What is an Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner?
Definition of an AGNP
Adult Gerontological or Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (AGNPs) are APRNs who specialize in the care of adolescents, middle age adults, and geriatric patients. The one thing that AGNPs don’t do? They don’t work with children under the age of 13.
There are two types of AGNPs: Primary Care NPs and Acute Care NPs. Both types of AGNPs are trained to diagnose illnesses and medical conditions, perform exams and screenings, order tests, recommend treatment plans (e.g. physical therapy), advise on pain management and preventative care, and help adults achieve better health. Since they often care for the elderly, AGNPs may also be tasked with assisting patients who are dying.
Types of Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioners
Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGPCNP)
AGPCNPs provide a full range of primary care services to patients across the adolescent-older adult spectrum. They are trained to prevent, diagnose, and manage acute & chronic illnesses and diseases. Every day, AGPCNPs collaborate with a team (e.g. physicians, pharmacists, therapists, social workers, etc.) to create the best plan of care for their charges. As one of the first points of contact for a patient, they often provide expert advice on health-related issues.
Common work settings for AGPCNPs include:
- Community & hospital-based primary care clinics
- Outpatient clinics
- Nurse-managed healthcare centers
- Nursing homes, hospices & long-term care settings
- Patients’ homes
- Rehabilitation centers
- Correctional facilities
Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP)
AGACNPs specialize in the care of acutely and critically ill adults. In times of crisis, they are able to assist physicians & surgical teams with monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment. They develop complex management plans for adult patients who require chronic specialty care. They provide advanced nursing that focuses on preventing complications and maximizing recovery. And they counsel patients and families through a difficult healthcare process.
Common work settings for AGACNPs include:
- Outpatient specialty clinics
- Hospital in-patient floors
- Intensive care units (ICUs, SICUs, MICUs)
- Surgical, trauma & specialty units
- Subacute (step-down) care units
Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner vs. Other Specialties
AGNP vs. FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Before you choose the AGNP specialty, take a moment to compare it with the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). The fields are in the same ballpark, but they have different pros & cons:
- FNP: Family NPs have lots of options when it comes to job opportunities. Employers at many urgent care clinics, family practice clinics, and ERs want to see candidates who have some training in pediatrics. (AGNPs, who focus solely on adult care, won’t qualify for those jobs.) Having said that, FNP is a popular choice for nurses. That means you’ll be competing with a lot of other candidates.
- AGNP: The job market is more limited, but that doesn’t mean it’s non-existent! In particular, nursing homes and palliative care facilities may be interested in AGPCNP graduates. Meanwhile, adult-focused ICUs and hospitals often like to see folks with AGACNP qualifications.
If you love adult healthcare and don’t like peds & OB-GYN, opt for the AGNP. Just make sure that you pick a graduate program that will provide you with plenty of networking opportunities, career training, relevant clinical work, and courses in your field of interest (e.g. cardiology, oncology, etc.).
Note: You can always choose to pursue a dual FNP/AGACNP graduate program that will prepare you for both types of certification (family practice & acute care adult gerontology). If you’re thinking of applying for ER positions, this kind of program is a great option!
AGNP vs. AG CNS (AG Clinical Nurse Specialist)
In our directory, you’ll see listings for RN to MSN Adult Gerontology NP programs and RN to MSN Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist programs. We talk more about the NP vs. CNS debate in our guide to RN to MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs, but here’s a quick rundown:
- RN to MSN AGNP Programs: AGNP degrees will often focus on providing nurses with advanced training in direct patient care (e.g. advanced physical assessment, advanced diagnostics & therapeutics, etc.). Even in primary care situations, AGNPs are often required to tackle complex medical problems in adults (e.g. a patient with multiple underlying health issues).
- RN to MSN AG CNS Programs: AG CNS degrees almost always include coursework in leadership and management. That’s because clinical nurse specialists supervise, coach, and mentor other nurses; research, organize, and manage large-scale programs; and serve as healthcare consultants.
If you can’t bear to be away from patients, opt for the AGNP.
Note: As well as offering two kinds of AGNP certifications, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers a separate Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS-BC) certification. Some RN to MSN Adult Gerontology programs will prepare you for both NP and CNS certification. Check with the program coordinator if you have any questions.
RN to MSN Adult Gerontology NP Programs
RN to MSN Adult Gerontological NP: Overview
RN to MSN Adult Gerontology NP programs are designed for RNs who have a diploma or an associate’s degree (e.g. ASN/ADN) and want to speed up the process of earning their MSN to become an Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (AGNP). RNs with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing can also find RN to MSN AGNP programs that will suit.
Our directory includes a variety of options:
- Concentration/Track: RN to MSN Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs with a concentration or track in Adult Gerontology Primary Care or Adult Gerontology Acute Care—this is the most common offering!
- Dual Concentration: Dual focus RN to MSN programs that allow you to specialize in two NP areas (e.g. FNP & AGACNP or WHNP & AGPCNP). These are worth considering if you have a specific career in mind (e.g. working in an ER).
- Geriatric: RN to MSN programs that include geriatric in the title (e.g. RN to MSN – Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner). Despite the title, these programs usually cover the entire spectrum of adult gerontology, from adolescents to the elderly.
- Sub-Specialty: Some AGNP programs may also offer a minor or sub-specialty in a relevant field (e.g. diabetes, genomics, palliative care, etc.). If you have a specific job in mind, this is an excellent option.
Each MSN or MS is unique, so examine the curriculum and consider your career goals before you commit. How much do you want to specialize? What jobs do graduates typically apply for?
RN to MSN Adult Gerontological NP: Admissions
Regardless of the specialty, all RN to MSN NP programs share the same general prerequisites: a diploma or associate’s degree in nursing (unless you have a bachelor’s in another field), a current RN license, at least one year of RN clinical experience, a baseline undergraduate GPA (usually 2.75-3.0), and letters of professional reference. See our guide to RN to MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs for details.
As you might expect, it will boost your chances of admission to an AGNP program if your RN clinical experience is in the field of adult gerontology. In particular, RN to MSN AGNP Acute Care programs like to see that you have worked in an acute care, ER, or ICU setting. They may also ask you to earn certification in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). RN to MSN AGNP Primary Care programs aren’t as picky.
RN to MSN Adult Gerontological NP: Undergraduate Phase
It’s important to remember that RN to MSN programs will expect you to earn good grades in upper-level undergraduate courses (e.g. health assessment, community nursing, statistics, etc.) before the university will allow you to tackle the master’s degree. Time commitments will depend on the school; these courses might take six months, a year, or even more to finish.
Check out our guide to RN to MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs for more info.
RN to MSN Adult Gerontological NP: MSN Curriculum
Once you’ve made it to the graduate level, standard MSN or MS degrees take 1-3 years to complete. You’ll find that around 70% of your MS or MSN will consist of didactic coursework (i.e. traditional classroom learning).
- Foundation Courses: Even in Adult Gerontological NP programs, you’ll usually be required to complete a “Nursing Core” in leadership, pathophysiology, pharmacology, evidence-based practice, and healthcare assessment. These are often required for certification.
- Concentration Courses: The remaining course credits will be in your adult gerontology major or concentration. These will vary depending on whether you’re interested in acute care or primary care (see below).
Finally, be sure the program meets the education prerequisites & covers the exam topics for AGNP certification.
Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP Concentration Coursework
AGPCNP coursework will prepare you for a host of “ground-level” challenges in adult primary care. We’ve seen MSN programs with courses such as:
- Primary Care for Women
- Advanced Nutrition
- Genetics for Health Care Providers
- Community Health
- Behavioral Health Care for Practitioners
Do you want to work in a specific location (e.g. rural clinics, home healthcare settings) or with a certain population (e.g. adults with AIDs, veterans, etc.)? See if you can find a program where the courses match your interests.
Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Concentration Coursework
AGACNP coursework is designed to prepare you for high-stakes situations. Acute Care of Adult Gerontology Populations is always a favorite for MSN programs, but we’ve also seen in-depth courses such as:
- Molecular, Genetic and Immune Mechanisms in Disease
- Complex and Chronic Disease Management
Again, look for coursework that applies to your goals (e.g. working in a hospital’s oncology ward).
RN to MSN Adult Gerontological NP: MSN Clinical Hours / Practicums
Here’s where your education gets interesting! On top of being required for state licensure & certification, clinical hours (i.e. practicums or clinical rotations) are an excellent way to gain experience in your field and get a jump-start on your adult gerontology career. Schools will often aim to give you 600-800 total hours of direct patient care.
Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP MSN Clinical Hours
For your AGPCNP clinical rotations, you may find yourself in setting such as:
- Primary care clinics
- Community clinics
- Express care or chronic care clinics
- Assisted living & retirement communities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Other outpatient settings
As you become more experienced, you should be able to devote specialty clinical hours to an area of interest (e.g. cardiology, dermatology, orthopedics, pain management/palliative care, etc.).
Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP MSN Clinical Hours
When it comes to AGACNP clinical rotations, look for programs that can put you straight in the heart of the action.
For example, thanks to its ties with local medical institutions, Vanderbilt offers a large number of specialization areas as part of the clinical practicum experience. These include cardiology, oncology, pulmonology, neurosurgery, trauma, rehabilitation, and more. Students can also choose to focus on hospitals or intensive care settings.
Online RN to MSN Adult Gerontology NP Programs
Are Online RN to MSN AGNP Programs Available?
You betcha! Plenty of schools in our directory offer Online RN to MSN Adult Gerontological NP degrees. A number of these are RN-BSN-MSN programs that can help you earn a BSN on your way toward achieving a master’s degree.
- Undergraduate Phase: You’ll be expected to earn credits in upper-level undergraduate courses from the university before you can approach the MS or MSN. These courses are usually offered online, so you can work while you study.
- Graduate Phase: This gets more complicated. You can often take MSN courses online, but it’s important to remember that AGNP programs must contain a clinical portion (i.e. primary care or acute care practicums). Practicums can be completed in your own community area. However, you may have to find the site and a clinical preceptor who is willing to supervise you.
In addition, some universities will want you to travel to the campus during the MSN. For example:
- Graceland University’s Online RN-BSN-MSN Adult Gerontology NP program includes a two-day, on-campus focus session.
- GWU’s Online MSN in AGPCNP includes an on-campus Campus Learning and Skills Intensive and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).
We like on-campus components—they give you a chance to network with professionals and test your knowledge base—but they will involve extra costs (e.g. travel expenses). Budget for every part of the degree.
Online RN to MSN AGNP Programs & State Licensure
Before you sign on any dotted line, check with your State Board of Nursing and the program coordinator about state licensure. State Boards have specific rules and regulations regarding clinical learning experiences for students enrolled in distance education programs. You need to ensure your degree components will meet licensure requirements in your state.
The State Authorization or State Regulations on the School of Nursing website will have more details about this issue. For example:
- On its State Authorization page, GWU notes that it is unable to accept applicants or offer clinical assignments for its online programs to students from Alabama, Louisiana, and North Dakota.
- In 2018, Graceland University’s nursing program was not accepting students who live in Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina or Tennessee.
Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Certification
Overview of AGNP Certification
To turn yourself into an AGNP, follow the first four steps outlined in How to Become a Nurse Practitioner. Once you have decided to pursue your graduate degree in Adult Gerontology NP and looked into state licensure requirements (Steps 3 & 4), you can start planning for national certification.
In the field of adult gerontology, there are 3 organizations that offer certifications: AANP, ANCC, and AACN. All of them are recognized by employers, so talk to your graduate advisors before you make a decision. For example, you may find that healthcare offices in your area prefer the AGPCNP over the A-GNP.
Remember, too, that strong RN to MSN Adult Gerontology NP Programs will post student pass rates on certification exams.
AGNP Primary Care Certifications
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified (AGPCNP-BC)
The AGPCNP-BC is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). To gain it, you must:
- Hold a current, active RN license.
- Earn a master’s (e.g. MS or MSN), postgraduate, or doctoral degree (e.g. DNP) from an Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP Program accredited by the CCNE or ACEN.
- Tackle graduate-level coursework in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology, including content in health promotion/maintenance, differential diagnosis, and disease management.
- Complete a minimum of 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours during your AGPCNP program.
- Take & pass the national AGPCNP-BC exam.
- Keep your certification & licensure up-to-date through continuing education. The certification period lasts 5 years.
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP)
The A-GNP is offered by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and takes the place of the AANP’s retired ANP credential. To gain it, you must:
- Hold a current, active RN license.
- Earn a master’s (e.g. MS or MSN), post-master’s, or doctoral degree (e.g. DNP) from an Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP Program accredited by the CCNE or ACEN.
- Tackle APRN core coursework in advanced physical assessment, advanced pharmacology, and advanced pathophysiology.
- Complete a minimum of 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours during your AGPCNP program.
- Take & pass the national A-GNP exam. The exam tests clinical knowledge of adolescents (including emancipated minors), young adults, adults, older adults, and the elderly.
- Keep your certification & licensure up-to-date through continuing education. The certification period lasts 5 years.
AGNP Acute Care Certifications
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified (AGACNP-BC)
The AGACNP-BC is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). To gain it, you must:
- Hold a current, active RN license.
- Earn a master’s (e.g. MS or MSN), post-master’s, or doctoral degree (e.g. DNP) from an Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program accredited by the CCNE or ACEN.
- Tackle graduate-level courses in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology, including content in health promotion/maintenance, differential diagnosis, and disease management.
- Complete a minimum of 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours during your AGACNP program.
- Take & pass the national AGACNP-BC exam.
- Keep your certification & licensure up-to-date through continuing education. The certification period lasts 5 years.
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certified – Adult-Gerontology (ACNPC-AG)
The AGACNP-BC is offered by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). To gain it, you must:
- Hold a current, active RN or APRN license.
- Earn a master’s (e.g. MS or MSN), post-master’s, or doctoral degree (e.g. DNP) from an Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Program accredited by the CCNE or ACEN.
- Tackle graduate-level courses in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment, as well as coursework in the legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities of the NP.
- Complete a minimum of 500 supervised clinical hours during your AGACNP program. These hours should be focused on the care of acutely ill adult gerontology patients, including young adults, older adults, and frail elderly.
- Take & pass the national ACNPC-AG exam.
- Keep your certification & licensure up-to-date through continuing education. The certification period lasts 5 years.
Note: The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) has a number of initial certifications open to RNs and APRNs who provide direct care to acutely/critically ill adult patients. However, the AGACNP-BC and ACNPC-AG are the industry standards for Acute Care AGNPs.
Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Jobs
Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Careers
As we mentioned, the job market for AGNPs may be tighter than the market for Family Nurse Practitioner (FNPs), so look for AGPCNP and AGACNP programs that will help you build your career. Gaining relevant clinical experience in your practicums will be a key factor in your job hunt.
We favor Schools of Nursing that post job openings & alumni employment rates, connect you to employers through the clinical rotations, arrange career fairs or interviews, and offer career counseling. It can be a huge relief if you have a job arranged before you graduate.
Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Job Openings
Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP Job Openings
- AANP Job Center: Filter by job setting (e.g. Hospice Care, Primary Care, etc.) for the best results.
- Indeed: Job openings for Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioners, Primary Care Nurse Practitioners, Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioners, etc.
Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP Job Openings
- AANP Job Center: Filter by job setting (e.g. Acute & Critical Care, Cancer Care, Surgical, etc.) for the best results.
- Indeed: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Jobs; Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Jobs; Critical Care Nurse Practitioner Jobs; Acute Critical Care Nurse Practitioner Jobs.
Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Salaries
To begin with, have a look at the AANP National NP Compensation Survey report. This report is free for AANP members and available for purchase by non-members.
Payscale also maintains updated statistics on Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Salaries, Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) Salaries, and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) Salaries. Their stats are dependent on reporting individuals, so take the numbers with a grain of salt. In 2018, average annual salaries in these fields ranged from $89,000-$98,000.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also provides annual occupational statistics for Nurse Practitioners. Unfortunately, it does not cover NP specialties, but it does include NP salary data for different work settings. For example:
- Primary Care: In 2017, the average mean wage for NPs in Outpatient Care Centers was $111,690 ($53.70 per hour). The average mean wage for NPs in Offices of Physicians was $105,730 ($50.83 per hour).
- Acute Care: In 2017, the average mean wage for NPs in Specialty Hospitals was $111,100 ($53.41 per hour). The average mean wage for NPs in General Medical and Surgical Hospitals was $111,850 ($53.77 per hour).
The BLS also has handy national maps that show you states & metro areas with the highest level of employment and the best wages for nurse practitioners.
Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Resources
AGNP Certification Bodies
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
AGNP Professional Associations
- American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN)
- American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators (AANAC)
- American Association of Nurse Life Care Planners (AANLCP)
- Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA)
- Gerontological Society of America (GSA)
- Home Healthcare Nurses Association (HHNA)
- Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA)
- National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
AGNP Conferences & Events
- AANAC Annual Conference
- Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) Annual Meeting and Educational Leadership Conference
- GAPNA Annual Conference
- GAPNA Contemporary Pharmacology and Prescribing Older Adults Conference
- GSA Annual Scientific Meeting
- International Conference on Aging, Gerontology & Geriatric Nursing
AGNP Journals
- Geriatric Nursing
- Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine
- Journal for Nurse Practitioners
- Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (JAANP)
- Journal of Applied Gerontology (JAG)
AGNP Useful Resources
- AANP Job Center
- Alzheimer’s Association
- Arthritis Foundation
- CDC: Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
- Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing (CVSN)
- National Council for Aging Care
- NIH: National Institute on Aging (NIA)
- Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
RN to MSN Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner School Listings
43 Schools Found
Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham
School of Nursing
Birmingham, Alabama
Nurses who want to focus on the care of adults can choose from two Nurse Practitioner specialties at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The program offers concentrations in adult-gerontology primary care and adult-gerontology acute care. Both of these are 45-credit programs with 35 credits in didactic classwork and 10 credits in clinical experiences. UAB's MSN program is designed for part-time students. Online classes are delivered in an asynchronous format, and students must come to the campus to take part in laboratory experiences and simulations to improve specific skills. Students can complete either track in six or seven semesters. Nurses who are in the acute care track can take three additional classes to qualify for the Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) designation. An RNFA collaborates with a surgeon and provides comprehensive patient care after an operation. Students interested in the RNFA must enter the program in the summer.
University of South Alabama
College of Nursing
Mobile, Alabama
RNs who follow either pathway to the MSN program at the University of South Alabama can enter the track for adult-gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist. Adult-gerontological is the only CNS specialty the College of Nursing offers. All the CNS courses are offered online, and students must find preceptors in their home community for the clinical components. However, all students who enter the CNS track are required to attend a two-day clinical skills intensive on campus in Mobile, Alabama. The intensive is held in the fall. Clinical orientations for most clinical courses are held online. The curriculum for this MSN degree requires 38 credits. Specialty courses cover clinical concepts and the CNS role. Several CNS practicum experiences in adult-gerontological practice are required. The curriculum aligns with the certification requirements of the ANCC and the AACN.
Arizona
Grand Canyon University
College of Nursing and Health Care Professions
Phoenix, Arizona
Experienced RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree can prepare for a career as an Acute Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner through a bridge program at Grand Canyon University. After completing six immersive bridge classes, students begin the MSN portion of this program. The MSN in Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with an emphasis in adult-gerontology is a 53-credit program. Classes cover caring for adult and geriatric patients with complex, acute, or critical diagnoses. Classes are delivered online in 16-week sessions. Students are also required to complete 675 hours of supervised clinical practice working with a preceptor. Grand Canyon also invites students to two on-campus experience programs where they will get practice in suturing, incision, drainage, casting and splinting, intubation, and other important skills. The College of Nursing and Health Care Professionals also hosts an additional one-day on-campus program to help students prepare for the national exam for AGACNP certification.
California
California Baptist University
College of Nursing
Riverside, California
Nurses in the Clinical Nurse Specialist adult gerontology concentration at California Baptist University prepare to treat patients who range in age from young adult to geriatric. Students develop specialized expertise in treating adult patients and learn to use evidence-based practice. RNs begin the CNS program by taking five courses to help them transition from the AND level to the MSN level. The curriculum for the CNS specialty includes 20 credits that combine theory and practicum classes in treating adults and older adults. During the practicum, students learn to execute the CNS role in a clinical setting, working with faculty and preceptors. By the time they complete their fourth and final practicum, CNS are ready to create a professional portfolio and prepare for national certification. The degree also requires CNS students to complete 31 credits in core requirements, including classes in advanced nursing leadership, health care informatics, and nursing research.
California State University-Dominguez Hills
School of Nursing
Carson, California
The Clinical Nurse Specialist program at The University of California Dominguez Hills gives students the option of specializing in adult-gerontology or pediatric populations. For the AG track, students take 22 credits in core and advanced practice coursework before beginning the 19 credits in CNS classes. Specific classes within this track include theories of aging and differential diagnosis and clinical management of adult acute conditions. Candidates also complete three clinical practicum experiences in the CNS role for a total of 500 clinical hours. The CNS clinical role sequence begins in the fall. Students are required to attend two two-day meetings on campus during the core sequence to learn skills and take assessments. They are also required to attend an on-campus meeting before beginning clinical rotations. Classes are delivered online in an asynchronous format. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the national CNS certification exam.
Delaware
Wesley College
Division of Nursing
Dover, Delaware
Nurses who want to focus on the adult-gerontological population can choose the Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration in Wesley College's RN to MSN program. Once they are in the MSN portion of the curriculum, students can complete the program in five semesters. The School of Nursing delivers courses in seven-week blocks using a hybrid format. There are two blocks of courses per traditional semester, and students typically take one course per term. Students complete clinical experiences with a preceptor. Clinical courses include health promotion and the community, small groups, and health promotion and special populations. All candidates must complete a clinical action capstone project or thesis. For the capstone project, students must develop a project and complete all the relevant tasks for implementation. The thesis is a research project and is intended for students who plan to pursue a doctoral degree.
Florida
Nova Southeastern University
College of Nursing
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
After completing bridge classes, an RN with a non-nursing bachelor's degree can enter the MSN program at Nova Southeastern University in the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track. This is a 52-credit program that includes more than 560 practicum hours. Students complete three practicum experiences in adult-gerontology acute care and a practicum where they integrate into the AGACNP role. These clinical rotations provide students with experience in managing acute and chronic illnesses that are commonly found in adults and geriatric patients. Students are also required to complete an advanced health assessment lab for more than 60 clinical hours. Classes are delivered in a hybrid format. While some courses may be delivered fully online, others require students to come to campus. Nova Southeastern requires that all AGACNP students live within 150 miles of the campus in Palm Beach, Florida, where classes for this program are held.
The University of Tampa
Department of Nursing
Tampa, Florida
The University of Tampa's MSN concentration in adult-gerontology Nurse Practitioner has a primary care focus. The curriculum requires 22 credits in core classes and 20 credits in the AGPCNP specialty. Courses within the specialty cover health care management of women, adult clients, and older adults. Candidates also complete clinical experiences where they provide care for clients in each of those populations. Each practicum requires at least 224 clinical hours. Students are responsible for securing practicum sites, which must be ambulatory sites that provide care for acute and chronic illnesses. The Department of Nursing faculty will assist students in finding clinical sites, which must be located with 80 miles of campus. The department has affiliations with more than 200 health care facilities in the Tampa Bay area. Graduate nursing students are eligible for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Endowed Scholarship and the Eugene H. McNichols Endowed Scholarship.
University of South Florida-Main Campus
College of Nursing
Tampa, Florida
The University of South Florida offers two tracks in occupational health nursing (OHN), and both include classes offered by the College of Nursing and College of Public Health. The two options are an MSN with a concentration in occupational health and adult-gerontology primary care, or a concurrent MSN/MPH track. For the concurrent degree, a student earns an MSN with a concentration in OHN and AG primary care plus a Master of Public Health in environmental and occupational health. The MSN requires 61 credits, and the dual degree requires 82 credits. Students in either program may choose a part-time or full-time study plan. For the MSN, students complete 540 clinical hours. Courses for the OHN/AGPCNP track include industrial hygiene, safety management, occupational health nursing, plant operations field experience, and occupational medicine, plus classes in health management of adults and older adults. Before graduation, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam.
Georgia
Georgia State University
Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing & Health Professions
Atlanta, Georgia
The Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions at Georgia State University offers an MSN program for nurses who want to work with adult populations. The concentration is in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Students in this program take 22 credits in core classes. Once they enter the specialty, they complete another 26 credits, taking classes such as gerontological nursing, common health problems of women, and common health problems of adults. Nurses complete clinical rotations in conjunction with these classes, gaining experience working with specific populations. For their final practicum, students integrate into the AGPCNP role and they may select the clinical area where they want to practice. Courses are offered online, but core classes each meet once in Atlanta and specialty classes meet on campus about four times per semester. Candidates may pursue the degree as full-time or part-time students.
South University
College of Nursing
Atlanta, Georgia
Registered Nurses who want to specialize in the direct care of adult patients can earn a BSN and an MSN with a specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner at South University. The curriculum in this master's program prepares students to take a national certification exam as an AGPCNP. Courses for this program are delivered 100% online. Students complete practicum rounds in their home community where they gain in-depth experience in women's health, geriatric patients, and primary care of adults. South University's RN-MSN program is designed for motivated nurses who do not have a bachelor's degree but who want to pursue a graduate education. The program provides a streamlined path to both degrees.
Hawaii
University of Hawaii at Manoa
School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene
Honolulu, Hawaii
The University of Hawaii at Manoa has a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in advanced population health nursing. This program has a population health focus on Hawaii and the Pacific region, although graduates are prepared to work on the mainland or in an international setting. The courses are delivered online, and students can complete the fieldwork and capstone project in their home community. The degree requires 30 credits, and there is a thesis option that adds nine credits. Classes cover topics such as community and population assessment, disaster nursing, how to manage complex projects, and health policy analysis. Students also take a course in biostatistics. Full-time students can complete the degree in three semesters. The University of Hawaii Foundation has many endowed scholarships for graduate and undergraduate nurses, such as the Edward and Sally Sheehan Scholarship in Nursing and the Peggy Lee Scholarship for Nursing.
Illinois
DePaul University
College of Science and Health
Chicago, Illinois
DePaul University's RN to MSN in Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner prepares nurses to take the national certification exam for AGNP. The focus of this program is on providing primary care for adults and older adults. Nurses with an associate degree take six classes that count toward the BSN and MSN. RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree take three undergraduate bridge courses before starting the graduate-level work for this degree. Classes within the AGNP track include primary care of the adult and older adult, clinical management of acute and chronic illnesses, and advanced gerontological nursing. Students also complete three practicum in population-based nursing practice. The work in each of these three preceptor-supervised experiences build on the skills learned in previous clinical experiences and on what the student has learned in the classroom. Students select sites and preceptors in their area of concentration and acquire more than 600 hours of clinical experience.
Lewis University
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Romeoville, Illinois
Lewis University has two adult-gerontology specialties for students earning a Master of Science in Nursing. RNs can choose to specialize in acute care or primary care for adult populations. These programs each require students to complete 46 credits, including 18 credits in core classes, 13 credits in the specialty core, and 15 credits in the specialty track. Candidates complete three practicum experiences of 180 clinical hours each. For primary care students, the first practicum emphasizes diagnosing and managing common episodic and chronic conditions. In the second and third practicum, students gain experience managing complex, multi-system health problems and working with special populations. Students in the acute care program also complete three practicum with a focus on complex acute and critical conditions. Nursing students complete their clinical rotations at a variety of health care facilities where the College of Nursing and Health Sciences has a relationship.
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
College of Nursing
Peoria, Illinois
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing has an MSN in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner that prepares nurses for positions in emergency departments, intensive care units, and specialty clinics. The classes for this program are delivered online, and individual classes may have synchronous and asynchronous elements. When NP students begin clinical rotations, they are required to attend an on-campus meeting for each practicum. The curriculum is designed for part-time students, and AGACNP candidates can complete all the requirements in a little less than four years. Students begin the AGACNP coursework as they enter their third year of graduate-level study. Each AGACNP theory course has an accompanying practicum, and students complete five practicum experiences before earning their degree. About 90% of graduate nursing students at Saint Francis receive financial aid, and students who submit a scholarship application are considered for all eligible awards.
Indiana
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
School of Nursing
Indianapolis, Indiana
The IUPUI School of Nursing has two tracks that lead to a career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. One track has an adult-gerontology focus and the other has a pediatric focus. Each track requires 22 credits in core master's level nursing classes and 20 credits in the specialty track. Students also complete 525 clinical hours. Core courses are delivered primarily online, although some classes may use a synchronous format where students can attend in person or via videoconferencing. For the class in physical assessment, students must attend five onsite lab days. The classes specific to the track use a variety of delivery modes, including in-person and teleconferencing options and hybrid classes that combine online and in-person class work. Students may complete their clinical hours near their home as long as the clinical rotations take place in Indiana. Both the CNS tracks accept students to enter in the fall semester.
Iowa
Allen College
School of Nursing
Waterloo, Iowa
The MSN in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at Allen College prepares nurses to assess and manage acutely ill patients. Graduates may find jobs in in-patient/hospital settings, specialty labs, specialty clinics, and other facilities. Some graduates may work in emergency departments or acute care wards. This degree requires 45 credits, including 19 credits in MSN core requirements. The 26 credits for the AGACNP track include theory and clinical classes treating patients from adolescence to senior citizens. All theory courses are delivered in a hybrid format. Students complete 600 clinical hours with a preceptor they select. Students can select preceptors in the practice area and geographic area that they prefer. All students in the AGACNP program must have at least 800 hours of clinical nursing experience as an RN before they can begin clinical classes. Graduates are eligible to take the AGACNP certification exam.
Maine
University of Southern Maine
School of Nursing
Portland, Maine
Massachusetts
Boston College
William F. Connell School of Nursing
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Regis College
School of Nursing
Weston, Massachusetts
Students in the RN to MSN program at Regis College can choose the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner track. This is a 46-credit program. Students complete 24 credits in core nursing classes covering topics such as health care policy, health assessment, and advanced pharmacology. Courses in the specialization include sociological, political and economic perspectives in aging and primary care of the adult-geriatric patient. Students also complete 600 hours of clinical experiences working with adult and geriatric patients. Some facilities where Regis students might complete clinical rotations include Franciscan Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Rosie's Place, a community organization that helps homeless women. Graduates are employed at facilities such as Massachusetts General Hospital.
Michigan
Spring Arbor University
Nursing Program
Spring Arbor, Michigan
Spring Arbor University has an online RN to MSN program that has a track in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. The graduate degree requires students to complete 50 credits. All students take several core courses, including two (health assessments and moral and ethical decision making) that require a residency. The courses in the AGPCNP specialty cover health promotion and disease prevention, chronic diseases and complex problems in older adults, and advanced practice in primary care. Students complete clinical rotations with an approved preceptor in their community. Adult-gerontology students must complete at least 500 hours of clinical experiences. For their capstone, students research and implement an evidence-based treatment or solution and evaluate the results.
Minnesota
Winona State University
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Winona, Minnesota
Students in the RN to MSN pathway at Winona State University can choose a track in adult-gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist. The MSN degree requires 42 course credits and 10 clinical credits, with a total of 600 clinical hours. Clinicals include a development clinical, a prescribing clinical, and a synthesis clinical where students demonstrate they can integrate all they have learned and are ready for advanced practice. The university handles practicum and clinical placement at designated regional sites. Some of the facilities that Winona partners with include the Mayo Clinic Health System, Gundersen Lutheran Health System, and Mercy Medical Center. The university uses a variety of delivery methods for coursework, including on-campus meetings one day per week, online, and a hybrid format that includes synchronous and asynchronous elements. Graduates of this program are eligible for the CNS certification exams from the ANCC and the AACN.
Mississippi
University of Mississippi Medical Center
School of Nursing
Jackson, Mississippi
Nurses interested in treating adults can specialize in adult-gerontology primary care or acute care in the RN-MSN program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The acute care degree requires 61 credits and the primary care degree requires 64 credits. In either program, students complete 630 practicum hours in the clinical management of adults and older adults. The School of Nursing at the University of Mississippi Medical Center partners with four major hospitals on the UMMC campus to provide students with a unique learning environment where they can work with a variety of patient populations. Hospitals where students might perform clinical rounds include Wallace Conerly Critical Care Hospital, University Hospital, and the Wiser Hospital for Women and Infants. The medical center has a level 1 trauma unit and a transplant program. Courses for this program are predominantly online.
Nebraska
Clarkson College
College of Nursing
Omaha, Nebraska
Students in the RN to MSN program at Clarkson College can follow an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track. After they complete the required core nursing courses, students complete 28 credits in the major. Classes cover topics such as primary care of the adult gerontology client, primary care of women, and behavioral health care for practitioners. Clarkson requires students to complete service experiences in designated courses, and for AGPCNP students, that course is advanced nutrition. Classes are offered online, and Nurse Practitioner majors are required to come to the campus in Omaha, Nebraska, up to four times during their studies. Clarkson admits students to the RN to MSN program in August, January, and May. Students may attend on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students can complete the program in nine semesters.
New Jersey
Saint Peter's University
School of Nursing
Jersey City, New Jersey
St. Peter's University has an RN to MSN program that leads to a Master of Science in Nursing in Primary Care (Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner). The curriculum requires students to complete 39 credits that are divided into two levels. First, students must complete core classes including health care financing, nursing theory, client education strategies, current issues in health care, and research design and utilization. Students also complete classes in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment. Once they've completed all those classes, students take specialty courses in adult-gerontology nursing and complete 600 hours of hands-on practicum experience in adult-gerontology nursing. Candidates are also required to complete a scholarly project about a topic in advanced nursing practice. Courses for this program have 15-week semesters and are delivered face to face on the campus in Jersey City or Meadowlands. Full-time and part-time students are accepted.
Seton Hall University
College of Nursing
South Orange, New Jersey
Seton Hall University has an online MSN Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program that offers tracks in primary care or acute care. Either specialty requires 48 credits. Primary care students complete 600 hours of practicum experiences and acute care students complete 675 hours of clinical experiences. The AGNP program has three immersive events that students must attend. The first is an orientation that students may attend in person or online. The second immersion is an in-person practicum where students gain hands-on experience in specific skills. The third immersion is an in-person experience that includes guest lectures and hands-on skill training. Online classes are delivered in an asynchronous format. Seton Hall nursing grads have a 98% first-time pass rate on the AANPCP exam over the last five years. Students usually complete the degree in four years.
The College of New Jersey
School of Nursing, Health and Exercise Science
Ewing, New Jersey
The College of New Jersey offers a Master of Science in Nursing with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner focus. The curriculum for this degree requires 44 credits and 585 practicum hours providing care to individuals aged 13 and older. Some of the required classes include advanced holistic health assessment, research and evidence-based nursing, and primary care. Students may attend on a full-time or part-time basis, and part-time students must complete all the requirements within six years of being accepted into the master's program. Full-time students can complete the MSN in two years. The College of New Jersey offers face-to-face classes with no online option, and classes follow a regular academic calendar. RNs need to have a New Jersey nursing license by the end of their first semester of study in the RN to MSN program.
New Mexico
University of New Mexico-Main Campus
College of Nursing
Albuquerque, New Mexico
New York
Daemen College
Nursing Department
Amherst, New York
Nurses with a non-nursing bachelor's degree can earn an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Master of Science degree through the accelerated RN to MS program at Daemen College. The curriculum for this degree requires students to complete 12 credits in nursing research and core classes and 24 credits in the AGPCNP specialty. In the specialty, students study advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and issues in advanced practice nursing. They also complete 500 hours of clinical rounds in adult-gerontology primary care practice. Nursing students at Daemen College are allowed to offer input into the selection of sites where they will perform clinical rounds. Each student is assigned an individual faculty advisor, and many faculty members are working nurse practitioners who practice in Western New York. Students applying for this program must have a year of medical-surgical clinical experience.
Stony Brook University
School of Nursing
Stony Brook, New York
Once students in Stony Brook School of Nursing's RN to MSN program complete the undergraduate requirements (which include three graduate-level classes) they only need 37 more credits to earn the MSN in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. This program is offered online but students are required to come to some events on campus. Students complete their clinical requirements working with a preceptor in their home region with the approval of the university. The AGPCNP curriculum requires nurses to complete four courses with clinical rounds, all focused on advanced theory and clinical practice in adult health nursing. Graduates are prepared to sit for either of the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner national certification exams. Areas where School of Nursing faculty members are conducting research include aging in place through wireless information technology and chronic illness and self-management.
University of Rochester
School of Nursing
Rochester, New York
The School of Nursing at the University of Rochester offers a Master of Science in Nursing in two branches of adult-gerontology care. Students can specialize in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner or Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Students in the RN-BS-MS program are eligible for either of these programs. The curriculum for the primary care program requires 45 credits and 672 clinical hours. Nurses take three classes that require 224 clinical hours each - one in the evaluation and management of adult lifespan patients, and two in adult-gerontology primary care. The acute-care track requires 47 credits and 672 clinical hours, with an evaluation and management of adult lifespan class and two courses in adult-gerontology acute care. The university has a network of about 500 preceptors across New York State that Nurse Practitioner students can be matched with.
North Carolina
Duke University
School of Nursing
Durham, North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Department of Nursing
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
The Nurse Practitioner program at Bloomsburg University is presented in a hybrid format. Core classes are delivered online in an asynchronous format. Once students enter the clinical courses in the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program, they must attend clinical classes at the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They must also take the advanced physical assessment course on campus, where they receive extensive laboratory experience in assessing clients. The curriculum for this Master of Science in Nursing degree requires students to complete 45 graduate-level credits and 720 hours of clinical practice. Clinical classes include lifespan health assessment, comprehensive assessment of the older adult, two classes in the diagnosis and management of the adult and aged client, and an adult-gerontology primary care practicum. Students are admitted in the spring and fall semester. Full-time and part-time options are available.
La Salle University
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Classes for the Master of Science in Nursing Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program as LaSalle University are delivered in an online format. The program requires 13 courses and 41 credits, as well as 512 clinical hours. Students work with a preceptor for the field experiences. The first clinical experience spans 15 weeks with course assignments focusing on the clinical reasoning needed to accurately diagnose and manage illness. The second field study is seven weeks long and requires students to apply what they have learned to deliver safe and effective health care to primary care patients. LaSalle offers six start dates each year for the AGPCNP program, and most classes are offered in seven-week blocks. Students who complete the program should be prepared to take either national certification exam for AGPCNP certification.
Widener University
School of Nursing
Chester, Pennsylvania
Widener University has an adult-gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration in its MSN program. Widener uses a flexible hybrid delivery system for courses, combining online and in-person meetings. Courses for this program are offered at the main campus in Chester, Pennsylvania, or at the campus in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. All students in this specialty complete at least 500 hours of clinical experience. Widener partners with preceptors at some of the region's best hospitals and health care systems, and the faculty works with students to find appropriate clinical experiences based on a student's experience and career goals. Full-time students can complete the degree in 18 to 24 months. Part-time students may choose their own pace as long as they complete all the requirements within five years of starting. Graduates are eligible for the CNS certification exams offered by the ANCC and the AACN.
Wilkes University
Passan School of Nursing
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
RNs who complete the bridge courses at Wilkes University's Passan School of Nursing can enter the MSN program with a concentration in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Classes for this Master of Science in Nursing program are delivered primarily online. However, students must attend a brief residency on the campus in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, for a required class in advanced health assessment. Students complete their clinical hours at an approved clinical site in their home community. Depending on where they are completing clinical hours, they may be required to attend two other residencies in Wilkes-Barre. Candidates in this program are required to complete 500 hours of clinical experiences. Other required classes in the specialty include health perspectives of culturally diverse, rural, and underserved populations and diagnostic reasoning for nurse practitioners. The MSN program begins in the fall.
Tennessee
Southern Adventist University
School of Nursing
Collegedale, Tennessee
Students pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at Southern Adventist University have two adult-gerontology emphasis options. They can focus on acute care or primary care of that population as a Nurse Practitioner. For either track, students complete 28 credits in core courses, including graduate nursing classes, practice classes, and the nursing capstone. Acute care students take 23 credits in the specialty, for a total of 51 credits. Primary care students complete 22 credits in the specialty, for a total of 50 credits. Primary care students have two clinicals across the adult lifespan and one in geriatric primary and long-term care. Acute care students complete one practicum in primary care and two in acute care. Applicants to the acute care program must have substantial work experience in critical care. Southern Adventist offers full-time and part-time options. Classes meet on Tuesdays on the campus, near Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Vanderbilt University
School of Nursing
Nashville, Tennessee
The Vanderbilt School of Nursing offers several options for nurses primarily interested in providing care to adult-gerontological clients. The MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program offers several specialization areas for students in their clinical rounds, including trauma, transplantation, critical care, neurosurgery, oncology, and cardiothoracic surgery. Two optional focus areas are also available for acute care majors: hospitalist and intensivist. Nurses interested in primary care can enter the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program or take a dual focus in AGPCNP and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. Classes are offered in a modified distance learning format that combines online conferencing, asynchronous class material, and concentrated blocks of time on campus, including weekends. These blocks last from two to four days and run all day long. Students may be able to complete clinical placements with an agency and preceptor in their home area, with faculty approval.
Texas
Texas Woman's University
College of Nursing
Denton, Texas
Texas Woman's University has two Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner specialties. Classes for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program are offered at the Houston Center. Students who want to provide primary care for adult populations can take classes at the Dallas Center or the Houston Center. The Houston Center is part of the Texas Medical Center, which houses 54 medical-related institutions and hosts visits by more than 3,000 patients a day. The Dallas Center is the T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences with four hospitals nearby. The AGACNP degree requires 46 credits, including three adult-gerontology classes with accompanying clinical rounds. Candidates also complete two preceptorships where students demonstrate they have mastered the knowledge and skills needed through a clinical project. AGPCNP students follow a similar course plan and clinical schedule, but their classes have an emphasis on primary care.
The University of Texas at Austin
School of Nursing
Austin, Texas
The University of Texas at Austin has an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist track in its MSN program. Students in this track develop skills in case management and independent nursing actions. The curriculum covers physiological and psychosocial theories, environmental influences, and family relationships. The curriculum includes 49 credits, with 12 credits in the MSN core and 9 credits in advanced practice nursing. CNS students complete 25 credits in the concentration, including classes in health promotion, acute care, chronic care, and diagnosis and management. Students also choose one elective, which must focus on interprofessional education, care of multiple chronic conditions, or cultural competence. During their master's studies, students complete more than 600 hours of clinical experiences. Students enter the program in the fall, and those who attend full-time can earn the degree in 1.5 to 2 years. The School of Nursing also allows students to follow a part-time course of study.
Virginia
George Mason University
School of Nursing
Fairfax, Virginia
The School of Nursing at George Mason University offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Students in this program take 15 credits in core nursing classes, including nursing research and biostatistics, nursing informatics, and the organization of nursing and health care delivery systems. For the concentration, they take another 15 credits in advanced practice courses such as health assessment, pharmacological management, and community-oriented primary care. They also take three adult-gerontology primary care courses and three practicum experiences where they apply what they have learned in the classroom. Adult-gerontology students focus on providing care of adolescents and adults across the lifespan, including women's health issues. The faculty of the nursing school conducts research in areas such as end of life care, vulnerable populations and access to health care, HIV/AIDS, preventive care, and nursing forensics.
James Madison University
School of Nursing
Harrisonburg, Virginia
The Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program at James Madison University is a 46-credit program. The 21 credits in core courses are delivered online, and the specialty courses meet in person one day a week at the JMU campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Specialty classes focus on care delivery and coordination for acute conditions, chronic conditions, and care of the elderly. Students also complete at least 650 hours of clinical practice divided into three semesters of practicum experiences. During their clinical rounds, students apply the clinical skills, theories, and research findings they learned in the classroom while providing clinical care to adults in different health care settings. Students are required to arrange their practicum experiences, and they may find preceptors in their home community. Practicum sites can include internal medicine sites, free clinics, rural health care clinics, VA clinics, and long-term care facilities. Graduates are eligible for the AGPCNP certification exam.
Wisconsin
Concordia University-Wisconsin
School of Nursing
Mequon, Wisconsin
Students in the online RN-BSN-MSN program offered by Concordia University Wisconsin can earn their MSN with a concentration in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Students who opt for the AGPCNP concentration can choose a progression plan of three years, three and a half years, or four years. Additionally, they can choose whether to enter the program in the spring or fall. For this specialty, nurses take three AGPCNP courses that combine didactic and clinical elements. The first course explores symptoms, diagnosis, and managing common health conditions. The second has a focus on assessing and treating common health problems. The third has a similar focus with an emphasis on evidence-based practice, health promotion, and disease prevention.