Admissions to this program are paused for spring 2026 entry and will resume for spring 2027. Stay tuned to this page for application deadlines.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Two-year part-time hybrid program
This certificate prepares graduates to become adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners. The program is an option for advanced practice registered nurses. Graduates earn an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner post-professional certificate.
- Proven success: Graduates of the AGACNP concentration achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on certification exams in 2023
- Clinical placement support: We match students with experienced preceptors for hands-on learning in top-tier settings
- Guaranteed admission: Graduates of VCU’s bachelor’s degree in nursing are guaranteed admission to any VCU nursing graduate program, as long as they meet all admission requirements and space is available
- Experience team-based health care training: Collaborate across VCU’s health sciences campus and train at the Magnet-designated VCU Medical Center
Program Details
The adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner concentration prepares graduates to provide direct acute care to the entire spectrum of adults, including young adults, adults and older adults across the lifespan and across the continuum of care. Through your coursework and practicum experiences, you will develop advanced clinical skills that will prepare you for success in your future career as an AGACNP.
VCU Bulletin is the official source for course and academic program information.
Admission Requirements
Review all required prerequisite courses, supporting documents and other admissions criteria.
Degree Requirements
Review the list of courses that will make up your nursing degree.
Application Info
Admissions to this program are paused for spring 2026 entry and will resume for spring 2027. Stay tuned to this page for application deadlines.
To apply to the AGACNP certificate program at the VCU School of Nursing, complete the following steps through NursingCAS, the centralized application service for nursing programs:
1. Submit Your Application in NursingCAS
- Application Fee: $80 (paid through NursingCAS)
- CAS Residency Form Fee: $75
This fee is waived for current VCU students.
The form will be emailed to you after submitting your NursingCAS application.
2. Upload Required Materials
Along with your application, you’ll need to upload:
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- Resume or a curriculum vitae
- RN license
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
We're here to help! Contact us at VCU_Nurse@vcu.edu with your admissions questions.
Review the functional and technical standards required for participation in the academic programs of the School of Nursing.
Prospective students with a conviction showing on their criminal history record may not be eligible to participate in clinical experiences at selected sites. This may impact the student’s ability to successfully complete program requirements. Applicants with a criminal history record are advised to review eligibility and licensure requirements for states in which they may seek employment (see Virginia eligibility requirements).
Financial Info
Use the following links to understand what your attendance costs will be and how aid and scholarships can help make your degree affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
This program is for registered nurses who hold a master’s degree and are already certified as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in one specialty.
The four lecture courses are hybrid, requiring one on-campus day per week. Clinical courses are conducted in-person in a clinical setting.
It is a part-time, two-year program, spanning six consecutive semesters.
No, students do not need to find their own preceptors. Each semester, students are matched with preceptors based on availability and course needs. Students may request specific preceptors or sites for consideration, though requests are not guaranteed.
It is possible for students to complete this program in another state. Requests to complete the program in another state are handled on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for more information at vcu_nurse@vcu.edu.