How to Become an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) in 2025
What Tasks Do Acute Care Nurse Practitioners Perform?
ACNPs are trained to manage acute care needs and prevent disease progression. Their responsibilities often include:
- Collaborating with physicians and the acute care team
- Designing and implementing treatment strategies
- Diagnosing and treating acute conditions
- Monitoring hospitalized patients and assessing their recovery
- Ordering and interpreting lab results
- Performing procedures such as casting, lumbar punctures, and intubations
- Prescribing medications
- Stabilizing patients in critical conditions.
These tasks represent a portion of the ACNP's scope of practice, which may vary based on employer requirements.
Where Are ACNPs Typically Employed?
ACNPs work in various settings, including:
- Emergency departments
- Operating rooms
- Surgical centers
- Urgent care clinics
- Intensive care units
They provide critical support to patients experiencing conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, respiratory failures, and trauma. The role of ACNPs has expanded, particularly in regions facing physician shortages, where they help bridge the care gap.
What Is the Quickest Path to Becoming an ACNP?
Becoming an ACNP requires a combination of education, experience, and licensure:
- Education: Complete a 2-to-4-year nursing degree (Associate's or Bachelor's).
- Licensure: Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN).
- Experience: Gain experience as an acute care RN.
- Advanced Education: Pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with specialized acute care courses. Accredited MSN programs typically require 40 credit hours and extensive clinical practice, usually over two years.
- Certification: Obtain certification as an ACNP through state nursing boards or national organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Alternatively, RNs with a master's degree might opt for a one-year post-master's program to prepare for ACNP certification. An RN to MSN bridge program is also a common pathway.
What Encompasses the ACNP's Scope of Practice?
In the United States, ACNPs share similar privileges with other nurse practitioners. As of 2025, in 23 states, NPs have full practice authority, meaning they do not require physician supervision. ACNPs can prescribe medications in all states and manage controlled substances in 49 states.
What Are the Salary Expectations for ACNPs?
As of 2025, the average annual salary for ACNPs in the United States is approximately $127,478. Entry-level positions often offer six-figure salaries, with some regions providing higher pay. For instance, in California, ACNPs earn an average of $147,124 per year.
Is There a Growing Need for ACNPs?
The demand for ACNPs continues to rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioner demand is projected to increase by 46% between 2023 and 2033, creating approximately 135,500 new jobs. This growth is driven by factors such as an aging population, increased prevalence of chronic diseases, and a focus on preventive care.
For those interested in exploring job opportunities in the nursing field, visit GoodWork World.