Grand Canyon University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs – FNP, AG-ACNP

Grand Canyon University offers three online nurse practitioner programs through the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions. Each offers two specializations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP). The programs offered are a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), an RN to MSN Bridge, and a Post-Master’s Certificate. These online options provide online coursework with practicums at approved facilities local to the student and require two to three campus visits. The campus visits provide opportunities for hands-on training and practice as well as preparation for national certification exams.

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are prepared to serve as advanced practice primary care providers. FNPs function in a variety of roles for patients across the lifespan which may include disease diagnosis and management, health promotion, preventive medicine, acute and chronic health care management, routine exams and health assessments. In addition, FNPs collaborate with health care teams, patients, and their families to provide the highest quality of care possible.

Adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioners (AG-ACNPs) work with adult patients in acute and critical care settings. The AG-ACNP program includes seven domains that underpin the coursework:

  • Leadership, policy, and advocacy
  • Health promotion and disease prevention
  • Scientific underpinnings for practice
  • Systems, safety, and quality
  • Foundations for advanced practice nursing
  • Independent practice for the AG-ACNP
  • Analytic foundations for practice, ethics, and professional role

AG-ACNP students focus on managing acute and critical situations with the adult-gerontology patient, including complications, diagnosis, research, and disease detection. In addition, students are trained to be culturally sensitive to the needs of patients and families, and the communities in which they serve.

The MSN program is designed for nurses who have direct patient care experience in acute care, critical care, home health care, long-term care, community-based care, and other settings. The RN to MSN Bridge program is designed for RNs who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. 18 credits of bridge courses are required and courses last about 5 weeks each.

The NP programs through Grand Canyon University meet the standards of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) through which they are accredited, as well as the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) Project, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), and the American Nursing Association (ANA).

Graduates of the Grand Canyon programs will be prepared to take the national certification exams for their respective specialization. Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Grand Canyon University is a private Christian University located in Phoenix, Arizona.

What to Expect from the Grand Canyon University Online FNP and AG-ACNP Programs

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions at Grand Canyon University must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for all prior coursework. Those who do not meet this requirement may be eligible for admission through GMAT or GRE graduate test scores. Online applications must include an application fee, official transcripts, a current unencumbered RN license, and all other requirements listed below for each program. Students whose primary language is not English must also provide proof of English language proficiency.

  • Program Specific Admission Requirements
  • MSN FNP and AG-ACNP: Hold a BSN degree from an ACEN- or CCNE/NLNAC- accredited program; current CV with at least two years full-time work experience as a registered nurse in the prior two years; letter of intent
  • Post-Master’s Certificate FNP and AG-ACNP: Hold an MSN degree from an ACEN- or CCNE/NLNAC- accredited program; current CV with at least one year full-time work experience as a registered nurse; letter of intent
  • FNP students must currently have full-time employment in a healthcare role or provide documentation of such a role in the two years prior to application.
  • AG-ACNP students must be employed full-time in a hospital setting with at least one year of Adult ER experience, ICU experience, or progressive care or post-operative care experience.
  • RN to MSN FNP and AG-ACNP Bridge: Have a current unencumbered RN license and a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field

State Restrictions: The Grand Canyon University AG-ACNP programs are offered to students in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Texas. The FNP programs are available to residents of Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, and New Mexico. Applicants outside of Arizona should check with the admissions department to make sure they are eligible for the nursing programs. Prospective students in approved states should also contact the licensing board of their specific state of residence to verify that the program meets state requirements for NP licensure.

Study Plan: Courses for the online MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate programs run 16 weeks in length. Courses for the RN to MSN Bridge program run 5 weeks in length. Several start dates are offered throughout the year. Students should contact the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions for exact start dates for the desired program. Online nursing program coursework is delivered 100% online and clinicals are completed locally. MSN – FNP students come to campus twice while MSN – AG-ACNP students come to campus three times. Post-Master’s Certificate students also come to campus twice.

MSN – FNP and AG-ACNP Core Curriculum: The MSN degree comprises 53 credits and 675 hours of clinicals. Courses for both specialties include Introduction to Advanced Registered Nursing; Translational Research and Population Health Management; Organizational Leadership and Informatics; Evidence-Based Practice; Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology; Advanced Pharmacology; and Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning With Skills.

MSN – FNP Specialty Curriculum: Specialty courses include Health Promotion and On-Campus Experience I; Family Primary Care I-II; and Practicum and On-Campus Experience II.

MSN – AG-ACNP Specialty Curriculum: Specialty courses include Health Promotion and On-Campus Experience I; Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I-II; and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care III and On-Campus Experience II.

RN to MSN – FNP and AG-ACNP Bridge Curriculum: The total RN to MSN degree comprises 71 credits and includes 675 hours of clinicals. The 18 credits of bridge courses include Professional Dynamics; Health Assessment; Applied Statistics for Health Care Professionals; Introduction to Nursing Research; Pathophysiology and Nursing Management of Clients’ Health; and Concepts in Community and Public Health. Students then follow their chosen MSN specialization courses.

Post-Master’s FNP and AG-ACNP Certificate Curriculum: The Post-Master’s FNP and AG-ACNP Certificate program comprises 37 credits. Courses include Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology; Advanced Pharmacology; and Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning With Skills.

FNP specialty courses include Health Promotion and On-Campus Experience I; Family Primary Care I-II; and Practicum and On-Campus Experience II.

AG-ACNP specialty courses include Health Promotion and On-Campus Experience I; Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I-II; and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care III and On-Campus Experience II.

Online Experience: Grand Canyon University uses an innovative Learning Management System (LMS) for online learning. Students are able to watch videos, turn in assignments, view assignments and assessments, and communicate with faculty and peers. To create a collaborative environment students complete projects and participate in discussion forums. Online courses are asynchronous and allow for greater flexibility. Students have access to 24/7 technical support, ACE tutoring, academic advising, library services, and career services.

On-Site Requirements: FNP students come to the Phoenix, AZ campus twice: once for a 3-day visit, and once for a 1-day experience. During the 3-day visit students perform health assessments, and practice casting, splinting, suturing, and wound care. Presentations include case study analysis, chronic disease management, and radiologic interpretation. The 1-day experience helps to prepare students for certification exams.

AG-ACNP students come to the Phoenix, AZ campus a total of three times. Two 3-day campus experiences provide students with hands-on critical care and acute care practice in incisions, suturing, drainage, casting, splinting, catheter insertion, intubation, chest tube insertion, lumbar puncture, ventilator management, radiology interpretation, and hemodynamic monitoring. Additionally, AG-ACNP students participate in a 1-day campus experience to prepare them for the national AG-ACNP certification exam.

Paying for the Grand Canyon University Online FNP and AG-ACNP Programs

Grand Canyon University online NP program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate courses will be charged at the graduate tuition rate, plus fees. RN to MSN Bridge program courses will be charged at either the undergraduate rate or the graduate rate plus fees, depending on the course (bridge courses are typically considered undergraduate, and MSN courses are considered graduate). A special rate is available for active duty and active reserve military personnel.  Please visit the Grand Canyon University tuition page for up-to-date pricing information.

Travel costs for the on-campus visits are not included in tuition, and there may be other fees associated with GCU nursing degrees. Prospective students may speak with a university counselor to learn more.

Grand Canyon University

Besides being accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the Grand Canyon AGACNP and FNP MSN and post-master's certificate programs meet the standards of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN), and the American Nursing Association (ANA).

APRN Programs

MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-MSN Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
Post-MSN Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner
RN-to-MSN Bridge – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's)
RN-to-MSN Bridge – Family Nurse Practitioner (for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's)

Campus Address

3300 West Camelback Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85017

Grand Canyon University – MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Frequently

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

2

Credits Needed to Graduate

53

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

675

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

2.8 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AK, AR, CT, DE, DC, HI, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

53

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Grand Canyon University – MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Frequently

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

2

Credits Needed to Graduate

53

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

675

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

2.8 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AK, AR, CA, CT, DE, DC, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

53

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Grand Canyon University – Post-MSN Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP

Program Essentials

Degree Level

Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate

Specialization

AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Frequently

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

2

Credits Needed to Graduate

37

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

675

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

2.8 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AK, AR, CT, DE, DC, HI, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

37

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Grand Canyon University – Post-MSN Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Essentials

Degree Level

Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Frequently

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

2

Credits Needed to Graduate

37

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

675

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

2.8 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AK, AR, CA, CT, DE, DC, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

37

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Grand Canyon University – RN-to-MSN Bridge – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's)

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Frequently

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

3

Credits Needed to Graduate

77

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

675

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

Bachelor's (Non-Nursing) – Non-Nursing Bachelor's Degree

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

2.8 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AK, AR, CT, DE, DC, HI, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

77

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Grand Canyon University – RN-to-MSN Bridge – Family Nurse Practitioner (for RNs with non-nursing bachelor's)

Program Essentials

Degree Level

MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

Specialization

FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Start Dates

Frequently

100% Online?

No

Campus Visits Required

2

Credits Needed to Graduate

77

Clinical Hours Needed to Graduate

675

Program Accreditation

CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Program Admissions

Level of Education Required?

Bachelor's (Non-Nursing) – Non-Nursing Bachelor's Degree

GRE or GMAT Required?

No GRE Required

GPA Required?

2.8 or higher

State Restrictions? (Will Not Accept From…)

AL, AK, AR, CA, CT, DE, DC, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Program Tuition

Credit Hours

77

Average Cost Per Credit (state resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Estimated Total Tuition (state resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Average Cost Per Credit (non-resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Estimated Total Tuition (non-resident)

Please use the tuition link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information.

Sara Navratil

Sara Navratil

Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She’s the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online NP programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.