Lincoln Memorial University-Caylor School of Nursing (CSON) is expanding its graduate nursing offerings with the addition of an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) concentration, a new program developed in response to growing demand from healthcare providers for advanced practice nurses trained to care for critically ill and medically complex adult patients. The concentration is scheduled to launch in Fall 2027.
The new concentration was developed in direct response to feedback from regional healthcare partners, stakeholders and the CSON Community Advisory Board, which identified a critical need for advanced practice nurses prepared to manage high-complexity adult patients in inpatient and specialty care settings. While LMU's existing Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration prepares graduates to provide primary and preventive care in outpatient settings, the AGACNP concentration will focus on acute and critical care, helping address a significant workforce gap across the region.
Healthcare organizations throughout the area have reported difficulty recruiting qualified AGACNPs, often hiring FNPs to fill inpatient roles and investing additional resources in specialized training and residency programs to prepare them for acute care environments. The addition of the AGACNP concentration is designed to help meet those workforce needs by preparing graduates specifically for the demands of hospital-based and specialty acute care practice.
“With a proven track record of student success and certification pass rates that consistently surpass the national average, LMU is uniquely positioned to expand our graduate nursing program,” said Jennifer Stocks, DNP, FNP-BC, Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs and FNP Program Director. “While our Family Nurse Practitioner concentration focuses on primary care and chronic disease management in outpatient settings across the lifespan, the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration bridges a critical gap. This new concentration answers a vital need for providers specifically trained to manage high-complexity, critically ill adult patients within hospital or specialized clinic settings. Offering both concentrations allows LMU to support our local healthcare partners in meeting all facets of our community’s healthcare needs.”
The AGACNP program will provide students with advanced knowledge and clinical experience in managing acute and chronically ill adult and older adult populations ages 13 and older, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in fast-paced, high-acuity healthcare environments.
Key program features include:
The curriculum is designed to foster clinical expertise, critical thinking and adaptability, ensuring graduates are prepared for the challenges of acute and critical care nursing roles in today's evolving healthcare environment.
The addition of the AGACNP concentration further strengthens LMU's commitment to addressing regional healthcare workforce needs and expanding access to high-quality care, particularly in rural and underserved communities throughout the region.
For more information about LMU's graduate nursing programs, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/caylor-school-of-nursing/master-of-science-in-nursing-msn/
Apply today at: https://www.lmunet.edu/target-x/
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The Caylor School of Nursing is committed to preparing nurses to meet the healthcare needs of the region and beyond through excellence in education, service and practice.
