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
A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who holds a graduate-level degree. While in most states RNs currently need only a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) degree to become nurse practitioners, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has proposed that the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) be the minimum requirement for all advanced practice nurses by 2015. Listed below are the best online colleges offering accredited MSN and DNP degrees.
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Georgetown University — The Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies offers two online Master of Science in nursing degrees. The MS in family nurse practitioner program prepares students for careers as family nurses. The MS in midwifery / women's health nurse practitioner program perpares students for careers as nurse practitioners who specialize as midwives and caring for female patients. |
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Kaplan University — The MSN nurse administration, nurse education, and nurse informatics degree programs from Kaplan allows nurses with bachelor's degrees to take their careers to the next level. Students of these programs will learn advanced nursing theory, health policy, evidence-based decision making, financing, and more. |
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University of Phoenix — The Master of Science in nursing for nurse practitioners from the University of Phoenix is a flexible online program from an accredited school. Students will learn advanced nursing skills, finance, change management, and evidence-based nursing research. Upon completion, graduates will be well prepared to advance their nursing careers. MSN specialties are offered in health education and health informatics. Dual degrees (MSN + MBA and MSN + MHA) are also available. |
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American Sentinel University — American Sentinel University offers a basic RN to MSN degree, as well as several specializations within this program, including case management, infection prevention and control, management and organizational leadership, and nursing informatics. Graduates of these programs will all have a fundamental understanding of health and illness and will be able to provide direct care to individuals, families, and groups with a variety of health needs. |
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University of Cincinnati — The MS in nursing degree program with a specialization in women's health practice offered online by the University of Cincinnati is geared toward nursing students wanting to receive expert training on women's health issues. Cincinnati also offers many other nurse practitioner degree programs, including MSN specialties in clinical nursing, nurse midwifery, and psychiatric & mental health nursing. |
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