Online MSN: AGACNP Bridge Pathway Emphasis¹
Online MSN: AGACNP Bridge Pathway Emphasis¹
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For experienced RNs who possess a bachelor’s degree in another field, the Bridge (Master of Science in Nursing: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with an Emphasis in Adult-Gerontology), offered by the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions, is a bridge pathway toward completion of the MSN degree program. You will be taught the foundations of assessment, diagnosis and treatment while preparing to position yourself for potential career advancement serving the critically ill adult and geriatric patient populations.
Online: $340 per credit [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
Completing your AGACNP MSN bridge pathway emphasis at GCU means you are being taught course materials from a university that meets the educational standards set by the Higher Learning Commission. Institutional accreditation is a direct reflection of the quality of education offered at a university. GCU has been institutionally accredited by the HLC since 1968. To learn more, visit our accreditation page.
These online and in-person courses can prepare you to enter into an MSN program with the background knowledge and APRN skills you need.
This MSN bridge pathway includes the following prerequisite coursework:
Foundations of professional nursing
Health assessment
Applied statistics for healthcare professionals
Quantitative and qualitative research
Concepts in community and public health
Pathophysiology
Professional capstone and practicum
You may have more questions about becoming an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner student at GCU. Learn more by reading through some most frequently asked questions.
Acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs) care for those who suffer from more serious health conditions. They are able to deliver the critical care that these patients need, often working in fast-paced healthcare environments and providing life-saving measures. These professionals work with all ages and treat various acute health conditions, typically in a hospital setting.2
AGACNPs are a type of specialty ACNP, primarily focusing on caring for the adult and elderly populations. These MSN ACNPs typically work with patients who have complex healthcare requirements. The care they provide is short-term and often immediate. These healthcare professionals must have an advanced understanding of the aging process and be able to develop appropriate treatment plans for ill, critical patients.3
To become an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP), you will first have to earn your nursing degree and complete the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse. The next step is to gain additional nursing experience or go right into continuing your nursing education. You will likely need to earn your MSN degree with a focus or emphasis in adult-gerontology. For nurses who are not yet eligible for the MSN program, an AGACNP MSN bridge pathway can provide you with the courses and knowledge you need to make the transition into the MSN program. If completing the online MSN AGACNP bridge pathway, each class is five weeks in length, for a total of 24 credits for completion.1
NPs can hold multiple certifications and specialties. They can also choose to switch specialties throughout their careers. Obtaining multiple specialties may require additional training, education and/or successfully passing a certification examination.
This bridge pathway can provide you with the background and experience you need to move forward in earning your MSN degree. This online MSN pathway with an adult-gerontology emphasis exposes you to various modes of care.1 If you are seeking to gain the skills and career opportunities that come with an MSN, but lack a relevant bachelor’s degree, this bridge pathway can provide an alternative.
Pathway offered in select states, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, Nevada and Texas.
If you’re considering transitioning into adult-gerontology nursing through completing a bridge pathway, fill out the form on this page to get in contact with a university counselor.
1 Clinical, practicum and immersion hours completed locally.
2 NurseJournal. (2022, Nov. 23). Acute Care NP Career Overview. Retrieved Oct. 13, 2023.
3 Hamlin, K. (2022, May 11). Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP vs. Primary Care NP: What’s the Difference? NurseJournal. Retrieved Oct. 13, 2023.
Many students who complete the AGACNP bridge pathway may choose to step into MSN degrees. After completing the bridge pathway, you will be qualified to apply for the Master of Science in Nursing: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with an Emphasis in Adult-Gerontology degree. This program combines courses in advanced health assessment, clinical diagnosis and procedural skill acquisition with care management for acute and chronically ill adults. Multiple clinical practicums, labs and correlating pedagogy emphasize the physiological and psychosocial impact of illness on patients and their families as well as the general community.
