ACNP-BC - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified

A board-certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in the care of patients with acute illnesses or exacerbations of chronic conditions. ACNPs can work in a variety of settings, including inpatient hospital units, emergency departments, and urgent care. They may care for young adult, adult, and geriatric patients (pediatric acute care is a separate specialty certification). ACNPs can diagnose illnesses and injuries, order diagnostic imaging or laboratory work, perform simple procedures, and prescribe medication and treatments. This is a fast-paced and engaging career track well suited for nurses with critical care or emergency room experience.

The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (ACNP-BC) is available for renewal only from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Education Pathways to Become an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

There are a few different ways to obtain a certification as an ACNP, but all begin with becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) first. Most ACNP programs will require a year or two of experience working as an RN before applying, though the amount and set of experiences preferred will vary by program. Most programs also require you to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) before applying, though there are “bridge programs” that allow RNs with Associate’s degrees to obtain their BSN seamlessly while they work towards a Master’s or Doctoral degree. There are three main types of ACNP degrees, Master of Science in Nursing, Post Master’s Certificate, and Doctor of Nursing Practice. 

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): RNs with a BSN (or those with an Associate’s if applying to a bridge program) may choose to apply for an MSN program with a special concentration as an ACNP. Typically the foundational classes for all MSN students will be the same regardless of specialty concentration, advanced pathophysiology, physical assessment, and pharmacology, and then the remaining courses will be specific to the chosen specialty. In the case of ACNPs, this means courses related to the diagnosis and treatment of acutely ill patients with new-onset illnesses or exacerbations of existing illnesses. Relevant clinical experience, typically between 600-800 hours, in acute care settings with experienced NPs or physicians, is paired with required courses. Most BSN to MSN programs take between 2 and 3 years to complete. 

Post Master’s Certificate: This route is for people who already hold an MSN in a different specialty concentration and wish to further their education to include acute care. Often, these are Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) who wish to move into a more acute care setting. Programs include more in-depth learning in the management of acute care problems than would have been covered in a student's initial Master’s degree, and around 500 clinical hours must be completed as well. These programs typically take between 1 and 2 years to complete. 

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): This route is a clinical doctorate (different from a PhD) and the terminal degree for advanced practice nursing. Students can enter DNP programs either as an RN with a BSN or as an already certified ACNP with an MSN wishing to further their degree. For BSN-prepared nurses, a DNP program is very similar to the MSN route but dives deeper into topics and prepares students at the highest level of expertise. DNP programs typically include 1000 hours of clinical experience and completion of a DNP project that spans 1-2 years of the degree. DNP projects aim to address gaps in care observed by the student and work to implement evidence-based solutions to those gaps. DNP programs take 3-4 years for students with a BSN to complete and 1-2 years for students with an MSN to complete.

Once an individual has completed an ACNP course of study and graduated with an advanced degree in nursing, they are eligible to take the ACNP certification exam. The exam is offered through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and consists of 175 questions (150 of which are scored). Applicants can register online or by mail and should submit transcripts, Validation of Education Forms from their university, and other possibly requested documents. The fee for initial certification is $375 but may be discounted for membership in various professional nursing organizations. 

Once their application is processed and approved, applicants are able to schedule a test at a Prometric testing site or remotely using the Prometric live proctor program. Test takers are allotted 3.5 hours to complete 175 questions and will be notified whether they passed or failed on-site. Once passed, the certification is valid for 5 years. Practice tests and study materials are available on ANCC’s website. 

Licensure

It should be noted that once an individual passes the ACNP examination and is board certified, they are still not eligible to practice until they have applied for licensure in their state. Application processes and fees vary by state, as well as the ACNP scope of practice, ability to prescribe controlled substances, and work with or without physician collaboration. The Nurse Practice Act for your state of residence should be consulted for reference.

Certification renewal occurs every 5 years, and ACNPs can track their continuing education credits over this time frame on ANCC’s website. Over the 5 year period, ACNPs must accrue 75 hours of relevant continuing education from 8 potential categories, 25 of which must be related to pharmacology. The possible pathways for continuing education should be specifically related to the role of an ACNP and include: 

• Continuing Education Modules

• Academic Credits 

• Presentations

• Evidence-Based Practice or Quality Improvement projects of publication of research

• Preceptor hours

• Professional Service

• Practice Hours

• Assessment (exam)

Renewal Fees

• American Nurses Association (ANA) members: $275

• American Association of Nurse Practioners (AANP) members: $295

• Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) members: $320

• Non-members: $375

The ANCC website offers exam study materials, general handbook, application checklist, and registration to test, tracking continuing education for recertification, and more.