DNP in a teaching consult with patient

Online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner D.N.P.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

Lead at the highest level of nursing practice while delivering advanced, complex and life-saving care.

Prepare to provide advanced care for older adult patients with complex, critical and life-threatening conditions through UND's online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner D.N.P. program. You'll gain the expertise to lead clinical teams, improve patient outcomes and expand access to high-quality care. No GRE required for admissions!

Program type:
Doctoral Degree
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
8 - 11 Semesters
Credit hours:
80

Why earn your Online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care D.N.P. at UND?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
July 1

In this online program, you'll develop advanced clinical expertise while building the leadership, policy and systems-level skills needed to transform healthcare delivery. Designed for nurses seeking the highest level of practice, this program combines in-depth acute care training with a focus on improving outcomes for patients with complex, critical and life-threatening conditions. With flexible online coursework, hands-on clinical experiences and a strong emphasis on rural and underserved populations, you'll be prepared to lead in high-impact healthcare environments.

Through completion of this program, you will:

  • Build advanced clinical expertise in diagnostics, therapeutics and patient management for adult and gerontology patients in acute care settings.
  • Gain extensive hands-on experience through 800 clinical practicum hours and an on-campus intensive focused on complex procedures.
  • Develop leadership, policy and systems-level skills to improve healthcare delivery, patient outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to provide high-quality, evidence-based care in fast-paced clinical environments.
  • Strengthen your ability to navigate healthcare systems, influence practice standards and advocate for patients, especially in rural and underserved communities.
  • Position yourself for advanced leadership and clinical roles with greater autonomy, career growth and long-term professional impact.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing (NDBON).

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (D.N.P.) at UND

  • Gain the highest level of nursing practice education, combining advanced acute care expertise with leadership, policy and systems-level training that sets you apart from master's-prepared clinicians.

  • Go beyond bedside care by learning to develop and implement healthcare policies, improve care delivery systems and lead organizational change.

  • Build confidence and competency through 800 clinical practicum hours and an on-campus intensive focused on mastering complex, high-acuity procedures.

  • Complete your D.N.P. with primarily online asynchronous courses, plus minimal on-campus time, allowing you to advance your education without stepping away from your career.

  • Prepare to make a meaningful difference in high-need communities, a distinctive focus that aligns with growing national healthcare priorities.

  • Earn your degree from a CCNE-accredited program with more than a century of nursing excellence. Stand out as a graduate of one of the only programs of its kind in North Dakota, supported by a dedicated clinical placement team.

Careers in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (D.N.P.)

129K

Median salary for license holders

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

40%

Expected growth through 2034 for nurse practitioners

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

An Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner D.N.P. prepares you to care for adult and older adult patients with complex, critical and life-threatening conditions while expanding your opportunities in clinical leadership and healthcare administration. You'll graduate ready to provide advanced acute care, lead healthcare teams, improve patient outcomes and influence healthcare systems through evidence-based practice and policy. Potential career paths include:

  • Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) - Provide advanced care for adult and older adult patients with complex, critical and life-threatening conditions. Perform assessments, interpret diagnostic tests, develop treatment plans and deliver interventions in high-acuity settings such as ICUs, emergency departments and specialty units.
  • Hospitalist - Manage the care of hospitalized patients from admission through discharge. Coordinate treatment plans, monitor patient progress and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure continuity, efficiency and high-quality patient outcomes.
  • Advanced Practice Provider (APP) - Deliver comprehensive medical care as a nurse practitioner working independently or collaboratively with physicians. Diagnose conditions, prescribe treatments and manage patient care across acute care environments.
  • Clinical Leadership Roles - Lead care teams, mentor staff and influence clinical practice standards to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.
  • Healthcare Administration and Management - Oversee operations, guide strategic initiatives and improve organizational efficiency within hospitals and health systems.
  • Policy and Systems Leadership - Develop and implement healthcare policies, drive quality improvement initiatives and shape systems-level changes that impact patient care at scale.
  • Career Settings and Functions:
    • Acute Care Settings - Work in hospitals, intensive care units, emergency departments and specialty units providing high-level care to patients with complex conditions.
    • Advanced Clinical Practice - Perform comprehensive assessments, interpret diagnostics and implement evidence-based interventions to stabilize and improve patient outcomes.
    • Interdisciplinary Collaboration - Partner with physicians and healthcare teams to coordinate care and optimize treatment strategies.
    • Patient Advocacy and Education - Support patients and families while promoting informed decision-making and improved health outcomes.
  • Broader Career Trajectory:
    • Advanced Practice Nursing Leadership - Move into roles that shape clinical practice, healthcare delivery and patient safety initiatives.
    • Professional Advancement - Increase earning potential, expand career opportunities and gain credentials that support long-term stability and growth.
    • Systems-Level Impact - Influence healthcare policy, improve care delivery models and drive meaningful change, especially in rural and underserved communities.

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (D.N.P.) Courses

NURS 612. Integrated Leadership DNP Core Concepts. 3 Credits.

This course provides an overview of the DNP advanced nursing practice roles. The AACN DNP Essentials is the framework used to explore practice leadership, clinical scholarship, and policy. Prerequisite: Admission to the DNP program. F,S,SS.

NURS 602. Evidence Based Research I. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on the development of practice scholarship through the use of evidence to address clinical problems and inform future practice. Students in the class will define practice problems, evaluate evidence based methods to address those problems and design practice focused projects to measure outcomes. Middle range theories will also be explored and used as frameworks for study designs. Statistics and previous Evidence Based Practice course is highly recommended. Prerequisite or Corequisite: Admission to the DNP program. F.

NURS 608. Healthcare Economics, Finance and Leadership. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on healthcare economics, finance and practice leadership skills related to the role of the DNP prepared nurse within the complex health care system. Prerequisite: Admission to Graduate Nursing Program. F,S,SS.

NURS 618. Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care. 3 Credits.

This course is an introduction to the diagnostic and therapeutic processes used in the acute and critical care settings for acutely ill adult-gerontology patients. Prerequisite: Admission to the AGACNP Track. F,SS.

NURS 522. Advanced Pathophysiology. 3 Credits.

This course presents a system-focused approach to alterations in normal physiological mechanisms that result in pathologic disease processes. Physiological changes are compared and contrasted over the lifespan and developmental cellular physiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations commonly observed in altered health states are reviewed. This knowledge serves as the foundation for advanced clinical assessment, decision making and management for the advanced practice nurse. Prerequisite: Admission to graduate study. F,S,SS.

NURS 620. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Practicum I. 1-5 Credits.

This repeating clinical practicum course provides the APRN student with the opportunity to obtain advanced practice clinical experience in their area of specialization. The course focuses on the integration of theoretical knowledge into clinical practice and gaining increasing competency in the skills integral to the nurse practitioner role. Prerequisite: Admission to the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Track. F,S,SS.

 

Online Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner D.N.P.

+170

online programs

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

While most of the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner courses are delivered asynchronously online, clinical courses will require a 2-hour synchronous session each week. You will also attend one on-campus intensive session during your program.

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Synchronous classes are held in real-time. If you’re the kind of learner who likes active discussion and immediate feedback through live interaction, you’ll enjoy this online course format.

Every class is different, but generally, you’ll log into a virtual classroom at scheduled times to:

  • Listen to a lecture
  • Ask questions
  • Participate in class discussions
  • Conduct group activities
  • Participate in video-sharing
  • Have chat conversations
  • Use interactive whiteboards
  • Take live polls

You should prepare for your classes by finishing any assigned readings, compiling questions for your instructor and thinking about how to contribute to the next live class.

Leaders in Online Education

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)
Make A Difference

Explore more about our nursing graduate programs.

Department Contact
Zauna Synnott
Office of Student Services Mgr, Nursing
P 701.777.4553

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