The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) Program prepares nurse practitioners to function as generalist, principal providers of care for adults with common episodic/chronic health problems across the continuum of acute care services. In addition, Pitt's ACNP program includes a focus in a selected clinical emphasis: cardiopulmonary, critical care, oncology, trauma & emergency preparedness (clinical emphasis) or directed study. The directed clinical emphasis allows the students to design a course around a particular area of interest (i.e., internal medicine, general surgery). The ACNP is prepared to assume responsibility for promoting, maintaining and restoring health to adults who are acutely or critically ill. ACNP's also participate in research and provide leadership in mobilizing health services.

Full-time or part-time study is available.  Nurse Practitioners or Clinical Nurse Specialists who already have a master's degree in nursing may complete a post-masters certificate.

In foundational core and clinical courses, students learn the decision-making skills needed to manage the episodic and chronic health problems commonly experienced by acutely and critically ill adults. Courses in the clinical emphasis follow and build upon this knowledge base. A culminating clinical practicum is included as a synthesizing experience in the final term of study. Clinical experience for students depends on their area of interest and may include outpatient, acute care, and critical care settings. The ACNP program utilizes many clinical sites both regionally and nationally.

Applicants should have two years of clinical experience, including one year of clinical experience in the selected area of clinical emphasis before beginning clinical courses. ACNP graduates are eligible for state certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) by the State Board of Nurse Examiners of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania after successful completion of the national certification exam in Adult Care offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.  

A Post Master's Certificate Program for Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is also available. This non-degree certificate program is designed for nurses with a previous Master's in Nursing who are seeking to expand their roles via nurse practitioner certification in Adult Acute Care. Applicants will be considered who have completed an accredited NP program or CNS program leading to a MSN or MN. The total credits required vary based on the student’s transcripts. Credit will be given for previous coursework that meets the core curriculum requirements, and the program faculty will do an individual evaluation of applicant transcripts.

Coursework and clinical practice hours during the certificate program will focus on developing knowledge and skills necessary for advanced practice as an NP, including content on health promotion/protection and the management of problems frequently seen in adult acute care settings. The clinical practice hours required in the certificate program meet the state and national requirements for eligibility for certification as an ACNP.