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Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, DNP

Become an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in SU’s DNP program. Prepare for your advanced practice career in acute care environments including inpatient, emergency and critical care units.

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About this Program

Seattle University’s purpose-built Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) program prepares you for advanced practice in high-acuity settings, including inpatient, emergency and critical care units. With 150 clinical hours per quarter in realistic, hands-on scenarios, you’ll develop procedural skills, confidence and the critical muscle memory needed to respond effectively in fast-paced environments—from urban hospitals to rural communities.

The AG-ACNP track is a three-year, full-time Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree or Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion (APNI)-to-DNP students who have completed pre-licensure coursework. Students entering with a master’s degree will work with a faculty advisor to develop an individualized plan of study. One year of acute care experience is preferred for the AG-ACNP specialization. 

Be the First to Know When Our DNP Application Opens

The application for Seattle University's nationally ranked Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs opens this July for Summer 2026 entry—join the list to be notified as soon as it goes live and receive important updates along the way.

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Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) program at a Glance

Learn how the DNP degree in AG-ACNP program will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University degree can be.

The AG-ACNP program of study is for students entering the DNP program who have a bachelor's degree with an RN or Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion (APNI)-to-DNP students who have successfully completed the pre-licensure program of study. Students entering with a master's degree will have an individual program of study determined by the DNP advisor.

DNP graduates will: 

  1. Synthesize knowledge from nursing and other disciplines in the provision of evidence-based advanced practice nursing care. 
  2. Utilize information systems technology to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes. 
  3. Demonstrate competence in an advanced nursing practice specialty. 
  4. Exercise leadership through scholarship, advocacy, and community engagement to achieve just and equitable healthcare systems that improve health potential and reduce health disparities of vulnerable populations. 
  5. Evaluate and influence healthcare systems and health policy at local, state, federal, and global levels. 
  6. Demonstrate effective communication and interprofessional collaboration in the promotion of healthcare access, quality, and outcomes. 
  7. Evaluate beliefs, values, and ways of knowing to foster lifelong personal and professional development. 
  8. Apply ethical decision-making in complex clinical situations.

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

Where Ambition Meets Opportunity

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CCNE Accredited

Seattle University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

85.7%

Job Placement Rate

For Seattle University Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) grads.

#1

Top-Ranked Nursing School

Seattle University is a leader in WA state and among the top in the U.S. —College Factual, 2024

Virtual Information Sessions

Have questions about Seattle University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice programs? Attend a one-hour virtual information session to learn more about the College of Nursing, meet a knowledgeable admissions representative, and get answers to your questions about our programs, the application process and more.

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Students doing an acute care simulation at the Clinical Performance Lab
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Powerful Compassion and Skill

With 150 hours of clinical per quarter, in hands-on and realistic scenarios, you will practice procedures to gain the confidence and critical muscle memory necessary to save lives and make valuable contributions in urban centers as well as resource-limited rural communities.

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State-of-the-Art Clinical Performance Lab

The Clinical Performance Lab is a state-of-the-art, 20,000 square foot facility located a few blocks from the Seattle University main campus at Swedish Cherry Hill Medical Center. You’ll take your classroom knowledge and practice in a safe clinical environment with realistic patient scenarios.

Clinical Performance Lab
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Features and Simulations

To provide safe, hands-on training, the CPL is equipped with several patient simulator models, three simulation suites and more.

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American Nurses Credentialing Center and American Assoc. of Critical Care Nurses

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Association of Critical Care Nurses (ACCN) offer the AG-ACNP certification exam. Graduates of the DNP or Post-Graduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care are eligible to sit for both examinations.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) CCNE Accredited

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Seattle University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

From Our Alumni

Kirsten Carlson, DNP, FNP, AGACNP

“What brought me to Seattle U was its great history of nursing education and fantastic reputation for producing nurse leaders.”

Class of 2019

Acute Care Nursing Profile

Featured Faculty

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Get in Touch

We’re here to help. For information about DNP degrees at Seattle University, contact:

Oz Sener, MEd

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