic problems, ACNPs provide a full range of care. ACNPs also read and interpret lab results and X-rays, prescribe medication, and offer counseling to patients on how to maintain their health. ACNPs are authorized to practice nationwide; however, each state has its own licensing requirements.
While registered nurses (RNs) can work in acute care, becoming a nurse practitioner specializing in this field is the next step for career advancement. Critical care nursing means that RNs must be comfortable with a variety of medical technology. Some of this equipment includes: hemodynamic and cardiac monitoring systems, mechanical ventilator therapy, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and other life support devices. Most importantly, as first responders, they must be very accurate and very fast in assessing injuries and health conditions, as well as planning the next step in appropriate patient care.
Salary and Career Information
- Salary: Averages range between $80,000 and $98,075 per year for ACNPs.
- ACNP Requirements: To practice as an ACNP you must be a licensed RN, complete a master’s or doctorate degree with a specialization in acute care, and pass the National Board certification.
- Work Environment: ACNPs can work in employee health centers, colleges and universities, student health facilities, school clinics, nursing homes, hospitals, doctors’ offices, clinics, and any other health care facility where patients can be treated.
What Kind of Coursework Can You Expect in This Program?
Coursework in most MSN Acute Care Programs includes advanced physiology and pathophysiology, comprehensive adult health assessment, assessment of the critically ill, clinical pharmacology and therapeutics, cardiopulmonary, trauma, end of life care, diagnosis and management of complex acute care problems, and dealing with families in crisis.
Programs take 1-2 years to complete after which students must have 1750 hours of treating critical or acutely ill patients and then take the critical care examination. Postmaster’s certificate programs can be taken afterwards to specialize in areas such as pediatric acute care.
Earn an Online Nurse Practitioner Degree
Online nurse practitioner programs have grown in popularity in recent years as more accredited schools have begun offering online alternatives to these degrees. Combining flexibility with the lack of campus visitation required these programs are ideal for working professionals. By clicking on links below, you can request information from each school about its tuition, classes, and programs.
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Georgetown University — Stationed out of Washington DC, Georgetown University is a cultural and social hub and is one of the oldest schools in the nation. The school has two online nursing programs available, an MSN in Family Nursing and an MSN in Midwifery and Women's Health. Georgetown is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. |
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Kaplan University — Kaplan University's online presence is almost unmatched, offering over 170 online degrees and programs, including MSN in Nurse Administration, MSN in Nurse Education, and MSN in Nurse Informatics. However, there are also 70 campuses across the country for those interested in a more traditional education. Kaplan is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. |
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University of Phoenix — While it may not be surprising that the University of Phoenix is based in Phoenix, AZ, the school does have over 200 additional locations around the country. Phoenix has more than 200 online programs available, with nursing degrees in Health Education, Health Informatics, and a general track. Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. |
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American Sentinel University — American Sentinel University is an online college focused on technology, business, and healthcare. The school offers several nursing programs like the RN to MSN bridge programs or the MSN in Nursing Informatics. All of these programs require no campus visitation and can be completed online entirely. ASU has an accreditation by the Distance Education and Training Council. |
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Capella University — Based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Capella University is an online school with over 37000 current students across the nation. Its online programs like MSN in Nurse Educator (Bridge option also available) have one-to-one tutoring, accelerated study, and low student to teacher ratios. Capella holds several accreditations, including The Higher Learning Commission and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. |
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