Youngstown State University

What you'll study

The AGACNP master's curriculum builds advanced clinical knowledge and hands-on skills for care of adult and older adult patients with acute, critical and complex conditions. Core study areas include advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology for acute care, and advanced health assessment focused on adults and older adults. Coursework emphasises diagnostics, clinical decision-making, interpretation of laboratory and imaging results, and management of multisystem disease processes.

• Advanced pathophysiology and disease mechanisms in acute/critical illness
• Pharmacotherapeutics for acute care and medication management
• Advanced health assessment with emphasis on diagnostic reasoning
• Acute care management across systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, renal, gastrointestinal and multisystem failure
• Procedural skills and patient stabilization techniques relevant to acute settings
• Evidence-based practice, quality improvement and patient safety in acute care
• Clinical practicum placements/preceptorships in acute care environments

The programme combines classroom/online instruction with multiple supervised clinical rotations in hospitals and acute-care units. Students complete a series of practicum hours under preceptor supervision to develop competency in patient evaluation, diagnostic ordering and interpretation, development of treatment plans, and interprofessional collaboration. Many courses integrate simulation-based learning to practise high-risk, low-frequency clinical scenarios.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold an active, unencumbered RN licence and a recognised bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or equivalent. Youngstown State University typically expects clinical experience in acute care settings (for example, medical–surgical, telemetry, emergency, or intensive care) and a solid academic record from prior study.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (or equivalent) from an accredited institution
• Current, unrestricted RN licence in the U.S. or eligibility for state licensure where clinical placements occur
• Preferably one to two years of acute-care clinical experience
• Submission of official transcripts, curriculum vitae or résumé, and a personal statement outlining clinical goals
• References from clinical supervisors or faculty and successful background/health screening as required for clinical placements

Applicants without a BSN but with an ADN may be considered for bridge pathways where available; contact the School of Nursing for details about articulation options and prerequisites. International applicants should consult the university for English language and credential evaluation requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for advanced-practice roles managing acutely ill adults in a range of settings. Common career destinations include:

• Acute-care and critical-care units (including ICU/CCU and step-down units)
• Emergency departments and trauma centres
• Hospitalist services and inpatient consult teams
• Post-acute care coordination, observation units and short-stay units
• Telehealth services focused on acute case management
• Clinical education, quality improvement, leadership and advanced clinical roles within healthcare systems

Many graduates also pursue national certification as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP and may continue to doctoral study (DNP or PhD) or move into administrative and academic roles depending on experience and interests.

Why study at Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University’s nursing programme emphasises hands-on clinical preparation in a region with diverse acute-care settings, enabling students to gain experience with a broad case mix. The School of Nursing combines experienced faculty who maintain clinical practice with simulation facilities and structured clinical-placement support to help students achieve competency across acute-care domains.

• Clinical partnerships with regional hospitals and health systems that provide varied acute-care placement opportunities
• Faculty with active clinical backgrounds and a focus on mentoring advanced-practice students
• Simulation-based learning and skills labs that augment real-world clinical hours
• Flexible delivery options that may include evening or hybrid courses to accommodate working nurses

Prospective students should contact Youngstown State University’s School of Nursing for detailed programme structure, practicum arrangements and advice on licensure and certification pathways relevant to their career goals.