7 Top Acute Care NP Programs in California: Complete Guide for Nurses
Want to advance your nursing career with acute care NP programs in California? Your decision to specialize in this field will have a powerful effect on patient care.
UCSF’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) specialty remains unique in Northern California. Chamberlain University leads as the largest MSN program in the U.S. with over 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. These programs equip you to handle complex adult health conditions in a variety of settings. You’ll work in clinics, emergency departments, acute hospital-based settings, and intensive care units.
This guide covers everything you should know about becoming an acute care nurse practitioner or choosing between ACNP programs in California. Chamberlain’s network spans 11,000+ partner locations, while West Coast University offers flexible 8-week terms with multiple start dates throughout the year. The program costs typically range from $46,090 to $47,280 at some institutions. You’ll learn about curriculum structures, clinical experiences, and certification eligibility to help you choose the right program that matches your career goals and schedule.
1. Chamberlain University AGACNP Program
Chamberlain University runs one of California’s best Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) programs. This program helps registered nurses develop advanced clinical skills. The specialty track is part of the largest MSN program in the United States. You’ll learn to excel in high-acuity settings while working with adolescents, adults, and older adult populations.
AGACNP Curriculum
The AGACNP program has 48 credit hours split between MSN core courses and specialized AGACNP coursework. Your clinical expertise will grow through this structured progression:
- Core and NP Core Courses: You’ll study Advanced Nursing Practice Roles, Theoretical Basis, Nursing Informatics, Population Health, Evidence-Based Practice, and Healthcare Policy.
- Advanced Practice Fundamentals: Students complete vital courses in Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology Fundamentals, and Advanced Physical Assessment.
- AGACNP Specialty Courses: The specialty track has Advanced Pharmacology for AGACNP, Differential Diagnosis in Acute Care Practicum, Common Diagnosis and Management, Complex Diagnosis and Management, Advanced Acute Care Management with Lab, and Acute Care Practicum I-II.
Each course builds on previous knowledge to prepare you for complex patient situations in acute care settings.
Clinical Experience
You’ll need to complete 750 total clinical hours – 700 clinical practicum hours and 50 lab hours. Kansas residents must complete 775 total hours (750 practicum, 25 lab). Qualified preceptors supervise all hands-on experience.
The program features two on-ground immersion experiences:
- First immersion during Advanced Physical Assessment helps develop and review clinical competency
- Second immersion during Advanced Acute Care Management helps you become skilled at complex diagnostic and therapeutic skills
The program ends with an intensive review weekend to help you prepare for board certification. Your preceptors must have current, active licenses and at least one year of advanced practice experience.
Admission Requirements
The AGACNP program needs these qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree
- Current, active RN license in good standing
- Recommended minimum 3.0 GPA
- Transcripts, resume, and personal statement
You don’t need GRE scores for admission. Before starting NP core courses, you’ll take a formal assessment of your science knowledge.
Program Format
You can complete all coursework online along with in-person clinical experiences. Working nurses benefit from:
- Six start dates throughout the year
- No mandatory group work
- Two to three in-person support events to develop skills
Immersion weekends take place in Chicago’s suburbs. You’ll network with faculty and peers, practice clinical skills, and work with specialized equipment. This mix of online and hands-on learning gives you both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Cost & Financial Aid
Tuition rates change based on location. Campus-based BSN programs cost between $735.00 and $775.00 per credit hour as of January 2026. Online NP courses have different rates.
The AGACNP specialty track costs between $31,000-$35,000 total, including:
- Tuition ($665 per credit hour as of 2025)
- Technology and lab fees ($250-$500)
- Books and materials ($1,000+)
- Travel costs for immersion weekends
About 90% of Chamberlain students get some form of financial aid. The university offers an NP Graduate Certificate Grant worth up to $2,000 off tuition for qualified students.
Certification Eligibility
After completing the program, you can take the national AGACNP certification exam. Chamberlain suggests:
- Taking your certification exam within 3 months after finishing the program
- Waiting for degree conferral before applying for certification (usually Week 2 of the session after your final course)
- Using ParchmentTM to order official transcripts
Certification alone doesn’t let you practice as an Advanced Practice Nurse. You need licensure in each state where you plan to practice. State Boards of Nursing usually ask for national certification, official transcripts, education verification, and proof of specialized education.
2. Loma Linda University AGACNP Program
Loma Linda University’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program is notable from other acute care NP programs in California. The program shapes nurses into healthcare leaders through a mix of hands-on clinical work and theoretical learning.
AGACNP Curriculum
Loma Linda’s curriculum emphasizes systems thinking, evidence-based practice, and research that applies to adults’ acute healthcare needs of all ages. Students complete 118 quarter units (about 79 semester units) spread across four key areas:
- Core courses (49 units) – These cover advanced role development, theoretical foundations, health systems leadership, and policy development
- Concentration courses (15 units) – Students learn about gerontological health, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and assessment
- Clinical courses (35 units) – Students progress from simple to advanced skills in clinical practice
- DNP project courses (19 units) – The program ends with a detailed practice inquiry project
Students take three religion courses that combine smoothly with Loma Linda’s integrated approach to healthcare: Ethics and Health Disparities, Health Care and the Dynamics of Christian Leadership, and Theology of Human Suffering.
Clinical Experience
Students get exceptional hands-on training in multiple settings at Loma Linda University. The program requires 600 hours of clinical practice in the advanced practice role and 510 practicum hours for the DNP component. One campus gives students access to six hospitals, a Level 1 trauma center, and several clinics.
Clinical courses move through five levels, each building on previous learning:
- Skills lab (30 hours)
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP I-IV (420 hours combined)
- Advanced practicum experience (210 hours)
World-class physicians and researchers mentor students throughout their clinical experience.
Admission Requirements
Program requirements include:
- A nursing baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited program
- 0 GPA minimum (both cumulative and nursing courses)
- Valid United States RN license (California RN license needed before classes begin)
- Three electronic recommendations from a nurse supervisor, RN co-worker, and spiritual advisor
- Official transcripts of all college credits
- Faculty interview
The AGACNP program also needs:
- One year of full-time RN experience before clinical courses
- Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification before starting
Program Format
Students can complete this hybrid DNP program with significant flexibility. Most academic work happens online asynchronously, but students must join scheduled Zoom meetings and in-person sessions. Requirements include:
- 4-8 hours on campus during each quarter’s Seminar Week
- In-person attendance for all exams including midterms and finals
- Clinical rotations in Southern California’s Inland Empire region
Full-time students finish in 3 years and 9 months, while part-time students have up to 7 years to complete the program.
Cost & Financial Aid
Financial aid options depend on calculated need—the gap between estimated Cost of Attendance and Expected Family Contribution. Graduate students can access:
- Outside scholarships or awards
- Federal Direct Loans (Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS)
- Institutional loans
- Federal Work Study opportunities based on eligibility and request
Students should apply early since the university awards aid on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited institutional funds.
Certification Eligibility
Graduates can become certified adult-gerontology nurse practitioners through the state of California, the American Nurses Certification Corporation, and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. The ANCC Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner board certification exam tests entry-level clinical knowledge and skills.
Students who meet requirements and pass the exam earn the AGACNP-BC (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified) credential, which lasts 5 years. Maintaining this credential requires an active license and meeting current renewal requirements.
3. West Coast University AGACNP Program
West Coast University offers a flexible online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program. Working nurses looking to advance their careers in acute care settings throughout California will find this program provides exceptional clinical preparation.
AGACNP Curriculum
The MSN-AGACNP program requires 50 total credit hours. Students complete core nursing courses (12-18 credits) and specialized AGACNP track courses (32-38 credits). The program takes an integrated approach to care for adult and gerontology patients with complex and acute conditions.
Key courses in the curriculum include:
- Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Health Assessment with Lab
- Acute Care Adult and Geriatric Patient Theory and Practicum
- Advanced Healthcare Residency
The program has updated its curriculum structure for Fall 2024. New course designations include MSNA 600 (Introduction to Advanced Practice), MSNA 610/610C (Complex Care I and Practicum), and MSNA 630/630C (Complex Care III and Practicum). Students learn to implement evidence-based practice guidelines in settings from emergency departments to intensive care units.
Clinical Experience
Students must complete 500 precepted clinical hours (540 hours from Fall 2024) in healthcare environments of all types. WCU’s dedicated Clinical Placements team helps students through each stage of clinical practice.
The program assigns a coordinator of clinical relations who will:
- Find clinical sites that match your interests
- Connect you with qualified preceptors meeting university standards
- Help with site approval and compliance paperwork
- Support you throughout your practicum experience
Students participate in two mandatory On-Site Intensive (OSI) weekends at either the Orange County or Texas campus. These hands-on sessions let you practice essential skills with faculty guidance. Workshops cover electronic documentation systems, shared case studies, and procedural training in wound management, suturing, and diagnostic test interpretation.
Admission Requirements
The AGACNP program requires:
- One year of RN experience in an intensive care unit (ICU) within the last five years
- A valid RN license without restrictions in the state where program assignments are completed
- A BSN degree from an accredited program
- Meeting GPA requirements (usually 3.0)
RNs without a BSN can choose WCU’s RN to MSN-AGACNP pathway. This efficient route lets you earn both degrees in one program.
Program Format
Students can complete this online program at their own pace:
- Accelerated: 20 months (previously 16 months)
- Working Professional: 32 months[151]
New terms start every eight weeks. This schedule works well for professionals while ensuring they develop clinical skills through interactive learning.
Cost & Financial Aid
California students pay between $46,090 and $47,280 for the full program. The Post-Master’s Certificate costs $30,365 to $31,090 for MSN holders.
Financial aid includes:
- Alumni Pathway Grant (up to 20% of tuition)
- WCU Health Services Grant (up to 10% of tuition)
- WCU Performance Scholarship (up to 15% of tuition)
Qualified students can access federal aid through loans, grants, and work-study programs.
Certification Eligibility
Graduates can take national board certification exams through:
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) – Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certified (ACNPC-AG)
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGACNP-BC)
WCU gives students access to Lecturio and BoardVitals, two mobile-friendly platforms for exam preparation. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits WCU’s programs, which ensures certification eligibility after graduation.
4. Cal State LA AGACNP Certificate Program
Cal State LA’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program provides a specialized pathway that helps nursing professionals expand their acute care expertise. The Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing designed this post-master’s certificate for MSN holders who want AGACNP specialty training.
AGACNP Curriculum
Students complete 32 units of specialty theory and clinical practice to build their acute care expertise. The program features a well-laid-out sequence of courses:
- NURS 5301: Advanced Care Management I for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
- NURS 5302: Advanced Care Management II for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
- NURS 5303: Advanced Care Management III for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
- NURS 5401: Advanced Therapeutics Practicum I
- NURS 5402: Advanced Therapeutics Practicum II
- NURS 5403: Advanced Therapeutics Practicum III
Graduates learn to care for acutely ill adults in settings of all types—from emergency departments to intensive care units. The program takes a comprehensive approach that emphasizes patient care and cooperative teamwork.
Clinical Experience
Starting Fall 2025, students must complete 900 total practicum hours. This change lines up with updated National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) standards. The hours spread across three practicum courses:
- 315 clinical hours in Practicum I
- 315 clinical hours in Practicum II
- 270 clinical hours in Practicum III
Students gain hands-on experience managing acutely ill adult patients through direct advanced nursing care, consultation, teamwork, and referrals in various acute care settings.
Admission Requirements
Program applicants need to meet these requirements:
- Current California Registered Nurse License
- Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN or MN) from an accredited program
- One year of clinical practice with acutely ill adults
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification
- Specialty Nurse Certification (such as CCRN)
- Advanced pharmacology completion within 5 years before furnishing number application
- Two references and an essay with application materials
Non-NP students must finish prerequisite courses before starting the program. These include Advanced Pharmacology (NURS 5280), Advanced Pathophysiology (NURS 5660), Advanced Health Assessment (NURS 5720), and Advanced Health Assessment Lab/Practicum (NURS 5730).
Program Format
Students can complete the program in 1-2 years, depending on prerequisites. The structure includes:
- Year 1: Prerequisites and foundation courses (if needed)
- Year 2: Two terms of specialized AGACNP coursework
Students attend some classes online but must be present for clinical practicums and skill demonstrations. Skills build progressively from simple assessment to complex acute care management.
Cost & Financial Aid
California residents pay $9,144 per academic year in graduate tuition and fees. Other costs include:
- Books and course materials: $1,078
- Housing (varies): $10,000-$13,066
- Food (varies): $3,614-$11,008
- Transportation: $2,018-$2,890
Students can access Federal and State grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The university awards aid on a first-come, first-served basis. Students should apply before the March 2nd priority filing deadline.
Certification Eligibility
Students who complete the program with a 3.0 or higher GPA can:
- Take the National Professional Adult ACNP certification examination
- Apply for California Board of Registered Nursing’s nurse practitioner certification
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the program, which meets all California Board of Nursing requirements. Graduates can pursue certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) pathways.
5. UCSF AGACNP Program
UCSF offers a unique Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program that is known as the only one of its kind in Northern California. The program’s clinical rigor makes it exceptional. Students learn to work in a variety of acute care settings.
AGACNP Curriculum
The UCSF AGACNP curriculum runs for 12 quarters and combines theory with ground application. Students learn through courses like Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment, and specialized AGACNP clinical courses. The program features:
- Master’s coursework that covers theoretical foundations, research methods, and leadership development
- Specialized acute care courses that focus on diagnosis and treatment of acutely ill patients
- Progressive skill development through structured lab components
Your second year builds expertise with courses in Diagnosis & Treatment of Acutely Ill/Injured patients, Antibiotic Therapeutics, Nutrition Therapy, and more complex clinical residencies.
Clinical Experience
UCSF’s clinical training goes beyond industry standards by providing over 1,000 clinical hours at premier healthcare facilities. Students train at leading institutions such as:
- UCSF Helen Diller Medical Center
- Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
- Stanford Health Care
Program graduates make up 75% of student preceptors, which ensures students get exactly what they need. Students gain unique exposure to complex patient cases in a world-renowned teaching hospital setting.
Admission Requirements
The AGACNP program looks for candidates with:
- BSN degree with minimum 3.0 GPA
- At least two years of RN inpatient clinical practice experience
- Current, active RN license
- A complete application package with resume/CV, goal statement, personal statement, and four letters of recommendation (one academic, three professional)
Strong critical care backgrounds set successful candidates apart. Students must apply by January 13, 2025.
Program Format
Students benefit from a hybrid learning model that combines online and in-person elements. This setup works well for working professionals while ensuring hands-on skill development. The schedule features:
- First-year classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Some recorded sessions for flexible viewing
- Mandatory in-person attendance for skills labs and select courses
- Clinical practicum days on alternating Thursdays at first, with more days later
Students often work part-time or per-diem to manage program workload. Full-time workers usually switch to 12-hour shifts or night shifts to fit their class schedules.
Cost & Financial Aid
UCSF’s academic excellence comes with strong financial support options. UC employees can get a two-thirds reduction in Student Services Fee and Tuition through spring 2031. This applies to regular session courses up to 12 units or four courses per quarter.
Students can access:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
- Work-study opportunities
Students should apply early for financial aid since funds go to those who apply first.
Certification Eligibility
Graduates can pursue national certification through two paths:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Adult Gerontology certification
These credentials last five years. Your certification qualifies you for nurse practitioner board certification nationwide and meets California’s licensing requirements.
6. University of San Diego AGACNP Program
University of San Diego excels among California’s elite nursing institutions with its distinctive dual-track approach in the Adult-Gerontology and Family Nurse Practitioner program. This detailed pathway prepares graduates for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) role through specialized acute care training.
AGACNP Curriculum
The dual Adult-Gerontology/Family NP curriculum builds on baccalaureate foundations and emphasizes research, theory, and practice. Students develop expertise to manage both acute and chronic healthcare needs in a variety of age groups. The AGNP track helps you provide primary care to patients 13 years and older, with special focus on managing aging adult populations.
Students become skilled at vital APRN competencies. These include patient assessment, ordering diagnostic tests, formulating diagnoses, and managing treatment plans including prescribing medications.
Clinical Experience
The clinical training helps students develop hands-on skills through increasingly complex practicum experiences. Students will get a solid foundation in essential CNS skills such as effective rounding strategies, resource negotiation, and participation in ethical decision-making processes. These experiences prepare graduates to lead and drive change in evolving healthcare environments.
Admission Requirements
Post-graduate certificate applicants need to submit:
- An online application with $55 application fee
- Proof of unencumbered, active California RN license
- 500-word statement of purpose detailing motivations and goals
- Resume/CV highlighting professional accomplishments
- Two letters of recommendation (preferably from doctorate-holding nurses)
- Official transcripts from BSN and MSN programs
The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and completion of simple statistics coursework.
Program Format
USD introduces a HyFlex option for its CNS program starting Fall 2025. Students can attend classes on campus, join live via Zoom, or watch recorded sessions at their convenience. This flexible approach works well for professionals in all CNS tracks.
Cost & Financial Aid
Tuition rates vary by program level:
- DNP: $1,800 per unit
- MSN: $1,750 per unit
Total program costs by track:
- BSN to DNP Dual AGNP/FNP: $145,800 (81 units)
- MSN Dual AGNP/FNP: $98,000 (56 units)
Students pay a $300 annual technology and compliance fee plus health services and student association fees.
Certification Eligibility
Program graduates qualify for dual certification through:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Adult-Gerontology Primary Care certification
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB)
These credentials stay valid for 5 years. Nurses can keep them active by maintaining licensure and meeting renewal requirements.
7. Azusa Pacific University AGACNP Program
Azusa Pacific University provides a specialized pathway through its Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) program for nurses who want primary care expertise. The program takes a different approach from traditional acute care training but prepares nurses thoroughly for geriatric care.
AGACNP Curriculum
The program consists of 35 units split between advanced practice core (12 units) and specialty courses (21 units). Students learn Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Health Assessment in core courses, while specialty training focuses on Primary Healthcare I-III and Gerontology.
Clinical Experience
Students take 12 units of clinical practicum and can enroll in 2-6 clinical units each semester with faculty approval. The hands-on training starts early, letting students gain experience with real patients in medical centers of various specialties.
Admission Requirements
Students need a master’s degree in nursing and a current California RN license. They must complete prerequisites in health assessment, pathophysiology, nursing research, statistics, leadership, and community health nursing.
Program Format
Working professionals can benefit from the program’s well-laid-out curriculum sequence through flexible scheduling options.
Cost & Financial Aid
The program costs $895 per unit, with a total cost of approximately $31,325 for the certificate program. Students can access grants, loans, and military benefits for financial support.
Certification Eligibility
Graduates can pursue California nurse practitioner certification and national AGPCNP certification through examination after completing the program.
Next Steps
You’ve just explored seven exceptional Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs in California. Each school brings something special to the table. Chamberlain’s extensive network of clinical partners and UCSF’s unmatched position as Northern California’s only AGACNP program stand out. Loma Linda offers a complete DNP pathway. West Coast University gives you flexible scheduling. Cal State LA has a specialized post-master’s certificate. University of San Diego provides a dual-track approach. Azusa Pacific focuses on primary care. These are all great ways to reach your advanced practice goals.
The right program for you depends on your career goals, schedule limits, and learning priorities. You’ll need substantial clinical experience before admission, especially when you have acute care background. The cost varies substantially too. Azusa Pacific starts at around $31,000, while comprehensive dual-track programs like USD can exceed $145,000.
Clinical experiences are the substance of these programs. Requirements range from 500 to over 1,000 hours based on the school. Many institutions support you through dedicated clinical placement teams and partnerships with prestigious California healthcare facilities.
Program formats give you plenty of flexibility. Hybrid learning models are common. They combine online coursework with essential campus visits to develop skills. This lets you keep your job while pursuing advanced education.
After graduation, you can get national certification through respected organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). These credentials help you advance your career and take on specialized roles in healthcare settings of all types.
Starting the mission to become an acute care nurse practitioner advances your career and helps you make a real difference in patient care. This complete guide helps you assess which California AGACNP program best fits your goals, schedule, and learning style. The work to be done requires dedication, but rewards you with expanded clinical expertise, career opportunities, and knowing how to provide exceptional care when patients need it most.