Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at UC College of Nursing prepares registered nurses to deliver advanced, evidence-based care to adolescents, adults and elderly patients facing acute or complex health conditions in high-acuity settings.
The DNP curriculum includes evidence-based practice, quality improvement, policy, informatics and leadership.
Program delivery combines flexible online coursework with in-person precepted clinical practice and on-campus labs where students practice skills such as suturing, airway management, line placements with ultrasound, lumbar punctures, trauma assessment with FAST exam, needle & surgical cricothyrotomy, chest needle decompression, chest tube placement, pericardiocentesis and interosseous access.
This program prepares graduates for certification exams from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).
Learn from faculty who are practicing nurses, up-to-date clinically and get the support you need to succeed every step of the way:
- Enrollment Services Advisor to help with your application and ensure UC is the right fit
- Student Success Coordinator to prepare you for classes and registration
- Clinical Site Coordinator to guide you through your clinical and practicum experiences
Jody Beckington, DNP, ACNP-BC
Assistant Professor, Coordinator of Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Programs
Admission Requirements
- A current, active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) licensure with no disciplinary action
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an ACEN- (formerly NLNAC) or CCNE-accredited nursing institution
- Minimum overall BSN GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (recommended)
- Minimum science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (not required for Systems Leadership and Nursing Education MSN program applicants)
- Minimum undergraduate Statistics GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
- A minimum of one year of RN experience in the United States at the time of application
Application Deadline
All BSN to DNP programs, except Nurse Anesthesia, admit for the fall semester start only. The application window for programs could close early, if maximum capacity is reached.
| Semester Start | Application Deadline | Class Start |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | July 1, 2026 | Aug. 24, 2026 |
Tuition & Fees
| Enrollment | Ohio Resident |
Metro Resident (KY or IN) |
Non-Resident |
Program Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part Time (9 credits or fewer) |
$836 per credit |
$861 per credit |
$1,423 per credit |
$34 per credit |
| Full Time (10 credits or more) |
$8,359 per semester |
$8,609 per semester |
$14,228 per semester |
$338 per semester |
Metro and non-Ohio residents who move to Ohio pay in-state tuition rates once residency is officially established.
Important Information about Tuition and Fees
The rates provided are based on 2025-26 totals set by the university and could change in future academic years. Estimates also could change based on the following:
- Change of state of residence
- Change in enrollment status (i.e., full time or part time)
- Other unforeseen circumstances
Application Process
All information required to apply to our Master of Nursing Science programs should be submitted through NursingCAS.
- Official transcripts from all schools previously attended, including community colleges and two- and four-year colleges and universities should be sent directly to NursingCAS.
- Transcripts must verify a Bachelor of Science in Nursing conferred from a regionally and ACEN (formerly NLNAC) or CCNE accredited institution.
- International transcripts must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES) (preferred), or another NACES member.
Provide your CV or resume in PDF format.
Make sure that your CV or resume provides relevant work history and reflects any contributions beyond normal job expectations. Include military service, community service, membership in professional associations and any certifications that you currently hold. Please also include any scholarship, such as publications or presentations.
Three letters of reference from individuals who can attest to your academic and professional skills.
Your goal statement should:
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the specialty area you are applying for;
- Explain your interest in the specialty;
- Highlight your preparedness and reasons for pursuing the program;
- Describe your goals after graduation.
This statement, which should be between 500-700 words in length, will also serve as an academic writing sample.
- NursingCAS application fee: $85
- UC Graduate School application fee (non-refundable): $65 ($70 for international students)
- Matriculation fee upon acceptance (non-refundable): $300, applied toward your first-semester tuition
For questions, please please check our FAQ page or contact the Office of Recruitment: nursingbearcats@uc.edu