About the AG-ACNP Certificate

Frequently Asked Questions about the AG-ACNP Certificate

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is December 10. The program begins in Winter quarter.

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How much will the program cost?

Total estimated program cost for a student beginning in 2024 is $46,867. View the tuition and fees page for more information.

If I'm an FNP, ANP or AGNP, what would my certificate-seeking program of study look like?

The Post-Graduate Certificate curriculum is designed for working professionals. The classes/labs/simulations are taught using a block format or executive style with classes being offered one long weekend a month (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) from 0800-1700. During the summer, there are two 4-day blocks of classes that include the weekend (Thursday – Sunday).

Critical care experience is not required but is helpful. It is recommended for students to have mastery of basic EKG/Rhythm recognition skills and have completed an ACLS course prior to starting the program.

Admission into this certificate program requires that you have already completed a master’s degree (or higher) with a focus as a primary care nurse practitioner (FNP, ANP, AG-PCNP, etc.).  Moreover, you must have completed all the prerequisite courses for advanced practice including pathophysiology, advanced health assessment and pharmacology.

If I'm already a master’s prepared FNP, ANP or AGNP, could I pursue my DNP and AG-ACNP at the same time?

Yes, to complete the DNP in tandem with the AG-ACNP, you will meet with the DNP advisor to create an individual and detailed program of study based on your prior course work.

The DNP courses are not offered executive style and will require attendance in classes offered during the week. Typically, these courses are taught on monday (although subject to change).

Do I need to take a certification exam to be an AG-ACNP?

There are two certifying agencies offering the AG-ACNP certification exam. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (ACCN). Upon completion of this program you are eligible to sit for both examinations.

How many clinical hours must I complete?

This is a new focus and you must complete a minimum of 600 clinical hours regardless of where you are currently practicing. Your clinical schedule can be adapted to your current clinical practice requirements. Due to the fast pace of acute care, we ask you to complete a minimum of two consecutive days and prefer three consecutive days allowing you to be able to assess client changes over time.

Does Seattle University help with clinical placements?

Yes, we have several clinical agency partners in western Washington and can help with clinical placements. If you have contacts for clinical placement, we can work with you to complete your clinical in your preferred locations. Prior to starting any clinical hours, an Affiliation Agreement must be in place between Seattle University and the clinical agency and students must complete all “onboarding” that is required by the agency. 

My father-in-law is a physician, can I complete my clinical hours with him?

Unfortunately, no. You cannot be related to your preceptor. Your preceptor must be free to provide direct and essential feedback to you during your rotations. If you have this type of a relationship/connection, it may be very helpful to arrange clinical training for your classmates with your family member.

Can I complete my clinical hours where I work?

The depends. Under no circumstance can you consider hours that you are getting paid as your clinical hours for school. If you work in a large agency and you can complete your hours in a different department, this is acceptable if you are not getting paid. You may not complete your clinical hours in the unit in which you are employed.  

Can I complete my clinical hours in a different state?

Yes, but this requires advanced planning. You must be approved by that state's board of nursing and hold at least an RN license in that state, unless it is a federal agency. If you are requesting to complete your clinical hours outside the state of Washington, you may be asked to pay the travel expenses for faculty to make required site visits.

Do I need to be licensed in Washington State?

You need to hold a current license in the state where you will complete your clinical experiences. If you live in a different state and will be able to complete all your clinical hours in that state, you do not need to hold a Washington RN license.

Do I need Professional Liability/Malpractice Insurance?

Yes, you will need a current policy in your name before starting clinical rotations. Even if your current employer provides your malpractice coverage as an umbrella coverage, you still need your own policy. This can be a student policy, but it must be in your name and have coverage for at least $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate. Your policy can be from any commercial vendor that provides professional medical malpractice coverage.

If I am accepted into the AG-ACNP program are there other things that need to be completed before the program starts?

Yes, if accepted for admission to the AG-ACNP program, you will need to complete a background check through “certified background”, provide documentation regarding vaccinations titers, influenza vaccination, complete a 2-step tuberculin skin test, and hold a current AHA CPR for health care providers. There will be more information available, if you are accepted.

What are the course/program details?

Winter I - First Quarter

• NURS 6401: Diagnostics and Procedures (3 credits)
• NURS 6406: Advanced Inpatient and Critical Care Pharmacology (3 credits)

The first quarter of the program focuses on pharmacology, but from an inpatient perspective including conversion of outpatient medications to inpatient prescribing and then back to outpatient. Procedures such as basic and advanced suturing techniques, cardiac rhythms and 12 lead EKG interpretation, radiological interpretation, performance of point of care ultrasound with interpretation, joint injections, biopsies, and principals of wound care will also be covered.

Spring - Second Quarter

• NURS 6402: Acute Care I Management of Chronic Conditions in the Acute Care Setting (3 credits)
• NURS 6412: Acute Care I Lab (2 credits)
• NURS 6403: Acute Care Practicum I Management of Chronic Conditions during Acute Alterations in Health (5 credits)

The second quarter focuses on management of chronic health conditions while clients have acute exacerbations. This quarter will have a didactic and simulation component in addition to clinical hour requirements. There will be specific skills taught in this course such as paracentesis, central line placement, and lumbar puncture. (Hospitalist role)

Summer - Third Quarter

• NURS 6404: Acute Care II Management of Acute and Complex Conditions (3 credits)
• NURS 6414: Acute Care II Lab (2 credits)
• NURS 6405: Acute Care Practicum II Management of Acute Conditions During Altered States of Health (5 credits)

The third quarter focuses on management of acute conditions (unstable angina, COPD exacerbation, respiratory failure, pneumonia, etc.) in addition to underlying chronic health conditions. The course will have a didactic and simulation component in addition to clinical hour requirements. There will be specific skills taught in this course such as intubation (airway management), chest decompression (needle and tube thoracotomy). (Inpatient subspecialty role)

Fall - Fourth Quarter

• NURS 6407: Acute Care III Management of Critical and Unstable Conditions (3 credits)
• NURS 6417: Acute Care III Lab (2 credits)
• NURS 6408: Acute Care Practicum III Management of Critical or Unstable Conditions during Altered State of Health (5 credits)

The fourth quarter focuses on critical care management. This quarter will address airway and ventilation support, hemodynamic monitoring, nutritional support, and other aspects of critical care. The course will build on previous material and include didactic/simulation/clinic hour requirements. There will be an additional critical care pharmacology course taught during this quarter. (Critical care intensivist role)

Winter II - Fifth Quarter

• NURS 6409: Acute Care Practicum IV Specialty Focus (5 credits)

The fifth quarter is designed for specialty content and is driven by the learner and the post program goals. If the learner is planning to work in cardiology, these clinical objectives and hours can focus on cardiology.