Rosalind Franklin University Unveils DNP Specialty in Acute & Critical Care Nursing

Rosalind Franklin University College of Nursing announces the launch of a new specialty track in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program to prepare Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AGACNP). The specialty track will prepare nurses to deliver high-level, complex care to patients across acute and critical settings.

With demand for acute care providers at an all-time high, the specialty expands the scope of practice for advanced practice nurses, offering career longevity, flexibility and preparation for leadership roles. Students will gain the skills to confidently deliver complex, evidence-based care, and lead interprofessional teams in high-acuity patient care environments.

"Our students come to us with a deep commitment to their patients and communities," said Lisa Hopp, PhD RN FAAN, Dean of the College of Nursing. "This program was designed with them in mind, today's learners who need flexibility, support, and meaningful clinical experiences. We want every graduate to leave here confident not only in their clinical expertise, but also in their ability to lead and make a real difference in the lives of acutely ill adults and their families."

The new program emphasizes immersive, hands-on training through simulation labs, advanced anatomy labs, and faculty-guided clinical practice experiences, alongside board exam preparation and ongoing faculty support. Students will also engage in interprofessional education among peers from other health disciplines, building the teamwork skill essential for today's complex healthcare systems.