Student Lounge
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate
Your AGACNP Post-Master’s Certificate helps you build on your professional skill set and continue providing life-saving care.
Apply Now8 Weeks
8-week terms allow for start dates throughout the year
2 On-Site Intensives
Hands-on practice during in-person immersive experiences
CCNE-Accredited
This APRN track is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education1
AGACNP Track Highlights
Prepare to work in acute or intensive care with a diverse array of doctors and patients
Get industry-current training in telehealth, special populations, and new healthcare trends
Study online with mobile-accessible learning designed for working nurses
Practice your skills on site at relevant healthcare settings
Why Choose a Post-Master’s Certificate - AGACNP?
A Post-Master’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP certificate helps you advance your existing knowledge and skill set to manage the acute care challenges of adults of all ages. The online AGACNP specialization at WCU helps you grow further as a nurse through an advanced evidence-based curriculum.
In addition to online coursework and hands-on clinical experiences, your WCU education includes a forward-thinking approach that anticipates emerging technologies and practices. Earn your AGACNP Post-Master’s Certificate in as little as 20 months
Explore the AGACNP program at WCU!
Overview: Online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Details: Post-Master’s Certificate – AGACNP
Program Pace
Distance Education/Online
29 Credits
20 Months
5 Trimesters
Curriculum
Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Number | Name | Hours |
MSNA 600 | Adult Gerontology Acute Care: Introduction to Advanced Practice | 2 |
MSNA 605 | Adult Gerontology Acute Care: Clinical Reasoning & Differential Diagnosis | 3 |
MSNA 610 | Adult Gerontology Acute Care: Complex Care I | 3 |
MSNA 610C | Adult Gerontology Acute Care: Complex Care Practicum I | 3 |
MSNA 620 | Adult Gerontology Acute Care: Complex Care Practicum I | 3 |
MSNA 620C | Adult Gerontology Acute Care: Complex Care Practicum II | 3 |
MSNA 630 | Adult Gerontology Acute Care: Complex Care III | 1 |
MSNA 630C | Adult Gerontology Acute Care: Complex Care Practicum III | 2 |
MSNA 650 | Adult Gerontology Acute Care: Intensive I | 2 |
MSNA 650C | Adult Gerontology Acute Care: Residency I | 2 |
MSNA 660 | Adult Gerontology Acute Care: Intensive II | 2 |
MSNA 660C | Adult Gerontology Acute Care: Residency II | 2 |
MSNA 680 | Adult Gerontology Acute Care: Transition to Practice | 1 |
Total Credit Hours: | 29.0 |
Tuition & Financial Aid
How Much Does the Post-Master’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program Cost?
We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.
Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of post-master’s AGACNP online tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the post master’s AGACNP certificate program costs at West Coast University.
We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.
Post-Master's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Tuition and Fees
Degree Type |
Certificate Prior to Fall I 2024 |
Certificate Effective Fall I 2024 |
Total Program Credits | 29 | 29 |
Program Length(full time) | 5 trimesters | 4 trimesters |
APRN Core(per credit x 29 credits) | $785 | $785 |
Total Tuition Cost | $22,765 | $22,765 |
STRF1 | $0 | $0 |
Technology Fee2 | $2,500 | $2,000 |
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees3 | $2,300 | $2,300 |
Program Fee (Clinical)4 | $3,300 | $3,300 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $30,865 | $30,365 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) |
$30,865 |
$30,365 |
Indirect Costs
8 Month Academic Year5 | ||||
Prior to Fall I 2024 | Starting Fall I 2024 | |||
with parents | off campus | with parents | off campus | |
Federal Student Loan Fee | $220 | $220 | $220 | $220 |
Living Expenses (Food & Housing) | $2,384 | $7,936 | $2,496 | $8,328 |
Transportation | $1,648 | $1,648 | $1,728 | $1,728 |
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $5,392 | $5,392 | $5,656 | $5,656 |
Total | $9,644 | $15,196 | $10,100 | $15,932 |
1 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.
The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.
You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.
It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.
To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:
- The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
- You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
- You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
- The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
- The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
- You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
- You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.
To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.
A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of non-collection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.
However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.
2 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.
3 Supplies and licensure prep fees include a WCU identification card, background check, standardized patients, supplies, equipment for onsite intensives, and APRN predictor exams for APRN students. Supplies become student purchases once issued to students. Students who drop or have been dismissed after supplies have been issued will assume ownership for these items and will not be eligible for refunds. For details on all the supplies please contact the Bursar Office.
4 Program Fee covers the establishment, on-going management, scheduling, coordination, site visits, and any other expenses related to clinical rotations.
5 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the program must meet the following requirements (Post-Master’s Certificates All Track Options):
- Completion of the application for admission.
- Completion of all university admissions requirements.
- Completion of a Master of Science (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited program, with a 3.0 GPA or better.
- Applicants can be conditionally admitted into the program by providing unofficial transcripts or a copy of the conferred nursing degree. Official transcripts which meet the requirements set forth must be received by the end of the add/drop period to be admitted to the program.
- A valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in any U.S. state or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program.
- Military, federal, and foreign-educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure.
- An active and unencumbered RN license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.
- A domestic or foreign medical degree is not equivalent to a nursing degree.
*Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to the International Admissions section of the catalog.
Additional Admissions Requirements Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Tracks Only:
In addition to the admissions requirements above, applicants to the Post-Master’s Certificate Advanced Practice Registered Nurse tracks must also meet the following admissions requirements:
- Recommendation for admission by the Program Dean/Director and admission committee members. Past academic performance and professional achievements will be evaluated using a rubric to determine the applicant’s level of qualification.
- A valid and unencumbered license as an RN in any U.S. state or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes practicum experiences.
- Applicants who have been dismissed from a previous WCU nurse practitioner program track do not qualify for admission into any of the Post-Master’s Certificates Nurse Practitioner tracks.
- Applicants will have a formal transfer of credit gap analysis prior to acceptance of admission.
- Applicants who do not meet full admissions criteria will not be considered.
- Applicants to the APRN tracks must have a minimum of one (1) year of direct patient care RN experience before entering APRN core courses as verified using the experience verification form.
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track applicants must have one (1) year of intensive care unit (ICU) experience as a registered nurse (RN) within the past 5 years prior to admission as verified using the experience verification form.
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track applicants must have one (1) year of registered nurse (RN) experience in direct patient care or a minimum of six (6) months of direct patient care experience in psychiatric mental health nursing (preferred) within the last 5 years prior to admission as verified using the experience verification form.
- All students will be required to complete the Supplemental Application Form.
*Students admitted to APRN tracks under previous admissions requirements and have withdrawn that have completed more than 75% of the credits associated with the program will be re-admitted to the previous version of their program using previous requirements.
For all admission requirements, please visit our catalog.
Academic Calendar
New academic terms begin, on average, every eight weeks. The number of trimesters needed depends on the program and pace selected for the AGACNP track. For the most updated start-to-completion schedule, view the Academic Calendar.
Clinical Placements
Support Through Your Clinical Experience
At WCU, we offer the support you need for your clinical practice experience. Our Clinical Placements team is here to guide you through the process of finding and selecting a preceptor and site, as well as processing any needed approvals.
With your own assigned coordinator of clinical relations, you’ll get one-on-one coaching and learn helpful tips for a successful clinical practicum. WCU has partnerships with various healthcare providers, giving you ample resources as a student looking to find a clinical placement.
Career Services
Personalized Career Guidance
We are committed to helping our students succeed post-graduation. Our Career Services department offers professional development workshops and guidance for all WCU graduates, with access to resources through graduation and beyond.2 We assist with everything from job search strategy to resume writing to interview preparation and beyond.
Additionally, prior to graduation, students have access to various resources, including Student Success advisors, admissions and financial aid advisors, personal tutoring, and more.
Featured Faculty
Cyndi Faudree, DNP, FNP-BC, ACNP-BC, APRN
Program Dean/Director, Family Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Programs
Cyndi Faudree is the Program Dean and Director of the Family Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program tracks at West Coast University, as well as an assistant professor. Dr. Faudree is dual-certified as a family nurse practitioner and acute care nurse practitioner. She provides student-centric strategic and operational direction, as well as leadership of program accreditation and certification.
Prior to joining WCU, Dr. Faudree served as Associate Dean, Associate Director of Medical Practice and Regional Program Director overseeing M.D. and APRN programs at other universities. She was the Director of the Standardized Patient Program and wrote many interactive virtual cases collaborating with national companies. She has served on various committees, holding the roles of APRN Sub-Committee Chair, DNP Sub-Committee Co-Chair, and member of the Graduate Curriculum Committee, Governance Committee for Sigma Theta Tau, and APRN Taskforce.
Dr. Faudree is a member of numerous professional associations, including the American Nurses Association, American Nurses Credentialing Center, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty (NONPF), and Sigma Theta Tau. She serves her community by being a member of her state’s Board of Health and volunteers her time by contributing to many local health and community events. Dr. Faudree was nationally recognized as the recipient of the Army Achieve Medal for Civilian Service and Program Development in 2012.
FAQs
What can I expect from clinical placements?
Our program includes clinical hours for practical experience. When it comes to finding the right facility, WCU has a dedicated team to help you find a placement for clinical training that aligns with your goals.
What is an on-site intensive (OSI)?
Our AGACNP program requires students to complete two on-site intensives (OSIs).3 These in-person, immersive experiences give students hands-on experience, as well as the opportunity to learn unique skills and collect feedback from instructors. OSIs help prepare students for APRN clinical rotations and practice.
How long will it take to complete the AGPCNP post-master’s certificate?
You can earn your post-master’s AGPCNP certificate in as little as 16 months.
Will I be eligible to take my certification exam?
Yes, upon completion of your program, you will be eligible to take your national board certification exam. At WCU, we make two tools available to assist with your preparation for the examination: Lecturio and BoardVitals. These mobile-friendly platforms will help you review the test material so you feel ready once the exam date arrives.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available to students who qualify. Some of the scholarships and grants that students can benefit from include the Alumni Pathway Grant (covering up to 20% of tuition), the WCU Health Services Grant (covering up to 10% of tuition), and the WCU Performance Scholarship (covering up to 15% of tuition). To learn about eligibility requirements, visit the scholarships and grants page of our online catalog.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at West Coast University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
The West Coast University Post-graduate Certificate in Nursing program holds initial accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify
1 The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at West Coast University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
2 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
3 Students enrolled through the Orange County campus must complete their OSIs in California. Students enrolled through the Texas campus must complete them in Texas. Travel costs are not included in tuition and fees, and students are responsible for arranging transportation.
4 WCU evaluates transfer credits for acceptance. We can accept a total of up to 90 transfer credits (48 credits for college-level non-nursing courses, and 42 credits for unobstructed RN licensure) for the RN to MSN program
5 American Association of Nurse Practitioners, “Are You Considering a Career as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner?” Jan. 22, 2020